Another day, another country - a side trip to Lesotho. It was a totally different world to South Africa from the moment we crossed the border. We were in 4WDs, but the majority of the other traffic was on foot or on horseback - in fact we only saw 4 other vehicles moving all day on that side of the border. The roads were like the border post - effectively non-existent - the border post comprising of two abandoned caravans. Sadly, this meant no Lesotho stamp in the passport. We visited a school to which the backpacker hostel was donating cash, [View Full Entry]

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Another place, another city, another abbreviation - PE, Port Elizabeth, the "friendly city". As it was a compulsory stopover for the bus, we had no choice but to stay - however, it was hardly the most inspired venue we've visited. We'd been the only two on the bus and being 2 hours early, we were treated to an impromptu city tour. It was only 8 o'clock, but the undesirables were already out and about and there was a Moss-side feel to the streets - on reflection that is a little unfair to Moss-side. We stayed by the beach - clearly a [View Full Entry]

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After the pleasant temperatures of Oudtshoorn and the Karoo, winter has set in on the Garden Route. Gardens need water and this one has had plenty in the last few days. Wilderness was effectively a long stretch of unspoiled beach, flanked by multi million rand homes overlooking the ocean. The place was deserted and at one point the population of the hostel totalled 4, including ourselves and Scooter the Jack Russell. Dolphins cruised up and down the beach and our whale sightings are increasing steadily. Knysna, apparently voted SA's fave town, was to be frank a major disappointment and was [View Full Entry]

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After the delights of Hermanus, we moved to Swellendam - best described as rural. You couldn't fault the view, if you could see it through the cloud of mosquitoes, so we swiftly moved to ostrich country. Oudsthoorn is a nice little town, built on the wealth of ostrich feathers. The last big boom came to an end in 1914, so they have now diversified into eating them as well as selling the feathers - a damn fine chilli the mince makes! The area is known as the Little Karoo or desert, as the mountains block the weather fronts coming in from [View Full Entry]

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After a slight delay...we are getting used to Africa time.....it was off on the Baz Bus to Stellenbosch. It is basically a hop on / hop off minibus service, which has the distinct advantage of being door to door and allowing the total avoidance of the main bus / train stations. Stellenbosch was the first port of call and was picture post card pretty, although the majority of the backpacking circuit probably failed to notice through the alcoholic haze....still if you can't beat them, join them. We'd already sampled South African white wines, but we are now much more informed why [View Full Entry]

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In true English fashion, a weather report. It's been 25 degrees and sunshine all the way so far in the South African autumn. The Rainbow nation contrasts are immediate on leaving the airport, as the first thing that you see are the Cape Flats townships. We are safely installed in our hostel in the trendy Kloof Street area of the city - more coffee shops than West Bridgford to confirm it's up and coming status. The early trip enthusiasm and over- estimation of Miranda's fitness led to the first money saving decision - climb Table Mountain rather than take the cable [View Full Entry]

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