Part 2
We had the privilege of traveling to the Eastern Cape recently and found the most amazing places along the way. We decided to do a slow drive and see the places we normally just whizz past on our way to our final destination.
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Our journey took us to the highest public road in South Africa, spectacular mountain scenery (read more about it here) and friendly folks who has a passion for the Malutis. The second part of our journey took us south towards the coast, past quaint towns, rocky hills, grassy fields with windpumps, old stone buildings and crested eagles proudly perched on telephone poles.
Instead of me rambling on about the beauty, wildness, people, views and unspoilt nature, I’ve added some images to tell the story. Enjoy!
Bushmansrivermouth - a small village on the banks of this tidal river with the same name is a paradise for families and travelers looking to relax and unwind.
We arrived at Bushmansrivermouth and readied ourselves for 3 weeks of serious relaxation. We did exactly that – swim in the cool waters, walk on white beaches, explore the area on day trips, went fishing by boat, and thoroughly enjoyed lazy days and balmy nights.
These guys are found in and around the natural bush from where they venture into surrounding gardens to taste the grass and plants carefully tended by their owners...but nobody minds!
On New Years Eve we spent the evening on the beach and the kids had a ball.
There were lanterns being lit non stop - we counted probably close to a hundred - which made me think about the mess it will make where ever it meets land after the flame goes out. Imagine the amount of waste a hundred paper bags will create. Maybe they are biodegradable...
A fireworks display from both sides of the river welcomed in 2012 and it seemed like the two sides were competing for the loudest cheers from the crowd.
Back on the road...somewhere in the Eastern Cape.
Our camp set up with the kettle on the gas stove and settled in about 15 minutes after we've arrived
Our camping rig consists of two rooftop tents (one for us and one for the kids), a very comfortable offroad trailer from Metalian, and a GX 80 series Land Cruiser. We make use of Front Runner equipment and accessories as well as National Luna fridge/freezers in both the vehicle and trailer. This works well for longer trips where more supplies and cold space is required.
We spent the night at a game farm that we found on our GPS. It was a great spot to rest after the days’ travel.
A visitor to our campsite
Nothing like a cold drink after a long day on the road.
Comfortable camping with happy kids! These Feather-Lite rooftop tents are spacious and work well for our family.
Our last day on the road, heading home.
Beautiful scenery all along the border of Lesotho and South Africa's Freestate province.
Sandstone cliffs in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park - can you see the campsite bottom left? Imagine the view...
Rock formations enroute to Harrismith
We could have easily spent more time on the road but we had a set date to be back in Durban so we headed for the N3 and cruised down to the coast past the Drakensberg Mountains and the Midlands regions of KwaZulu Natal.
The Eastern Cape can be explored in segments, focussing on one area at a time or combined like we did. I still have so much to see there and will return soon.
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