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Good, bad or ugly? Riverbed Cycle Challenge, Kgalagadi

10/10/2012

89 Comments

 
Lion, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
By Roxanne Reid
Call me crabby but I can’t really see why cycling has a place in the Kgalagadi, where the major concern should be conservation. I’m also deeply dubious of the claim that a mountain bike race down the dry riverbed will raise funds for conservation. Let me tell you why.

What’s at issue here is the 155-kilometre Kgalagadi Desert Classic Riverbed Cycle Challenge to be held from Union’s End to Nossob in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park from 21 to 25 September 2013. Isn't this incongruous through what the previous park manager called a park 'with an amazing sense of wilderness'?

It’s not the first mountain bike race to be held in a wilderness area in southern Africa. The Desert Knights Mountain-Biking Tour in the Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park will beat them to it when it takes place at the end of October 2012. Starting at the Fish River Canyon in Namibia and ending at Sendelingsdrift in the Richtersveld National Park in South Africa, the action includes 275km of cycling and 34.5km of canoeing. The event is a collaboration between various organisations, including Namibia Wildlife Resorts and SANParks.

Arguments for sports events inside national parks all over the world emphasise that they are not just for the fun of it all, but to raise funds for conservation. For instance, there’s the Big Five Marathon in Kruger National Park or the marathon in Lewa Conservancy, Kenya. Exactly how much money these marathons have raised over the years I don’t know, but I’m told that it’s ‘lots’. The Kruger marathon, for instance, insists that each runner must raise a certain amount of money through sponsors in order to qualify, and this is used to help fund conservation projects both in Kruger and beyond.
Union's End, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Union's End
But let’s get back to the Desert Classic Riverbed Cycle Challenge in the Kgalagadi next year. One good sign is that the organisers moved the event from their desired date in March after they learned this would be a problem for nesting birds of prey in the area.

March is the beginning of the nesting season for tawny and bateleur eagles, and there are lots of nests between Nossob and Union’s End, where the cycle challenge will be held.

Bateleurs are especially sensitive to disturbance and readily abandon their nests, eggs or chicks – with negative effects on already-declining population numbers. So the organisers agreed to move the event to September. They say there are already only a few spots left.
Bateleur, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Bateleur photo: P. Buchanan
But I don’t think the whole thing has been thought through very carefully. I’m not anti-cycling; I’ve done my share of road-biking and mountain biking in my day. I just have questions – lots of them. Here are a few.

1. One big issue with events like these is the  common/public areas provided for all the spectators and competitors and support teams and food providers and organisers and medics and so forth. How tightly controlled will these be and how impeccably will they be cleaned up so that no trace remains in this wilderness area? 

2. What environmental effect will all the extra traffic (not only the cyclists, but the vehicles of organisers, supporters, spectators, food suppliers, medics and others) have on the single sand road between Twee Rivieren, Nossob and Union’s End, which is already a maintenance nightmare? Also, you gotta believe there will be back-up and safety vehicles off-road in the riverbed, despite what the organisers might say now about only cyclists being allowed in the riverbed. And don’t tell me filming and TV sports channels are going to stay on the road – hell no, not when all the action is in the riverbed!

3. What as yet unknown effect will all this extra activity have on nesting birds, plant ecosystems, animals? For instance, it’s all very well to say the cycle route will avoid raptor nests that are known to be in use, but what about all those that nobody knows about yet? And how are the ‘sensitive areas’ going to be established anyway? By riding around in the riverbed and into the dunes trying to locate them for the cycle event, that’s how.
Eland, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
4. How long will it take for the cycle tracks made in the dry riverbed to disappear, given that the Nossob only flows about once or twice a century?

5. Although field guides will accompany each group of ten cyclists, what happens if there’s a bicycle-animal exchange or other accident involving serious injury? Union’s End is incredibly remote, at least a ten-hour drive to the nearest hospital in Upington. Will a helicopter be on standby to carry out emergency medical evacuations from the course? And at what cost, both financially and environmentally?

6. I can't really see how the entrance fee of R4000 each for 50 cyclists is going to cover much more than the cost of mounting the four-day event– if that. R200 000 isn’t much to cover the expenses, with monitors, meals, accommodation, medics, etc, so where is the profit going to come from to use in conservation efforts? If the park is subsidising it, how much money will be ploughed into the event and lost to the worthier causes of conservation (or, indeed, general park maintenance)? 

7. If you watch the promotional video some other concerns might pop out at you too. For instance, at first you might think I’m kicking up a fuss about nothing when the voice-over says this race is ‘an opportunity [cyclists] will never get to have again in their life’. The phrase ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’ is repeated more than once. But then towards the end of the video comes the comment, ‘One day we hope this will be the premier cycle event of the calendar.’ So the plan is not for this to be once-in-a-lifetime event after all, but a regular event on the sports calendar, year after year. That changes the perspective.
Gemsbok, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
8. Although the promo video says cyclists will ride along game trails, the camera clearly shows the recce cyclists riding abreast in the riverbed. Other footage shot from a helmet-cam shows there’s no game trail in sight in front of the bike’s wheels; instead it’s riding straight across open veld in the riverbed.

9. The promo video also talks, understandably, about the privilege of being able to ride in a national park and among wild animals. Of more concern is the comment that cyclists will have the ‘opportunity of riding into predators’. We can only hope – for the sake of both cyclists and predators – that this was a slip of the tongue.

Presumably parks management sees this event as a good idea from a marketing perspective otherwise they wouldn't be doing it. I’m not sure, though, how thrilled visitors to Nossob are going to be next September when they find their route north blocked because this event is taking place. And that’s negative marketing.

In any case, how badly does this park really need to be marketed? Every month a clutch of South Africa’s travel and outdoor magazines run at least one if not more articles about the wonders of the Kgalagadi, so is a cycle race really needed as a marketing tool? 

As far as I can see, there’s only one other reason to hold such an event: to raise money for conservation. And I’ll
remain sceptical about how successful that will be until I see proof to the contrary. I really do hope I’m wrong.

If you feel strongly – either agreeing or disagreeing with me – please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Copyright © Roxanne Reid - No words or photographs on this site may be used without permission from roxannereid.co.za
89 Comments
stuart
10/10/2012 07:25:27 am

How does this race benefit the Park. It doesn't need the publicity as it's always fully booked. I think its stroking the organisers egos
How can the honorary ranngers support this. What's next a drag race! Good article.
Stuart( concerned)

Reply
Roxanne
10/10/2012 07:46:51 am

Thanks for your support, Stuart. You ask some pertinent questions, but I don't have answers I'm afraid.

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Derek Bock
3/11/2012 10:56:09 am

You can find the Hon. Rangers contact details for each region on the SANP website under HR's. I really think you should contact the Chairperson of this region and get his/her opinion. What does the Regional Mngr of SANP say about this? I think his name is Dries and he sits in Upington at their offices. Madness and stupidity all in one!

Andrew
10/10/2012 08:23:15 am

Again a trip for egocentric "conservationists" - who has ever thought of the animals opinion ? Don't harras the animals - leave the wilderness untouched .

Reply
Roxanne
10/10/2012 09:56:18 am

I feel the same about the wilderness, Andrew

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Johan Barnard
10/10/2012 09:50:26 am

Hi Roxanne

thanks for the article, Now we know about ti and we can try and do someting about it, we still have time.
They closed the tread on the SAn Parks site,

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Roxanne
10/10/2012 09:59:19 am

So I see now, Johan. Let's hope that 'futher official info' is forthcoming soon to answer our concerns. Please keep us informed if you find out anything further. Perhaps the thread can be kept alive here.

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peter
10/10/2012 01:38:25 pm

One of Kgalagadi’s main attractions is the lack of human intrusion and disturbance. If Sanparks sees the maintenance and preservation of this unique and pristine natural wilderness as its primary objective, for the benefit of both the wildlife species that exist there, but also in terms of visitor expectations and enjoyment, then this type of activity seems entirely inappropriate.

Must our national parks prostitute themselves by offering an increasing range of human group activities in order to cover operating costs? What comes next - a running marathon, golf, kite-flying, volleyball?

Perhaps Sanparks has a different vision for our national parks, with human recreational activities playing a bigger role than before? That may be warranted in some parks, especially those closer to big cities, but not Kgalagadi?

Why has the thread on Sanparks Forum been locked? Senior Sanparks officials appear in the promotional video, so management must have been aware and have approved ?

Reply
Roxanne
10/10/2012 03:31:46 pm

Thanks for your considered reply, Peter. You raise some valid points.

Reply
Cristina link
10/10/2012 02:27:42 pm

This is a really bad idea. The Kgalagadi is my favorite place in the world. I have seen leopards, lions and cheetahs hunt in it. They are used to cars but not bicycles. I wonder how they feel about cyclists? pretty stupid. And for conservation??? yeah right...

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Roxanne
10/10/2012 03:33:46 pm

Good point. That's precisely why we have to stay in the car in the park, because they accept cars. But now we're on the verge of a whole new game.

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Andrew
11/10/2012 01:34:27 am

The KNP is being subject to the same short sighted commercialisation strategy which seemed irreversible , untill the Aikona group (Against interference in Kruger - our national asset) intervened . A similar effort as instituted by this group is required

johan barnard
11/10/2012 12:48:56 am

I want to know if I can share ur article(link) on the Ride facebook page ?
I want to get reaction from their side(cyclist) as well

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Roxanne
11/10/2012 01:27:30 am

Sure Johan, that would be interesting to see.

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Andrew
11/10/2012 01:42:29 am

Perhaps an action group to the likes of Aikona (acronym for) Against Intervention In Kruger - Our National Assett could be formed , Aikona has had some effect in (temorarily?) staying the hotel developments in Kruger .

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Roxanne
11/10/2012 01:46:22 am

Andrew, your comment about Aikona and the Kruger National Park is a good one. Aikona has created a lot more accountability, though I'm not aware that it has managed to stop the hotels yet. Anyone willing to volunteer to start a KTP action group?

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Johan Barnard
11/10/2012 02:10:14 am

Where can we contact the "AIKONA" people, surely they can assist with this,

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Roxanne
11/10/2012 02:24:34 am

I have already sent links to this blog post and the thread on the forum to my contact at AIKONA and await a response.

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Gerhard Smit of AIKONA
11/10/2012 03:47:05 am

Stevenson Hamilton pleaded "Keep it Simple, Keep it Wild" upon his retirement after 44 years as Warden of the KNP, I am very sure that the le Riche family did the same or something very similar when they left the place that is sacred to many of us.

Unfortunately things have changed, much pleasure is derived by many during the exploitation of our National Parks. I get the impression that "CUSTOS NATURAE" has disappeared forever.

It is not only a cycle race planned for 2013, a cricket match is also planned to be played by members of the SANParks forum during the same year.

What is still quite fresh in my mind was the fishing competition organised by the Honorary Rangers of SANParks held at the Reënvoël Dam south east of Masorini a few years ago, supposed to raise funds guess for what - guess again - still wrong, the answer is to repair the roof of a lapa in the staff village in the Letaba Rest Camp. This was just an outing for a selected few which should never have taken place.

We are called purists and old fashioned and colonialist type, but please rest assured that no one can deny that the old ways in which Conservation was run in this country by the National Parks Board of South Africa was much better for Conservation than the people who are allowing the exploitation and commercialization of our conservation areas which are referred to as National Parks.

None of this can be allowed to continue.

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Roxanne
11/10/2012 04:19:24 am

Thanks for your comments and support, Gerhard. To clarify for those of us who are unsure, does AIKONA champion the KTP as well as KNP with the powers that be? In other words, is AIKONA focused exclusively on Kruger, or does its mandate extend to fighting inappropriate developments in other parks as well?

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Gerhard Smit
11/10/2012 04:38:19 am

Against
Interference in
Kruger and
Our other
Nature
Assets

This includes the KGP and all our Nature Assets.

Roxanne
11/10/2012 04:55:49 am

Thanks for that clarification, Gerhard.

Reply
Gerhard Smit
11/10/2012 10:39:34 am

Here are the contact details of the West Rand Honorary Rangers committee:

WESTRAND HRs

CONTACTS:
CHAIRPERSON: Peter Zietsman 082 322 2486
E-Mail: [email protected]
SECRETARY: Norma Gardiner 011 476 3057
E-Mail: [email protected]
LOCATION:
We are located in Discovery, Roodepoort, Gauteng

The contact details of the Chairperson: National Executive Committee SANParks Honorary Rangers:

Mr. Janssen Davies
[email protected]

I suggest that the persons mentioned above be informed of your views of this idea.

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Carin Malan
12/10/2012 01:58:07 am

This is redicilous !!! We've just been for our 14th year and things are really deteriorating. No water from above Kwang to Unions End at any of the waterhole's, wonder what the "lot" will be using ?? Lijersdraai picnic site no water, toiletpaper everywhere !

There was no water for 6 days at the hide at Nossob and another 100 beds have aparantly being approved for Nossob ?? How can someone from the UK "rule" in our beautifull Kgalagadi ?

By the way - we are big into cycling, just if you wondered !

Access the two fastest tourist growing areas, photograpy and birding and try and make money out of them !

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Roxanne
12/10/2012 02:27:21 am

You're right, water is a big issue in the Kgalagadi - or at least, lack of it. To be fair, though, Peter and Carin, I don't think anyone in the UK is "ruling" in the Kgalagadi - I reckon probably the moderator of that forum was told to lock it by Sanparks. Pity they didn't just come up with a reaction more quickly - that's good PR management. So now we wait for an official reaction. I have invited Piet Zietsman and Janssen Davies of the Honorary Rangers to add their comments to this conversation. Now let's see if they do.

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Johan Barnard
12/10/2012 02:29:41 am

Hi Carin

How can we get the cyclist involved to support this ?

The Ride magazine for exp.

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Carin Malan
12/10/2012 02:37:00 am

There was a small add in the Ride, that is where I saw it first, but what about the Pedal Power Assoc.
Telephone: (021) 689-8420
General queries: [email protected]
There is so much open land up there, why not doing it in not a sensitive area ??

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Roxanne
12/10/2012 02:40:47 am

Email already sent to Ride mag, but I'll forward it right now to Pedal Power Assoc too. Thanks for the heads up, Carin.

Steve Stephansen link
12/10/2012 05:41:52 am

Can we have the same male lion that attacked the Landrover a few months ago in the Kagalagadi Park on the cycle route for that period? Sure he will see that it will be the last cycle race in Kagalagadi.

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Roxanne
12/10/2012 06:26:46 am

Ooh, aren't you naughty?!

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Richard link
13/10/2012 04:28:40 am

I wonder if there will be much reaction to this event...it requires long-term planning and accomodation booked far ahead, for example, and it's going to be hot!

Why don't they at least cycly on existing roads?

Anyway, further discussion here too, on Africa Wild:

http://sagr.co.za/forum/viewtopic.php?f=128&t=1327

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Roxanne
14/10/2012 02:09:09 am

Richard, according to the organiser abouta week ago, there were already "only a few places left". So yes, I think there's been good take-up, probably from the HRs themselves and other cyclists, because the rest of us didn't know about it till I mentioned it here after noticing a news snippet in the cycling magazine "Ride".

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Gerhard Smit
13/10/2012 10:10:03 am

Aikona to this cycle challenge in the KTP. What next?

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Roxanne
14/10/2012 06:07:30 am

For your interest, the SANParks Honorary Rangers have posted a reply to our concerns on the FOrum Indaba. If you are a member you can see it here http://www.sanparks.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=73&t=66245&start=30. Unfortunately, if you are not a member, you're not allowed to access it, nor am I allowed to quote it.
Suffice it to say that the reply seems to lean heavily on the justification that the event is not a "race" but an "cycle trail" but I'm not sure that's really relevant, or even addresses the issues. I would have preferred to see scientific evidence from an independent study of how much/little effect the "trail" will have on the environment, plants, animals, etc.

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Roxanne
15/10/2012 10:00:36 am

Just to let people know that SANParks Honorary Rangers' Louis Lemmer has responded on the SANParks Forum http://ow.ly/eu3qu (you have to be a member to see this discussion). The response sidesteps many important questions, however, and does not seem to indicate that there is any environmental impact assessment that can be produced to answer those questions.

Another discussion can be found on the Africa Wild forum, open to non-members, see http://ow.ly/eu3PT

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Peter
15/10/2012 01:04:49 pm

Strongly recommend that everyone reads the shambolic, embarrassing and shameful responses from Sanparks senior management, and its proxy, the Honorary Rangers, to this absurdity. It is well hidden on their website, the public are kept away from discussions like this, you need to be a forum member.

Its a response which fundamentally exposes Sanparks lack of commitment to guarding and conserving our natural heritage - they are no longer "custodians", they have become developers. Their idea of a wilderness area includes marathons, bike races, open air concerts and the like. In other words, all those very same human-intensive urban activities that we are trying to escape from when we visit KTP.

The first word in Sanparks' mission statement is the word "develop".

"Custodian" and "conservation" and "wilderness", no longer appear at all.

Go figure.

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Roxanne
16/10/2012 08:19:58 am

Adrian, calling a point of view ignorant just because you don’t agree with it is not productive. All I have done is raise questions and ask for answers that are scientifically backed-up. To date, no such response has been forthcoming from either the Honorary Rangers or Sanparks. I don’t doubt the Honorary Rangers’ commitment for a moment; I just doubt the value of this particular event until we can be furnished with proof to the contrary.

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Steve Stephansen link
16/10/2012 09:25:55 am

Hi Roxanne.
I tend to agree with Adrian. As an old occupant of Kruger National Park and nature lover I just want to ask a simple question. Over the years in Kruger Park, so many things has changed. Rembering that night game drives were not allowed, cycling were not allowed, run trails (marathons) were not even to be heard of, 4x4 trails up north of the Kruger were not allowed, walking trails etc. These things are happening at the moment and to be honest with you, it also bothered me in the beginning with all the statements made about destroying nature, animals will get used to people etc., but in the end nothing of those things really happened. The benefit was that we did not complain about the extra income for the Kruger which were used to make things easier for visitors when visiting. I think we should consider the benefits rather than always "thinking" it could have damaging effects. Ain't a change as good as a holiday.

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Peter
16/10/2012 01:51:42 pm

@Adrian
Firstly, you argue that we can only attract new visitors and hence a wider audience to parks, if we are innovative and not old fashioned. To achieve this, you seem to suggest we allow visitors to do in the park, what they already do back home. Therefore, to attract motorbike riders, we should welcome them in the park and allow breakfast runs. Otherwise they will always be excluded. This is not a convincing logic. KTP does not have bike trails, horse riding, jacuzzis, hot air balloons, bars, not even 24-hour electricity in some camps, but the park enjoys very high occupancy levels. Something in the product offered at KTP is very appealing to a lot of people. Why change it? Can't we agree that each park might need individual tailoring, to meet different client expectations ? What the market is telling you is that bike riding is not going to necessarily attract more visitors, in fact it might discourage those that are looking for a true wilderness with an authentic bush experience in basic accommodation. No jacuzzis required....bike riding in the riverbed even less so.

You then argue that vehicles are more unnatural than bikes. Not sure how this is relevant. Cycling in a KTP riverbed is not natural. If we agree that unnatural modes of transport are necessary, and to limit it to one type, it has to be the motor vehicle. We all have one, wildlife is well adapted to vehicle presence, human interaction with animals is minimised, plus the well worn argument that animals see only the shape of the vehicle and not the humans within etc. The roads are already there. With the aim of maintaining the wilderness aspect, should we not limit the unnatural forms of human presence to the minimum, by agreeing that vehicles have the widest market acceptance, and are least intrusive from wildlife perspective?

Our crowded urban environments have intensive levels of human presence and activity. We come to the KTP to escape this, and experience a true wilderness, which contains no elements or reminders of life back home (once we leave camp). All we can take with is a vehicle which we use as a method to explore the wilderness, and within which we must remain at all times.

We do not want to see 200 joggers warming up for a marathon, or 20 motorbikes on a breakfast run, or 50 cyclists clogging a road, or hang-gliders or hot air balloons etc. These do not have a place in a wilderness area – you are only succeeding in adding a range of additional unnatural activities to the KTP environment, without evidence of any positive benefits.

Thanks though for adding some balance to this debate.

Reply
Adrian link
17/10/2012 02:30:02 am


Hi Peter
Why not change?
The Nossob Eco Trail was the result of change, as were the tented camps!
The “roads are there”, but even they were a result of change!
Do you feel that because you do not want things to change, things should not change?
Or is there another reason?
I’ve never said target cyclists specifically. I said targeting cyclists gives conservation an opportunity to expose the Parks to a wider number of people.
There are a lot of cyclists out there and a great market to tap into.
It’s not numbers that are needed – it’s spread.
If 1 person, during a period of 60 years, visited KTP once every year, then 1 person would have been exposed to conservation.
If 60 people, over 60 years, each make 1 visit to the Park, then 60 people would have been exposed to conservation.
My comment of cars being intrusive is very relevant, as everyone complains about a cycling event destroying their wilderness experience.
KGP is not a wilderness area.
If it was, cars would NOT be allowed.
I think offering a “wilderness experience” to guests on bicycles, accompanied with a trails guide, who will stop and explain things (like the walking trails in Kruger) is a fantastic change, and I have no doubt that in time, people who have so vehemently opposed this, will be on the waiting list!
If you were to be part of a guided trails cycle through KTP, it would be far more of a change from what you do at home, than driving your car through the Park!
To end off, two very relevant quotes - “We cannot discover new oceans if we do not have the courage to lose sight of the shore!”, and possibly even more pertinent – “All great changes are preceded by chaos”!
Go well.


Reply
Steve Stephansen link
17/10/2012 12:09:54 am

Definately not arguing with you, but to say the animals will see more of a human body than they should as they are used to the shape of cars is not the correct statement. There are many times animals are getting in contact with complete human figures, look-out points, walking trails, wardens and anti-poaching staff etc. If I am taking a wild guess now, motorbikes (noisy offroad -bikes) were supplied to game rangers and they were definately not traveling on roads as their type of work were to be offroad most of the times. Is this not damaging natural environment. As long as this cycling event is not going to commence more than once an annum, I see no damage in the whole concept. The government is not supporting SANparks with sufficient monies anymore, so what can we as the onlooker do to help? Look at other parks in our surrounding countries. Please do not let this happen to us as well. Help me out here please, as I see no other solutions to save this wonderful heritage for my children one day.

Reply
Adrian link
17/10/2012 03:15:55 am

Steve,
My apologies, I don't have time to go into detail.
Conservation decisions have been made by the relevant organisations, not the HR's.
The HR's are only hosting this event, due to their experience in running very successful events in other Parks.
All the Best

Reply
WOLF AVNI link
17/10/2012 12:42:01 am

@ Adrian;
you contradict yourself. you say;

"We cannot rely on perceptions and personal agendas, but have to work hand in hand with experts".

But it is becoming more and more obvious with every passing day that relying on their own perceptions and personal agenda is exactly what the HR's and Sanparks have done here. That is why they cannot produce the EIA that the public keeps asking for. They simply didnt do one.
you say "Work with the likes of SANParks, Birdlife, Dept. of Environmental Affairs,"

We are trying very hard to "work with" them. If they were so expert, surely they would have been aware of the legal requirement to base the plans for this event on some input from "experts". In this case that would be credible specialists in desert ecology. Tourism admin managers and PR executives are not qualified to make the calls, yet this is what SANparks and the HR's seem to be relying on. This is precisely what we are objecting to.

So you see, we actually agree with you. We are saying exactly the same thing;We cannot rely on perceptions and personal agendas, but have to work hand in hand with experts

. If you produce the legally required EIA that shows this event to be a good thing with no environmental downside, no ecological and aesthetic negatives...all the criticism will go away... but as long as the advocates of this event expect us to accept it, based on nothing other than their own self-righteousness, perceptions and agendas... we are going to fight it.

We want transparency and we want a properly constituted ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESMENT. the law makes provision for it. Why all the tap-dancing? Why not just shut all the critics up by producing the credible evidence to show this thing has been properly thought out and that the event is based on more than just the perceptions and agendas of a few members of a chummy little club?

If SANparks do not respond to the legitimate request for the results from the "experts" (EIA please, not some marketing spin doctor or self appointed VIP) then the next step will be to take the case, first before the general public, and then before the courts.

Let them decide between the HR's, SANparks or the critics of this thing, as to who are actually the knee-jerkers.

The sad thing is that HR's do a great deal of good work but they are forcing a showdown in the public arena that is going to leave both them and SANparks discredited, with gret deal of egg on their faces ~

Can you not comprehend thta the people fighting the event are actually passionate supporters of our nationl environmental heritage and the princples that are supposed to motivate the HR's? Very sad!!


Reply
Adrian link
17/10/2012 03:09:03 am

Wolf-Avni
Very quickly.
This is not an HR project.
This is a SANParks and Botswana Parks initiative.
West Rand Region have been asked to run with it because of their experience in running events in other Parks.
The HR's will not be discredited, those who pass judgement without establishing facts, will!

Reply
David link
22/10/2012 08:01:56 am

"The HR's will not be discredited"
Wow. I think this is the attitude so many are complaining about.

Adrian link
17/10/2012 02:33:04 am

I cannot spent the amount of time on this site that I have been.
My passion for conservation unfortunatley doesn't feed me - so it best I scamper.
I'd be very happy to meet face to face and have a public debate.
Thank you all for your views.
I must compliment you on being far more mature and pragmatic than the dealings I've had on other social media sites.
I will try and answer when I can, but with only 24 hours in a day, I must know my limits.
Go well.

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Roxanne
17/10/2012 08:56:20 am

Thanks to all contributors to this thread so far. Especially for maintaining their dignity in the face of what is obviously strong disagreement.

Reply
peter
17/10/2012 01:25:18 pm

@Adrian -
Change - no problem with any of the changes to the park at all. But not change without consideration of all impacts, for the park and stakeholders, interested parties. Change to achieve clearcut, transparent, planned objectives, not ad-hoc change just to try something new for a change (and possibly just for the benefit of a small group...)
Walking, 4x4 eco, and 4x4 route all properly investigated beforehand. Visual and aural impact on other users = zero. Ecological impact, properly assessed by qualified persons = minimal. Financial benefit or viability = unknown. Increase in diversity of visitors /attracting new visitors - insignificant, against approx 65 000 existing visitors.

Astonished you claim there is no difference in the remaining wilderness element in KTP, compared to say Addo. No park remains as it was when first unwrapped. Some human impact is unavoidable. KTP is as close as you can come to a wilderness. Cars and roads have been there for 70 years, the damage is done. This is not relevant to the discussion. Introducing an additional mode of access/transport is.

What backing do you have to claim a vast market of off-road bikers exists, that would come to KTP if only they could bike there, instead of Table Mountain, Addo or some other private trail or reserve back home? Unless they had a pre-existing interest in wildlife, in which case they would already have visited the park or a biking park, this is questionable.

I understand your explanation of a small group visiting every year, against a larger group visiting once every few years (even partially agree). Would like to know if this is Sanparks aim/policy, or your preference? Doubt Sanparks - if they are so short of funds (agreed) they would not take a chance with such a risky strategy. Thirty seven percent of visitors are foreign = possibly they are not old-fashioned and ignorant?

Face it, 50 bikers once a year = no material change to the overall visitor profile. No meaningful profit contribution (to the R18 million existing income). Any extra income is good income argument = nonsense. Better to chase the wildlife enthusiasts and photographers - which occupancy levels indicate has been a complete success so far. More money can be made from the photographers, as indicated in other forums.

Nobody is opposed per se to bikes in the park, we just ask for proper procedures (EIA etc), before decision is reached, a period for public comment, open and transparent publication of decisions and plans, long term plans for other similar activities, a usage zoning plan, zero visual and aural impact on other visitors, no impairment on enjoyment levels of others visitors, and some indication of profitability and numbers added to visitor base, ie benefit analysis.

Thanks for your efforts to explain the other side of the coin - much appreciated.

Likewise to Roxanne, for the excellent article, and bringing this to our attention.

Reply
Roxanne
19/10/2012 10:39:30 am

Thanks for your thoughts, John.

In a comment posted earlier today but which appears much higher up (search for "John" higher up to find this reply if you think I'm making this up!) Honorary Ranger John shared his thoughts. I'm copying them here for continuity. He said:

"Hi Roxanne, Thanks for your blog. I've been following it with interest, so too your thread on the SP forum. I'm an Honorary Ranger and totally against this event but protocol/rules don't allow me to express my opinion.
The first I became aware of this event was through your thread on SP forum. Even our chairman knew nothing of it; which shows how secretively it was organised. I dismissed it as a hoax. Now I know different of course.
"How can you hold an event like this in a park which is one of our last arid wilderness areas. What works in KNP does not work in KTP.
"If that is not enough, in a fossilized riverbed! We all know of the micro-ecosystem which occurs below the soil of the Kalahari. Thousands of holes/tunnels with a huge variety of creatures that live underground. Unseen at a casual glance but that will be disturbed by an indent of a tyre or foot.
"Then there is the visual polution, which has been widely discussed. Why cyclists and why in KTP? And their support vehicles and not to forget a film crew (on a sinister note I think thereby hangs a tale!).
"Why not a bunch of eco minded people camping out at Unions End learning/contributing to an event of hiking/stargazing/gamedrive etc. at a price. IOW an event in keeping with wilderness activities. Inherently respective of the area.
"This is an event for the 'well-off'. The park is 'marketing' itself to a certain affluent group. Transformation is a topic of concern in the HR's. Dr Mabunda in an awards ceremony speach spoke of 'National Parks were and still are preceived as a playground for the elite.' Does this event not promote that perception?
"Roxanne these are my main concerns. I mean no disrespect to anyone or their views." (end quote)


Reply
Adrian link
20/10/2012 03:35:31 am

Two quickies!
Firstly, there's been nothing secretive about this.
I know the public does not, and I don't think many HR's know of projects that are done by different HR Regions.
Is there anyone, John, you and your chairman included, who can name any projects that the West Rand Region have been involved in this year?
Some of them have had coverage on national TV, in newspapers and on a number of radio stations, so there’s been nothing secretive about them!
Secondly, and for me the biggest quandary emanating from this, is the position of the HR.
The HR’s were formed to support SANParks, and if, like John, you don’t, surely there’s only one option open to them!

Reply
WOLF AVNI link
20/10/2012 05:54:02 am

A Adrian; Nothing secretive? The recce was done in June 2011. The promotional link was posted on Facebook in September, but with no public visibility. the only way you could see the so called "promo" was if you were given the link. It was so secretive that between September 2011 and 10 October 2012, it enjoyed FEWER than 320 views!!! thats less than 1 view per day for over a year on FACEBOOK>

Not secretive? you cant be serious. Then, in October a small advert was placed in a cycling mag. that was the first anyone outside the small (secretive) inner circle got to know about. Please compare: AnnieR posted her comments on Sanparks forum on 10.10.2012. In barely 10 days the thread has had about 5000 views and over 300 comments. On 14/10/2012, I opened a thread on ODP. in 4 days it had over 1200 views and over 50 comments.
Adrian... please define your understanding of secretive? Maybe we exist in parallel universes... and it yours it has a different meaning. P.S. when the advert appeared... it informs us ONLY A FEW SPOTS ARE STILL OPEN. So please tell us on an open forum, who signed up and filled the available slots before it became public knowledge.. and how were they informed before the rest of us.

As for your comment regarding John... you should be ashamed!! Is the HR organisation some kind of dictatorship where no-one is permitted to disagree? If you disagree you are disloyal?
WOW. Very revealing.

Also, now that the official SANparks response admits to being informed by "opinion" rather than scientific fact, do you still stand by comment regarding "We cannot rely on perceptions and personal agendas, but have to work hand in hand with experts".?

Because so fr all the SANparks and HR official comments, in the absence of any credible studies, appear to be doing just that.
Please name one single desert ecologist who has endorsed this. SANparks and the HR's are of the perception that its irrelevant. Its a perception you seem to share. We disagree. We would like to see some credible facts before giving the event our blind endorsement.

b.t.w. the dictionary defines "opinion" as; 'what appears to one to be probably true'
Sorry SANparks... not good enough. Why are you so scared to test it scientifically and put it beyond the bounds of perceptions?

Roxanne
19/10/2012 10:42:52 am

Like John, I have the impression that very little was known about this event at all levels until it appeared on the SP forum. Although an impression is not a fact, as I’m the first to acknowledge, it would explain why it has taken a whopping NINE DAYS for a response to our questions to be posted on the SP forum. I don't count the earlier PR comments from Mr Lemmer as a response since they didn't answer any questions raised in the forum.

Note that in the comment I quoted above, "John", who is an Honorary Ranger himself, admits that even the chairman of the HRs knew nothing about this event. Again, perhaps, a reason for all the delay.

I fully agree with his comments about the KTP's 'wilderness' and the 'fossilised riverbed' and I feel as if we are now being brushed off with hastily concocted 'protocols' AFTER the event has already been decided on.

And I still have a problem with the fact that Sanparks spokesman Gabrielle talks of Sanparks/KTP staff and HRs being "of the opinion" that the cycle event will cause not long-term environmental damage. The way I see it, scientific studies are put in place (or should be) precisely to PREVENT actions taken on the basis of mere opinion.

Reply
John
19/10/2012 11:25:23 am

Hi Roxanne, A quick correction, the chairman of our Region did not know about the event when asked, not the chairman of the HR's - just so's there is no misunderstanding.

Reply
Roxanne
19/10/2012 11:33:09 am

Gotcha, thanks

John
20/10/2012 10:02:12 am

Hi Roxanne, One more thing, I remain committed to the HR cause, not a hard-done-by or disgruntled individual. I have served the cause for quite a few years, spending my retirement giving something back. I can easily say its been the happiest time of my life. All I'm doing on your blog is expressing an opinion about a particular area in KTP that I'm so passionate about.

Reply
anthony
22/10/2012 01:13:24 am

Wow guys, very over the top and emotional. I hear bushmen actually walk in the Kgalagadi, and not even on existing roads.... I think they should be stopped!!

Reply
Wolf Avni link
22/10/2012 05:22:40 am

Of course they do... and the San take 6~8 off road SUVS per 4 persons everywhere they walk in the Kgalagadi.They travel with medical backup, seconds, and leave their footprints in the name of elite recreation events, following the exact same trail down the fossil riverbed every year. Well spotted Anthony. Great unemotional clarity.

Reply
David link
22/10/2012 08:27:55 am

Hi Roxanne
Keep it up. There are too many unanswered questions. We need to make this public, and not on the SANParks forum which is nowhere near visible enough.
I am currently trying to find a conservation watchdog, or law firm to see if we can get them to weigh-in on some of the issues at hand - specifically whether an EIA is required by law.
My views here: http://www.cape-hike.co.za/sporting-events-in-national-parks/

Reply
russ
23/10/2012 02:56:49 am

Here’s what really concerns me:
1. HRs and SANParks say that the sole reason for the event is to raise money.
I spoke to the organizers of two main cycling events in South Africa and they all say that R4000 entry fee per cyclist will cover only a fraction of the costs. The event will need to be sponsored by more than R500 000. Is SANParks footing the bill? The concept that the HRs will make a profit from this is dubious because it is very difficult to get sponsors for a new event like this. Costs include mobile toilets, fuel, water containers, food, trucks (for the bikes, cyclists, catering staff, organisers quad bikes, marshals, catering equipment, etc), food, etc. If trucks aren’t being used but cyclists, spectators and support staff are going up to Union’s End in their own vehicles, you’re looking at 70-80 vehicles. Where will they be parked overnight and during the event?

2. There will be inconvenience to the normal visitors and the environment.
For 50 riders they will need more than 40 personnel to run the event, who will also have to move with the event and be accommodated in tents. There will be spectators, camera crews, etc. As the cyclists and spectators have to bring their tents there could be more than 100 tents at any one stop over. Is the park going to have to clear the vegetation to accommodate them as the existing camp sites at Polentswa cannot accommodate such large numbers. During the event the spectators, trucks and personnel will also be clogging up the road, making it unpleasant for other visitors who may have paid about R1000 a night to be in this quiet, pristine area for the sole purpose of game viewing.

3. If the park is going to use their staff and equipment, there is a cost to the park.
What happens to the guided drives, walks and other events that the KTP guides would ormally be conducting? Are they cancelled – at a loss of revenue to the park?

4. Are the guides cycling or will they be using quad bikes?

5. If some sponsorship is raised where will the advertising material and banners be placed. In the riverbed? Will the visitors be exposed to this as they go on their game drives?

6. Are they going to use a helicopter during the event? Noisy and intrusive, likely to scare animals away so game viewing for other visitors will be poor.

7. Normal visitors should have been told of the event when they book so that they could decide if they want to take up their booking at the time of the event or not. The warning on the website was put up too late for many bookings, and in any case people don’t look at the website before booking. The reservations call centre should be advising of this event.

Reply
peter
23/10/2012 03:13:06 am

Some disturbing issues you have raised here, Russ. Hoping that we get a meaningful response, but not hopeful.
No doubt much of the equipment (portable toilets, water trucks) will have to come from Upington all the way to Union's End, and then rumble around the park, following the cyclists? Costs must be considerable.
Whose cruel idea was this?

Reply
Aldyth Barber
28/10/2012 07:03:39 pm

Not a good idea. This is one of the most awesome places on earth. The animals roam freely, spectators are well behaved. This is no place for cyclist races, not even for a good cause. Go cycle someplace else.

Reply
Andre
29/10/2012 12:02:28 am

It will be a very sad day if this event ever has to take place, it’s just NOT THE PLACE for it……

Reply
Johan Barnard
29/10/2012 08:29:35 am

After spending the last 2 weeks in the Kgalagadi and speaking to some of the SAnparks rangers. I could not found 1 ranger who liked or support the Race, They are also upset , but are too afraid to voice their opinions.

Johan

Reply
Roxanne
31/10/2012 01:26:13 pm

I can't really blame them, Johan. If they were consulted (which we don't know that they were), they will have expressed their concerns, only to be ignored. If they said anything publicly now, it could mean putting their jobs on the line - and who can afford to do that? But it's good to know that some conservationists still think like conservationists.

Reply
WOLF AVNI link
1/11/2012 12:37:12 am

Some very harsh things have been said about the honorary rangers... and with merit.

However, it's not so much the HR's themselves who are an enemy, but their leadership who may be letting them down badly. We are beginning to get a picture that MANY HR's are not in favour of the event. More than that, although they too have been gagged and cannot express themselves freely, it is becoming clear than many senior KTP field staff, you know, field rangers, ecologists, etc, are strongly opposed to the event on the same grounds that stakeholders are.

The picture that is emerging is that the organisers have been aware from the beginning of the environmental issues and concerns... but that they intend suppressing the views of the ecologists... and prostituting the ecology to their marketing and commercial imperatives... As not much money is likely to be realised off this first inaugural event, clearly the intention must be to scale it up in subsequent events. THIS THING MUST BE STOPPED.

If to do that, the bad faith and cycicism of SANparks marketeers and tourism product 'developers' must be exposed, then so be it!!!

Reply
Pieter Hugo
3/11/2012 11:55:07 am

My only experience of the Kgalagadi is that this is a very sensitive eco-system. I grew up on a farm in the Karoo and is very aware of the human's harm to nature in general and how long it takes to turn it around again, if ever.

Some comments of supporters of the tour is that if an EIS shows that even "normal visitor's" should be scaled down or even stopped, anti-tour supporters will be shooting themselves in the foot.

If that is the case does that not support our case and even makes it stronger, to stop the tour?

Reply
Mignonne van Heerden
5/11/2012 06:45:37 am

I am totally against the Cycling Event for all the good reasons that has been mentioned previously on this site.

I am an ex-Honorary Ranger that served SANparks for many years. My husband was chairperson of the Tsitsikamma region for many years. We organised many huge and profitable funraisers through the years at the Tsitsikamma National Park. But it was mostly done outside the park where no harm would be done to the environment.

But when the local community was insisting on having fishing rights in this conservation area, we had the audacity to raise questions and objections. First of all we sent our questions to our Park Manager. No answers were received to this day. Then we forwarded the questions to the CEO of SANparks, mr David Mabunda. We as HRs received so many letters of concern from egologists from around the world, that we had to get specific questions answered. And we personally had big concerns about how this problem would be handled in a practical way.

Well, I fully understand why HRs are too scared to voice their objections.

Mr Mabunda immediately contacted the CEO of the HRs
and demanded that we should back off " and not interfere with decisions of SANpark management." (At this stage the Minister of Environmental affairs was still concidering the matter and NO descision has been made)
Mr. Mabunda suggested that we stick to our job as voluneer workers and fundraisers for the park. He indicated that he did not need any pressure groups from within the organisation, and that we were welcome to leave the group if we want to object to his /SANpark's decisionsl

We felt that it would not be possible for us to be "useful
idiots" that was not allowed to voice any concerns or point out problem areas, and thus resigned.

So yes, there might be a lot of concerned HRs around.
Do I understand it correctly that Sanparks asked the HRs to be involved? If so, it makes matters even worse for the poor HRs. They must walk a very tight rope not to kick up any dust anywhere. This is Africa!

Well, now that we are just visitors to the parks, I once again has the freedom to object to things that SANparks are doing with MY HERITAGE.

I have the highest regard for the HRs and their dedication and hard work.

I suggest that these devoted and sincere people redirect their biking event to the communities next to the park.


Then wine and dine the cyclists in the park, take them on game drives and photographic excursions.

In this way they wil be concerving the very
precious "sense of place" that is one of the main aims of SANparks.

And they would be developing the neighbouring communities and encourage closer and better relationships with them... also on of the important missions of SANparks.

But please do not change the caracter of the park!!

We had bookings for Septembe next year, but cancelled it. We will just slip over the boder next to the park, and go to untamed places in Namibia. So much for promoting the park!

Mignonne van Heerden




Reply
Roxanne link
5/11/2012 07:03:50 am

Thanks for your input and interesting background, Mignonne.

I agree 100% with your following comment: "I suggest that [they] redirect their biking event to the communities next to the park.Then wine and dine the cyclists in the park, take them on game drives and photographic excursions.In this way they wil be conserving the very precious 'sense of place' that is one of the main aims of SANParks. And they would be developing the neighbouring communities and encourage closer and better relationships with them, also one of the important missions of SANParks."

Reply
johan
5/11/2012 07:12:37 am

Below is the response from the Ride mag. FB after requesting permission to post this link on their FB.

"Hi Johan, thanks for your mail and my apologies for only responding now - been on a heavy deadline.

Roxanne Reid does make some very valid points, however will be far from the first, or even second event in a wildlife area. If it is run in a similarly sensitive and eco-friendly manner as an event such as, say, Tour de Tuli is (and we believe it will be) then it can only benefit the area."

Roxanne link
7/11/2012 06:55:27 am

Thanks for posting Ride magazine's reply to your Facebook post, Johan. I'm not sure that they understand the difference between a "wildlife area" and a "wilderness area" though.

Reply
stuart
9/11/2012 01:31:57 am

So now we're a month later and still there's no answers from the powers that be. Are they just dragging their heels or madly scrabbling around looking for answers they should already have had on their desks?

Reply
johan Barnard
9/11/2012 04:40:56 am

Not 1 of the 2 , I believe. the latest rumour is that they are having meetings for the planning of the event, Which rangers will be responsible for the tents ect....

Reply
Wolf Avni
9/11/2012 10:00:56 am

Hi Johan,
what is the source for this information?

Reply
Roxanne
11/11/2012 10:57:33 am

Sadly, on 11 November we are all still waiting for answers to many questions about this event, which we first posed on 10 October. We've also had no response to our question ten days ago about WHEN we can expect the "more informed decision on the matter" that we were told "will be communicated in due course".

While we wait, I have summarised some of main questions I want answers to in a new post you can see here:
http://ow.ly/fc6ez.

Feel free to add your own burning issues.

Reply
Johan Barnard
26/11/2012 04:21:39 am

I believe this can work much better than a race in the Nossob. Why can't this not happen in the Kgalagadi region ?

"The SANParks Honorary Rangers Addo Region are looking for your best pictures of the park. The MyAddo Photographic Competition runs until 28 February and there is more than R50 000 worth of prizes to be won."

The entry fee is R40.00 .

Johan

Reply
Roxanne
26/11/2012 01:36:33 pm

Sounds like an environmentally friendly, appropriate option.

Reply
Andrew
20/2/2013 09:13:16 am

What is the latest on this ?

Reply
Mignonne van Heerden
5/3/2013 01:21:17 am

We are four families that has been planning a holiday in Kgalagadi during this September. When I phoned about a month ago to ask if the tour is going ahead, an d when and how, my call was directed to dr Erasmus - apparently the person in charge of communication and tourism.

He was surprised at my question. He thought that it was perhaps cancelled, was unsure if the event was going to take place, and thought that it might not go ahead at all. He would forward any information to me when he received anything.

Until today I did not receive any news.

Reply
Roxanne
5/3/2013 11:39:48 am

As far as the rumours go, Andrew and Mignonne, it seems that the "new" event slated for the south of the park, on the roads near Twee Rivieren, has faded completely and that an event is now to be held at Augrabies instead. (There is already a mountain biking component there in the Gariep 3-in1 trail, so that seems to make more sense.) However, I have been unable to confirm this officially. A request over two weeks ago for an update on the locked thread on the SANParks Forum has yielded nothing. I'm still going to try and get an official response and will let you know if I do.

Reply
Roxanne
8/3/2013 09:54:44 am

I now have an official response stating that consideration is being given to cancelling the event but a decision hasn't finally been made. Apparently when the route changed to run along the road near Twee Riveren, some cyclists cancelled their participation. According to SANParks' Paul Daphne, "it does look as though the revised route may not be viable".

He confirms that SANParks are currently looking at a route in the Augrabies Falls National Park as an alternative but nothing has been decided yet.

Reply
Hendrik Pretorius
26/7/2013 02:31:46 am

I am a cyclist. Messing with an ecosystem as fragile as Kgalagadi is ridiculous. Please visit www.thehubsa.co.za It is a large message board for cyclists.

I posted at this link.....
http://www.thehubsa.co.za/forum/topic/128879-kgalagadi/

Reply
Roxanne link
26/7/2013 03:41:01 am

Thanks for your comment, Hendrik. The latest I've heard is that the thing won't happen in Augrabies either, because none of the cyclists who were scrambling to ride down the Nossob riverbed were keen about the venue change so it all fizzled out.

Reply
Hendrik Pretorius
26/7/2013 04:20:54 am

In two weeks we start our 13 day camping holiday at Twee Rivieren and Nossob...... cannot wait!!!!!!

Reply
Roxanne link
26/7/2013 07:50:47 am

Oh no, you're making me jealous! Enjoy it.

Reply
Pieter Hugo
26/7/2013 10:02:34 am

Hi, We've just returned from our 1st camping tour with Bhejane Adventures and returned from Botswana via Ghanzi, Kang, Hukuntsi, Zuthswa and entering the KTP at the Kaa gate. (Were the only people at the unfenced Kaa camp!)

The north eastern part of the KTP (Botswana side) is lush with a lot of game whilr the traditional Gemsbok Park is dry and barren with little game.

The Botswana parks are building two new luxury camps with chalets at Polentswa en Rooiputs.

Reply
Roxanne link
26/7/2013 01:57:04 pm

That sounds fabulous, Pieter. Yes, the Rooiputs camp is finished (and in sight of both the road and the campsite, unfortunately), Polentswa is currently being built, and there's another set to be built at Union's End.

Reply
Mignonne van Heerden
26/7/2013 10:52:32 am

Well, we have organised our tour to be before the September dates of the Cycle Race. Hope to see only the animals in the riverbed!!

Reply
Roxanne link
26/7/2013 01:59:25 pm

Thank goodness the cycle event isn't happening at all anymore! Hope you see lots of animals. Kgalagadi is always awesome.

Reply

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