Thursday 15 February 2018

Conclusion



Our 2016 visit to South Africa was positive in so many ways, yet we left with doubts arising from our personal sensitivities over issues such as the inequality of wealth. In both Cape Town and Pretoria, the ever-present evidence of poverty was not such a pretty sight as the wonderful natural landscapes and wild life.

This year we stayed in the province of KwaZuluNatal and explored an area in-and-around the city of Durban. From the outset, our general perception of how things really are in this unique country quickly began to change. The bonhomie and more laid-back lifestyle engendered a sense of ease that was warm and uplifting. There was clearly more to happiness than economic considerations alone had previously suggested.

In terms of our vacation, we once again struck gold. Months of careful planning delivered everything we've come to expect - breathtaking scenery and plenty of relaxation. However, what we couldn't possibly have anticipated was the wonderful hospitality provided by the owners of our holiday cottage. From the day we arrived, Rick and Brenda were our friends, advisors and so much more. Along with adorable little Thumper, they added a touch of magic.


 

Monday 12 February 2018

Monday 12 February

For the final excursion of this trip we decided to visit a couple of places which are both close to the small town of Howick, situated just off the busy main highway some 115 km northwestward of Durban.

Our first stop was at the location where Nelson Mandela was captured by police on 5th August, 1962.  This, of course, subsequently resulted in his imprisonment for the next 27 years. At the end of a footpath symbolising his 'long walk to freedom' there is a memorial in the form a facial likeness of Mandela that only becomes visible from one exact point. There is also a museum nearby that contains a vast amount of information about his entire life.

Our second destination was Howark Falls, where the Umgengi River dramatically tumbles 95 meters into a broiling pool of water. It was here that we ate lunch before returning to the cottage for one last time.














Sunday 11 February 2018

Sunday 11 February

On our return journey to Durban, we stopped for lunch at a beautiful garden centre with a terraced restaurant near Illovo Beach. It was a gem of a find, and Sunday roasts were on the menu!











Saturday 10 February 2018

Saturday 10 February

Today we visited Eland Lake Game Reserve and Oribi Gorge. This was a 'must-do' on our itinerary and the reason for our short stay in Margate.

The area is well off the main highways and the entrance is finally reached quite some distance along a compacted clay track.

The Dandelions negotiated the suspension bridge without difficulty, but (sadly/thankfully) time didn't provide for zip-line participation.

Score 10/10 for our best day out!











Friday 9 February 2018

Friday 09 February

We've moved 145 km south to stay for a couple of nights at a guesthouse in the small seaside town of Margate. Our large suite has an outside balcony and views overlooking the Indian Ocean.

It was a pleasant drive from Durban in brilliant sunshine and a comfortable temperature of 28C thanks to a cooling wind.



Thursday 8 February 2018

Thursday 08 February

Special weather for a special occasion. The 'Birthday Boy' (well, it's half true) relaxed while the other Dandelion took a morning swim. Many, many thanks to everyone back home for the lovely cards and sentiments.


During the afternoon, we visited Mitchell Park Zoo in Durban. It's a very nice place to spend a couple of hours and there is a good outdoor cafe for having a light snack.





This evening we had a meal with our hosts (Rick & Brenda) at a nearby seafood restaurant. Once again, we enjoyed the best of company and we owe them our sincerest​ thanks for helping to make this trip extra special.


Wednesday 7 February 2018

Wednesday 07 February

There are two unexpected things that we have learned from our visit to Durban already. Firstly, it is a city built on hills that is quite reminiscent of San Francisco. In a vehicle such as our little Kai, it is no small challenge to pull away from a stop sign - especially to turn left or right - when the gradient is more than likely to cause a bout of kangaroo hops.

The second lesson is that by the beginning of February​ summer is considered to be almost over. In the northern hemisphere, of course, this date equates with early August. The difference, it seems, is concerned with children starting and ending their school holidays sooner.

The dullness returned and we had a restful day - just a dip in the pool this morning and seeing a film this afternoon. The venue for the latter was the Gateway Shopping Mall at Umhlanga. This already has all the big brand stores that anyone could wish for, but it appears to be in the process of becoming even larger.





Tuesday 6 February 2018

Tuesday 06 February

The sun returned in full force and by a little after 10am we were heading towards the town of Eshowe situated 135 km north of Durban. Much of the distance can be covered quickly along the N2 toll road, but the remainder of the journey is accomplished along Route 66. Known as the Zululand Heritage Route, this highway passes through magnificent rolling hills of lush pasture land.

First destination on our itinerary was the Dlinza Forrest Aerial Boardwalk which as the title suggests is an opportunity to view the surrounding area from viewpoints high up in the treetops. It was a very peaceful experience and we virtually had the place to ourselves. When we eventually returned to the entrance gate we were warned by a ranger to give a wide berth to a particular bush in which a highly venemous Green Mamba snake was hiding. A minute or two earlier he had witnessed it pursue a Gecko Lizard to the ground where it had quickly captured and eaten the unfortunate creature. He showed us a disturbing video of the incident that he had taken with his phone.

Our second port of call was a visit to Fort Nongqayi Museum Village where our priority was to order scrumptious all-day breakfasts at the renowned Adams' Outpost restaurant. Next up was a guided​ tour of the former fort that was built by the British in 1883 to garrison​ a Zulu peace keeping force which was being recruited and trained at that time. In 1906, these 'peace-keepers' were used to help put down a revolt by their own tribesmen against British rule and taxation.






Co-owner of Adams's Outpost Restaurant





Monday 5 February 2018

Monday 05 February

About 26C, but only very brief glimpses of  the sun. As the day progressed, dark clouds became more of a permanent feature. Summer in these parts is clearly just as fickle as it is in England.

We drove out to the west of Durban to an area known as Valley of 1000 Hills where we had a late lunch at a lovely terraced restaurant. Had we known there were so many steep gradients to be climbed we might have rented a car powered by more than an elastic band - acknowledgements to Kia.





Introducing
Thumper - Rabbit in Residence



Sunday 4 February 2018

Sunday 04 February

Cloud cover isn't necessarily a bad thing where being in Durban is concerned. It can mean the difference between doing things in comfort or feeling fried alive if there's full sunshine. Such was the case today.

We made our way to the beautiful Botanical Gardens and indulged ourselves with a guided tour in a golf buggy. This was both leasurely and informative in equal measure. It also transpired that our guide was more than happy to take all the photos!

On the return journey to our holiday cottage we stopped off to enjoy a short exploration of the Japanese Gardens with their somewhat less formal vistas. As an unexpected bonus, we discovered an enormous tree populated with a colony of Vervet monkeys.

Our evening was spent in the most wonderful company of our hosts and two of their friends. We were treated to an excellent meal and unforgettable, friendly, conversation. Life is rarely this pleasurable!









Saturday 3 February 2018

Saturday 03 February

No trace of the sun today - very grey, with occasional light rain. Temperature steady at about 21C.

We visited the nearby Umgeni River Bird Park and made friends with some of the exotic residents before we once more had to seek shelter. Cutting our stay there shorter than we would have liked, we carried on a short distance to the Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World. This place is every bit as grand as some of those that we saw in Las Vegas last year.

We arrived with just enough time to get a meal before taking our seats at the multiplex cinema. Enjoyed seeing new film 'The Commuter', which we would both highly recommend.