After Tanzania in 2010 with an outstanding experience of landscapes and animals we had a long pause until returning to Africa. But now is the time. We are in Namibia already and are looking forward to visit South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Uganda and Kenya. Some people would name this an epic Africa journey and maybe it is one. We feel blessed to be able to travel all these wonderful countries and are happy to share our encounters with beautiful animals and breathtaking landscapes for next few weeks.

South Africa

Franschhoek

With Air Namibia we had a pleasant flight from Windhoek to Cape Town landing about 6 pm. So it was already dark when we got our luggage. Gladly we had decided earlier not to rent a car at arrival but get it delivered to our first accomodation at Leeu Estate in Franschhoek. It was by far more convenient to get transferred by Robin, a nice guy from Cape Town, who helped us with all our luggage. A very warm welcome at Leeu Estate, accomodation in  fantastic Cellar Cottage and a tasty dinner was much appreciated by two tired travellers befor they retired to bed.

 

Two rainy days were actually very welcome because we suddenly realized how exhausted we were. So not many activities therefore just sleeping, resting and enjoying the great service of the Leeu Estate people.

 

Oudtshoorn

It is a more than 400 km drive from Franschhoek to Outdshoorn on famous Route 62. Sadly the first part around the Franschhoek Pass was in the clouds and it was raining. Later the day it cleared up and we could enjoy spectacular scenery. It is always nice to see what amazing rock formations mother nature created particularly when the rocks start glowing in the afternoon sun.

The one day we had in Oudtshoorn we spent visiting Cango Caves and having a nice coffee and carrot cake in a local coffee shop. Cango Caves we highly recommend the Heritage tour. The caves are really beautiful and beat a lot of caves we saw around the world.

When we pulled up in front of the coffee shop one of the self appointed parking guards with the name Johnny Be Good promised  to look after our car until we come back, of course expecting a tip for his efforts before leaving. First it did not feel right and we asked two obviously local women enjoying coffee on the terrace if and if yes, how much we should give. The younger one immediately responded nothing at all. It would be better if these guys go and find real work. The older lady disagreed and meant a few Rand would not do any harm. “Grandma has a  soft heart” the younger woman explained. Hmh, now I was in a real dilemma. I was told so many times my heart was granit and for a dollar or so I could easily prove it was not. So I asked myself the question  what is the difference of paying four dollars into a meter in Brisbane? Well, I can tell you now. For one dollar here you get a big smile, thank you and God bless you and for four dollars in Brisbane you get not fined. So what does it matter if it feels right or not. Better give with and open heart.

Plettenberg Bay

The road from Oudtshoorn to George leads over the Outeniqua Pass offering great views of the South African country side. Before you start climbing up on the left hand side there is a Roadside Deli and World Famous Pizza which sells the most delicious carrot cake. The pizzas look great too but it was too early for lunch so we did not try it only watched people taking huge portions away obviously to feed a few people.

From George to Plettenberg the coastal road is very scenic. Around Knysna we saw the scars of the tremendous bush fires they had a few months ago. Many houses had to be evacuated in a hurry we heard from the locals. Some people could only grab some basics and lost it all. Very sad.

Plettenberg Bay surprised us with a really stunning scenery. Our hotel The Plettenberg offered an outstanding location above the Bay and very comforting accomodation and service. The pool was a bit cold so we gave it a miss. From our terrace and the garden we were lucky to spot a huge mother whale with it´s calf.  Very relaxing and enjoyable.

We decided to dine at The Fat Fish and were not disappointed. Delicious curry prawns and their King Klip really mouth watering. Also recommendable a stroll through Old Nick´s Town. Great coffee and cakes at the bakery there.

Surely there is a lot to do and to see around Plettenberg but we decided to have time out from being a tourist. Cape Town is coming up and then Kruger National Park so we have to be rested and fit.

Swellendam

The second oldest town in SA was just in the right distance for our stopover. A lovely town with a great coffee shop in the old jail. Really wicked lemon meringue cake to die for. We felt well taken care of in the De Kloof Luxary Estate built in 1801. Exceptionally renovated and very tastefully decorated with memorables the Dutch owners collected living in some countries of Africa and Asia. We did not have enough time to visit the Dutch Reformed Church and the Drosty Museum but leaving town we got a good idea what undulating wheat lands means.

Gansbaai

On our way to Cape Town we decided to stay a couple of nights at the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. Grootbos means something like tall bush and it is true. No trees to build houses or ships from. Perhaps this explains why there is a huge area undisturbed with a variety of more than two hundred plants. A tour with an experienced and knowledgeable guide is a must to enjoy this special part of the southern cape.

And of course were looking out for whales and indeed saw some from afar. I was not really whale season so we skipped the boat tour also because it was quite rough and getting seasick is no fun.

Capetown