We commenced our travels from the Mpumalanga region towards the Western Cape and ended off in the Eastern Coast of South Africa (right after the amazing Safari experience at Sabi Sands Reserve (a private game reserve on the Fringe of the Kruger National Park).

Read my Blog after the Photos!

The Panorama Route (below pics)

I was amazed at the unforgettable sights of the Panorama Route. We started in the Blyde River Canyon. This lush, subtropical canyon is one of the world’s largest and is breathtaking. The foliage is accented by red sandstone which juts up from the sea of green, and the Blyde River snakes along, reflecting the sky.

Next, we trekked over to Bourke’s Potholes. These wondrous rock formations were created by swirling waters of the intersection of Blyde and Treur Rivers. These sinewy statues, carved away by years and years of waterfalls and whirlpools, resemble a kind of huge skeletal remains of some other-worldly creature. Last on our Panorama tour were the Lisbon/Berlin Falls and God’s Window. This area of South Africa has waterfalls aplenty, and the Lisbon/Berlin waterfalls are some of the most astounding. Enormous and striking, these falls cascade endlessly into the pool below from about 80-90 meters up the rock face. Finally, feast your eyes on it all at God’s Window. This astounding view stretches into what seems to be an endless expanse of luscious forest, countless waterfalls, and infinite jagged cliffs. The moment your eyes set on the panorama around, you will understand why it is named God’s Window.

Cape Town (West of South Africa) (below pics)

After my awe-inspiring days in the Mpumalanga region, it was time to explore Cape Town. I got to know the city by taking a full-day guided tour of the Cape Peninsula. We started out at Hut Bay Harbour, which touts a white sand beach, surf-worthy swells, and plentiful fishing. It is nestled into Table Mountain National Park on one side, and the Atlantic Ocean across. Next on the agenda was Cape Point. Standing here was like standing on the edge of the world. Waters from Africa’s contrasting currents meet and boil here, only to spread out into an endless expanse of ocean and air.

Bounching about between huge granite boulders, colonies of African Penguins can be spotted at the aptly named, Boulder’s Beach Penguin Colony. Here, I enjoyed the sun, the pristine beach, and of course, the lively penguins hobbling around in their protected habitat. Last on this tour was the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. At the foot of Table Mountain, these gardens house indigenous plants of Africa along with stone sculptures, and trails lead out of the gardens into the wondrous surrounding area. We had a wonderful afternoon chilling in the famous Moyo restaurant.
The next day’s adventure was of the wonderful culinary offerings of Cape Town.

On the Cape Winelands Tour, I found my way through a myriad of palatable delights which started off in Fairview, where I indulged in the local wine and cheese. Then, we ventured to Rickety Bridge, where forested hills overlooked our tasting time and the fresh air mingled with the aromatic wine samples. Last on the tour was the Waterford Estate, where we enjoyed a bevy of chocolate and wine and wrapped up what was a very pleasant and tasty tour indeed.

For the rest of this day, we had a chance to meander through some of the quaint, colonial towns of Paarl, Stullenbosch, and Franchoek. These stops were informative of the country-side scene which I found to be quite artistic and hip. Vibrant cafes and chic storefronts lent these towns a welcoming and somewhat European feel.

The Garden Route (Towards the East, Port Elizabeth)

The following day brought more exploration. We started the Garden Route Classic Tour which is a well-known tourists’ jaunt through some of the most fascinating geological and picturesque regions of South Africa. We ventured out by car through small and prosperous towns, and rounded out our country day by stopping at an ostrich farm. Here, we had an educational tour about the behavior of this amazing bird.

After our day in the countryside, we made it to the Cango Caves. These Precambrian, limestone caves frightened and delighted me. Stalactites and stalagmites jutted out, creating a spooky cathedral-like affect. The next stop of our day was the Knsyna Heads. We jumped in a boat and cruised around in the favorable Mediterranean climate. Lush greenery filled the mountainous horizon on one side, while clear skies and blue water lead us out into the open air.

We ended the day in Plattenberg Bay, which proved to be an amazing destination for animal lovers. After a night of rest, we packed up in the morning and headed to the Elephant Sanctuary. These sweet, gigantic animals lived as a testament to Africa and its beauty. As the endangered creatures towered above us, majestically moving about, I was reminded of how important it is to gain a deep appreciation for the fragility of life around us. This conservation centre also allowed us the chance to touch the magnificent elephants and take a walk through the forests by leading their trucks. I felt an immense sense of spiritual connection with my elly during the walk.

Our fauna-based tour continued on to the Birds of Eden, which is the largest free-flight bird aviary in the world. This aviary is a sanctuary for the birds, and it is truly an amazing thing to see the rich diversity of Africa by way of its many birds. From birds sporting red-tufted mohawks to noble-faced owls, the collection was extensive and unbelievable.

Next, we rounded out the day in Tenikwa Awareness Centre, a famous cheetah conservatory. Here, I was close enough to watch the bellies of the great cats going up and down as they breathed and napped. I also enjoyed a very close encounter with cheetahs by walking with them through the nearby forest for an hour. It was simply unforgettable and humbling to be able to stand by the fastest mammal on land.

On my last day of adventure in South Africa, I went to Tsitsikamma National Park. Here, we trekked through the lovely and vibrant forest, taking in our last sweet views of the turquoise ocean and the green canopy. Accompanied by birds (now almost identifiable thanks to the Birds of Eden trip), we can upon the Storms River Mouth Suspension Bridge. This bridge, spanning about 77 meters, extends across Storms River, aptly named for its frothy, red-brown current. The brave ones on the bridge looked down to take in the violence of the rapids, however I tried to keep my focus on the magnificent view of rock ledges and foliage up ahead.

Some thoughts
Walking across the suspension bridge, and in a way, completing my final tour, I looked back mentally and couldn’t believe the incredible adventure, the priceless views & encounters with wildlife, and the amazing people/friends I had met along the way.

I had chatted with many locals who spoke passionately about the painful Apartheid days and praised Nelson Mandela’s bravery, vision & humble personality. It was indeed an eye-opener to hear first hand, the consequences of the Apartheid then and many years on. I was touched by determined eagerness to embrace life for what’s its worth and their endless cheer.

Along our many days/hours of driving through the Garden Route, we saw many families with small children sitting along the highway, begging for a free ride towards Port Elizabeth. I was told that the public rail system is unreliable & expensive for most, and since there are few long-distance public buses, hitch-hiking (while dangerous) is the only way for most families to get around. More can be done for the public infrastructure and i hope that the new government, African National Congress, would be able to make headway in this.

This beautiful country is in much need of tourism to fund its budget deficit. I hope that you would be inspired to make a trip to South Africa one day soon.