Experience a true RECONNECTION at Nyosi Explorer Camp
By Sarah Hall
I was fortunate enough to have been raised by parents who instilled in me a great love for nature and in particular the African bush. Growing up in Gauteng, we were spoilt for choice when it came to visiting National Parks and Game Reserves, with easy access to the likes of Sabi Sands, Pilanesberg, Kruger Park and many more.
Suffice it to say, I love the African outdoors. I love the smells, the scenery, the sounds, the whole bang shoot!
I was, therefore, delighted to be invited to join other media colleagues for a fun-filled, overnight experience of the Nyosi Explorer Camp, a new development on the Hopewell Conservation Estate by Mantis.
Unusually, we were asked to bring our children along so that we could all take part in their Nyosi/Get Real Reconnect Camp Experience. Sounds like fun? It was!
As some of you will know, Hopewell is situated about 20 minutes to the west of Port Elizabeth (a lot closer than you think!), on the edge of picturesque valleys and rolling hills that overlook the Baviaanskloof World Heritage nature reserve and mountains. The property boasts seven vegetation types, and has incredible biodiversity within the Reserve.
NYOSI EXPLORER CAMP
Nyosi Explorer Camp is nestled deep in the Hopewell valley. It comprises five contemporary tents that have been carefully positioned to give you the best possible views as well as privacy. Each tent boasts an extremely comfortable sleeping area, a viewing deck with seating, and an outdoor en-suite bathroom with shower.
There is also a fabulously rustic dining area with a deck and fire pit that overlooks the bubbling stream running through the valley, and it is here that you will be able to really unwind, reconnect and enjoy simple yet delicious fare cooked to perfection by Hopewell Chef Zola Qsheka.
GET REAL RECONNECT CAMP
The team at Hopewell is constantly looking for opportunities to bring you first time experiences ‘in our city of firsts’, and the Nyosi/Get Real Reconnect Camp Experience is exactly that. Co-hosted by Get Real Adventures and Hopewell Estate, these camps are aimed at working parents and their children – offering them the ideal environment to ‘reconnect’ and bond whilst having lots of fun – away from any ‘first world’ distractions, and with absolutely NO internet connection or cellphone reception.
With Nyosi Explorer Camp as your base, you get to experience quality time with your child/children, learning about and appreciating nature together, whilst taking part in some seriously fun and challenging activities, tailored to specific age groups, namely 8-11 and 12+.
MY RECONNECT EXPERIENCE
As you can imagine, my boys and I were very excited to take part in this little adventure, and after an extremely busy and somewhat stressful year, where we often existed around each other instead of with each other, it was the perfect opportunity for the three of us to ‘reconnect’.
Matthew is 15 and my independent, dreamy, cultural child. He’s in to drama, playing his guitar and being a fine young beekeeper. Travis, 11, is my sporty child. Yes, he’s great academically, but as far as he’s concerned, “I just want to play cricket and baseball for the rest of my life Mom”.
You can imagine the dynamic!
Throw in three more families – Guy Rogers (The Herald) and his three sons, Nadien Ellis (Die Burger) and her fraternal twins and Lance du Plessis (Algoa FM) and his son – and it promised to be an interesting experience.
As instructed, we all gathered at the Hopewell Restaurant for a light lunch (delicious!) and an opportunity to meet each other as well as the hosts from both Hopewell and Get Real Adventures.
Geran and Julia Ellish, Bongani Bonani and Zola Qsheka welcomed us to Hopewell with open arms and made us feel right at home. Geran then introduced us to Nick Kingsley and Dave from Get Real Adventures, who then spent some time explaining what to expect on our adventure and what would be expected of us in return.
The afternoon kicked off with a series of really fun challenges, where the youngsters were able to put the not-so-young firmly in their place with some very innovative solutions to certain tasks.
Then a leisurely hike down into the valley led us through some breath-taking scenery beside the banks of a picturesque stream that would eventually take us to our camp.
Along the way Geran and Bongani shared their extensive knowledge of the fauna and flora of the area. We were fortunate enough to see a Jackal Buzzard flying with a snake in its talons, and we spooked a young male Red Hartebees who proceeded to almost run the youngsters off the path in his attempt to flee. A young Kudu bull was also spotted climbing up the side of the valley, and a variety of insects, spoor and droppings kept us enthralled.
As the sun started to set behind the hills, we came to a clearing where Nick and Dave had set up their second round of challenges for us to complete. Let’s just say for the record that the youngsters were on top form.
A little further on, and we finally came to our destination point, Nyosi Explorer Camp.
Our luggage was waiting for us, and after some quick refreshment, we were shown to our tents and encouraged to take a few minutes to settle in and look around.
Back at the dining area, we gathered around the fire and took the opportunity to get to know one another better, whilst Zola, Bongani and Geran braaied meat and prepared the supper. We shared stories, laughed a lot and sang songs – completely forgetting about the outside world with all its stresses and worries. It was absolutely incredible.
After a very good night’s sleep we were all up bright and early, and gathered once again at the dining area. At this point I think most of us wished we were staying a bit longer! You could tell that we were all thoroughly enjoying ourselves and were loath to leave. I think the most profound realisation was that no one had mentioned their cellphone, laptop or internet connection since we’d arrived. It was almost like we’d forgotten they existed. Bliss!
Breakfast – yet another culinary delight – was quickly followed by a last series of challenges from Nick and Dave – all designed to get us to take stock of ourselves, our relationship with each other and our priorities. Well worth it.
The camp adventure ended off with a choice of mode of transport out of the valley and back up to the Hopewell Restaurant. One option was to go horseback riding with Andre Ferreira from Nooitgedacht Ranch, who arrived with a team of horses and helpers to take us back. The other option was to take a mountain bike supplied by Hopewell and ride back up through the valley. I opted for a scenic drive on the Hopewell utility vehicle – which I felt was much more dignified!
The entire Nyosi/Get Real Reconnect Camp was an incredible experience never to be forgotten. The boys and I are still talking about it, and planning our next one. I would highly recommend it to all parents whose frenetic lifestyle often undermines their relationship with their kids, and even for those who just want to strengthen the bond they have.
THE COST
If you are interested in booking some time for you and your kids to enjoy, then it will cost you R2750 per parent/child per night for kids 11 years and under, and R2950 per parent/child per night for kids 12 and older. This includes all accommodation, meals, select beverages (beer and wine excluded) and all activities provided.
Upcoming Reconnect Camps – 8-11 Age Group:
Book now to avoid disappointment: reservations@hopewellconservation.co.za
You can book the whole camp for your own use – find out more here
OTHER CAMPS
• Mountain Bike Camps
• Corporate Camps
• Horse Riding Camps
• Yoga and Wellness Camp
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