Beyond the jacuzzi

Things to do

River Rafting

Rafting the Crocodile River in two-man inflatable canoes

Paddling through a rapid on the Crocodile River

Rafting group on a calm stretch of river

This is the River Rafting trip that we do on the Crocodile river, based at the Lion & Safari Park near Hartbeespoort Dam. The Crocodile River has mainly grade 1 and grade 2 rapids, but also a couple of Grade 3 rapids, if there's been sufficient rain. The section is regarded as the best raftable section of the Crocodile river.

Rafting will be in an inflatable 2-man canoe, so you will be in control of your own boat. Be prepared for a bit of a work-out as you will be paddling your own boats. The distance we raft is 7kms, and takes about 2 hours.

We take children from the age of 8, but the main criteria are that they are not afraid of water.

Due to the increased risk associated with taking children on the water, and the added attention our guides must pay to the kids, all kids pay standard rates. On the trip leader's discretion, kids can be placed with adults in a raft, or with a guide.

Itinerary

We meet at Lion & Safari Park (parking lot) at 10am.
On arrival you will make final payment, sign indemnities, and gear up for an epic trip.
At the river, we will do a safety briefing.
No need to take anything on the river with you – we will take photos.
We have a refreshment break half way, which will include water, cold drinks, snacks.
Once completed we will drive you back to your vehicles at the Lion Park.

What to bring

River shoes or takkies (not slops)
Baggies / costume
Long sleeve rash vest (if you have) for the sun
Towel & sun screen
Sense of humour

Cost: R495 per person

This covers:

all equipment hire (like helmets, paddles, life jackets, boats)
liquid refreshments & snacks on the river
transport to & from the river
access fees
river guide fees

For more information, please contact Tanja Klemm-Harris at 082 573 0388.

The Labyrinth @ Ibis – A Walking Meditation

The eleven-circuit labyrinth laid out in white quartz

It is an eleven circuit medieval design, like the one found in the Chartres Cathedral in France. Inspired by Mike Burnett, an accredited Veriditas Labyrinth facilitator who built his labyrinth at Celtis Lodge in the Magaliesburg.

This Labyrinth took two solid months to build. Gundizanee worked sweat, blood and aching muscles to complete this 50 meter wide masterpiece, making it one of the world's largest Labyrinths. Built from surrounding white quartz rock and removing some hundreds of aloes, which were planted on the outer circle of the labyrinth. The journey in and out is just over 2kms.

The official opening ceremony and blessing was on 21 Dec 2010 by Mike Burnett himself. This day was chosen as not only was it a full moon but a lunar eclipse and the summer solstice. Not only were the cosmic powers with us that evening, the divine animal spirit came to life in the roaring of the white lions from a neighbouring farm.

A bowl of Rose Quartz is found at the entrance to the Labyrinth, take one in your receiving hand (the less dominant hand). Release whatever you need to release, be it worry, question or whatever, on your journey to the centre. At any stage you may want to place your stone down. Once you are in the centre, remove your shoes, sit on the bench with your feet on the large rose quartz pebbles and just be. Absorb this healing energy, allow it to consume your entire being. And when you're ready start your journey out, this time open yourself up to receiving.

The labyrinth is a metaphor for life. It has been around for over 4000 years. They exist all over the world. They bring spiritual healing and resolution, be it emotional, social or mental blocks and they help enormously for grief. They are non-denominational. They are unicursal, i.e. only one way in and out, much like life. Physiologically the winding path brings balance to both left and right hemispheres of the brain.

Showered in the divine 3rd Ray of Unconditional Love - enjoy the healing energy while you enter this sacred space.

Built with love and light, Tanja Klemm-Harris