• Kloofendal educational walks
Why not spend your weekends learning about creepy crawlies, insect bites, flowers, trees and more. Well, at the Kloofendal Ecological Centre you can do just that. The reserve hosts guided walks at just R90 per adult, R70 per pensioner and R50 per child. Join them in November when they have another jam-packed calendar full of fun and learning. Join them on 7 November for their Friends of Kloofendal (FROK) annual general meeting between 10am and 11am. The public can also join them on 8 November for Birding with Bradwin Adendorff between 7am and 9am, or a Tree walk with Karin Spottiswoode between 8am and 10am. For more information, or to make a booking, contact Karin Spottiswoode on 079 693 5608. All Covid-19 regulations will be adhered to, and all participants must wear a mask at all times.
• Music on the lawn
If you love good music and are looking to get out with the family, the ‘On the lawn’ series is the place for you. On 7 and 8 November top acts Matthew Mole and GoodLuck will be performing at Casalinga Organic Farm in Muldersdrift and Marks Park in Emmarentia respectively. Due to Level 1 lockdown restrictions they can only allow a maximum of 500 people per event. On Saturday 7 November, Mathhew will be performing at Casalinga while GoodLuck will be performing at Emmarentia. On Sunday 8 November, GoodLuck will be performing at Casalinga while Matthew will be performing at Emmarentia. Matthew will be joined on stage by supporting acts Werner Bekker and Jethro Tait, while GoodLuck will have EASYFREAK and Kimon Rayne as supporting acts. As space is limited, make sure you get your ticket early by visiting www.onthelawn.co.za.
• Guide yourself through Melville Koppies
While guided tours and hikes have been suspended due to the pandemic, the koppies are not closed to visitors. Nature lovers are invited to visit the koppies and guide themselves. The cuckoos have also returned from the north and are looking for a mate. Bring your binoculars and try to spot the different cuckoos. The Melville koppies guides will also be on hand to help with any questions. So if you want to go and explore the koppies, why not visit them from 8am on Sunday mornings and guide yourself to be out by 11.30am. There is secure parking. Entrance for adults is R80 and R40 for scholars. They ask visitors to try and bring the exact amount, and that groups larger than ten pay in advance via EFT. If you have any other queries why not contact them on 011 428 4797 or visit their website at www.mk.org.za.
• Hikers and runners can visit Avianto in Muldersdrift again
Avianto Trails in Muldersdrift opened their gates again for hikers and runners. They offer a variety of trails, and all of them are pet-friendly too. Before visiting them, take note that tickets for the weekends are to be bought online at www.avianto.co.za/avianto-online-trail-tickets but, if you visit them during the week you have to report to the reception to purchase a pass. All trails start at The Clubhouse on the Avianto Lifestyle Estate. Running and walking trails are ideal for a fantastic day out in the countryside. Approximately 5km of scenic routes offer a great exercise option, regardless of your level of fitness. Pets need to be on a leash, and remember the poop scoop. They are situated on Avianto Plot 69, Driefontein Road, Muldersdrift.
• Missing your weekly parkrun?
Sterkfontein Heritage Lodge, 1 Wolf Street, Rant-en-Dal, has the answer for you! If you have a parkrun barcode, you and your friends will be able to access the parkrun route for free. All you need to do is report to reception, show your barcode and you are good to go. All the owner asks of you is to support the restaurant after completing your route. For non-parkrunners and those who would like to visit the lodge for a hike or to cycle, the lodge is also open at a fee of R40 per person.
• Picnic at the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden on Malcolm Road, Poortview is now open for picnics, bird watching and photography, walking, hiking and running. The restaurant is also open. The Sisulu Circle, children’s play area, garden gym and drinking fountains are still closed. If you wish to visit the Garden, remember to wear a mask, sanitize at the entrance and ensure social distancing. The group limit is 50 persons. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets online on the webtickets.co.za website to limit physical contact.
Remember to send notifications of your events to roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za/ northside@caxton.co.za.
