From Namibia to South Africa

PART TWO - SOUTH AFRICA

(This is a long one. Approximately the longest blogpost ever... Grab a coffee!!)

After two weeks of roadtrip through Namibia we cross the border at Noordoewer/ Vioolsdrift and our next adventure starts. We are on our way to see elephants, lions, peguins and the incredible landscape of the western cape in South Africa.

We cross the Northern Cape with a camping-stop in Springbok. In Clanwilliam we spend the night between endless vineyards in a camping resort and then journey on to Calitzdorp near Oudtshoorn, where we rest in a lovely little cottage in the Red Stone Hills. Unfortunately we don't have (good) pictures from our Cango Caves Adventure Tour - it was definitely a highlight crawling through the caves deep down under!!

Next destination:
the Addo Elephant Park near Port Elizabeth.

We are staying for 4 days at the main rest camp inside the park and take part on a guided sunset- and sunrise-drive (early at five in the morning). Our guide explains a lot about every species and how to find them.

Later the day we drive through the park with our own car.
We search for elephants, zebras and kudus, and even spot some lions and a herd of buffalos. Some animals visit us at the campsite - even a snake!!
(Next time we meet ask me about the snake Chris spottet right beside our car!!!)

The pictures of the birds and monkeys are taken at "birds of eden" and "monkeyland" in Plettenberg Bay.

Now we are heading towards the Garden Route.

We drive past Port Elizabeth, where a heavy thunderstorm keeps us away from stopping, then visit the Storm River Mouth in the Tsitsikamma National Park for a few days and the next stop is Plettenberg Bay!

Our plan was to camp at the Tsitsi, but it's all wet and still a bit stormy, so we decide to book a tiny forest hut for two nights - our cosy little home with an incredible surrounding. We hike to a waterfall the next day and explore the magical landscape, accompanied by the sound of the ocean and a breath of fresh air!

As I am a big fan of giraffes, we book a private game drive at the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve - and we get so much more! A fantastic guide who explains a lot; a vast, beautiful Private Game and so many animals we didn't expect to see - like hyenas, cheetahs, crocodiles and even a white rhino.

Next stops:
the Ebb-n-Flow Restcamp in Wilderness, two nights in Hermanus and a stopover in Betty's Bay - until we head to the Cape Peninsula & Cape Town!

The Restcamp is very popular and highly frequented by caravan vacationists. We get to know a nice couple from Hermanus, who even offer their kayaks to us, so that we are able to paddle along the river during a most fabulous sunset. On our way to Hermanus a few days later we take some extra miles and plan a photo stop at Cape Agulhas, the most southern point of Africa. Just because.

In Hermanus we check in at the Backpackers - a double bed! wifi! - and explore the cliffs and the beautiful city. So sad that we are out of Whale-Watching-Season.

And on our way to Cape Town we take the long road via Betty's Bay (thanks for the hint, Hannes & Farina!), to visit the penguins!! Unfortunately I am not allowed to take one with us, these tiny little guys are too funny!

Finally:
we are coming to Cape Town.

Before we return our car, we want to camp one last time and find a spacious campsite in Kommetjie, Cape Peninsula. The perfect spot for some day trips to explore the surrounding like Simon's Town, Chapman's Peak and the Cape of Good Hope.
Just our two cents: last one is wayyyyy to crowded and overrated. Been there: check. But all the other places are amazing and really worth travelling.

It's the 12th of february and we have to return our car at the airport. On our way we get to see all the different facets of urban living - from township to noble mansions you can find everything in Cape Town.

Back in town we check in at our hostel "Zebra Crossing". A nice hostel, excellent located, but with a slightly little cockroach problem. Three nights, and I'm suffering from the most horrible nightmares about monsters under our bed. Anyways, we get along...

But "mother city" spoils us with all her great places, good restaurants and food markets, incredible nature just around the corner and the most beautiful views from signal hill, lion's head and table mountain! We rather enjoy the last days than taking pictures, meet old and new friends, hike up the Lion's Head and relish a great photoshoot with "Mister & Misses Do" Hannes and Farina!
(Love love love the pictures! Credits for the last ten pics - after our Selfie- go to them! Check out their amazing work at www.misterandmissesdo.com).