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| 2012 TRIPS & TOURS
For the year 2012, no set tours are scheduled. The planning for the year is to make available certain packages, which will then be hosted according to demand. This approach makes it much more flexible as a package can be selected and hosted as required. Birding & Photographic Weekend
Long weekend trip from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon. 3 Days - 2 Nights
Nyslvley is a 4 000 ha reserve lying to the East of the Waterberg between Modimolle (Nylstroom) and Mookgopong (Naboomspruit).
Managed by the Limpopo Conservation Authority, it lies within the largest inland floodplain in South Africa, covering an area of 16 000 ha when fully inundated. The rich underlying geological formations are responsible for supporting the unique biodiversity of plant and animal life. Nylsvley Nature Reserve was listed as a RAMSAR site, an internationally important habitat for waterfowl, in July 1998.
Soon to be declared a national park, Nylsvley is one of the top birding spots in southern Africa, with at least 365 species recorded. Over 104 water bird species visit during extensive flooding, 87 are breeding and 8 red data listed species, which is most important as a nesting and feeding site for migratory birds, which only occurs every three or four years. In high rainfall years, it is best to visit for two to four days in February to May. In dry seasons a two-day visit to see the bushveld birds is recommended.
Habitats
Birding 1. Vogelfontein has 3 hides, situated in the floodplain. The area is normally the highlight of the trip and is worth visiting even in a dry spell because interesting vagrants appear every now and then. During and just after flooding water birds converge in their thousands and in their wake, large flocks of storks and raptors, making this a truly unique birding experience in South Africa. Gumboots are recommended during a high rainfall season. Note that there are no toilet facilities at Vogelfontein. 2. Two more hides are accessible from inside the reserve. They are both situated in the flood plain and offer excellent sightings. Note that the one hide is in the restricted wilderness area and can only be reached on foot. The track to this hide goes through bushveld habitat and is quite rewarding in terms of bushveld species. The walk is about one hour each way. 3. Broadleaf woodland and bushveld habitats surrounding the floodplain comprise the majority of the reserve and offer good bushveld birding. These areas are accessible via roads and footpaths. Itinerary: Depart Friday from the Petroport, just north of Pretoria at 07:00 to our base lodge, just 1km from the Nylsvley entrance gate. The afternoon, Saturday and Sunday morning is spent in Nylsvley with a qualified birding guide that will assist with the sightings and accompany the group to the various hides and walks. Sunday we return at leisure after breakfast.
Group composition and costs: The group needs to consist of 20 people for the tour to take place. There are 19 en suite, comfortable, cosy rooms to choose from. (Standard, Inter leading, Family, Comfortable and Luxury).The rooms have double or single beds, down duvets, comfortable pillows and high quality linen. They are equipped with a mini-bar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, a heater, a fan or air-conditioning and TV. Bathrooms have a bath and shower or just a shower, high quality bath sheets and towels and a variety of bathroom amenities.
Rates as follows: R1 790 per person, accommodation, meals and guiding included. Childern under 12 – R990, Children under 2 – N/C.
Included in the cost: Two meals per day will be catered, breakfast and supper except the Friday breakfast and the Sunday supper. You will have to pack your own cool bag and basket for your snacks and drinks during the daily outings to the reserve. The bar is run on a cash basis and all drinks and refreshments are for your own account. You will be guided by an experienced birding and also a qualified trails and overland guide with first aid experience, a sat phone and two way radio communication.
Enquiries and bookings: Bookings can be done by contacting Derick on 083 6283688 or by e.mail at derick.manyara@vodamail.co.za Dates will be scheduled as dictated by demand. A 50% deposit is payable upon confirmation of the dates and your reservation. The balance is due 30 days before departure.
Game Farm Caravanning & Camping
Long weekend trip from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon. 3 Days - 2 Nights
This very exclusive location is on a privately owned, 4 star rated, game farm in the Waterberg area near Rooiberg, between Bela-Bela and Thabazimbi and consists of only 10 luxury stands.
Each spacious individual stand is paved and partially fenced with wooden fencing for privacy. There is a small kitchenette with washup and worksurface and a bathroom per stand with solar heated hot water and electricity and water point. Each stand has its own keyhole shaped firepit.
Activities: Game Drives: There are three game drive vehicles available on the farm. Game drives are available at R70 per person for +- 2 hours. Hiking or cycling. Hiking or cycling trips can be enjoyed along the roads or through the bush for game viewing. Bird watching and Indigenous tree identification. Between 300 and 400 bird species have been identified in the area. The scientific, as well as South African names of indigenous trees are marked alongside the roads. Swimming. 3 x Splash pools in various areas. Photography. Exercise your photographic skills to your heart’s content. Rafting: Enjoy a picnic by the dam or enjoy your sun downer while floating on the raft. Relaxing: Sit back and relax, make a campfire, have a real bushveld braai or just relax and read that book you never get time for.
Itinerary: The group needs to take up all 10 stands for the tour to take place. Depart Friday from the Petroport north of Pretoria at 9:00. The afternoon, Saturday and Sunday morning is spent on the farm with activities at leisure. A “bring and braai” will be hosted in the communal lapa on the Friday evening and a “Potjie” evening will be hosted on the Saturday evening when you will be able to showcase your bushveld culinary skills. Sunday you return in your own time after breakfast.
Rates as follows: R1 500 per stand(max 6 people) for the weekend. Children under 2 – N/C.
Included in the cost: Accommodation is per stand. 4 Bags of firewood per stand. Accompaniments will be supplied for the “bring & braai” on the Friday night and the “potjie” evening on the Saturday night in the communal lapa. Other meals, snacks and refreshments are for your own account and must be brought with as there are no shops nearby. You will be guided by a qualified trails and overland guide with first aid experience, a sat phone and two way radio communication between vehicles.
General Information Motorcycles and Quads are not allowed. Enquiries and bookings: Bookings can be done by contacting Derick on 083 6283688 or by e.mail at derick.manyara@vodamail.co.za Dates will be scheduled as dictated by demand. Bookings will have to be made well in advance as the stands are limited and very popular. A 50% non refundable deposit is payable upon confirmation of the dates and your reservation. The balance is due 30 days before departure.
Flyfishing Weekend - Dullstroom
Long weekend trip from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon. 3 Days - 2 Nights
This is a venue that offers you privacy, peace & quiet, panoramic views, a large variety of birdlife and renowned fly fishing. Geared for any event, from quiet get away weekends for couples or large groups, to conferences and team building events. This 500 hectare estate is situated in the Steenkampsberg mountain range equidistant between Dullstroom & Lydenburg. Being 1700m above sea level it is in a malaria free area; all water is source fed spring water and enjoys warm languid summers and clear crisp winters.
A wide selection of waters, are spread over the estate and offer fishing for the amateur to the professional. Fly fishing only. Barbless hooks only. Catch and release is preferable, provided that you know how.
Itinerary: The group needs to consist of 20 people for the tour to take place. Depart Friday from the Middelburg Tollplaza, between Witbank and Middelburg at 12:00 to the estate. The afternoon, Saturday and Sunday morning is spent on the estate in an attempt to find that ever elusive “big one”. Sunday we return at leisure after breakfast.
Accommodation: "Guinea Fowl, Bald Ibis and Fish Eagle Cottages" These cottages each accommodate up to 6 people in 2 bedrooms (with basins) and a roomy loft in 2 queens and 2 singles. Each cottage offers one bath room with a large, old fashioned ball and claw bath and a unique outdoor "moon shower". The large, fully equipped open plan kitchen shares a fireplace with the lounge, ensuring warm winter nights. Each cottage has a television with DSTV and an optional DVD player. Each cottage is uniquely private, has its own braai area and is situated on fishing water.
"The Farmhouse" This renovated 90 year old house sleeps up to 5 in single beds in three bedrooms. It has a bathroom, with old fashioned ball and claw bath and outside "moon shower", as well as a shower room. The large fully equipped kitchen also boasts a breakfast bar with seating for 6. the large lounge is sunny and warm and has a fireplace and TV with DSTV and DVD player. This cottage offers an excellent outside entertainment area with panoramic views and 2 dams within walking distance.
"Dairy Cottage" The Dairy cottage is the Estate's latest addition, an old dairy that has been tastefully renovated and sumptuously decorated. This cottage sleeps up to 4 people, in single beds in two bedrooms. Both bedrooms are en suite. The large oregon pine kitchen is fully equipped. The open plan lounge dining room offers a fireplace and a TV with DSTV. The Dairy cottage is within walking distance of two dams and has a picturesque fish pond near the outside braai area. Rates as follows: R1 690 per person, accommodation and meals included. Childern under 12 – R990, Children under 2 – N/C.
Included in the cost: Two meals per day will be catered, breakfast and supper except the Friday breakfast and the Sunday supper. You will have to pack your own cool bag and basket for your snacks and drinks during the daily outings. All drinks and refreshments are for your own account. You will be guided by a qualified trails and overland guide with first aid experience, a sat phone and two way radio communication.
General Information A maid service is available at an additional cost. Bedding, towels and basic cleaning supplies supplied. Should you be a novice at fly-fishing, expert tuitition can be arranged at an additional cost. Enquiries and bookings: Bookings can be done by contacting Derick on 083 6283688 or by e.mail at derick.manyara@vodamail.co.za Dates will be scheduled as dictated by demand. A 50% deposit is payable upon confirmation of the dates and your reservation. The balance is due 30 days before departure.
Luxury Busveld Experience
Long weekend trip from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon. 3 Days - 2 Nights
This very exclusive location is on a privately owned, 4 star rated, game farm in the Waterberg area near Rooiberg, between Bela-Bela and Thabazimbi.
Lodge: 4 fully equipped 10-sleeper houses and 8 fully equipped 4-sleeper houses The entire lodge is built on top of a mountain and each spacious living unit has a wooden deck with wonderful vistas over the Waterberg mountain area. There is a fully equipped kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom and lounge with DSTV. Built in braai on the deck with a breakfast skottel and fireplaces in the living units. Bedding and towels are supplied and the units are serviced on a daily basis.
Activities: Game Drives: There are three game drive vehicles available on the farm. Game drives are available at R70 per person for +- 2 hours. Hiking or cycling. Hiking or cycling trips can be enjoyed along the roads or through the bush for game viewing. Bird watching and Indigenous tree identification. Between 300 and 400 bird species have been identified in the area. The scientific, as well as South African names of indigenous trees are marked alongside the roads. Swimming. 3 x Splash pools in various areas. Photography. Exercise your photographic skills to your heart’s content. Rafting: Enjoy a picnic by the dam or enjoy your sun downer while floating on the raft. Relaxing: Sit back and relax, and read that book you never get time for.
Itinerary: 20 People need to book for the trip to take place. Depart Friday from the Petroport north of Pretoria at 12:00. The afternoon, Saturday and Sunday morning is spent at the lodge with activities at leisure. A “bring and braai” will be hosted in the communal lapa on the Friday evening and a “Potjie” evening will be hosted on the Saturday evening when you will be able to showcase your bushveld culinary skills. Sunday you return in your own time after breakfast.
Rates as follows: R690 per person per night Children under 13 –R479 per child per night . Children under 3 – N/C.
Included in the cost: 4 Star luxury accommodation on a semi-selfcatering basis. Use of the facilities at the communal lapa and firewood for the braai and the potjie evenings. Accompaniments will be supplied for the “bring & braai” on the Friday night and the “potjie” evening on the Saturday night in the communal lapa. Other meals, snacks and refreshments are for your own account and must be brought with as there are no shops nearby. There is a cash bar available which will be available on request. You will be guided by a qualified trails and overland guide with first aid experience, a sat phone and two way radio communication between vehicles.
General Information Motorcycles and Quads are not allowed. Enquiries and bookings: Bookings can be done by contacting Derick on 083 6283688 or by e.mail at derick.manyara@vodamail.co.za Dates will be scheduled as dictated by demand. Bookings will have to be made well in advance as the stands are limited and very popular. A 50% non refundable deposit is payable upon confirmation of the dates and your reservation. The balance is due 30 days before departure.
Soutpansberg & Venda Magic
Extended weekend trip from a Thursday morning to Sunday afternoon. 4 Days - 3 Nights
How much have you really seen and know about the Soutpansberg and Venda area? Here is an opportunity to broaden your horizons and join us for a weekend to explore this very under rated and stunningly beautiful, malaria free area of South Africa.
The Soutpansberg Conservancy, consisting of 90 000 hectares, was formed to protect an incredibly sensitive and beautiful part of the world. Drive across the arid, flat vastness of the northern Limpopo Province, and the sandstone of the Soutpansberg intermittently breaks into view. That and the intensely green forests of the area are what is so attractive about coming here.
In the northern most area of the Soutpansberg there are forests of baobabs and the highest slopes of the mountains have fine examples of fynbos. The Soutpansberg boasts 30% of the country’s tree species, even though it covers barely 0.5% of the country’s surface area.
Itinerary: Depart Thursday from the Petroport, just north of Pretoria at 07:00 to our base camp. This idyllic location is set high in the mountains above Louis Trichardt and will be our base from where we will explore on daily outdrives. Friday to Saturday we visit amongst all the scenic routes Dzata Ruins, The mystical lake Fundudzi, Thate Vondo view point, waterfalls, the potholes and the holy forest, Red Woods and Entabeni Plantation. Sunday we return at leisure after breakfast.
Group composition and costs: The group needs to consist of 5 families with a maximum of 4 per family for the tour to take place. Accommodation consists of 5 comfortable huts which sleeps four people each or camping on lovely green lawns if you so prefer. Clean ablutions with warm water showers are available as well as a rustic bar area from where you overlook the town and surrounding area.
Rates as follows: R1 490 per person, accommodation, meals and guiding included. Childern under 12 – R990, Children under 2 – N/C.
Included in the cost: Two meals per day will be catered, breakfast and supper except the Thursday breakfast and the Sunday supper. You will have to pack your own cool bag and basket for your snacks and drinks during the daily outrides. The bar is run on a cash basis and all drinks and refreshments are for your own account. Huts include bedding but not towels. You will be guided by qualified trails and overland guides with first aid experience, a sat phone, two way radio communication and a lead vehicle with full emergency kit.
Enquiries and bookings: Bookings can be done by contacting Derick on 083 6283688 or by e.mail at derick.manyara@vodamail.co.za
Dates will be scheduled as dictated by demand. A 50% deposit is payable upon confirmation of the dates and your reservation. The balance is due 30 days before departure
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