Denny & Sallys Blog on RealTravel

South Africa journal: South Africa, February 5 - March 14, 2007

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 11:08:15 GMT

Just ten days ago Denny and I came across a 2-for-1 for flights to South Africa. Since I have a high school buddy, Carlene, living in Mosselbaai, and it is VERY, VERY cold here in Jackson Hole this winter, we looked into it and WOW! here we go! (Monday, Feb. 5th!) I am thinking that having less than two weeks to prepare has some real advantages (and a few disadvantages)! We'll be 5 weeks there...Carlene will pick us up in Cape Town and show us around that city for a few days before we head up the coastline along the Garden Route to her home in Mosselbaai. We'll use her home as a ...

Kruger National Park journal: And last, but not least...OUR MOST MAGICAL MOMENTS.

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 19:20:25 GMT

Of all the great experiences we had in South Africa, and in Kruger National Park inparticular, there were a few magical moments that stand out above all the others.

Kruger National Park journal: and THE BIRDS! I could almost become a "birder!"

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 19:05:45 GMT

Denny and I were quite surprised at how much fun we had identifying the birds throughout the park while seeking the animals! One sunset drive on which I went was filled with self-proclaimed "birders" and that was amazing to me -- more excitement over a sighting of a Paradise Whydah than if they'd seen a lion! However, I really learned a lot from them on that drive!

I loved going to sleep each night and waking up each morning to the many, varied sounds of the oh so numerous birds. It was fun too when our ranger guides on Morning Walks pointed out the different ways birds send one ...

Kruger National Park journal: Everyone's favorites: the little ones

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 12:44:31 GMT

This entry is dedicated to a few of my grandnieces: Kaylee, Britni and Lanee, who always love to go looking for the babies of the Tetons. Here are the pictures of the little ones in Kruger beginning with my new favorite -- almost as cute as moose calves -- the zebra colt!

Click on "View more photos" just below the Zebra colt here, and then on the Zebra colt again to enlargen it, and then scroll through and ENJOY all the wonderful shots we were able to get of the Babes of Kruger.

Kruger National Park journal: We saw all of the

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:30:47 GMT

Skukuza is a huge restcamp with many options for accommodations. There is a large formal restaurant that offers a buffet for 115R ($16) and a good cafeteria as well. We loved the curry dishes over rice that are served from the cafeteria! Our "BD3 (BUNGALOW) 1 bedroom with 3 single beds, Aircon, Fridge, Hotplate, Sink, Utensils, Wc and shower" for 540R/night ($77) was the perfect size to spread out a bit and relax between drives. The walk way is very beautiful.

We took a morning walk here and came upon a group of four white rhinos. It was quite a thrill to be on foot and so close! ...

Kruger National Park journal: Our last night and most luxurious bungalow

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 21:56:54 GMT

We stayed our last night in the park in the Berg-en-dal Restcamp close to the Malenane Gate for a quick exit to the Jo-burg airport the next day. "BA3U (BUNGALOW), #23, 3 single beds, Aircon, Fridge, Hotplate, Perimeter, Sink, Utensils, Wc and shower" for 555R/night ($79). This "bungalow" was more like a condo, though it had a thatch roof still. There was a separate inside kitchen. It also sat right on the river with a gorgeous view and immediate access to the "Rhino Walk" along the perimeter fence line. When we drove up there was a breeding herd of elephant right there, 3 females and 4 ...

Kruger National Park journal: And a whole lot of other animals!

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 21:31:44 GMT

In addition to the major animals one sees in Africa, our personal and guided drives afforded us views into the lives of many other animals. On sunrise drives we came across dwarf mongooses darting across the roads as well as one morning, on our way to a Guided Morning Walk, two rhinos were lounging in the middle of the road. The smaller antelopes like Grysbok, Rhebok, and Steenbok seemed to be easier to spot early in the morning too -- or just at sunset. One evening Denny and I meandered up to a group of rocks that Denny found particularly beautiful and while gazing upon them two ...

Kruger National Park journal: A tough act to follow!

Sun, 25 Mar 2007 00:31:57 GMT

Of course since we live here year round and are the owners/builder /innkeepers, we are indeed prjudiced! The Tree House is a tough act to follow for accommodation! Please check out the difference in the pictures provided for summer and winter. Then you will know why we are off to South Africa!

http://www.cruising -america.com /tetontreehouse/

Kruger National Park journal: Zebras, Giraffes, Hyenas, Hippos and Crocs

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 23:24:31 GMT

One of the reasons Denny and I really were excited to come to Africa, was to see the "zoo animals" in their natural environments and in the numbers that are portrayed in National Geographic. Shortly upon entering Orpen Gate of Kruger we came upon both a large herd of wildebeests and a small group of zebra. These are Burchell's zebras -- very, very beautiful. The stallions stand proud, the mares are beautiful, and the colts are ADORABLE! I was sad that we never saw a group or herd close up but we often saw them from afar and were able to watch them through binoculars. It is said the the ...

Kruger National Park journal: Thatch roofed bungalow #51

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 20:56:12 GMT

"BD2 (BUNGALOW): 2 single beds, Aircon, Fridge, Hotplate, Sink, Utensils, Wc and shower" for 560R ($80). A nice touch was chilled water in a pitcher in the fridge. No view, but clean and comfortable.

Kruger National Park journal: The "BIG FIVE"

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 18:34:26 GMT

As soon as you start researching about going to Africa you begin to read about or see advertising for ways in which you can be assured of seeing "The Big Five" -- elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion and leopard. The "Big Five" designation is awarded because of their danger to man. Each will charge or attack with little understanding by humans as to why the seemingly peaceful creature becomes aroused. It is also in that descending order that they are easiest to find. Elephants, buffalo and even rhino can be found most every day in Kruger. The cats though -- lions, leopards and cheetahs -- are ...

Kruger National Park journal: The ANTELOPE of Kruger National Park

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 15:29:21 GMT

I have decided to write these last few logs concentrating on wildlife sightings rather than as daily logs. Our park accommodations can be seen interspersed as reviews. I will start with all the plentiful antelope species, move on to the "Big Five"; then the Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos and Crocs; next, one about all the wonderful BIRDS; then finally one with "All the Others"; and culminating with Wildlife Babes and Magical Moments. So here goes -- 7 glorious days filled with animal sightings and viewings. You know me, I could (and did!) take a sunrise drive with Denny, nap through the heat of ...

Kruger National Park journal: Comfy Bungalow at Olifants Restcamp

Sat, 24 Mar 2007 12:07:48 GMT

Denny and I reserved our bungalows inside the Kruger National Park in January, two months before our arrival, by calling the SANPARKS reservation line. We also purchased a One Year International Guest WILD CARD for 1395R ($200) which paid our conservation fees for all national parks and sites that we visited in our five week stay in South Africa. Conservation Fees are per person, per day so that turned out to be quite a savings for us as we toured the Cape Peninsula and other national parks along the Little Karoo/Oudtshoorn and Garden Route as well.

Leaving the airport at Johannesburg, ...

Kruger National Park journal: Goodbye to the Cape, Off toward Kruger

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 21:44:24 GMT

Our last few days in Mossel Bay with Carlene and her friends were a blur of parties and last minute sight seeing. Carlene threw a BRAAI, or BBQ, inviting some of her nearest and dearest South Afrikaan friends. It turned out to be the start of a few bad days of weather, so we moved it from the Yacht Club's beachfront to her house. Denny and I were intrigued with these people's stories. All are sixth to fourth generational South Afrikaans, with ancestors who came first as traders with the Dutch East India Company or during the late 1700s, early 1800s, with colonial expansion, or after the ...

Storms River journal: Return trip to Mossel Bay ala Garden Route

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 14:28:10 GMT

Tuesday morning we reluctantly packed up to leave our Addo chalet around 6 AM (just as the gates open) and drove the length of the park south to connect with the "Garden Route" and our two day return to Mossel Bay. We drove straight to the Marion Baree Waterhole where yesterday a lioness and her cubs were seen at 6:30 AM, but no luck today. Lots of beautiful birds though, and of course more kudu and warthogs. We also checked out the waterhole from the hide at Spekboom and then started south. Along the way we came upon two bull elephants and several hugs snails, a hawk or two, just missed ...

Addo journal: The Addo Elephant National Park

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 08:56:21 GMT

Hating to leave the Ploughman's Rest and the great hospitality of Malcolm and Peggy, we never the less packed up and first went over to the mouth of Storms River. There is a great little beach there and a restaurant with ocean views. We hiked to and across the suspension bridge that spans the estuary, then took a little boat up the river a ways and into the ocean a bit. The river is a dark color from the tanen but has lots of sealife (even sharks our boatman reports). Very, very pleasant excursion in a drop dead gorgeous setting!

Then we set off for Addo! I was getting SO excited! ...

Garden Route journal: Driving the "Garden Route" to the SPECTACULAR Tsitsikamma National Park,

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 02:50:43 GMT

After a day off to regroup from our great Oudtshoorn day trip, we set off for a six day adventure along the "Garden Route" of South Africa (from Mossel Bay along the southern cape to the beginning of the Eastern Cape). It is indeed a majestic and beautiful drive along the coast with many, many spectacular ocean vistas of both miles and miles of sandy beaches and breathtaking cliffs and rocky shores.

George was the first small town we came to and the location of the airport from which we will return to Johannesburg in March. We stopped at a really fun place, the Scarab Village, that has ...

Garden Route journal: Great African handicrafts and the Num Num Bistro

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 02:01:22 GMT

Garden Route journal: Great outdoor African handicrafts market

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 01:58:33 GMT

Garden Route journal: the "WORST"

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 01:53:22 GMT

The photographer is to be commended for creating a beautiful brochure for this accommodation. The setting is ideal, though a bit out of the way down a long gravel road. The buildings have unrealized potential, the European Fallow Deer roaming the grounds are a definite draw. However the cabins are not well built nor well maintained and there is NO ambiance or hospitality.

Garden Route journal: and "the BEST"

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 01:51:31 GMT

Carlene, Denny and I were open to just about anything after the disaster of the night before, but you KNOW that we HAD to try the Treehouse! We even looked into the Protea Hotel in Storm's River as well as the Backpackers' accommodations. We stopped in at the beautiful Armagh B&B and also at the At the Woods one. However, we new we were at home when we went to Ploughman's Rest and were greeted by Anje, then embraced by Malcolm and Peggy, and later, Marcel. The rooms are a delight, the grounds are wooded with a stream and roughhewn tables all about. Breakfasts are the best we've been served ...

Oudtshoorn journal: Ever been to the "Ostrich Capitol of the World"?

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 01:14:26 GMT

Carlene took us up through Robinson Pass to Oudtshoorn today, the self proclaimed "Ostrich Capitol of the World." The mountain pass was spectacular and the high mountain valley was just as it was billed, field after field of ostriches for as far as the eye can see -- yes, much like the cattle in WY.! We returned through the Outeniqua Pass, another glorious mountain pass, particularly stunning with the coast in the background during our descent.

Our first stop was the fabulous Cango Caves. They are different than, but every bit as wonderful as the Kartchner Caverns in AZ. We were ...

Oudtshoorn journal: Spectacular "light lunch"

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 13:01:07 GMT

Mossel Bay journal: Mossel Bay, our "home away from home"

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 12:05:20 GMT

Mossel Bay is our base here in South Africa. Carlene, my high school pal, has welcomed us into her home and we are exploring near and far. We have even begun to fall into that laid back, slowed down lifestyle of the people here. Might as well, there is only s l o w and s l o w e r! :) Last night we went down to the point to have pizza on the terrace as we watched surfers, boogie boarders and little kids play in the water. We stayed til sunset, mesmerized by the sea. Some of the surfers are unreal! Many are so young and yet so good already!

Mossel Bay is an Afrikaans' town ...

Cape Town journal: Arrival in South Africa

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 11:59:29 GMT

Denny and I served breakfast for 9 Monday morning and then took off for SLC. It was a pleasant, uneventful drive -- just the way we like it! Jann and Ray hosted us and we shared a pleasant Thai dinner at the Lemon something behind the CRANE building downtown. MMMMMM Tuesday morning Jann drove us to the airport and we took off for NYC. There we stayed with "guests who became friends" Jinny and Mark in their lovely Roosevelt Island condo. Thanks to all of you out there who welcome us so warmly into your homes!

Wednesday evening we flew South African Airlines to Johannesburg and then ...

Swellendam journal: Two days in the Cape Winelands

Sun, 18 Feb 2007 08:13:28 GMT

Today we left the Sunset Beach area of western Cape Town, stopping briefly at Table Mountain AGAIN only to find that we were among hundreds who have been waiting all week to get up the mountain -- the que was enormous and we sadly elected to move on into the Cape Winelands, heading toward Carlene's home in Mossel Bay along the "wine route".

Not too far out of town as we started into the mountains we went through the long Huguenot Tunnel, the DuToits Kloof Pass, and into the high mountain Berg River Valley. There were baboons along the roadway. :( However, no dead ones like we see deer ...

Cape Town journal: "Doing the Town"

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 10:36:39 GMT

Today we arose early, ate a hearty breakfast with Alida at the B&B, and then set off to try AGAIN to ride the cable car to the top of Table Mountain (there have been high winds for the past few days and the cable car has not been running). Being still too windy, we went to the Two Oceans Aquarium near the Victoria & Alfred Wharf. It is a charming, though small, aquarium which I found to have excellent children's displays and activities -- including a really fun petting tide pool. The ranger talks that went along with the penguin and seal feedings were excellent also. Two people had paid ...

Cape Town journal: Enjoying the Cape Peninsula

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 10:25:57 GMT

Carlene certainly out did herself in finding this beautiful B&B and negotiating such a wonderful "local" price! We are SO spoiled and so out of our usual accommodation style (backpacking)! However, we are also LOVING IT! I am sitting out on the balcony as I type even now, watching the kite sailors and wind surfers. Denny and Carlene have gone shopping. lololol

We have spent the last few days exploring the area -- roaming north along the coast and then south through Cape Town to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. Victoria Wharf in Cape Town and the small towns as you drive ...

Swellendam journal: Ters and Charlotte make the stay memorable!

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 09:12:29 GMT

Driving up and down the streets of Swellendam, we chose to stop in at the Rose Garden to see if there were any vacancies. Ters (a tenth generation Afrikaan) was so welcoming that we would have stayed in his closets! As it was we got two charming rooms that shared a porch on which he served us afternoon cocktails (and later we brought back a light dinner to share there also). Charlotte, his wife, too is a true delight. Later that evening we shared some chilled Wildebraam Youngberry Liqueur and tales of inn sitting! Breakfast was delicious with Charlotte's homemade youngberry jam, ...

Cape Town journal: Spectacular setting, ocean view from bed!

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 04:08:03 GMT

The Atlantic Palms is a clean, beautiful accommodation set just off the beach with beach access as well as a pool. There are windsurfers all along the coast! The staff is kind and welcoming. Breakfasts are cooked as requested, fresh fruit is always available. It is a true delight to stay here! Alida, the manager, is a treasure!