July 2011 newsletter

Sardine Run

With June rapidly drawing to a close we find ourselves once again at the peak of the annual Sardine Run season.

With the ocean alive with activity Mbotyi plays host to international photographers and divers hoping to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity. The pace is frenetic as operators launch micro lights every morning to scout for bird and dolphin action. Once they are airborne, the boats, loaded with expectant divers, crash out through the waves in search of those famous bait balls.

Upon return to shore crews and divers gather in the bar to exchange adventures and of course view the photo shoot of the day. This exciting action continues into July when the sardines finally arrive on the Kwa Zulu Natal South Coast.

The benefit to both Mbotyi River Lodge and the Mbotyi community is massive as many opportunities are created for a host of casuals assisting at the lodge and with launching and cleaning of the many boats required. For those who wish to participate in this phenomenon get your bookings for next years extravaganza in early to avoid disappointment.

Repeat bookings

The first half of the year has been pretty smooth sailing and we have received a considerable number of repeat bookings which is very pleasing. It is like having family friends visiting.

Mountain biking

During the long Easter holidays we had a number of guests mountain biking. They were blown away by the diversity and challenges the trails in the area had to offer. Most of the ladies stayed behind at the lodge to enjoy a leisurely morning at the pool or indulge in a full body massage expertly done by one of our competent masseurs.

Helicopters

A few weeks ago we were visited again by an adventurous group of men who arrived from Johannesburg in their helicopters. Six of these lovely machines landed around the pool and garden. This is becoming an annual event for the club and it provides great excitement in our valley. From here they explored other parts of the Wild Coast, returning to a base at Mbotyi. Our foreign guests were suitably impressed by the way we get around in South Africa!

New developments

Phil, our Activities Manager, has developed a few exciting new trails. He has also discovered new waterfalls in the forest that we were never aware of. We have had several hiking groups through this year. They were mostly retired folk well into their sixties and seventies who really impressed with their incredible spirit and level of fitness.

Another development in the pipe line, is to move our bar to where our games room currently is. This will give guests an incredible view of the ocean and surrounding hills. Guests will be able to check out the tides and plan when to go fishing whilst sipping a cold one!

Magawa Tea Corporation

Magwa Tea Corporation sadly came to a grinding halt a few months ago. The workers were demanding unrealistic wages which could not be met. It is heartbreaking to see the beautiful plantations falling into neglect. However, it looks as though there are plans afoot to get production up and running again. The go ahead was given this past week so trimming has commenced.

Magawa Airstrip

The very good Magwa Airstrip will now be maintained again. Any private pilots wishing to take advantage of the wonderful winter weather to visit, we will collect and return you to the airstrip free of charge.

Mbotyimagic Special

During the next few months, from 20 July to 20 October, we are offering a great special to anyone who quotes the word ‘mbotyimagic ‘ to us. Stay for 5 nights and get one free.

Remember we have an 18 seater bus with which we can collect small groups from Durban or East London airports.

Hoping to see you in our piece of paradise in the not too distant future!