Entertainment

The Ultimate Relationship Test: River Rafting with Liquid Adventures

Published

8 years ago

20 April 2016

Tee

River rafting. The words have always excited me but I have never been brave enough to take the plunge. The idea of going down a river, over water falls, rocks, rapids and beating currents is quite unnerving but when a river rafting expedition of a lifetime presented itself I had to push myself out of my comfort zone and give it a go! Liquid Adventures run by Graeme, is situated on the Umkomaas River at the Hella Hella Outdoor Adventure Centre which is just outside Richmond (approx. 1 ½ hours from Durban.) You can make a day of your adventure or if you prefer, an entire weekend. They can accommodate groups as well as individuals for birthdays, corporate team buildings, bulls or hens parties (for the adventurous ladies out there!), which can include ½ day trips, full day trips. But that’s not all, a lamb-on-the-spit, paintball and even mountain biking can be arranged. The Umko (as we fondly call it) boasts grade 3 rapids which step-up to grade 4 if there has been sufficient rain.

With this knowledge on hand off our awesome-foursome set (me with my long sleeve top, sunblock, takkies, cozzie and towel… like the very unprofessional paddler I was!)

On arrival we were met by Tarryn – the photographer for the day. She was very cool, calm and collected which immediately calmed my nerves. If Tarryn isn’t worried, how hard can this actually be… right? Once kitted with helmets and life jackets, (safety comes first) we piled into the Liquid Adventure bakkie and headed down to the river for a safety induction on what to do and what not to do in our inflatable 2 man canoe.

There was no turning back now.

Just my luck, everyone else had done this before which left me feeling a bit daft, but no sooner were we paddling off towards our first obstacle of the day, a waterfall (A WATERFALL?!) No fear though, Graeme was with us every step of the way (phew!) demonstrating with his team the best way to approach going over the waterfall and thereafter one by one, each pair set off to conquer! This was how each obstacle was approached hereon after. I think Graeme could probably smell the fear on me and so kindly offered to take me down the waterfall himself. He made it seem so easy and it was then that I realised, “Hey, this isn’t so bad, it’s actually quite fun!” and so, with regained confidence I rejoined my partner (and fiancé).

I really liked the fact that there were guides with us along the way who were such a big help when we lost our groove, the river can be a dangerous place and you have to be careful at all times. I also enjoyed the orderly fashion which everyone went down the river – one by one – and that there were plenty of stops between paddling to have a rest, catch up with the group and have some refreshments.

With the drought we are all experiencing at the moment, the water level was a bit low and as such there were quite a lot of rocks to contend with. This had us stretching, bouncing and generally doing moves… not quite like Jagger. But at the end of the day we were laughing at ourselves and reminiscing on our awesome adventure which included rock jumping (for those brave enough) as well as zip-lining.

My favourite part has got to be the incredible views and the ice cold Savannah Dry at the end! I also have a new respect for every paddler out there!

Half a day later, my fiancé and I did it, we made it down the river without killing each other! We weathered the rocky bits, encouraged each other through the rough currents and worked together as a team. It is safe to say that we have been put through the ultimate relationship test and can officially get married now!

Our mates Taryn and Lyle joined us on this adventure and as they had done river rafting before, I asked for a comment on their experience, this is what Lyle had to say:

“Having experienced river rafting before, I had a fair idea of what I was getting into when accepting the invite to raft the Umkomaas. That said, there was still a level of trepidation when you’re unloading the rafts and getting all your gear together before hitting the water. One of the highlights of this type of rafting is that you are not ‘ferried’ down the river by a guide (as is the case with a lot of river rafting tours). Two seater Croc inflatables are your craft and you’re left to steer, paddle and decide your lines. This adds to the adrenaline as if you come off, it will be entirely your own fault. For those who are now thinking this sounds bit too much, never fear! You disembark at each graded rapid to review the conditions and the guides give you suggestions on the best lines. If you are not comfortable then you can choose to either be taken down by one of the guides or to skip the rapid entirely. Overall I really enjoyed the trip. The rafting was still a lot of fun, even with the lower water levels. The guides were more than competent and we were kept sated with regular biltong and juice stops. The midway stop, where one can rock jump and foofy slide, is a good alternative activity. I would certainly recommend trying this out and will probably be on the water again sooner rather than later.”

Thank you to Graeme and team for the fantastic day out and to Tarryn Groberlar for the photies! We look forward to seeing again soon!

Contact info.

Website: www.liquidadventures.info

Cell: +27 (0)824945660

Email: info@liquidadventures.info

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Liquid-Adventures-353134388126853

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Entertainment

Jeremy Loops to perform at Old Mutual Music at the Lake Concert at the Durban Botanic Gardens on Saturday 19 October.

Published

2 days ago

7 October 2024

Shelley

Durban, September 11^th, 2024 – Get ready for an epic Spring celebration as South Africa’s beloved singer-songwriter, Jeremy Loops, returns to Durban for the Old Mutual Music at the Lake concert series. On Saturday, 19 October, the iconic Durban Botanic Gardens will be transformed into a vibrant festival of live music and fun for the whole family.

Gates open at 2 PM, with the concert wrapping up by 7 PM, making it a perfect afternoon of music in one of Durban’s most stunning outdoor venues. Tickets are limited and available on Webtickets – grab yours before they’re gone!

“Old Mutual’s sponsorship of the Music at the Lake series showcases our deep-rooted commitment to nurturing community spirit and celebrating both local and international talent. We believe in the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories. Our support for this series is our way of supporting the arts and the communities we serve. We are proud to create platforms where talent, family and joy can flourish in the heart of Durban’s historic Botanic Gardens,” said Thobile Tshabalala, Head of Brand at Old Mutual.

Jeremy Loops brings more than just his live performance magic—he’s back with brand-new music!
His latest single, “Go Again,” gives fans a fresh anthem to vibe to before the show. Featuring his signature blend of soulful lyrics and upbeat melodies, “Go Again” is an empowering track about facing life’s challenges head-on.

In Jeremy’s words, “Go Again is my declaration to lean into positivity, to find strength in the storm, and to bring the sunshine, even when it’s raining.” The song, co-written and produced with Edd Holloway (known for his work with Dean Lewis and Lewis Capaldi), marks Jeremy’s second release this year following “Dust Over Dunes” (August 2nd) and gives fans a taste of what to expect from his forthcoming album.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience Jeremy Loops live at the Durban Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the perfect family outing, surrounded by nature and incredible music. Book your tickets now!

Event Details:

Old Mutual Music at the Lake with Jeremy Loops

Date: Saturday, 19 October
Location: Durban Botanic Gardens
Tickets: Available now via Webtickets
Capacity: Limited to 2500 attendees
Times: Gates open 14h00 – Show ends 19h00.

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Attractions

Drakensberg Hikes with PathFinders_SA

Published

7 months ago

1 March 2024

mrjoelmagic

Explore the Drakensberg mountains with PathFinders_SA!

The purpose of PathFinders_SA is to provide more people with the opportunity to experience the majesty of the mountains and all they have to teach us. They achieve this through offering guided adventures in the Drakensberg, South Africa: their guides are qualified and registered with CATHSETTA. PathFinders_SA offer both calendar hikes (pre-planned adventures that any individual or small group may join) as well as customised group trips. We are able to guide anywhere in the Drakensberg, and are not limited to a few commercial routes. However, here are some of their community favourites:

Mnweni Circuit
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 30km, 1500m elevation gain
Level: intermediate
Cost: R2000pp including permits, guide and tents

Mnweni Circuit

Mafadi
Duration: 3-4 days
Distance: 52km, 1800m elevation gain
Level: intermediate to advanced
Highlights: Highest peak in South Africa
Cost: R2500pp including permits, guide and tents

Pillar Cave
Duration: 2 days
Distance: 5km
Level: beginner. Suitable for children
Cost: R1200pp including permits, guide and dinner and breakfast on the mountain

Pillar Cave

Rhino Peak
Duration: 1 or 2 days
Distance: 21km
Level: intermediate (2days), advanced (1day)
Cost: R1000pp including permits and guide

Rhino Peak

Didima Circuit
Duration: 3 days
Distance: 35km
Level: intermediate to advanced
Highlights: Tseketseke Hut and Roland’s Cave
Cost: R2200pp including permits, guide and tents

Roland’s Cave

Amphitheatre Adventure
Duration: 1 or 2 days
Distance: 12km
Level: beginner to intermediate
Cost: R2500pp including permits, shuttle to the start and guide

Amphitheatre

For more information or to book your next adventure, connect with us:

Website: www.pathfinderssa.com
Instagram: @pathfinders_sa
Call: 071 411 0768
Email: pathfinderssa@gmail.com

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Competitions

Win Tickets to Milky Chance in Durban!

Published

8 months ago

2 February 2024

mrjoelmagic

Milky Chance recently announced their long-awaited return to South Africa with their “Living In A Haze” tour in February 2024 which will see them perform in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban. The German Duo are excited to confirm that both Neon Dreams and Sean Koch will join them as support acts on the line-up for their shows in Cape Town (15 February) and Johannesburg (17 February), and Neon Dreams will also join Milky Chance in Durban (18 February) as support act.

Canadian duo Neon Dreams are no strangers to the South African music scene. Their 2019 single “Life Without Fantasies” reached the top of the South African viral charts amassing millions of streams in 2021 during the lockdown. The band connected with tens of thousands of fans online which led to their first sold out headline tour. They have continued to cement themselves in the industry here, having toured the country a number of times over the past few years and return in February 2024 to share the stage with Milky Chance in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban.

Sean Koch is one of SA’s most-loved indie-folk artists who brings a mixed bag of African and western, influence alongside messages of home, a connection to nature, the ocean and the people around him; to his storytelling, feel-good music. While rooted in his flowing-folk style, his music is diverse. From dance infused songs like ‘Lift You Up’ the standout single from his collection (including the Double MZK & G DOM remix) to the dreamier songs like ‘Feel the Energy’ that carry deeper messages of connection to the natural world and the people that surround us. There is something for everyone in Sean’s catalogue.

How to Enter:

Instagram
1. Follow Durbanite, Milky Chance & Breakout Events’ Instagram pages.
2. Tell us who Milky Chance’s supporting act is in Durban & tag who you’d take with if you win.

Facebook
1. Follow Durbanite, Milky Chance & Breakout Events’ Facebook pages.
2. Tell us who Milky Chance’s supporting act is in Durban & tag who you’d take with if you win.

Closing Date:
Monday, 12 February 2024

Winner Announced:
Tuesday, 13 February 2024

Entries limited to 5 per day.
Winners will be selected at random from valid entries.
Durbanite Competition T&Cs apply.

Tickets are on sale from https://breakoutevents.co.za/ and are selling fast, so get yours now!

Neon Dreams

Milky Chance “Living In A Haze” South African Tour 2024 details:

DURBAN

Date: Sunday 18 February 2024
Time: 11:00 – 18:30
Venue: Durban Botanic Gardens uMphafa Field
Address: 9A John Zikhali Road, Berea, Durban 4001
Line up: Milky Chance + Neon Dreams + final opening act to be announced
Tickets:
General Admission Phase One: R495 ex R35 Fee
General Admission Phase Two: R595 ex R35 Fee
Ticket Link: https://breakout.howler.co.za/events/milky-chance-live-in-durban-5c47
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/181914891636282/

#MilkyChanceSouthAfrica

For more info, go to:
Ticketing link: https://breakoutevents.co.za/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abreakoutevent
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abreakoutevent
Twitter: https://twitter.com/abreakoutevent

Follow Milky Chance online:
Official Website: https://www.milkychance.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milkychance_official/
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/milkychancemusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/milkychance

Milky Chance “Living In A Haze” South African Tour Dates:

15 February 2024 – Green Point A-Track, Cape Town
(supported by Neon Dreams and Sean Koch)

17 February 2024 – Marks Park in Emmarentia, Johannesburg
(supported by Neon Dreams and Sean Koch + final opening act to be announced)

18 February 2024 – Durban Botanic Gardens uMphafa Field, Durban
(supported by Neon Dreams + final opening act to be announced)