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MAMILI (NKASA RUPARA) IN THE CAPRIVI

Although Namibia is normally associated with arid and harsh conditions this park has lush green marshes so be prepared for many water crossings on your visit. The water levels vary according to the amount of rain, but even in the “dry season” you will still encounter a fair amount of water with some inaccessible areas. In the “wet season” you will be very limited as to where you will be able to drive due to flooded areas and that infamous black turf. This is a 4×4 only park where off road driving experience is very much needed. No camping is allowed in the park, but there is a community campsite (flush toilets and hot water provided from a donkey, no electricity) situated just outside the park boundary. There are only six campsites, of which one was not in use due to a fire that gutted the structure, when we visited. … Read more >

AT THE WATERHOLE

Plan your trip and times and choose a waterhole where you want to spend some time. The best time to observe the activity at a waterhole is early morning or late afternoon when the animals come for a drink. You may see different animals at different waterholes as the vegetation may differ considerably – be choosy. When approaching the waterhole drive slowly as to make the less possible noise and dust when arriving. If you arrive in a fanfare the animals and birdlife will be gone before you even know it. We are all there to have a once in a life time experience! Be considerate and pick a spot where you will not obscure the view of other people already present. Wait your turn. They were there first and we all want to experience the animals. After all that is what we all are there for. Go prepared. Take… Read more >

CEDERBERG RIDE REPORT

It was weekend and on the “to do” list was a bike trip through the Cederberg Mountains. The “not so little anymore” daughter just completed her introductory course to off road riding under the watchful eye of Countrytrax instructors so hubby was confident that she will cope with the ride. And she? She was excited as hell to prove her new skills. It was an early start in Stellenbosch as dawn was breaking and we needed to avoid the early morning traffic as we still wanted to sleep at Clanwilliam that night. So a long day (some 300 km via the R303 ) in the saddle! Our breakfast stop was just around the corner at the Wimpy in Wellington (you cannot start your day without a Wimpy breakfast). From here on we followed the tar road via Hermon through Ceres and up Gydo pass to hit gravel where the… Read more >

A CENTURY OLD WRECK

Shipwrecks always have some sort of mystical ambiance about them for me. If you are willing to take a more or less 6km round trip eastwards along the beach at Glentana you will reach the mossed skeleton of the floating Port Natal dry dock resting on the beach since 1902. —– oOo —– HISTORY OF THE WRECK: It was stranded after the tow rope from the steamer Baralong parted during a tow operation from Durban to Cape Town. The dock was a Clark Standsfield self-docking design and built at CS Swan & Hunter’s yard at Wallsend (Yard No. 279). It was oredered by the Natal Government for the Harbour Commissioners of the Port of Durban. It was to be the first floating dock introduced into South Africa. The dock was launched on the 6th of October 1902, and it was originally intended that the Dutch Smit Tugs, used to tow… Read more >

RADICAL RAPTORS

One of the most rewarding places I visited is Radical Raptors situated at The Heath on the N2, just outside of Plettenberg Bay. This safe haven for raptors is doing phenomenal work! During the daily flying displays you interact with amongst others Barney the owl and other rehabilitated feathered friends which cannot be released into the wild again for various reasons. After all, the very knowledgeable Dennis only uses birds with permanent injuries as ambassadors. And boy oh boy they behave like head boys! Not one step – or should I say feather – out of place. The trained birds are tame and well adapted to visitors. Therefore, during the flying display you are given a glove and the opportunity to invite the bird to land on your hand. In other words, opportunities by the dozen to take that perfect picture in natural surroundings or try and try and try… Read more >

KAROO VISTAS

The Karoo has a beauty of its own – you either love it and see the beauty in the simplicity of the landscape or completely hate it and just want to pass through as quickly as possible. The Karoo landscape comprises of big blue skies, typical Karoo koppies, windpumps of all shapes and sizes, sheep, the smell of Karoo vegetation, long and dusty gravel roads, beautiful churches and some interesting people in the countryside. Priceless! Once you spent some time in the Karoo you will fall in love with the little creatures, the spring flowers in bloom, the total quietness and sultry evenings on offer. And last but not least if you get your timing right you may get rewarded with the most amazing sunsets you can imagine. These are things that money cannot buy! After experiencing all of this you will want to come back again and again and again,… Read more >

BROWN HOODED KINGFISHER TRAIL

Situated on a gravel road close to Island Lake, Wilderness this is an easy to medium rated walk (depending on the water levels) which even the small ones in the family will be able to cope with. The entrance to the walk reminds me about stories of fairies and gnomes, but decide for yourself. We tackled the route in peak summer and even then the lush 2.5 km (5 km return) trail, which follows the course of the Duiwe River, provided enough shade for a nice walk. The entire route is clearly marked with blue markers and is easy to follow. There are a few river crossings which normally are very easy with no need to take your shoes off, but do take care over wet slippery rocks when traversing the streams – unless you want to cool down; which is also not a bad idea! While walking be alert… Read more >