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Winter has arrived at Doornkop, bringing crisp mornings, golden afternoons, and a special kind of stillness that makes the beauty of our surroundings shine even brighter. It’s the perfect season to cosy up by the fire after a day spent exploring the outdoors, whether you’re casting a line in our well-stocked dams, spotting wildlife on a game drive, or simply soaking in the peace and quiet. As always, we’re here to help you make the most of your time with us and create cherished memories in every season.
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Doornkop is blessed with flowing waters that bring life and beauty to the Reserve. The Komati River borders the north-east side, its rolling waters home to the indigenous big-scale yellowfish, a species that thrives in clean streams.
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The Swart Spruit cuts through the heart of the Reserve, creating two waterfalls and feeding eight trout dams before joining the Komati at the main gate. Along the way, the Black Pearl Rock Pools form natural swimming spots — a favourite for young and old, now sparkling again after the good rains. On the north-east border, Oom Fanie’s Spruit offers two picnic spots where guests can braai, relax, and cool off in the gentle streams flowing over the rocks.
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For the more adventurous, the waterfall can be reached via a 1.2km hiking trail or a guided horse ride, leading to two breathtaking falls, including a dramatic 30-metre-high cascade surrounded by towering rock walls.
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Doornkop received an impressive 680mm of rain from the beginning of September through to April. The summer rains filled the rivers, which flowed strong and full throughout the season. Fortunately, no damage was caused to any structures. The Main Gate entrance did experience flooding on two occasions, in January and February, but the water subsided within a day each time and access to the Resort remained unaffected.
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From the Desk of the Chairperson
Highlights from the Doornkop Shareholders Meeting
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First off, a heartfelt thank you to all our shareholders who continue to pay their levies. Your support is what keeps Doornkop running smoothly and sustainably.
Financial Update -
Despite tough economic conditions, our annual financial statements show that we’re managing things carefully and responsibly. One of our biggest financial challenges remains insurance for the thatched units—premiums have jumped by 69% due to tighter compliance regulations. That said, we’re pleased to report that the Share Block is still financially sound—both solvent and liquid.
Maintenance & Infrastructure -
We’re committed to essential maintenance to keep the resort in good shape, however, larger refurbishment projects are currently on hold due to funding limits. We’re also looking into practical ways to assist members facing financial difficulties—like improving debt recovery processes and making unused weeks available for rental.
Guest Experience & Ratings -
We’re proud to maintain our Silver Crown status with RCI.
Guest feedback has been fantastic! Our GuestRevu scores are up to an average of 92%, with hospitality, housekeeping, and reception receiving an outstanding 95%.
Looking to the Future -
We have some exciting ideas on the horizon—like more carports, solar solutions, and better communication tools. These will be rolled out gradually, as our budget allows.
And good news: there are no plans for a special levy at this stage. We want to avoid putting any extra strain on members.
Staying Connected -
We encourage shareholders to send in their questions in writing ahead of AGMs so we can give them full attention. As always, we’re open to your suggestions to help keep Doornkop the go-to resort for unforgettable holidays.
Yours in Hospitality,
Roy Lubbe
(Chairperson)
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Resort Maintenance & Refurbishments
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Over the past six months, we’ve poured time, energy, and care into a range of upgrades and refinements throughout the Resort. These improvements are part of our ongoing commitment to making every return visit better than the last. Take a look at some of the changes we’ve been working on:
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TV Replacements
The televisions were replaced in Unit 16 and Unit 28 after developing screen faults, where only half the picture displayed. Guests can now enjoy a clear viewing experience again.
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Ongoing Maintenance
Maintenance Supervisor Elias inspects each unit weekly, and our four-person Team handles repairs reported by housekeeping or spotted during checks.
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General Repairs
We stay on top of common issues like broken locks, faulty windows, worn oven seals, failed oven thermostats, and geyser elements needing attention.
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Gardens and Grounds
Richard, Sibusiso, and Fredie are busy maintaining the gardens, trimming edges, adding soil to beds, planting, and ensuring the plants are well-watered. They also clean the stoep, braais, and walkways, and apply weed killer when needed.
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Improved Drainage at Unit 25
Recent rains revealed slow drainage at Unit 25. To improve this, extra soak-away pipes were installed alongside the unit, helping water to clear more efficiently
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Dish and Signal Repairs
DSTV dishes are real survivors, often bumped by horses and wildlife. Our Team regularly realigns them to restore lost TV signals for our guests.
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Tennis Courts Refreshed
Our refurbished tennis courts, now fitted with new lights, are a hit! Guests have been enjoying games well into the late afternoon.
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Unit 17 Swimming Pool Maintenance
The swimming pool at Unit 17 is serviced weekly with added chemicals and a water floater to maintain clarity. We’ve also replaced the pool timer for the creepy crawly system and upgraded the pump’s brittle pipes and fittings to ensure better performance and prevent leaks.
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Vehicle Maintenance
The game drive vehicle has received the necessary brake and tyre replacements, ensuring it is now fully operational. Additionally, another operational vehicle has been fixed, including suspension repairs and new tyres, guaranteeing smooth onsite operations moving forward.
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Fish Stocks
Since March, the dams have been stocked with over 1,600 Rainbow Trout for the winter season, ensuring an optimal fishing experience for all our guests. The current weight record is held by Vaughan Coertzen, who caught a 4.2 kg trout in Dam 4.
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Introducing New Animals
The LOA have introduced 14 new Springboks to the reserve—be sure to look out for this playful bunch on your next visit! In addition, four new female Sables, including three calves, have been added to the Sable herd. Three new Zebras were also released into the reserve.
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New Security
A new security company, ACSU, has been appointed and is now manning both main gate entrances 24 hours a day. A new gate pass system has also been implemented for all guests. Each guest will receive a gate pass upon arrival, and no vehicles without pre-arranged access will be allowed onto the property.
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Dam Updates
Due to the late rains, the rebuilding of Dam 9 and the aeration improvements to the Trophy Dam have been delayed. However, Dam 2 has been completed, and work is underway to establish the wetland surrounding the Trophy Dam to improve water clarity.
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New Sports Equipment
We’ve stocked up on brand-new tennis rackets and balls, table tennis bats and balls, and pool cues and balls—ready for everyone to enjoy!
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UPCOMING
TROUT FISHING COMPETITION
We are excited to announce the upcoming Trout Fishing Competition, hosted by the LOA on 16 August.
The entry fee is R1000 per person, which includes your fishing permits, a commemorative shirt, and dinner with the prize-giving ceremony.
Booking is essential as spots are limited.
To book, please email: 2025Competition@doornkoploa.co.za
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New Property Management System
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HotelTime is a comprehensive Property Management System (PMS) designed to streamline operations and enhance guest experiences in the hospitality industry. The implementation of HotelTime at Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve marks a significant step toward modernising our operations.
With its intuitive interface, advanced features, and seamless integration with other systems, HotelTime will improve efficiency, simplify daily tasks, and provide better data insights for decision-making. This system supports all aspects of property management, from reservations and check-ins to billing and reporting, ensuring a smoother workflow and a more cohesive experience for both staff and guests.
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Valentine’s Day was celebrated in true style as Cupid worked his charm! Guests stepped into a romantic, festive setting and were welcomed with a complimentary glass of cherry, the perfect way to set the mood for a memorable evening.
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The Easter weekend was packed with activities, including a welcoming letter with an Easter egg, a fun Easter egg hunt, and a relaxing braai. The event also featured a Spin and Win competition with great prizes.
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Guests enjoyed a festive Christmas Carol evening in the Main Building, with soft red glow sticks, sing-alongs, and complimentary snacks and drinks from the Resort Manager. Saint Nicholas (Resort Manager) handed out gifts from parents at reception and took photos with families, adding to a truly special weekend for the little ones.
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A Word from the Resort Manager
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A heartfelt thank you to our valued Shareholders for your continued support and for being an integral part of the Doornkop family. Your presence and trust in us are truly appreciated.
We also want to express our sincere gratitude to our dedicated Doornkop Team for their unwavering commitment, positivity, and hard work in creating memorable experiences for both guests and owners. A special thank you to the Board, VRS management and support Team for their ongoing contributions. With the successful transition to HotelTime, our staff has quickly adapted to the new processes. Occupancy has soared, with full bookings reflecting the success of the management team’s efforts.
We hope to see you on your next visit. Please be sure to come say hi at Reception, and do not hesitate to chat to me or Dorette if there is anything we can assist with during your stay.
Resort Manager
Bosman Matthyser
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Bat Management Programme Update
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Doornkop is making steady progress with the Bat Management Programme. Following a recent site visit by Reinhardt Brits from the Bat Association, we are awaiting the official assessment report. In the meantime, Reinhardt shared useful bat information, now available in the units for guests.
Our Maintenance Team has sealed affected unit walls from the inside, allowing bats to exit while reducing their presence indoors. We’re already seeing fewer bats, although the occasional one still sneaks in through doors or windows — these are safely removed and released.
Next, as soon as the budget allows, we plan to install tall poles fitted with bat houses between units, encouraging bats to relocate. Once they settle, we will seal outer walls with protective mesh to prevent re-entry.
As the experts remind us, bats are vital for controlling pests like mosquitoes — each one can eat up to 600 per hour. Supporting their population also helps maintain a healthy balance in our environment, and we’re pleased to see positive signs that our efforts are working.
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Jeaneth Masuku and her Team ensure that all units are thoroughly serviced daily. Jeaneth inspects each unit to ensure it's ready for guests, handling everything from cleaning floors, walls, and windows to replacing linens and updating inventories. She also ensures all appliances are in good working order and reports any maintenance issues to Elias and his Team. Despite her responsibilities with housekeeping and laundry, Jeaneth still finds time to assist at Reception and support Dorette with guest check-ins.
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We’re excited to welcome Jim Blandile to the team! Jim joins us as our new receptionist, bringing valuable experience from his time working in the hospitality industry overseas and most recently at Protea Hotels in Bloemfontein. Since joining us, Jim has quickly adapted and shown great initiative. His background and professional approach are already making a noticeable impact at reception, and we’re confident he’ll continue to be a great asset to our team.
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Online Rental Bookings now even easier on the
NEW DOORNKOP WEBSITE!
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Book Your Stay and Activities Online
We’re excited to share that our new website has launched!
It’s now even easier to plan your Doornkop getaway. You can book your accommodation and also reserve extra activities like horse rides, game drives, and fishing — making sure everything is ready before you arrive.
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Expand your Doornkop Holiday Portfolio
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Double the Escape, Double the Joy
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There’s nothing quite like the peace and beauty of Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve—and now, you can enjoy even more of it. As a valued owner, you already know the magic of this special place. Why not extend your time in the bushveld by securing additional weeks? Whether you're looking to enjoy more unforgettable moments with loved ones or simply want more flexibility in planning your getaways, adding to your portfolio means more of what you love, when you want it. Invest in more time, more memories, and more Doornkop.
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A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words
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Share your memories on our social media pages
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Birding Hotspots
Doornkop is a prime birding destination with its rolling grasslands and bushveld along the river. Birding hotspots include dam viewpoints to spot various kingfishers, African Fish Eagles or even lapwings. Open grasslands near the chalets provide sightings of Blue Cranes, various bustards or even the secretive Buff-streaked Chat. Shrubby crests and rocky escarpments are ideal spots for Pale-crowned Cisticolas and Southern Balk Ibises.
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Birdwatching Tips
Here are four top birdwatching tips to help you get the most out of your experience:
1. GO EARLY - Birds are most active during the early morning hours.
2. BE QUIET AND STILL - Sudden movements and loud noises can scare birds away.
3. USE BINOCULARS AND A FIELD GUIDE
4. WATCH THE HABITAT -
Different birds prefer different environments.
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Doornkop Bird List
The Doornkop birding list is a helpful guide to the many bird species found at Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve. Covering a range of habitats, it highlights key birds to watch for and supports birders in tracking sightings and seasonal changes. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, the list adds focus and enjoyment to your birdwatching experience.
DOWNLOAD IT HERE
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With over a hundred species recorded across wetland, grassland, and riparian zones, Doornkop offers rich variety all year, from dawn chorus on the riverbanks to sundowner watching around the damside. So on your next visit don't forget you
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New Booking Agent – MyResorts
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New Booking Agent – MyResorts
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We are pleased to introduce our new rental booking agent, MyResorts. This hospitality brand offers a carefully selected collection of resorts and holiday escapes, making it easy for guests to find and book memorable getaways. In addition, MyResorts uses smart technology to manage bookings, including those for private owners, with a focus on boosting occupancy and maximising revenue.
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Reel in the latest news, interesting wildlife stories and fishing tips from the Doornkop blog.
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Discover Doornkop: A Haven for Birdwatchers and Nature Enthusiasts
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Nestled in the serene heart of Mpumalanga, Doornkop Fish and Wildlife Reserve is a hidden gem for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike. With its unspoiled landscapes, diverse habitats, and rich birdlife, it’s no surprise that Doornkop has become a must-visit destination for those seeking to connect with South Africa’s natural beauty.
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Step Into the Past: A Thrilling Guided Hike Through Doornkop’s Wild Beauty and Ancient Ruins
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Embarking on a guided hike at Doornkop Fish and Wildlife Reserve near Carolina, Mpumalanga, offers an unforgettable journey through scenic landscapes rich in history and natural beauty.
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Managing Your Ownership Just Got Easier!
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We’re excited to introduce new self-service features now available on Holiday Options:
- View your ownership and occupation dates
- Access financial info and statements
- Make secure levy payments online
- Deposit your ownership with ease
New Rental Flexibility: You can now place your ownership on rental per night, on the resort’s website.
Get Started: Register online today and take control of your ownership, anytime, anywhere.
www.holidayoptions.co.za
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Book Your Stay through MyResorts
There’s never been a better time to plan your getaway. With a simple and seamless way to secure your stay, you can focus on what really matters - soaking up the bushveld bliss. Pick a place, pack a bag, and let’s get you sidetracked!
www.myresorts.co.za
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Read more about African Blessings and all their projects.
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Expand your Holiday Horizons.
Buy or sell holidays on Uni-Vate Properties. Visit the Uni-Vate Properties website to browse a wide range of holiday weeks available at a variety of destinations.
www.univateproperties.co.za
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With 7Across, it is easy to go to more places, see more faces and cover more bases. All with lower fees and less fine print. If that isn't a win-win-win, we don't know what is. Join for free!
www.7across.com/join-for-free
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Resort Timeshare
Calendar
2025
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Resort Syndication Calendar
2025
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Introducing: Shareholder Q&A
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We’re excited to launch a brand-new feature in our newsletter—Shareholder Q&A!
This is your opportunity to ask the questions that matter most to you. Whether you're curious about resort operations, future plans, or anything in between, simply submit your questions and we’ll answer a selection in the next edition of the newsletter. To ensure easy access, all Q&As will also be published on our website for future reference.
Your voice matters, and we’re here to keep you informed every step of the way.
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As we move into the second part of the year, we look forward to welcoming you back to Doornkop for more memorable moments. Whether it’s a game drive, a peaceful picnic by the waterfall, or simply time to unwind in nature, your next adventure is waiting. From all of us at Doornkop, we wish you joyful days ahead, filled with relaxation, fresh air, and cherished time with loved ones. Here’s to many more shared experiences and special memories!
Warm Regards
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