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Where Springbok and Bushmen Roam. Kagga Kamma Cape Country, South Africa by Muguette Goufrani Click for Area Map With the hectic, round the clock activities of another ATA International Congress occupying every spare moment, we had very little time to scan South African Tourism's travel itinerary prior to our 3 day trip around the historic Cape of Good Hope. However, I did note that our destination for day two of the Cape Country Tour was a private game reserve they call "Kagga Kamma. Not expecting anything too far beyond the ordinary, after a rugged 3 hour motor trip from Cape Town, our group of five was little prepared for the amazing 'moonscape' of this spectacular hideout in the rugged Cedarburg Mountains. It was a site (and sight) that could easily be the movie set for "Jurassic Park" or "Planet of the Apes." As twilight approached, many of the odd rock shapes near the camp cast weird shadows, taking the form of wild animals or strange spirit creatures. "Moonwalking, Midnight Safaris, Rock Paintings and *Cave dwelling in a timeless land that looks like Jurassic Park." A Sound Investment in EcoTourism : While it was late May, there was a definite chill in the air; so we bundled up and climbed aboard a sturdy Land Rover 4x4 for Kagga Kamma's popular Moonlight Safari. No matter how many times we travel below the equator, I am always awed by the Southern Cross, which lit up in the midnight sky that night, in contrast with the eerie moonscape we were crossing; each one perched like Sabu atop our rubber-tired camel. What was the group searching for? What was the name of the game? Springbok are the most common game species in these parts, although one may encounter Eland, Gemsbok, Black and Blue Wildebeest, Rheebuck, Steenbuck, Duiker, Grysbok, Zebra, Bontebok, Cape Baboon and Ostrich. The area's predators are mainly Caracal, Jackal, Lynx, and the occasional Leopard. According to the map provided by South African Tourism, Kagga Kamma is located near the Swartruggens Range that separates the Koue Bokkeveld from the endless stretches of Karoo (outback). While there's some similarity to parts of New Mexico or Arizona's Grand Canyon, Kagga Kamma is worlds apart from anything I've yet to encounter. For countless centuries this seemingly barren land was home to the nomadic San (Bushmen), who roamed over a wide area, hunting animals and small reptiles and gathering a wide assortment of roots, berries, insects, medicinal herbs and grasses. One of the Bushmen's favorite snacks is a 'land tortoise,' which they hold in one hand and munch like a Big Mac. The bushmen's amazing rock art, which we saw decorating various caves and crevices nearby, bears witness to their way of life and spiritual paths. Our guide gave us an interesting story on how the local Shaman, could commune with the spirit people through these rock channels linking the center of the earth with the furthest reaches of heaven. Photo: Ogo Sow, New York Broadcaster interviews Kagga Kamma guide for direct radio broadcast to the USA and Caribbean... Media Team Discovers another of South Africa's Secrets Our tour party consisted of ATA photographer Robert Eilets of New York, broadcaster Ogo Sow, Africa Travel Magazine editor Jerry W. Bird and myself. During our overnight visit, Ogo Sow interviewed Kagga Kamma's operating staff several times on the air, with a live feed to the USA. Mr. Sow is with Afric Vision, which broadcasts via radio from its New York studios, targeting listeners interested in the African continent. His program is aired weekly over the Cable Vision Network. Our tour conductor/driver was Dan Dunn of Southern Tip Tours, Cape Town. Dan's colorful heritage and family tree (part Zulu, part Scot) is another story. Getting to Kagga Kamma While there's a strip for light aircraft near the "Bushmen Lodge," we drove 250 km from Cape Town, winding our way northeast through the famous Cape Wine Country and fruit growing region. Thanks to brothers Sellwyn and Robert Davidowitz, Tour Operators with "I Love Cape Town" and "Beautiful Cape Town," we had already tasted the wines at Franschoek and Stellenbosch. Earlier in the day, we stopped at New Beginnings winery,(another story I must tell) so there was no need to stop for another grape break. The paved highway surface was excellent and the communities enroute, such as Paarl, Worcester and Ceres were all clean, prosperous looking and bustling with activity on this bright Saturday afternoon. The final segment of the trip to Kagga Kamma led us through some rugged country with canyons, waterfalls and scenic vistas that proved to be ideal photo ops. * Some Caves? Our private guest room at Kagga Kamma may have been built into the side of a rugged rock cliff, but it was furnished and equipped in the modern mode. You and your clients will be impressed. At the "Bushmen Lodge" there are also "Bushman huts, " with twin beds and ensuite bathrooms. To cool off in the summer heat, there is an outdoor swimming pool that's built around a rocky outcrop. We enjoyed relaxing in the cozy main lodge, with its fully stocked bar, superb wine selection and hearty 'communal style' meals from the Rotskombuis (Rock Kitchen) restaurant. While it was winter in South Africa during our visit, I hope to return with some tour guests during the spring or summer to experience the open-air lapa (dining area) under the eternal Southern Cross, amidst Kappa Kamma's stunning rock formations and moonlight shadows. More will be available on our web site: www.africa-ata.org More. Here's an excerpt from the company's brochure. For Information and booking contact: Kagga Kamma PO Box 7143 North Paarl, 7623 South Africa Tel. 27-21-873 4343, Fax 27-21 872 4524 E-mail: info@kaggakamma.co.za Web Site: www.kaggakamma.co.za   Daniel Dunn, Chairman/ President Western Cape Chapter Africa Travel Associaiton E-Mail: mailto:dddunn@mweb.co.za