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.
Friday, October 28, 2011
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)