Can I goooooo....

This is a really cool idea - I've only been to the Drakensburg region once back in the 80s because of a school trip: great views + no photo opportunities=complete waste of 2 weeks
I'm not planning a trip to SA this year though (not so far anyway), if anything I might well head over to ZackoLand to see a friend who moved there earlier this year.
Which leads me rather nicely into: Zacko, go to South Africa, do this weekend photo thing with our R'osity brethren from the bottom of the world (bottom = geographically). See the waterfalls, see the wide open spaces, see Cape Town & Table Mt. too (if you can), it's great. Oh, and go here: http://www.lion-park.com/
Check when they have lion cubs, and for a small fee you get to play with them - giant kittens, what more could you want?
You too dBgrafix.
That was a mild version of what I'm like whenever someone in the UK makes the mistake of asking me about holiday destinations (I should get commision from the SA tourist board).
Well, thats it from me, for now. If anything changes & I end up in SA I'm definately up for popping in & saying hello (its not likely at the moment, but you never know).

:crying: :crying: :crying:

I feel as if this was put out to tease me lol :unsure:  sigh and it just happens to be when I really wanna get back there to have a shot at the wildelife again :crying: sigh Oh well that's life i guess.. Just make sure you ppl have fun

I looked up Capetown and with the site were dire warnings about crime...fill me in, you folks seem happy enough and not full of paranoia!  I want to see the REAL Republic of South Africa...you folks need some positive press. 

All from there I have met are hardy folks and nice.   Man oh man, this would be a dream trip. Andreas, likely we will not be on the same flight or on any flight at all..but, my, would be fun to watch these "homefolks" having fun together.

For all of you there, I sure do hope it works out for you, Truly do.        TomDArt.

LOL  at anastasis.  They're probably going to think that you manipulated that capture, my friend!  LOL  But yes Andreas, that's for real!  That's the lion farm near Sun City right?  waddles off in search of her captures of that farm 

And yes Doug, catch a plane!  You're more than welcome to tag along. 

Tom, yes.  There's more crime in SA than in other countries.  I guess you kind of learn to live with it.  So best guess would be that if you ever want to visit SA, rather be a guest at one of our houses - say for instance mine.  We know how it works around SA and we know how to play it safe, right guys?!?  Or rather - we try to play it safe.  So yes, crime is a big problem, but where we're going - in the Drakensberg - it's very safe there. Besides, all resorts has a security system that works like a charm.  So - no worries!

I sure am convinced.....just one little thing i´m wondering about. So there are people that still have such big sideburns? :tt2:

Here are a few pics linked on the net that I found to tempt you all to join us.....

Hi guys

Sorry I'm SSSOOOOO late in this. My name is Tienie and I live in Tzaneen(Limpopo for those of you that didn't know :) I think a weekend Like that will be great... then people can share ideas drink beer ... have fun .... drink beer ... take pictures .... drink beer .... lol just kidding ... I think its a great idea ... I must agree and say we must hold it in the spring ... to cold these days to camp even here in Tzaneen.

I will keep looking so I don't miss the party.

Ok, I forgot about zigi and meis - they're SA citizens too.  I communicated this adventure through to meis yesterday and she'll get back to me on that.  Zigi will let us know in a few weeks' time whether they will be joining us as well.  Spooky-Wan confirmed that we should keep him updated.  He'll make sure he tags along too.  Now guys, where's those IM's I asked for?!?

OH GOD!!!! Now i wanna go even more badly. :sad: That is sooo beautiful!!!! I ENVY YOUUUU ALL!!!!!!!!

Hey Tienie!  Send me an IM with your contact details so I can keep contact with everyone and keep you posted on our plans.

so I'm in. About the time winter is nearly over so I would say we can go during Oct (blooming season). and I would suggest somewhere near the castle or the cathedral - awesome spots. Central berg is a bit bland (see my gallery) and southern berg will still be very very cold! I actually really like the idea of little switzerland - I haven't been there and would LOVE to go!!!

Zacko, 2P and DB please please come but if you can't I'm sure we can have a Oribi gorge adventure in March next year that you could make it to... SQ and I would be happy to fetch ppl from the Margate airport if driving is too much...

And the crime ... the berg and oribi are two of the safest places in SA - they are out of the big towns: DBN, HB, PTA, PMB, CPT, PE and EL. The other towns like BLM, KIM, NEL, KYN, GRG are not riddled with crime. And we all know where to go and where not to go (just like any country) so if you have a holiday with us it will be the best of your life! Or your money back...

I was just thinking...  There's a long weekend during September?  checks dates  Yes, the weekend of the 24th of September.  Should we make it a three day weekend instead of just a two day weekend?

Shame Zacko, make a plan and come down here.  It sounds like it is going to be an amazing weekend!

Sounds great, Zeldie. Works for me!

Hey Zacko.

Check out this pic I found on the net.... Makes your heart yearn to be there...
http://vry.mcsa.org.za/Gallery/Drakensberg%20View.jpg

@PW Just let me know when you want to go, I am sure I could work up discount rates for a large group at Lake Eland/Oribi. I'd be happy to fetch and carry people.

I think we'll see how this one goes SQ and then we can do an end summer on at oribi...

WOW, this is a good feel . so how many SA r'osity members meeting up?

anyways i would have to join ZACKO in becoming greeen over your meet / trip. havefun all of ya..and shoot em all :P

btw it is a very interesting moment to make a quick film / still film when there's a crowd.

take care all

warm regards,
ari

Ari, it's myself, Busi2ness, urbanarmitage, Sue, Vera, lofti, Spooky-Wan, maybe zigi and maybe meis.  Who did I leave out?

You left out meeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! :sad:

Oh Susie that sure is a splendid view. Sigh. One of these day i will definitly join you all. Might not be such a great time now though. I think instead i´ll take another drive though Norway or so. I can´ t wait to see all the photos you guys will take.

And of course Zacko, TomDart and Doug said they're going to catch a plane and join us naïve innocent face

Oh, and anyone else who wants to join in the fun, please come along!!!

Ok, I need to say this...  I think we should hold the weekend in the central Drakensberg.  We have to consider that Piet is coming from Leeudoringstad.  That's damn far for him!  And urban is coming from the Eastern Cape.  Spooky-Wan is in Cape Town!  Let's not do the Northern Berg thing, it's just too far!

Lemme know what you think.

And the weekend of the 24th of September suits everyone right?  pokes Piet and urban  Wake up you two!  Let's get the dates and the place in check today.  I have to know what type of accommodation you prefer as well and how many people you want to bring along.

Hey guys and girls, stop all this positive press about South Africa, it will be real tough if Andreas decide to visit, we can't afford to have ALL the RR members over here! :laugh: Just kidding!

@TomDart, about the crime: The web page(s) dedicated to take the crime matter to the international community is to put pressure on the government. This was triggered by a minister commenting in parlianment that if South Africans are not happy about crime, they should leave - my own words. Sorry, I know it's not the time and place to mention it in this forum, but I feel the situation should be addressed with this very brief explanation.

Zeldie is right and the crime and security situation will be be taken into consideration by the organisers when deciding upon a venue.

Ok guys, I ran it past the government last night and we are in!

I spoke to a few of my friends last night and the most popular suggestion was the Underberg/Himeville/Sani pass/Drak Gardens area. There's lots of camp sites, backpackers accomodation, hotel accomodation, etc in that area and from first-hand experience I can tell you that it is absolutely beautiful! There are some magnificient sights, rivers, the pass, etc which should make for wonderful photography. Check some of the links below for info.

I'm a bit worried about travelling distance from where we are to the Central and Northern 'Berg. From here to Underberg is about 650kms already so the Northern 'Berg would probably be around 850kms plus.

Let me know what you guys think.

Wayne

Sani Pass area - http://www.drakensberg-tourism.com/sani-pass.html

Sani Pass hotel/lodge accomodation - http://www.sanipasshotel.co.za/default.htm

Himeville/Underberg - http://www.pamgolding.co.za/areas/underberg/underberg.asp

Map of th e'Berg - http://www.sa-venues.com/searchkzn/sanipass.htm

I'll see what else I can find and add it later.

Ok, I've got some good news and some bad...

The bad news is that I'm going to have a to do the chalet thing for that weekend, so now caravanning and no camping for me that weekend :0(

Why?  Cause hubby may or may not go with.  Being a contractor and running your own business - specially in the civil construction market, is always an unsure thing.  So he just might be working that weekend.

The good news though is that I will be seeing you there for sure!  Now, let's make this real!  The weekend of the 24th of September - long weekend - write it down in your diaries!  The date is set!  Now the place...  Come on guys!  Work with me here!  Central Drakensberg?  Where?  Sue?  You're wayyyyy too quiet today. 

Just imagine the talk around the bonfire if we did have Piet! Wow...
Us writers would have an amazing pool of talented colourful characters to write about.....

ha ha ha

Hey I nominate myself to bring the marshmellows to toast over the fire! :tongue1:

Ok, I guess I'm behind the time! :lol:

Ignore what I posted above if you gus are wanting the Central 'Berg.

There's a nice little place in Bulwer near Himeville called Mountain Park Hotel.
http://www.wheretostay.co.za/_scripts/printable.php?est=mountainpark
Rates are good plus there is a backpackers lodge at R30 per person.....

Is that too far south for you all?

Weekend booked in Diary!

Urban, it's because we have to consider where everyone is coming from, that we simply HAVE to do the central Berg thing.  Sue, would you be so kind as to check out what the Central Berg has to offer for us?

Should we consider a hotel?  But I want a fire in the evening!!!  sulk  I think a resort would be the better option?

http://www.drakensberg-tourism.com/central-drakensberg-accommodation.html

Go check it out and get back to me ASAP mmm?

Another is

http://www.wheretostay.co.za/kzn/dr/accommodation/central-drakensberg.php

I'm checking into the facilities.....

Ok, I scanned through everything and...  This is my choice..  drum roll

http://www.drakensberg-tourism.com/dragon-peaks.html

Ta Da!!!!  What do you think?

Hang in there Zel! Don't push me for a date, I am trying to get some reaction from oafs like hermanv, unibert and andridg1575. They are my colleagues and also from Leeudoringstad.

I have already made an entry in my diary that last weekend in Sep 2006 (22-24) The venue is less important to me at this stage as long as its practical, accessible and it offers some photographic opportunity.

@SusiQ: And about that bonfire idea, if you bring the marshmellows I volunteer to bring the Mampoer. That, my dear friends not in the know is South Africa's home distilled brandy. The one I have selected for the occasion is a "peach" of the year 2006 and it contains only 88% whatsisname. :ohmy:

LOLOLOLOL  Piet, you're on about the mampoer thing, Boet!  I'll bring the Tequila!  Who's bringing Hot Chocolate and who's bringing the nursing bag for the morning after?  Something gives me the idea we're going to need that nursing bag...

OK, theres Mountain Splendour
D19
Champagne Valley
Central Drakensberg
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
 
Local Tel : 036-4681172 Local Fax : 036-4681172 INT Tel : +27-36-4681172 INT Fax : +27-36-4681172
http://www.wheretostay.co.za/mountainsplendour/

**FACILITIES

**- braai / barbecue - communal

• braai / barbecue - onsite
• canoeing (less than 5km)
• exercise facilities (less than 5km)
• fishing (less than 3km)
• game drives (less than 30km)
• golf (less than 5km)
• horse riding (less than 5km)
• internet facilities
• laundry facilities onsite
• live entertainment (less than 3km)
• lock-up safe
• nature trail (less than 2km)
• nature trail onsite
• outdoor pool
• parking all onsite
• private airfield (less than 15km)
• private entrance
• restaurant (less than 5km)
• rock art (less than 20km)
• satellite TV in communal area
• squash court (less than 5km)
• television in communal area
• tennis court onsite
• tumble dryer onsite
• washing machine onsite
• wheelchair friendly

Rate
(per 24 hours, or part thereof)
Adult
Private Bath
Private Shower
Berg View Sites

**

Low Season**
R60.00
R50.00
R40.00

• **

Mid Season**
R75.00
R55.00
R45.00
R10.00 **

High Season**
R90.00
R60.00
R50.00
R10.00 **

Peak Season**
R98.00
R60.00
R50.00
R10.00
Peak Season: Stay of less than 7 nights during High Season
High Season: Christmas and Easter School Holidays
Mid Season: Remaining School Holidays & Long Weekends

**Tariffs Include:
**- 1 vehicle per site

• Electricity (15 amp)
• Braai on-site
• Freezer space (1 bag per site)

Discounts
Children: (2 to 18 years) 50% discount & Students

**PeNSIONERS:
**30% discount for 1 to 7 nights
40% discount for 8 to 14 nights
50% discount for 15 or more nights
Valid during Low Season and applicable to unemployed only.

Surcharges
R15.00 per vehicle per night for more than 1 vehicle per site

Day Visitors: R15.00 per person

Deposits
50% required within 14 days of booking

Deposits are non-refundable.

R1.00 per person per night for social responsibility fund *

• The Social Responsibility Fund provides financial support to the Mountain Splendour Staff in terms of paying for their children’s school fees, buying school uniforms and paying medical costs. Furthermore, projects will be undertaken to improve their living conditions and facilities at the local schools. For example, gutters and tanks could be purchased to collect rainwater.

Checking for more.....

Na this is really facsinating! I wish this long weekend adventure in SA will happen. I am cheking out those link about fantastic scenery around Africa. Come back with a lotca picture and show it to us! Pleaseeeee!

seeyus  Tunde

That looks nice Zeldie...

@ Piet..... Oh boy, I can feel the hangover already.......

There Glengarry...
http://www.wheretostay.co.za/glengarry/

Sue, the only problem is...  We're not sure if EVERYONE is doing the camp thing this weekend.  I think a resort with a campsite and chalets is a better option, don't you?

Sorry , didn't notice that Mountain Splendour didn't have chalets...

Dragon Peak looks interesting. Any idea what the costs are?

SusiQ, Mountain Splendour also looks really interesting.

Don't take this the wrong way but we have kinda made a few leaps and bounds though! From camping to a private airstrip, satellite TV and internet connectivity! :lol:

I have a friend and his fiance'  from King Williams Town who are also interested in joining us. He is an amateur 35mm photographer just breaking into the hobby. He'll let me know soon what his workload is like.

No worries at all... I'll just keep looking. I know there's a place to suit us all!
Just have to find it...

LoL

I may have friends who are keen on photography who might join us if we're short on numbers...

Urban, I e-mailed them.  Will let you know about the accommodation available and the prices ASAP

Tks Zel. :o)

http://drakensberg.kzn.org.za/drakensberg/about/152.xml

This looks nice?

Here's one to  stir the hornet's nest...

How about sleeping in a cave?
http://drakensberg.kzn.org.za/drakensberg/about/136.xml

 (Zeldie, I'm only teasing)

That one looks very interesting SusiQ!

Another to browse
Royal Natal National Park (if they haven't changed the name already....)

Oops Thendele......

http://drakensberg.kzn.org.za/drakensberg/about/149.xml

LOL  Sue!  I know!  But I like both of them!  Question is - are they Central Berg?  And if so, found out prices quick! 

Hmm, sleeping in a cave! Can I bring my drums with and dress in tribal skins? ;o)