Silver Creek 2020 pancake fly in at the ultimate tranquil estate

By Willie Bodenstein





Last week, 20 October 2020, an invite to a pancake fly in at Silver Creek Gorge Estate made its appearance on social media. Most people that I spoke to had no idea where it was, but so starved for flying the aviation community was that on Saturday the 24th almost 80 aircraft made it to this tranquil bushveld estate in the North West province.











Aviators came from far and wide, flying to Silver Creek Gorge private game estate that nestles against northern slopes of the Magaliesberg in the picturesque Buffelspoort valley. Peter Lea flew from Barberton in Mpumalanga, Morne Strauss from Vryheid in KwaZulu Natal and Richard Nicholson from Warmbaths in Limpopo.




The 1300 m runway

There are 70 stands of which 30 are sold, 7 of which are hangar stands with access to the runway via a taxi way. A small private school on the estate adds value, allowing children the choice of walking, cycling or riding to school.


The entrance to the estate




Some of the residences.


Some of the hangars


The Estate also has a resident AP

"Please be aware of possible game" a warning on the invite advised and a large mixed herd was peacefully grazing not far from the 1300 metre tarred runway when we arrived. The 71 Hectare estate currently has Wildebeest, Zebra, Kudu, Eland and Giraffe. The residential stands are 5500m² which allows for a large area to be surrounded by nature. Only the immediate area around the residences may be fenced. The aim is to ensure the free roaming of the abundant game. Viewing the game from your own home is an event that adds to the tranquil life style of this estate.








The breakfast crowd.


The coffee, pancakes and hospitality are what in the opinion of all, made it the huge success that it was.

"One of the best for this unusual year, a pancake fly in. Silver Creek set a new standard, absolutely yummy and proper coffee nogal, all complimentary of the good Silver Creek folk. Ian Wylde."
"Thanks for the Silver Creek team for putting on such a wonderful event! Marvellous turnout and an excellent breakfast and good coffee. Date is set for the same next year." Neil Osh.
"A great day for all who flew in. The pancakes, coffee and ice cream were excellent as were the miles of smiles." Ron.
"Really a terrific day with unsurpassed friendliness and hospitality. A fabulous fly in by fabulous people." Karl Jensen.
"Great venue, great catering, great camaraderie! Winner all round." Bruce Harrison.
"Best food, best hospitality." Derek Hopkins.
"Thank you, Sean and Silver Creek, for hosting such a fantastic day." Brian Cilliers.
"What an amazing event! Thank you to everyone who made it happen." David Toma.
"The guys and girls at Silver Creek excelled in their hospitality." Nico Brandt.


Hangars on one side, pristine Bushveld on the other.






















More of the action on the day.

When the good folk at Silver Creek decided to hold a Fly-in I doubt that their intention was to do it on an annual basis but I am afraid, the people have spoken and after Saturday, they will have no option. The EAA of SA, please take note, so close to the hustle and bustle of Gauteng, the tranquillity and hospitality at Silver Creek make this the ideal venue for a future Sun 'n Fun.

For more information on Sliver Creek Gorge Estate

Phone +27 (0) 83 307 3789

Or email jbesilvercreek@gmail.com

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