Events

SA National Parks Week Announced

SANparks has announced the dates for their eagerly anticipated SA National Parks Week which offers free park access for South African citizens to encourage them to visit, explore and appreciate our exquisite national parks. The dates for Addo Elephant National Park: 9 – 13 September 2024. Unbelievable as it may seem, this is the 19th annual SA National Parks Week!

On 8 September 2024, South African National Parks will host a celebratory event at Marakele National Park to kickstart the National Parks Week which will be held from 9 to 13 September 2024 and extended to 14 and 15 September at selected national parks. During this period free access is granted to most of the 21 national parks under the management of South African National Parks.

Please take special note of the fact that free access to national parks at this time does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities. National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006. SANParks also uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage as protected and preserved by the national parks system.

SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign that provides education and awareness about South Africa’s inclusive approach to conservation. Whilst offering an opportunity to experience South Africa’s rich natural and cultural heritage, attention is also drawn to the sustainable development practices made possible through partnerships with key role players like communities living adjacent to national parks, businesses, scientists and tourists.

Explore More of Addo

BOOK ACCOMMODATION

The post SA National Parks Week Announced appeared first on Addo Tourism.

Choose your Addo Experience:

Source: Addotourism.co.za.

Adventure Racing World Championships kick off in the Eastern Cape this week

This week, international and local teams will converge in the Eastern Cape for an epic challenge at Expedition Africa Adventure Race.

The race – known as Expedition Africa – will play host to 109 teams from 30 countries in an epic battle that includes navigation, cycling, trekking, paddling and, possibly, other disciplines. Racers must navigate a route using only a compass and topographical map marked with checkpoints to be visited – usually in a specific order – and transitions where they switch disciplines and pick up supplies for their hundreds-of-kilometres journey. It is a gruelling and exhilarating multi-day endurance event that challenges teams of four to navigate through rugged and varied Eastern Cape terrain using a variety of outdoor disciplines. The race will take place from 19 – 27 October 2023 in the Eastern Cape. It is more than a race against other teams, it’s a battle with the elements, mental and physical fatigue over days of non-stop racing.

Sarah Baartman District Municipality and Kouga Local Municipality will welcome 109 teams from 30 countries to the Eastern Cape. Addo, with its endless coastal dunes, crisp Zuurberg Mountains, fertile river valley, orchards and lush veld is an ideal playground for adventure racing. On the morning of 19^th October, racers will board their transport, leaving the security of the Cape St. Francis Resort for a destination – and starting point – as yet unknown. This is followed by a frantic scramble from teams to plan their routes through the wilderness, hitting checkpoints and transitions along the way.

As soon as the race starts, anyone anywhere with internet can go online to http://www.expafrica.live and watch the numbered dots, which are the teams, as they move forward across many kilometres of terrain for the next 10 days. Families, friends and fans can follow their teams from across the globe. This is set to be the biggest adventure race in history – Adventure Racing World Series Championship 2023 – with an anticipated more-than-a-million “dot-watchers” with an eye on the Eastern Cape. A large media contingent, with more than 90 persons, will be following the teams on the ground, making this one of the largest adventure events in South Africa’s history of adventure racing and bringing adventurous souls from across the world to explore the exquisite beauty of our region.

Image credits: Provided by Expedition Africa. Photographer Bruce Viaene.

The post Adventure Racing World Championships kick off in the Eastern Cape this week appeared first on Addo Tourism.

Choose your Addo Experience:

Source: Addotourism.co.za.

Welcome to the Whales Festival

4 June 2022 │The Willows Resort

The Annual Festival to Welcome the Humpback Whales back on their northward migration to waters off the East Coast of Africa. Visitors can learn about the migration and marine life, visit exhibition stands and support local music and crafts! This festival is conducted by Raggy Charters.

It is fitting to start the Whale Migration Celebrations in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) this year as we are
now 1 of only 5 Whale Heritage Sites in the World. This achievement was announced at the 2021
festival that was switched from ‘in person’ to ‘online’ overnight due to covid-19 regulations changing
the night before the event. This however did not dampen spirits and all talks and fun that could be
had with limited numbers was shared online on the day.

So with this prestigious title of Whale Heritage Site, we have changed things up a little this year and
are starting celebrations with a banger of a festival on 4th June 2022 at the Willows Resort on Marine
Drive. Thereafter. there will be about 30 celebrations in the form of talks and festivals big and small
going up both the African East and West Coasts. This year the East Coast will spread a little further to
Lamu in Kenya and the West Coast as far as Libreville in Gabon. This route and these celebrations
are put together by The World Cetacean Alliance, Raggy Charters who is partner to The World
Cetacean Alliance, and all whale enthusiasts along the African coastline.

All 30 locations will be celebrating the Humpback Whales who make this long journey, the longest
migration of all mammals. All is about creating awareness of the importance of migrating whales in
the ecosystem. The whales feed, poop, migrate, and dive deep (which circulates essential nutrients
throughout the ocean). This behaviour supports healthy marine ecosystems and the growth of
phytoplankton, which locks in a huge amount of carbon from the atmosphere. We are very happy to
inform all that due to becoming protected the humpback whale population has recovered from near
extinction. There is a current population of about 80,000, up from a very a low 10,000.

The event being held on 4th June in PE is way more than just a get-together, it is to celebrate
these magnificent marine mammals who visit our beautiful Algoa Bay on during their migration
journey. The day will be a family orientated educational experience intended for all to learn
something and of course have fun at the same time.

Visitors will be welcomed by the sounds of African drums and marimba’s. Interesting talks will be
presented in the function room at the Willows Resort. First one starting at 10am by Lloyd Edwards of
Raggy Charters on the Whale Migration and Whale Entanglements in rock lobster ropes and buoys.
NSRI will be there to demonstrate the disentanglement process. Followed by Dr Julien Benoit, a
French paleontologist currently working at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Gauteng
at 11am about “Evolution of Dolphins Brain and Intelligence”.

All can enjoy Interactive NPO and Tourism Exhibits, a guided coastal walk, treasure hunt and survival
activities will be on the go too.
Cape Recife Lighthouse Tour and a Sacramento Trail walk and talk will be on offer (Please pre-book
with Alan Tours). Learn to sew your own reusable shopping bags at the festival (Please pre-book with Sharon of Sew
Creative). Do some whale watching from the air – HPTC will be there to offer helicopter rides.
Various food trucks will keep the hungry satisfied and live music by local muso’s will play from
12noon to 7pm closing time.
Visit the Welcoming the Whales Facebook Page Bay Whale Festival for the program
We look forward to seeing you all there.

Algoa Bay is the marine protected area of the Addo Elephant National Park and Addo Tourism will be there to introduce to the amazing opportunities of this coastal section of the park in addition to our exciting Addo Tourism experiences: Kuzuko Lodge, Addo Indlovu Spa, and Addo Wildlife.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE MARINE SECTION OF ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK

The post Welcome to the Whales Festival appeared first on Addo Tourism.

Choose your Addo Experience:

Source: Addotourism.co.za.

Closing date for Addo Birding Weekend looms

The closing date for registration for the Sasol/Addo Birding Weekend is 27 August 2012. The Birding Weekend will take place at Addo Elephant National Park from 19 – 21 October 2012.

The weekend of birding will offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the diverse biomes of Addo Elephant National Park and the chance to spot over 200 bird species.

Organised by the SANParks Honorary Rangers at Addo, participants will have a choice of taking part in different excursions. Birders will join groups birding in different areas of the ecologically diverse Addo Elephant National Park. Excursions include a trip through the Nyathi area of the Park while another group will lazily float up the Sundays River on a ferry spotting darters and different species of kingfishers. Other groups will depart for Kabouga section of the park, which is situated close to Kirkwood for the chance to walk on the ‘wild side’ or take a ride through Addo game viewing area and see parts of Addo that are not open to the general public.

The weekend starts on Friday evening with a get-together and ends with a venison potjie on Saturday evening. A variety of accommodation has been pre-booked by the Honorary Rangers in Addo Elephant National Park and bookings should be done well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Sasol has provided sponsorship for logistics and lucky draw prizes with Stretton’s Gin and Glendower Whisky being the other main sponsors. RiverBend Lodge as always will assist with night drives in the Nyathi section on Friday evening. Funds raised by the Honorary Rangers birding weekend will go towards funding conservation support work within Addo.

For more information, contact Nicky Bosman, 082 336 4471 or nbosman@nmmu.ac.za.

Registration forms and information are available at http://www.sanparksvolunteers.org/addo-region

Kirkwood Wildsfees Record

A record more than 46 000 people who streamed into the Sundays River Valley this weekend for the 11th annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees “exceeded all expectations,” says Wildsfees director Jenni Honsbein.

“We know that the economy continues to be tough, and in recognition of that we decided not to increase entrance or stallholder fees this year. The public responded in their thousands, and we thank everyone for their support.

“It shows that the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees, with its unique mix of entertainment, stalls, expos and shows has firmly established itself as one of the premier festivals in South Africa,” she says.

“Hosted by the community of Kirkwood, the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees provides a fantastic platform for tourism, wildlife and environmental conservation in the Eastern Cape,” says DSTV’s Carmen Bennett.

“We are proud to be associated with an event that ploughs all proceeds back into the community,” says Suzette Celliers, provincial marketing manager of naming sponsors Absa.

Bennett says the vision behind the festival “also resonates” with the pay TV brand: “By running the event for the community by the community, the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees provides temporary work for over 350 people and generates a turnover of R19 million for the area.

“All profits are subsequently invested in community-based projects – making it an event that gives back in a very real way.”

The festival is the first major festival in South Africa to be wheelchair friendly. It’s also one of the first South African festivals to go green, according to Honsbein.

One of the highlights of the festival was the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildlife Auction, which this year turned over more than R11-million.

The top price paid was R360 000 for a buffalo bull, while a family of sable antelope went for R900 000.

A white impala ewe was sold for R260 000.

R11.2 Million in Sales at Wildlife Festival Auction

Some 150 buyers from around Southern Africa crowded into the Kirkwood High School hall on Friday, June 29, to spend over R11-million on prime game in one of the country’s top wildlife auctions.

The biggest interest was in 38 buffalo from the Addo Elephant National Park.

Top prices for the buffalo were R380 000 for a bull with a 42,5 inch horn span, and R300 000 for a cow.

Other good prices were R260 000 for a white impala ewe, and R900 000 for a family of sable antelope consisting of a bull, two cows and two heifers, according to auction convener Johan Swart.

The turnover at, R11,2-million, was up on 2011’s R9,9-million as game farmers in the Eastern Cape recover from a devastating drought, and despite the global recession having an ongoing impact on tourism, said Swart.

Hear What Charlene Wittstock Heard

Romanz returns to the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv this year. They will be performing songs from their double Platinum album “My Hele Hart” and more recent songs from their latest album “Ek sal getuig.”

In November 2011, at the Royal Wedding in Monaco, the group serenaded Charlene Wittstock and her new husband Prince Albert of Monaco with their song “With all my Heart”. They also performed a rendition of the South African National Anthem.

In the same year, Romanz won a South Africa Music Award for the best Afrikaans DVD.

A not-to-be-missed performance by Romanz will take place live at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv on Sunday, July 1 from 12 noon.

Other performances on the day include NRG, Emo Adams and his Band and Chris Chameleon and his band. The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv takes place from Friday, June 29, to Sunday, July 1.

For more information go to www.wildsfees.co.za

Romanz

[Show as slideshow]

Spoegwolf want visitors howling at the moon

Emerging from their lair in the shadows of a Stellenbosch vineyard, folk-rock band Spoegwolf (Spitting Wolf) will have festinos howling at the moon in the Sundays River Valley this winter.

The four-man band will be “howling at the moon” in the Windhoek Kuiergat from a quarter to 11 on Saturday evening, June 30 as part of the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv.

“We wanted to be the first to bring the latest Afrikaans rock sensation to the Eastern Cape,” says Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees director Jenni Honsbein.

Their visual, descriptive lyrics and off-the-wall sense of humour have made them one of the country’s most popular up-and-coming Afrikaans pop rock bands. They have built a loyal fan base by offering three free tracks available for download on their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/spoegwolf).

They also love South Africa and are “proud to share this holy ground with David Kramer, Valiant Swart and Bernoldus Niemand. We are honoured to walk here,” says Spoegwolf.

Spoegwolf is made up of Danie du Toit on lead vocals and guitar, Chris von Wielligh on guitar and vocals, Albert van der Merwe on bass and vocals and Moskou du Toit on drums and vocals.

DJ Superman will be back by popular demand at the Windhoek Kuiergat following the performance by Spoegwolf.

Action on the main Windhoek stage starts at two in the afternoon with Lollos “Oe La La Suid-Afrika”, Pieter Koen, David Fourie, Monique, George Longane, Elvis Blue and Band, Heinz Winckler, Charlize Berg, Ray Dylan, DJ Superman, and Arno Carstens and Band.

The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv takes place from Friday, June 29, to Sunday, July 1.

For more information, go to www.wildsfees.co.za

The Latest International Mohair Trends

The ABSA Kirkwood Wildsfees will see mohair featured in a way it never has before. With a dedicated mohair exhibition festival-goers will be able to experience the luxury that mohair offers on their doorstep from 29 June – 1 July.

The mohair exhibition will feature an array of gorgeous mohair products for sale, a coffee lounge to relax in and an opportunity to touch Angora Goats. Visitors will be delighted with the variety on offer including pop-up knitting groups as well as an interior design corner featuring the latest international mohair trends. Inspiration can be drawn from the fashion design display from The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and Mode University in Japan’s collaborative projects with MSA.

Anle Marais, Marketing Co-ordinator of MSA says, “The ABSA Kirkwood Wildsfees is the Eastern Cape’s fastest growing festival and we see it as a great opportunity to showcase this internationally sought after fibre to the local consumer. A part of growing the awareness of mohair is to showcase the fibre from source to shelf and this festival is an ideal way to help achieve that”.

Visitors can also expect the other activities that they’ve come to know over the years, such as live performances by top South African artists, adrenaline rides, lifestyle expos, specialist stalls, along with agricultural and wildlife expos and so much more.

The MSA tent will be open every day from 09:00 – 17:00.

Accommodation in the area can still be found at the Zuurberg-inn.

Prize buffalo bulls for Absa Kirkwood game auction

Two Addo Elephant National Park buffalo bulls with near record horn spans are expected to attract breeders and reserve owners from throughout Southern Africa to the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees auction.

The biggest has been nick-named “Bismarck,” and has a horn span of 46 inches, while Hercules has one of 45 inches. Both have been captured, and are in a boma at the Addo Elephant National Park, according to auction organiser Johan Swart.

He says new blood and a new date bring a new era to the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees game auction, which is one of the top three wildlife auctions in the country.

For the first 10 years of the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees, brought to you in association with DSTV in 2012, the auction has been hosted on the Saturday of the festival weekend. This has been moved to the Friday to accommodate out of town bidders – many of whom also want to bring their families to enjoy the many attractions at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees, according to auction organiser Johan Swart.

“We have listened to what the industry has told us, and moved the auction a day forward.

“The trend in the industry is to hold auctions on week days.

“This also helps with the movement of the game after it has been bought,” he says.

The auction is one of the few in the country where buyers are able to see the majority of the prize animals, which are kept in bomas for the sale.

This year, around 40 disease-free Add Elephant National Park buffalo will go under the hammer of Brandon Leer of Brandon Leer Auction Services. Leer is widely regarded as one of the best livestock auctioneers in the country, and a specialist in game sales. He will be taking over the hammer from Roy Hayes who handled the auctions for the first 10 years.

“Roy helped put the Kirkwood wildlife auction on the map, and the fact that we could attract an auctioneer with the experience of Brandon is a tribute to the solid foundation Roy built,” says Swart.

Leer was schooled in the Eastern Cape and grew up in the Port Elizabeth area.

Other well-known auctions in which he has been involved include Madikwe, Thaba Tholo, Piet du Toit, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, SANParks auctions in Kimberley and Pretoria, the North West Buffalo Auction at Molemane Eye, the Polokwane Municipality auction, and auctions at the Shamwari and Kwandwe game reserves in the Eastern Cape.

The 2012 Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees runs from June 29 to July 1, and offers a wild weekend for the whole family. Entry fees for the festival on Friday and Sunday are R70 for adults and R35 for children; and R100 for adults and R50 for children on Saturday. Visit www.wildsfess.co.za for more information.

Bufallo Bismarck has a horn span of 46 inches

Banging Tunes at the 2012 Wildsfees

The entertainment does not stop the whole weekend of the Wildsfees from 29 June to 1 July 2012. Have a look at some of the artists appearing at the 2012 Wildsfees below.

ADAM

Image 1 of 24

Arno Carstens: Eastern Cape fans will be among the first to hear some of Arno Carstens’ latest songs live as he “rocks the wilds” in the Sundays River Valley in June at the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv. Arno’s latest album “Wonderful Wilds” has been described as “soul food” – a soft rock, acoustic, mature-toned album which reflects Arno’s diverse talent.
Charlize Berg: Singer and international model Charlize Berg has promised a “surprise” for fans when she goes on stage at this year’s Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv.
Chris Chameleon: Chris Chameleon says he is looking forward to being on stage with his band for their first performance at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees, brought to you in association with DStv. “I am very excited to play at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees. I have never played it before, and doing something for the first time is always that lovely balance between a challenge and a few butterflies,” he says.
Elvis Blue: Elvis Blue boasts a creativity that is found only in the most talented of artists. The gifted singer, guitarist and teacher will be performing live at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv on Saturday, June 30.
Emo Adams: Everyone’s favourite tall, dark and Afrikaans performer, Emo Adams, will be back to captivate and entertain his audience at this year’s Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees, brought to you in association with DStv.
George Longane: Entertainer, musician and actor George Longane will be one of the stars appearing on the Windhoek Stage at this year’s annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv.
Karen Zoid: South Africa’s finest female rocker will be going wild in the Eastern Cape this June. Karen Zoid will be performing songs from her latest album “Zoid Afrika” live on stage at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv.
Ray Dylan: Singer, guitarist, songwriter and SAMA award-winning entertainer Ray Dylan will be in Kirkwood this June for the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv this year.
ROMANZ: Romanz returns to the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv this year. They will be performing songs from their double Platinum album “My Hele Hart” and more recent songs from their latest album “Ek sal getuig.”
Snotkop: SA se gewilde, SAMA benoemde kunstenaar, Snotkop gaan optree by die 2012 Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees aangebied in samewerking met DStv.
Howl: Emerging from their lair in the shadows of a Stellenbosch vineyard, folk-rock band Spoegwolf (Spitting Wolf) will have festinos howling at the moon in the Sundays River Valley this winter. The four-man band will be “howling at the moon” in the Windhoek Kuiergat from a quarter to 11 on Saturday evening, June 30 as part of the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv.
Valiant Swart: His shows will be a blend of “humour and pathos” at the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv, promises Valiant Swart.
Afrikaans Langarm: “Langarm” dance comes to the Sundays River Valley this winter.Couples will be able to strut their stuff at a “gooi hom langarm” party, in a special dance area at the front of the main stage at the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv.
Jazz, Gourmet food, Wine: This year, visitors to the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv, can enjoy fine wines and delectable gourmet foods whilst relaxing to the sounds of jazz, blues, bluegrass and folk music.
Quattro: A taste of Italian cabaret comes to the Eastern Cape this June when Coenie de Villiers brings an all new show to the Sundays River Valley.
Ellen Pakkies: A gripping portrayal of a mother who killed her Tik-addicted son will be seen on stage for the first time at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees, brought to you in association with DStv.

Ellen Pakkies on Stage in Eastern Cape for the first time

‘My naam is Ellen Pakkies,’ a true story about a mother who killed her Tik-addicted son is being staged in the Eastern Cape for the first time ever.

Ellen Pakkies stars Vinette Ebrahim – also known as Charmaine Meintjies in 7de Laan, while her son is played by another 7de Laan actor Christo Davids (Errol Pieterse in the soapie) will be staged at the Kirkwood NG Church hall on Saturday, June 30.

Tickets are R100, and no under 16s are allowed.

Tickets are available from the Kirkwood Festival office, telephone 042 2300066.

The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv takes place from Friday, June 29, to Sunday, July 1.

Wildsfees will have visitors howling at the moon

Emerging from their lair in the shadows of a Stellenbosch vineyard, folk-rock band Spoegwolf (Spitting Wolf) will have festinos howling at the moon in the Sundays River Valley this winter.

The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv takes place from Friday, June 29, to Sunday, July 1.

Gourmet food, wine ‘n jazz meet at Wildsfees

This year, visitors to the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv, can enjoy fine wines and delectable gourmet foods whilst relaxing to the sounds of jazz, blues, bluegrass and folk music.

Organisers are bringing back old favourites as well as some brand new entertainment to the kykNET Leefstyl Plein.

Back by popular demand are Wildsfees veterans, the Bayside Blues Band. This will be one of the last opportunities for fans to see this lively group of musos on stage as one of the members is moving overseas.

Boasting a combined musical experience of more than 100 years, the Bayside Blues Band brings new life to old blues tunes like Crossroads, Hoochie Coochie Man and Let the Good Times Roll. Busting the myth that blues are for sulking after love gone bad the Bayside Blues Band are known to get the dance floor filled with people forgetting about the cares of life. Don’t miss them live at the kykNET Leefstyl Plein on Saturday, 30 June at noon.

This year, a new addition to the kykNET Leefstyl Plein is the Silver Creek Mountain Band. The group has been performing throughout the country for over 30 years with a mixture of original folk, blues, and bluegrass songs. They will be performing on Saturday, 30 June at one in the afternoon.

Headlining the Saturday entertainment from eleven in the morning are two of South Africa’s most accomplished songwriters, Les Javan and Riku Latti. The duo describe their performance as “stories and music of love and grief, sorrow and joy; on being human, and its unique implications for different souls.”

Javan’s songs have been performed by iconic artists such as David Kramer, Anton Goosen and Karen Zoid.

The Saturday lineup at the kykNET Leefstyl Plein is not to be missed!

The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv takes place from Friday, June 29, to Sunday, July 1.

Over 100 boerboels expected at Wildsfees

In addition to the province’s biggest wild game auction, the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv is also the place to check out top quality paws and claws of a domestic nature.

Pet-lovers visiting the festival will enjoy the Montego Boerboel Show at 11h30 on Saturday, 30 June and the Eastern Cape Cat Show from nine in the morning on Sunday, 01 July at the Absa info Square.

The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees has hosted the South African boerboel show for the last six years which has grown to be one of the biggest in the country with the most spectators by far.

“This year the competition will be even bigger than last year. We are expecting over 100 dogs from all over to take part,” says Jakkie Erasmus, chairman of the Eastern Cape Boerboel Club (ECBC). “This includes the new and rare black Boerboel specimens.”

All Boerboel owners are invited to take part in the competition whether their dogs are registered or not. Breeders and owners compete in separate categories with their own dedicated prizes sponsored by Montego.

The show will focus on the temperament of the dogs which will be showcased by the residents of Huis Minette, a home for mentally disabled. Residents of Huis Minette “co-own” the dogs, and benefit therapeutically from their company and loving natures.

For more information on the Eastern Cape Boerboel club, contact chairman, Jakkie Erasmus at jakkie@ecba.co.za. To enter the competition, call Carina Erasmus on 082 652 8699.

The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv takes place from Friday, June 29, to Sunday, July 1.

Visit MyAddo or the Zuurberg-Inn for accommodation choices.

Prize Buffalo Bulls for Absa Kirkwood game auction

He says new blood and a new date bring a new era to the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees game auction, which is one of the top three wildlife auctions in the country.

“We have listened to what the industry has told us, and moved the auction a day forward.

“The trend in the industry is to hold auctions on week days.

“This also helps with the movement of the game after it has been bought,” he says.

The auction is one of the few in the country where buyers are able to see the majority of the prize animals, which are kept in bomas for the sale.

Leer was schooled in the Eastern Cape and grew up in the Port Elizabeth area.

Kirkwood Bathed in Light for the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees

The people of the Sundays River Valley are ensuring that visitors to the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv will be getting even more value for money this year.

The organisers have kept all fees at 2011 levels, while increasing the range of experiences and entertainment for the whole family for 2012.

It will run from Friday, June 29 to Sunday, July 1, 2012.

“In solidarity with our visitors and stallholders during tough times, we have not increased the gate entrance fee or that of the exhibitors and food outlets,” says festival director Jenni Honsbein.

“We have been able to achieve this because many of our suppliers have also frozen their costs, and also due to the additional sponsorship attracted by the Wildsfees, which is now in its 11th year,” she says.

The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees is a community project run through a non-profit company.

“The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees has grown in leaps and bounds over the past ten years and a festival of this nature is not possible without strategic partners. Absa believes that its investment in this event is benefitting the people of the Sunday’s River Valley with tangible outcomes, as it puts back all profits made into community based projects. Its partnership is supporting the focus areas of the festival being tourism, environment and environmental education. The success of these important factors will ensure the sustainability of this small but important community of Kirkwood and the greater Sunday’s River Valley, which is very relevant to Absa’s business.” says Kgalaletso Tlhoaele, Regional Executive Eastern and Southern Cape

This year’s Wildsfees includes a full programme of entertainment, as well as the experience of shopping at over 300 specialist stalls, wild rides, wild animals, wild shows, and the annual wildlife auction.

Visitors will also experience a festival of firsts. For the first time the festival is hosting a “mohair journey”. Designs from The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and Mode University in Japan’s collaboration projects will be on show, along with other mohair products and live goats in a Mohair South Africa exhibition.

Another first is the staging of a dramatic production, “My Naam is Ellen Pakkies,” a riveting story of a mother from the Cape Flats who killed her Tik-addicted son. Ellen is portrayed by Vinette Ebrahim – known as Charmaine Meintjes in 7de Laan.

On the lighter side, Quattro – “an Italian Flavoured Review” will be seen on stage in the Eastern Cape for the first time. Many of the artists appearing on stage will be in the Eastern Cape for the first time this year.

Headline acts include Karen Zoid, Snotkop, Arno Carstens, Elvis Blue Valiant Swart, Romanz, Emo Adams, and Chris Chameleon and his band will ensure that the festival ends on a high note.

On the wild side, baby crocodiles make their appearance for the first time in the “Walk on the Wildside” experience, where visitors can also touch snakes, owls and other raptors. “The Addo Elephant National Park display is always a highlight of this attraction,” says Honsbein.

Penguins will also be seen inland in Kirkwood for the first time, with the South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre (SAMREC) giving demonstrations and talks on rehabilitation and the plight of the highly endangered African penguin.

There will also be talks on the control of predators. “And, of course, we will be focusing on the fight against rhino poaching – which is unfortunately another first at the festival,” she says.

This year’s Absa Kirkwood Festival includes an expanding agricultural show, which will be used by suppliers to introduce a number of new products, while the car show – the biggest in the Eastern Cape – will include a number of new models.

Wine lovers will find new vintages and varietals in the Kyknet Leefstyl Plein – the place where food lovers will also be able to savour new tastes and flavours.

“Kids can also go wild in the Yum-Chum Kidz Zone, so everyone is welcome to join us the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv,” says Honsbein.

Book accommodation for the wildsfees on MyAddo or at the Zuurberg-Inn.

Bookings Open for 2012 Addo Birding Weekend

Avid birders should not delay in making their bookings for the Sasol Addo Birding Weekend which will be held in Addo Elephant National Park from 19 -21 October 2012.

The weekend of birding will offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the diverse biomes of Addo Elephant National Park and the chance to spot over 200 bird species.

The weekend starts on Friday evening with a get-together and ends with a venison potjie on Saturday evening. A variety of accommodation units, as well as camping facilities are available in Addo Elephant National Park and bookings should be done well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Bookings for the birding weekend close on 30 August 2012.

For more information, contact Nicky Bosman, 082 336 4471 or nbosman@nmmu.ac.za.

New blood for Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees game auction

New blood and a new date bring a new era to the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees game auction, which is one of the top three wildlife auctions in the country.

For the first 10 years of the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in 2012 in association with DSTV, the auction has been hosted on the Saturday.

This has been moved to the Friday of the festival weekend to accommodate out of town bidders – many of whom also want to bring their families to enjoy the many attractions at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees, according to auction organiser Johan Swart.

“We have listened to what the industry has told us, and moved the auction a day forward.

“The trend in the industry is to hold auctions on week days.

“This also helps with the movement of the game after it has been bought,” he says.

The auction is one of the few in the country where buyers are able to see most of the prize animals, which are kept in bomas for the sale.

This year around 40 disease-free Add Elephant National Park buffalo will go under the hammer of new blood Brandon Leer of Brandon Leer Auction Services, who is widely regarded as one of the best livestock auctioneers in the country, and a specialist in game sales.

Roy Hayes handled the auctions for the first 10 years. “Roy helped put the Kirkwood wildlife auction on the map, and the fact that we could attract an auctioneer with the experience of Brandon is a tribute to the solid foundation Roy built,” says Swart.

Leer was schooled at the Grey Schools in the Eastern Cape and grew up in the Port Elizabeth area. Other well-known auctions in which he has been involved include Madikwe, Thaba Tholo, Piet du Toit,

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, SANParks auctions in Kimberley and Pretoria, the North West Buffalo Auction at Molemane Eye, the Polokwane Municipality auction, and auctions at the Shamwari and Kwandwe game reserves in the Eastern Cape.

2012 Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees

Entertain the whole family and Go wild in the Eastern Cape this winter at the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees over the weekend of June 29 to July 1.

Now in its eleventh year, the Wildsfees attracted 42 000 visitors in 2011, making it one of the country’s top events – and the only festival to include an auction of premier game. Visitors browse at over 300 speciality stalls, and savour the unusual game and gourmet foods on offer. There is also a choice of the best vintages from select wine cellars.

The Kidz Zone is the place for the younger members, while the rest are entertained by shows, live jazz and many of the country’s top artists on the Eastern Cape’s biggest stage. Headline acts include Karen Zoid, Elvis Blue, Arno Carstens, Emo Adams, and Chris Chameleon and band.

Arno Carstens, The “Godfather of Rock”, goes “Wild” in 2012

Bringing the big city life to the Eastern Cape this year, the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees will be going “Wild” with the Godfather of Rock performing live on stage.

Arno Carstens, performing songs from his latest album “Wonderful Wilds” a performance not to be missed on Saturday, June 30, 2012 from 22h45 till late.

Other performers on the evening include Pieter Koen, David Fourie, Monique, George Longane, Heinz Winckler, Charlize Berg, Adam, Ray Dylan, and Elvis Blue.

The live music starts at five in the afternoon, but there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy until then.

The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees runs from Friday, June 29 to Sunday, July 1, 2012

Chris Chameleon and Band Live at the 2012 Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees

Mind Made up, Shine, Ragdoll, among other songs can be heard live at this year’s Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DSTV.

Saved, Blue, Machine, Kyk Hoe Lyk Ons Nou, Chris Chameleon and his band will be putting on a performance not to be missed on the massive stage on Sunday, July 1 from 15h00.

Other performers on the day include Romanz, NRG, Emo Adams and his band.

The live performances start at noon on Sunday, July 1.

The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees runs from Friday, June 29 to Sunday, July 1, 2012.

Book Your Accommodation for the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees NOW

Organisers of the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees are looking for a handful of “absolutely wild” products to fill up the available space for 300 stalls at the 2012 Wildsfees.

Now in its eleventh year, the Wildsfees attracted 42 000 visitors in 2011, and most of the stall holders who were at the show have already signed up for 2012, according to festival director Jenni Honsbein.

“They were particularly keen when we decided not to raise our store rentals, or the entrance fees, for 2012.

“The festival is showing solidarity with the public and stallholders in the light of the current economic challenges, which look like they will continue into 2012.

“We know that everyone is having to manage their expenses more carefully,” she says.

Plans are already well advanced for the 2012 festival, which runs from June 29 to July 1, 2012.

“The entertainment is all in place, with top artists already confirmed. But, what makes the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees so different is that we are not just another music festival. Our stallholders are an integral part of the mix, and that is why we always keep space in reserve for those really different products,” she says.

Stallholders who believe they have what it takes can contact the organisers through the website www.wildsfees.co.za

You would be well advised to Book your Kirkwood and Addo accommodation NOW!