As previously announced, we are undertaking a single continuous journey lasting 7 months, travelling anti-clockwise around RSA, Botswana, Namibia and back down the West Coast. John & Lana Zulch are initially travelling up the East Coast at their own speed, to meet us for Section 1 of our Club trip program through Wild Coast, and we both departed Cape Town on 15th January. It was great to meet up with them in Mossel Bay for a celebratory drink. Unfortunately, Corne` & Erika have had to withdraw from Wild Coast due to circumstances beyond their control, and hopefully another member can take over their pre-paid section. Any offers?
We spent 10 days at De Bakke Santos resort in Mossel Bay, which gave us the opportunity to break from city life and working routines, sort out our travel packing, and work on our suntans. We met a chap from Germany in a small station wagon with rooftop, who had shipped his vehicle to Kenya, and travelled down Lake Malawi, and then via Tete and Maputu. Referred him to Ou Skip in Melkbos, as he will be travelling up the West Coast, and into Namibia.
Then to Butterfly Creek, which is a great bush camp in the hills of Friemersheim inland from Hartenbos, after a quick stop at Tuinroete Caravans to attend to minor issues. [Highly recommended for any trailer issues! Hands-on help from the owner and staff – at no charge!]
Butterfly Creek: Owned by Chris & Belinda is in a forest gorge with babbling brook splitting the camping areas. Absolute peace and quiet, a river scramble, grassed and electrified sites, with best showers and firewood. We will be back!
(GPS: S33 57 31.02 E022 07 56.18 Belinda +27 65 812 4703)
Our next stop was Woodbourne in Knysna. Thanks to Kevin Steggs for the referral! 6 nights here has given us much needed time to complete some outstanding work, walk to the Heads before breakfast each day, and explore new places like Leisure Island. We had pitched camp in the incoming 22mm rain storm, and endured the near hurricane winds the following day. Fortunately the weather improved on the third day. Three young spotted eagle owls visit the camp site at dusk every day, at times with parental oversight, venturing very close to onlookers. Quite interesting to see the Guinea Fowl chasing them off the lawn where they often feed. Shady trees, wetland views and friendly campers…
Next stop will be Keurbooms Caravan Park, once again recommended by Steggs.
Club trip schedule:
| Session 1 | Wild Coast: 2 weeks (possible extension to North KZN) RV Date: 23rd February East London area |
| Session 2 | Limpopo: 5 camps x 4 days = 20 days. Some great campsites! RV Date: 28th March in Polokwane |
| Session 3 | Botswana 14 days. Chobe River, Khwai Camp, Khomaga. RV Date: 17th April in Palapye |
| Session 4 | Western Delta to Rundu: 3-4 weeks, with much wild camping & tiger fishing. RV Date: 1st May in Maun. |
| Session 5 | Etosha Pan + Damaraland to Rheoboth bush camp via Swakopmund 4 weeks. RV Date: 15th June at Anderson Gate. |
| Session 6 | Rheoboth camp to Keetmanshoop via Sossusvlei: 2 weeks. RV Date: 12th July Rehoboth area – bush camp. |
| Session 7 | Ai-Ais/Richtersveld /Namaqua N.P. in Flower season.: 2 weeks. RV Date: 30th July in Ai-Ais Namibia |
- Only critical campsites are being pre-booked, and therefore camps are subject to availability and numbers.
- Interested members: please contact us to verify details and conditions of a selected route section, and to be accepted.
- In general, fully-serviced 4×4`s with low range, recovery equipment, all-terrain tyres, fully-equipped, and preferably with rooftop tents or small offroad trailers / vans would be suitable. Also VHF radios are a must.
For those interested in any of the trips, please contact us via the club.
Kind regards,
Viv and Mary