For the past couple of days, Eric and I have been laying low at the hostel, trying to decide on what to do in Africa. We did almost no research before we left – we figured we’d just cruise across southern Africa at a pretty moderate pace and eventually make our way up to Tanzania.
Normally, this type of travel plan would be all fine and dandy – hell, it’s what we’ve been doing the last 7 months and it’s worked out well so far. But seeing as South Africa is hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup in June, we’ve realized we need to change our approach in order to avoid the effects of “Football Fever” – meaning crowds, chaos and jacked-up prices.
Therefore, we’ve decided the best way for us to get around South Africa is to rent a car, and you know what this means…
ROAD TRIP!!!
It has been a long time since we’ve been able to enjoy the independence of having a car. Now we have the freedom to stop whenever we want, be it for food, photos or toilet breaks, we don’t have to listen to crappy pop music or power ballads on the radio and the only annoying people we have to deal with are each other… it’s a good thing.
Our first destination is Sabie, which is nestled within the Drakensberg Escarpment.
After leaving the major highways from Jo’burg, we wind our way onto the Panorama Route. It takes us through beautiful mountainous scenery. At points we are worried our little putt-putt “Skippy” – aka. our car – won’t make it, but he pulls through and we arrive in Sabie early evening.
We settle down at a cool, rustic backpacker hostel for the night and then head out in search of a nice dinner.
We are very successful – dinner is amazing!
I have a grilled ostrich fillet in a red wine reduction with a baked potato and creamed spinach and Eric has impala casserole served with rice and amarula jelly. Not only is the food delicious, but our server Fridah is a doll and treats us like “nobody’s business.”
After a chilly but good night’s sleep, Eric and I head out on our way.
Our first stop is at Bridal Veil Falls, which is just outside of Sabie. It’s a 70 metre high waterfall, one of many waterfalls sprinkled around the area.
Satisfied with our early morning hike, which included breakfast at the waterfall, we start our journey up to Graskop.
We drive through more mountainous terrain until we reach Pilgrim’s Rest, which was founded in 1873 after the discovery of gold in the area. The town itself is a national monument and much of the original building stock has been retained. We have a nice walk around before continuing onwards.
The drive from Pilgrim’s Rest to Graskop is pretty short and we make good time, so once we’re settled in our hostel, we set off again, this time to check out Blyde River Canyon.
Once again the drive is exceptionally scenic. There are designated viewpoints and natural formations along the way and we make stops at “God’s Window” and “the Three Rondevals”, which provide stunning views of the canyon. Eric and I are awestruck by the beauty of it all.
We end our day by cooking up a nice meal, watching “Jaws” in the hostel lounge and containing our excitement for tomorrow’s destination… Kruger National Park.
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