GREAT GUIDE

CYNDI JONKER : The Drakensberg

The Birth of the Drakensberg and It's Seasons [audio]

tourism/lecturing enquiries for Cyndi Jonker  

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meet Cyndi Jonker

Whether she is sitting on her stoep drinking strong coffee, or tackled to the ground by her dogs, you could be forgiven for thinking that Cyndi’s only concerns are the dogs and children that chase around her lawns.

But in her cheerful enthusiasm you begin to realise that Cyndi also founded and manages the wonderful tented camp at Sungubala, is deeply involved in conservation, co-ordinates community development projects in the Mnweni valley, runs 6-night portered expeditions across the heights of the Drakensberg, helps to run a school, manages the mountain rescue command post… and is also a fountain of knowledge on weather, geology, flora, fauna… How can one woman do all of this and be so laid back? No doubt part of the explanation is an alarm clock set for 4.30am, and perhaps her unending delight in the awesome landscape and the communities in which she works.

Cyndi Jonker is dedicated to conservation and the communities of the northern Drakensberg

Cyndi is fantastic, and so are the ‘dragon mountains’ that have bewitched her since childhood. With a degree in science and Zulu and her deep involvement with so many aspects of the Drakensberg, ecologically and with the community, Cyndi is an outstanding guide to the area and a wonderful host at Sungubala.

In her first audio, 'Birth of the Drakensberg and it's Seasons', Cyndi gives a great introduction to the mountains she calls home.

Author: Roddy Bray
Published Date: 16 Mar 2010
Location: Southern Africa | South Africa
Themes: skills and interests, natural world, travel | inspiring, parks and trails, conservation