An Interview with Trevor Datnow from Marrick Safaris
Trevor is the owner of Marrick Safari, a 3000-hectare farm in the Northern Cape, South Africa, populated with indigenous antelopes, giraffe, zebra and an abundance of birds. Marrick offers day trips, weekends or weeklong stays exploring the local wildlife and vegetation.
What is the history of the property, and land of Marrick Safari?
I was born here on what was then the family dairy farm. Over the years it become difficult to sustain the farm due to low rainfall and the expanse of the land. I moved away for a while, but for sentimental reasons I had to come back. The farming business stopped and I decided to introduce game. As I couldn’t make a living off dairy and wanted to be on the land, I thought this would be a great business. I retained all the original buildings and turned them into houses or accommodation and developed a whole eco-tourism idea. It’s amazing to see that through our conservation efforts, other species have been attracted to the area.
Seven years ago, I did the first charity hike and I now do about two a year. We also have horseback riding, game drives, bird watching, rafting and mountain biking.
What motivated you to start this?
Really, it was about being on the land. I wanted my children to experience it as well. I found a way to stay and run a business while following my passion. What I really want to see now is the whole charity hike side of things getting going especially in a local context. We welcome so many visitors from the UK who just fall in love with the place and I want South Africans to see it for themselves. It really is incredible and I’ve lived here my whole life!
How many visitors do you get a year?
We get about 50 visitors a month and the people who join the hikes are almost all from overseas.
How large are the groups you take?
We can sleep 40 people on the farm in cottages and our guesthouse, not including the campsites. We usually get small groups on the weekend, but for the hikes 20 is the ideal number.
Where do you get your guides?
All of our guides are local and we have one permanent staff member who is outstanding. I do some trips myself; I guess having grown up here I can give a whole history as well. For larger groups we have more guides and take safety very seriously. We sometimes bring in experts in certain fields, for example an astronomer, botanist or ornithologist depending on the group and want their interests are.
What is a typical day for the hikers?
Well, I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a challenge. We start early, very early when it is hot and walk for about 2-3 hours. Water, other liquids and snacks are always on hand and we take breaks along the way. We always have a designated lunch spot so the tables and lunch is waiting when we arrive. The guides set up mattresses so people can actually have a nap if they so wish! After lunch we walk another 3-4 hours and get to the campsite before sunset. Tents are set up and we provide showers and seating around a campfire. Some nights we have local bushmen perform rain and hunting dances and other evenings we go out for a night drive. We also get a local astronomer to come with a telescope and give us a talk on the stars.
We’re calling it a hike but is it really a walk?
Well, there is a variety of terrain, but it’s definitely not an easy walk in the park. The first day is a flat walk across savannah, grassveld and open plains where we can view antelope. The 2nd day is a bit more strenuous over hills and rocks and the 3rd day is through thicker bush, but on paths.
What is the accommodation like?
We provide canvas tents, mattresses, food and water. Luggage is moved for the guests so all they need is a daypack. For the rafting part, guests sleep in wood and reed cabins with en-suite bathrooms.
Are there shower facilities?
Yes, there are showers, but it’s pretty primitive. It’s a funnel shaped bag, hoisted up with a shower rose underneath. The good news is the water is warm. We heat it up on the fire before filling the bags.
What about the rafting? How does it work, what is the size of rapids?
We have experienced rafting guides and provide helmets and a safety lesson. It starts at the shore with 20-30 minutes of paddling before hitting the rapids. Each boat goes one at a time and it’s very well organised. It is not rough rafting, but people do fall in. After about an hour down the river we stop where the truck is waiting to take guests back. We also offer a walk back for those who are fit and ready for more activity. Again the terrain is different walking along sand banks. We offer a 2nd ride down the river after lunch as well.
What are some of the groups you have hosted?
A lot of local people come just for the day, but we have had several UK based charities coming for the hikes. The NCLH, an association of nurses from London, has come a few times as has a group raising money for epilepsy, a children’s theatre group and some corporates.
What has been the most positive feedback?
The fact that people keep coming back really shows how much they have enjoyed it. We also have had a lot of letters, poems and even songs written about Marrick and the time spent here. It’s wonderful, but for me the best things to hear about are the people that have really bonded by the experience and the friendships made. They share such an intense period of time together that there are often tears at the end of the trip.
We’re organising this for October, what will it be like?
It will be hot, but we manage the time really well and just leave earlier and take longer lunches to avoid the hottest time of day.
What about logistics? Do people arrange their own transport?
Guests arrange their own transport to Kimberley and then we take over from there. I arrange a bus or mini-van depending on the size of the group. Guests from the UK require pick-up from Johannesburg, which naturally makes it more expensive. Kimberly airport is only 12 km from Marrick so it is an easy journey.
What is the exact cost and what does that cover?
We try to be flexible and accommodating but the usual minimum cost is R5000. We are aware that it is for charity and want to roll this out even further, but have to also run a business. This covers all transport to and from the airport, food, accommodation and everything else for the duration of the stay.
Any last thoughts or experiences to share?
Really one just has to come up here and see it for oneself. It is truly beautiful and a fantastic experience. Guests are well looked after will always remember their time here at Marrick.
To book an unforgettable nature hike now, go to our contact page