Kagga Kamma Newsletter Dec 2022

Sightings | Celebrations | Resort News | Holiday Exchange | Notices

While winter in the Cederberg tends to cold, damp days that kiss your nose and fingertips with frostbite, the cool rains were most welcome in washing the dust from the fynbos and brightening up the plains. It wasn’t long before small bursts of wildflowers peered from beneath the frost to signal the rebirth of spring and remind us how quickly the year seems to have gone by. We’re now reaching the end of 2022 and, thinking back on the

months that have passed us by, we are suddenly reminded of the wonderful experiences we’ve shared with you, our valued Shareholders and guests. The winter rains in the Cape seem reluctant to leave, not unlike we are for this year to already be drawn to a close. So, before it does just that, join us on the tales of the past six months at Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve.

Cape Elephant Shrew

{Least Concern}
Courtesy of Guide Zahn

This species is interestingly not related to other species of shrew, and is considered to be more closely related to elephants and aardvarks. This, coupled with their long snouts, is what gave them the name: the Cape Elephant Shrew. They are also known as the Cape Rock Elephant Shrew or Cape Rock Sengi and are endemic to South Africa (although it is a relatively common critter).

Bagworm Moth Larvae

{Least Concern}
Courtesy of Guide Zahn

The bagworm moth belongs to the family Lepidoptera. There are over 1 000 species in this family genome. They’re referred to as “bag” worms due to their incredible defence tactics. The larva creates a mobile case out of silk (and usually debris for camouflage). When threatened, it will grab the front end of the soft membrane and pull it shut so that the cocoon resembles a bag.

Cape Cobra

{Least Concern}
Courtesy of Guide Zahn

The scientific name for “Cape Cobra” is Naja nivea. “Naja” comes from the Sanskrit word, “nāgá”, that means serpent or snake, and “nivea” is Latin for “covered in snow”, though no one truly knows what the connection is to this snake species (given its habitat). While this particular specimen is bright yellow, colours do range from deep brown to reddish blacks and even tones that resemble over-ripe bananas.

Celebrations for a

Public holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and more; these are the days our Team lives for! We truly love celebrating our guests and making everyone feel special, and a part of the Kagga Kamma family. Here are a few of the special days we’ve celebrated in the second half of 2022:

Women’s Day

Celebrating the strong women in our lives is such a wonderful way to show our appreciation for them and the wonderful ways in which they impact every day for their families and friends. On National Women’s Day this year, the Housekeeping Team took extra time to create beautiful towel art in each of our rooms, while the Restaurant Team baked delicious, delicate cupcakes and sugar cookies for our guests to enjoy on arrival. The Kagga Kamma Team hosted a successful high tea and guests gathered for moreish dinners throughout the weekend in celebration of the women of our past, present and future.

Heritage Day

The heritage of South Africa is a melting pot of cultures that not only makes our country colourful, but incredibly unique. To take part in the countrywide celebrations, the Kagga Kamma Team donned their best outfits and welcomed guests with gifts of chilli sauce and indigenous spekboom plants. Everyone nibbled on home-baked biscuits and enjoyed refreshments before checking-in to their units to relish in some downtime. Dinner was later served under a canopy of starlight, as the Restaurant Team served traditional eats of roosterkoek, skaapstertjies and shisanyama. The evening was set alight with celebration, tendrils of smoke and the twinkling heavens above.

High Tea Sundays

Every Sunday the Restaurant Team welcomes guests at the Restaurant for a delectable high tea. Each Sunday morning, the Team bakes fresh, moist cupcakes, decadent brownies and flaky scones to be served with cream and jam, as well as guest’s choice of Khoi tea varietals. Be sure to stop by for this sweet afternoon treat!

Spa Days are the Best Days

Nadia and Sana, our qualified, lovely spa therapists, adore spoiling guests with rejuvenating oils, pampering creams and soothing massage techniques that will certainly leave you refreshed on your holiday. The Open Air Spa makes for an incredible treat for couples, or friends, to enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. Book at Reception.

Creating the Environment for

Group Drumba

Riel Dancers

The Kagga Kamma Team strives to provide our guests with the best possible experiences, from exploring the wonders of the Cederberg to enjoying quality time together under the heavens. Creating special moments for our guests' enjoyment is one of our favourite pastimes.

Kagga Kamma recently hosted a group who were spoilt with Drumba and Riel Dancing.

The Drumba sessions involve coming together as a community to enjoy a vibrant hour of drumming in a circle, while the Riel Dancers celebrate their community and culture with traditional dance that is absolutely mesmerising. Join Kagga Kamma during the peak season, whenever you can, for a chance to see these incredible Riel performers or chat to our Team to arrange Drumba for your large group: lodge@kaggakamma.co.za.

The Kagga Kamma Team does an incredible job of maintaining and updating the stunning Lodge facilities and amenities to ensure that our guests are comfortable and surrounded by beautiful, thoughtful touches. From gardening to refurbishments to behind-the-scenes, here's everything our Team has been getting up to:

Spa therapists received new uniforms

Kagga Kamma staff recieved new uniforms

Bar patio furniture was varnished and received new seat cushions

Bar patio awnings were replaced

All Restaurant and Bar window frames were sanded and varnished

Select walls in the Restaurant and Storerooms were repainted

The Laundry Room was painted and received new cupboards

Indigenous gardens are regularly tended to and maintained

Rooikat Venue windows and doors were varnished and the walls painted

Chalet swimming pool ablutions were painted

Regular and on-going maintenance is conducted to keep the Lodge
spic-and-span

“Creating the environment for everlasting holiday memories” is the mission that guides all operations on the Nature Reserve. From the special touches guests take note of when arriving in their well-equipped Chalets, to taking care of the wildlife and all the other “behind-the-scenes” goings-on that you may not notice. Here are our newsworthy updates:

Solar Energy System

Since its inception, in 1988, Kagga Kamma Nature reserve has always valued and upheld environmentally friendly practices. From preserving the indigenous and endemic wildlife, and offering an eco-centric hospitality experience to guests. Our core mission has always been centred on developing our green initiatives and sourcing improved methodologies for a sustainable future in this beautiful space. It is for this reason that we are proud to announce that our new and improved solar power system is officially operational and supplying all of the Lodge’s electricity needs in an environmentally-conscious way. This is a momentous occasion for Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve and we appreciate the role our Shareholders, and guests, have played in achieving this milestone.

Bontebok Population

During September of 2020, Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve welcomed the first Bontebok calf born on the Reserve in several years and we were elated to know that our Bontebok population was thriving. The Nature Guides were then out on patrol one morning and came across the herd with another new addition (full sibling to the first calf) one year later, during the spring of 2021. This brought our Bontebok herd to a total of two ewes, a yearling and a new-born. Having the right environment for this species to flourish in the way they have has been a dream come true for us at Kagga Kamma, and we’re now over the moon to announce that our ewes are expecting again! Two of our ewes have enjoyed a lush diet and, while we have yet to confirm the second Bontebok’s pregnancy status, the first ewe gave birth to a healthy calf in November of this year. Kagga Kamma's conservation programme for this species continues to thrive and we are delighted to have a herd of seven individuals with potential new-borns due in 2023.

Deliciously Sweet Treats

Linger a while longer the next time you step into Reception and visit our little Curio Shop: The San Trading Post. Here you’ll find some delicious treats, a few pantry staples (we would never forget the Ouma rusks!) and a collection of handcrafted and local souvenirs. A special addition to this collection is the sand art by our very own Sand Picasso, Charles Smith, a retired Kagga Kamma employee that handcrafts each individual piece using recycled bottles and sands from the Cederberg region. They certainly make a special gift! We would also be remiss not to mention our bake sales on Fridays. Stop by Reception for freshly made goodies, including: fudge, cakes, scones and more. Chalet guests are also welcome to place their orders for fresh bread from our kitchens!

The Team at Kagga Kamma are always so appreciative of feedback from guests, and 2022 has been a wonderful time of kind words and positivity shared with our staff members. We wanted to share a few of the lovely reviews received this year, so you, our valued Shareholders, can share in the warm, fuzzy feelings of how Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve makes guests feel.

It’s an escape. Perfect place to detox from technology. The Chalets are spacious and fully equipped. The staff were super friendly.

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Out of this world. Once in a lifetime opportunity. One Cave Suite and one Hut Suite. The food was magnificent. We would highly recommend Kagga Kamma to anyone who wants something unique and special. Khoi and San paintings were a highlight, too.

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Everyone that was on duty that day. They assisted each other and were all outstanding. The surprise cake for the birthday celebration was excellent and mind blowing. Breath-taking experience. Keep up with the service that you offer, and standard. Thank you for the lifetime memory and excellent experience.

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The buildings blend in so well with the beautiful surroundings. Gorgeous indigenous gardens amongst stunning rock formations. Friendly, well trained staff. All-in-all, a very memorable stay. Numerous hikes, which are well marked and a must do - we did the 4km one.

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We had the privilege of staying at Kagga Kamma; any idea of what to expect will be outdone 10 fold. Service unparalleled, staff upstanding, accommodation was a dream come true. Thank you, every one of the team, for making our dreams come true. We cannot wait to visit again. Hopefully when it’s a tad bit warmer. It’s a must do bucket list item! Our Ranger, Jacque, succeeded in giving us the memory of a lifetime. THANK YOU.

Find out more about your favourite escape in the Cederberg on the Kagga Kamma Blog!

Beating the Winter Blues: A Guest’s Camping Story