Travelogue

Unfortunately our next diving vacation could not take place. As a replacement we booked a very special trip onto the "black" continent. Our target - to see South Africa with all its facets. With assistance of the travel agency Impala Tours located in Eschborn nearby of Frankfurt and the owner Miss Schirmer we could experience an unbelievable 16 days Journey through the country. The impressions gained we will not forget so fast. A repetition is not excluded.

By using a direct flight with South African Airways we went from Frankfurt to Johannesburg. There we got

our first rental car, a brand new Ford Fiesta with not even more then 17km on the speedometer and of course steering wheel on the right side. Driving on african streets was without any problems and completely stress-free.

First we drove to the north to direction Kruger National Park. First stop and overnight stay was the Old Joe's Kaia located in Schoemanskloof. A really nice guesthouse. Our second station, the Kwa Mbili Game Lodge is located in the Thornybush Reserve, a part of Kruger National Park. There we stayed for 2 nights with game drives into the bush in the early morning and late afternoon. To see the animals in the wild area - really a special adventure. It is very impressive, when a male lion is laying in the grass nearby the Jeep, relaxing and not feeling bothered. Or a full-grown leopard who crossed our way. What a pity, that we couldn't stay a little bit longer. Unfortunately we haven't seen elephants. At this time this animals were moving around more then 3 hours far away. Maybe we can see them next time.

On our way back to Johannesburg we made a 2 days stopover in the Gecko Lodge in Hazyview to visit additional places of interest on the Panorama Route like the Blyderiver Canyon with the Three Rondavels or the Bourke's Luck Potholes. In Johannesburg we stayed overnight direct at the airport to take the early flight to Port Elizabeth next morning.

Arrived in Port Elizabeth we got our second rental car, a Chevrolet Aveo, and drove the well known Garden Route into the south to direction Knysna, our next station. Once again a very nice guesthouse - the Waterfront Lodge with amazing view to the lagoon from our room, booked for 2 nights. Still a good dinner in the neighbour hotel, then a round of sleep. Next day trip to the Knysna Elephant Park, at least once to see elephants - even if not in the wild. Thereafter next to the Marina for shopping. In the evening we had a nice dinner in JJ's Restaurant located direct at the Marina. Fish soup and 3 types of steaks (Kudu, Springbok and Ostrich) was served accompanied with musical entertainment by the employees.

Next morning continuing the journey to our next station - Oudtshoorn. Once again a very nice location, the 88 Baron van Reede Guesthouse with very friendly owners. Here we stayed again for 2 nights. Trips to the nearby located Cango Wildlife Ranch (there we were allowed to pet a fully grown leopard), to an Ostrich farm and to the Cango Caves associated with a small roundtrip over the Swartberg Pass have been made. What a impressive landscape.

After breakfast we continued to direction Cape Town. On the way we stopped at a really crazy restaurant, the Diesel & Creme in Barrydale, where we tested probably the best milk shakes in South Africa. And they were really good.

Arrived in Cape Town we got our last but one quartier, the Villa Lutzi. Room with direct view to the table mountain - WOW - Amazing! Next day first of all we drove to Paarl to visit the wine cooperative KWV, a small wine testing included. Therafter back to Cape Town to the Waterfront and the Victoria Wharf. Highlight of the day certainly was the 20 minutes Helicopter flight over Cape Town and the surroundings of the table mountain. Later on we could enjoy the atmosphere and beautiful scene with the table mountain in the background with a cup of coffee.

Last act, once again moving to another guesthouse, the Floreal only two streets away. This house is really nice located at the bottom of the table mountain. Our room had a amazing and unique view to the city. The valley station at the table mountain was crowded with cars and tourists, so that we gave up and drove directly to the Cape of good Hope by using the Chapman's Peek drive. There it was, however, very stormy despite beautiful weather but thus more impressive. On the way back we stopped at Boulders Beach in Simon's Town to see the African penguin living there.

Next morning, on the way in Cape Town for sightseeing and shopping. We have visited the Castle of good Hope and the Green Market Square. But it is too hot (more then 30 degrees). Better going back to the hotel and to the swimmingpool. Last evening once again to the Waterfront, having a nice dinner at the Quay Four Restaurant and bought some Souvenir in the Victoria Wharf Shopping Center.

Before flying home we have still visited the Bo-Kaap and the winary Groot Constantia. So one imagines a beautiful winery. A pity, that our vacation is coming to an end. We will come back again. Totsiens! / Ta-ta!

Our experiences we always have captured in pictures. It is worth watching!

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