The Crystal Spring Dam located in the Mount Currie Nature Reserve allows boating and skiing on the dam. Bring your own boat!
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is the provincial agency mandated to carry out biodiversity conservation and associated activities in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in the Republic of South Africa. The primary focus of the organisation is biodiversity conservation - the management of more than 120 protected areas which include two World Heritage Sites which are the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site and the Isimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. The organization also applies provincial nature conservation legislation and its associated regulations. A secondary but nevertheless vital aspect, is the management of one of the largest eco-tourism operation in South Africa. The Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife administration model has been shown to work well whereby the eco-tourism operations provide financial support for conservation operations.
The organisation as a whole is the offspring of a merger between two conservation bodies: the former Natal Parks Board which was formed in 1947 and whose antecedents go back into colonial times; and the former KwaZulu Directorate of Nature Conservation which was formed in 1972 to manage the nature conservation requirements of the "homeland" of KwaZulu. Following the democratic elections in 1994 both organisations negotiated a mutual amalgamation which resulted in the formation of the KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Board with its entire operation conducted as KwaZulu-Natal Conservation Services. al body being Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Although the core function is biodiversity conservation, the organization has two other "legs" - these being Commercial Operations and Partnerships. The model on which Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife operates is designed to make the organisation as independent as possible. Although it is a parastatal body receiving a subsidy from the provincial government, it is able to supplement this through its own business operations, generating some 40% of its operating budget. In terms of local economy it has been established that in many instances Ezemvelo is the only employer in certain areas and one salary paid to an employee from a local community can affect between ten and 15 others in a ripple-effect. In this way the organization affects more than 30 000 people in rural areas in a positive economic way.

Vaalkop is known as: "an Anglers Dream", it is situated 54 km North of Britz, near Beestekraal and North-East of Rustenburg, in typical 'broken Bushveld Country'. It is renowned as both an anglers and birdwatching destination. To reach Vaalkop take the R511 road North from Britz for 35 km to a sign indicating: 'Beestekraal'. Turn left and continue 4km to a sign indicating Vaalkop Dam to the right. Travel a further 11km to the entrance to the Vaalkop Dam and Magalie's Water Project complex on the left and continue to the Reserve entrance gates and Dam Wall. The climate is generally mild to hot but Winter can be extremely cold. The Crocodile River Valley is malaria free. Accommodation takes the basic form of a campsite where basic amenities for campers are provided. Raw water is abstracted from the Vaalkop Dam in the Crocodile River catchment area. The raw water is then abstracted to the Vaalkop Water Treatment Plant, which has a design capacity of 240ML/day for treatment and purification purposes. The water is then distributed to the North West and Limpopo Provinces. Fish species include carp and yellowfish which are plentiful, making Vaalkop a particularly attractive angling destination. The birdlife includes over, 340 different- bird species!

Borakalalo is situated 60 km North of Brits. It consists of 13 000 ha of woodland and open Bushveld – in a remote and peaceful area of unusual beauty and diversity set in Kalahari veld and woodland country, along the banks of the Moretele River and the 800 ha Klipvoor Dam. An extensive network of roads through the reserve are accessible for all vehicles and there are a number of attractive picnic and braai sites for the use of day visitors. The climate is generally mild to hot. The Moretele River, which runs into the 800 ha Klipvoor Dam in the park, also has a beautiful stretch of Riverine forest. This makes the park a very popular fishing spot. This is one of the most accessible reserves to the Johannesburg and Pretoria areas which makes for an excellent and unusual day or weekend excursion. Angling on both the Klipvoor Dam and the Moretele River is permitted and is regarded as being amongst the finest in the country. Carp, bream and barbel are the principal fish species although yellowfish do occur, offering excellent sport when taken on light tackle. An abundance of wildlife and more than 350 bird species can be viewed. The reserve which is some 13 000 ha in size also conserves a wide variety of antelope, giraffe, white rhino, leopard and the bird species that can be spotted include 11 eagle's and 18 smaller raptors. The accommodation in the reserve offers excellent camping facilities; this includes the two tented camps and a camping site. It is essential to book for both Moretele and Phudufudu Camps at all times, and for Pitjane campsite over long weekends.

The Marakele National Park in the heart of the Waterberg Mountains, as its Tswana name suggests, has become a 'place of sanctuary' for an impressive variety of wildlife due to its location in the transitional zone between the dry western and moisture eastern regions of South Africa. Marakele has all major safari animals, including the Big Five. Several small herds of Buffalo have been reintroduced and there is a good chance of finding White Rhino. There are plenty of Elephant in the park as well, but they tend to stick to the inaccessible, northern area. Overall, sightings of flagship species are rather scarce. Marakele's appeal lies more', in the rugged scenery and unspoiled wilderness. The park is home to as many as 16 Antelope species due to its variety of habitats. Some of the specials include: Reedbuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Eland, Tsessebe and the stately Sable Antelope. This is a good place to see Bat-eared Fox, which is most easily observed when denning. A night drive offers a chance to see the elusive Aardwolf and Aardvark. A visit to view wildlife in Marakele is better scheduled during the Dry season. At this time, water in the bush dissipates leaving animals to search for available water. These sources of water are great for spotting wildlife, and the sparse plant-life make it all the easier to do so. The Dry season occurs from June to September.
South African Parks and Reserves, maintain a very high standard regarding safety and crime is unlikely. Small thefts within the Park are always a possibility, just like anywhere else. However, other crimes are a rarity, and violent crimes are unheard of. In our opinion, it’s a safe destination for visitors to South Africa.
If you aren’t planning on visiting other areas in South Africa where malaria is a risk, then you will not have to bother with antimalarials since Marakele is outside the malaria zone. It is advisable, however, to check into the various vaccinations required for travel to South Africa. You will have to receive these prior to your visit.
Visitor Tips-
Remember to bring a camera, binoculars, bird and wildlife reference books, a hat and sunscreen lotion. Also remember to take along medicines such as anti-histamine and lotion for insect stings and bites.
Cool clothing for summer and warm for winter - the region is subject to sudden changes in weather, particularly in the mountains.
As outdoor lighting in camps is limited, a torch/headlamp is required when walking outside at night.
Remember charcoal or wood, as this is not available in the park.
Overnight Visitors-
No driving at night is allowed in the Park.
As outdoor lighting in camps is limited, a torch/headlamp is required when walking outside at night.
No collection of firewood.
You will be warned at reception about roads that are inaccessible in the Park. Should you drive on these roads and get stuck we will contact a towing company for you and you will be charged for recovery expenses. Fines will be given if you drive off the roads. Your vehicle can be searched at exit points!
Be aware of BABOONS and VERVET MONKEYS. Keep your tents closed when driving around and lock food in the tent’s cupboard. You may even turn the fridge slightly so that the door does not open easily. Don’t let anything lie around.
Please do not feed the animals. Vervet Monkeys will soon become habituated to this and create serious problems in the future.
You are not allowed to get out of your vehicle, except at places indicated to you on the map, by the receptionist! No pets are allowed in the Park. A general speed limit of 30 km/h must be maintained within the Park’s boundaries. Firearms must be declared at reception.
You have to vacate the tent at 10:00 on the day of departure.
The key for the gates must be returned to reception on the day of departure. Please keep your entrance permit with you while driving in the Park! No fishing is allowed in the dam.
Check-in and Check-out times are: check in 14:00 and check out 10:00. The Office Hours of the Reception; opens 07:00 and closes at 18:00 from 1st Sept to 30th April. Reception opens 07:00 and closes at 17:30 from 1st May to 31st August
Day Visitors
Entrance from 07:00 to 16:00. No need to book in advance. Currently there is no limit on number of people per day. 4x4 routes as well as routes for sedan vehicles are open to day visitors. No visitors are allowed at the back of open vehicles. Your vehicle can be searched at exit points! No collecting of firewood.
Day visitors have certain areas and roads where they can drive. You will be warned at reception about roads that are inaccessible in the Park. Should you drive on these roads and get stuck we will contact a towing company for you and you will be charged for recovery expenses. Fines can be given should you drive off the roads.
People are not allowed to get out of their vehicles, except at places shown on the map by the receptionist. No pets are allowed in the park and firearms must be declared at reception. A general speed limit of 30 km/h must be maintained within the park’s boundaries.
Office hours are from 07:00 in the morning until 16:00 in the afternoon. The gates close at 18:00 in summer time and at 17:30 in winter. If you are still inside the Park after the gates have closed you can be given a fine.
Tour operators must be licensed with FGASA and SATOUR to operate in National Parks. A proper game-drive vehicle will be required.
Tour operators will pay a set entrance price – check details with park. Tour operators must be registered with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) and be in possession of a valid Deat membership card as proof.
**Should you be uncertain as to the interpretation of a rule, please enquire at reception!**

At Klein Roosboom the elements combine in perfect harmony to create the enviable conditions that make their wines so special. The uniqueness allows each grape variety to be grown in the locale climatic conditions that suit it best. The south-facing slopes are suited to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. The wines happily lodge their roots into rich Hutton, Oakleaf and Clovelly soils, extracting nourishment from the earth. As the fresh Atlantic breeze cools the vineyards, the crisp Cape air shapes the flavours of the grapes, and in turn, the quality of the wines. They also receive an average annual rainfall of between 400 and 650mm, allowing the farmlands to flourish and thrive. They invite you to discover a piece of heaven that they have bottled on earth. Taste the terroir, feel the delicate sea breeze and share their endless passion. Whether it’s amongst the vineyards at Jéan Restaurant or relaxing inside an old concrete wine tank (we call them ‘caves’) in the Wine Tasting Room, they invite you with open arms to live a little, have fun, and make memories on the farm. As a boutique winery, it is not easy to find their wines anywhere else. Take the trip over the rolling hills of the Durbanville Wine Valley and pay them a visit. They’ll make your excursion worth your while as you explore the unique wine tasting room or indulge in the delightfully delectable dishes at 'Jéan Restaurant'.

Masiphumelele means “We will succeed” in Xhosa. This spirit of endurance was needed by the people for decades - and these words are still an expression of their hope of better times to come.
In the early 1980’s a group of 400-500 black people started the first informal settlement close to where Masiphumelele is today - in the bushes around that area where today the huge Longbeach shopping mall is located. Under Apartheid laws these families were repeatedly chased away by force. Later they were told that this area was for black people only to work, but they had to live in the poorly set up township of Khayelitsha, more than 30 kilometers away. Especially those people who had found some work in the Fish Hoek area tried again and again to move back to their former homes. Only after Apartheid had ended a group of people from Khayelitsha, joined by a few thousand people from the Eastern Cape who hoped to find work in the Western Cape, started again in 1991/92 to set up their own community at the area which was then known as “Site 5”, but was renamed Masiphumelele by the people soon after. In the early 1990 about 8000 people built their shacks and simple homes and started to set up their own community. Until 1995 there was not even an own building for a school or a clinic. Today more than 26,000 people live in Masiphumelele.
There is still no police station in Masiphumelele and just one private doctor. A dedicated staff of nurses with a few visiting doctors works in one Day Care Clinic. The primary school is attended by almost 1000 learners and the high school by more than 600 learners.
Compared to others like Khayelitsha (close to a million people), Masiphumelele is one of the smaller townships of the Western Cape. There is a lot of movement between families who partly live in Masiphumelele and partly in rural areas of the Eastern Cape.
One of the problems is crime, another that many families have not enough food for their children. Many houses are very poor and especially during the winter months the living conditions are extremely hard. According to research data from pregnant mothers the infection rates of HIV/AIDS and TB are very high in Masiphumelele and are estimated at 30% to 40%.

The little town of Kokstad sits on the boundary between KwaZulu Natal and the Eastern Cape, nestled in the heart of East Griqualand. Kokstad lies in the shadow of Mount Currie on the outer slopes of the Drakensberg and was, until recently, best known for its cheese until Oprah Winfrey placed the town on the map, amidst much fanfare, when her charitable foundation, Oprah’s Angel Network, designed a school for Kokstad’s Shayamoya township. Kokstad lies surrounded by mountains in a predominantly stock farming area. This wild and beautiful part of the country was settled by the Griqua - a hardy group of frontiersmen who, after clashing with Boers and the British in the interior, turned east and settled in what was known as ‘No Mans Land’ - in the 1860s.
Their leader, Adam Kok, was responsible for establishing Kokstad. Today it’s a bustling little town, its history encased in its Museum, a national monument on Main Street, which focuses on the Griqua people. The town’s namesake was to die an unpretentious death after falling off a cart only a few years after the town’s establishment, but a monument, right next to the police station, commemorates his leadership.
The area is popular for its many rivers and dams that provide ample opportunity for trout fishing, and there are no fewer than three reserves, Mount Currie, Wilfred Bauer, with lovely picnic spots, and the Mountain Lake Nature Reserve, a small reserve peppered with cattle tracks and little paths that provide wonderful walks, as well as over 220 species of bird for bird lovers.
Crystal Dam provides boating and angling opportunities. The Crystal Spring Dam is fed by the pure water of Crystal Spring, the main source of Kokstad's water supply. The existing bulk water infrastructure includes a weir on Mzintlava River and Crystals Spring Dam, which is mainly supplying water to the Kostad urban community. There are three rural schemes located at Swartberg, Franklin and Kransdraai, which meet the RDP level of service.

Sutelong is next to Sutelong and is located in Bojanala Platinum District Municipality, North-West, South Africa.
People Percentage: Black African people are 4,044 making up 99.85% of population. Indian or Asian are 5 people. White is 1 person. (This was taken from a 2011 statistics survey. The first language is Setswana spoken by 3,104, which is 76.62% of the total population.)

The Moretele Local Municipality is situated within the Bojanala Platinum District in the North West Province. The municipality is located in an area called Moretele, which is situated far north of Pretoria. It is located strategically to join four provinces, namely North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. It is the smallest of the five municipalities that make up the district, accounting for 8% of its geographical area.
The municipality comprises 24 wards, which are made up of 66 villages and plots. Most of the villages are ruled by four traditional leaders (Dikgosi), who are recognised by law and represent their respective tribes/communities in council. Moretele is the Setswana name for a river that runs through the area, namely ‘Noka ya Moretele' (the Moretele River). The total area expands over 1 498km².