Field Trips

This will be a morning field trip to the Satara landscape in the Kruger National Park (KNP). Researchers from SAEON, Colorado State, and Wits University (among others) have been testing theories regarding grassland community responses to fire and grazing, as well as how drought interacts with grazing over the years. We will take you to some of the current and past experimental landscapes and discuss results and findings.

You could self-drive and remain in the KNP for the rest of the afternoon (and evening – if you book in time), but we will be organizing transport for those needing it.

Cost:  Entrance to the KNP and transport (if needed) - TBC

Mariepskop,  at 1,947 m above sea level, is one of the highest peaks in the northern Drakensberg, and the highest point of the Blyde River Canyon. The mountain is bordered by sheer cliff faces on several sides, and is composed of Proterozoic sedimentary rocks of the Transvaal Supergroup. Several distinguishable plant communities as you go up the mountain. The foothills comprise low altitude woodlands, which are distinguished as lowveld gallery forest, savanna on mountain slopes, savanna on rocky terrain and submontane forest. At and near the summit, the high mountain grassland is locally replaced by a type of fynbos vegetation. The higher elevations are home to the mountain plateau, Widdringtonia and montane forest plant communities. (For more information, see van der Schijff, H. P.; Schoonraad, E. (1971). The Flora of the Marysol Complex. Bothalia. 10 (3): 461–500. doi:10.4102/abc.v10i3.1554)

This will be a morning expedition up Mariepskop, guided by TBC and Dr. Tony Swemmer, who has been involved in some of the rehabilitation work on the mountain. Unfortunately, we can only accommodate a small number of delegates on this expedition, as only a few 4x4 vehicles will be able to access the track up the mountain.

You might like to drive to the base of the mountain and then continue on your journey home (via Abel Erasmus Pass) in the afternoon.

There is a small entrance fee, but this might be waivered – TBC.

Other Activites you might like to do on your own:

1. Visit the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (near Kampersrus); Daily Tours: Mon – Sat (09h30 and 15:00). https://www.moholoholo.co.za/
2. Visit the Khamai Reptile Centre (on R527 en route to Hoedspruit)
3. Visit the Kruger National Park: Self drive; Book an early morning drive
4. Manyeleti Game Reserve: Self-drive