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KEEPING YOU IN THE LOOP HIKING TRAILS To Boost Local Tourism And Conservation Kloof Gorge, which forms the largest part of the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve – its richness predominantly flora species which have survived the development of the surrounding area due to the difficulty of access and protection provided by sheer cliff-faces – extends beyond the reserve boundary into sections of Upper and Lower Molweni. Sadly, the combined result of poor economic conditions and a growing population in the Molweni area is likely to negatively impact on what is left of the natural environment. In 2020 an informal partnership was established between 1 000 Hills Tourism Association and NGOs Philangethemba Impact, Green Corridors, and Kloof Conservancy – a partnership committed to creating sustainable eco-tourism opportunities to bring tourists into the valley and thus create economic opportunities for the benefit of the community. The underlying precept is that if the community can benefit sustainably
from the natural environment, then they are more likely to care for it and thereby help preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity. Molweni Adventures has been established, and a 1,4km long zip-line is planned as the anchor tourist attraction. The Basic Environmental Assessment has been successfully completed and funders are currently being sought to enable the project to come to fruition. In the interim it was decided to create a number of trails which would bring hikers into the valley. Two basic routes were developed, an 8km round trip to the Granite Slide and a short but very challenging hike to the Nogxaza Falls. The trails were just starting to draw tourists when the April floods came and many of the trail sections were washed away. All hiking has been suspended, but the partners in this project have come together and raised funds to buy tools and equipment – employing a team of five local workers to repair the trails. If all goes well, hikes to the Nogxaza Falls should start again in July, and to the Granite Slide in August. FOR MORE INFO: If you can help, please email info@kloofconservancy.org.za
EXCITING OLIVE & OIL Revamp For over a decade Olive & Oil, where Jacqui and her team have served Mediterranean favourites with uncompromising dedication to wonderful food and great service, has been a firm favourite with Upper Highway residents. 2022 brings a refreshing change to the brand as Jacqui revamps and rejuvenates her premises, launching a more contemporary look and introducing a modern twist to her menu. Look out for a restaurant configuration that allows for privacy and intimacy, an all-new, airy private function area, and a revamped children’s playroom. On the food
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front, while there are some old favourites, customers can look forward to new dishes with the freshest of ingredients served with imagination and generosity. And another plus for busy moms, bikers and business folk … breakfasts will now be served. In Jacqui’s words, “Customers can expect a new-look restaurant with the same standards of service excellence and attention to detail in food that they have come to expect from a dining experience at Olive & Oil; a space for family and friends to celebrate, to unwind and to savour great food”. FOR MORE INFO: 031 765 6214; hillcrest@oliveandoil.co.za
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