Africa, here we come!

July 15 2009

The start of a 5 month trip up the coast of Mozambique, Tanzania, and Kenya and then back into Tanzania past Mt. Kiimanjaro, into the Serengeti, Masai Mara, over the top of Lake Victoria to the source of the Nile in Uganda and then down the west side of the Lake to Malawi, through Zambia, Botswana and Namibia and home to Knysna via Cape town.

Left Knysna, in a Nissan Pathfinder and a Conqueror Companion off road Trailer, on time for a change, to a wonderful send off from our friends. Very heart-sore at leaving the dogs behind, but know that they will be well looked after while we are away. My overall feeling was one of disbelief,……… we were finally on our way after so many months of planning, preparation and packing!. When we travel I am always blown away by this wonderful land that we live in, wide open spaces , towering mountains, beautiful sunrises and sunsets. (Not being an early bird I see more sunsets, but hope to address that little problem on this trip…..is there a knack to getting up before it is light?)

Our first night away was at the Cape Mountain Zebra N.P. We found a great camping spot and were very impressed at the firewood, water, and a basin that was left on site for the campers. We had just finished erecting the tent, when a Kombi pulls up and asks if he can collect his stuff that he left to book his spot, while he was out on a game drive!!! Our first lesson in camping etiquette…………..

It was freeeeee eezing, but like good scouts, we were prepared!!! Hot water bottles, a blow heater and a down duvet, were the order of the night, and, after a delectable meal of Lamb Shanks, at the restaurant, we were as snug as two bugs in a rug!!!! We had a bit of a rude awakening in the morning with ice everywhere outside, and all the water pipes in the caravan were frozen! No matter, a good breakfast, and we travelled to Bloem where the lady refused to allow us to camp, ‘too cold’ she said, ‘take a chalet’. So we did!!!

We had a wonderful weekend visit with all the family, in and around JHB, and we stayed with Adam and Tanith,….. we loved being in their home and felt very relaxed there. Heather’s surprise 60^th lunch, was a happy and joyous occasion, and we are proud to be a part of such a great family!

We have spent 4 nights in the Kruger at the Berg n Dal campsite now and are mightily impressed. We have a site facing out into the Park and have been visited by hyena, elephant, buck (all on the other side of the fence of course), and all the other little creatures in the camp……miniature mongoose, tree squirrels and the beautiful birds that are a part of the KNP. The ones we could have done without were the monkeys!!!! Camping lesson Number two….don’t leave anything edible out, and unattended!

During our time in the Park we have visited Nelspruit and Malelane towns and are really surprised at the growth that there has been in the last 4 years. The stadium in Nelspruit looks impressive and everybody has been very friendly. Super shops and even in Malelane the new Superspar is clean and has just about anything. We had work done on the car at Nelspruit Caravans, and they went out of their way to help us, even to the extent of taking us to Midas to get a steel plate for the wiring for the caravan, and then fitted it for us! No Charge….. How’s that for service! It doesn’t end there…Lionel had his cell phone cleaned….no charge, he also had to consult an attorney to prepare a power of attorney and send it off to our Knysna attorney, and, you guessed it….NO CHARGE!!!! We are talking an attorney here!!! We are very aware of the fact that there is so much poverty and that security is a huge issue here, but there is also a buzz and a great atmosphere. The scenery here is spectacular with rolling hills and sugar cane plantations intermixed with citrus.

Tomorrow we will be crossing into Mozambique. Don’t know where we will be staying tomorrow evening yet but will make a plan as we go, it all depends on how fast we clear the border posts. We will be ready for those corrupt officials in Mozambique, looking for a bribe…….maybe…..