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...]
A Sobering Experience On A Tour Of Robben Island
We couldn't leave Cape Town without doing the trip out to Robben Island. This is the prison where Nelson Mandela spent twenty seven years of his life. Although he served most of his imprisoned life here, this is not the prison that he was released from though. He spent the last few years of his sentence in a prison called Victor Verster. It is near the town of Paarl in South Africa. Once you get off the boat at the dock on Robben Island you are put onto buses. We were taken around the large island for a tour. We were shown many buildings and told of their purposes. A lot of the … [Read more...]
Chapman’s Peak Drive, Camps Bay and Long Beach
Chapman's Peak Drive Chapmans Peak. is claimed to be one of the most scenic drives in the world. It was originally constructed during World War I. Several vehicle commercials have been filmed here showing cars hugging the corners around the steep cliffs that are carved into the mountain. There are a total of 114 curves on the nine kilometer road that follows the rocky coastline. On one section of the road you have to drive through a notch that has been cut out of the cliff side. It is like a three sided cave, but with a cliff dropping off on the open side that faces the ocean. It is … [Read more...]
Cape Point And Cape Of Good Hope
The entire drive from Cape Town to the Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope offers scenic ocean views. When you get to Cape Point there is a funicular railway that will take you up to the top. You have to climb some stairs on final stretch up to the lighthouse, but the stunning views you receive all well worth it. Beware The Baboons This area is a very popular spot for baboons. They can be a real nuisance and very dangerous. You will be heavily fined if you are caught feeding them. We got to witness an incident with a very large male. He spotted a family getting out of their … [Read more...]
Hermanus
Land Based Whale Watching? Hermanus is one of the few places in the world where you can do land based whale watching. The whales come very close to the shore. Unfortunately we are not here in the right season to see them. The town is nice enough to come here though at anytime. Zoete Inval Backpackers This backpackers we stayed at is called Zoete Inval. It is run by a Canadian lady from Saskatchewan, my birthplace of all places. Our room was adorned with many things to remind of us home. A real maple leaf glazed on a plaque, a framed set of many Canadian stamps and a sunset picture with … [Read more...]
The Magnificent Mountain With The Table Top
No trip to South Africa would be complete without seeing Table Mountain. This iconic landmark towers over the skyline of Cape Town and to fully appreciate the mountain you need to get to the top of it. The panoramic views from the plateau allow you to get a full perspective of the Cape Peninsula. If you are fit enough you hike up one of trails leading to the top of the mountain. There are several different routes, each one is a good strong climb but offers a rewarding experience. People were asked to stay off the trails during the time of our visit. There had been several fires because of the … [Read more...]
Victoria And Alfred Waterfront, Full Of Entertainment Day Or Night
The Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is one of Cape Town's biggest attractions. It is a functioning commercial harbour with a backdrop of mountains, and set in the midst of it all is a huge entertainment venue. There are pubs, restaurants, specialty shops, two shopping centers, two craft markets and movie theaters. There are probably enough restaurants here to keep you eating at a different one for each day of the year. The menus are very creative and the food is excellent. The atmosphere is great, there is something for everyone here and for every budget. This is a great area to come … [Read more...]