rory + stephs travels: South Africa

*click on map for larger version*

Beautiful South Africa (SA) -

What a gorgeous, diverse and interesting country! After we had been given mixed advise and warnings by South Africans we ended up quite nervous about travelling to SA. In fact, I was that worried that I didn't bring my SLR camera in case we got mugged.

Of course going there I knew there are places best to be avoided and some cities are more renown for crime than others. Especially Johannesburg has imprinted in my head as a very dangerous place. But then, what country on earth doesn't have at least one of those? Think of "stab city" Limerick as example. While there were some unsettling images of poverty and a still very much apparent divide we didn't feel one minute unsafe throughout our entire stay in SA. They were no situations that required anything but common sense.

We have spend 2 amazing weeks in SA. Incredible Landscape, clean cities, super friendly people, amazing food (especially the fresh and tasty sea food at spot prizes), game that can be spotted in fields and reserves just off the main road... SA has blown us away!

After arriving in Johannesburg, Rory organised a rental car while I was busy attending a 5hr appointment in Boksburg. I will get to this later... Both missions were successfully completed around midday which meant we were ready to hit the road. Destination: Anywhere but the city of Johannesburg. At this stage we were still suffering of paranoia although in saying that, I wouldn't want to spend more than the absolutely required time in Joburg.

Our route took us right through the Free State with first over night stop in Kroonstad. Having travelled for more than 24 hrs we were delighted to find a beautiful guesthouse there. Falling into bed at 5 pm with just enough energy to appreciate the über-cosy feather duvets and pillows, we didn't wake up until the next morning.

Fully rested we continued our journey all the way to Cradock. Nothing but farmland along the route in all shades. From golden rye to never ending fields of sunflowers with little windmills every so often. Very beautiful to look at. En route we spend an hour passing through the Willem Pretorius Nature Reserve were we were rewarded with the sight of Zebra's, Buffalos, Ostriche's and other feathery creatures.

Our target destination for the following day was Port Elizabeth via Addo Elephant Park. We got to see so many animals, it was amazing. On our way out of the park we suddenly came across a fully grown bull elephant who decided to take a stroll on the road. He passed a car ahead of us heading towards us. To paint the picture of just how imposing the situation was: We nearly peed our pants and I was too stunned to take a picture when the elephant reached our car out of fear it might set him off. He was less than a meter away from us. I feared he'd make us a permanent feature of the park by stomping the car to the ground. If we had the window down we could have probably touched him. Goose bumps! An absolute highlight of the holiday for us.

In Port Elizabeth we enjoyed our first seafood orgy followed by many more during the remainder of the holiday and enjoyed a stroll at the beach. We also bought some African art work from one of the many street sellers.

We were blessed with the weather and it promised to be around 30 degrees the next day. Not too bad for autumn! Even better as we were headed for George with a planned stop at the sandy beach of Jeffrey's Bay. Made us think of our friends Shaun and Rozahn back in Ghana. The two of them recently got themselves a place there - now we know why. A lovely spot!

A couple hours later we continued on to George where we spend the night in a quaint little hotel with thatch roof. From here we drove to Oudtshoorn in the Karoo where we went to see the Cango Caves and Cango Wildlife Ranch. While both were interesting we were sick of the tourist money machine and not being able to do things outside a herd of guided tourists. Hence we skipped the Ostrich farm as it would have been the exact same thing, except for the riding experience. I will have to go back to SA at some stage tho and make sure I get that experience in. I'm fascinated by these comical looking creatures. As a temporary substitute - until I get the real experience - I bought myself a pretty wallet made of Ostrich leather and ate an Ostrich burger. As close as it gets I suppose and tasty by the way.

We had enough of driving and spent the remainder of the day in beautiful Mossel Bay. Wandering along the promenade it is clear where the name Mossel Bay comes from. We went for a brisk walk up the hill to the light house and were rewarded with a stunning views of the village, coastline and a dozen dolphins having fun with the waves.

Final destination: Cape Town. We love Cape Town. In fact, we love it that much that we're thinking of going there again soon. This city has it all. Beaches, numerous choices of leisure actvities, mountains and... the Bryceman - a friend of Rory's who used to live in Galway. It's been an absolute pleasure to get to know him. The perfect in-official tour guide as well if you're ever looking for one in Cape Town =)
Diving in a cage to the see the great white shark was another highlight and a bit of an adrenaline rush. "Bit" is probably understated.
Well, enough of my rant. All in all we had a fantastic time. Have a look at the snaps. Click on the images for a larger version.

So long...