We’ve said our heartfelt goodbyes to Mariana Ras, who made the move to the Western Cape to be with family recently. Her caring and kind nature helped Doornkop grow and, while we’ll certainly miss her, this newsletter is cause for celebration as we welcome Bosman and Dorette Matthyser as Doornkop’s new Management Team! Together, this dynamic duo’s experience spans 7 years in the hospitality industry and there’s no doubt in our minds that Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve is in good, steady hands.

Be sure to spend a moment on your next arrival getting to know this lovely couple!

Central Complex

Over the course of the past few months, the onsite Team have been hard-at-work, upgrading the thatch roofs of the central complex, which is still in process. The deck, railings and lapa areas have all been varnished, as well as the window and door frames of the main building. The walkways also received some tender love and care having been pressure washed and painted.

Roads

Starting with the entrance gate fences, which have been repaired, the Maintenance Team worked their way back to the Central Complex, modifying access at the main gate for sedan-type vehicles, doing extensive repairs to the 4x4 roads and river crossings, as well as scraping all Reserve roads since the rainy season. The addition of a tractor and a scraper has made this work more efficient and effective.

Waterways

Soil erosion caused by water banks is a natural occurrence and the Doornkop Team do their best to monitor and manage it. A combination of soil, rocks and plants have been used around Dam 5 and 8, as well as the Trophy Dam to help manage the erosion. The benches surrounding the dams also received a lick of paint to keep these areas neat and tidy.

Electricity Supply

Due to a disconnection request placed by the previous developer in 2006, Eskom unexpectedly decommissioned a transformer that was feeding power to a few of the units. To combat this decommission, the Team installed three hundred and ten metres of three-phase cable with switchgear from the closest transformer, which had ample capacity, so that the seven units' power could be restored.

Trails

Whether your family enjoys a casual stroll to a lookout point where a picnic can be unpacked and enjoyed, or experiencing outdoor exercise in the form of mountain-biking, Doornkop’s Trails are bound to leave you awestruck. A firm-favourite is the Waterfall Hiking Trail which is lovely during the summer months. Download the MTB Trails map, here.

Horseback-Riding Adventures

The Doornkop horses recently took a short break for their annual vaccinations, but now they're all healthy, happy and ready for the trails. These guided trails offer the best opportunity for wildlife-viewing on the Reserve. Book your horseback-riding experience at Reception or email reception@doornkop.co.za – it’s an experience the whole family will certainly enjoy!

Curio Shop

Doornkop’s onsite Curio Shop and Kiosk has been restocked! Pop by for all your braai essentials, such as wood bundles, firelighters and matches (so you never miss out on a cosy fireplace or braai again). Shareholders and guests are also invited to peruse the selection of merchandise, toys and board games.