'We have a lot to offer and we stay active!'. This is the positive attitude of the members of the TuksKlub 60+ which was clearly visible in the comportment of the 66 members, all over the age of 60 years, when they recently embarked independently on the long journey to the Kruger Park.

TuksKlub 60+ is a club for senior alumni of the University of Pretoria (UP). This group remains involved with their alma mater and it is important for them to keep informed of new research conducted at UP. There are frequent get-togethers for lunch during which dynamic speakers enlighten members on current subjects.

One of the highlights of the club activities is the yearly visit to the Kruger Park and some members have been doing this for the past 16 years!

Their tracks have crisscrossed the Kruger Park, but because it is so popular, careful consideration has to be given to which camp can accommodate such a large group. The fact that senior citizens qualify for handsome discounts, especially certain times of the year, is also a consideration.

The visit to Mopani Camp this year was most enjoyable. Surrounded by lovely mopani trees, covered in beautiful autumn colours, one cannot help relaxing and drinking in the peacefulness around you. Sometimes an elephant forces you to a standstill while you're waiting for the gigantic animal to cross the road, and sometimes people wonder what animal you have spotted, while you're actually taking a picture of the beautiful sunset.

Since people value their independence, the park tour is planned in such a manner that people come and go as they please, but with ample opportunity to socialise and to make friends.

The group arrives on the weekend and neighbours socialise with each other. On Monday morning we have our first group get-together in the form a delicious brunch at Tindlovu Restaurant. The chairperson, Mr Louis Cloete, welcomes all and shares a number of humorous anecdotes.

People go their own way and reunite on Wednesday evening for a superb traditional dinner with, among others, bobotie and pumpkin fritters. Everybody has stories of wild animals they have seen to tell —from those who diligently look for the big five to birdwatchers who wait next to a watering hole for several hours.

Too soon it is time to go home and the wonderful time at Mopani camp concludes on Thursday night with potjiekos in the boma. The unbelievable beauty of the setting sun, the animal sounds, the friendly camaraderie and, later, the flickering lantern light, will definitely remain with one when everybody is back in the busy city.