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National Meets/Mini-Camp

Each year a section of the MCSA organises a national meet in their part of the country. This provides members and non-members with a unique opportunity to sample the mountains and wildernesses of South Africa (and Namibia), often in hard to reach areas with intricate access arrangements and under the leadership of leaders who know the areas well. The Meet is usually self-catering and of 7 to 10 days' duration over Easter.

The Tygerberg Section is hosting the annual mini-camp in the Cederberg in the last quarter of 2007. The guest farm Driehoek (http://www.cederberg.co.za) will be the base camp from which different excursions will take place. This venue offers members the opportunity to explore this wilderness area and visit many of the well-known sites and peaks. September is springtime and water should therefore not be a problem after the winter rainy season. Five different options and route combinations have been put together. They range from a 6-day hike down to day hikes from Driehoek. We are looking into a sixth option to cater for the rock climbers. Transport will be arranged to get people to and from starting points. Driehoek lies in the foot of Tafelberg (Cederberg) with views of Sneeuberg (2028m). The Driehoek campsite has all the necessary camping facilities for tents, caravans plus four wooden chalets and two houses. There is also a tuck-shop for essentials and firewood is for sale. The road to the farm can be used by ordinary two wheel drive vehicles. The easiest route is via Algeria, from the turn-off between Citrusdal and Clanwilliam.

Any queries regarding the mini-camp can be addressed to Irene Vermeulen at sscc@cybertrade.co.za

Info National Meet 2007
Application Form (Ansoek Form)
Route Choices

Past National Meets:

2005 - Free State Section (Rhodes/Elliott/Maclear area) - Report - Photos
2004 - Magaliesberg - Report - Photos
2003 - Stellenbosch - Jonkershoek Report - Photos. 50th Anniversary Report
2002 - HEX RIVER A Western Cape Mountain Experience
April 2001: Southern African Climbing & Mountaineering Meet - Namibia
Dec 2000/Jan 2001: Minicamp - Eastern Province Section: Baviaanskloof 2000 - Y2K TAKE TWO
Dec 1999/Jan 2000: Millennium Meet - Koue Bokkeveld
April 1999: Minicamp - Free State Section: Maluti Mountains
April 1998: Minicamp - Namibia Section: Wilsonfontein, Spitzkoppe, Brandberg

July Camp

The KwaZulu-Natal Section has since 1921 hosted a two-week camp, "The July Camp", in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg. The camp serves as a meeting place for members from all over SA, but can be attended by non-members too. The venue of the Camp shifts from year to year. All food is provided and, in base camp, cooked and served by Ishmael and his staff. Day hikes, climbing and multi-day excursions to the escarpment are made by groups during the Camp. Each member is expected to join and go out with one of the recognised parties. Snow and windy conditions is not uncommon during the camp that takes place during the first two weeks of July. Children under 16 are not permitted but children aged 13 to 15 may attend the first weekend provided they are accompanied by their parents.
For more info contact Kay Nixon or see the KwaZulu-Natal Section's Web Page. or click on link for INFO & APPLICATION FORM.

Joint Meets

Many Sections annually host joint meets, mostly geographically based.