FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS: SOUTH AFRICA
Travel
We will arrange a private shuttle from your point of departure to the Camp (approximately 2 hours from Cape Town). For a discounted fee, school groups can bring their own school bus to transport students to and from Bains Kloof.
Climate
Average day temperatures in summer (Nov – March) range from 18°C to 30°C. This is the dry season in the Western Cape but the mountains can get windy. This Camp generally does not operate in winter (May – Oct) as the river is cold and the temperatures range from 15°C to 21°C during the day but can drop as low as 7°C at night. Winter is also the wet season.
DIETARY NEEDS
Special diets are catered for whenever possible, so please contact us for special requests. You are welcome to bring any snacks or extras with you.
PACKING LIST
This will be provided at the time of booking. For a weekend getaway only a small bag is required. Clothes are climate dependent but it is important to bring a few changes of comfortable and appropriate clothing for fieldwork, hiking, relaxing and night time warmth.
HEALTH & MEDICAL
All participants should obtain their own medical advice prior to the Camp and are required to have medical insurance in the case of an emergency.
ELECTRICITY
There is no wifi at the Camp but there is electricity.
ITINERARY
A typical weekend programme will see you departing from school as soon as possible after lunch on a Friday, and returning late afternoon on a Sunday. Upon arrival, you will settle in and walk to the river for an afternoon swim and will participate in setting up the fyke nets for research purposes the following day. Saturday and Sunday will be spent breaking up into groups to participate in MiniSass assessments and to conduct fyke collecting and fish counting.
Amidst the research activities will be opportunities to river snorkel, swim, picnic by the river, hike and enjoy bird walks. Evenings can be enjoyed playing games, watching documentaries or getting lost in the starry skies.
CAMP LIFE
You will be staying at beautiful McBains Mountain Retreat, with its rustic but comfortable cabins and rooms at the top of a mountain pass. There is a large communal kitchen, common areas with amazing views and even a rustic hot tub! There is plenty of space for unwinding at the end of the day.
All healthy, hearty meals are provided.