Posing kudus

Kudus are the most graceful, large antelopes that roam Mountainlands. Recently we see more of them probably as they become more used to people. These magnificent bulls were photographed near the admin complex over the weekend.

New Management Plan underway

Nature reserve management plans are dynamic and are typically reviewed every five years. The current management plan of Mountainlands Nature Reserve is being reviewed and the new Integrated Management Plan (IMP) is being compiled by leading specialists in protected area management.  V&L Landscape Architects are widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities on protected area management in southern Africa and were also responsible for some of the management plans for Transfrontier Parks in southern Africa. The IMP will comply with the new legislation governing nature reserves and their management and is being undertaken in close cooperation with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency.  The new IMP will include recommendations for the future management of the reserve and Mountainlands will end up with a top notch plan which is at the cutting edge of protected area management.

Adventure TV series visits Mountainlands

“Fortuinsoekers” is a reality television show that is currently on Kyknet (DSTV channel 111) where participants search for the legendary Kruger millions. Teams of two people follow clues in order to bring them closer to the treasure and the winning team gets it all – a prize to the value of R500 000.  In March an episode was shot in Mountainlands, which will air in the next two weeks. The teams will follow their clues in the Barberton area as well as on the reserve. Their creativity and antics are entertaining as they try to figure out where to go in Mountainlands to dig for their treasures. Fortunately they did not find the real Kruger millions – the secret is still safe.

One of the contestant teams with their camera crew being guided in Mountainlands by Delia Oosthuizen.

Boutique lodge gathering pace

The plan to construct a commercial boutique game lodge in Mountainlands has recently received a boost when detailed planning commenced. The lodge will be situated in the far east of the reserve on the land owned by the Lomshiyo Trust who is a community partner in the reserve. The project involves the creation of reserve infrastructure and investor mobilization with the intent to contract the operations of the lodge to a reputable operator.  The project is funded by the National Department of Tourism through the local BATOBIC (Barberton Tourism and Biodiversity Corridor) programme. The programme seeks to advance the nature based tourism development of the area through the funding of a series of projects targeted interventions.  Further information can be obtained from the Programme Manager, Mr. Godfrey Mogoane at e-mail: godfrey@barberton.co.za

Germans map geological features

Imagine piecing together a puzzle that is 3, 2 billion years old. That’s the essence of detailed geological mapping being done in the Barberton Greenstone Belt by two students from the Freie Universität in Berlin, Germany. A geological map shows the distribution of different rocks over an area. The current focus is on the Saddleback syncline next to the Bulembu and Shiyalongubu Roads and in the southern area of Mountainlands Nature Reserve.

A syncline is like a layered cake that has folded back on itself so that the original horizontal layers are now curved.  This  specific syncline forms part of the Moodies Group of rocks dating back 3,2 billion years and contains, among others, ancient ocean floor sediments and the oldest known record of tides. Meike Gröschke is mapping the outer, southern limb of the syncline and Jonathan Engelhardt is working on the central hinge.  It has previously been mapped on a 1:50 000 scale, but the students are now doing more detailed 1:2000 scale mapping. The new details will be used, among others, to establish the rate of sediment deposition and may therefore even be used to declare certain structures as seasonal. Eventually, their work will contribute to a better understanding of the geological processes of the young Earth.

Field exploration mapping is an invaluable technique and good practice for the students. “We have now spent more than three weeks mapping and also went on excursions with some of the numerous scientists that were here. We have also collected rock samples and when we return to Germany we will both analyze them and continue creating the detailed map,” says Jonathan who is doing his Masters Degree on the Moodies Group lava and ash layers. He hopes to be able to determine the age of the Basalt lavas that he is currently collecting on an outcrop that is the only igneous (formed through lava or magma) rock in a 35km thick formation of sediments. “In my opinion, the pillow lavas on this ridge could have been delivered through a massive volcanic eruption and now just a thin layer is all that is left,’’ says Jonathan.

Jonathan Engelhardt of Freie Universität in Berlin, investigating pillow lavas on the Saddleback syncline.

Prof. Christoph Heubeck, under whom they study, has already done detailed mapping of most of the syncline, and their information will be added onto his. “Mapping is just part of our training as geologists,” adds Jonathan whilst he makes notes on several aerial photographs that he takes with him into the mountains everyday. The data that he collects is again fed into a Geographical Information Systems programme with which the university is compiling the map.

Meike’s exercise is to search for environmental information about the oldest, large scale ecosystem that existed on earth and consists of fossilized, tidal microbial mats. She is trying to establish if these microbial mats lived in marine shallow waters, beaches, river beds or in all of these environments. She will relate sedimentary structures and those of the biomats to modern structures and try to find analogies between known modern microbial organisms and the ancient ones she mapped, sampled and described.

Through the work of Prof. Heubeck and his students they have already discovered pillow lavas and microbial mats that are exposed for some 11km’s in Mountainlands Nature Reserve. These mats contain some of the earliest known life forms on earth and both the mats and pillow lavas were previously thought to only occur further south towards the Swaziland border.  

“What is great about geology is the variety in the work and the different scales that can range from billions of years to seasonal and from kilometers to micrometers. Working in the Barberton Mountains is a big honor for me. The greenstone belts are rare and the Barberton one provides the best preserved archive of the early earth worldwide. And who wouldn’t like to spend his days hiking and climbing between groups of wild zebras, wildebeest and baboons in this beautiful landscape?” says Jonathan.

 “Thankfully a lot of people in and around Barberton help us to realize our project, because they know that the area’s geology is one of several awesome natural attractions of the area. Helpful and friendly people let us feel very comfortable here, which is the base of an exquisite experience and memorable work in every case,” concludes Meike.

Waterbuck Ridge syndicate

The first syndicated lodge site in Mountainlands is steadily filling up with members. Named Waterbuck Ridge, it was bought by Nelspruit residents and business owners, Mark and Helen Schormann. Their initial intent was for a private holiday home, but friends and family quickly fell in love with the property and they decided to establish a leisure syndicate that will consist of ten members. The ten owners will divide the costs of the site and the construction of the lodge among themselves.

Mark and Helen Schormann at a World Cup game

Recently, Hanno and Tania Rottier from Durbanville, Cape Town became the fifth syndicate members.  “We have a constant craving to go back to the bushveld to experience the peace and tranquility that it offers. This is the reason why we started looking for a place that can offer the privacy as well as all other things that a top class game property offers without the hassle of constantly worrying about the safety and management of your investment. We think we have found it in Mountainlands,” Hanno said.

The Nortier Family: (from left) Hanno with daughters Tamarisk and Nadine and wife Tania in front.

What got Mark interested in the first place is that he wanted to get involved in a conservation project that will benefit future generations as well. “I also look forward to being involved in a project which should attract other interesting people and make friends with people with similar interests and outlook,” he added

The Schormann kids seem to have grown up on Mountainlands, forever finding something new to do. Here,during one of their earlier visits, are from left Steven, Daniel, Michaela and Robyn.

His sentiments are shared by Louis van der Merwe, another member of the syndicate. “What makes Mountainlands desirable from an investment point of view is that there is an overall plan for development of the reserve, and that only a minute percentage of the land will ever be developed. This is being done in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner, putting nature first. I consider myself lucky to be part of such a beautiful place that is located so close to where I live. Mountainlands has so many valuable natural attractions, such as its abundance of clean water, which deserves to be cared for, for future generations.”

Louis van der Merwe, trying to tell everybody that it's a borrowed hat.

 Helen fell in love with the pristine beauty and serenity together with the interesting history of the Barberton area.  Summarizing the aspects of the development that she found attractive, she said she was impressed with the developer’s dedication to the project and the absolute sense of safety. “Also, the close proximity to modern amenities, entertainment, shopping and medical facilities is a huge bonus. We look forward to a development that meets all requirements of luxury and uniqueness while not compromising the natural surroundings or people“, she added.

Once constructed, Waterbuck Ridge Lodge will consist of a main building with entertainment areas and four en-suite bungalows. Helen, who also studied architecture, plans to give a meaningful input into the lodge. “We believe Mountainlands offers endless opportunities for the adventure seeker and creative personalities such as artists and photographers, the fitness junky, or the explorer scientist looking for unique natural wonders. These are the kinds of people that we would like to welcome into our syndicate and hope to meet as fellow owners”, she said.

The Waterbuck ridge owners have become famous for their lavish picnics - time to build the entertainment area.

Five more syndicate shares are available in Waterbuck Ridge Site, which entitles members to 5.5 week’s holiday accommodation per year.  Shares presently start at R400 000 initially for the site and between R500 000 & R600 000 for the construction of the lodge itself. To find out more about the Waterbuck Ridge, contact Mark Schormann on Cell: +27 (0) 828025885 or visit www.mountainlands.co.za

More accessible swimming

Lazy, hot summer days, on Mountainlands have received an injection of energy with easy access to a waterfall and deep pool to swim in to your heart’s content. Hyslop’s and Figtree Creeks are two streams with a numerous waterfalls and pools and thanks to the higher elevation of these, there are no crocodiles nor bilharzia in the upper reaches. The water is crystal clear and comes from fountains higher up in the reserve. This makes it ideal to swim in, and wonderfully refreshing in summer.  

Up to now, one had to hike quite a distance and climb down into the valleys to reach a proper “wallow pit”. However, a footpath has been opened to a easily access a waterfall and large pool in the Figtree Creek. It is now only a short walk down from one of the main roads. “Children especially want to splash around in the water and we have identified a couple of spots that are within easy reach where you can go for a dip. With the addition of this last one there are now three nice pools within easy reach on the Wonderscheur loop.” adds Eric Oosthuizen, developer of Mountainlands Estate. 

Triple the amount of fun: water in the Figtree Creek splits into three waterfalls and the pool is a good size for a quick dip in summer.

Taking a dip

The Boyd family enjoying a swim in the Figtree Creek, in the Wondercheur section of the reserve. "We had a fun and fascinating time with Nico hiking with us down the course of this stream" - Garry Boyd

Bird survey progressing

The Barberton Bird Club is in the fourth year of a bird survey in the reserve. Their knowledge contributed significantly to understanding the species variety and the data will contribute to the management plan of the reserve.  To date more than 300 bird species have been identified.

“The highlight of the year so far is the recent welcome rains which we are hoping will bring the wetland areas alive and produce even more interesting species.  For the past couple of months it’s been a bit dry so this change in the weather could make things even more exciting. A couple of young, energetic and extremely capable Nelspruit birders are also assisting with the project and we are extremely pleased that people from further a field are beginning to realize what a gem of a nature reserve we are monitoring.” Marjorie Nuns says.

 The survey takes place every second Sunday of every month.  Club members meet at Barberton Pick & Pay Centre early in the morning and cover designated areas within the reserve.  People who are interested in joining the club or that would like to go along on a Sunday birding trip in the reserve are welcome to make arrangements with: Marjorie Nuns on Tel: (013) 712-7449.

Andy and Marjorie Nuns of the Barberton Bird Club, in action on Mountainlands.

World Heritage status to benefit reserve

Perhaps one of the most exciting prospects for Mountainlands Nature Reserve is the pending United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site (WHS) status for the Makhonjwa Mountains. The mountains have been tentatively listed, a formality that is a prerequisite to full heritage status.  It will also be Mpumalanga Province’s first WHS.

The Makhonjwa Mountains comprise the oldest and best-preserved sequence of volcanic and sedimentary rocks on earth dating back more than 3.6 billion years.

Mountainlands is located in this ancient Archaean geological formation and is one of four nature reserves that form the core of the WHS.

World heritage sites recognize and protect areas of outstanding natural, historical and cultural value around the world. Therefore, the benefits for the area and nature reserve will be an elevated international status as well as additional protection.

“This is good news for the whole area. The WHS will not only assist in conserving this unique area but it is also the platform from which the economic development of the subregion is being launched. The future of the region now lies in tourism and conservation led development. On Mountainlands it will entrench the high standards that are part of the philosophy already and it will significantly elevate and secure the reserve for future generations,” Nico Oosthuizen, developer of the Mountainlands Estate said.

Nico has been involved in the WHS initiative from the very beginning. He also serves on the WHS project steering committee as representative of  Barberton Tourism, who also played a large role in initiating the WHS nomination.   

A project steering committee made up of various local and provincial institutions is driving the process of full WHS proclamation for the area.  They are being assisted by a team of professionals who have been appointed on an 18 month contract to complete the research and compile the nomination dossier to UNESCO. This will culminate in full world heritage site status.

 A range of tourism and conservation-based projects coupled to the WHS have already been initiated for the sub region. More news on some of these later.

Visit the WHS project website at www.bmmlworldheritage.org for more information and to become involved in the project.