Soar with the Zipline Safari in Central Florida

Forever Florida’s Eco-Activity is First Flat Ground Zipline Course

Mar 24, 2009 Jennifer Huber

Soar 55 feet above the Florida wilderness at speeds up to 20 miles per hour on the Zipline Safari, Central Florida's newest eco-activity at Forever Florida.

Fifty feet above Forever Florida’s wilderness a distinct humming noise and screams of excitement cut through the silence of the forest. These are the sounds of adventure enthusiasts zipping along high-tension cables above the treetops on the 4,700-acre wildlife conservation’s newest eco- activity, the Zipline Safari operated by Florida EcoSafaris. The St. Cloud, Florida-based company has been leading guided eco-adventures by horseback and by coach for nearly a decade and added the new Zipline Safari in January 2009. This is Florida’s first zipline and to date it’s the world’s first flat ground zipline course, meaning the gravity does not rely on mountains, hills or valleys but rather relies on man-made towers.

Zipline Safari: The Adventure

This is a two-and-a-half-hour adrenaline rush for adventure junkies, thrill-seekers and anyone looking to break out of the amusement park routine. Glide above three different Florida ecosystems: pine flatwoods, slough (a forested wetland with cypress trees) and prairie. The safari begins with a brief coach ride in an open-air buggy through a portion of the Crescent J Ranch, a working cattle and horse ranch, to an exhibit area with reptiles, mammals, and birds including alligators and a Florida panther. Afterward, participants each suit up with a harness and helmet followed by a short hike to climb a 50-foot tower for the first zip.

Safety is a priority and everyone is tethered to the tower at all times until ready to zip. Two guides escort the group, one to rig and send zipliners on their way and the other to catch them.

The Central Florida zipline experience consists of seven zips, nine observation platforms and two sky bridges. The longest zip run is 750 feet. Beginners and the not-so-graceful will feel comfortable participating on this eco-activity. The important items to remember are to grab the orange rope when instructed and lifting the feet and touching the platform when landing. When participants forget to do so or are accelerating at a high rate of speed upon approaching a platform, the guide catches the glider in what seems like a World Wrestling Entertainment body slam. But according to the guides, it doesn’t hurt as much as it looks.

Zipline Safari: The Nuts and Bolts

Being a new attraction, the Zipline Safari books up quickly and advance reservations are strongly recommended. Each zipline adventure can accommodate up to 12 people between 70 and 275 pounds and at least 10 years-old. The eco-activity costs $85 plus tax and during the months of April and May 2009 Florida residents save $20 off per person.

Dangling jewelry is prohibited, pant legs should reach below the knee and tennis shoes or boots are the recommended footwear. Cameras are permitted but the strap needs to extend from the shoulder across the body. Bring cash to tip the guides.

Weekend moonlight zips are offered once a month. The Zipline Safari runs rain or shine but ceases operation when lightning or other elements are a threat to participant safety. Plan the visit around breakfast or lunch to enjoy a home-style meal at the cozy Cypress Restaurant which is located on site.

Located only an hour south of Orlando, Forever Florida is a natural complement to the theme parks of a Central Florida vacation. Zipline Safari is an ideal activity when celebrating a milestone birthday, team building or pre- or post-conference activity.

Florida EcoSafaris at Forever Florida, 4755 N. Kenansville Rd., St. Cloud, Fla. 34773; Tel: 407/957-9794 ext 1 or Toll Free: 866/854-3837.

The copyright of the article Soar with the Zipline Safari in Central Florida in SE U.S. Travel is owned by Jennifer Huber. Permission to republish Soar with the Zipline Safari in Central Florida in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Zipline Safari at Forever Florida