Meet Africa’s youngest adventure bloggers – two Capetonian children who are headed north into Africa’s wilds.
The Kellett parents, Andrew and Marie-Louise, set off into the continent’s wilds on Tuesday on a five-month “African Odyssey”.
And their two children, Camdyn, 11, and Summer-Ann, 7, will also be actively documenting their experience through a weekly blog – Africa through their eyes. The Kellett kids are already veterans on the Orange River, and many other of SA’s whitewater favourites.
The Kellets have their own adventure company, Gravity Adventure, and Andrew, who attended Bishops and then UCT, has also been at the heart of training kayaking guides for the African Paddling Association (APA) and International Rafting Federation (IRF).
“We have decided to explore the southern parts of Africa with our two young children in a little more depth. This expedition will form part of our Young Explorers initiative, which aims to get kids out into nature, where they belong.
“Our plan is to spend about a month in each country and experience what each destination has to offer,” Marie-Louise explained.
So the children said their goodbyes at the Michael Oak School in Kenilworth on Friday, and the family left Cape Town on Saturday in their specially-kitted Land Rover Defender.
On their travels, five “must-see” destinations await the family – five mini-adventures which travellers can join them on.
First, the Kunene River in Namibia – from where they will be plunging into a four-day adventure in the Ondorusso Gorge, ending at the breathtaking Epupa Falls.
The family explains in their itinerary: “With its waving palms, spectacular sunsets and perennially flowing waters, the Epupa area offers much to see, experience and do.
“Scattered settlements of Himba, nomadic people of Herero descent who still live and dress according to ancient customs and traditions, are found in this part of Namibia. Several hiking trails provide wonderful photographic opportunities and spectacular views of the Epupa Falls and Kunene River. Birdlife in this riverine paradise is rich and varied with some species endemic to the Kunene River environs.”
Their next scheduled mini-adventure is horse riding and walking safaris on the Okavango Delta, starting on the banks of the spectacular Selinda Spillway – an ancient watercourse linking the Okavango Delta and the Kwandi-Linyati floodplains and riverine forests.
Third will be the mighty Zambezi River – “arguably some of the best white water on the planet”, said the Kelletts.
Andrew will be leading a trip of kayakers down this world-class gorge.
Fourth, kayaking on Lake Malawi on an island-hopping adventure.
And fifth, exploring the Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique.
once Mozambique’s mighty trading centre, Ibo Island, in the Quirimbas Archipelago National Park, has remained all but forgotten to the outside world for almost a century. “The forgotten colonial buildings of Ibo town have been nominated for Unesco world heritage status,” the Kelletts said.
Andrew said: “We’re all very excited, although a bit daunted by being on the road for five months – with two kids.
“The school has been very supportive, and we’ll be keeping up with his (Camdyn’s) curriculum on the road, and he’ll also be compiling a full report on African geology for his Grade 6 year.
“He’s also musical, so he’ll be researching all the different genres of African music in the countries we visit. We’re taking a leap of faith, and you’ll no doubt hear about our adventures through the kids’ blogs.” - Cape Argus
Anyone wanting to join the Kelletts on their journey shoulde-mail them on their website:www.gravity.co.za