Summertime makes me a happy chappy. I am a November baby so I was born in this joyful season with the birds singing, the blue sky and summer rain that leaves that fresh smell of the earth lingering in the hot air. I love being out and about seeing people happy and living their best lives and travelling allows us to connect with new people and new experiences. Some things are just best done in summer, and for me, camping is one of them. Driving from Gqeberha to East London along the R72 is a beautiful experience, I recommend doing it over a full day and stopping at places such as Quinn’s art garden in Alexandria and having lunch at the Highlander’s Pub at the Royal St Andrews Hotel in Port Alfred.
We met up with Siseko Yelani from Uncuthu Tours at NU7 in Mdantsane. After driving in the heat it was so nice to be welcomed into his home with a cool drink which we sipped on gratefully while we listened to him explain the safety guidelines for our 2-day adventure. We signed indemnity forms, got our camping gear and off we went hiking through NU7. This was my second time ever visiting Mdantsane so I enjoyed walking around because usually when visiting a place you go to someone’s house or a guest house and might not have someone with you who knows their way around, knows interesting facts to share with you, or has the time to show you around. Having a guide in the township is a wonderful way to get into the way of life and experience it like a local.
Our afternoon hike took us to Bridle Drift Dam, a peaceful and secluded part of Mdantsane township surrounded by forests and hills with wonderful views. We hopped into some kayaks and paddles across the dam. If you have never pitched a tent in your life, consider this as part of the fun and try it out or let your guide do it for you and your home for the night will be ready in a few minutes. Once the tents were pitched we hiked uphill just in time to watch the sunset with a beverage in hand. There is something special about being in nature; strangers become new friends quickly as you share the unique sights and walk together through the bushes.
We were welcomed back to our campsite with a roaring fire. Gathered around the flames watching our guide prepare supper, I felt at home. Listening to the crickets in the distance as the tempo of their sound seemed to match the twinkling of the stars across the pitch-black sky. My new friends were sharing tales about their different experiences growing up in rural areas and townships. It seems that like me, they never thought they would enjoy camping because to some of us, sleeping outside on the ground was something we were worked so hard to avoid. I had to laugh out loud as I thought that because this was such an enriching experience. Nature can heal us of pains we never knew we had, and teach us wise lessons. Our tired bodies needed to rest so we went straight to bed after supper.
Uncuthu Tours can also arrange for a poet to join the trip and entertain you around the fire, please ask about this when you book. We asked too late so it could not be arranged for us.
On the second day of our adventure, we rose with the dawn to hike up the hills to watch the sunrise. What a breath of fresh air! Breakfast was sizzling on the coals when we returned, a hearty feast of eggs, bacon and toast. All meals are included in the price you pay and they are delicious and filling. If you have any food allergies or if there is anything you do not eat, please tell Uncuthu Tours when you book.
After breakfast, we hit the water and enjoyed almost 3 hours of kayaking across the Bridle Drift Dam towards the large sandbank, exposing us to the thickets on the water’s edge. From the water, we got a different scene, saw many different kinds of birds and small animals.
All that rowing works up an appetite. I was so grateful to smell braaivleis as we arrived on the shore. Lunch was served, and the afternoon was filled with fun and games. literally. Ball games, indigenous games and team-building exercises.
Time flies when you’re having fun. I could not believe we were having our second sundowners and dinner. We were all much more familiar with each other after bonding over the day’s activities so the second night was a late one. We enjoyed more stories from our guide, watched the stars and enjoyed drinks under the night sky; safe and sound around the campfire.
After a fun social night with the other guests, I was so happy to hear that we were not going to hike all the way back to Ncuthu Tours kwa7 eMdantsane. We had another amazing breakfast, packed our bags and rowed across the Bridle Drift Dam for the last time. To my delight, a shuttle picked us up and chauffeured us to our cars. And that, was the wild side of Mdantsane.
Article by: Mandisa Magwaxaza