Khamkirri - Place of the Leopard

Khamkirri just became more of an adventure!

2011-02-08T01:30:00.000-08:00

You probably know the expression “We hold fast, come hell or high water? Well, it is not hell but we have recently had high water and as the waters are currently rising again, so we are expecting more or the same! Cold feet? Wet blanket? Hell, No! At Khamkirri we are coping with the water and as we are used to adventure, we believe that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Watch this space as when the water recedes we will clean up, mop out and come back stronger than ever.

So, what has really been happening at Khamkirri during the past month?

After Christmas around 27 December we realised there was trouble brewing upstream as the water levels started rising alarmingly. By the first week in January the floods had inundated us and much of the low-lying areas along the river banks in the area. We had to abandon Khamkirri to the whim of the mighty Orange and could not reach it for more than a week. We were however able to get an aerial view and it was not very reassuring. (see above). Once the waters had receded enough for us to return, we realised that we had our work cut out for us to restore things as they had been. The water level over the deck had risen to 1.2m while around 1m of muddy flo

odwaters had swirled through our riverfront chalets. In the admin buildings and kitchen the highwater mark was around a foot high, just high enough to reach the electrical plugs in the walls. We moved in last week to start mopping up and assess the damage, only to hear in the last two days that water levels are rising rapidly again and today (2 Feb) the levels are

approaching those of our January watery visitation. We will defer the damage assessment until the Orange River allows us the privilege. (Has anyone seen my water wings..?)

“No smiling, Boet, remember you are in the midst of a disaster”

The reporters from Huisgenoot thought it would be inappropriate for me to smile for the picture they took of me after they interviewed me about the flood damage at Khamkirri and the area in general.

I thought that I struck a stoic, confident and smiling pose for the camera when I was told,” Mmm, better not smile, huh. Doesn’t go with the mes

sage of the story”!

Riverfront Risks

So why do we risk the occasional wrath of the Orange to make our camp so close to its banks? It is our choice to offer our clients this remarkable experience as the river offers both adventure and respite from the Kalahari heat when circumstances are normal. Building way above the flood water level would simply not be the same so instead we take our chances and pay insurance against flood damage and loss of business income. So although the Orange River brings life to the area, it occasionally also takes and in our position we have to way up the odds and make our peace with the whims of nature. In the interest of our guests that are looking for unparalleled adventure, our beautiful river certainly provides this 365 days a year and 366 days in a leap year! So come and see this awesome place for yourself as the adventure awaits you……….

Watch this space and hope to see you soon!

Wet, wild greetings from Khamkirri,

Gawie Nieuwoudt

Orange River in semi-flood on its way to the spectacular Augrabies Falls National Park

2010-02-02T01:31:00.000-08:00

OOPS

2009-11-19T04:25:00.000-08:00

Now you see me!

Now you don't!

Some people just can't stay in their boat.

What a Jol!

2009-11-17T01:25:00.000-08:00

We have been inundated with end of year functions and team buildings. We want to thank all that have chosen Khamkirri for their adventure and we hope you enjoyed being here as much as we enjoyed having you. Those who haven't adventured into are little part of our beautiful country beter do it, cause you have no idea what you're missing.

How did I survive that!

2009-10-15T02:02:00.000-07:00

For the last week we at Khamkirri have been working hard as support crew and caterers for Moonlighting Productions while they were filming an episode of the third season of "How did I survive that." Some of us were film stars, some of us plain extra's but all had fun, worked hard and can't wait to get some sleep. Thanks to Moonlighting for giving us the opportunity to help them in their indever.

See you again soon.

Celeb at Khamkirri

2009-10-08T00:08:00.000-07:00

This week Khamkirri was visited by yet another celeb. Peter van Kets spent some time with us while his wife Kim took part in the 10th Kalahari Augrabies extreme marathon. Here Peter is enjoying a ice cold Black Label served in a frosted glass with Gawie(owner of Khamkirri). For those that don't know, Peter was half of the two man team that at the beginning of 2008 competed and won the Woodvale Trans Atlantic rowing race from the Canary Islands to Antigua. This year on the 6 December Peter will be doing it again but this time alone. Follow Peter's epic adventure on http://www.own-your-life.co.za/ or read up about him on http://www.petervankets.com/.

2009-10-04T00:35:00.000-07:00

It is that time again. This morning was the start of the 10th season of the Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon. We at Khamkirri wish the runners well and hope we get to see them all running over the finish line.

2009-10-03T00:10:00.000-07:00

GOODMORNING WORLD!! Khamkirri is now on facebook and twitter. Look us up and join the adventure.

Awesome fishing

2009-09-27T02:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday one of our guest proved that fishing in the orange river is not only fun but incredibly rewarding for the seasoned fisherman aswell. In one day Kobus caught six different specie. These included large and small mouth yellowfish, carp, barbel, mudfish and blue kirper. We at Khamkirri have never seen three grown men as excited about anything before. They were worse than my two children in a toy shop.

Evidence

2009-09-26T05:33:00.000-07:00

Here is the evidence gents. Fly fishing in the Orange River is alive and kicking. This small mouth yellow fish was caught on a heavy weight fly right here at Khamkirri. Even the not so pro's were able to catch their first fish. (not as big as this one but worth the effort) So we invite all fly fishermen to come try their luck. We promise it will be worth the trip.

COME ON SUMMER!

2009-09-23T23:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I braved the water of the Khamkirri swimming pool. To my surprise it was wonderfully warm. I think it is safe to say summer has arrived in Augrabies. YIPPEE
There is probably no better way to celebrate this than with a good old traditional braai... You got to love the man who pronounced today national braai day. Vanaand braai ons dat die rook gesien word in Kaapstad.

So maak mens!

2009-09-21T23:14:00.000-07:00

Our energetic team preparing for our guest's that have chosen Khamkirri for their adventure this September holiday.

For those that haven't booked yet, we are eagerly waiting on your phone call. We have river trips every day, twice a day and thats not where the fun stops!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Julia Bradbury visits Khamkirri

2009-09-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

Renowned english television presenter Julia Bradbury took on the Orange River this month while filming a episode of the BBC's Wainwright Walks. Other series' that she is known for include "Railway Walks" and "Watchdog." Julia we look forward to entertaining you at Khamkirri again in the near future.

Getaway Show

2009-09-21T03:20:00.000-07:00

Ons bestuur het lekker bietjie geskou in Johannesburg by die Getaway Skou

2009-06-03T06:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Gawie,
Re: SAAMTREK 2009
I would like to thank you and your Team most sincerely for your arrangements and the effort that you went to make our biennial Land Cruiser SAAMTREK the success that it was. There is not a doubt in any of the attendee’s minds that the venue was the best ever and you and your team are to be commended for that.

It was great meeting you and also getting to know your part of the country a little better.

May I please ask you to carry over our sincere thanks and appreciation to George, Wesley and Wimpie for all their efforts! It was a truly great experience!

The committee has decided to not deduct the cost of the shirts from the amount due to Khamkirri as a token of our appreciation to your team.

Once again, our sincere appreciation!Kind thanks,

Guy Boardman – On behalf of the SAAMTREK Organizing Committee

Land Cruiser Club – Southern Africa - - admin@landcruiserclub.co.za
29 vd Merwe Street, Somerset West, 7130 : PO Box 2653, Somerset West, 7129
Club Administrator : M. Auer +27 21 8501700 (o/h) +27 82 6580330 (a/h)
Custodians : R Bergh, D du Plessis, A Hüster, T Marx, T Roberts,
Saamtrek coordinators: G Boardman, J van Schalkwyk, W Nell, P Kruger, P Burger, S de Swardt

WE NEED YOUR COMMENTS!!!

2009-03-16T09:21:00.000-07:00

OUR CREW AT KHAMKIRRI WOULD LIKE ALL OF YOU TO COMMENT EVERY MONTH ON SOME INTERESTING POSTS WE MAKE ON BEHALF OF OUR CLIENTS. THIS MONTHS TOPIC ARE THE FOLLOWING:

WOULD YOU AND YOUR FAMILY LIKE TO GO ON HOLIDAY AND DO DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO ON ONE ADVENTURE TRIP FOR A FEW DAYS.

PLEASE LET US KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS TOPIC AND THE BEST FEEDBACK CAN STAND THE CHANGE TO WIN A AWESOME GETAWAY TO THE GREEN KALAHARI.
KHAMKIRRI CREW GREETINGS

ORANGE RIVER FAMILY VENTURE SPECAIL!

2009-03-15T01:58:00.000-07:00

Khamkirri is offering to all families that would like to take on the Mighty Orange River for multi day river adventures a chance of a lifetime this school holidays. Our 3 day adventure are now available to a family of 4 at the price of only R3595. This includes all meals, all equipment, one nights accommodation at Khamkirri base camp and a t-shirt. Please dont wait and contact us now to book your place on one of these awesome ventures. For more information contact our central reservations line at 082 821 6649 or mail us at info@khamkirri.co.za.

Cant wait to hear from you!

Eben Odendaal

LAND CRUISER CLUB OF SOUTH AFRICA COMING TO KHAMKIRRI

2009-03-13T01:56:00.000-07:00

The Land Cruiser Club of South Africa are coming to Khamkirri over the easter weekend to take on some of the new undiscovered 4x4 routes the Green Kalahari has to offer. The 4 day fun packed weekend will include 4x4 driving skill, 4x4 trails, adventure activities, gala dinner and also entertainment for the youngsters like a slippery slide. If you have an Land Cruiser and would like to join in on the fun please feel free to contact Eben at 082 790 1309 or simple log on to there website at www.landcruiserclub.co.za and follow the Khamkirri Saamtrek links.

Come on board and discover that easter is not only about bunnies but also rugged 4x4ing.

Happy Adventures
Eben Odendaal

Khamkirri wants to say thank you for 2008!

2009-01-15T05:20:00.000-08:00

Khamkirri would like to thank all of the companies, media groups, tour groups and clients that supported us during 2008. We hope to see you soon in the near future.

Remember to book your teambuilding and corporate getaways well in advance to secure your spot at Khamkirri for 2009.

Thank you again
Eben Odendaal

Here is just a few that supported us, also big thanks to Kalahari Desert Products, Concor Earthworks, Van Vuuren Makelaars, Triple D Farms, AAA and De Wet Nel Boerderye, Grape Co., Coulors, XO Africa Safaris, Meerkat Project, Mia Films, Augrabies Extreme Marathon, Jenman Tours, Womens Month and Northern Cape Tourism Authority.

Eskom Teambuilding says thank you!!

2009-01-15T01:16:00.000-08:00

Liewe Eben

Eskom: Upington Minor Engineering Works Team Building session at Khamkirri, Baie dankie

Graag wil ek van die geleentheid gebruik maak om julle hartlik te bedank vir die besonderse wyse waarop ons groep ontvang was by Khamkirri 08 to 10 Desember 2008. Daar was rerig weinig waaroor ons kon kla, buiten vir die 40 plus grade celsius temperatuur vyf die een middag. Jul personeel, die kos, die geriewe, die kamers, die aandag tot details met die kos en die reelings, ALLES, was fantasties. As mens te veel se dan is dit ook seker nie goed nie. Ons weet net dat ons by Upington MEW net met lof kan praat van Khamkirri.

Baie dankie vir die goeie diens en briee-bek glimlag wat ons ontvang het. Dit geld vir al die personeel. Ons waardeer die moeite wat daar vir ons gemaak was.
Beste wense vir julle in 2009!
Groete

Lindsay-John van Sensie
MEW Manager

MANLEY 3 DAY RIVER ADVENTURE...SO MUCH FUN!!!

2008-12-23T01:52:00.000-08:00

The Manley family came from the North and the South to nest themselves for 3 days in the rugged lower Mighty Orange River. Spending most of there days drifting trough the mountains and channels and stopping so often to eye capture the beauty of the sandstone and marble mountains surrounding them.

Thank you so much to the Manleys for visiting Khamkirri Adventures and we hope to see you soon in the near future.

Happy Days
Eben Odendaal

Khamkirri Adventures got so much to offer!!!

2008-12-11T01:19:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Khamkirri with its interest in outdoor adventure activities are just the place to spend your holiday, either with friends and family. This summer with offer you different activities like mountain biking, abseiling, quad biking, horse riding, river rafting and multi day trips on the game farm or on the mighty Orange River. New to our product list are an amazing overnight rafting trip where you will incounter 5 rapids and sleep under a canopy of stars with kalahari cuisine made by your professional guides. So call us now to secure your place at Khamkirri and make it reality for all.

Happy adventures
Eben Odendaal

Welcom to Khamkirri New Blog

2008-11-28T02:53:00.001-08:00

This is Khamkirri's official Adventure Blog. Please feel free to post and share you Khamkirri experiences with every one..