Twin Stream – Field Trip

The weekend started off with a roar at 4:30 on Friday morning and we were well on our way by the time morning arrived. At around breakfast time we stopped for coffee at the Mtunzini Plaza before continuing on to St. Lucia. Our first official appointment - a hippo and crocodile cruise on Lake St. Lucia - was preceded by a walk through the town, where the ladies made a new hippo friend. The cruise proved to be both relaxing and rewarding, with a wide range of wildlife sightings. These included multiple pods of hippopotami, a young crocodile and prominent bird species such as the African Darter and an African fish eagle ‘mid-hunt’. The captain’s explanations on the history and operation of the estuary further enriched the experience, especially for the Geography and Life Science students.

From there, we turned back South, our sights set on Mtunzini. We reached our destination in the early afternoon, refreshed from a short Kentucky lunch break, but eager to get started. The Twinstreams Environmental Education Centre was a destination like none other. Located in the middle of a natural and rehabilitated dune forest, it boasted abundant wildlife, good food and a private beach within walking distance. Unpacking was followed by a walk or jog to the beach, where we enjoyed the last hour or so of sunlight. After supper, we set out for an activity known as frogging. Led by a riddle, we hiked through the forest recording sounds and taking photos of frogs and other nocturnal creatures. Despite a surprise encounter with Rumba (the centre’s rhino-awareness mascot) near the end of the hike, we slept well – until a forgotten alarm went off in the girls dormitory at 3:45 the next morning.

Saturday, the big day, was heralded in by bright sunlight and clear skies. The schedule was packed, signalling the start of our hands-on learning. The Physics students had their experiment and sample kits ready, the Life Scientists had a mission in plant identification, and the Geographers hoped to discover for themselves, all the features they had learnt about. Our guides’ presentation on dune advancement, kicked off the day’s activities. The long beach hike which followed, was interrupted by Physics experiments in the river mouth, and crab chasing – which proved to be successful in at least one instance. From the beach and a short break, our trail led through the Umlalazi Nature Reserve, where we were welcomed by red duiker, zebra and monkeys. On arrival at the Umlalazi river, we were met by some of the Twinstreams staff and a much-appreciated picnic lunch. This was followed by canoeing on the Mlalazi river and a walk through the Mangrove Forest. Back at camp, some exciting experiments with lasers were made and an after-supper program was presented. The geography students discussed feature formation in the area and an accounting presentation dealt with the costs and planning of a trip. After collaborating the frogging-findings of the night before, our guides closed off the evening with a presentation on the mining in the area.

On Sunday morning, we set about our final activity of forest comparisons. It marked the end of our short, yet enjoyable stay at Twinstreams. The Cedar team then attended the Sunday service at the KwaSizabantu Mtunzini branch and had an opportunity to sing. The service was followed by a meal and afternoon tea at the Stegen house, before heading home.

While this trip has left us academically enriched, it also built friendships and has given each of us memories that will last a lifetime.