The Otter trail in Tsitsikamma National Park ranks alongside the best trails in the world. It has to be booked a year in advance due to its popularity. The trail follows rugged Eastern Cape coastline from Storms River Mouth to Natures Valley. It's just over 42 km's long and takes four nights and five days to complete. If you're not up to doing the full Otter Trail you can get a taste of it by doing the first half day section known as the waterfall circuit. It is 6.4 km's and takes between three to four hours round trip. It is open to day visitors without any prior reservations. … [Read more...]
Prince Alfred Pass, A Scenic Route In The Cape Mountain Range
After visiting the Karoo Heartland of South Africa we headed towards the Garden Route on the coast. What we thought would be a shorter route ended up being over three hours of driving on a nail biting road called the Prince Alfred Pass. When we looked at our map there appeared to be two choices of how to get to the coast. … [Read more...]
Monkeyland, A Primate Sanctuary On The Garden Route
Monkeyland is a large primate sanctuary and rehabilitation reserve located just east of Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Located right beside Monkeyland is another sanctuary called Birds Of Eden. You can visit both places without even moving your car. The majority of the monkeys at this property have come from unfortunate situations. Many were lab test animals that lived in cages or were rescued from careers of performing. Others are dropped off at the reserve when ignorant people realize a monkey does not make an appropriate pet. … [Read more...]
Cape Agalhus, The Southernmost Point Of Africa
Many people mistakenly think that Cape Point is the southern most point of the African continent, but there is no question that Cape Agalhus holds the rightful title to this status. Technically Cape Point would be the most southwestern point of Africa. There does seem to be some debate over where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet. Several organizations including the Department of Oceanography at the University of Cape Town, the International Hydrographic Organisation and South African Navy have all agreed that it is Cape Agalhus. Our drive started from Hermanus. It took us … [Read more...]
A Photographic Tour Of Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is an easy two hour drive southwest of Arusha, the capital of Tanzania. It sits on the traditional migration route for several wildlife species. It's not as well known as some of the parks in Tanzania but it makes for a good stop while traveling through the northern circuit on the way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. The dry season from June to September has the largest concentration of animals, second only to the Serengeti. Our visit was during December, but we were not disappointed in the amount of wildlife we were able to view. … [Read more...]
South Africa Has Exceptional Backpacking Accommodation
Of all the countries we have been to, I would have to say that South Africa offers some of the best examples of backpacking accommodation that we've stayed in. Many of them are more like resort properties than they are hostels. The locations range from large rural properties to city buildings, but they all seemed to provide everything a backpacker needs. The common amenities are self catering kitchens or optional cheap meals, internet rooms, or full wireless, a bar, laundry services, game and movie rooms, dorm and private accommodation and tour and activity options. … [Read more...]
Self Driving Through Addo Elephant Park
Our Quaint Farm B&B There are several options for accommodation that are near the Addo Elephant Park. We decided to check into a place called Homestead BnB. It is situated on an old citrus farm within a few minutes drive of the park. They have different types of accommodation including charming bed and breakfast rooms, caravan and camping spots as well as self catering units. The large grounds are a great place to go for a stroll or sit and relax among the manicured gardens or pool. The owners were very friendly and helpful with local information. Addo Elephant Park There are a couple … [Read more...]
South Africa, The World Within A Country
South Africa, The World Within A Country This country is so full of diversity in all aspects, religion, ethnic backgrounds and political views. It is such a complex place that in 2 months we only have a very basic understanding of its history. They call South Africa the world with in a country. It really is, both because of its people and its landscape. In 2 months we have seen a lot, but we could easily spend a year here trying to take it all in. We hope to come back some day. There are so many other countries in Africa we want to explore. The people are what really makes Africa … [Read more...]
More Random Information About South Africa
This is just a random list of strange things we have seen or information that doesn't fit anywhere else. Men jogging in 30.C heat with full length jogging pants and a touque. News we heard on the radio while driving the other day. Huge taxi wars going on in Durban (apparently this is quite common) they are actually shooting each other. There are two main companies fighting for business. One guy was shot the other day when he quite one company and went to work for the other. We met a couple at a backpackers that are from South Africa. They went on holiday to Zimbabwe a month ago during a … [Read more...]
Tidbits About South Africa
Other info about South Africa, There are 9 provinces making up the country. We have been to 3 so far. Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and Kwazulu Natal. We will probably be in a couple others by the time we have done our travels here. The school year starts in mid January here. When we have been in the malls it seems back to school was a much bigger event than Christmas shopping was. Everywhere we have been travelling so far, eggs are not kept in the fridge. Even in the highest end grocery store they are all stacked in the regular isles witht the groceries? We have been served eggs many times and … [Read more...]