Unofficial Mooney Fly in - Postponed

[marcgerm]

As interest was shown for a little fly away, thought it best to have it as a new topic,

Ideas thus far:
- VicFalls/Chobe fly in 4 nights?
- Okavango Delta?

As mentioned before I have a Camp on the Chobe and in the Delta (Khwai area) and am more than happy to put a little trip together if there is enough interest.

Of course any other suggestions, Ideas are welcome.

Marc Germiquet

[andrem]

Thanks for the kickstart Marc.

My wife, 4 year old daughter and I would be keen to join on a fly-in. How about combining Delta & Victoria Falls in one trip - or is that stretching it?

[TonyL]

Both ideas sound great but isn't that a bit far to go for just 4 nights?

[andrem]

Make a suggestion Tony?

I could go to Victoria falls on my own afterwards.

[TonyL]

Make a suggestion Tony?

I've been scratching my head and nothing. What is in the north of SA? Must be some nice game farms or something. How about Zebula or something like that?

There isn't really anything in 'central' South Africa besides Gariep

[marcgerm]

what time of year are you guys thinking of, July/August is high season in Bots and space at the lodges will be difficult to get, October/November would suit me well, it will however be very HOT,

There are also some nice places in the Madikwe Reserve if Botswana is to far?

Is there nothing around Upington that would be fun to visit?

M

[andrem]

There's a pan close to Upington, apparently, that one can land on and be the only people around for a long way. Flashflyer Nick told me about it - he took his wife there in his J.

[TonyL]

There's a pan close to Upington, apparently, that one can land on and be the only people around for a long way. Flashflyer Nick told me about it - he took his wife there in his J.

That sounds like a nice idea. Could it be Molopo lodge?

[TonyL]

With business there is never a good time, but there is always a way to make an excuse to go on a fly away

[Lood]

Molopo Lodge is indeed quite a nice venue. I've landed on the pan in the past and have been to quite few functions hosted there. I also happen to know the owner and can get the relevant info.
Botswana sounds extremely good, but my time would merely allow me a long weekend for a fly in i.e fly there on Friday morning and return again on Sunday, maybe Monday.
However, I don't want to stuff up a good event with my own time constraints and would try my best to fall in with whatever we decide.
Time? My guess would be anytime from May to July. This mostly eliminates summer weather and probaly offers the best flying conditions.
The pan at Molopo is unuseable when it's wet - just ask me how I know.

[TonyL]

When does the pan get wet, summer thunderstorms?

[Lood]

When does the pan get wet, summer thunderstorms?

Absolutely Tony - mostly from late November up to late in April and if it gets ample rain, it stays wet for quite some time, unfortunately. When dried out however, it's as smooth as you'll ever get and hard as rock. I rained in on that same pan, with my airplane right in the middle of the pan It was quite and exercise to get it out.

[TonyL]

I just heard about a place called Thuru Lodge. Sounds like it is about 100NM east of Upington. Supposed to be 5 star.


http://www.thurulodge.co.za

[TOFFS]

How about a little further south? Like Robertson! This must be one of the prettiest little airports in the country. Good wine, good food, good people and a very good “Mooney friendly” AMO!

[TonyL]

Toffs, I see you are from Robertson. Do you have any contacts for a good deal on accomodation? Recently stayed at Excelsior and wouldn't hesitate to go back there.