Blogs from Western Cape, South Africa, Africa - page 7

An exciting day! We made our way to Tsitsikamma National Park. The terrain is mostly indigenous forest that reaches to the coast of the Indian Ocean. In the morning we geared up with harnesses and helmets so we can glide atop and across the canopy of trees in the forest, feeling first hand a bit like Tarzan. There were ten zip lines, the longest being 91 meters. Between each one was a platform high on top of a sturdy, tall tree. After a light lunch of salad and chips, we went into the park and did a short hike at Storm River Mouth. The path lead us to a suspension bridge over the ocean. It was windy but it was the Strauss monkeys that caused the bridge to shake from side to side. The day continued ... read more

Today was the day I was waiting for, the day of the PENGUINS! I can't say anyone else was too excited by them, but I for one, find them adorable and charming. We drove from Cape Town to Simon's Town where Boulder Beach is located and the home of the Penguins. The Cape penguin is relatively small. They are black and white with a little patch of pink near their eyes. They waddle and they shake off the water when they come out from swimming and I could have sat watching them all day. There were two dancing the mating dance. She stood there mostly aloof while he bowed and twirled all around her. From time to time their heads came together and it looked as if they were kissing. It was beautiful. Then we saw ... read more

So after years of thinking about this we've actually plucked up the courage to do it. On Saturday 24th August at 4am we're leaving Knysna on the trip we always dreamed of since moving to South Africa in May 2016. This week has been mad, so many plans to make, accommodation to book, things to remember to get (puncture kits, first aid kit, camping gear, emergency rations, water, fuel, anti malaria tablets etc etc etc). Expecting to cover in the region of 6000km in less than 2 weeks with 8 days in Botswana and Namibia with a mini trip to see Vic Falls it's going to be epic. I've never written a blog before but I thought this would be a great way to share our experience(s) along the way.... read more

Our day began with an 8:15 a.m. departure following another hearty breakfast at The Portswood. We headed south from Cape Town towards Muizenburg, which put us on the Atlantic coast. From here, it would be a series of quick and scenic stops to admire beautiful coastal views and/or wildlife. Our ultimate destination was the Cape of Good Hope/Cape Point--the southwesternmost point on the African Continent. First, the wildlife: Though we did not see any sharks or baboons, signs pointed to trouble with both species. After heading uphill from a beautiful beach, we encountered a "shark spotter" shack, looking over the swimmers and surfers to track any approaching shark dangers. Near the "shark shack," another sign warned us that baboons "are dangerous WILD animals - DO NOT FEED - Keep doors locked and windows closed." We continued ... read more

I was just about to think about getting up to finish off the blog from yesterdays travel and the power went out. How could I tell that the power had gone out? Well, our lodge is out in the countryside and there are few other lights outside providing any indication of what time of the day it is. So when my world went completely black there could be only one reason. So this was our first experience of ‘load shedding’ which we had read was common in South Africa due to a shortage of generation in the country. The authorities are trying to overcome this but two new power stations being built are over budget and construction has slowed. Anyway an hour later the lights came back on and life returned to normal. After another bountiful ... read more