National Meet 2027 – Olive Glen – Klein Drakenstein – Western Cape

Nine nights of mountains, shared adventure and good company await MCSA members from across the country. Based at Olive Glen Mountain Farm near Paarl, the 2027 National Camp, hosted by the Cape Town Section, will bring together day walks, high mountain routes, climbing, scrambling, kloofing, hut trips, family-friendly outings and relaxed evenings around one sociable base camp.

AT A GLANCE

VENUE · Olive Glen Mountain Farm, Klein Drakenstein, near Paarl, Western Cape
CAMP DATES · –Mar 26, 2027 Apr 4, 2027
ACTIVITY PROGRAMME · –Mar 27, 2027 Apr 3, 2027
WELCOME EVENING · Friday, · Bring-and-BraaiMar 26, 2027
CLOSING EVENING · Saturday, · National Camp DinnerApr 3, 2027
BASE-CAMP RATE · R160 per person per night

WELCOME TO OLIVE GLEN

Olive Glen sits at the foot of the old Du Toit’s Kloof tunnel in Klein Drakenstein. It was the base for the 2014 National Meet and gives the camp ready access to the mountains, kloofs, huts and crags of the Western Cape.

The emerging programme reaches into Du Toit’s Kloof and Limietberg, Bain’s Kloof, the Winelands, the Hex River Mountains and selected Cape Peninsula areas. The final selection will depend on member interest, experienced leaders, access, permits, transport, conditions and route reconnaissance.

A MOUNTAIN PROGRAMME WITH ROOM FOR YOU

• Family and easier outings · shorter walks, pools, nature-focused experiences and lower-commitment days.
• Moderate walks and hikes · half-day and full-day routes across Limietberg, Bain’s Kloof, the Winelands and nearby ranges.
• High peaks and traverses · longer, more committing days for fit and experienced participants.
• Scrambling and kloofing · rock scrambling and river outings, with technical abseil kloofing only for suitably experienced participants.
• Rock climbing · selected sport and traditional climbing days, subject to leaders, partner matching and suitable conditions.
• Huts and overnights · small-group hut trips and camping traverses using selected MCSA properties and wilderness camps.
• Special-interest days · possible fynbos, birding, conservation, local history, photography and skills-sharing activities.

YOUR BASE AT OLIVE GLEN

Olive Glen will be the social and operational heart of the camp. Tents are the main accommodation option, at the confirmed base-camp rate of R160 per person per night. Limited campervan and 4×4 caravan/trailer spaces may be available. Touring caravans cannot be accommodated. Arranging nearby cottage accommodation privately is an option.

You may express interest in the full camp or a shorter stay. Final arrival and departure details will be collected during booking. Selected hut and wilderness overnights will form part of specific leader-led activities and will have their own capacities and conditions.

HOW THE PROGRAMME WILL WORK

Activities will be graded and capacity-limited where needed, with clear information about expected fitness, experience, equipment and likely duration. The opening bring-and-braai will offer a relaxed welcome and orientation. A varied programme will run through the week, followed by the National Camp dinner on the final Saturday evening.

The programme is still being developed. Activity names and locations are options, not promises. Confirmed routes, costs beyond the Olive Glen camping rate, access arrangements, transport, hut allocations and meet requirements will be shared later through official MCSA communication.

SAFETY, ACCESS AND MOUNTAIN STEWARDSHIP

Western Cape mountain conditions can change quickly. Heat, cold fronts, wind, fire danger, flooded rivers and damaged roads can all affect what is safe or possible. Every activity will remain subject to access, permission, permits, leader capacity, weather, fire status and route conditions.

Participants will be expected to choose suitable activities, carry the required equipment, follow the meet leader’s instructions, respect landowners and access agreements, and care for fynbos, watercourses and other sensitive mountain environments.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

PLANNING NOW · BOOKING LATER

The Expression of Interest (EOI) is the next step. It will help the organising team estimate attendance, accommodation demand, programme interests, accessibility needs and volunteer capacity. It is not a booking, does not reserve accommodation or activities, and does not collect payment.

Please coordinate one response per household or likely booking party. Estimates are welcome: answer for the people who are most likely to travel and book together. The EOI asks about likely attendance, length of stay, accommodation, age bands, activity interests, accessibility considerations and any skills or support you may wish to offer.

BEFORE YOU RESPOND

• Submit one response per household or likely booking party.
• Use your best current estimate; completing the form is not a commitment.
• Include the people who are most likely to travel and book together.
• Volunteer and leadership questions are optional.

Open the National Camp 2027 EOI form and share your interest with the organising team. The form also includes an option to join the National Camp 2027 WhatsApp group for future updates and practical notices.

CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THIS NATIONAL CAMP

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

EOI responses will shape the detailed programme, volunteer plan, activity capacities and accommodation planning. A later announcement will provide the booking link, payment terms, confirmed activities and final meet requirements.

Please send your questions to mcsanatcamp2027@gmail.com

We look forward to welcoming members from across the MCSA to the Cape Mountains.

Download Info Flyer: MCSA National Camp 2027 – Camp Announcement & EOI (.pdf | 349 Kb)