Lekau is his name and adrenaline is his game
With a passion for adrenaline and a number of outdoor activities, Lekau Phoshoko from Polokwane decided to pursue a career in adventure tourism in Magoebaskloof.
POLOKWANE – “I was introduced to adventure tourism in 2009 at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). My initial plan was to study towards a qualification in tourism management but due to a lack of space for the course I was advised to opt for adventure tourism.
“I initially had no idea what adventure tourism was about but I just soldiered on with the course. I fell in love with the course within weeks of my enrollment which is why I am pursuing it as a profession.
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“I have had the opportunity to work at Magoebaskloof Adventures since 2012 where I was doing quad biking, hiking, kloofing, tubing, team building exercises, canopy tours (zip lining), paint ball, abseiling, wall climbing and swimming. I have also done other activities in my spare time and during my schooling at TUT, such as white-water rafting, sky diving, horse riding and bungee jumping,” he explained.
According to Lekau, adventure tourism can be described as a type of tourism activity which combines physical activity and promotes an adrenaline rush and exploration.
“There is also a perceived sense of risk that tends to come with adventure tourism, although not all adventure tourism is extreme.
“It ranges from hiking to riding a bicycle to kloofing (jumping big waterfalls),” he added.
The adrenaline junkie has teamed up with a few of his friends to start an exciting venture called the Golden Age Adventure which offers a range of activities such as team building exercises.
“My plans and goals include developing a youth adventure hub in Limpopo where all the various adventure activities are available and offered.
“The joy that adventure tourism brings to my life is inexplicable, it is a life time experience that I think everyone needs to partake in, it is thrilling and takes one out of their comfort zone, literally. It also allows one to explore and get in touch with nature, exploring the land, meeting new people,” he explained.
Being an adventure tour guide requires a certain range of skills, such as being a good swimmer, having minimal to no phobias and being able to live an active lifestyle, due to the amount of time in which one needs to be active and fit to carry out all the responsibilities.
“To bring the adventurous individual that you are out, what kind of adrenaline junkie are you?” he concluded.
