It is early in the morning. Very early. In fact it is still dark (and cold) as we headed northwest of Johannesburg to Skeerpoort in the Magaliesberg for a sunrise appointment with a hot air balloon pilot who was taking us on a flight. Arriving at the launch site, we were greeted by a choice of fruit juice, coffee or tea to accompany a rusk or other such snack.
After a briefing about the flight and what to expect, we signed our lives away and then proceeded to the field where the colorful "envelope" was laid out attached to a large wicker basket resembling a large picnic basket. A gas flame was being used to heat the air inside the envelope which gradually filled out until it lifted vertically above the gondola into which the passengers and pilot clambered. The rope anchor tethers were cast off and slowly, silently the balloon lifted up into the still morning air.
Steering a hot air balloon is tricky and comes with experience. Essentially, wind or breezes blow in different directions at different altitudes and the experienced pilot uses the gas flame to heat the air to ascend and taps off to descend! Sounds simple? Huh. Drifting silently over the Magaliesberg and Skeerpoort mountain ranges is indescribably peaceful and beautiful.
In what seemed to be no time at all, our pilot brought the balloon gently back to earth in a field where transport was waiting to convey us back to the club house where a sumptuous breakfast including champagne awaited the hungry passengers. Groups of between 2 and 18 passengers can be accommodated and special events such as game viewing or team building can be arranged. A young friend even arranged a "proposal of marriage" flight (she accepted!). Flights also take place over the Waterberg and Pilanesberg.
The first manned flight took place in France towards the end of the 18th century. New records have continued to be set in recent times with Richard Branson co-piloting a trans-Pacific high altitude balloon in 1991 but the longest duration and distance record was set in 1999 by Bernard Piccard when he circumnavigated the world.
http://www.balloon.co.za/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hot_air_balloon
http://www.hotairballooningsa.co.za/
http://www.air-ventures.co.za/
Monday, December 9, 2013
Monday, December 2, 2013
Mrs. Emmarentia Geldenhuys' Estate
Take 81 hectares of prime real estate just 6 kilometres from the Johannesburg CBD, build a 7.5 hectare dam, plant some 30 000 trees and 4 500 roses and what do you have? The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and the Emmarentia Dam, a favourite destination for canoeists, cyclists, joggers and dog walkers alike. Not to forget picnickers.
Back in 1886, a Mr. Louw Geldenhuys bought part of the historic Braamfontein farm and created the Dam named after his wife to be, Emmarentia. Upon his death, it was bequeathed to the City who used part of the land to develop some sports fields while the rest was left as indigenous grasslands. It was only in 1968 that the City Council agreed to develop the Botanical Gardens, a long time after they had gone out of fashion internationally.
The Rose Garden was terraced and planted with a wide variety of roses set amongst a number of ornate fountains. A herb garden is planted with many species that are used for both traditional medicinal, beauty and culinary purposes. In addition, a succulent garden has been developed over the years and now numbers over 2 500 plants, the most extensive on the continent.
The Gardens belong to a network of similar gardens around the world that exchange seeds each year and a number of the trees have been grown from these seeds. Some of these are quite rare and endangered in their native habitats.
Refreshments are available from a tea terrace while the arboretum hosts exhibitions eg the annual Orchid Exhibition and talks. It is also an ideal area to host events such as kite flying competitions as well as musical performances. It is a great family destination and conveniently located.
http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/johannesburg_botanical_gardens_and_emmarentia_dam/
http://www.jhbcityparks.com/index.php/conservation-contents-95/botanical-gardens-contents-96
Back in 1886, a Mr. Louw Geldenhuys bought part of the historic Braamfontein farm and created the Dam named after his wife to be, Emmarentia. Upon his death, it was bequeathed to the City who used part of the land to develop some sports fields while the rest was left as indigenous grasslands. It was only in 1968 that the City Council agreed to develop the Botanical Gardens, a long time after they had gone out of fashion internationally.
The Rose Garden was terraced and planted with a wide variety of roses set amongst a number of ornate fountains. A herb garden is planted with many species that are used for both traditional medicinal, beauty and culinary purposes. In addition, a succulent garden has been developed over the years and now numbers over 2 500 plants, the most extensive on the continent.
The Gardens belong to a network of similar gardens around the world that exchange seeds each year and a number of the trees have been grown from these seeds. Some of these are quite rare and endangered in their native habitats.
Refreshments are available from a tea terrace while the arboretum hosts exhibitions eg the annual Orchid Exhibition and talks. It is also an ideal area to host events such as kite flying competitions as well as musical performances. It is a great family destination and conveniently located.
http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/johannesburg_botanical_gardens_and_emmarentia_dam/
http://www.jhbcityparks.com/index.php/conservation-contents-95/botanical-gardens-contents-96
Sunday, December 1, 2013
A Wetland of International Importance
Picture the scene. A spectacular Highveld sunset complete with storm clouds in early summer and the sky black with swallows flying in to roost among the reeds. Not just for a few minutes but continuously for about an hour! That equates to several hundreds of thousands if not a million plus birds!
Tranquil and peaceful come to mind as the best description of the Marievale Bird Sanctuary located in the Nigel area about an hour's drive south east of Johannesburg. Many people particularly overseas, go to extraordinary lengths to seek out solitude which just happens to be one of the attributes of this pretty reserve.
Set amongst farmland and the mine dumps of the former Marievale Gold Mine, this important Bird Sanctuary is on a flood plain of the Blesbokspruit River which eventually empties into the Vaal River system. Covering approximately 1 000 hectares, Marievale has been designated as a "Ramsar" wetland which means that it is of international significance and importance. In 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, an intergovernmental convention was agreed outlining a framework to protect wetlands and their resources around the world.
Several bird hides overlooking the four pans provide endless opportunities for photographers and birding enthusiasts while those who enjoy walking or strolling, will find the flat terrain not at all arduous. A delightful and well maintained picnic site boasts neatly trimmed lawns, toilets, braais and thatched shelters. Overnight accommodation is available on the property in the form of two comfortable cottages.
Although Marievale is a Bird Sanctuary and obviously is an important birding destination, it can be enjoyed by anyone who likes to be out of the hustle and bustle of town. For the birder, some rare and unusual birds can be observed but Cape Clawless Otters and Suricates have made this home as well. Entry is free of charge.
http://www.birdingroutes.co.za/gauteng/sites/gbrbs1.12_marievale_sanctuary.html
http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/marievale_bird_sanctuary/
Tranquil and peaceful come to mind as the best description of the Marievale Bird Sanctuary located in the Nigel area about an hour's drive south east of Johannesburg. Many people particularly overseas, go to extraordinary lengths to seek out solitude which just happens to be one of the attributes of this pretty reserve.
Set amongst farmland and the mine dumps of the former Marievale Gold Mine, this important Bird Sanctuary is on a flood plain of the Blesbokspruit River which eventually empties into the Vaal River system. Covering approximately 1 000 hectares, Marievale has been designated as a "Ramsar" wetland which means that it is of international significance and importance. In 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, an intergovernmental convention was agreed outlining a framework to protect wetlands and their resources around the world.
Several bird hides overlooking the four pans provide endless opportunities for photographers and birding enthusiasts while those who enjoy walking or strolling, will find the flat terrain not at all arduous. A delightful and well maintained picnic site boasts neatly trimmed lawns, toilets, braais and thatched shelters. Overnight accommodation is available on the property in the form of two comfortable cottages.
Although Marievale is a Bird Sanctuary and obviously is an important birding destination, it can be enjoyed by anyone who likes to be out of the hustle and bustle of town. For the birder, some rare and unusual birds can be observed but Cape Clawless Otters and Suricates have made this home as well. Entry is free of charge.
http://www.birdingroutes.co.za/gauteng/sites/gbrbs1.12_marievale_sanctuary.html
http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/marievale_bird_sanctuary/
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