FAQs
We’ve built this section to help you quickly answer some common questions. If you have any additional questions or cannot find the answers to your questions please call or email us.
Some quick links to help you out:
And here are some questions we get asked…
Booking your Adventure
Do I need to book in advance?
We recommend that you book your treetop adventure in advance as our courses tend to fill up especially during weekends and Holidays. You can book online or by phone at 1-888-520-7322. You will need to pay the full amount at the time of booking.
What are the opening times?
Opening times vary depending on daylight hours – the treetop course can open as early as 8am in the summer for those really keen Baboons! Days of operation are:
March: Weekends
April to mid-June: closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Summer: everyday
Labor day to mid-November: closed Tuesday and Wednesday
December: Weekends
What will it cost me?
Our 2011 prices are:
Gorillas (18 years +): $55
Baboons (10-17 years): $35
these prices do not include applicable taxes
Arrival and Ape Attire
What time do I need to arrive?
We don’t like to clock-watch at Go Ape, but it’s vital you get to the cabin on time for the start of your session (we recommend you arrive 5-10 minutes prior your session time). If you arrive late and miss your session, or cancel on the day, we’ll still charge you full price. Factor in extra time for driving through the park, parking, getting to the cabin and filling out forms, especially on busy days when you’re more likely to get stuck in traffic.
What should I wear?
Go Ape is an outdoor activity so come in clothes you don’t mind getting covered in wood chips, dirt or even slightly damaged. And dress for the weather, even if that means sticking a finger in the air and expecting the worst. No sandals, open-toed or slip-on shoes. We recommend ankle-supporting boots, but sneakers are fine too. Some people like to wear gloves, especially if it’s cold. Long hair has to be tied back, waists covered and body piercings and jewelry removed or taped over. You may want to bring a change of clothing for the journey home.
Can I bring my camera/camcorder?
Yes you can! Getting a camera into the trees is straightforward – you just need a lanyard to make sure your camera is always attached – safer for everyone. If you don’t bring your own lanyard, we do have them available for purchase in the cabin for $4 (includes tax). From there you can film whatever you like for as long as you like! You could even enter it into our Golden Gorilla Awards!
Are there storage or changing facilities?
We can store small items such as keys and phones in the cabin, but recommend that you leave larger items at home or in your car. There are restrooms on site where you can change before and/or after you swing from the ziplines and tarzan swings.
What happens in bad weather?
Go Ape is an excellent wet weather activity! The course remains open in all weather conditions, except when it is icy, stormy or during lightning. Rain makes the course muddier than usual – which all adds to the fun! However, since you are beneath the forest canopy, it is a lot drier than standing out in an open field. Whatever the case, dress for the weather. You may want to bring a change of clothing for the journey home.
Don’t be scared of going ape when it’s hot out. The course is shaded by the forest canopy and is several degrees cooler than you’d expect. Plus, there are water stations throughout the course to keep you hydrated!
Can my under 18 yr old go through the course alone?
No, an adult (over 18 years old) must accompany them and accept responsibility for ensuring that any minors in his or her care complete the course in accordance with the specific safety rules and advice given by Go Ape instructors. Adults will need to sign a disclaimer accepting personal responsibility for supervising their own safety and the safety of any under 18 year olds in their care. One participating adult can supervise EITHER two under 18 year olds (where one or both children are 10-15 years old) OR up to five 16-17 year olds.
Can we watch our friends and family Go Ape from the forest ground?
Yes, spectators are more than welcome to watch friends and family zip line, swing and crawl, from tree to tree from the trails below. There is no charge for this.
Up in the Trees
How long does the course take?
The Go Ape treetop adventure takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and that includes your safety briefing.
Is there a time limit to complete the course?
Nope, you can go at your own pace and let people ‘pass’ if you’re taking a little more time with an obstacle, zipline or section. If you want to reduce the chance of being held up by people in front of you, we recommend that you book on a weekday or an early morning slot, as there will be fewer people ahead of you.
Swinging Safety
Is it safe?
This is the serious part! Go Ape courses are substantial and physically testing treetop adventure courses, which feature various ziplines and obstacles. There is inevitably a risk of injury when undertaking such activities. Participants will be responsible for attaching themselves to the safety system. If you do not attach yourself to the safety system you risk falling, which could result in a serious or fatal injury. However, the courses have been built to and operates under ERCA standards (European Ropes Course Association), APAVE (specialist engineering inspectors) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Additionally, the course build is inspected by one of the world’s leading engineering companies and trees are inspected annually by an independent arborist. All participants receive a safety briefing from a trained instructor at the start and have to wear a safety harness at all times.
Is there an instructor with you on the course?
You will receive a 30 minute safety briefing and training from a qualified instructor before you start the course. After that you’re on your own, free to swing through the trees. Of course, instructors are always on hand, regularly patrolling the forest (not in monkey suits unfortunately!)
I’m afraid of heights!
If you’re worried about your knees knocking and your arms trembling – never fear; Go Ape is here and we are proud to have helped lots of people to conquer their fear of heights. Why not give it a try – you might surprise yourself!
Do I need to be fit or strong?
Doing Go Ape does require a degree of physical fitness but if you can climb up a rope ladder you should be fine. You can always catch your breath between obstacles.
What happens if I get stuck?
Our instructors will come to your rescue! They have special equipment to get you to the nearest platform or safely off of the course.
What if I fall?
Your safety harness will catch you. Then you can regain your footing and continue having fun!
What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
The staff at Go Ape are not medically qualified and are not in a position to assess the capacity of participants to undertake a treetop adventure course. It remains your responsibility to undertake such an assessment prior to use of the course. We advise you to visit the course prior to booking to undertake your own risk assessment. You may also wish to contact your doctor for further advice.
Can I do the course if I’m pregnant?
The Go Ape policy is that we recommend that pregnant women do not take part on the course (as it is a robust zip line, ropes course and therefore, there are associated risks). However, we do not want to be discriminatory and ultimately the choice is yours. We are not medical experts and therefore suggest that you seek advice from your doctor on the matter.
We do not operate with full body harnesses, but have sit harnesses (petzl pandion) with a separate chest harness (petzl voltige) for those who require it. Unfortunately we cannot allow customers to wear their own harness due to our own insurance position.
If you decide to proceed, you do so with the full knowledge that the treetop adventure course may incur risks to your unborn child.
We are sorry if this is disappointing, but hope you understand our position. We would be very happy for you to follow your group on foot from the trails below.
Cancellations
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel your booking up to 72 hours before your booked start time by calling the booking line at 1-888-520-7322. You will be fully refunded.
Go Ape might need to cancel your booking. If this happens, we’ll refund you in full. Sometimes, unfortunately, we might need to close the course for reasons beyond our control. If you have already started the course you will not be entitled to any refund (in part or in whole). We will do our best to offer alternative dates or times at reduced rates.
