South Africa Blog

If you’ve not yet made plans for the Easter long weekend, then why not head off to the Southern Drakensberg for the annual Splashy Fen Music Festival from 5 to 9 April. Aside from the great music, with performances by over 70 of the country’s hottest established and up-and-coming artists, there’s also a host of other fun activities to keep you entertained while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.

The most magical and appealing aspects of what is regarded by many as the ‘ultimate outdoor experience’ have always included a tent pitched under the stars and nights around the campfire meeting new, interesting people. This is a big part of what Splashy Fen is all about and festival-goers at this year’s gathering will be totally spoiled for choice when deciding on sleeping arrangements, because facilities are even better and the range of options even wider – four new developments in addition to the already-improved camping sites, hot showers and fragrant loos.

Family Campsite
First up and in keeping with the emergence of Splashy Fen as a fun-for-all-ages music festival is a cordoned-off family campsite close to the children’s marquee and entertainment zone run by the Ocean View Montessori School. The appeal of this innovation is obvious, and although it will carry a R30 per vehicle surcharge (payable on arrival), it must be remembered that festival admission for Under 12s is free. Demand for this first-come, first-sited convenience is bound to be high, so anyone with a young family and wishing to take advantage of it would be well advised to arrive early.

Tent Hotel
The second new venture is a slice of semi-luxury in the form of a ‘tent hotel’ offering bed and breakfast plus separate ablution facilities. Each of the 100 spacious, high-quality and lockable tents will have either a double or two single beds complete with linen, but guests must bring their own warm coverings. Alternatively, sleeping bags may be hired at nominal extra cost. Breakfast will be served in the ‘hotel’ marquee, after which guests can make use of an around-the-clock outdoor cooking facility. The price for the entire long weekend from 5 to 9 April is R1 350 per person sharing, which includes festival entry. Bookings and special breakfast requests can be made by calling Tania on 082 788 0399 or Chris on 082 301 4951.

Homes-on-Wheels
Yet another new option is the mobile accommodation offered by Rainbow 4X4 and Motorhome Rentals: air-conditioned vehicles fully fitted with fridge/freezer and stove, cooking and eating utensils, bedding, camping furniture and – in the bigger motorhomes – an onboard shower and toilet. A range of prestige vehicles is available at affordable rates of as little as R490 per day including unlimited mileage, plus there is a convenient and inexpensive collection-and-return service. Vehicle types, depot locations, reservation forms and terms and conditions can be obtained by contacting them on Telephone 011 396 1860.

Local Accommodation
Last but not least is the wide selection of local accommodation – not a new development, admittedly, but the Southern Berg Escape tourism initiative would like festival-goers to be aware of what is available in the Underberg area and thus within easy reach for daily ‘commuting’ to and from the festival. All budgets are catered for in a range that includes hotels, self-catering cottages, backpacker lodges, guest houses and B&B establishments. Find accommodation by booking directly with the establishments. Click to find: Underberg Accommodation or find accommodation in the Drakensberg.

For information, full programme details or the latest festival news contact Pedro at 082 892 6176 or visit the website at www.splashyfen.co.za

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