Outdoor Events

The Natural History Society of Swaziland

Sun 31st August 2008: Mdzimba Mountain

This is a “high” point in Swaziland, and on the edge of the High Veld viewing the down slope views of the Middle and Lowveld to the east. It is quite central in location and allows for sound views across the Kingdom in clear weather. This tour will descend the Malagwane to the turn off to the “T-Road”, and then will engage a steep climb on a gravel road from 700m to 1200m onto the Mdzimba Hills. We shall divert briefly to a viewing point overlooking the Ezulwini Valley with spectacular views westward to Ntungulu and Ntondozi Mountains, Malkerns, Sheba’s Twin Peaks, the Malagwane Hill and Mbabane and its Mountains, with Ngwenya Mtn. in the background. Then a further short distance drive will locate us at the base of the Mdzimba Mountain, with a 2-3hr walk with a modest 300m ascent to the summit at 1403m with spectacular views across the Low Veld and to the East of the Kingdom.

Drive time from Mbabane to the Mdzimba Mtn. – 45m, (or 1 1/2 +/- hours return). For alternative returns that are now possible – to Mbabane via the new alternative “back-road” returning via Msunduza – (the recently used alternative to the Malagwane congestions through accidents etc.) or via the continuation of the mountain road that delivers you eventually to Ndhalatem close to Lozitha, the old Manzini to Mbabane road in/to Ezulwini – a most spectacular drive viewing the Mdzimba Mountain from the middleveld. Chris Davies to lead.

Meet at Mbabane Club at 08.30 for 08.45 departure

Sun 28^th September 2008: 08.30/08.45: Nkoyoyo Ridge. Ton to lead. Ridge walk. Spring flowers. 3 hr walk plus 1 hr travel.

Sun 26^th October 2008: 08.30/08.45: Makosini Peak. Ton to lead. Down and up. Spring flowers. 4 hr walk plus 1 hr travel.

Sun 30th November 2008: 07.45/08.00: Northern Malolotja. Chris Davies to lead. Steep slopes. Spring flowers. 4 hr walk plus 2 hr travel.

Sun 14^th December 2008: 08.30/08.45: Mahabedle Valley. Ton to lead. Gentle climb. Off Pine Valley. 3 hr walk plus 1 hr travel.

MALOLOTJA GAME COUNTS

For those interested in helping with Malolotja's twice-annual game counts please contact Dennis Horn in advance (places available are limited). Please contact Dennis Tel: 404 2263 (h) for more details:

Sun 23rd November 2008: 07.45/08.00: Malolotja Game Count. 4 to 6 hr walk plus 1 hr travel.

Notes:

The above schedule of events is subject to change - please check the Times of Swaziland in the week of the walk. Any late changes will also be notified to members via email and this web site. Outdoor Events are normally convened at the Mbabane Club at 8-30pm for a prompt departure at 8.45am. However, for more distant walks, the timing is 7.30am for 8.00am - Refer to above lists for the times for each walk. Non-Members are welcome at all outdoor events. However adult non-members are charged E20 each, while children can come along free.

Important

Always bring sufficient Water and a Sun Hat on all Walks

Please note that the Society charges all adult non-members E20 for each walk

Saturday Strollers:

Members and friends please note that there is a group who regularly conduct ‘bigger walks’ on most Saturdays – suitable only for fitter people. For more information contact one of the following:

Chris Scott-Long: 404 5551 or 404 0713 or Keith Ryder: 518 5704 or 644 5761 (note new numbers).