Twist around mountains and bays. This sure does not look like the Africa that most of us imagine.
Knysna, South Africa – On the Garden Route
From our cabin in the town of Knysna, when you look over top of the razor-wire fences, views of the lagoon seem like a dream.
Sometimes all of the security stuff can be a real kill-joy
Onward drive to a roadside aviary. “Birds of Eden” is the largest, single free flight aviary in the world.
Birds of Eden Sanctuary
Here, exotic birds have no fear. Previously caged birds are released into a free flying environment.
Free Bird
Driving along the garden route, we bed a few nights in a cabin at Storms River Mouth National Park.
Storms River Mouth
After another heart-pumping shoreline hike, along the first section of the Otter Trail (a premier five-day backpack), the real fun begins with our first self-catered braii.
First leg of the Otter Trail
I sizzle some wild Kudu steaks over a wood fire, while the ocean crashes into the rocks below. Oops, one of my corn cobs rolls down to meet the waves. Kudu turns out to be tender, with a hint taste of liver.
Good thing this trail is well marked!
As soon as we turn north off of the Garden Route, temperatures soar into the hundreds. A long hot drive brings us to a bed at the Orange Elephant Backpackers, right outside of Addo Elephant National Park.
It does not get much better than this!
We drive our own safari, like many people. Organized tours are always available as well, but we all see the same things.
Wow!
A herd of elephants cool themselves in the black mud of a water hole.
Warthogs on patrol
Warthogs scurry around with no clear direction.
Dinner – Kudu. Glad I didn’t see this guy before dinner….
Ah, I sure hope that that Kudu does not know who we grilled the other night!
Get out of the road please
Dang Zebras, they hog the road.
Buffalo and friends (?)
A lone Buffalo enjoys his own water hole. Who would argue?
Addo Elephant National Park – A highlight!
Now, this is beginning to look like the Africa that most of us imagine.
Thank you, Abundant Universe. Ron Mitchell
Beautiful scenery and animals..
p.s. is kudos related to kudatz?
Probably closer to stugatts!
Wow. Just wow. Looks like a fantastic voyage so far. Great shots too. Continued safe travels!
Well, thank you Jill. We got travel angels with us!
Jill said it all… WOW, just WOW!!! thanks for sharing…
I concur with Jill…..Wow. What an amazing universe we live in. So glad you guys are enjoy the ride and sharing all your adventures with us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sharing.
I concur with Jill also! Such a pleasure to see. Am grateful for amazing technology that enables sharing in a manner never known before.
I am continually amazed at how awesome our world really is! Thanks for taking me on this journey.
Yes, we do live in an awesome world!
You are living my dream and I love it!!!
We love Maine too!
As you and others have said, who knew Africa looked like this! Gorgeous and picturesque.
You guys would love seeing it…got some mind blowing stuff coming up!
Marilynn: Awesome photography, especially of the hairy ape at the BBQ!
Doug, at least I learned how to use tools…a flipper.