Author Topic: Mapelane closed till further notice .. !!!! (Read 16137 times)

MIKE PIKE · « **on:** November 12, 2018, 07:59:37 PM »

So a couple of were planning to do a trip there in March next year and according to some of the websites its closed ....till further notice , can anyone confirm this ....

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sardinella · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2018, 07:58:52 AM »

Yes, it is true, unfortunately. Deposits paid for firm bookings were also refunded.
The road is in a bad condition and has been made worse by the local subsistence farmers digging holes in the road in protest against Isimangaliso not opening the mouth. A while back they also cut down 60+ of the magnificent trees along the road in an attempt to close the road. The backwaters of the Mfolozi swamps the areas where they practice slash and burn farming - the same fate suffered by Monzi sugar cane farmers, who lost their legal bid to keep the mouth open - albeit they did not resort to digging holes and cutting down trees.
The road will be repaired and the camp will be refurbished.
It is not known when Maphelane camp will be reopened.

REEFMAN · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2018, 08:35:51 AM »

AAAAARRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

This country....

UmdlotiOnDad · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2018, 08:36:35 AM »

Quote from: sardinella on November 13, 2018, 07:58:52 AM

Yes, it is true, unfortunately. Deposits paid for firm bookings were also refunded.
The road is in a bad condition and has been made worse by the local subsistence farmers digging holes in the road in protest against Isimangaliso not opening the mouth. A while back they also cut down 60+ of the magnificent trees along the road in an attempt to close the road. The backwaters of the Mfolozi swamps the areas where they practice slash and burn farming - the same fate suffered by Monzi sugar cane farmers, who lost their legal bid to keep the mouth open - albeit they did not resort to digging holes and cutting down trees.
The road will be repaired and the camp will be refurbished.
It is not known when Maphelane camp will be reopened.

Is one allowed to walk from St Lucia? Nice spinning stretch that.

sardinella · « **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2018, 08:48:15 AM »

Yes, beach is open. I go that way often with the fat bike.

Plugger · « **Reply #5 on:** November 14, 2018, 08:50:15 AM »

Aiyayaai !

MIKE PIKE · « **Reply #6 on:** November 14, 2018, 02:29:46 PM »

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MIKE PIKE · « **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2019, 09:35:44 AM »

Anyone know the status of the road to Mapelane ... still closed with trees etc ...

sardinella · « **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2019, 10:24:22 AM »

The road is not closed, but is not in a good condition. The chopped trees have been removed long time ago. The Isimangaliso resort is closed, ie the chalets and campsite. The ski boat club members were out in force over December. Cycled past a few times when fishing south, and there was a lot of gazebos, chairs etc. left overnight on the beach by the ski boat club members. I am not sure what the situation is with regards to day visitors - will try to find out.

MIKE PIKE · « **Reply #9 on:** January 16, 2019, 01:09:00 PM »

thanks .

Asokan · « **Reply #10 on:** January 16, 2019, 06:03:12 PM »

Will really appreciate the feedback with regards to the day visitors
Was there any fish coming out at Mapelane during the December period though ?

MIKE PIKE · « **Reply #11 on:** January 16, 2019, 06:46:49 PM »

Quote from: sardinella on January 16, 2019, 10:24:22 AM

The road is not closed, but is not in a good condition. The chopped trees have been removed long time ago. The Isimangaliso resort is closed, ie the chalets and campsite. The ski boat club members were out in force over December. Cycled past a few times when fishing south, and there was a lot of gazebos, chairs etc. left overnight on the beach by the ski boat club members. I am not sure what the situation is with regards to day visitors - will try to find out.

So you can get there but no place to stay....wonderful....

MIKE PIKE · « **Reply #12 on:** January 16, 2019, 07:57:10 PM »

Could always sleep in the xtra cab with all the tackle .... and feet hanging out off the tailgate ...

Andz · « **Reply #13 on:** January 17, 2019, 09:53:57 AM »

Quote from: Asokan on January 16, 2019, 06:03:12 PM

Will really appreciate the feedback with regards to the day visitors
Was there any fish coming out at Mapelane during the December period though ?

do u guys know if drones allowed at Mapalane, or same rules apply as ST Luciathanx

REEFMAN · « **Reply #14 on:** January 17, 2019, 10:00:02 AM »

No drones allowed in Isimangaliso Wetland Park - from Maphelane to Kosi

Andz · « **Reply #15 on:** January 17, 2019, 10:17:46 AM »

Quote from: REEFMAN on January 17, 2019, 10:00:02 AM

No drones allowed in Isimangaliso Wetland Park - from Maphelane to Kosi

ok cool

Asokan · « **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2019, 05:22:01 PM »

I was at Mapelane yesterday morning
Day visitors are allowed and the parks board are still around , they charged R270 per vehicle which included 5 persons.
The road is really really bad , one cant go with a normal vehicle , once you make payment at the gate and just before the gate , the swamp water comes into the road and at 1 stage where we drove , the water actually came over the bonnet of our bakkie , very scary .
We fished crayfish point however the conditions were tough but were managed to get a few fish.

P.S : the Mozzie are in full force and swarming at the parking site , so be prepared take the necessary precautions

REEFMAN · « **Reply #17 on:** January 22, 2019, 06:50:25 AM »

Urgghhh. Not good news.
Thanks for the update.

kevf · « **Reply #18 on:** January 22, 2019, 05:09:43 PM »

Hi All

Sho I have been scarce for a while...
I was Maps over new years , stayed at the ski boat club camp. Road getting to the boom gate wasnt shocking, couple places that would get sticky with some rain.
Between the boom gate and the shop ya there were places that the water reached the bonnet, people were losing their numberplates. I wouldnt risk driving a 2x4 let alone towing a caravan or a trailer through that.
Shad were absolutely full up in the bay. Couple big shad came out on live shad slide, also a couple nice GT hook ups. On new years day 2 lighties doubled up on beautiful yellow spot kingies.
On the boat we got some dorries, yellowfin and cuta.
Awesome time

MIKE PIKE · « **Reply #19 on:** January 22, 2019, 08:33:42 PM »

thx Kevf for the feedback , interesting to hear and great to see u up and about and back online .