Blogs from Clarens, Free State, South Africa, Africa

After another early morning safari we were ready for a change of topic. The Drakenberg mountains were awaiting us with the town of Clarens as our destination for the day. The 200km drive will take us through the Golden Gate National Park. Before we had to drive over the Van Reenen Pass. Named after the little town of Van Reenen, standing guard at the top of this majestic pass, which winds its way through the Drakensberg mountains between Ladysmith and Harrismith along the N3, the main connection between Durban and Johannesburg. Unfortunately, the only record that the pass can lay claim on is, that it is the most dangerous pass in South Africa with the heaviest truck traffic density on any national road. (see the borrowed picture taken during the winter months). However it provides also ... read more

When we got on the plane in London the 31 of december we were really surprised how packed it was. Never before did we fly into the new year and we always had the idea that flights are empty at that date. How wrong we were. The A380 which brought us to Johannesburg was full, full, full. Not being big fans of huge airplanes and far too many people on a little space we had no other chance than keep going with the situation. The flight was pleasant enough, but we could really not sleep with non stop noise and little space throughout the night. We were really happy when we finally landed in Johannesburg. And here the next surprise: it was pouring down like crazy! Never ever have we experienced such a rainfall in South ... read more

Celebrating our 10th year wedding anniversary, we decided to head to the mountains! How better to celebrate an adventurous 10 years with a peaceful weekend. Golden Gate Highlands National Park has great options. We love breaking away with the boys. So yes, the boys joined us! March is quite cool in the eastern Free State, especially in the highlands. And lighting the fire were such a treat for the boys! For all of us... The view from our cabin were breathtaking! We could touch the clouds! No really! When we opened the curtains, we had the clouds rolling over our front porch. And the sun were hidden from our eyes behind the thickest clouds. We explored the beautiful surrounding landscape and co... read more