The adrenalin-pumping 'extra-musical' adventures of this year's 15th Annual Splashy Fen Festival are lining up to promise the most broad-interest open-air extravaganza ever. Organisers are literally 'going the extra mile' to ensure that all of the Southern Drakensberg's many visitor magnets are fully geared to offer major excitement in addition to the impressive roster of 'imported' attractions.

Royce Love Nissan of Durban South has full intentions of 'Driving Splashy Fen' with its muscular 4x4 double-cab range - at least half a dozen will be on site, but not just for show. The dealership's ace wheelmen will also take keen revellers on demo rides through gruelling courses to experience the 3 litre Turbo, 3.3 litre V6 and 2.4 litre 16-Valve being put through their paces. Requests for especially hair-raising trips will be considered, but Royce Love Nissan spokesman Henry van Niekerk warns that "anyone showing signs of a weak stomach should be prepared to sign an indemnity!".

Tough guys can show what they're made of in various Iron Man events - in particular the tug o' war versus a fully-revved 4x4. No strong constitution needed for the Miss Royce Love Nissan competitions, though, nor for the Remote-Controlled 4x4 Scale Model race.

Anyone planning a future outdoors road-show can take a peek at the Nissan 'Gig-Rig' which will be hosting the VIP Lounge.

VIP status is not required for joining 'high society' of a different kind - simply buy a ticket to ride aboard the Hot-Air Balloon operated by Airborne Adventures Africa. Lift off just before dawn and soar above the Berg foothills for an hour or so before a gentle landing followed by Champagne Breakfast and a ride back to the festival site...absolutely fabulous.

Your two aeronauts have long, world-wide experience and their 'craft' is the best of its kind - complete with giant Virgin logo.

On the subject of 'breeze-power', Splashy organisers believe the time is long overdue for 'Kite Culture' to be established, as with countless outdoor festivals abroad. Kite-flyers and builders are heartily encouraged to start waving the flag, and should make contact with a view to setting up workshops and the like.

Back on solid ground - part of the time at least - Quad Biking is the new force to be reckoned with in Adventure Sports. The Sani Pass link with neighbouring Lesotho is regarded among the most challenging...almost on Splashy Fen's doorstep. Also in the festival's immediate or reasonably near surrounds are thrill-seekers' delights such as para- and hang-gliding, river rafting and mountain climbing, plus the more sedate nature-trailing on foot or horseback and the downright leisurely pastimes of trout fishing, museum visiting and Stone Age rock-art gazing.

Should none be inspiring or pulse-racing enough, stay within festival bounds for the mostly spine-chilling inhabitants of Reptiles for Africa's travelling display. More than 20 snake species - including Black and Green Mambas, Cobras, Rattlers, Puff Adders, Pythons and Boa Constrictors - will be accompanied by assorted Tortoises, Turtles, Green Iguanas, Nile Monitors and Bearded Dragons...along with their expert and knowledgeable handlers. All venomous snakes remain in their lock-up glass tanks for the duration, while the 'cuddly' ones and their non-threatening reptilian friends will be available for 'petting sessions'.

With a roster of alternatives-to-music as far reaching and all-encompassing as on offer, groups and solo acts will have to 'pull out all the stops' to grab full crowd-attention - the best of both worlds at Splashy Fen 2004.

www.zulu.org.za
www.drakensberg.kzn.org.za
www.sanisaunter.com
Royce Love Nissan - Henry van Niekerk 031 465 9333 topconsultant@ananzi.co.za
Hot-Air Ballooning - 084 504 2171 www.airborneadventuresafrica.com
Quad Biking - Kevin Webster 072 4255230
Reptiles for Africa - Graham Dinkelman 084 596 2424