South Africa 2004
I had wanted to go to Africa for years, but people kept telling me it was dangerous. Between cost, vacation time and interest, I couldn’t find anyone to go with me. So I talked my 80 year old grandmother into the trip. It was wonderful. I was nervous to plan it alone and go unescorted, so I turned again to Trafalgar Tours. As it turned out, they sourced the trip out to a company called Thompson Tours. Our tour cost about $1000 per person, plus flights, for a 10 day trip. We started in Johannesburg, drove to Kruger National Park and stayed three nights at Lion Sands, located inside the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. Nighttime game drives were extra special and I was able to see the Big Five.
From there we drove back to Johannesburg and flew to Cape Town. We visited Table Mountain and then Robben Island, a must not miss, IMO.
Next we drove through the Cape Wineland’s, stopping first at a penguin colony on Boulder’s Beach.
Visiting Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich capital of the world, was a highlight. Ostriches might be the dumbest animal I have ever observed, yet fascinating watch. After some ostrich rides and learning what to do when confronted by an angry ostrich (either lay down flat or make yourself taller…a branch or stick will do), we ate…Ostrich. It was delicious. It tasted like beef but has nutritional value similar to chicken. I have not had ostrich since that can even closely compare.
We left Oudtshoorn for the Garden Route, which runs along the coast of the Indian Ocean. We stopped overnight in Knysna (the k is silent), which was interesting and beautiful. There was a level of wealth there that we didn’t see throughout most of the country. It is a vacation destination known for oysters and, had I been into them at the time, I would have been in heaven. Continuing on to Port Elizabeth for our flight back to Johannesburg, we stopped at Bloukrans Bridge to bungee jump. At the time, it was the tallest bunji jump in the world and had a perfect safety record. It was scary and awesome.
Once we returned to Johannesburg, I went on a tour of Soweto. It was very educational and complimented what I had learned at Robbin Island. This is another must not miss IMO. This trip taught me a lot, not just about animals, wine and apartheid, but also what is important to me in traveling and how to do it alone. Africa is not to be missed and for a simple introduction to the continent, South Africa is the best.
