The next day starts with a later wake up call at 5:30 and by 6:30 we’re packed into our ride and setting out. Last night’s rain has left the air damp, and dark clouds threaten with more to come.

Almost immediately we come across our lion from yesterday, he’s up and about walking down the road. He is coming our way so we just stop and let him cruise by, inches from the vehicle. So close you want to reach out and give him a pet, you want to, but wisely don’t.

We watch him for awhile until he disappears into the bushes and and we hear him roar as we drive away. 
Within minutes of leaving we come across a herd of elephants, a giraffe passes behind them towering over the trees. We park again and watch as the herd moves around us and then stops. We are surrounded and just marvel as they start to play. A young calf plays with a small tree trying to push it down. A couple of young elephants seem to be play fighting, a larger one sits and one by one several others come and rub and almost lie on top. Several others come up behind us, brushing by as they join the group.  For about 15 minutes we are treated to a close up view of their world and I felt very honoured.

They finally gather together, the one stands up and off they go into the bush. We’re off again too and next up for the morning’s entertainment is a family of warthogs. Perhaps not the most handsome animals but have to admit those 3 little babies running around looked mighty cute!
We pass a group of tall interesting trees full of monkeys playing and jumping about. All the animals seemed much more playful and happy after the rain.  

Brightly coloured birds call out from tree tops, rabbits, small Mongoose and squirrels hop and scurry around. A lone baboon sits a top a tree watching and ready to give a warning cry should danger come near. Wildebeast graze on the green grass.  A white rhino mother plays in a mud hole, a younger rhino waits his turn and after their play, they rub off the mud on trees. Another small herd of elephants pass in the distance.

There’s always one that ruins a picture

It has been such an amazing experience to see and watch all these animals in their home environment. Their world, of which I am just a visitor and privileged to have been a little part of it for this short time.

Today we are heading into Kruger Park, it’s supposed to be hot so we head out early. Our wake up call is 4:30 and after a quick cup of tea we board our ride. We leave camp turn a corner and there in the middle of the road is our lioness just walking along. She hasn’t gone far, our guide says she’s probably been separated and looking for her pride.

We watch for awhile before heading off to our destination for the day Kruger Park. The sun is shining and it’s supposed to be hot, not great for viewing but we’re optimistic.

First up is a herd of zebras!

Herd of Impalas

Water buffalo make their way across the river

One of the ‘big 5’ the buffalo isn’t one to mess with!

This little guy almost got run over

We stop for a late breakfast near the Skukuza gate. The day is really starting to heat up. After a leg stretch and tummies fueled up we’re back on the hunt.

Vulture waiting for lunch

Look at my antlers  My antlers are amazing!

The steenbok are quite small and so cute

Our Kruger day was great, but by now the temperature is 37 and the ‘feels like’ app says 48. The sun is so hot that even most of the animals have taken cover and we head back to camp for a siesta.

After a refreshing dip, yes there is a pool near by, and rest we’re feeling much better. Thunder clouds form in the distance and we’re all hoping for a shower to cool things off. We get a call from Jacques that another guide has spotted a lion so off we again!

Our trusty ride and guide take us down a steep gully and as we stop at the top I’m about 3 or 4 feet away from this resting lion! His belly was full and with the heat I wasn’t worried that he could have me in one pounce. He opened his eyes, looked at us then went back to sleep.  We just sat and marvelled at this magnificent beast. His paws were huge!

Rocking and bouncing as we backed down this gully was a little more scary, especially with the lion so close but our driver had skill and this vehicle seemed to take on anything. 

The day ended with another amazing meal, pleasant conversation and a powerful thunderstorm!

We arrive in Johannesburg and meet up with another friend who will join us for our safari and after a night of catching up we are picked up in a mini van early the next morning.

After over a 6 hour drive we turn onto the road that will take us to our camp. The road gets bumpy but within minutes we are greeted by a small herd of elephants. The adults quickly hide the very young calf from sight. 

One of the young greeting committee

We head into camp greeted by Jacques our guide and 3 charming ladies who will keep us fed and cared for over the next few days. We dump our stuff in our tents…..not just any tents, but complete with ensuite, carpet and AC. Really roughing it here!

The next thing I know we’re in our fancy ride, a powerful open machine that seems to be able to go anywhere! There is enough room for 9 between the 3 tiers of seats plus the front seat for the guide. I jump up to the middle row on the side…..should be great viewing from here. We start off bumping our way along the road, off roading if something is spotted in the distance. I love this vehicle!

Sights along the way!

We stop for a sundowner, for me a glass of wine and some nibblies on the back of the land rover getting to know our small group while the sun sets in the distance.

After we drive around awhile in search of the night creatures, we head for camp, close to home we turn a corner and  come upon a lone lioness drinking from a watering hole.

After viewing this beautiful lioness for awhile we head back to camp and enjoy a wonderful braii around a campfire. There is laughter and stories but a early night as we have a  4:30 wake up call!

Our last day before heading back to Durban and then onto Johannesburg we take a drive through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a world heritage site. It’s a beautiful day and as we drive along we come up upon two elephants quietly munching leaves. We sit and watch these great, beautiful beasts hoping they don’t decide to head our way. We eventually turn around and let them be.

Such an amazing sight to see!

Found this fellow a little further down the road

After our drive around we headed for  beach at Cape Vidal to enjoy a  braii, South Africa’s barbeque

Charcoal was lit and we waited along with a growing group of monkeys. We eventually had to retreat to the car to eat but not before one managed to grab half my lunch right out of my hand. Another jumped right into to front seat of the car.

Just waiting!

Naughty but oh so cute!

We finished lunch and headed to the beach and to use at our own risk

Such a beautiful beach that seemed to stretch on and on. The soft sand felt so good between my toes, the water warm and inviting. Definitely worth the risk!

Clearly others thought so too!

Goodbye for now Indian Ocean, see you on the other side!

Off again and this time to St Lucia, a small resort town situated beside a large estuary and the Indian Ocean.

This is the lagest estuary in Africa and home to approximately 800 hippopotami and 1000 crocodiles along with a large aray of birds, bull sharks and other animals. 

We take a boat tour and see a group of hippos munching grass along the shoreline and just hanging in groups here and there.  A crocodile swims silently by, a shark darts through the wake left by the boat. Beautiful yellow weaver birds build their hanging nests in clusters dotting the edge of the river. 

Found the Weaver birds!

One group of hippos are called townies because they often leave their watery home at night and make their way through town to munch on grass and leaves in the nearby park. A curious sight I’m sure as long as you don’t get too close! As there’s a path leading from the estuary that goes right by the balcony where we currently call home  I was hoping I’d see them go by, but no such luck. Instead though we are treated to a large group of mongoose that come running and playing on the lawn below.

Of course by the time my camera is ready only one remains!

A great walk along the estuary

Zulu cultural village

Back in Ballito there is more time to check out the beaches and surrounding area. The moist sea air and gentle breezes combined with the hot African sun are a pleasure and my lily white skin has turned a golden brown despite ample sunscreen.

The area is home to multiple beaches, some with long stretches of sand, others more rocky. The Indian Ocean is warmer than the Atlantic by the Cape. 

The city of Cape Town has launched a new mobile app called Shark Spotters, here in Ballito there are drumlines or buoys with baited hooks  along with some nets that in theory will keep sharks from entering the beach area, in theory. This is home to great white sharks……think Jaws. Cage diving with sharks is a popular tourist attraction…hmmm…will have to think about that one.

Walking along the beach boardwalk they have little cat houses put in place by the Feline Feral Fund, here they have food water and a blanket to curl up on!

Happy cat!

Weaver bird nests, I need to get closer for a better shot of these cute little yellow birds that make their home in these hanging nests!

A few days to relax in the sun, check out the sights before we head to our next destination.

A two hour flight away and we’re landing in beautiful Cape Town. What first strikes me about this city is the great architecture, from the Dutch, Portuguese and English influence, to the brightly coloured homes in the Bo-Kaap, Cape Town has managed to keep it all along with a modern mix.  Our home for the next few days is a wonderful art deco design and from the balcony we look over Green Market Square. What a delight to sit with a glass of wine on our balcony  listening to an African drum band and enjoying the surrounding sights.

The next day is bright and sunny as we head off to take in the sights, passing by Table Mountain and the 12 Apostles on our way to Camps Bay.

After leaving Chapman’s Peak we notice a large amount of smoke coming from over one of the mountains, a bush fire. We drive on to Simon’s Town and finally arrive at Boulder’s Beach, the destination of the day I’m most excited about. Here is a large colony of penguins and breeding grounds. The wonderful part about this is getting up close and personal with these amazing little creatures. So fun to see them in their natural habitat while wading in the water beside them!

On leaving we notice the smoke has made its way here but we’re off to the Cape of Good Hope and leave the smoke behind. 

We opt to hike up the mountain instead of the funicular, stopping to take in the amazing sights every so often. There are some great hiking trails around but time is limited so the walk up will have to do. Stunning views await us at the top. Quite the journey those sailors made going around the cape during the spice trade.

Heading back we are turned around in Simon’s Town as the fire has grown, now sadly consuming some homes. The smoke is thick and ash floats down, people cover their faces as they walk. We end up having to detour a long route home and on the other side of the mountains the air is clear again.
Cape Town has much to see and do, too much for the short time we’re here but we manage to pack in and enjoy as much as we can!

Kirstenbosch Gardens

Canopy walkway

 Wood’s Cycad, last of its kind. 

Posing for the camera (this is my good side)

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront

Street musician playing a didgeridoo

Came across these cuties while on a boat tour!

 Groot  Constantia, oldest winery in South Africa

Beautiful vineyards!

Wine, lots of wine!

Old wine press

Beautiful beaches, oddly the Atlantic is colder here in the summer than the winter.

Table Mountain cable car

Sunset at Signal Hill

I leave the cold, icy world behind and 40 or so hours later arrive in Durban, South Africa, Ballito to be exact. A small beach town in southwestern South .Africa. The sun isn’t shining but the temperature is warm and there is comfort in the knowledge that the sun will soon be kissing my lily white skin. 

So this is where my journey begins, meeting up with an old friend and excited to be traveling again!

Durban 

The first couple of days are spent walking the beach, enjoying the scenery and learning about the local cuisine. Must say I was happy to learn that bunny chow doesn’t actually use bunnies!

After a few days of acclimatizing and exploring the local area it’s off to discover a new part of the country!