Driving the Garden Route in South Africa

Twist around mountains and bays. This sure does not look like the Africa that most of us imagine.

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.

Onward drive to a roadside aviary. “Birds of Eden” is the largest, single free flight aviary in the world.

Here, exotic birds have no fear. Previously caged birds are released into a free flying environment.

Driving along the garden route, we bed a few nights in a cabin at Storms River Mouth National Park.

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.

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.

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.

We drive our own safari, like many people. Organized tours are always available as well, but we all see the same things.

A herd of elephants cool themselves in the black mud of a water hole.

Warthogs scurry around with no clear direction.

Ah, I sure hope that that Kudu does not know who we grilled the other night!

Dang Zebras, they hog the road.

A lone Buffalo enjoys his own water hole. Who would argue?

Now, this is beginning to look like the Africa that most of us imagine.

Thank you, Abundant Universe.                           Ron Mitchell