Travelling through South Africa

Welcome to my blog.
I love travelling, but sadly do not always have the budget. I look for cheap travel ideas and options, where I can see my country and meet interesting people.

We used to be three, but I've decided I am not in the humour for moody co-travellers.  So the third party was replaced by a rescue dog.  We are now a mom and daughter (BB) team, sometimes joined by other women and where possible our rescue dog, Jess.


Hope you enjoy our travels, visits and photos!

xx

July 2017 Holiday Day 3

Day three started with a visit by several cats at our cabin at Avoca. My mum fed them some biltong and the number of cat visitors grew significantly!

We had a quick walk around the farm in light rain where we enjoyed the view over the river.

We left for Addo but decided to stop for breakfast first, as the restaurant in Addo is quite pricey. We decided on the Rustic Coffee and sandwich bar, at the Hermitage station on the R336. BB and I decided on the muesli with fruit, yoghurt and honey, my mum chose the small English breakfast.

The little restaurant opened recently, it was an antique shop before.. Most of the antiques are still in the shop.

It is interesting to view all the old books, silver and collar boxes.

Breakfast came and I was worried when I saw all the grapefruit on top of the muesli, not a fruit I like. BB was less diplomatic and immediately asked what it was. I was surprised when the owner said it was a new type of orange, Cara cara. It is a red-fleshed naval orange and delicious! Oranges are quite acidic, but not this variety, it is really juicy and sweet.

After this lovely breakfast and pleasant chat to the owner, we departed to Addo. I was surprise at all the Irish names we saw on our way, but it was raining quite hard so decided not to stop for photo's.



Coffee shop well worth a visit

We entered Addo at the main gate and I had a quick glanced at the sighting board. Lions were spotted near the Domkrag dam, so we headed in that direction.

Our first sighting was a couple of mousebirds, cuddled up to combat the cold. Shortly after we saw a black-backed jackal, busy with a bone.

Muisvoels

We then spotted a pale chanting goshawk. We also spotted Buffalo, zebra, hartebees and kudu, but no lion.

Pale chanting goshawk

Hartbees and zebra

The Marion Baree waterhole offered a great sighting of elephants yet again. There were a few young ones in the group and they provided a lot of entertainment. The one was sitting like a circus elephant, trying to scratch his bum. They later teamed up in pairs and practised their charging skills.

We took a break at the Jack's picnic site, a lovely maintained spot.

Picnic site

Hapoor dam was full of action again. A zebra was scared of slipping and really approached the dam in all sorts of ways. Eventually he could quench his thirst.

We saw some cars above the Rooiwal dam and wondered was happening. The road was blocked and we patiently waited. Suddenly a spotted hyena appeared next to us. He looked rather battered and bruised, shame. There was a hole next to the road with puppies. We heard them but could not see them. It was getting late and we had to leave the park, happy with all the sightings.

Spotted hyena

We booked dinner at Avaco. This place is really a gem and I am surprised that I've never seen a feature on it in any travel magazine. They had guests from Peru looking at our citrus industry.

Dinner was a three course affair with soup and rolls, bobotie with roasted potatoes and carrots (no yellow rice!) and a citrus pudding as dessert. This was served at a beautifully set table with stunning fresh roses.

July 2017 Holiday Day 2

Ons vertrek net na 10 vanuit Stormsrivier na Addo. Dit voel vir my of die motor al harder raas. Ek besef dit sal nie moontlik wees om met so 'n geraas Addo in te gaan nie. My oorspronklike plan was om Addo by Colchester kant in te gaan, rustig deur die park te ry en dan na ons oornag akkommodasie net buite Kirkwood te ry.

Met my motor wat so raas sal ek of nie toegelaat word in die park nie, of alles wegjaag of die olifante laat dink dit is 'n paar-met-my roep en dalk 'n trop olifante op my motor kry!

My brain was working overtime as I tried to work out different scenarios. I decided to drive to the PE Airport and see how much a rental vehicle is. I made a few enquiries before getting to Bidvest. Wow! Talk about service!! The young lady went out of her way to help me and to get me the best possible deal. It was in fact really affordable to rent a vehicle and I will not waste a day of my holiday to drive back to PE to get my car repaired. I left my car at the long term parking and we set off in a SUV style vehicle. BB was quite useful as she pointed out where the fuel gauge were. I've never driven a Renault before and was quite surprised at the comfort of the vehicle.

We stopped at Colchester where BB had a quick sandwich. We bought tea for our flask and entered Addo at the Matyholweni gate. We (BB and I) previously stayed in the park and I had a bit of a run in with a monkey. There were monkeys near the restroom, so I warned my mum not to make eye-contact with them!

Hartbees

Run Forest run!

Rushhour

We leisurely drove through the park and very soon saw our first animal; (if you do not count the vervet monkeys) a little yellow mongoose. We also spotted a Red Hartbeest, a little warthog family and some zebra. We saw our first elephant at the Marion Baree waterhole. Addo is home to about 600 elephants. They are my favourite animal, I love their interaction and the way the family unit functions.



Zebra

We took the Mpunzi loop and then stopped at Hapoor dam. There is always action at this dam! Some beautiful kudu's carefully approached the hole. We saw some dark shadows approaching in the distance. A big herd of elephants! The little ones were in the front and they were all running to the dam. They quenched their first and then slowly walked away. The rush from earlier well-forgotten. We left the camp with a quick stop at the main camp for some shopping. I was really happy with our sightings, even though we only spent about 3 hours in the park.

Vlakvark

Yellow mongoose

We stayed over at Avoca. This is a beautiful farm near Kirkwood, right on the Sunday's river.

July 2017 Holiday: Day 1

I must admit, I prefer short breaks rather than long holidays. I am less worried about my pooch, chickens and finances. Travelling partners do not have enough time to irritate each other either.

We took a short trip during the July holiday break. Visits included Stormsriver, Addo and Bathurst.

We left George after booking our pets in with Barnyard Kennels.

Our first stop was at the Wild Oats market in Sedgefield. The market runs every Saturday from 7.30 to 12pm. George also has a market these days, but the Sedgefield market is much better. It offers a wide variety of food, including a big selection of vegetarian meals, something that George is seriously lacking. They offer more seating as well. I always make it straight for the pastry section, they have out of this world apple pie with almonds and croissants (with almonds!). We also bought some coffee and enjoyed our late breakfast while sitting on the rustic logs.

We passed through Knysna and caught our first glimpse of the devastation caused by the fires. This created a sombre mood in the car and I had to think what to do to raise the mood. I remember Barney the gorgeous barn owl from Radical Raptors and decided to stop there for some cheering up. Barney and Charlie did not disappoint. This small little venue is easily missed between Knysna and Plett, but is really a must see. They are experiencing a water shortage at the moment but still offers tours and great meals.  The shops are also worth a visit.  I still use the picnic basket I bought at a previous visit.

Barney was as cute and busy as ever and lifted the mood.

Barney!



Barney..the cutest barn owl ever!

Charlie and BB

Charlie in flight

When starting the car it sounded rather loud. It was Saturday afternoon, nothing was open so I pushed through to Stormsriver. We stayed over at The Village Lodge and I was quite embarrassed with our loud entrance! The accommodation was amazing; well organised, spotlessly clean and really helpful staff. They really know the village and tried to help with the car as well.

Village Lodge

We decided on dinner at Marilyn's, as it is within walking distance form the Village Lodge. It is a 50 styled diner with exceptional décor.  The jukebox played lovely music from Saturday Night Fever, but we could hardly hear it. There was a family with an exceptionally loud little boy. It is really sad that some parents do not consider other patrons in public places.

We've visited Marylyn's before and still enjoyed the décor and old feel of the diner, despite the noise.

It was really cold and we were happy to return to the comfort of our accommodation. The electric blankets were a bonus.

Breakfast is included in the price and was a feast the next morning. Warm muffins, cereals, yoghurt and a choice of warm goodies made to order  This is a popular stay over for hikers doing the Otter, you can really fill up on your last decent meal!
We noisily set off and re-joined the N2 for our next stop, Addo.

St Blaize: Mossel Bay to Dana Bay

On 3 February 1488, Bartolomeu Dias sailed into Mossel Bay and found fresh water. He called it Bahia (Aguada) de Sao Bras (“the watering place of St Blaize). St Blaize is the patron saint of those who suffer from throat disorders and 3 February was his holy day.

St Blaize cave and lighthouse, Mossel Bay

The St Blaize trail offers a 13,5 km hike between Mossel Bay and Dana Bay.

I was one of a group of learners of Point High school who hiked, measured and marked the trail  n 1987 under the watchful eyes of Mr Theo Oosthuizen and Mr Stevens. What a pleasure to be able to hike it again so many years later with my daughter of 14!

The trail can be started in either Dana Bay or Mossel Bay. Other hikers mentioned their cars being damaged while left in Dana Bay,  so I suggest leaving vehicles in Mossel Bay.

If starting in Mossel Bay, the hike starts with a short but steep climb from below the cave. Evidence was found in the cave from earlier hunter-gatherers.

Several dassies will come and greet you! The other name is rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) and their closest relative is..the elephant! Their urine forms a crust and people use to take this and make tea from it to cure ailments like bladder infection and also to help falling pregnant.

The rest of the hike is easy to follow, just look for the painted little oystercatcher . It offers unspoilt views of waves crashing against rocks and caves. There are a number of benches on the way where you can sit, relax and enjoy the view. The hike traverse through the Pinnacle Point residential area, but you only need to sign in with the friendly security guard on duty.

The cliffs are about 30m above  sea. The trail is quite exposed, so take enough water and the right type of clothing. The scenery is truly amazing. Watch out for whales and dolphins. Bushbuck are still roaming there as well.

I believe the best time to do this hike is in spring when you can see whales and the fynbos will be in bloom. Kooigoed (helichrysum odoratissimum) is fynbos that can be found on this hike. It is a shrub with silver leaves and bright yellow flowers in spring. The leaves are very aeromatic and was used as bedding as it also keeps insects away.

Caves can be seen with evidence of life 160 000 years ago. You need to book a private tour for this though.More details can be found here.

It is an easy hike suitable for all ages.

Dassie, lizard, kooigoed and vygie