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Our kick-off event of 2024 will be etched in the memories of those who attended for a lifetime. The area is rural and truly amazing. The food was delicious. The driving adventurous. The various activities remarkable. Together, these elements made the "2024 Turtle Experience" a magnificent event, an event of magnitude, and a perfect way to start 2024.
I clearly recall the evening when Paul Diessel, the LROC event host, called me to discuss the offer. Paul had been contacted by Kosi Bay Africa. Trevors’ offer to the Club was an all-inclusive experience in a world heritage marine reserve, the highlight being a guided walk on a protected beach to see turtles laying eggs and hatchlings making their way to the sea. January is a special time of the year in the area as there are still turtles laying their eggs, but if you are lucky, some of the incubation periods for a few nests that had been laid in November might be up, providing a chance to see the hatchlings.
Ever quick to try a new experience, I was onboard right away, but I am pleased that Paul took a slightly more pragmatic approach to the event. We have all heard those campfire horror stories of distant events being less than acceptable, and Paul was rightfully cautious as we did not have an established relationship with Kosi Bay Africa, so we were flying blind. His caution meant that he made every effort, short of driving to Bhanga Nek, to ensure that the trip was legitimate and that a good time was going to be had by all. I am pleased to report that his efforts were not in vain... it was truly remarkable.
With the advantage of hindsight, there were some significant differences between the actual experience and what I believe we were expecting, something to keep in mind as we begin planning the Clubs return in 2025.
Firstly, our exclusive campsite, complete with Safari Tents and traditional Reed Huts was in Bhanga Nek and not the Kosi Bay we initially assumed. Bhanga Nek is a full 2-hour drive away from the more commercialized Kosi Bay. In contrast, Bhanga Nek is an area steeped in tradition, with the community deeply rooted in the preservation of the area and the turtles, an engraved sentiment not often seen in Africa.
The truly rural nature of the campsite is also an experience. I think it would be difficult for all those there to argue that on arrival, the rustic facade of the campsite facilities was both awe-inspiring, as well as surprising. This was compounded on the first night as the air hung motionless, encapsulating everyone in dense heat which seemed intent on slowly roasting us each to death, in our own sweat which was being used as a natural basting.
Finding the campsite proved to be a bit of a battle for some, including myself. I ended up driving all the way to the beach before turning around and slowly heading back to find an inconspicuous missed turn which would return me to the correct sandy track that wound its way through the tropical forest to the campsite. While traversing the sandy track, I came upon Trevor, who was on his way out of camp to go to the same place I had just been, to collect a few other members whose GPS devices had also taken them to the same spot. With roads being little more than paths, mobile phone GPS’s did their best to get as "close-to" the pin location as possible, meaning that some followed a route which missed the turn-off, heading down to the beach.
Our first night's catered dinner was a majestic feast, as were all the breakfasts and dinners that followed. I had not known before the event that Trevor is a chef, having opened and run many first-class restaurants, and he was applying his significant skills, aided by Blessing, his campsite manager, to make exquisite cuisine in the most rural of places.
While the meals were incredible, it was the totality of all the activities that we experienced which made this trip truly superb, etching into the hall of fame for most of those present. It was in discussion with Chris and Vanessa Pitt that the value of an all-inclusive event dawned on me. While our Club represents a community of like-minded individuals, it is true that we are each unique, which means that we all have unique preferences. With the activities already determined, we were all on the same adventurous journey, where the collective participated but at the same time spent less time arranging and more time enjoying the shared experience and camaraderie. This afforded time to develop strong connections with one another as we participated and shared in truly wonderful experiences.
With the heat of the night, the bustling activities of members waking up were heard early in the morning, with some coffee-holics using the relative coolness of this time of the day as a sanctuary to enjoy a morning cup or two. It wasn’t long before all were up and sitting at the dining table under the canvas tarpaulin, which would over the next few days serve as the central gathering point for members, as we each learned more about one another and shared our view of the magnificence of the proceeding activity.
The mornings food was already being prepared, and our entertaining and engaging host Trevor was soon briefing us over a delicious breakfast on the activities for the day. First would be a guided hike through the majestic Raffia Palm Forests, followed by a brief trip to the protected beach where the Turtle Monitoring Station was established by Dr. George Hughes in 1963, followed by a quick visit to third lake and then dinner. Finally, we would be walking on the beach that evening in search of turtles.
It was over breakfast in discussion with Trevor that the value of the effort made all that time ago, with the establishment of the Turtle Monitoring Station became apparent. While graceful in water, their heavy stature makes them cumbersome on land, an easy target for the machete as they desperately crawl along the beach, resulting in a tremendous number of turtles ending up in a pot rather than returning to the sea.
The over hunting of these creatures saw a steady decline in the turtle population, but with the active monitoring of nesting turtles, populations have shown strong recovery. It is my understanding from Trevor that there has been an exponential growth in population numbers over the past few years, which gives tribute to those early efforts made way back in the 1960s.
Interestingly, additional projects have started in the Bhanga Nek area, which means that the local community has tremendous employment opportunities, and as a collective, they are resolute in the preservation of their community and the protection of the natural wonders they have been blessed with. They are recognized worldwide by conservationists, as playing a crucial role in ensuring the survival of the loggerhead and leatherback turtle species.
Shortly after breakfast, we were joined by Samange Mageba and Bongumenzi Shange, who would be our local guides for the day, sharing with us stories of tradition and know-how which would marvel the group. I am truly pleased that although eco-tourism was the prevailing theme of the activities, we did get to enjoy awesome time traversing this majestic part of the world in our Landys.
Given the tremendous heat of the day, it was decided that our convoy of Landys would use backroads known only to the local communities to reach an area close to the dense tropical forests, ensuring that our morning hike would be cooled by the canopy of foliage towering above us. With the advantage of local knowledge, our guides took us on the scenic routes allowing for some exciting driving conditions in the soft sand of the area.
After about a 35-minute drive, we arrived at our hike's starting point. We had previously received a list of essential items to bring along from Trevor, so we were well-prepared. Hats, sunblock, hiking bags, boots, and water were soon being trekked down the path by members eager to view the splendours of the area.
These natural tropical forests are an amazing ecosystem of dense vegetation which offers a haven for wildlife in the area. As the party wandered down the path, we were regaled with deeply insightful and interesting facts about these forest, the various activities that had taken place, including at one stage farming, and how the local community now utilizes the forests to enrich their livelihood.
It was during this walk that I noticed that Charles Dean, affectionally known as Chaz in the Club, was really able to put on the pace as he walked front and centre with the guide for the entirety of the hike. For those who might know Chaz, his ability to walk at pace might seem a mystery and yet I assure you, it is true.
For those that don’t know Chaz, allow me to offer a brief explanation which might provide the grounds on which you could understand my surprise. You see, Chaz was born slightly before the invention of the wheel and has been an active participant in the world economy ever since. He was likely one of the first Europeans to know the African wilderness, revelling in its wonder. He has seen the rise and fall of many civilizations and commercial enterprises, and if rumour has it correct, was there to witness the birth of Land Rover all those many years ago. So, to see this man, blazing the trail in the shaded heat of the day was quite something.
The hike took us through a campsite in a pristine location within the forest. Unfortunately, a fire had previously devastated the reed huts, with only their cement foundations and pathways still in existence. As at our hike, it would seem that the renewed environmental impact assessments have recently been accepted by the legislative Governmental Departments and it does seem likely that the campsite will be restored to its former glory.
It would be a short walk from this campsite to the turning point of our hike. It was here that our party decided to take a little time to get a photograph of the group. Although none present could be considered part of the selfie-generation, photographic evidence of our collective achievement remained important to all.
I cannot begin to describe the natural beauty of the area. It is incredibly fortunate that this has been declared a world heritage site and as such enjoys the relative protection that such an honour bestows upon an area.
With photographic evidence in hand, the group turned round and began retracing our steps, but not without a little local surprise. On the banks of Fourth Lake, at a narrow section, locals have constructed a pontoon, no correction, a raft on which they traverse the water to take the shortest possible route to town, which on foot is still a significant distance away. Even with the effort of a water crossing, this shortcut remains the most efficient route for locals to reach town, with the alternate requiring a significant journey by vehicle.
With the local guides on hand, the skills necessary to use the raft were not lost to us and after walking across the gangplank, which was nothing short of death-defying as we all tried to avoid falling into the water as we hobbled over this rickety structure.
I was fortunate to be part of the first group to board, and after some serious manoeuvring of the raft, a lot of wobbling, sighs of relief as we bordered dry, and a lot of tugging to get the raft to the other side, we were across… victorious.
It did not take long for the raft to make it back to the other side, and again, members of our party attempted the journey across the lake. I have to admit I was a little disappointed that all were managing to board the raft without incident, even though there were some close calls, but my anguish was short-lived as Simon Meanwell stepped up to the plate and made the splash. With huge cheers and celebrations from the onlookers, the heroically drenched Simon circled back, this time successfully making it to the raft, and they pulled their way across the lake.
The return of the raft meant it was time for the first group to travel back to the riverbank of our initial departure. I can confirm that boarding from our current side of the lake was significantly easier, but disembarking remained challenging and it was by pure luck that more of us did not land up in the water.
It wasn’t long after that the second group had also returned and now regrouped, we set off towards the Landys, the most comfortable being Simon, who’s wet cloths did a tremendous job of keeping him cool as we paced through the heat.
Returning to the vehicles, it was time to make our way to the beach for a quick visit so that we had an understanding of where we would be later that evening. The drive there was incredible as our guides ensured that we took the most scenic route to the beach. The route was scattered with obstacles which made our drive truly magical. Landys are truly amazing, sand, mud, rock, and everything in between, they make driving offroad effortless. They truly are the vehicle of adventure.
The scenic route, as it weaved across the landscape, does take a little time and it was already mid-afternoon by the time we reached the beach. Our now famous and incredibly fit Chaz decided he would add to his daily exercise activities, by taking a dip in the sea, joined by his wife Annie. It wasn’t long before he was knocked over by a wave, losing his spectacles in the ordeal.
A feverish effort to try and locate the glasses insured, but alas we were unable to locate. However, our efforts did spike the interest of some local children who were enjoying the sea just a short distance away and unbeknownst to us, one youngster had undertaken to mobilize his friends in the search for the madala’s glasses.
After some serious effort was put into the search, we agreed that it was time to call it a day and Chaz resigned himself to the prospect of wandering blindly through the wilderness for the rest of the trip. Fortunately, the efforts of the children close by proved far more productive with the glasses soon miraculously found, being returned to Chaz before we had even managed to leave the beach.
What was truly noteworthy of the find was that it was done without expectation of reward. After finding the glasses, this youngster simply called out and ran up to our group to hand old Chaz his now very clean spectacles. After which, he simply turned around and began making his way back to the sea, satisfied that he had helped a fellow human. This wasn't lost on any of us in the group, and a special effort was made to ensure that he was rewarded not only for his effort but also for his humanity.
With the sun speedily moving through the sky, it was time for a brief visit at the banks of Third Lake before making our way back to camp so that we could indulge in another incredible feast before returning to the beach, this time in the shroud of darkness, to rapidly pace the beach in search of turtles.
With the moon now replacing the sun, it was time for the main attraction. A walk on a long stretch of beach, permits in hand, under the sparkly of the moon and stars. Victor Ngubane, our highly experienced Zulu guide, walks this beach every evening, quite a feat for a gentleman of his stature. Using little more than the sporadic light provided by the night sky, he has become adept at spotting the tell-tale signs of turtles nesting nearby or hatchlings scurrying to the sea.
The walk was certainly not at a leisurely pace. Quite the opposite, it was a brisk walk over the soft sand of the beach. But true to form, there was Chaz… front and centre, pressing on in the search of turtles. After 15 minutes of walking, our party thought we had struck gold, with what seemed to be a turtle exiting the sea in search of an area to nest. There was an immediate hush in the air, and the tension of the group could be felt permeating the darkness. After a few moments, Victor became concerned. There was little movement, neither towards land nor returning to the sea. If she had spotted us, she would have returned; if not, she would have continued up the beach.
After deliberating with himself for a few moments, Victor decided it was best to investigate, and we were all glad he did, as what we thought was a turtle making her way from the sea was nothing more than pollution being pushed by the tide onto the beach. Over and above the devastating effect that humans have on marine life through hunting and fishing, our pollutants and rubbish, which flow down the rivers from our ever-growing cities, find their way into the sea where they become entangled in the ecology of the ocean.
With the pollutant removed, it was back to a brisk walk. It really was starting to look like a missed opportunity, as like with most wildlife experiences, an encounter cannot be guaranteed. However, your chances of seeing them at Bhanga Nek are significantly increased. Over the duration of the beach hike, Victor would explain to us that after hatching, the turtles make their way to the cooler waters of the Cape where they feast on jellyfish, sea anemones, fish and clams, to name but a few of their dietary preferences. After some 20 to 30 years, on reaching sexual maturity, these turtles return to the waters of their birth to lay eggs in a cycle, which through the dedicated effort of passionate people like Victor, will likely continue into the future.
After walking for what seemed like an eternity, we noticed the steady stream of red light from a torch ahead. We were in luck, and a small group ahead of us had come across a nesting turtle and stopped to marvel in the brilliance of nature.
It is amazing how impactful uneducated humans can be on the natural world. Victor brought us to a stop a little while down the beach where he carefully explained the dos and don'ts, what is acceptable and what is not. Nesting turtles are sensitive to many things, and it is critical to apply oneself to guiding principles that permit sharing in the truly amazing experience without causing distress to the turtle. At the end of the day, imagine how a human would feel if, while in labour about to give birth, a gathering of buffoons stepped in to witness the ordeal. While eco-tourism remains critical for the long-term survival of turtles, it is imperative that we remain considerate of the drastic consequences we could have if we disturbed, even by accident, the turtle in this highly valuable and exhausting act.
Once stationary and with clear instructions having been given to the group, Victor made a quick walk up the beach to discuss with the guide of the other party the possibility of us joining them. Given the relatively small size of the other group, the guides agreed, and we slowly and silently made our way in the shadows to the site of the nest just in time to watch the ordeal undertaken by the turtle to cover it.
It is truly a magical experience, one worthy of the time and effort necessary to participate. After covering the nest and exhausted from the ordeal of digging, laying, and then covering, the turtle slowly crept her way back towards the ocean. Following a safe distance behind, the onlookers slowly follow this exhausting journey under the ever-watchful eye of the guides until the turtle finds relief in the crashing waves. Once in the water, the experience is very different. Designed to be expert swimmers, it does not take long for the turtle to make her way into deeper waters, and then suddenly there is a rapid burst of movement as she disappears below the waves into the ocean.
Exhilarated from the experience, our rejuvenated party made a hasty retreat down the beach back towards our trusty Landys that were waiting just a little way up. It was here, as we made our way from the relative firmness of the wet sea sand, up and over the softer sand which rises towards the dune behind, that one truly understands the effort that was required to participate in this remarkable natural wonder. With every step, our group of enthusiasts moved ever slower, ever quitter, until we finally reached the end of the beach and found the path back to our vehicles.
It was a short drive back to our campsites where on arrival, showers were taken, and conversations erupted around the campfire. There was a sense of achievement felt by all, and it was now that the truly remarkable nature of this experience started to become apparent to all. The experiences of the day, from hiking in magnificent forests in the morning to an adventurous drive to the beach, followed by a majestic encounter with a turtle that evening, everyone was impressed, and suddenly, the heat, the time, the debates, it was all worth it. The only question, what would tomorrow hold in store for our group of adventurers.
If day 1 marked our arrival, then after another sumptuous breakfast on day 3, our group of enthusiastic adventurers embarked on a mesmerizing journey to a remote, pristine beach for a day of snorkelling. The atmosphere among us was electric. As was later mentioned by Simon Meanwell, it was as if we were lifelong friends gathering for a magnificent vacation and world-class adventure—truly exceptional!
Our drive through the lush green hills, traversing sandy tracks, was a sight to behold. Each obstacle we overcame added to the excitement. The air conditioning in our vehicles provided a welcome respite from the relentless heat as we pushed forward.
While the obstacles on this day were less challenging than those on day 2, they still delivered fun and excitement to drivers and passengers alike. This event had already been filled with remarkable activities, but our drive through this untouched wilderness continued to impress.
After a fair drive through the countryside, we arrived at a beach known only to a few locals. Some opted to relax on the high ground, pulling out awnings and comfortable camping chairs to enjoy the breathtaking view of the beach and ocean below.
As I descended to the beach, leaving the Landys behind, I turned to capture a photo of our vehicles perched above. It was then that I fully realized the gravity of our return walk to our trucks. Nevertheless, I was committed to snorkelling, leaving the return journey as a problem for future me to undertake.
With the sun ready to scorch, we paused to apply sunscreen, ensuring our adventure beneath the waves wouldn't leave us red and burnt. Trevor, our seasoned guide with years of experience in the area, pointed out the best snorkelling spots. I, personally, am not fond of the cold water without a wet suit, but the splendours of the rocky reefs near the shore kept me bobbing in the shallows for an unexpected duration.
I am certainly no seasoned professional at water sports, and as at the time of writing the fish that glided gracefully before me remained and shall likely always remain categorized as fish, but this classification does not detract from splendour of the underwater world, which resembled a vibrant, living aquarium of colours.
Having spent a fair amount of time focused on the fish below, I glanced across the surface of the water to see what others were up to. I noted that Jennifer had succumbed to the temptation of Trevor's boogie board, Michelle and Chantené continued to snorkel nearby, Annie had returned to the warmth of the beach, whilst Chaz, Paul, Mell, Clive, Mandy, Simon and Rori floated in a rock pool nearby, turning our group into a mismatch of snorkelers, boogie boarders, swimmers, and sun bathers. This remote beach, exclusively ours for the day, was beyond fabulous—it was a sensory marvel.
I lost track of time in the water, and by the time I returned to dry land, I was thoroughly exhausted. Many in our group continued to relish the coolness of the water as they played in the waves while the tide rolled in.
The trek back up the hill was gruelling and hot. Each step demanded determination and perseverance. I was relieved to reach my truck, where the Engel fridge had kept a few cold drinks chilled for our return.
Gathered around the Land Rovers, with our energy spent between the cool waters and the scorching sun, the decision was made to visit Victor's restaurant for plates of chips and refreshingly cool drinks. But not before we challenged ourselves with a marvellous obstacle on our return to the main track.
As the first in line, I attempted the middle track, renowned as a daunting challenge. After achieving success, I took the opportunity to return down the hill and try the formidable left track, but after several attempts I conceded defeat and returned to the top via the middle. Most in our group followed the middle path, while Paul Diessel valiantly tried the left lane before also opting for the middle track.
With everyone back on track, we began our return to Bhanga Nek, heading towards our campsite and Vincent's restaurant for an afternoon refuel. The drive back was equally impressive, with the air conditioning providing welcome relief from the day's increasing heat.
As mentioned earlier, Bhanga Nek's rural setting mean finding a place selling chilled drinks and chips is akin to discovering an oasis in the desert. We disembarked and made our way to the upper level of Victor's rural establishment, where a few added stairs allowed access to the roof. While the view was breathtaking, the relentless sun drove us all downstairs to enjoy our plates of chips and chilled drinks.
We feasted on slap chips, surrounded by natural wilderness in this truly remarkable and special place in our country. I regret not embarking on such adventures earlier in life, but I consider my trusty Landy Emma, a miraculous find, leading me to a lifestyle that resonates with my very soul.
With chips devoured and drinks emptied, our convoy made the short drive back to Paradise Campsite, where Blessing was once again hard at work preparing for our return. We gathered, drinks in hand, to regale the adventures of the day. This trip held something truly remarkable—whether it was the splendour of this remote gem, the magnificence of our activities, the camaraderie formed, or the friendships forged, it left an indelible mark in our hearts and minds.
Dinner was another dazzling affair, fit for kings and queens. Laughter filled the air as humorous remarks and joyful tales flowed freely, not to mention hysterical laughter as I unwillingly undertook a backwards somersault whilst trying to embark a nearby hammock. It was a magnificent evening, enjoyed by all, and it stretched well into the night—a time when Club Members truly became friends, relishing the rich company of like-minded adventurers.
The transformation from a community of club members to friends was strikingly evident on the morning of our last full day of this extraordinary event. Everyone was up early, brimming with excitement for the day ahead. On this final day, Trevor had arranged for us to embark on a water-based adventure to explore the intricacies of fish farming undertaken by the local communities in the area.
Unfortunately, due to work commitments, Chris and Vanessa had made the difficult decision to leave after breakfast. Although I had only recently met Chris and Vanessa, I had thoroughly enjoyed our time together over the past few days, filled with engaging conversations, valuable insights, and shared passion for adventure.
After a hearty breakfast and fond farewells, our group gathered with Blessing, who would lead us to the jetty nestled in the reeds. From there, we embarked on a captivating journey under the shade of the boat's canopy with boat captain and owner Eugene Thembe, cruising across Third and Second lake while immersing ourselves in the traditional ways of the local people, passed down through generations.
Eugene is a local resident, and his family has been engaged in fish farming in Lake 2 for over 700 years. Along the way, we made a stop to visit a mother and baby hippo, then continued our journey to the fish farm that has been in Eugenes extended family for generations, where we were eager to learn about this ancient practice.
Listening to the intricacies of the farms established in these waters, I was once again struck by the community's deep appreciation and reverence for nature. They employ practices to ensure the safe passage of smaller fish to the sea and maintain a profound commitment to the region's birdlife. Their dedication to conservation and their profound understanding of the ecosystem and their role within it were truly inspirational.
As we reached the midpoint of our trip, snorkelling was once again on the agenda. It didn't take long for all of us to eagerly enter the relatively warm waters, swimming along the mangroves and relishing the abundant fish that call this place home. Although the water was not as clear as the ocean from the previous day, the sheer quantity of fish compensated for any visibility issues, and the inviting warmth of the water kept us entertained throughout our stop.
Upon our return to the shores below our private campsite, Trevor had a pleasant surprise in store for us. He had managed to arrange an additional beach walk for the evening, offering us another opportunity to witness turtles laying their eggs, and if we were fortunate, catch a glimpse of some hatchlings making their way to the sea. Over the past four days, Trevor had provided us with detailed insights into the natural rhythms of the turtle world, highlighting February as the favoured month for witnessing the hatchlings' return.
Our unanimous acceptance of this offer was palpable, and once again, anticipation and excitement filled the air. Equipped with a better understanding of what to expect, the group held onto the hope that tonight would be the night.
We were far from disappointed. In stark contrast to our previous nighttime saunter on the beach, the evening was both darker and slightly cooler, thanks to a gentle sea breeze that swept across the open shore. As previously, we were led by Victor, whose brisk pace had become legendary through the tales shared around our campfire. Our spirited hike commenced, with many of us prepared for another lengthy walk.
Approximately 20 minutes later, we came to a halt. Victor, after instructing us to wait for a few minutes, disappeared into the darkness and returned to inform us that a turtle was in the process of digging her nest just a short distance away. Since any disturbance might cause her to abandon the nest, we held our position while Victor continued his brisk walk up the beach, hoping to spot hatchlings returning to the sea. With a clear understanding regarding the signals that would indicate hatchlings ahead, our group took a seat in the coolness of the beach sand as Victor continued his relentless pace further up the beach.
After about five minutes, Clive and Mandy whispered that they believed another turtle had arrived on the beach. I was initially sceptical, considering our presence, but there it was – no more than 5 to 8 meters away, a turtle slowly making her way up the beach toward the dunes.
Her arrival silenced our hushed conversations as we collectively savoured the profoundness of this remarkable experience. With a steady and deliberate pace, the turtle continued her ascent, affording everyone present the opportunity to witness her journey.
Shortly after she had retreated into the darkness, Victor returned, and we shared with him in whispers the recent sight we had beheld. We had hoped for the rare chance to witness two turtles laying eggs in a single evening, but Victor expressed doubts. He believed the close proximity of the two nests would likely deter the second turtle from nesting and she would return to the ocean to find another site from the safety and coolness of the water. His knowledge and experience would soon prove accurate, as the second turtle indeed made her way back to the ocean.
However, our hushed conversations had paid off, and the first turtle had completed the excavation of her nest and was now in the process of laying her eggs. Under Victor's careful guidance, we were positioned in a way that wouldn't disturb her, and beneath the gentle glow of a red light, we had the privilege of observing this magnificent sea creature as she laid her eggs before meticulously covering the nest with sand.
While witnessing this incredible moment, there was no denying the extent of the effort put forth by the turtle. After the rigorous process of digging, laying, and covering, she slowly made her way back to the ocean – a journey that, following the monumental task she had just undertaken, resembled the final meters of the Comrades Marathon, with runners giving their all to cross the finish line.
It was a truly enchanting experience, shared among a group of remarkable individuals, in the midst of a truly spectacular environment. The collective rush of excitement and energy was palpable as we made our way back to our vehicles. Our conversations buzzed with the thrill we all felt, even though we were well aware that the climb up the beach still awaited us. While the ascent was no walk in the park, it was certainly far less strenuous than the previous day's return to the vehicles. With a bit of huffing and puffing, we soon found ourselves back in our trucks, en route to camp.
With our memorable evening and impending departure the next morning, it was only natural that our campsite buzzed with conversation upon our return. What had started as a gathering of members, had now been transformed into gathering of friends, engaging one another in joyful conversation. It was heartwarming to hear how everyone had genuinely relished this adventure. Annie's enthusiastic praise was particularly notable; she went so far as to declare it a truly remarkable event, deserving a spot in the Clubs archives. For her, it stood out as the best event the Club had hosted in a very long time. Such feedback was truly spectacular and a testament to the dedication put forth by Trevor, Paul, and Mell in arranging this remarkable journey.
After a restful night's sleep, we awoke to yet another splendid breakfast. Soon, we all began packing our vehicles, preparing for the journey home. Some of us were bound towards home, while others were embarking on new adventures to different destinations. For Michelle, Jenefer, Chantené, and I, Malolotja National Park in Eswatini beckoned.
As our vehicles were loaded and our destinations set in our GPS devices, we bid farewell to Trevor, Blessing, and each other. Then, one by one, we set off on our respective paths. For me, the memories of this trip will remain etched in my mind for a lifetime—a truly enchanting experience shared with extraordinary individuals. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all for an unforgettable time in an unforgettable place.
