Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve Shareholder Newsletter December 2023

Nestled within the embrace of Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve, where the sun-kissed hills and soft green plains create a picturesque setting, we find ourselves reflecting on the beauty and joy that defined our journey through 2023. The embrace of nature's charm has allowed us to cultivate a sanctuary where the serenity of the landscape intertwines seamlessly with the warmth of shared memories - moments when family and friends gather around tables, recounting the day's adventures in the unspoiled Mpumalanga countryside.

This newsletter is a celebration of the moments woven into the fabric of Doornkop, a testament to the collective spirit that makes our community exceptional. Join us in reliving the highlights of the past year, where every moment shared with you, our valued Shareholders, has mirrored the serene essence and communal joy that encapsulate the unique spirit of Doornkop. Your presence and active participation have served as the vital pulse, the life force, propelling the ethos of our community. As you peruse this newsletter, may the events of the year evoke in you the same sense of tranquillity and bliss that define the Doornkop experience.

African Fish Eagle

Did you know? African Fish Eagles are not limited to scavenging or relying solely on fish for their diet. These formidable hunters have been known to pursue unconventional prey, such as baby crocodiles or small monkeys! Astonishingly, they can lift prey weighing up to ten times their own body weight. Instead of soaring high into the sky, they opt to drag their catch across the water's surface until they find a secure spot to land.

Grey Heron

The Grey Heron is an impressive bird. Boasting a wingspan of approximately 170cm, equivalent to that of medium-sized eagles, it stands out prominently during its robust flight. A crucial identification feature lies in its distinct flying posture; in contrast to other long-necked and long-legged birds like storks and cranes, which soar with outstretched necks, the heron opts for a flight with a retracted neck. During flight, its wings are elevated and strongly arched. Notably, adults exhibit a distinctive pale grey, occasionally bluish plumage that creates a striking contrast with their grey-white underparts.

Kingfisher

Have you ever wondered about the reasoning behind the name "kingfishers"? If your guess involves their incredible fishing abilities, you are correct! Kingfishers feed on fish and crayfish, establishing their homes in burrows located along the banks of streams, lakes, and ponds. When hunting for their prey, they gracefully glide over the water, and skillfully dive down to snatch fish with their sharp beaks.

We consistently try to pinpoint areas in need of a little extra care and find ways to make our guests’ and Shareholders’ experience better than the last visit. Here is what the Team has been up to in the last 6 months:

Swimming Pools
Both the small and large pools were refurbished, and new paving installed.

Games Room
• The sliding door at the lounging area was repaired.
• A new TV was installed in the lounging area.
• The pool table was moved to the Games Room.

Horses
Three new horses have been purchased and a new foal was born.

Laundry Room
• The entire interior of the laundry room were repaired and repainted.
• Three tumble dryers and one washing machine was also repaired ensuring effective laundry services for our guests.

Fish Restocks
A total of 1 150 Rainbow Trout and 150 Brown Trout have been restocked in 2023.

Main Building
• A new thatched roof was installed.
• The ceiling was replaced and repainted.
• New lights were installed.

Tuckshop
• A new ceiling was installed and painted.
• New lights were installed.
• New shelves were installed.
• New stock was purchased.
• The freezer was repaired.

Lounge & Bar
The ceiling was repaired and repainted.

Main Building Bathrooms
• The cabinets beneath the wash basin in the ladies’ bathroom were replaced.
• The tiles in the men’s bathroom were replaced.

Unit 25 Wetland Project
Two trenches were dug and drainage pipes were fitted to drain the wetland that had formed at Unit 25.

Surge Protection
Surge protection was installed at all the distribution boards in each unit.

Lightning Poles
Lightning poles for all the units were tested and all not found within specifications were repaired.

Staff Accommodation
You may have noticed the construction taking place in the staff accommodation area. The new staff accommodation quarters will be officially opened early next year.

The Doornkop Team remains dedicated to providing an environment for creating everlasting holiday memories. Take a look at the special days which were celebrated in the second half of 2023:

Father's Day

Guests joining us for the Father’s Day weekend were graciously welcomed to the Resort with a complimentary choice of sherry or coffee to warm them up during the cold winter. An array of Father’s Day treats were on display at Reception, and each visiting father received a thoughtful gift, ensuring that they felt appreciated for their extraordinary contributions to their families. Our festivities included an exciting pool competition and a family braai. On Sunday, our guests had the opportunity to relax and enjoy some fishing, while the children were taken out for horse riding.

Heritage Day

Heritage Day in South Africa echoes with a single resounding word: braai. In a jubilant tribute to our diverse cultures and rich heritage, the Doornkop Team adorned themselves in traditional attire. Our esteemed guests each received a taste of indulgence with some braai spice, adding a flavourful touch to the festivities. We all spent the day at the swimming pool Lapa and it was a day full of joy and infectious cheer.

Rugby World Cup

Doornkop was fully behind the Springboks throughout the Rugby World Cup! A brand-new TV was installed in the lounge, creating a communal space where guests were encouraged to bring their cooler boxes and join us for riveting rugby sessions. The inverter battery proved its worth during load shedding, ensuring that everyone watched the games uninterrupted.

On Springbok match days, every effort was made to bring our guests together, fostering a shared camaraderie. The collective joy felt within our walls mirrored the elation echoing across the nation when the team captain proudly lifted the Webb Ellis trophy into the air. We celebrated this historic victory as one united and spirited community.

During this festive season, we reflect on the joy you, our valued Shareholders and guests, have brought into our lives. Your presence has shaped our journey, and the memories we have made together are priceless. As we celebrate, our Team looks forward to creating more cherished moments with all of you. Wishing you a Merry Christmas filled with warmth and happiness!
The Doornkop Management & Staff

iEXCHANGE

We are thrilled to share the news that
Doornkop Fish & Wildlife Reserve has earned the GAME CHANGER award in the prestigious iExchange Hospitality Awards 2022 /2023.
The Game Changer is awarded to resorts that are a cut above the rest - from facilities to staff, resulting in positive guest reviews and glowing testimonials.

Doornkop proudly hosted two weekend fly fishing events, during which club members landed an excess of 500 trout catches (a mixture of rainbow and brown trout and even a yellow trout as well). All dams produced fish weighing 500g to 2, 5kg, caught on a variety of different flies. The driving force behind this successful event was none other than Mr. Roy Lubbe, the Chairman of the Board for Share Block and president of the Jacaranda Fly Fishing Club. With a turnout of 30 members, the event delivered an unforgettable experience.

As our lively guests arrived on a slightly overcast Friday morning, the Doornkop Team provided them with a warm reception, offering a complimentary glass of sherry during check-in and assisting them in obtaining their fishing permits. The Tuck Shop stood ready, stocked with refreshing cold drinks and snacks. Wood, ice, firelighters, and a delightful array of memorabilia, including T-shirts, caps, and wood, were on display, ready for the big day. Wasting no time, our guests headed straight to the dams after settling in. Within the first hour, a total of 21 fish, averaging 2kg, were caught at the Trophy Dam.

Eager to continue the momentum, our fishermen rose early on Saturday morning, venturing into Trophy Dam in floating tubes to maximise their catches, while others opted to fish beside the water to avoid overcrowding. The day turned out to be a great success, with an average of 40 fish being caught and released back into the water.

On Saturday afternoon, our Team organised a bring-and-braai for all our fishing club guests. We provided them with pap and sauce, and Dorette, our Operations Manager and Resort Administrator, treated everyone to freshly-baked garlic buns. The atmosphere was set with fires ready on arrival, music softly playing in the background, and Dorette’s artistic touch decorating the tables at the swimming pool Lapa. The guests arrived, and the mood was nothing short of joyous.

The Doornkop Team and staff extend a heartfelt thanks to Mr. Lubbe and the Jacaranda Fly Fishing Club for choosing us as the hosts for this extraordinary event. It was a resounding success and a true honour to welcome them to our Resort. We eagerly anticipate the privilege of hosting them again in the future.

It is always such a treat for the Doornkop Team to receive positive feedback and read just how much you and your family enjoyed your holiday at the Resort. Every story and feedback we receive is deeply cherished and valued. Thank you for continuing to share your experiences with us.

“Management and staff are to be complimented for their professionalism, friendliness, welcoming attitude towards the guests, for the maintenance, upkeep and cleanliness of the grounds and the accommodation. A great place to stay to relax and recharge one's batteries. Definitely recommendable.”

“I had a great time staying at this vacation home. It was cosy, clean, and comfortable. The location was perfect. The host was friendly and helpful. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a relaxing getaway.”

“We stayed in Unit 18 with only a twenty-meter walk to two dams. It was an absolute pleasure to fish while the family relaxed at the house enjoying the view and peace and quiet. The service was great and the fishing didn't disappoint. Between two of us, we caught over 20 fish for the weekend and the sizes varied from 500g to 2kg. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff managing the Resort, contributing to us thoroughly enjoying our stay - booking again for October.”

Hiking Trails

Doornkop offers a myriad of hiking trails that seamlessly double as thrilling mountain bike routes. Each trail promises a captivating journey and encounters with diverse wildlife and birdlife, with the added allure of discovering two stunning waterfalls along the journey.

Horse Riding

Horse-riding is a very popular activity among our Shareholders and guests. We do, on average, two to four group rides daily with the frequency determined by the trails and the available time. Our youngest participants are guided by skilled horsemen, exclusively navigating the kiddie's trail, guaranteeing a secure and enjoyable experience for our little riders.

Fly Fishing

Reel in the catch of your dreams at one of our eight well-stocked trout dams. With a generous restocking of over 1000 trout, our guests are guaranteed a quality fishing experience. Don't forget to bring your equipment along on your next visit or step into the Fly Shop to hire.

SENIORS SAVE 45% ON MIDWEEK BREAKAWAYS

As part of our ongoing mission to share this incredible space with travellers, the Doornkop Team offers curated specials and packages fit for every budget and type of traveller. South African seniors are invited to escape to this ‘gem of Mpumalanga’ on our senior’s midweek offer! Browse through available holidays, select your preferred stay, and bring your family or friends along for some well-deserved rest.

6-Sleeper Chalets - R2 911 / midweek
8-Sleeper Chalets - R3 638 / midweek
10-Sleeper Chalets - R4 123 / midweek

Reel in the latest news, interesting wildlife stories and fishing titbits from the Doornkop blog.

History Mystery: Unlocking Mpumalanga's Time Capsule

Mpumalanga is a place with rich history and also a lot of mystery! On our blog, we explore three mysterious artefacts that have captured the attention of archaeologists, historians, and curious travellers alike. Read our blog to unlock Mpumalanga’s time capsule of enigmatic mysteries.

TENDER WEEKS AVAILABLE
Contact the VRS Property Admin team for more information. propertyadmin@vrs.co.za

Deposit & Exchange your holiday on Holiday Options
Giving you access to a multitude of holiday accommodation availability, Holiday Options offers Doornkop Shareholders access to exchange their timeshare for another holiday, and have access to exclusive cash deals!
www.holidayoptions.co.za

Be part of the change. Join African Blessings on their journey to empower and uplift children in need. Read more about African Blessings and all their projects.
www.africanblessings.org

Expand your Holiday Horizons.
Buy or sell timeshare weeks. Visit the Uni-Vate Properties website to browse a wide range of holiday weeks available at a variety of destinations.
www.univateproperties.co.za

With 7Across, it is easy to go to more places, see more faces and cover more bases. All with lower fees and less fine print. If that isn't a win-win-win, we don't know what is.
Join for free!
www.7across.com/join-for-free

Important Notices

Shareholder Documentation
View Here

2024 Resort Calendar
Timeshare Calendar | Syndication Calendar

VRS Website
Visit here

We would like to remind our valued Shareholders to kindly check and sign off on inventories upon arrival at your
home-away-from-home unit. An inventory list is available in your unit; any discrepancies must please be reported at Reception.

Please note that the VRS Head office will be closed from Friday, 22 December 2023, and will reopen for business on Thursday, 04 January 2024.

Keep in touch with us:

In Closing...

The year 2023 has gifted us with a rich collection of wonderful holiday moments; families enjoying the sights of wildlife across the sprawling landscape of Carolina, the excitement from reeling in a catch after a morning of fly-fishing, and grandparents strolling hand-in-hand to our panoramic lookout points – each moment exuding joy and relaxation. As we gaze into the promising horizon of 2024, we eagerly anticipate carrying the spirit of the past year forward with you, our valued Shareholders.

Before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, we extend heartfelt wishes for a joyous Festive Season to you and your families. May this time be filled with blessings and the creation of a few more enduring holiday memories in the present year. By the time 2023 makes its graceful exit, may you, much like the Doornkop Team, choose to welcome the new year with gratitude for this fresh opportunity to pursue your dreams.

Season's Greetings
Marjorie Forssman

VRS – Managing Director