Hope you all have a great 2012
 |
| Huey and millie are visiting for New Year. Don't think they will like the fireworks. |
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Photos from Africa
here is a selection of photos from our africa trip
click here for photos of Kenya we began at Lake Naivasha, it was our first wildlife, so there are lots of photos.
click here for photos of Tanzania
click here for photos of Malawi please note, it was a bad taste party, and someone else chose our clothes
click here for photos of Zambia
click here for photos of Botswana
click here for photos of Zimbabwe
click here for photos of Mozambique
click here for photos of South Africa (NEW!!!)
click here for photos of Kenya we began at Lake Naivasha, it was our first wildlife, so there are lots of photos.
click here for photos of Tanzania
click here for photos of Malawi please note, it was a bad taste party, and someone else chose our clothes
click here for photos of Zambia
click here for photos of Botswana
click here for photos of Zimbabwe
click here for photos of Mozambique
click here for photos of South Africa (NEW!!!)
Friday, October 28, 2011
Africa summary
Africa was amazing. We went to see the wildlife, and there was plenty of that. Only saw one rhino and one leopard. Missed out on the flamingoes as they had migrated further north.
The best part, the Masai Mara (Kenya) and the Serengeti (Tanzania), which are really the same park, just with a border through it. The animals migrate between these parks each year. They were in open grass land, so it was easy to see the animals, and we got to within metres of them.
We did a day trip to Chobe, in Botswana, the wild life from the boat trip was amazing, especially the elephant families.
In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, we went rhino hunting in Rhodes Matapos National Park. Walked around the park in single file behind the "rhino hunter". But did not find any rhinos. A nice day out, and we saw assorted wildlife.
At Antelope Park, near Gweru in Zimbabwe, the walk with the lion cubs was something we will never forget. We could pat them, even walk behind them holding their tails. These lion cubs were raising money for the lion breeding program there, which hopes to eventually return lions to the wild'
Kruger, however was a disappointment, partly because we only had one night there, and partly because we were on the truck, which was only allowed on bitumen roads.
The beaches were also great, and all had white sand. Zanzibar, Vilanculos and Inhambane (Tanzania and Mozambique) gave us some well deserved rest days. At Lake Malawi, swimming in fresh water was also fantastic. The lake is like an ocean.
We enjoyed our adventure activities, ballooning over the Masai Mara was fantastic, even though at $500 each it hurt the budget. The microlyte flying over Victoria Falls and swimming at the top of the falls was excellent. The elephant ride at Antelope Park was very uncomfortable though. Sunset cruises are always pleasant. The snorkelling was probably the most disappointing of the activities we did, but mainly because we have been spoilt by other parts of the world. On each snorkelling day, the sea was rough, and the currents strong, which limited the visibility. Still had nice outings though.
The camping trip(Kumka AF19) was an easy way to see lots of Africa with no hassles. Food was good, our tent was cozy and we had good air mattresses. We stayed in camp sites in beautiful locations, often out of town, so did not mingle much with the locals. Most campsites had a bar, and often a restaurant as well. They were all fenced, with guards on the gates. And the pace was quite relaxed. Like all tours, you didn't get to stop where you wanted, and we drove past many excellent photo opportunities.
We also enjoyed the last few days on our own, with the freedom to do exactly what we wanted to.
If you are considering an African holiday, go!! It was fantastic.
The best part, the Masai Mara (Kenya) and the Serengeti (Tanzania), which are really the same park, just with a border through it. The animals migrate between these parks each year. They were in open grass land, so it was easy to see the animals, and we got to within metres of them.
We did a day trip to Chobe, in Botswana, the wild life from the boat trip was amazing, especially the elephant families.
In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, we went rhino hunting in Rhodes Matapos National Park. Walked around the park in single file behind the "rhino hunter". But did not find any rhinos. A nice day out, and we saw assorted wildlife.
At Antelope Park, near Gweru in Zimbabwe, the walk with the lion cubs was something we will never forget. We could pat them, even walk behind them holding their tails. These lion cubs were raising money for the lion breeding program there, which hopes to eventually return lions to the wild'
Kruger, however was a disappointment, partly because we only had one night there, and partly because we were on the truck, which was only allowed on bitumen roads.
The beaches were also great, and all had white sand. Zanzibar, Vilanculos and Inhambane (Tanzania and Mozambique) gave us some well deserved rest days. At Lake Malawi, swimming in fresh water was also fantastic. The lake is like an ocean.
We enjoyed our adventure activities, ballooning over the Masai Mara was fantastic, even though at $500 each it hurt the budget. The microlyte flying over Victoria Falls and swimming at the top of the falls was excellent. The elephant ride at Antelope Park was very uncomfortable though. Sunset cruises are always pleasant. The snorkelling was probably the most disappointing of the activities we did, but mainly because we have been spoilt by other parts of the world. On each snorkelling day, the sea was rough, and the currents strong, which limited the visibility. Still had nice outings though.
The camping trip(Kumka AF19) was an easy way to see lots of Africa with no hassles. Food was good, our tent was cozy and we had good air mattresses. We stayed in camp sites in beautiful locations, often out of town, so did not mingle much with the locals. Most campsites had a bar, and often a restaurant as well. They were all fenced, with guards on the gates. And the pace was quite relaxed. Like all tours, you didn't get to stop where you wanted, and we drove past many excellent photo opportunities.
We also enjoyed the last few days on our own, with the freedom to do exactly what we wanted to.
If you are considering an African holiday, go!! It was fantastic.
Monday, October 24, 2011
The Capes, the Garden Route and wineries
We picked up the car on Wednesday morning, and headed south from Cape Town, The car was a Hyundai I10, automatic, which went well for the whole trip.
We headed down the west coast, via Hout Bay where the fishing fleet seems to be based, and Peter found take away calamari for morning tea. Continued on down via Chapmans Peak, on a road similar to the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Very scenic, but we were going the wrong way, should have been on the outside of the road, not the inside.
We visited the Cape of Good Hope(smaller cape, but of course the more famous one) and Cape Point (where the lighthouse is). Neither is actually the most southern point of Africa. Spent the night at Simon's Town, where the navy is based. We stayed in a backpacker lodge, had previously been an old convent school.
The next day we continued around the coast, heading north, and then east. Our trip took us past some of the Cape flats shanty towns (but on the main road). A bit of an eery feeling, lots of people walking down the road, all peaceful though. We continued around the coast to Bettys Bay, where we visited the penguin colony, strange to see all the penguins in the day, not just at dusk as we do in Australia. Then it was on to Hermanus, where we watched Australia beat South Africa in the first 20-20 match while having dinner in the local pub.
Our trip continued with us heading east to Cape Agulhas, the most southern point in Africa. There was a small lighthouse, and signage, but not much else. Back to the highway and on to Mossel Bay, another working harbour town. This is actually at the start of the Garden Route, which heads east to Port Elizabeth.
From Mossel Bay we took a day trip to George and surrounding area. The local beach was a tiny bay with perhaps 15 houses along one side of the bay. Very like a Sydney city beach. Went to a strawberry farm and had fresh strawberries and cream. Mountains in this area very spectacular.
Heading back towards Cape Town, we drove north through the first range to Outdshoorn. Lots of ostrich farms around here, very few trees just low scrub. Stopped to see the kiwis beat Oz in the Rugby World Cup semifinal. Continued on to Robertson, a wine growing district, where we stayed 2 nights.
Our selfdirected tour of the wine district had us tasting red wine at 10am on a Monday morning. Decided after that to leave the wine tasting to later. Drove around pretty countryside, grapes, cows, a Parmalat factory (they seem to have taken over the dairy world), and then stopped for lunch at a cheese and wine cafe , (Montagne deli) where you got to taste the cheese, then decide which ones you would like on your cheese platter or Ciabatta sandwich. You could also add smoked salmon, ham, pickled figs, olives etc. Plus a bottle of wine (for about $6) and you could take the bottle home with you if there was anything left.
After this, an afternoon nap was in order.
On the final day with the car, we drove to Cape Town via Stellenbosch, the main wine region, with very fancy wineries, and they charge for wine tasting. Very pretty, but we did not feel the need for any more wine. But, we found the South African wine very pleasant and very cheap.
On our last day in Cape Town, we did the tour to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years. We had booked this when we were in Cape Town the week before. Half an hour ferry ride, then about an hour in a bus, before being allowed to walk though the prison, which is now a world heritage site. The job of tour guide was obviously a plum job, and guides were either ex-prisoners from Robben Island, or leading members of the political parties involved. They had lived the history, and liked talking a lot. So much so that we had to run for the ferry home. Glad we did the tour, a shame that they have not done anything to improve the experience (better roads, signage boards etc). It got a bit boring in parts as they were listing off the names of many of the inmates.
Also on the last day, we had put laundry in for washing, our better clothes that we wanted for KL. Unfotunately they lost it (apparently gave it to someone else), so it was a rather scruffy pair that headed to the airport the next day. But, since that was the worst thing that happened on the whole trip, we cant complain.
We headed down the west coast, via Hout Bay where the fishing fleet seems to be based, and Peter found take away calamari for morning tea. Continued on down via Chapmans Peak, on a road similar to the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. Very scenic, but we were going the wrong way, should have been on the outside of the road, not the inside.
We visited the Cape of Good Hope(smaller cape, but of course the more famous one) and Cape Point (where the lighthouse is). Neither is actually the most southern point of Africa. Spent the night at Simon's Town, where the navy is based. We stayed in a backpacker lodge, had previously been an old convent school.
The next day we continued around the coast, heading north, and then east. Our trip took us past some of the Cape flats shanty towns (but on the main road). A bit of an eery feeling, lots of people walking down the road, all peaceful though. We continued around the coast to Bettys Bay, where we visited the penguin colony, strange to see all the penguins in the day, not just at dusk as we do in Australia. Then it was on to Hermanus, where we watched Australia beat South Africa in the first 20-20 match while having dinner in the local pub.
Our trip continued with us heading east to Cape Agulhas, the most southern point in Africa. There was a small lighthouse, and signage, but not much else. Back to the highway and on to Mossel Bay, another working harbour town. This is actually at the start of the Garden Route, which heads east to Port Elizabeth.
From Mossel Bay we took a day trip to George and surrounding area. The local beach was a tiny bay with perhaps 15 houses along one side of the bay. Very like a Sydney city beach. Went to a strawberry farm and had fresh strawberries and cream. Mountains in this area very spectacular.
Heading back towards Cape Town, we drove north through the first range to Outdshoorn. Lots of ostrich farms around here, very few trees just low scrub. Stopped to see the kiwis beat Oz in the Rugby World Cup semifinal. Continued on to Robertson, a wine growing district, where we stayed 2 nights.
Our selfdirected tour of the wine district had us tasting red wine at 10am on a Monday morning. Decided after that to leave the wine tasting to later. Drove around pretty countryside, grapes, cows, a Parmalat factory (they seem to have taken over the dairy world), and then stopped for lunch at a cheese and wine cafe , (Montagne deli) where you got to taste the cheese, then decide which ones you would like on your cheese platter or Ciabatta sandwich. You could also add smoked salmon, ham, pickled figs, olives etc. Plus a bottle of wine (for about $6) and you could take the bottle home with you if there was anything left.
After this, an afternoon nap was in order.
On the final day with the car, we drove to Cape Town via Stellenbosch, the main wine region, with very fancy wineries, and they charge for wine tasting. Very pretty, but we did not feel the need for any more wine. But, we found the South African wine very pleasant and very cheap.
On our last day in Cape Town, we did the tour to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for many years. We had booked this when we were in Cape Town the week before. Half an hour ferry ride, then about an hour in a bus, before being allowed to walk though the prison, which is now a world heritage site. The job of tour guide was obviously a plum job, and guides were either ex-prisoners from Robben Island, or leading members of the political parties involved. They had lived the history, and liked talking a lot. So much so that we had to run for the ferry home. Glad we did the tour, a shame that they have not done anything to improve the experience (better roads, signage boards etc). It got a bit boring in parts as they were listing off the names of many of the inmates.
Also on the last day, we had put laundry in for washing, our better clothes that we wanted for KL. Unfotunately they lost it (apparently gave it to someone else), so it was a rather scruffy pair that headed to the airport the next day. But, since that was the worst thing that happened on the whole trip, we cant complain.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Cape Town
We arrived in Cape Town yesterday. The train trip from Joburg was really good. Comfortable cabin, 2 bench seats, which became beds for sleeping. When we went to dinner, the beds were made, when we went to breakfast, the bedding disappeared. Dinner was soup, fish, steak, pudding with custard and cheese and biscuits. Also added a bottle of merlot for good measure.
Breakfast was juice, cereal and yoghurt, sausage, bacon, eggs, toast, jam and coffee. Lunch was soup, chicken and chocolate mousse. As a result, we had 2 minute noodles for dinner that night.
Staying at the Cape Town backpackers, room has a view of Table Mountain, and is nicer than many hotel rooms at twice the price.
Today we took the tourist bus, hop on and hop off double decker, to Table Mountain. Went up on the cable car to the top, and admired the views. Then back on the bus to Camps Bay for lunch on the waterfront, then into the harbour. An excellent day.
We hope we have hired a car tomorrow. They were not happy about us only having a debit card, thought they needed a credit card. the manager agreed it was ok. Hope all is well tomorrow.
Breakfast was juice, cereal and yoghurt, sausage, bacon, eggs, toast, jam and coffee. Lunch was soup, chicken and chocolate mousse. As a result, we had 2 minute noodles for dinner that night.
Staying at the Cape Town backpackers, room has a view of Table Mountain, and is nicer than many hotel rooms at twice the price.
Today we took the tourist bus, hop on and hop off double decker, to Table Mountain. Went up on the cable car to the top, and admired the views. Then back on the bus to Camps Bay for lunch on the waterfront, then into the harbour. An excellent day.
We hope we have hired a car tomorrow. They were not happy about us only having a debit card, thought they needed a credit card. the manager agreed it was ok. Hope all is well tomorrow.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Johannesburg
the kumuka trip is over, have said farewell to staff and guests, and are now on our own. Spent the last night of the trip in Kruger. Saw lots of animals, but it was disappointing compared to some other game parks. Partly because we travelled in our truck, and could only go on the bitumen roads. We have only seen 1 rhino (masai mara) and 1 leopard (serengeti), but lots of everything else.
Off on the train to Cape Town this afternoon
Off on the train to Cape Town this afternoon
Friday, October 7, 2011
Mozambique
we have just spent a week in Mozambique, and leave tomorrow. Finally have some internet access.
The first night was in transit, we had a huge storm, so everyone upgraded their accommodation to rooms. Stayed in a small town, just over the border from Zimbabwe. We had a long border crossing, as the storm took our the power, and it took about an hour for them to decide to process our visas manually. Pam was the only one to be photographed and fingerprinted, and get a computer generated visa.
We then went to Vilanculos, the mainland next to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Our dhow safari was great, went out to and island, and snorkelled on the reef. Unfortunately, visibility was poor, and the current was strong, so saw some pretty fish, but conditions less than ideal. The beach was great, Peter ate 7 crabs for lunch, and we wlaked and swam before coming back to Vilaculos. The next day we did a city tour with a local, and lazed at our beachside campground. The final night there we had another thunderstorm. We were fine in our tents, but the driver and guide were in a cabin which leaked!!
We then travelled further down the coast to Barra Beach at Inhambahne. Another glorious spot, though the road there was appalling. Beatiful beach on the end of a peninsula. Did an ocean safari looking for whales, whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins. Went out in a rubber duckie, and weather was very rough. The aim was to snorkel with the whale sharks, but I stayed in the boat as I didn't fancy snorkelling in 2 metre swell. Peter saw the back end of a whale shark before it dived. He was oly 5 metres away, and still couldn't see the head. From the boat we saw a whale and dolphins, and some say they saw a manta ray.
Today we had a long drive to Maputo, the capital, near the South African border. Tomorrow we cross the border and head to Kruger.
Still impossible to load photos, but we have over 2000.
The first night was in transit, we had a huge storm, so everyone upgraded their accommodation to rooms. Stayed in a small town, just over the border from Zimbabwe. We had a long border crossing, as the storm took our the power, and it took about an hour for them to decide to process our visas manually. Pam was the only one to be photographed and fingerprinted, and get a computer generated visa.
We then went to Vilanculos, the mainland next to the Bazaruto Archipelago. Our dhow safari was great, went out to and island, and snorkelled on the reef. Unfortunately, visibility was poor, and the current was strong, so saw some pretty fish, but conditions less than ideal. The beach was great, Peter ate 7 crabs for lunch, and we wlaked and swam before coming back to Vilaculos. The next day we did a city tour with a local, and lazed at our beachside campground. The final night there we had another thunderstorm. We were fine in our tents, but the driver and guide were in a cabin which leaked!!
We then travelled further down the coast to Barra Beach at Inhambahne. Another glorious spot, though the road there was appalling. Beatiful beach on the end of a peninsula. Did an ocean safari looking for whales, whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins. Went out in a rubber duckie, and weather was very rough. The aim was to snorkel with the whale sharks, but I stayed in the boat as I didn't fancy snorkelling in 2 metre swell. Peter saw the back end of a whale shark before it dived. He was oly 5 metres away, and still couldn't see the head. From the boat we saw a whale and dolphins, and some say they saw a manta ray.
Today we had a long drive to Maputo, the capital, near the South African border. Tomorrow we cross the border and head to Kruger.
Still impossible to load photos, but we have over 2000.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Mozambique
2 October (on their behalf)
We are at the beach and off on a dhow trip to an island for snorkelling today.So, according to the itinerary, they were in Vilanculos in Mozambique. The island seems to be the World Heritage listed Bazaruto Achipelago. While I still haven't seen any pictures, I googled the archipelago and found these which still made me jealous - so I thought I'd share.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Zimbabwe
Wednesday 28th september
Weare at Antelope Park, in Zimbabwe. This is a very active private game reserve, which is trying to breed lions for release into the wild. Lovely setting, lake with fishing and canoeing, and lots of activities to spend our money on, so tomorrow it will be a "Walk with the lions", a one hour elephant ride into the game park, lion feeding, lion breeding talk and canoeing in our spare time.. Should keep us out of mischief for the day, and contribute to the funds available for research.
Yesterday we were at the Rhodes Matabos National Park near Bulaweyo. Followed a rhino hunter with big gun around for a long time in the bush (twice), but did not find rhino. Saw lots of other animals, sable antelope, the antelope with corkscrew horns, kliphoppers (rock jumping antelope), springboks, wildebeest, zebras, rodents etc.
Bulaweyo reminds us of Adelaide, wide streets, low buildings, square city with parklands around it. We will have to research if Col Light designed it too.
At Vic Falls, we went to Boma, a game meat restaurant, and to the VIctoria Falls hotel for afternoon tea.
At the border crossing form Zambia to Zimbabwe, we met David Hasselhof, and had a group photo taken with him. This was a highlight for many on the trip.
Weare at Antelope Park, in Zimbabwe. This is a very active private game reserve, which is trying to breed lions for release into the wild. Lovely setting, lake with fishing and canoeing, and lots of activities to spend our money on, so tomorrow it will be a "Walk with the lions", a one hour elephant ride into the game park, lion feeding, lion breeding talk and canoeing in our spare time.. Should keep us out of mischief for the day, and contribute to the funds available for research.
Yesterday we were at the Rhodes Matabos National Park near Bulaweyo. Followed a rhino hunter with big gun around for a long time in the bush (twice), but did not find rhino. Saw lots of other animals, sable antelope, the antelope with corkscrew horns, kliphoppers (rock jumping antelope), springboks, wildebeest, zebras, rodents etc.
Bulaweyo reminds us of Adelaide, wide streets, low buildings, square city with parklands around it. We will have to research if Col Light designed it too.
At Vic Falls, we went to Boma, a game meat restaurant, and to the VIctoria Falls hotel for afternoon tea.
At the border crossing form Zambia to Zimbabwe, we met David Hasselhof, and had a group photo taken with him. This was a highlight for many on the trip.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Zambia
Sunday 18 September (on their behalf)
Wednesday 21 September (still on their behalf)
Wednesday 21 September (from Pam and Peter)
Kerryn is doing a wonderful job updating with our texts. Thanks.
In Malawi, we stayed at 2 different beaches, went via Mzuzu clothing market after the first beach. this clothing market sells donated clothing from all around the world that even the africans wont wear. We had each drawn a name from a hat, and had up to $10 to spend on an outfit for the bad taste party the following night. At Kande beach we upgraded from our tent to a beachfront cabin for $40 in total for the 3 nights we were there. We could sit on our front verandah and look at the lake, which was just like being at a normal beach, except the water was fresh. Lake is 365 miles long and 52 miles wide, which is huge. Everyone drank too much at the party, the esky was filled with cheap spirits and fruit juice punch.
Things are going very bad in Malawi, no foreign aid until the president stops spending it on himself (foreign aid is about 40% of GDP). Even had a general strike there today. Villages look very poor, and it is one of the poorest nations in Africa.
On to Zambia, we have had 2 1/2 long days of driving. As soon as we crossed from Malawi, we moved into a much more developed country with shops, vehicles (almost none in Malawi), traffic lights, normal houses.
Now we are in Livingstone, the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, the adrenalin capital of Africa. Had to choose (and pay for) activities. We decided not to go white water rafting, abseiling or bungy jumping, rather microlite flying, a sunset booze cruise. Tomorrow we take a day trip to Botswana, then on Friday go to Livingstone Island for breakfast at the posh hotel, followed by a swim in the Devils pools at the top of victoria falls. The flow rate is low, so the pools are open.
Then it is off to Victoria Falls, where our group splits up and goes 4 different ways. We will join a different truck there.
Back in the truck after a few days at the fresh water beaches of Lake Malawi. Will cross into Zambia today.
Wednesday 21 September (still on their behalf)
Left Lusaka at 5am yesterday to avoid any possible election carnage.
Cruised the lower Zambezi River last night.
Just been microlight flying over Victoria Falls from Livingstone in Zambia.
As you can no doubt tell, we are enjoying ourselves.
(You can read more about the Zambian elections by clicking here.)
Wednesday 21 September (from Pam and Peter)
Kerryn is doing a wonderful job updating with our texts. Thanks.
In Malawi, we stayed at 2 different beaches, went via Mzuzu clothing market after the first beach. this clothing market sells donated clothing from all around the world that even the africans wont wear. We had each drawn a name from a hat, and had up to $10 to spend on an outfit for the bad taste party the following night. At Kande beach we upgraded from our tent to a beachfront cabin for $40 in total for the 3 nights we were there. We could sit on our front verandah and look at the lake, which was just like being at a normal beach, except the water was fresh. Lake is 365 miles long and 52 miles wide, which is huge. Everyone drank too much at the party, the esky was filled with cheap spirits and fruit juice punch.
Things are going very bad in Malawi, no foreign aid until the president stops spending it on himself (foreign aid is about 40% of GDP). Even had a general strike there today. Villages look very poor, and it is one of the poorest nations in Africa.
On to Zambia, we have had 2 1/2 long days of driving. As soon as we crossed from Malawi, we moved into a much more developed country with shops, vehicles (almost none in Malawi), traffic lights, normal houses.
Now we are in Livingstone, the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, the adrenalin capital of Africa. Had to choose (and pay for) activities. We decided not to go white water rafting, abseiling or bungy jumping, rather microlite flying, a sunset booze cruise. Tomorrow we take a day trip to Botswana, then on Friday go to Livingstone Island for breakfast at the posh hotel, followed by a swim in the Devils pools at the top of victoria falls. The flow rate is low, so the pools are open.
Then it is off to Victoria Falls, where our group splits up and goes 4 different ways. We will join a different truck there.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Chitimba Beach, Malawi Lake
left zanzibar after 4 days, 3 on the beach and 1 in the capital, Stonetown. Very sad, after the ferry sank between the 2 main islands. Difficult to tell how many people died, as the government will not admit to overcrowding. It seems there were several hundred dead. Beach was lovely, very relaxing. Ferry back to Dar Es Salaam was rough. Just had 2 long days on the truck, and are now on Malawi Lake, at the northern end. Have bought some small wood carvings, and will post them home from Livingstone in Zambia. We have been told if they are posted sea mail, then the containers are fumigated and there should not be problem with customes. Nice to have a relaxing day today. All is well and we are having a great time.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
We are in Zanzibar
Update - Zanzibar - Saturday 10 September (on their behalf)
Zanzibar - 9 September
Just returned from a snorkelling trip around an island just off Zanzibar main island. Staying in a beachfront hotel, with private access to white sandy beach, with a bar and restaurant on the cliff. Most of the guys went fishing today, and Peter joined the girls on the snorkelling expedition.
Our group is composed of 14, 4 couples, 4 girls and 2 guys. The singles are all under 30, and a great group. We have a canadian couple in their 50's, so we are not the only oldies. everyone is getting along well. The tour leader is |Geoff, a Pom, who is suitably load, and a great leader. Our truck is called Matilda, it has windows, not roll up blinds, and our driver/mechanic is a Kenyan named James. A happy crew.
We have been lucky and have seen all the big 5 anuimals, and lots of other critters. Wildebeest and zebras were migrating to the Masai Mara in their droves. We did a gold plated ($500 each!!!) dawn balloon flight over the Mara. Crossed that off the list of things to do. Lots of game drives, out hunting animals at dawn and dusk. Serengeti was hot, dry and dusty, but filled with wildlife, though not the migrating type. Saw leopard in a tree, several cheetas, lots of lions, elephants, buffalo, gazelles,zebras, hyenas, birds, foxes etc. Saw a rhino in the Mara.
Ngorongo Crater was also hot and dusty, did a dawn drive through it and saw more animals. Did the serengeti and crater in Safari landrovers with open tops. A full days drive got us to Dar Es Salaam, and yesterday we took a ferry over to Zanzibar.
Sorry no photos at present, internet speed is appallingly slow, but we have managed to make a backup of our photos (853 so far)
Internet cafes are few and far between, because we are staying at campsites out of town. Some have wifi, but we did not bring our computer.
We are having fun. time to go to the bar for cocktails.
Safe and sound. Thankfully they weren't on the ferry that sank last night.That story can be found online at ABC News if you're interested.
Zanzibar - 9 September
Just returned from a snorkelling trip around an island just off Zanzibar main island. Staying in a beachfront hotel, with private access to white sandy beach, with a bar and restaurant on the cliff. Most of the guys went fishing today, and Peter joined the girls on the snorkelling expedition.
Our group is composed of 14, 4 couples, 4 girls and 2 guys. The singles are all under 30, and a great group. We have a canadian couple in their 50's, so we are not the only oldies. everyone is getting along well. The tour leader is |Geoff, a Pom, who is suitably load, and a great leader. Our truck is called Matilda, it has windows, not roll up blinds, and our driver/mechanic is a Kenyan named James. A happy crew.
We have been lucky and have seen all the big 5 anuimals, and lots of other critters. Wildebeest and zebras were migrating to the Masai Mara in their droves. We did a gold plated ($500 each!!!) dawn balloon flight over the Mara. Crossed that off the list of things to do. Lots of game drives, out hunting animals at dawn and dusk. Serengeti was hot, dry and dusty, but filled with wildlife, though not the migrating type. Saw leopard in a tree, several cheetas, lots of lions, elephants, buffalo, gazelles,zebras, hyenas, birds, foxes etc. Saw a rhino in the Mara.
Ngorongo Crater was also hot and dusty, did a dawn drive through it and saw more animals. Did the serengeti and crater in Safari landrovers with open tops. A full days drive got us to Dar Es Salaam, and yesterday we took a ferry over to Zanzibar.
Sorry no photos at present, internet speed is appallingly slow, but we have managed to make a backup of our photos (853 so far)
Internet cafes are few and far between, because we are staying at campsites out of town. Some have wifi, but we did not bring our computer.
We are having fun. time to go to the bar for cocktails.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Week 2 - Africa (Kenya to Tanzania)
Thursday 1 September (on behalf of the parents)
Tuesday 6 September (on behalf of the parents)
Back in Nairobi after a trip out to the Masai Mara and about to head off to Tanzania. Can get SMS on the travel sim but no internet.The next few days should see them off to the Serengeti National Park for some game drives and a trip to Ngorongoro Crater and then back to the coast at Dar es Salaam on Tuesday. You can click on the links for an idea of what they're struggling through.
Tuesday 6 September (on behalf of the parents)
Serengeti was fantastic. Now on the road to Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). Trip is going great.After a day in Dar es Salaam they're off to the island of Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania. Four days of beaches, spices and seafood - sounds like Dad's idea of heaven.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Week 1 - Adelaide to Nairobi via Shenzhen
Click here to see our photos
Saturday
Have arrived in Shenzhen. Mark is well, and it is great to see him
Sunday
took a ride on a very fast train to Guangzhou(Canton), and lived to tell the tale!!
Very comfortable, booked seats, just over an hour for the trip. Wandered around, visited a temple, went through some markets, ate and drank (lots of water as it was HOT and humid), had cocktails at The White Dove, walked along the Pearl River and then came back by train. Security checks at every station as the University Games are on in Shenzhen. Had a backpack with 3 bottles of water, 2 stainless steel, 1 disposable. Security took the disposable (ignored the others) and tested the contents of the bottle with a portable spectrometer. It was OK. Not sure why they ignored the metal ones.
We walked heaps, and were all tired at the end of the day. It is goood for us, as it helps us to acclimatise to the hot/humid weather.
Monday
Mark went off to work, and we spent the day at the spa. Had heard about these from Mark. The spa was located in a gaudy building, and on entry we felt we were going into a Kings Cross dive. An this was the most Englishified one he could recommend. And it went by the name of Queens spa.
Several people spoke english, but not very much. We were ushered into separate change rooms, and changed into our bathers. This caused a problem, as the main pool was closed, so we had to go to a bigger pool upstairs. To go upstairs, you are issued with pyjamas which we put on top of bathers, then met on 3rd floor, the mixed lounge, massage and food area. Then up to the 5th floor to the pool in the health club. Had a nice swim, big pool, not many people because it cost 10 yuan (about $1.50) to go in. Then, we removed wet bathers, put pyjamas back on, and headed downstairs again.
Time for a snack of fruit, jelly and soft serve icecream (these were the free food items). Then Peter had a neck massage and I had a leg massage. These went for nearly an hour each. For our second massages, Peter had the leg massage and I had the foot massage. Total cost for the day, about $70 for two. (minimum spend as about $30 per head). Very interesting. Amazing busy place, and since you can stay for 24 hours, apparently lots of people use the spas as cheap accommodation.
Tuesday
A public holiday in Shenzhen for the closing of the University Games, so we had another day with Mark. Did a shopping trip to the big camping shop (bought ultra lite sleeping bags, aboput 1/4 of the size of ours which now reside in a spare room awaiting transportation to Adelaide. Then on to a big foreign supermarket where we bought meat, 2kg of pork ribs and 2kg of rib eye steak. Finally stopped at Ikea, for a few food goodies. This trip was by taxi, which is amazing cheap here, especially when there are 3 people in the cab. Home for lunch of baguette, salami, vintage cheddar. Late afternoon we went shopping again, for wheels for our bags. We walk a long way changing borders, and the bags were very inconveniant on the way over. Dinner was ribs, potatoes and salad. Food wise, a very western day.
Wednesday.
Today is a transport day, taxi to the border, then train and bus to HK airport. We have an overnight flight to Nairobi with a 4 hour layover in Mumbai, between 11pm and 3am.
Thursday
We have arrived safely in Nairobi!!!
Interesting flight, the actual flying was no problem at all, Mumbai was quite an experience.
In Hong Kong we checked in through to Nairobi, baggage, boarding passes. At Mumbai, they decided we needed new boarding passes and luggage tags (first flight was Jet Airways, second flight was Kenya Airlines), so they took our passports, boarding passes and luggage tags, and 2 hours later we got our passports back and new boarding passes. After about an hour, they also came for copies of our onward itinerary, to prove that we would be leaving Kenya. We were pleased to see our bags in Kenya, and handed over our $50 each for our visas.
In the afternoon we walked into town, were accosted continually by silver tongued salesman either trying to get us to buy something, go on a tour with them, or donate to their favourite charity (which we assume was them). We found the "in" coffee house, and visited the supermarket to buy water and a few items. Everything you could want to buy there. Everyone speaks English, so no difficulty in communicating.
Had dinner at the hotel, pepper steak and lamb chops. Lots of bananas both here and in China, and we are not sick of them yet!!
Friday
Just had a great buffet breakfast, and are ready for the day. Had another lazy day, weather cool, so didn't use the pool.
Saturday
Off on safari tomorrow, will post when we can. Send us a travelSMS with your news. We have coverage at present. Hopefully photos of the big 5 coming up soon
Saturday
Have arrived in Shenzhen. Mark is well, and it is great to see him
Sunday
took a ride on a very fast train to Guangzhou(Canton), and lived to tell the tale!!
Very comfortable, booked seats, just over an hour for the trip. Wandered around, visited a temple, went through some markets, ate and drank (lots of water as it was HOT and humid), had cocktails at The White Dove, walked along the Pearl River and then came back by train. Security checks at every station as the University Games are on in Shenzhen. Had a backpack with 3 bottles of water, 2 stainless steel, 1 disposable. Security took the disposable (ignored the others) and tested the contents of the bottle with a portable spectrometer. It was OK. Not sure why they ignored the metal ones.
We walked heaps, and were all tired at the end of the day. It is goood for us, as it helps us to acclimatise to the hot/humid weather.
Monday
Mark went off to work, and we spent the day at the spa. Had heard about these from Mark. The spa was located in a gaudy building, and on entry we felt we were going into a Kings Cross dive. An this was the most Englishified one he could recommend. And it went by the name of Queens spa.
Several people spoke english, but not very much. We were ushered into separate change rooms, and changed into our bathers. This caused a problem, as the main pool was closed, so we had to go to a bigger pool upstairs. To go upstairs, you are issued with pyjamas which we put on top of bathers, then met on 3rd floor, the mixed lounge, massage and food area. Then up to the 5th floor to the pool in the health club. Had a nice swim, big pool, not many people because it cost 10 yuan (about $1.50) to go in. Then, we removed wet bathers, put pyjamas back on, and headed downstairs again.
Time for a snack of fruit, jelly and soft serve icecream (these were the free food items). Then Peter had a neck massage and I had a leg massage. These went for nearly an hour each. For our second massages, Peter had the leg massage and I had the foot massage. Total cost for the day, about $70 for two. (minimum spend as about $30 per head). Very interesting. Amazing busy place, and since you can stay for 24 hours, apparently lots of people use the spas as cheap accommodation.
Tuesday
A public holiday in Shenzhen for the closing of the University Games, so we had another day with Mark. Did a shopping trip to the big camping shop (bought ultra lite sleeping bags, aboput 1/4 of the size of ours which now reside in a spare room awaiting transportation to Adelaide. Then on to a big foreign supermarket where we bought meat, 2kg of pork ribs and 2kg of rib eye steak. Finally stopped at Ikea, for a few food goodies. This trip was by taxi, which is amazing cheap here, especially when there are 3 people in the cab. Home for lunch of baguette, salami, vintage cheddar. Late afternoon we went shopping again, for wheels for our bags. We walk a long way changing borders, and the bags were very inconveniant on the way over. Dinner was ribs, potatoes and salad. Food wise, a very western day.
Wednesday.
Today is a transport day, taxi to the border, then train and bus to HK airport. We have an overnight flight to Nairobi with a 4 hour layover in Mumbai, between 11pm and 3am.
Thursday
We have arrived safely in Nairobi!!!
Interesting flight, the actual flying was no problem at all, Mumbai was quite an experience.
In Hong Kong we checked in through to Nairobi, baggage, boarding passes. At Mumbai, they decided we needed new boarding passes and luggage tags (first flight was Jet Airways, second flight was Kenya Airlines), so they took our passports, boarding passes and luggage tags, and 2 hours later we got our passports back and new boarding passes. After about an hour, they also came for copies of our onward itinerary, to prove that we would be leaving Kenya. We were pleased to see our bags in Kenya, and handed over our $50 each for our visas.
In the afternoon we walked into town, were accosted continually by silver tongued salesman either trying to get us to buy something, go on a tour with them, or donate to their favourite charity (which we assume was them). We found the "in" coffee house, and visited the supermarket to buy water and a few items. Everything you could want to buy there. Everyone speaks English, so no difficulty in communicating.
Had dinner at the hotel, pepper steak and lamb chops. Lots of bananas both here and in China, and we are not sick of them yet!!
Friday
Just had a great buffet breakfast, and are ready for the day. Had another lazy day, weather cool, so didn't use the pool.
Saturday
Off on safari tomorrow, will post when we can. Send us a travelSMS with your news. We have coverage at present. Hopefully photos of the big 5 coming up soon
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Easter 2011
We spent Easter at Merna Mora station, 40 km north of Hawker, in the Flinders Ranges. This was with the Suzuki 4wd club.
Because of all the rain over summer, the Flinders Ranges were very green. The views are of course magnificent.
Like many stations in the Flinders, Merna Mora station farms tourists as well as stock, and has 4 4wd tracks on it, camping and accommodation. we did 3 tracks, the Heritage Track, the Bunbinyunna Track, and the Lake Torrens Track.
The Heritage track and Bunbinyunna track were in the foothills of the south west corner of Wilpena Pound (on the western side), and had spectacular views, and some challenges for the drivers. Lake Torrens Track went through flat land out to the Lake. Another lake crossed off the list. ( we have now done Lake Eyre, Lake Gairdner and Lake Torrens).
Our camp site was on the edge of the Moralana Creek, and we had fires each night.
On the way home, we stopped at Mambray Creek, Mt Remarkable National park. A great spot, which we had never been to. Even had solar hot water, so you could have a warm shower in the middle of the day.
To see some photos, please click on the link below
link to photos
Because of all the rain over summer, the Flinders Ranges were very green. The views are of course magnificent.
Like many stations in the Flinders, Merna Mora station farms tourists as well as stock, and has 4 4wd tracks on it, camping and accommodation. we did 3 tracks, the Heritage Track, the Bunbinyunna Track, and the Lake Torrens Track.
The Heritage track and Bunbinyunna track were in the foothills of the south west corner of Wilpena Pound (on the western side), and had spectacular views, and some challenges for the drivers. Lake Torrens Track went through flat land out to the Lake. Another lake crossed off the list. ( we have now done Lake Eyre, Lake Gairdner and Lake Torrens).
Our camp site was on the edge of the Moralana Creek, and we had fires each night.
On the way home, we stopped at Mambray Creek, Mt Remarkable National park. A great spot, which we had never been to. Even had solar hot water, so you could have a warm shower in the middle of the day.
To see some photos, please click on the link below
link to photos
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