by Stephanie Brown
Today’s Soweto Kopjes Hike was special. We combined all of the things we love: adventure and hiking, community and animals. We were 21 people, mostly from outside of Soweto, and many of us enjoying our first visit. We also raised R5 000 for our purpose and Brainy Birds | Parrot Training and Rescue Facility. Thank you to all of our Adventure & Hiking Club members and guests for joining us on this purposeful adventure!
A BIG thank you goes to birder, naturalist, tour guide, youth champion and Kusudi La Champion, Raymond Rampolokeng (aka The Birdman of Soweto), who gave his time to host us today. As a member of the 2017 Kilimanjaro Challenge, Raymond is no stranger to Kusudi La. You can see Raymond sharing his experience and love for birds and animals on the CNN Inside Africa documentary on our website.
Raymond is passionate about the importance of open, green spaces in urban areas and respect for the natural environment. Although this was not a birding walk, we still saw at least 15 different kinds of birds on our walk through the wetlands and the kopjes including the Black-Shouldered Kite hovering over the kopjes looking for some breakfast, the African Stonechat and the Black-Headed Heron to name a few.
A visit to Soweto would not be complete without a visit to Soweto’s famous Vilakazi Street, home of the Mandela Museum (the former residence of Nelson and Winnie Mandela) and a traditional African lunch at Sakhumzi Restaurant. Soweto Gold, amazing street performers and great company made for a perfect day!
For more info about Kilimanjaro 8-16 July or our Adventure & Hiking Club, email Stephanie, our Kilimanjaro Champion, on stephanie@kusudi-la.com or check us out on www.kusudi-la.com.