Emakhazeni Highlands – The Heart of Mpumalanga
Emakhazeni Highlands Events Calendar 2012
Elands Valley/ Ngodwana
Saturday, 14 April 2012
Annual Event: Elands Valley Marathon
Date: 14 April 2012
Time: 06h00
Organisers: Ngodwana Marathon Club
Distance: 42.2; 21.1; 10; 5;
Province: Mpumalanga
Start: Oosterlijn Primary School
Ngodwana Training Center
Entry Details:
Pre-entry Closing Date: 07 April 2012
* This is a pre-entry race only. All registrations must be sent to Elizabeth Mbense. All completed entry forms to be emailed to elizabeth.mbense@sappi.com or faxed to 013 734 6458. Numbers are limited to the first 750 for the Marathon and the first 250 for the Half Marathon. Numbers can be collected as follows: 42.2 km - Oosterlyn School in Waterval Boven from 16h00 to 21h00 on the Friday before the race and from 04h00 to 06h00 on race day. 21 km - Ngodwana from 16h00 to 21h00 on the Friday before the race and from 04h00 to 06h00 on race day.
Route Description:
Difficulty Rating: 2. Route Type: Point to point
Most great South African races have a water feature of sorts, even if it is just the watering stations. The Elands Valley Marathon offers what may be the most impressive of them all: the waterfall at Waterval Boven. This has long been a tourist attraction and many people return here for the sheer spectacle of it. The same can be said of this marathon.
The route is mostly a downhill canter and crosses the river close to one of the most splendid waterfalls in the country. The route winds down spectacular mountain passes, surrounded by forests and farm houses built many decades ago. The craftsmanship of the 19th century stone masons can be admired from the road as you pass the old ZASM train tunnel and the five-arch bridge where, long ago, rack-and-pinion locomotives hauled their loads up these steep inclines. The equally magnificent stone masonry of the three lime kilns at the finish date back to the days of the Barberton gold rush, when burnt lime from these kilns was a much needed commodity.
Many looking for either an easy Comrades qualifier or searching for an elusive PB come here. While the race is a marathon, and should never be underestimated because it is predominantly downhill, it is a favourite. The drop from the highest point to the lowest is more than 500 metres. All this adds up to real potential when battling the stopwatch.
The challenge of this, one of South Africa’s most beautiful marathons, ends opposite the Ngodwana railway station.
Enquiries: Contact Bonnifast @ 013-7346462, 082-4532669
Machadodorp
Friday to Sunday, 20 – 22 April 2012
Misty Valley Lodge Family Mountain Biking Weekend
It’s a fun family & friends weekend for mountain bikers, see details www.mistyvalleylodge.co.za or call Guy at 086 136 4789
Dullstroom
Saturday, 21 April 2012
Dullstroom Dog Walk
The "PS I love you" fund is having a dog walk for Dullstroom on Saturday 21st April. Anyone keen for a lovely stroll with or without their favorite pooch can head to Mrs Simpson's at 9.30. The walk will start at 10.00 and costs R25 per person and R5 per dog. The organizers ask that participants please bring a "kitchen theme" wrapped goodie to go into the raffle box. Woof, woof, woof.
Tjakasdad
Sunday, 06 May 2021
Umemmo ka Chief Malaza esgodlweni: Swazi Culture Festival
Umemmo an annual Thanks giving harvest event for the Tjakasdad community. They gather to dance, eat and be marry in celebration of their Swazi Culture. Market Stalls also available. For more info please contact Zodwa 082 053 1477
Belfast
Friday – Sunday 18 -20 May 2012
Annual Event: 10th Annual Ladies Fly Fishing Competition
First 40 paid entrants will receive a goody bag and great prizes to be won. This event is proudly sponsored by BFFA and Landrover N4 Witbank. Come and join us at Dam 6, BFFA waters. Enter a team of 4 ladies and win extra prizes.
"THE WATERS, THE FISH, THE BEST"
For more info please call Janet on 083 654 4856 or Magda on 013 253 0748
Machadodorp/ Skurwerberg
Sartuday, 26 May 2012
Skurweberg MTB Challenge
Komati Gorge Lodge
On the banks of the Komati River, at the base of a miniature Grand Canyon, this small village of thatched dwellings provides affordable luxury in a most dramatic setting.
This untouched expanse of 2500ha with its thorn bushveld and highveld grassland offers an unparalleled experience to nature lovers and this amazing backdrop will be the starting venue for the Skurweberg MTB Challenge.
GPS Coordinates:
South 25.89602
East 30.28385
Routes / Distances
74km MTB Marathon
42km MTB Half Marathon
20km MTB Fun Ride
5km MTB Kids Ride
Start Times
74km MTB Marathon – 08:30
42km MTB Half Marathon – 08:45
20km MTB Fun Ride – 09:00
5km MTB Kids Ride – 09:15
Water and Refreshments
Water and Refreshment stations will be available on the route.
Entries and Registration
74km MTB Marathon – R160
42km MTB Half Marathon – R130
20km MTB Fun Ride – R90
5km MTB Kids Ride – FREE
Pre-entries close on the 23rd of May 2012 at 17:00.
Registration on race day from 05:30 at the Race Venue or at ...... Cycles on Thursday 24 May 2012.
Entries are transferable, free of charge.
Cyclists who booked accommodation for the weekend at Komati Gorge will participate free of charge.
Medals and Results
Medals to all pre-entered finishers only, for both events. Results will be made available on http://www.verticalhorison.co.za/ after the event.
Enquiries: Kris Jooste - 083 653 4367, Francois Jooste-0845844663, info@verticalhorison.co.za
Machadodorp
Saturday, 9 June 2012, Bermanzi Trails
WOMENS WATERFALL CHARITY WALK
Trails: You have a choice of 3 trails to do:
1. Easy Walk (3km): Walk along the lip of the Bankspruit Gorge enjoying the open grasslands and stunning views that stretch across the Komati Gorge. Suitable for people with young children.
2. Short Waterfall Walk (5km): This walk has steep up hill and down hill climb into the Bankspruit Gorge to the base of the Uitkomst Falls.
3. Long Waterfall Walk (8km): A challenging route into and out of the Bankspruit Gorge to the base of the Uitkomst Falls.
When: 9 June 2012. Arrive between 8am – 11am.
Where: Bermanzi Camp. Take the Bloemfontein turn off on the R541. At the t-junction turn right. After about 3 kms take the Bermanzi turn left and then left again. Follow this road for 3kms. There are two farm gates.
GPS: 25° 49’ 35” S // 30° 20’ 35” E
Cost: R50 per adult, R20 for children under 12 years old
Bring: Your own lunch, snacks and drinks. Wear proper hiking shoes and socks.
Charity: 1 in 4 South African women are survivors of domestic violence. 25% of entry fees will go to the Badplaas Women’s Shelter. Please also bring an item to donate – clothes, tinned food, blankets, books etc.
To Book: Email info@thenum-numtrail.co.za for EFT details or call 072 889 9284
Dullstroom
Friday to Sunday, 06-08 July 2012
Annual Event: Dullstroom Winter Festival
Machadodorp
Saturday, 7 July 2012, Pongola Express Camp
THE NUM-NUM TRAIL CHALLENGE
We are thrilled to be hosting the second trail race of The Num-Num Trail on 7 July 2012. One of the toughest and most scenic trail races on the Mpumalanga / Gauteng regions.
Cost: R650 per person (race, goodie bag, water tables and prize giving braai)
Categories: The 36.5km Challenge and The 15km Rough It
Date: 7 July 2012
Bookings: FULLY BOOKED. Email info@thenum-numtrail.co.za to get on the waiting list
Thank you to Sportsmans Warehouse, Pure Nutrition Technology, Misty Valley, Jacklin Organics and WildTrails SA who are all sponsoring the race. Cost: R650 per person (race, goodie bag, water tables and prize giving braai)
Categories: The 36.5km Challenge and The 15km Rough It
Date: 7 July 2012
Bookings: FULLY BOOKED. Email info@thenum-numtrail.co.za to get on the waiting list
Dullstroom
Friday to Sunday, 07 – 09 September 2012
Annual Event: Dullstroom Ladies Flyfishing Festival 7 - 9 September 2012. Contact Stephen de Meyer on 082 899 0248
Or Debbie Vink on 083 408-5952 for further info. Entry limited to 30 ladies so get yours in FAST
Machadodorp
Saturday, 29 September 2012
Annual event: Misty Valley Lodge MTB Challenge Powered by Powerade
Description of event: Set in the beautiful game & trout estate of the Misty Valley resort and sponsored by the Powerade, the event kicks off with registration on the Friday 30th afternoon/evening and early Saturday morning. At 08h30 there is the start of the 70km race followed by the 40km & 20km race & a special 1 km race for the kids. There are loads of prizes and every rider gets a jam packed goody bag. Prize giving will be at 14h00. Check out the race on www.mistyvalleylodge.co.za, 086 136 4789 Guy Cluer.
Machadodorp
Saturday, 13 October, Pongola Express Camp
THE NUM-NUM FUN RUN FOR SCHOOLS
Where: Pongola Express Camp, R541 at the bottom of the Skurwerberg Pass.
GPS: 25° 47’ 49.3” S // 30° 22’ 25.2” E
Trails: You have a choice of 2 trails to do
1. Die Bosbok Roete (4km): An easy trail to run with the beautiful Bald Ibis Gorge
2. Die Kokoboom Pad (8km): This trail is moderate to difficult. Some steep uphills, downhills, ladders and swing bridges.
When: 13 October 2012. Arrive between 8am – 10am.
Cost: R75 per person. No children under 12 years old
Bring: Your own lunch, snacks and drinks.
Charity: 25% of the entry fees will go towards buying sports equipment for schools in Badplaas and Machadodorp. Donations of non-perishable foods (e.g. meilie-meal, tinned food, long-life milk, beef stock) are welcome towards school lunches.
Email: info@thenum-numtrail.co.za for EFT details or call 072 889 9284
Note: This is a fun run so it will not be timed, nor are there sponsors, prizes etc. Raw running!
Machadodorp
Saturday, 1 December, Aloe Kaya Camp
UNIFORMS FOR ORPHANS WALK
Where: Aloe Kaya camp, Five Assegais. Take the Bloemfontein turn off on the R541. At the t-junction turn left. Keep going straight.
GPS: 25° 49’ 04.1” S // 30° 22’ 44.5” E
Trails: You have a choice of 2 trails, both are rated as Green Flag moderate to difficult
1. Hell’s Bell’s Trail (6km): A fairly tough trail into the beautiful Hell’s Gorge. Small waterfalls and beautiful forests. Dogs allowed on this route.
2. The Escarpment Trail (13.5km): A tough trail with stunning variety of landscapes. Enjoy the stunning Uitkomst Falls. No dogs on this trail because of ladders.
When: 13 October 2012. Arrive between 8am – 10am.
Cost: R50 per adult, R25 children under 12 years old
Bring: Your own lunch, snacks and drinks. Wear proper hiking shoes and socks. Hiking sticks recommended
Charity: 25% of the entry fees will go towards buying uniforms for orphans in Badplaas and Machadodorp. Mpumalanga has the second highest HIV/AIDS infection rate in South Africa. Please donate an item (e.g. school uniforms, meilie-meal, toys, books, hair bands, blankets etc)
TO BOOK: Email info@thenum-numtrail.co.za for EFT details or call 072 889 9284
