Mpenjati Nature Reserve - Natal South Coast

While our expeditions have been taking place in and around Jo’burg and Pretoria, we have recently had the privilege of expanding our horizons. Our adventure took place at Mpenjati, a twenty minute drive from my hometown of Port Shepstone during a weekend trip to visit the folks.

So, I come from this big traditional Indian family where weekends are planned for large numbers including aunts, uncles and grandparents. Louis is not so comfortable with these sort of set-ups but finds himself having no choice but to go along for the ride. This Saturday was no different. Plans were made for a braai at the Mpenjati River and although the weather didn’t pan out as planned we kept our spirits up and hoped that the wind would die down.

To my surprise they talked the man down to half his price and reminded him of a previous visit when they had bribed him with a bunch of banana’s

Expecting to pay a set fee on entering and having an entourage of three cars I was quite embarrassed when instead of paying the entrance my dad and aunt started to bargain with the guard. “Can’t you give us a discount?” they kept asking and in my mind I could even hear the Indian accent. To my surprise they talked the man down to half his price and reminded him of a previous visit when they had bribed him with a bunch of banana’s. I had never seen Indian bargaining power like this in action before. I was speechless.

The Mpenjati river, as we found out on arrival, flows into the Indian ocean. Many people find this a good spot for the family to braai as there are excellent facilities available. Also, perfect fishing spots as I was informed by my expert fisherman brothers. I did note that they were using squid for bait and trying to catch river fish but I was assured that this was not the reason that they caught nothing but leaves this day. They told me many exaggerated stories of when they did get the big ones. My little sister taught me how to cast and after getting her line caught in some plants I was relieved of my fishing rod.

When we realized that the elders in the family had wasted no time in getting the fire ready for the braai we decided that we would take the trail to the beach. My little siblings had been there before and they raved on and on about it being just like the Island that Jack… sorry Captain Jack Sparrow found himself stranded on in Pirates of the Carribean.

We even had to cross a shaky bridge that was very unstable and gave me the feeling that I was still on it after I had gotten off

 It had rained somewhat before our visit and a lot of the marked trail which ran through coastal bush and wilderness had been flooded. This did not deter us and we trekked on through the bush often having to go off the path to keep our feet dry. We even had to cross a shaky bridge that was very unstable and gave me the feeling that I was still on it after I had gotten off.

We eventually reached the end of the trail and white sand lay on the beach before us. A wooden walk led us over a mountain of sand, having been laid there to preserve the natural dunes. The surroundings were just like Krystil, Krielen and Felecia (My siblings) had described. As I walked over the dune to the water I stopped and did a little Jack Sparrow pose. The setting was perfect. I was in Paradise.

We found a wooden staircase that climbed up between beautiful tropical trees...

On our trip back from the beach we noticed that there was another trail that had been barricaded off. Krielen and I were feeling rebellious so despite Louis’ voice of reason that slowly faded out in the backround we started the new trail. We found a wooden staircase that climbed up between beautiful tropical trees and greenery to a platform with a view of the beach that we had just left behind. Luckily Louis had decided to follow us up and got a picture of the breathtaking scenery.

We got back to the picnic sight in time for lunch and due to the wind that would not let up we ended up leaving a little earlier than we would have liked to. As we said goodbye to Mpenjati I marveled at the fact that this little piece of Paradise had been under our noses all along and we had only just gotten a chance to experience its beauty.

You can view a slideshow of all Mpenjati photos here (Opens in a new window)

Directions: Mpenjati is situated only twenty kilometres south of Margate, near to the Wild Coast Sun just off the main south coast highway.

Tariffs:

A highly negotiable R10 per adult.

For more information:

http://southcoast.kzn.org.za/south_coast/about/176.xml
http://www.kznwildlife.com/site/ecotourism/accommodation/allaccommodation/Mpenjati
http://hibiscuscoast.kzn.org.za/hibiscuscoast/about/1.xml

Words By Kathy Beetge
Photos By Louis Beetge

Hennops Pride

A little bit of paradise 20 minutes outside Pretoria and an hour from Johannesburg.

As we entered the premises, there was no-one at the gate. "Great," I thought. "No entrance fee. They must only charge over weekends." We drove down the slanting pathway  and had to cross the Hennop's River over a dilapidated (plywood reinforced) bridge before entering the picnic site.

As we found parking, a guard walked up to us. Turns out the entrance charged that day was R30 per person. Not too bad considering that we heard the fee was R30 per person as well as R70 per car.

The picnic sites and braai areas are very nice. There are lots of trees providing shade from the hot Africa sun and a kiddies pool makes it fun for the whole family.

The trail down to the river was very nearly the end of me. I was carrying my camera bag on my back talking to Mark and my dad. Not paying too much attention, I turned around quickly and was dragged down the steps by my camera bag. Luckily I didn't fall very far, but my ego was sufficiently bruised to be very agitated with my companions' giggles.

The swing bridge across the river was quite exciting. It seemed quite neglected, which only added to the sense of adventure. The cables holding up the bridge was frayed and a couple of planks was missing from the floor. Exciting stuff!

Crossing the bridge takes you on a trail up the koppie (hill). This offers some really cool views as well as some climbs up and down rocks which get the blood pumping without being really dangerous.

As you climb down the tyre-ladder, you come to a "Hole in the Wall" type of rock formation. It is very pretty. People must camp there overnight, because we saw a lot of candle wax in the little crevasses and holes in the rocks.

After spending a few minutes looking at the rocks and the pretty views from he top, we made our way back to the parking area. The water in the river isn't the cleanest I've seen, but it is also not the dirtiest. People do swim in the river and I have even done so myself, albeit 7 years ago. You swim in the foam at your own risk.

 

Directions: Travel North on the William Nicol past Fourways Mall, Indaba Hotel and Diepsloot. Drive under the R28 Krugersdorp Highway and travel for 3.6 km. Turn LEFT on to R511 and drive for 8 km. (Signpost reads Hartbeespoort and Brits). You will drive past Idle Winds Conference Centre. The first river you cross over you travel for 40 m and turn LEFT into Hennops Pride.

Tariffs:

A little bit confused here, but we paid R30 per adult.

Words and Photos By Louis Beetge

Bust A Move!

Two weeks ago, my wife dragged me kicking and screaming to the "Strictly Hip Hop Dance Competition 2007". I thought that I was going to be extremely annoyed and bored the whole time, as Hip Hop is about as appealing to me as a visit to the dentist. I come from a strictly Hard Rock (read Metallica, AC/DC etc) background.

Imagine my surprise when I found myself actually getting caught up in the action. The kids that participated were simply amazing. I knew absolutely nothing about dance, yet I could still appreciate the acrobatic ability needed to pull of the moves the kids were doing.

I was stuck in the stands and couldn't get as close to the action as I would've liked. The light in there forced me to use ISO 1600 as Flash was not allowed. My shutter speed ranged between 1/60 - 1/125 with a 70-300 Zoom. As you can imagine, I was not really hoping for any great shots.

Back home, after some post processing, I was actually quite happy with some of the shots. The cross processed look fitted perfectly with the Hip Hop theme. Even my wife was pretty impressed with the shots, considering the conditions.

I know this is a bit off-topic for Scapeout, but it did allow me to "Escape the Bustle" and experience something new and different.

Below are some of my favourite shots from the day. I hope you enjoy.

Please vote for me!

I have entered the NYIP International Photo Contest. The theme of the competition is "Photograph your hometown". There are four categories:

• Main Street
• Faces In The Crowd
• Pets & Wildlife
• Local Music

My entry is under Pets & Wildlife and was taken at the Lory Park Zoo in Midrand. Please vote for it here:

http://contests.fotki.com/nyip/petsandwildlife_sort1/215680479.html

There is only four days left before public voting closes. After that it is up to the judges. The judges will judge the top 100 voted pics in each category and choose a winner per category as well as a Grand Prize Winner.

To make it to the Judges decision, I will need about 200 votes.

If you like my pic, please vote for it and let's put Midrand Jo'burg on the map. Thanx in advance.

Walther Sisulu Botanical Gardens

As far as Botanical Gardens are concerned I had the strange notion that if you had seen one then you have seen them all. That’s why I wasn’t all that excited when Louis phoned me up on Friday and asked me to meet him at the Botanical Gardens in Roodepoort.

“Is it pretty?” I asked, not really in the mood to be tagging along if it was the same old same old. “You’ll love it” he said.

So I took the drive out there and while still parking I noticed that I had stepped out of the dull brown of Jo’burg’s winter into an oasis of green. Sprinklers were on everywhere in the park and as Louis walked towards me he smiled and said “prepare to get wet.”

"The sights were incredible, rolling green lawns, paved walkways and incredible plant life."

We paid the fee and walked into the park. It was about midday and the sun was already beating down quite hard as we made our way … “Where are we going?” I asked realizing that Louis and Mark were obviously walking with a purpose and not just dilly dallying like they usually did.

“Look up there.”

I looked up in the direction that Louis was pointing in. In the distance I could see a waterfall. “ They have a waterfall” I shrieked with pleasure.

The sights were incredible, rolling green lawns, paved walkways and incredible plant life.

The park even has a few trails for the more adventurous type and because it is situated in a mountainous area these trails can be a bit of a challenge. We decided to face one of these challenges in our aspiration to get to the top of the waterfall.

I mean after Louis’ last episode with the mountain and having not yet fully recovered from an exertion of that magnitude you would think that this trek would have deterred him. But no, not my husband, he was eager to see were the trail went and what photo opportunities lay waiting for him.

So we walked and walked and walked and walked until we found ourselves in front of a sign that alerted us to the fact that we were entering Black Eagle territory. We didn’t see any today but we were told by other visitors that there were even new chicks in the nest.

The view from up there was spectacular. We couldn’t believe what a gem we had found right in our backyard.

"...plants and vines grew overhead and formed a canopy of shade for the walkway..."

After catching our breath, taking a few pictures and soaking up the magnificent surroundings we decided to make our way down again. We were quite exhausted when we got down but as we walked back past the river we realized that we couldn’t leave without checking out one last feature. We followed the signs to a path along the river. Trees, plants and vines grew overhead and formed a canopy of shade for the walkway and provided us with the sense that we were indeed walking in the woods. The path was aptly named the Wood Walk.

On exiting the park we passed a stage and wondered what it was used for. We later found pamphlets at the exit explaining that there were concerts held there with live musicians playing most Sundays to families and couples sitting on picnic blankets, sipping wine out of plastics goblets. Just another reason why this is the perfect weekend escape no matter who you are or what it is that blows your hair back. Needless to say, we were quite impressed and will definitely be visiting again to see what else we can find to do at this breathtakingly beautiful Park.

More Information: For more information about the gardens as well as a downloadable map, please visit: http://www.sanbi.org/frames/sisulufram.htm

Tariffs:

R18 for adults
R7 for Students
R5 for Scholars

Words By Kathy Beetge
Photos By Louis Beetge

Impressions - Cute and Cuddly

This was taken last year at the Pretoria Zoo. Kathy had to jump around and scream like a mad person to get this Kodiak Bear to look at us. Finally he did look up for about 2 seconds before going back to ignoring the world.

Crocodile River Picnic

While driving over the Harties bridge I glanced over my shoulder at the breathtaking drop down to the river and spotted a waterfall flowing down the side of a mountain.

Is there any way to get down there I asked? Sure, said Louis, “Wanna go?”

That had to have been a rhetorical question cos he definitely knows me better than that. I would never turn down an adventure. We took the next left at the stop street and then a right to a boom gate that was barely visible from the road. A man sat on a chair dozing away under a tree and when seeing us rose and walked towards us. We paid the fee and glanced at the notice board which read Crocodile River.
”Are there any crocodiles in the river?” “I don’t think so,” came the amused reply.

"There were even little concrete tables conveniently situated close to each spot."

As we drove down the bumpy road to the river we noticed little picnic and braai spots nestled between the trees. There were even little concrete tables conveniently situated close to each spot. I really like the idea of also being able to park your car right by your spot. “They really did think of everything”

We kept driving on to where the road came to an end and parked the car. After getting out, unpacking the camera and tripod we locked up and set off on the trail to the waterfall. There was a huge sign right next to the beginning of the trail and the in red were the letters GEVAAR. I knew it read danger but nobody else seemed to care so I decided to go along anyway.

The trail was not an easy one. It was formed by curious hikers on a slope between the mountain and the edge of the river making it slippery with tree branches blocking the way and lose rocks in the path. In some places seepage down the mountain had formed puddles meaning you had to tread carefully to keep from sinking ankle deep in sludge. Eventually we got to a rocky section that signaled the end of the path and after climbing over a giant rock we came to the waterfall. It was gushing that day causing a mist to form around it but then the falling water quickly slowed into a flow that quieted into a large pond. From there the river flowed on merrily.

"My mind then flashed back to the ‘Gevaar’ sign at the beginning of the trail and suddenly I didn’t feel so safe anymore."

I looked at Louis who had his camera pointed above my head and when I looked up I saw the bridge that we had just been on and the large wall that held it up. There was a smooth rock surface that extended from the wall to the pond close to where I was standing. In my mind I saw what would happen if the floodgates were opened and the water from the Hartebeestpoort dam was let lose. My mind then flashed back to the ‘Gevaar’ sign at the beginning of the trail and suddenly I didn’t feel so safe anymore.

Louis finished taking his photo’s and soon we were back on the trail to the picnic site, me in the lead this time and moving quite quickly. “Hey, Miss Nimble, could you take my tripod?” I heard behind me. I looked back to see Louis struggling to get over a large tree branch that was growing over the path. Sometimes in life (and they are rare instances) being as small as I am is an advantage. Quite proud of myself and my new nickname I went back and helped him with his tripod. Back at the beginning of the trail I took a minute to read what danger the sign board was warning us off and it basically read .

“Danger, Water levels are prone to rise quickly due to water being released through the floodgates.”

Boy was I glad to be out of there but with no regret to having had the adventure.

We were quite tired when we got back to the car and after a drink of juice we were on our way again, insistent that we would be back again for a longer visit and even a braai so that we could discover and enjoy more of what the Crocodile River had to offer.

 

How to get there: Travel over the bridge at Hartebeestpoortdam towards the Cultural Village. At the big intersection, turn right. Go over the Crocodile River. The entrance is immediately on your right.

Tariffs:

Free

Words by Kathy Beetge
Photos by Louis Beetge

Impressions - Tranquility Sunrise

This picture was taken early one morning in 2006. I dragged my wife out of bed at around 4:00 in the morning to get to Harties at about 5:30. It was extremely cold and extremely pretty. I highly recommend you do it sometime. Meanwhile here is another desktop.

Vanishing People and Beautiful Highs - Gillooly's Farm Hike

Getting lost and meeting people that vanish is enough to make anybody freak out. Let's just say that Friday was quite an adventure.

As we drove into Gillooly's Farm, the sun was just starting to work it's mid morning magic and we looked forward to the 7km hike. Walking through Gillooly's I was disgusted by the amount of trash strewn about everywhere. Obviously a relic from the previous day's public holiday, as these premises are usually quite clean.

"Do we not have any pride left in our country or ourselves."

 

What is it with South Africans? Do we not have any pride left in our country or ourselves. What amazed me was the fact that there were beer bottles right next to an empty trash can. Sometimes I am ashamed to call myself South African.

Anycase, failing to find the start of the trail, we decided to just start climbing the mountain on the other side of the lake. Wow. What a miscalculation from my side. About a quarter of the way up, I knew I was in trouble because I was puffing like a recovering drug addict. Man, that thing was steep. It just seemed to go on forever. The fact that my 16 year old companion, Mark,  wasn't even breathing hard did nothing for my ego.  

I think it probably took us about 20 minutes to get to the top. This included time for taking pictures. If you are unfit, this is definitely not a trail that you want to start your hiking career with. We were obviously walking the trail from the wrong end, because all the trail markers were pointing at us. Logic told us that if we just kept following the trail markers backwards, everything would be alright and we would end up at the beginning of the trail. Logic was wrong. More on this later.

" ... The highways shone silver in the early morning light as they slithered their way to the city's bustle ..."

Once at the top, the view is VERY cool. With the 360 degree view, you can see Eastgate Shopping Center, Johannesburg Central and Sandton. The highways shone silver in the early morning light as they slithered their way to the city's bustle. I think on a clear day, you would even be able to see Pretoria, sorry Tshwane.

The rocky trail wound along the ridge and led us past two marked bomb holes. In the picture, Mark is standing in one of the holes. Does anybody know where these holes come from? Who bombed what and when? Let me know in the comments if you have any clue.

"Can you hear that?" I asked Mark. I could hear someone talking somewhere. I walked closer to the edge of a rocky ridge. As I peered over, I could see a man in blue clothes standing with arms spread. He reminded me of the Jesus statue in Rio De Janeiro. I quietly backed off. I guess the top off a mountain is as good a place as any to worship your god and probably better than most.

The trail winds up and down quite a bit and climbing up a large hill, we came upon a grave. At least I think it was a grave. There was a circle of stones with a cross at one end. I guess it could've just been a get together place because there was no marker on the cross. No names to identify anybody. We sat down and drank the last of our cold drink.

" ... I was enjoying the absence of the usual city din."

 

"Geez, it's very quiet up here," Mark said.

"Ja, you wouldn't say we are in the middle of South Africa's largest city," I said.

It was very quiet. We couldn't hear birds chirping or insects buzzing. Just quiet. I guess some people would say eerie, but I was enjoying the absence of the usual city din.

Rested we decided to see where the rest of the trail led us. We hadn't seen a trail marker for some time. Lesser people would have admitted that they were lost. But not we. About a hundred meters from the cross / grave we saw a board put up by Joburg Water - No Trespassing. Dammit. Time to turn back and see if we can pick up the trail again.

"By the time we top the ridge, they are nowhere to be seen!"

 

A man, women and two Rottweilers came walking up the trail. Both the man and women quickly grab the dogs and put them on leashes.

"Do you guys know where this trail is going? There's a No Trespassing sign up front," I said.

"This is the right trail. It skirts the building up front. You just need to stick to the path. It's not that clearly marked, but you can still make it out, " the man said.

"Do you mind if we tag along behind you?" I asked.

"No problem. Just give us some space so we can let the dogs loose, " he said.

We tagged about 30 meters behind the couple. They went over a little ridge in the trail. By the time we top the ridge, they are nowhere to be seen!

Gone! We had a clear field of vision for about 200 meters in all directions and the couple with their dogs were nowhere to be found! If one of those two read this article, please tell me what happened to you. You freaked us out.

As you can see in the picture above, the trail wound up another hill. "Dude, I don't have the energy for another climb," I said. Mark agreed so we headed down hill through what looked like a marsh. What should we find at the bottom of this hill? A locked gate.

"Just call the guard that's sitting over there", Mark said.

"I don't think he will have the key. This gate must be locked by the town council."

We stood around debating this for about 10 minutes before the guard spotted us. He walked up to us and unlocked the gate. Boy did I feel like a moron. On the other side of the gate a sign informed us that we must ask the guard on duty for the key to enter.

After asking the guard for directions back to Gillooly's and receiving a confused look for our trouble, we started walking back.

And walked, and walked, and walked.

We came down from the mountain trail about two kilometers from Bruma Lake. As we walked past Bruma Flea Market, a scary man with long dreadlocks tried to trade us some weed for a picture.

"Wot you gonna do for me, mon?" he asked.

We both ignored him. By that time my mood was pretty foul and my throat was parched. We stopped at a BP Garage to buy some cold drinks and ice cream. I think it was the best Fanta Pineapple I had ever tasted.

Ten minutes later saw us back at Gillooly's and glad to be sitting in the shade of the car. What is the moral of this story? Get a trail map before you go on any hike.

How to get there: FROM N3 SOUTH Take the Edenvale/Linksfield off-ramp, turn right. At 2nd set of robots turn left (4-way) into Civin Road. Cross over 4 sets of robots. Civin will eventually become Boeing Rd. Gillooly's is on the right hand side.

Tariffs:

Free

For more information visit: http://www.gilloolysbanqueting.co.za/ http://www.south-african-game-reserves.com/gilloolys_farm.htm http://www.footprint.co.za/Linksfield_ridge.htm

Impressions - Free Desktop Backgrounds

Starting from this week, I will post one extra photo per week that I haven't used before and that I think is nice. Most of these photos will be my impressions of the place that I live and work, namely Johannesburg / Midrand/Pretoria. From time to time there will also be photos from elsewhere that I have visited.

You can use these photos as backgrounds for your desktop and as such I will supply them in 1024 size. When you click on the photo, it will open a new window which will take you to the Flickr page. Click on 'All Sizes' to download the large version of the photo.

I hope that you enjoy them. Drop me a line in the comments.

Nkwe Caravan Park

 

Peace and tranquility is the first thing that we noticed about Nkwe. That was until we were almost overrun by the bulls!

The real kind that is. Not the kind that you watch running with an oval shaped ball every Saturday.

Seriously though, this place is very peaceful. As we drove onto the premises, what struck me was the amount of trees. Even though it was dry, the park was still pretty in a stark winter sort of way.

Besides us, there was one other person there that day. A bird watcher who had been to Nkwe 18 years before and came back to reminisce and see how things had changed.

"You wonder how deep it is and how many people have disappeared forever in it's depths."

Walking down to the water hole is the first thing that you will want to do. Trust me. It's like a magnet. You almost can't help yourself. You wonder how deep it is and how many people have disappeared forever in it depths. Typical urban legend stuff.

Then you think back to your child hood and imagine how good it would have been to be able to play cowboys and indians in this place. If your kids still play those games (and I don't mean on the playstation), they will love this place.

The rock pool was empty that day, but usually people of all ages can be found splashing around and jumping into the pool from the surrounding rocks.

Why is that? Why do people feel this irresistable need to jump from high places? Adrenaline, testosterone or stupidity? Maybe all of the above.

Although the weather didn't permit swimming, climbing the rocks kept me busy for a while.

Yes I know I am easily amused.

Having conquered the mountain, I decided that it was time to explore, so I chucked my camera bag over my shoulder, waved my dad farewell and set of on the treacherous journey to chart this territory for my avid readers.

This place really was very pretty. Maybe it was the quiet, or maybe it was the wind blowing though whatever leaves were left on the trees, but I was very content with life at that moment.

"... I see a huge dog running towards me. It had horns! "

 

My daydreaming was interrupted by a yell from my dad: 'Watch out for him!'

As I look up from my camera viewfinder, I see a huge dog running towards me. It had horns!

Horns I tell you!

Great, all we needed then was for fire to come out its nose and no-one would ever believe me again.

The bull changed direction and headed for the water with the rest of its evil brethren following. The little old lady that walked behind them, yelling and gesturing with a stick, did nothing for my shattered ego.

Feeling that my career as an avid explorer and tamer of new lands was rapidly coming to an end, I headed back towards where my dad sat. 

As I walked through the trees I thought about how pretty this place would be in spring when everything started to bloom again. Definitely a place I would like to come back to. If not to explore, then just to have a braai with friends on the banks of the Pienaars River and to lie on my back under the trees and listen to the wind blowing through the leaves.

 

How to get there: On the N1 travelling north, take the Lynwood Drive offramp. Turn right at the robots. Keep travelling until you go over Hans Strydom Drive. From Hans Strydom Drive, travel approx. 13.6km. The entrance to Nkwe will be on the right hand side of the road.

Tariffs:

R20 per person for day visitors.

For more information visit: http://www.nkwepark.co.za/

Words and Pictures by Louis Beetge

Johannesburg Botanical Gardens

Its hard for me not to be totally biased when writing about this park, after all it is where I fell in love and is probably my favourite quick escape from the bustle.

 No matter how many times I visit, I always seem to be surprised by how much one can see and do at this park. So instead of rambling on about my favourite things to do here are some things that you can do.

On a typical weekend the Botanical gardens is usually buzzing with families, couples, groups and individuals enjoying the many activities this park has to offer. From cycling to picnicking, taking your dog for a run or a cup of tea and a scone at the tea garden one can always find something that meets their interest here.

 

" ... one can always find something that meets their interest here."

 

  Adding to the pleasure and beautiful scenery is the breathtaking Emmarentia Dam which forms a border to the gardens. On the Dam water sports like fishing and canoeing can be participated in, or if you’d rather just watch bring along some bread to feed the ducks.

On weekends pretty sailboats with rainbow coloured sails can be seen busy with a race. There is a sailing club on the dam and for a moderate fee you could learn how to sail your own little sailboat or rent one for the day.

" ... roses in exotic colours ranging from white to purple, manicured lawns and magical fountains."

  A brief hike through the trees along the paved walkways will take you to other parts of the park like the spectacular rose gardens with roses in exotic colours ranging from white to purple, manicured lawns and magical fountains.

A Shakespeare garden and even a herb garden are also fun attractions giving you a truly educational experience as you learn many interesting things.

 

 

" ... check the bulletin board for upcoming events like concerts in the park ..."

  I would definitely suggest that before you walk blindly into this exquisite escape that you take a minute or two to study the map of the gardens layouts as well as check the bulletin board for upcoming events like concerts in the park and exotic plant shows as you don’t want to miss out on all the fun and adventure you can find at the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and there's safe parking just over the bridge, or in Thomas Bowler Road.

  

How to get there: From the N1 South towards Bloemfontein, take the Beyers Naude offramp and turn left. Turn left into Thomas Bowler Rd. The Botanical Gardens are on your right. You will see various entrances to this big park. To view a map:  http://www.jhbcityparks.com/Conservation/JBG/Default.htm

Tariffs:

Free

For more information visit: http://www.joburg.org.za/july_2002/botanicgardens.stm or http://www.jhbcityparks.com/Conservation/JBG/Default.htm

Words by Kathy Beetge
Photos by Louis Beetge

Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary

'This week we had a guest on our weekly travel adventure, so I decided to let her do the talking. Methinks she spins a pretty good yarn...'

After spending the last couple of weeks hearing rave reviews about the interesting places that they had discovered and looking enviously at the beautiful photographs they had taken I decided that I was not gonna let another day's Adventure pass without me.

So I tagged along, much to the amusement of my traveling companions.

'...how peaceful could it be with all that traffic and chaos in that part of town?

We had heard from a friend of a friend that there was a pretty little dam about a kilometer from Menlyn Shopping Centre. I know what you're thinking, I've been there countless times and have never heard of it. And besides, how peaceful could it be with all that traffic and chaos in that part of town.

I was very pleasantly surprised. We stopped at a corner cafe for some refreshment and I quickly picked up a magazine. My photographer of a husband can tend to linger at a good spot and I didn't want to be bored, so I decided to get myself something to keep me entertained.

  We found Struben Dam quite easily and parking wasn't a mission at all. After unpacking camera's and tripods and other crucial equipment (so I was informed), we walked into the gates. We were greeted by a security guard, making us feel quite safe and after signing a register I walked to a shady spot under some blue gum trees.

The place was well kept and extremely serene. With the sound of a slow breeze through the leaves and birds chirping not a car could be heard despite the traffic we encountered on our way there.

'...perhaps it was the surroundings that gave them that extra bit of romance this day.'

The parks visitors on that Friday consisted of a woman and her two dogs that were taking her for a run and two young couples that looked very much in love. Or perhaps it was the surroundings that gave them that extra bit of romance this day. One couple sat on a blanket under a beautiful weeping willow, just enjoying each other's company. Another walked hand in hand and then took a seat on one of the many park benches strategically placed close to the waters edge.

  I sat down under a tree and started to page through my magazine and found that soon I was visited by two ducks that were waddling past. A quick flash of light in my direction made me realize that I was being photographed and later found that the reason for this was that my position made for a fairytale picture.

'...an excellent spot for a picnic with a loved one...'

All in all it turned out to be a fantastic morning out and definitely an excellent spot for a picnic with a loved one, a family outing, a walk with the dog or even just a quiet stroll.

A little research done and I also found out that Struben Dam is part of the Morelleta Hiking Trail that starts at Faerie Glen Nature reserve and meanders through Pretoria on 11km of hiking trail. Needless to say Struben Dam is definitely worth a visit.

How to get there: Off the N1, turn towards Menlyn Shopping Centre into Atterbury. Left into Lois, Right into Ingersol, Left into Impy, Right into Ilkey. Left into Innes Street. You will see the Sanctuary and parking on your right.

Tariffs:

Free

For more information visit: http://www.tshwane.gov.za/strubendam.cfm or Call: +27 12 348 1265/6

Words by Kathy Beetge
Pictures by Louis Beetge