2012 Weekly Summary #15: 15 Apr 2012 – Swartwater to Louis Trichardt

Week 15…success after success

9^th April 2012

Day 100

Swartwater to Alldays

Arrived at Mogalakwena River Lodge, as the name suggests on the Mogalakwena River. Full of crocodiles, we decided firmly not to go for an afternoon swim. A beautiful place with beautiful staff running it. Had a great chat with Isabella and Ludi before what was the best steak of our whole lives.

10^th April 2012

Day 101

Alldays

Busy day of filming and exploring the various projects that Mogalakwena has to offer. The eco-centre is run by Ludi who also does a lot of research for the centre on the side. The Arts & Crafts community-run centre is managed by Isabella’s mother Elbe who is also doing a fantastic job. Went for a nice evening drive with Isabella and to the lookout point that scans all over the bushveld.

11^th April 2012

Day 102

Alldays to Mapungubwe via Musina

Left Mogalakwena and made our way to Mapungubwe via Musina for a quick Chris fix (as always). Arrived at Mopane Bush Lodge in the afternoon and enjoyed a delicious dinner with the other guests that evening.

12^th April 2012

Day 103

Mabungubwe

Full day at Mapungubwe, the morning consisting of a hike up the mountain in the National Park to look at the ancient artefacts of the area. The afternoon was spent with Andrew on a wonderful game drive through the park where we were lucky enough to spot Elephant, Lion and even the elusive Leopard. That evening we enjoyed dinner in the Boma around the fire.

13^th April 2012

Day 104

Mapungubwe to Louis Trichardt

Headed in the Mesina direction once again, this time for Louis Trichardt. It wasn’t long before we had left the bushveld behind, instead to be greeted with beautiful mountains and lush greenery. Checked into Mashovhela Lodge right in the heart of the mountains and then headed out on a walk with a guide to hear about the history and future of the area.

14^th April 2012

Day 105

Louis Trichardt

A beautiful scenic mountain drive to Madi a Thava Lodge, in Louis Trichardt itself for the weekend, giving us a good chance to explore and find out more about the various project the owners have going on including their Dancing Fish Gallery and community arts and crafts projects.

15^th April 2012

Day 106

Louis Trichardt

A nice Sunday in Louis Trichart and a fantastic tour around the Dancing Fish Gallery at Madi a Thava.

…of the week:

• Towns visited this week –Swartwater, Alldays, Mapungubwe, Musina, Louis Trichard
• Accommodation sponsored this week –Mogalakwena River Lodge, Mopane Bush Lodge, Mashovela Lodge, Madiathava Lodge
• Food sponsored this week – Mogalakwena River Lodge, Mopane Bush Lodge, Mashovela Lodge
• Highlight of the week – For the first time I think we can say the WHOLE week as this was one of the more beneficial weeks we have had thanks to Mogalakwena, Mopane, Mashovhela and Madi a Thava
• Lowlight of the week – Missing both FA Cup Semi-Final matches!
• Accommodation of the week – Mogalakwena River Lodge
• Meal of the week – Steak at Mogalakwena

See you in a week…