93rd JULY CAMP 2012 - COBHAM

Download the "Early Bird" attachment at the bottom of this page for details of discounted camp fees!

This year, July Camp offers another new Base Camp site! This time in the beautiful Cobham Valley, that most people only know, if at all, from crossing through it on the Giant’s Cup Trail which runs South from Sani to Bushman’s Neck. Our campsite lies in the chi-chi (‘nchu-‘nchu) bush on the banks of the Polela River some way above the Cobham office complex that includes the Giant’s Cup Trail Overnight hut.

It is arguably one of the most beautiful areas in the Southern Berg and is drained by the Emerald, Pholela and Mzimkhulwana streams and abounds with good caves. The most popular way to the top would probably be the Msubasuba Pass that bisects the gap between the Hodgsons Peaks.

This area of the Southern Berg offers a dramatic and scenically rugged terrain with superb hiking for sub-campers in the Little Berg which has a number of excellent caves for over-nighting; backpacking on the Escarpment; and, of course, delightful, varied and memorable day-walks, for those who are thus inclined; opportunities for rock-climbing and some superb examples of rock art (e.g. eSiphongweni Shelter and Pinnacle Rocks), abundant bird life and the antelope for which the Berg is renowned.

After the relative luxury of last year’s Base Camp with hot and cold running water and flush toilets, this year we will be back to the traditional style July Camp, but with additional extras in the form the elegant ‘stove’ which made its debut last year and which promises to boast the 2012 revisions and innovations. We also will be offering state of the art bathrooms and loos.

The Camp will run from Saturday 7 July to Saturday 21 July 2012. Campers can attend for the whole period, either week, or for just a few days. Space will be limited, so please book early (information and booking form is available at the bottom of this page).


REPORT: JULY CAMP 2011 at INJISUTHI

After an absence of some 30 years, July Camp returned to be the magnificent Injisuthi Valley.  Due to all manner of what I believe are called 'logistical problems', instead of camping at the old ruins as initiallly intended, we ended up camping in the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Campsite which was a very different experience for seasoned July Campers and for the organisers and staff.  On the positive side, we enjoyed the most superb support and friendship of Camp Superintendent and all his staff.
 
True, it was very enjoyable having ablution blocks with hot showers and flush toilets, but we had to limit the size of the campfires drastically because we had to cart in ALL the firewood we needed, and we came out with probably less than half a day's surplus wood - cutting a very fine margin and causing the organisers grey hairs and bitten fingernails.
 
A stunning innovation this year was the custom built kitchen stove which delighted Vusi Ndlovu, our chef and his crew. Not only were they cooking at a more convenient height, but this also gave them more effective heat!
 
After a relatively slow start, numbers increased and we ended up with a 'goodly company', especially over the first weekend. Also a bonus this year was the number of youngsters in camp and their gameness on going out for day hikes and even a night in Grinstone Cave, with carrying a pack!  Start them young, could have been the motto of their party.
 
Three parties made for the escarpment and the rest of the campers either did Little Berg trips varying in length from five nights out to one-night stands or very satisfying day trips, joyously returning to hot showers and one of Vusi's superb suppers.
 
We enjoyed very good weather with a few rather cold mornings, one evening and morning of rain that cleared by mid-afternoon, but no snow and no wind, which after the last few years was a great relief.
 
There were really only minor annoyances.  One was that a very small number of campers who wanted to camp next to their vehicles, whilst the majority of campers did not want vehicles in Camp.  The argument that, "But we do that at  all the other mini-Camps" really does not hold water. July Camp is NOT another mini-Camp, it has a long and proud tradition and and ethos that does not extend  to camping next to your car.  The other very real problem was issue of the the rogue baboon/s.  One diligent Security Officer with a slingshot is no protection against the serious menace which came right up to the tents and grabbed things even while people were in the tents!
 
But despite these issues, it was a very enjoyable camp in a glorious setting with wonderful opportunities to enjoy the Berg at its best.
By Hannelie Morris, past President of the KZN Section.