The Magaliesberg Biosphere and the Rhenosterspruit Nature Conservancy celebrated living naturally in the Biosphere.

The Magaliesberg Biosphere is the perfect retreat.  On the doorstep of the bustling and busy cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, the area epitomises country living.  With nature and outdoor activities to enliven and invigorate, open space on which to rest your eyes and revive a sense of connection with Nature, and sensory delights to remind you to relax and enjoy life, the Biosphere is about living naturally.

The Festival was presented by the Magaliesberg Biosphere Initiative and Rhenosterspruit Nature Conservancy both working to encourage the sustainable use of a natural area of great significance and value.  

Highlights included:

Reptile Conservation presented a spectacular up-close introduction to South Africa's snake population.  The show is the "Myth Busters" of the reptile world.  What happens when a snake bites? Which spits and which bites? Are all snakes dangerous?  Myths busted or confirmed by the intrepid team from Reptile Conservation and their very ssspecial friendsss.

Some smiles, some frowns.. not sure about this snake...

For young and old Francois Germishuizen put on a spectacular display of scientific spectacles.  He asked, "if there is so much hydrogen about, why don't we use it for energy?"  He showed various polymers, and how these break down - or don't.  We went from a pop-potato gun and to an impressive potato canon, and a spectacular ending with the launch of a rocket. This is science alive. Francious had ingenous science kits available for purchase.  Anyone who missed out on purchasing these, may call on the Experilab stores.

The Knock Knock camera team  (TV3, Wednesdays and Saturdays) filmed this display.   Visit their website to track the broadcast schedule.

Ecosolutions in Broederstroom introduced the Owl House Project, barbet logs and bat houses.  These products are intended to support species when development has - or is - encroaching on their space.

Vincent Carruthers, author of the respected book "The Magaliesberg", several indispensable field guides, is an authority on the South African War in the Magaliesberg.  His talk was very popular, and visitors were entranced as in their imaginations the very site of the festival was once again the alive with Boer and English, trapped in an ambush at the Kalkheuvel Battle.

Centre stage was also occupied by some very talented muscians and dances.  The Soweto Heritage Orchestra - some 40 young people - enthralled the crowd with their talent, precision and professional approach.  The tenors were superb, dressed informal wear, and the chorus, in colourful traditional wear, caused many a heart to swell with pride.  A high energy traditional dance by Lesedi Cultural Dancers had the crowd on its feet.  The spotlight was stolen by the youngest dancer, a perfect foil for the skill of the adults.

Leaping, falling and bouncing back - high energy dance by Lesedi Cultural Dancers

Background music was provided by the charming Leon Gernandt.  A selection of well-known tunes elegantly filled the spaces between events.

Stalls provided other distractions too.  Among the favourites were: Hannah's Herbs with breads, preserves and sauces; Heaven's Garden with an impressive display and superb collection of plants at very reasonable prices; the most delicious organic vegetables picked that morning on Monaghan Farm; elegant, exquisite and unique door handles "inspired by nature" competed for the attention of the nature lover with Judd Kirkel's wonderful photograhs of unusual, rare and always indigenous flowers of South Africa; the many interesting places to visit in the BIosphere showcased by Magalies Tourist Maps; a beauty of a spider, happy to be handled, and carefully watched over by the Spider Club's representatives; great ideas and solutions for using water more efficiently from Water Rhapsody;  and more, including beadwork, a display of traps and  animal skulls, books for sale and the most welcome icy cold slushies and hunger busting "boerie rolls".

Award-winning Gilroy Brewery also did their best to quench thirsts and ease the heat of the day (no Autumn for us yet!).  Steve Gilroy, the master brewer, gave his full support to the effort by the Biosphere with irrepressible good humour and enthusiasm.

And from the clear blue sky, the Rustenburg Skydiving Club, represented by Mike Rumble, dropped in "just for a beer" to the delight of the crowd.  A graceful landing, and enthusiastic greeting by his dog, gave a big wet kiss to the end of a spectacular day.

See you next year...

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