Friday 24 April we visited the ARC where we learned about potato tissue cultures, the hydroponic cultivation of tomatoes, various sweet potato cultivars and do not forget about the medicinal plant division where we were introduced to the cultivation of various medicinal plants. We also had a peep at their new state of the art facilities to develop products from raw plant material for the commercial market. The Moringa tea was a little too bitter to one of our students liking.

Next stop, Boskoors, a privately owned piece of paradise and home to the SA Bass adventure camp, this was to be our house from home for the weekend.  The University Quantum busses were welcomed by Saartjie the tame ostrich and after settling in we sat down to a well-deserved lunch. We were all starving after all the walking and learning at the ARC.

Saturday morning we went on a hike, learning our plants on the way. At regular intervals the students had to wear-off the male ostrich that was a little too curious for our comfort. Saturday afternoon was time to row and wrestling. It was, however, not evident who the winning team was. We also had the opportunity to show off our bow and arrow, sling shot and pellet gun shooting skills. Girls rule!  Saturday night was spent around the camp fire relaxing and getting to know each other better.

Early on Sunday morning we were up and ready to visit the lions, and didn’t they give us a roaring show………… After Sunday lunch and wall climbing a bunch of exhausted third year students returned home, may be with a little more Plant Science knowledge but definitely with a lot of new friends.