Well a tour with a difference started staying at the Ikhaya Backpackers in Stellenbosch then we visited Delheim wine estate where we also were treated to a great wine tasting and cheese tasting.
Then we went on to Oakhurst Olive farm in Tulbach( a small town that was badly damaged in 1969 by an earth quake) This was the first time I did an olive oil tasting, really good.
Then the next day we visited a massive dairy farm where they milk 60 cows in just under 20min and milk over 3500 cows 3 times a day, and loads more but very interesting.
I then arranged for them to visit the water front in Cape town.
We then left towards Oudshoorn via Montague and on to Ronnies Sex shop for lunch, a great break for the students, then on to Safari Ostrich farm where 3 managed to ride, then we stayed at Klien plaas where we had a barbeque and some good wine.
We then left the next morning to the Cango caves and on to Knysna the the Bloukraans bungy jump where we had 8 jumpers, we then went on to storms river mouth getting there around 5 pm leaving around 7pm still heading to Port Elizabeth, arriving in PE around 10:30pm to a very bad backpackers where we found another place the next day, We went on to a pineapple farm in Bathhurst which was really good and eating Pineapples from the plant. All the students got really sun burnt and it was only 28 deg C
We flew to JHB the next morning and heading to Malelane near Kruger Park where the temp was 46C, Now its hot hahahah
The next day we visited a Litchi, Mango and Sugar cane farm where it was 38c at 9am, We then had a safari in the afternoon, and then a full day in Kruger where we were treated to 3 lion sightings 4 Hyena and some good Elephants.
We then left back to JHB stopping at a Massi Furgasen tractor dealership where we were treated to a local farmers view on farming in Sa. Then on to Jhb where we had dinner at Emperors Palace casino then to the airport for a 2330 flight.
Jason Mair
Tracey my Wife
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
Collette part three Knysna to Cape town
Well sorry this has taken some time to complete as I have done another trip but will get to that later.
So we left Knysna to Oudsthoorn, Sadly due to so much rain no riding was to happen, all a little bleek but not much I can do about the weather, Ostrich steak for lunch then onwards to Stellenbosch Via the Huguenot tunnel. The Spier hotel was a real treat great rooms.
The next morning we had a tour of Stellenbosch and returned after lunch, Dinner and wine comparing was a treat, we then left to Cape town and finally we were blessed with some good weather and Table Mountain was a real treat but we had a 2 hr wait but finally got there.
We then got to check into the hotel the Commodore, a sister hotel of the first one Da Vinci but a tad older but still nice,
The following morning we did a Cape Point Trip and again some nice weather, the Gold museum was a hit then The gold restaurant was a great way to end a great trip. This will be the last to see all the group as Vikky and I were to fly at 6am and leave the hotel at 4am.
Thanks again to the staff and guests of Collette it was a great trip
So we left Knysna to Oudsthoorn, Sadly due to so much rain no riding was to happen, all a little bleek but not much I can do about the weather, Ostrich steak for lunch then onwards to Stellenbosch Via the Huguenot tunnel. The Spier hotel was a real treat great rooms.
The next morning we had a tour of Stellenbosch and returned after lunch, Dinner and wine comparing was a treat, we then left to Cape town and finally we were blessed with some good weather and Table Mountain was a real treat but we had a 2 hr wait but finally got there.
We then got to check into the hotel the Commodore, a sister hotel of the first one Da Vinci but a tad older but still nice,
The following morning we did a Cape Point Trip and again some nice weather, the Gold museum was a hit then The gold restaurant was a great way to end a great trip. This will be the last to see all the group as Vikky and I were to fly at 6am and leave the hotel at 4am.
Thanks again to the staff and guests of Collette it was a great trip
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Collette Vacations Part 2 Kruger to Knysna
So Monday morning we have a 445 wake up call 515 coffee and 530 enter the park sadly its raining but the show must go on, it started out with the typical Impala, Impala and then things got better a big Elephant bull some Giraffe and so the viewing got better by 9am we had 2 of the big 5 as well as 3 wild dogs on the hunt and a very restless Hyena which found the scrap it was looking for a three day old kill of a Steen-bok, then after breakfast we travelled towards Lower Sabi and found a heard of Elephant with some small ones crossing the road, then came across a dead hippo in a dam with some monster crocks near by, we stopped for lunch as the rain got harder and just after 1pm we set out back towards the hotel, then it started the ranger and I saw a bunch of cars parked I said cats he said Buffalo well 2 Lions young ones about 2 yrs old but nice and close but just behind some bushes, then not even 1km down the road 2 big male lions crossing the road and then laid down, one got up to stalk something made a dash but nothing, came back then walked right next to the jeep, a guest in the front seat almost climbed on the drivers lap, we all had a good laugh. Then just as we though we had seen enough lions 4 more cubs, so 8 lions in a space of 20min, WOW awesome.......,
Then we got a nice heard of buffalo and by the time 4pm came we had seen 4 of the 5 and lots more, as a guide who travels lots in the park that was a great day for a one day safari, and all in the rain with no complaints. As we got back to the hotel the missing bags were there so the guests were very happy, sadly a camera was removed from the bags but all else was there, now the trip is all together.
Tuesday morning its pouring down 730 we head back for Joberg airport for a flight to Port Elizabeth at check in one couple couldn't get on the flight was fully booked, I tried everything to get them on but they would not bump anyone else of the plane, so after some shuffling around they were put on a later flight and arrived three hrs after the group.
Arrival in PE was great no rain and warmer and the first glimpse of the Indian Ocean, checked in the hotel and almost all went for a walk along the beach front. Around 2130 the last 2 landed and went to bed.
Wednesday morning after breakfast we headed for Knysna the weather was much better and was a very interesting day I have one guest who was interested in doing a Bungie jump from the worlds highest 216m so I asked the group if they were ok with stopping there to allow her to jump, they all said cool they will watch, while Vikki was signing up another guest, David, said he wants to do it as well so they do all the registration kit up and of they go, 3- 2- 1 jump they jumped on getting back I chose to have lunch there on doing that David's partner asked if there was time for here and Kathleen to Jump, I said sure so Carole and Kathleen kitted up and 3-2-1 jumper 3 &4 went WOW well done to all four of you, continuing down the drag to Knysna we met with a lady called Tracey who is in charge of an NGO to help disadvantaged kids with pre school education and Collette vacations use this as there foundation school in South Africa, lots of guests came back with tears and mixed feelings, then donated some crayons and stationary to Tracey to distribute equally to the kids.
At 6pm that evening a few of the guests and I met and I Took them across the road to have a local shooter, called the town ship toilet, as per normal 2nd and 3rd rounds were bought, all enjoyed, 7pm we went of to the Cruise café for a included meal everybody enjoyed the relaxed environment with the knowledge od a 945 departure on Thursday.
Thursday morning we had a late breakfast and then made our way to the Feathebed nature reserve on the boat spirit of Knysna for a little walk and a three course lunch, also it was Carole O'Donoghu's birthday so after jumping of the bridge her boyfriend and I sorted out that she had a bday cake for lunch HAPPY BIRTHDAY Carole.
Then we got a nice heard of buffalo and by the time 4pm came we had seen 4 of the 5 and lots more, as a guide who travels lots in the park that was a great day for a one day safari, and all in the rain with no complaints. As we got back to the hotel the missing bags were there so the guests were very happy, sadly a camera was removed from the bags but all else was there, now the trip is all together.
Tuesday morning its pouring down 730 we head back for Joberg airport for a flight to Port Elizabeth at check in one couple couldn't get on the flight was fully booked, I tried everything to get them on but they would not bump anyone else of the plane, so after some shuffling around they were put on a later flight and arrived three hrs after the group.
Arrival in PE was great no rain and warmer and the first glimpse of the Indian Ocean, checked in the hotel and almost all went for a walk along the beach front. Around 2130 the last 2 landed and went to bed.
Wednesday morning after breakfast we headed for Knysna the weather was much better and was a very interesting day I have one guest who was interested in doing a Bungie jump from the worlds highest 216m so I asked the group if they were ok with stopping there to allow her to jump, they all said cool they will watch, while Vikki was signing up another guest, David, said he wants to do it as well so they do all the registration kit up and of they go, 3- 2- 1 jump they jumped on getting back I chose to have lunch there on doing that David's partner asked if there was time for here and Kathleen to Jump, I said sure so Carole and Kathleen kitted up and 3-2-1 jumper 3 &4 went WOW well done to all four of you, continuing down the drag to Knysna we met with a lady called Tracey who is in charge of an NGO to help disadvantaged kids with pre school education and Collette vacations use this as there foundation school in South Africa, lots of guests came back with tears and mixed feelings, then donated some crayons and stationary to Tracey to distribute equally to the kids.
At 6pm that evening a few of the guests and I met and I Took them across the road to have a local shooter, called the town ship toilet, as per normal 2nd and 3rd rounds were bought, all enjoyed, 7pm we went of to the Cruise café for a included meal everybody enjoyed the relaxed environment with the knowledge od a 945 departure on Thursday.
Thursday morning we had a late breakfast and then made our way to the Feathebed nature reserve on the boat spirit of Knysna for a little walk and a three course lunch, also it was Carole O'Donoghu's birthday so after jumping of the bridge her boyfriend and I sorted out that she had a bday cake for lunch HAPPY BIRTHDAY Carole.
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Collette Vacations part 1
Well it started of with me arriving in Joberg airport a day before the group, so I caught the Gautrain,(the new public transport system in Joberg) to Sandton witch I haven't done in a long time, the train is still like new and so smooth, really awesome.
So I get to the hotel, and whilst I am waiting to talk to reception the former 1995 world rugby world cup captain Francios Pienaar walks out the lift, so I greet him and he has a little chat to me then got my photo taken with him (photo attached) then I get given an upgrade to the Michelangelo hotel very nice.
Friday morning the 18th Oct the airport runs start four different flights on the second arrivals only 1 of 8 arrive, ohoh after some running around I find out that they did not make the flight from Heathrow they will only be arriving on Saturday Morning, right then the late flight comes in and I have found 7 of the 8 arrivals now I am looking all over, a few phone calls later and some one comes up to me and asked if I was missing some one so I said yes and there she was sitting on a chair did not see me at arrivals. Ok so only the 7 missing in the UK all else seems great.
Saturday morning we have a welcome talk and I am trying to drag it out a little to allow the other 7 to get in, no at 9 am they were still looking for luggage so of we went and started Soweto with a step on guide who for a change was not to bad, at the Hector Pieterson museum the 7 catch up with us but 4 pieces of luggage are still missing, Great. Soweto done after lunch at Chez and a visit to the Apartheid Museum where we had a massive storm then hail for about 10 minuets.
Back at he hotel check on the luggage but no luck, welcome dinner went well and an early start tomorrow towards Kruger park.
Sunday awesome pouring with rain and no traffic, we were on the road at 715 heading east wards for Kruger park, due to the rain not much visibility, stopped in Lydenberg for lunch then on to the three rondawels, Blyde river canyon and on to the Paul Kruger gate Protea, where after check in we heard lions in the park.
So I get to the hotel, and whilst I am waiting to talk to reception the former 1995 world rugby world cup captain Francios Pienaar walks out the lift, so I greet him and he has a little chat to me then got my photo taken with him (photo attached) then I get given an upgrade to the Michelangelo hotel very nice.
Friday morning the 18th Oct the airport runs start four different flights on the second arrivals only 1 of 8 arrive, ohoh after some running around I find out that they did not make the flight from Heathrow they will only be arriving on Saturday Morning, right then the late flight comes in and I have found 7 of the 8 arrivals now I am looking all over, a few phone calls later and some one comes up to me and asked if I was missing some one so I said yes and there she was sitting on a chair did not see me at arrivals. Ok so only the 7 missing in the UK all else seems great.
Saturday morning we have a welcome talk and I am trying to drag it out a little to allow the other 7 to get in, no at 9 am they were still looking for luggage so of we went and started Soweto with a step on guide who for a change was not to bad, at the Hector Pieterson museum the 7 catch up with us but 4 pieces of luggage are still missing, Great. Soweto done after lunch at Chez and a visit to the Apartheid Museum where we had a massive storm then hail for about 10 minuets.
Back at he hotel check on the luggage but no luck, welcome dinner went well and an early start tomorrow towards Kruger park.
Sunday awesome pouring with rain and no traffic, we were on the road at 715 heading east wards for Kruger park, due to the rain not much visibility, stopped in Lydenberg for lunch then on to the three rondawels, Blyde river canyon and on to the Paul Kruger gate Protea, where after check in we heard lions in the park.
Thursday, 17 October 2013
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Botswana and home
So, during breakfast I saw a new spices of bird that I haven't yet got on film, the read headed weaver, so I started to hunt for it but just couldn't get a good shot, went to sit down at breakfast and the bird sat on my lens, Murphys law but any way about an hour later I finally got a great shot. later , optional day, they all went to see the falls then returned for lunch, and saw the feeding of the Vultures, which was really great, then a couple went on a helicopter flip and was very impressed. then 12 went on the elephant back safari, and yep all enjoyed as well.
I was invited to join the few who decided to brave the Boma dinner, were a huge variety of different foods and cultural dancing as well as drumming, I was able to get 4 guests to taste the local Mpani worms, which are not bad just the fact that one is eating a worm/caterpillar, but any way, sadly by now the flu that was going round had caught up to me and man was I felling bad, I tried to keep my composure and carry on with the trip 3 days to go.
The next morning we were leaving all at the same time but halving the group size yet again, 11 heading back to the USA and 11 and me going on to Chobe For two nights.
After the farewells we split and went our separate ways, On to Chobe Marina Lodge, the trip is about an hour to the boarder through national park about 1km before the boarder there was a police check nothing was done until one of the guests decided to take a photo of one of the cops, uhh wrong move, a shot from the officer and the bus stopped and the officer demanded the camera then the client showed the officer that he deleted the photo, he wont do that again!!!!!
The boarder was a breeze and check in at the Marina lodge all was Wow, just when they all thought things could not get better it just bumped up a notch, a three course lunch and the out on a sunset /safari boat trip, bids, elephants, hippos, Buffalo's and on and on it just was a great trip.
then back at the lodge another three course meal and then all to bed early for a 515am jeep safari.
Well 515am in Chobe Botswana nice and warm and all on two jeeps and we were of registration in the parks entrance and safari time, elephants, elephants, then a new antelope the Tessebe the fastest antelope in Africa, a great heard, I haven't seen them in a long, long time so I was very happy to find them, and yes we found Lions 4 females, deep in the bush but we got some great sights of them.
Then back for breakfast and the afternoon of and then lunch and then back on the boat 330pm, another great boat trip witnessing two heards of elephant crossing the river.
Back at the lodge we were welcomed with traditional dancing and then a barbeque dinner, a great way to say farewell to Africa, then all to bed again for the last game drive sadly this time I did not go just felling to rough but they all had a great drive as they found the female lions with a giraffe kill, then breakfast and the mad dash through the boarder and back at the Vic Falls airport on to Joberg and to the connecting flights and me home, where Tracey waiting with antibiotics, witch sorted me out in two days.
For my first Gate 1 trip it was a great way to start had a very good group which also helped, no incidents or dramas. I look forward to the next one in March next year.
I start a new tour on Friday so stay tuned for another adventure
I was invited to join the few who decided to brave the Boma dinner, were a huge variety of different foods and cultural dancing as well as drumming, I was able to get 4 guests to taste the local Mpani worms, which are not bad just the fact that one is eating a worm/caterpillar, but any way, sadly by now the flu that was going round had caught up to me and man was I felling bad, I tried to keep my composure and carry on with the trip 3 days to go.
The next morning we were leaving all at the same time but halving the group size yet again, 11 heading back to the USA and 11 and me going on to Chobe For two nights.
After the farewells we split and went our separate ways, On to Chobe Marina Lodge, the trip is about an hour to the boarder through national park about 1km before the boarder there was a police check nothing was done until one of the guests decided to take a photo of one of the cops, uhh wrong move, a shot from the officer and the bus stopped and the officer demanded the camera then the client showed the officer that he deleted the photo, he wont do that again!!!!!
The boarder was a breeze and check in at the Marina lodge all was Wow, just when they all thought things could not get better it just bumped up a notch, a three course lunch and the out on a sunset /safari boat trip, bids, elephants, hippos, Buffalo's and on and on it just was a great trip.
then back at the lodge another three course meal and then all to bed early for a 515am jeep safari.
Well 515am in Chobe Botswana nice and warm and all on two jeeps and we were of registration in the parks entrance and safari time, elephants, elephants, then a new antelope the Tessebe the fastest antelope in Africa, a great heard, I haven't seen them in a long, long time so I was very happy to find them, and yes we found Lions 4 females, deep in the bush but we got some great sights of them.
Then back for breakfast and the afternoon of and then lunch and then back on the boat 330pm, another great boat trip witnessing two heards of elephant crossing the river.
Back at the lodge we were welcomed with traditional dancing and then a barbeque dinner, a great way to say farewell to Africa, then all to bed again for the last game drive sadly this time I did not go just felling to rough but they all had a great drive as they found the female lions with a giraffe kill, then breakfast and the mad dash through the boarder and back at the Vic Falls airport on to Joberg and to the connecting flights and me home, where Tracey waiting with antibiotics, witch sorted me out in two days.
For my first Gate 1 trip it was a great way to start had a very good group which also helped, no incidents or dramas. I look forward to the next one in March next year.
I start a new tour on Friday so stay tuned for another adventure
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Zimbabwe to Botswana
Well Monday morning we were up at breakfast and on the bus by 7:30 am, sadly the Chicago 16 did not come down to say good bye, but that was done and dusted the night before at the farewell dinner.
Wow what a chilly morning, But I knew this wasn't long before the heat wave would hit us.
There was one accident on route to the airport but luckily on the other side of the road and did not interfere with us, the air port formalities went easily and all were through passport security with little issues.
On the plane and we were up and away, before you knew it we were on the tar mac in Zimbabwe Victoria falls airport, before you knew it people stripping their cloths because the heat wave now hit us, the formalities for entrance visas started. This took about one and a half hours as both planes were there, SAA and BA. CHAOS, small airport not much room, 3 immigration officers and tired passengers.
Of to the Hotel on a large coach the Victoria falls Safari lodge, a very nice place great rooms and views of the man made water hole, after check in we had a little time to explore the grounds, then we were on our way for a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, but just as we were loading I was called as they found a snake near the rooms, so I went to go look and wow, it was about 4m long African Rock python a beautiful female just shed her skin giving a lovely shine to her skin (photo added)
Then we left to go on the sunset trip, free drinks and finger food, and awesome scenery and just a great way to unwind, birds and hippos crocks and then all hell broke lose, a crock about 6m long came hurtling down the bank, with what looked like its mouth wide open, but actually had a bushbuck ewe in its mouth, just so quick, then hit the famous crock roll and then swam up and down the bank with the buck in its mouth, we stayed to see if it would get out but didn't, then while this was happening the crew was trying to show us the sunset and all said we can see that anytime but this crock once in a life time, then before you knew it boats everywhere and crock went down, then in the distance Elephants on the island, what a welcome to central Africa.
more to follow
Wow what a chilly morning, But I knew this wasn't long before the heat wave would hit us.
There was one accident on route to the airport but luckily on the other side of the road and did not interfere with us, the air port formalities went easily and all were through passport security with little issues.
On the plane and we were up and away, before you knew it we were on the tar mac in Zimbabwe Victoria falls airport, before you knew it people stripping their cloths because the heat wave now hit us, the formalities for entrance visas started. This took about one and a half hours as both planes were there, SAA and BA. CHAOS, small airport not much room, 3 immigration officers and tired passengers.
Of to the Hotel on a large coach the Victoria falls Safari lodge, a very nice place great rooms and views of the man made water hole, after check in we had a little time to explore the grounds, then we were on our way for a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, but just as we were loading I was called as they found a snake near the rooms, so I went to go look and wow, it was about 4m long African Rock python a beautiful female just shed her skin giving a lovely shine to her skin (photo added)
Then we left to go on the sunset trip, free drinks and finger food, and awesome scenery and just a great way to unwind, birds and hippos crocks and then all hell broke lose, a crock about 6m long came hurtling down the bank, with what looked like its mouth wide open, but actually had a bushbuck ewe in its mouth, just so quick, then hit the famous crock roll and then swam up and down the bank with the buck in its mouth, we stayed to see if it would get out but didn't, then while this was happening the crew was trying to show us the sunset and all said we can see that anytime but this crock once in a life time, then before you knew it boats everywhere and crock went down, then in the distance Elephants on the island, what a welcome to central Africa.
more to follow
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Durban to Joberg
Well the flight was easy the check in was a laugh as some of the group was over weight and had to pay in.
We met up with our new driver and headed of to St Lucia for the boat trip to view the hippos, we got some great footage.
The hotel was good a new visit for me the Protea Umfalozi nice plac.
Next morning we left at 6am to be at the Hluhluwe gate for our first Safari which turned out really good as we got 3 lions right a the beginning, to big males and a female lying under a tree, then a kilometer down a second female, really happy.
Then we headed of to Swaziland and the candle factory and to the hotel all were happy with the days travel and events.
We left the hotel for the glass factory where all were shopping mad it was great everyone liked the stop, on to the Jeppies reef boarder post Malalane shop and on to hotel as we had a 415 am wake up call for Kruger park game drive, half day paid with other half optional. Well we got the Leopard and Elephant to make up the big 5 so all were happy, leopard was a little hidden but got some good shots, the 22 who went out on the afternoon got another leopard walk in front of the vehicle, so they were very happy.
The next day was a long bus day to Joberg but seemed to be good, and then we arrived to a very busy Fire and Ice Protea hotel yep city life on a Saturday eve.
Sunday we did a Soweto tour and the Apartheid museum and Vilikazi street
Farewell dinner at the Melrose Moyo restaurant went well and said farewell to 16 of the group as we were on our way to Zimbabwe Victoria Falls with the other 22
will give more later.
We met up with our new driver and headed of to St Lucia for the boat trip to view the hippos, we got some great footage.
The hotel was good a new visit for me the Protea Umfalozi nice plac.
Next morning we left at 6am to be at the Hluhluwe gate for our first Safari which turned out really good as we got 3 lions right a the beginning, to big males and a female lying under a tree, then a kilometer down a second female, really happy.
Then we headed of to Swaziland and the candle factory and to the hotel all were happy with the days travel and events.
We left the hotel for the glass factory where all were shopping mad it was great everyone liked the stop, on to the Jeppies reef boarder post Malalane shop and on to hotel as we had a 415 am wake up call for Kruger park game drive, half day paid with other half optional. Well we got the Leopard and Elephant to make up the big 5 so all were happy, leopard was a little hidden but got some good shots, the 22 who went out on the afternoon got another leopard walk in front of the vehicle, so they were very happy.
The next day was a long bus day to Joberg but seemed to be good, and then we arrived to a very busy Fire and Ice Protea hotel yep city life on a Saturday eve.
Sunday we did a Soweto tour and the Apartheid museum and Vilikazi street
Farewell dinner at the Melrose Moyo restaurant went well and said farewell to 16 of the group as we were on our way to Zimbabwe Victoria Falls with the other 22
will give more later.
Monday, 23 September 2013
Gate 1 Cape Town
Well where do I start,
On Friday got to the East London airport for a 8:30 am flight to Cape Town and was asked to stay behind, me and 15 other passengers as the pilot did not want a full load to land in Cape Town due to bad weather.
The next flight was at 4:30pm arriving in Cape Town at 6:30pm and that flight was full as well but they kicked 15 passengers of that plane to accommodate us.
Finally arrive in Cape Town my clients half at the hotel and the other landing on a KLM flight at 9pm. By the time they cleared customs and changed money we got to the hotel just after midnight.
Cape Town received record rain fall of 820mm about 28inc of rain in 48hrs, flooding and hail with snow on top of table mountain.
On Saturday morning we had breakfast then a welcome briefing and then left on a full day cape point tour visiting the Cape of Good Hope, the African penguin colony, Lunch, then on to Kirstenbosch botanical Gardens, getting to the hotel just after 6pm, Then on to a welcome dinner with live music.
A really good day. Still a little overcast with some light showers, but a good day.
The next morning Table mountain and city tour, when we got up I looked out my window not a cloud in sight, yea baby Jason got it right again, up we go, got to the mountain a bit of a cue but spent one and a half hours up there , all excited and wow when we came down the cue was at least 3 hrs long.
Did the city and then returned to the Hotel 1:30 some went out on an Optional tour the rest went to the water front and visited the Aquarium.
Monday today we went out on a optional wine tour to Stellenbosch visited Simonsig and Fairview all had a good time.
Tomorrow we fly out to Durban and move north wards , I will update again in a few days
On Friday got to the East London airport for a 8:30 am flight to Cape Town and was asked to stay behind, me and 15 other passengers as the pilot did not want a full load to land in Cape Town due to bad weather.
The next flight was at 4:30pm arriving in Cape Town at 6:30pm and that flight was full as well but they kicked 15 passengers of that plane to accommodate us.
Finally arrive in Cape Town my clients half at the hotel and the other landing on a KLM flight at 9pm. By the time they cleared customs and changed money we got to the hotel just after midnight.
Cape Town received record rain fall of 820mm about 28inc of rain in 48hrs, flooding and hail with snow on top of table mountain.
On Saturday morning we had breakfast then a welcome briefing and then left on a full day cape point tour visiting the Cape of Good Hope, the African penguin colony, Lunch, then on to Kirstenbosch botanical Gardens, getting to the hotel just after 6pm, Then on to a welcome dinner with live music.
A really good day. Still a little overcast with some light showers, but a good day.
The next morning Table mountain and city tour, when we got up I looked out my window not a cloud in sight, yea baby Jason got it right again, up we go, got to the mountain a bit of a cue but spent one and a half hours up there , all excited and wow when we came down the cue was at least 3 hrs long.
Did the city and then returned to the Hotel 1:30 some went out on an Optional tour the rest went to the water front and visited the Aquarium.
Monday today we went out on a optional wine tour to Stellenbosch visited Simonsig and Fairview all had a good time.
Tomorrow we fly out to Durban and move north wards , I will update again in a few days
Thursday, 19 September 2013
Gate 1 starts tomorrow 20 /09/2013
Well I am all packed and ready to go, sadly I hear cape Town is expecting some bad weather, with a chance of snow on Table Mountain.
But I am not going to let that get me down, The trip starts in Cape Town and goes to Durban then on to Kruger Via Swaziland the on to Joberg 2 days in Victoria falls then 2 days in Chobe Botswana what a great trip.
stay tuned and follow the trip
But I am not going to let that get me down, The trip starts in Cape Town and goes to Durban then on to Kruger Via Swaziland the on to Joberg 2 days in Victoria falls then 2 days in Chobe Botswana what a great trip.
stay tuned and follow the trip
Sunday, 1 September 2013
Aussie group Part 3
So we have arrived in Hluhluwe and all checked in and having dinner, I was approached by the Manager if was able to help them out by driving one of the Safari vehicles the next morning, so I agreed.
In the morning there were 4 jeeps parked out side the hotel knowing what I knew I told the group to fill the other jeeps first so Megan got 10 the other two got 8 and 7 and I ended up with 8, and of we went to Hluhluwe Umfalozi National park, the oldest park in South Africa.
Now I have been here lots with groups if you read some of my past blogs and seen some good sightings, I personally haven't seen cats in Hluhluwe for a very long time and that was my goal,
Kind of knowing where to head, I asked the other divers what there plans are they all said they are doing their own thing , yes, so of I went, we entered the park around 8am and had 9 hours to play with, by 12 I found my Lion a little far but he was lying in the grass, we got some really great close sightings of all different animals and birds, around 2pm I met up with one of the other jeeps at Hilltop Camp we still had not found Elephant, he said to go look on Simons road they were last seen there, so I called on the radio but no answer, so I told the group its luck of the draw we still have a few hours,
Any way to cut to the chase I found a heard of over 50 Elephants drinking, remember Addo we only got one, so this was awesome, now we have about 45 min left of the 9 hour drive and have to head for the gate Driving along we meet this massive Rhino, ( now I don't talk about these guys due to the poaching crisis to date 550 in 2013), but this was so funny I have to talk about it.
This guy was spray marking his territory on the right hand side of the road, but there was a ridge going up, so he could not move in, turning on the jeep displaying all sorts of different behavior I have never seen, eventually crossed the road and reversed in to the bushes watching us, now I know there eye sight is really bad but smell and hearing excellent, so now I think its safe to drive past the animal and as we are about half way past HELLO he comes rushing out of the bushes the clients in the jeep start to scream< he's going to hit us > I am laughing ,driving a little faster but keeping an eye in the review mirror and this bull keeps on coming I slow down and it runs faster I speed up and he keeps coming the group is now laughing but very nervously , as we go round a slight bend there is a pick up approaching , so I start to flash my lights at him they stop I also noticed the rhino stopped to smell a midden , I see the vehicle is a reservist ranger, I told him what was happening and we drove on as we had to get back to the hotel now the group are talking and laughing still a little nervous, but something they will never forget.
I was very shocked to see how much of the park they were burning at the same time almost the whole park was burnt.
Back at the hotel the stories came out and all seemed to have had a great day on the jeeps .
The next morning back on the coach and down to Duma Zulu cultural village were the group experienced some Zulu dancing and the way they used to live, then we made our way down to St Lucia lagoon where we boarded a boat to go view the Hippos and crocs, we used Advantage tours and the new boat really nice all enjoyed the day , to end it of we had a Braai (Barbeque )
The next morning we were back on the road but this time heading to Swaziland and the boarder formalities, lucky another bus was behind us so we moved through quite quickly and on we went to the Candle Factory, were we stopped for lunch as well. then on through Mbabane the Capital city and on to Magugu Dam where we stayed for the night, something different. Over looking the dam and having animals running around with some great bird life.
The next morning we were on our way to Kruger Park, We stopped the bus along the route were some guests wanted to give out pens and stationary to some kids so I found a place were we saw about 8 kids playing and as they were giving out the stuff like ants there were kids coming from everywhere. All were happy and back on the road we were. Jeppies reef boarder post and back in South Africa we were
On to Thanda Nani game reserve for lunch and a game drive where I saw my first Ardvark ,so I was very happy with that, dinner then an early night as we were heading into Kruger park at 6am.
At Malalane Gate we were welcomed by two hippos and a pair of Saddle billed storks. the game drive was slow but we were fortunate to find Hyena with pups and 4 Cheetah and some lions, very few elephant. Barbeque for dinner and the next morning we were on our way to Pilgrims rest via Kruger and Blyde river Canyon, the Bus safari well possibly my worst ever in Kruger hardly anything all the sightings coming through were on gravel roads and to far away for the bus to go with the schedule we had to cover.
Grasskop for lunch at Harries pancakes met some old friends and on to the three Rondawels , then to Blyde river canyon and the famous Burkes lucks pot holes and on to the Royal Hotel in Pilgrims Rest.
The last touring day was a trip to Joberg and then a dinner and the 25th at 8am we were on our way to the airport where some were going on to Victoria Falls and some going home like me
The group photo is on the list
It was great to have a different group for a change and I hope the move forward will be great
stay close for next adventure toward the end of September
In the morning there were 4 jeeps parked out side the hotel knowing what I knew I told the group to fill the other jeeps first so Megan got 10 the other two got 8 and 7 and I ended up with 8, and of we went to Hluhluwe Umfalozi National park, the oldest park in South Africa.
Now I have been here lots with groups if you read some of my past blogs and seen some good sightings, I personally haven't seen cats in Hluhluwe for a very long time and that was my goal,
Kind of knowing where to head, I asked the other divers what there plans are they all said they are doing their own thing , yes, so of I went, we entered the park around 8am and had 9 hours to play with, by 12 I found my Lion a little far but he was lying in the grass, we got some really great close sightings of all different animals and birds, around 2pm I met up with one of the other jeeps at Hilltop Camp we still had not found Elephant, he said to go look on Simons road they were last seen there, so I called on the radio but no answer, so I told the group its luck of the draw we still have a few hours,
Any way to cut to the chase I found a heard of over 50 Elephants drinking, remember Addo we only got one, so this was awesome, now we have about 45 min left of the 9 hour drive and have to head for the gate Driving along we meet this massive Rhino, ( now I don't talk about these guys due to the poaching crisis to date 550 in 2013), but this was so funny I have to talk about it.
This guy was spray marking his territory on the right hand side of the road, but there was a ridge going up, so he could not move in, turning on the jeep displaying all sorts of different behavior I have never seen, eventually crossed the road and reversed in to the bushes watching us, now I know there eye sight is really bad but smell and hearing excellent, so now I think its safe to drive past the animal and as we are about half way past HELLO he comes rushing out of the bushes the clients in the jeep start to scream< he's going to hit us > I am laughing ,driving a little faster but keeping an eye in the review mirror and this bull keeps on coming I slow down and it runs faster I speed up and he keeps coming the group is now laughing but very nervously , as we go round a slight bend there is a pick up approaching , so I start to flash my lights at him they stop I also noticed the rhino stopped to smell a midden , I see the vehicle is a reservist ranger, I told him what was happening and we drove on as we had to get back to the hotel now the group are talking and laughing still a little nervous, but something they will never forget.
I was very shocked to see how much of the park they were burning at the same time almost the whole park was burnt.
Back at the hotel the stories came out and all seemed to have had a great day on the jeeps .
The next morning back on the coach and down to Duma Zulu cultural village were the group experienced some Zulu dancing and the way they used to live, then we made our way down to St Lucia lagoon where we boarded a boat to go view the Hippos and crocs, we used Advantage tours and the new boat really nice all enjoyed the day , to end it of we had a Braai (Barbeque )
The next morning we were back on the road but this time heading to Swaziland and the boarder formalities, lucky another bus was behind us so we moved through quite quickly and on we went to the Candle Factory, were we stopped for lunch as well. then on through Mbabane the Capital city and on to Magugu Dam where we stayed for the night, something different. Over looking the dam and having animals running around with some great bird life.
The next morning we were on our way to Kruger Park, We stopped the bus along the route were some guests wanted to give out pens and stationary to some kids so I found a place were we saw about 8 kids playing and as they were giving out the stuff like ants there were kids coming from everywhere. All were happy and back on the road we were. Jeppies reef boarder post and back in South Africa we were
On to Thanda Nani game reserve for lunch and a game drive where I saw my first Ardvark ,so I was very happy with that, dinner then an early night as we were heading into Kruger park at 6am.
At Malalane Gate we were welcomed by two hippos and a pair of Saddle billed storks. the game drive was slow but we were fortunate to find Hyena with pups and 4 Cheetah and some lions, very few elephant. Barbeque for dinner and the next morning we were on our way to Pilgrims rest via Kruger and Blyde river Canyon, the Bus safari well possibly my worst ever in Kruger hardly anything all the sightings coming through were on gravel roads and to far away for the bus to go with the schedule we had to cover.
Grasskop for lunch at Harries pancakes met some old friends and on to the three Rondawels , then to Blyde river canyon and the famous Burkes lucks pot holes and on to the Royal Hotel in Pilgrims Rest.
The last touring day was a trip to Joberg and then a dinner and the 25th at 8am we were on our way to the airport where some were going on to Victoria Falls and some going home like me
The group photo is on the list
It was great to have a different group for a change and I hope the move forward will be great
stay close for next adventure toward the end of September
Monday, 19 August 2013
Paarl to Hluhluwe
Well I tried to do a post a few days ago and lost the whole lot so here goes again.
We left Paarl and passed the Victor Verster Prison where Nelson Mandela spent his 27th and final year in prison, then we drove through Franschoek as it was too early we drove straight through the town and made our way up the Franschoek Pass, there was a bit of snow on the high peaks, so I was excited that our trip to the Drakensberg would be great.
We stopped for lunch at the famous Country Pumpkin in Barrydale and then drove past Ronnies sex shop, on to Oudshoorn. Then on to the Oude Muel guest house, well I admit I made a mistake , I had another place on my mind we turned in and realized oops, lucky it was on the same road just a few Kilometers away.
The next morning we visited the Cango Caves, Even the driver went alond as he has never driven the southern part of SA. Then we went to Cango wild life ranch, nobody went in with the Cheetah.
Then a casual drive on to Knysna, where that evening I introduced them to a Shooter called the "Town ship toilet" they had about 4 rounds, then 12 went to have dinner at JJ's and some ate at Oldies.
The next morning we went on to Monkeyland where they walked around a primate enclosure for around 2hrs and all enjoyed to see the primates, we then went on to see the Storms river mouth at the Tsitsikamma national park and did the walk to the suspension bridge, while they were walking there I got to see a Cape clawless otter which I got some photos of hahahah. then we stopped passed J-bay and on to Port Elizabeth.
Well as most trips would fly on to Durban, not this one we drive through, so we left for Addo Elephant park for a 4 hr bus safari only finding 1 elephant and tons of Zebra, but at least we found one right at the very end. Then we left and headed to East London for the overnight, Tracey and the kids jouined us for dinner and the group got to meet them, and the kids got to see me which make the trip shorter.
We left East London Early the next day as we had a long drive to the Drakensberg, Driving through the former Transkei, passing nelson Mandelas home and up to the berg.
The next morning we drove to the town of Underberg where we met the 4x4's to take the group up the Sani Pass 2856m +- 9500ft, sadly there was very little snow but there was enough to throw a snow ball or 2 around, then on to a little village and see how the Basuto people live. Lunch at the highest pub in Africa and back down the switch backs.
We left the hotel in the morning on to Durban where the temp reached 30 dg C about 90 f from 5 deg c very welcome , We stopped at Ushaka marine for lunch and leg stretch then we drove on to the Hotel Protea Hluhluwe ( wow what an improvement to the rooms well done)
We left Paarl and passed the Victor Verster Prison where Nelson Mandela spent his 27th and final year in prison, then we drove through Franschoek as it was too early we drove straight through the town and made our way up the Franschoek Pass, there was a bit of snow on the high peaks, so I was excited that our trip to the Drakensberg would be great.
We stopped for lunch at the famous Country Pumpkin in Barrydale and then drove past Ronnies sex shop, on to Oudshoorn. Then on to the Oude Muel guest house, well I admit I made a mistake , I had another place on my mind we turned in and realized oops, lucky it was on the same road just a few Kilometers away.
The next morning we visited the Cango Caves, Even the driver went alond as he has never driven the southern part of SA. Then we went to Cango wild life ranch, nobody went in with the Cheetah.
Then a casual drive on to Knysna, where that evening I introduced them to a Shooter called the "Town ship toilet" they had about 4 rounds, then 12 went to have dinner at JJ's and some ate at Oldies.
The next morning we went on to Monkeyland where they walked around a primate enclosure for around 2hrs and all enjoyed to see the primates, we then went on to see the Storms river mouth at the Tsitsikamma national park and did the walk to the suspension bridge, while they were walking there I got to see a Cape clawless otter which I got some photos of hahahah. then we stopped passed J-bay and on to Port Elizabeth.
Well as most trips would fly on to Durban, not this one we drive through, so we left for Addo Elephant park for a 4 hr bus safari only finding 1 elephant and tons of Zebra, but at least we found one right at the very end. Then we left and headed to East London for the overnight, Tracey and the kids jouined us for dinner and the group got to meet them, and the kids got to see me which make the trip shorter.
We left East London Early the next day as we had a long drive to the Drakensberg, Driving through the former Transkei, passing nelson Mandelas home and up to the berg.
The next morning we drove to the town of Underberg where we met the 4x4's to take the group up the Sani Pass 2856m +- 9500ft, sadly there was very little snow but there was enough to throw a snow ball or 2 around, then on to a little village and see how the Basuto people live. Lunch at the highest pub in Africa and back down the switch backs.
We left the hotel in the morning on to Durban where the temp reached 30 dg C about 90 f from 5 deg c very welcome , We stopped at Ushaka marine for lunch and leg stretch then we drove on to the Hotel Protea Hluhluwe ( wow what an improvement to the rooms well done)
Sunday, 11 August 2013
Aussie group week one
Well the week has flown passed and many great things have happened so far
Cape town had a big cold front hit bringing with it some large swell of over 20ft and snow deposits on the mountains, the group however managed to get to Robben Island in some massive swell with a full boat of 300 people.
Cape Point on Thursday was a good clear day, and we got to see Whales, Bontebok, Red Hearabeast, Baboons and even the Cape Mountain Zebra
Due to having bad weather on the Wednesday morning, Cold and rain, I decided to do a walking city tour on the Friday, morning before we left for Stellenbosch, we got to the St Georges Cathedral and the doors were open to go in so we made the visit, and to top it all of Arch Bishop Tutu was present and some of the guests got a photo with him.
We have been in Paarl for the past two nights witch is part of the Stellenbosch wine route just out side Cape Town with the snow on the mountains it is very cold but we have had some good wine tastings.
This morning we are on our way to Oudtshoorn to see the Ostriches and the Cango Caves
I will re post again soon
Cape town had a big cold front hit bringing with it some large swell of over 20ft and snow deposits on the mountains, the group however managed to get to Robben Island in some massive swell with a full boat of 300 people.
Cape Point on Thursday was a good clear day, and we got to see Whales, Bontebok, Red Hearabeast, Baboons and even the Cape Mountain Zebra
Due to having bad weather on the Wednesday morning, Cold and rain, I decided to do a walking city tour on the Friday, morning before we left for Stellenbosch, we got to the St Georges Cathedral and the doors were open to go in so we made the visit, and to top it all of Arch Bishop Tutu was present and some of the guests got a photo with him.
We have been in Paarl for the past two nights witch is part of the Stellenbosch wine route just out side Cape Town with the snow on the mountains it is very cold but we have had some good wine tastings.
This morning we are on our way to Oudtshoorn to see the Ostriches and the Cango Caves
I will re post again soon
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
New Job
Well as one chapter closes many doors open.
Grand Circle Travel was a great company to work for despite all the hassles that went with it
sadly new management, spells new guides so as that chapter closes I have found new doors.
To all who traveled with me on a GCT or OAT trip you were great, granted there were some pain in the royal rear but that goes with the job.
I start a new trip on 4th August with an Australian company then September I am with another American travel company and so the work slowly roles in.
The trip in August starts in Cape town and goes all the way to Joberg via Kruger and no flights in between.
I will be updating my blog as I go, as well as changing a few photos but will keep all the group photos as you were all part of the birth of this blog.
There will always be a few that stick in my mind, and those of you that we really clicked I will never forget.
To Helene Levitz, Cindy Johnson, Dominique &Peter Dean Thank you for helping towards Chases hockey funds we have raised R19500 so far so full steam ahead, I have sorted his passport out the school is arranging the Visas, so the big guy is getting excited I will post more on this as time draws closer .
My Family and I had a small vacation up to Hluhluwe and we had a lot of fun, we saw some nice Giraffe, Zebra, Rhino, Warthog, Buffalo and some new bird species, for Chase he got 11 new birds for his list and I got 2 new ones.
Grand Circle Travel was a great company to work for despite all the hassles that went with it
sadly new management, spells new guides so as that chapter closes I have found new doors.
To all who traveled with me on a GCT or OAT trip you were great, granted there were some pain in the royal rear but that goes with the job.
I start a new trip on 4th August with an Australian company then September I am with another American travel company and so the work slowly roles in.
The trip in August starts in Cape town and goes all the way to Joberg via Kruger and no flights in between.
I will be updating my blog as I go, as well as changing a few photos but will keep all the group photos as you were all part of the birth of this blog.
There will always be a few that stick in my mind, and those of you that we really clicked I will never forget.
To Helene Levitz, Cindy Johnson, Dominique &Peter Dean Thank you for helping towards Chases hockey funds we have raised R19500 so far so full steam ahead, I have sorted his passport out the school is arranging the Visas, so the big guy is getting excited I will post more on this as time draws closer .
My Family and I had a small vacation up to Hluhluwe and we had a lot of fun, we saw some nice Giraffe, Zebra, Rhino, Warthog, Buffalo and some new bird species, for Chase he got 11 new birds for his list and I got 2 new ones.
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
Down Time
Hi there
well here we are in June 2013 already
Unfortunately I haven't got any tours lined up till 2nd August so not much will be happening on the blog till then
I had a great bike ride of 480km on Monday with a friend planning to do a big one some time in the new year but haven't set a date yet
My son Chase has been selected to play field hockey in Holland next year Easter but there are huge costs involved R35000 which is about $3500 so I am asking anyone out there that would try help me raise these funds to allow him this opportunity , you can email me on jasonmair71@gmail.com if you are willing to help
I truly hope I can send him .
well here we are in June 2013 already
Unfortunately I haven't got any tours lined up till 2nd August so not much will be happening on the blog till then
I had a great bike ride of 480km on Monday with a friend planning to do a big one some time in the new year but haven't set a date yet
My son Chase has been selected to play field hockey in Holland next year Easter but there are huge costs involved R35000 which is about $3500 so I am asking anyone out there that would try help me raise these funds to allow him this opportunity , you can email me on jasonmair71@gmail.com if you are willing to help
I truly hope I can send him .
Saturday, 11 May 2013
PE to Cape Town
Well the drive to Knysna went well and most enjoyed the lunch stop in Plettenberg
I must say we have been blessed with really awesome weather, only one days overcast in Hluhluwe and the day we went to Oudsthoorn, all enjoyed the ostriches, and the trip across to the Feather Bed and a good lunch
The trip to Cape town went well and again the weather is great
Today we did the city tour and up the Mountain, I just can not believe what weather we are having down here in Cape town this late into May, the air is nippy but wow sunny
13 are out this afternoon on the Town ship tour and tomorrow we do Cape point. Monday is the wine tasting and the Farewell dinner, Tuesday 15 of us carry on to Victoria Falls
I must say we have been blessed with really awesome weather, only one days overcast in Hluhluwe and the day we went to Oudsthoorn, all enjoyed the ostriches, and the trip across to the Feather Bed and a good lunch
The trip to Cape town went well and again the weather is great
Today we did the city tour and up the Mountain, I just can not believe what weather we are having down here in Cape town this late into May, the air is nippy but wow sunny
13 are out this afternoon on the Town ship tour and tomorrow we do Cape point. Monday is the wine tasting and the Farewell dinner, Tuesday 15 of us carry on to Victoria Falls
Monday, 6 May 2013
Kruger to PE
So as i said Kruger was great just a pity we didn't get a Leopard, next time the wild dog and Hyena will make up.
Our drive to Swaziland went well on May day, I decided to change it around as the groups have complained on the evaluation forms that the school is chaos and they feel they didn't get to interact with the kids, well it didn't look that way, but anyhow this trip all got involved we planted new veggies got there around 10am and all looked like they were having fun. One lady Helene Levitz donated $1500, wow thank you so much, and raised a challenge to the rest of the 24 to raise $3000 so we ended up with $3035. again thank you Helene Levitz
The next day we headed south to Zululand and to the Dumazulu village where all enjoyed the cultural l&d and the dancing
Hluhluwe game drive went well just a bit cold as the clouds came over but no rain(so far we have had fantastic weather) then on down to St Lucia for the boat ride
The flight to PE was good with no problems,
Addo today was great I got to see my first Hyena there it was a treat, then went down looking for Elephant mmmmmmmm, so i went a different route and thank you at least 6 heards one bull gave a great show displaying all he had.
Tomorrow we are on our way to Knysna will catch up again there
Our drive to Swaziland went well on May day, I decided to change it around as the groups have complained on the evaluation forms that the school is chaos and they feel they didn't get to interact with the kids, well it didn't look that way, but anyhow this trip all got involved we planted new veggies got there around 10am and all looked like they were having fun. One lady Helene Levitz donated $1500, wow thank you so much, and raised a challenge to the rest of the 24 to raise $3000 so we ended up with $3035. again thank you Helene Levitz
The next day we headed south to Zululand and to the Dumazulu village where all enjoyed the cultural l&d and the dancing
Hluhluwe game drive went well just a bit cold as the clouds came over but no rain(so far we have had fantastic weather) then on down to St Lucia for the boat ride
The flight to PE was good with no problems,
Addo today was great I got to see my first Hyena there it was a treat, then went down looking for Elephant mmmmmmmm, so i went a different route and thank you at least 6 heards one bull gave a great show displaying all he had.
Tomorrow we are on our way to Knysna will catch up again there
Tuesday, 30 April 2013
April Tour Starts
Well I met up with the group at the airport and Transferred them to the hotel, gave them times for next morning departure and breakfast, and so we all met in the breakfast hall and loaded up on the bus with a step on guide for Soweto, we did the standard trip and visited the Hector Peterson Museum, lunch at Chez Alina and then on to Apartheid museum.
The welcome briefing went on a little longer than anticipated but all were happy then the welcome dinner was good.
the next morning we left the hotel on ward bound to Kruger National park, visiting Grasskop for lunch the to Blyde Canyon and Gods window, on to the hotel.
The next morning we were all up at 0500 and left the hotel at 0530 to be at the gate of Kruger National Park for 6am. All got on to game drive Vehicles and of we went into the bush.
One vehicle were fortunate to find Leopard, but the others all got the big four by 1130 .
It was a great day and all were excited.
The Second day all but 4 went on the jeeps, the bus group were fortunate to get 8 wild dog, but the jeeps got and attempted lion Kill on a wart hog but missed.
all had fun
I will be replacing photos with new ones as soon as I up load them the group shot is on SAF 04/25/13 only 25 peeps on tour.
The welcome briefing went on a little longer than anticipated but all were happy then the welcome dinner was good.
the next morning we left the hotel on ward bound to Kruger National park, visiting Grasskop for lunch the to Blyde Canyon and Gods window, on to the hotel.
The next morning we were all up at 0500 and left the hotel at 0530 to be at the gate of Kruger National Park for 6am. All got on to game drive Vehicles and of we went into the bush.
One vehicle were fortunate to find Leopard, but the others all got the big four by 1130 .
It was a great day and all were excited.
The Second day all but 4 went on the jeeps, the bus group were fortunate to get 8 wild dog, but the jeeps got and attempted lion Kill on a wart hog but missed.
all had fun
I will be replacing photos with new ones as soon as I up load them the group shot is on SAF 04/25/13 only 25 peeps on tour.
Wednesday, 17 April 2013
the end of a trip
Well sorry its taken so long
the post trip of March was awesome we got to see two lions in Chobe, the optional Sunset trip was mind blowing as they were fortunate to have the full moon rise as well it was WOW
the trip home went well just long
I got my results back from my previous trip in FEB and can not believe how some people are so demanding and then when they get home dive the biggest knife in your back. It just sucks
Then this past trip one guy falls and its my fault I was no where near him, Sorry
i just need to vent, as this is a blog some must know what happens on the road it is not always smooth running
Any way I must let it go and move on I have a new trip starting on the 26 April with only 25 peeps on it I hope we all get on and have some fantastic times
stay close 1look out for new photos I am going to replace all that are here now with new ones
the post trip of March was awesome we got to see two lions in Chobe, the optional Sunset trip was mind blowing as they were fortunate to have the full moon rise as well it was WOW
the trip home went well just long
I got my results back from my previous trip in FEB and can not believe how some people are so demanding and then when they get home dive the biggest knife in your back. It just sucks
Then this past trip one guy falls and its my fault I was no where near him, Sorry
i just need to vent, as this is a blog some must know what happens on the road it is not always smooth running
Any way I must let it go and move on I have a new trip starting on the 26 April with only 25 peeps on it I hope we all get on and have some fantastic times
stay close 1look out for new photos I am going to replace all that are here now with new ones
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Cape Town and farewel
Well all went well in Cape Town we had a great city tour and cape point trip as well as a wine tour the only thing was Table mountain we could see it but the wind was just too strong, we missed it by 30min on the Friday we arrived and the rest of the time wind, wind and some more wind
The Fare well dinner went great and there the group split as the next morning we were up at 3am and 4am left to the airport on route to Jo berg to connect to Victoria Falls,Zimbabwe
All got here safe and tired then got most to change into their costumes(swimming trunks) as it is full water and all came back soaked.
Today they did all the optional trips and tomorrow we are of to Chobe so I am hoping for some great photo ops, i heard they saw lions yesterday so fingers crossed
The Fare well dinner went great and there the group split as the next morning we were up at 3am and 4am left to the airport on route to Jo berg to connect to Victoria Falls,Zimbabwe
All got here safe and tired then got most to change into their costumes(swimming trunks) as it is full water and all came back soaked.
Today they did all the optional trips and tomorrow we are of to Chobe so I am hoping for some great photo ops, i heard they saw lions yesterday so fingers crossed
Friday, 22 March 2013
PE to Cape town
Well wow finally back online, what an issue
Anyway the trip to Addo was great got there in the morning and just where I expected them to be on que there they were 3 nice big beards of Elephants it was really great, there were some tiny baby ones as well. We saw lots of great game and had a great day
The trip to Knysna went great to we stopped in Jbay as one of the group was an ex surfer so we stopped and the rest of the group almost bought the shop out of all there t-shirts
Lunch in pPlettenberg was good with a nice early arrival in Knysna.
Before dinner I took a group of people down to Oldies bar and introduced them to the shooter ( the town ship toilet) most were put of by the name but by the second night almost all were trying them
Dinner at the Cruise cafe was ok .
The ride out to Oudshoorn was an average day all had fun
Dinner was on their own but 16 went down to JJ's and all enjoyed
The boat trip across to the feather bed was alittle different there were 8 Canadians and 38 of us so there was them singing their National anthem then our group started, then the one lady said she wanted me as her guide it's not fair, as her guide was a lot older than I am, It was very funny.
Only one casualty on the walk went one man slipped and cut his wrist
Anyway the trip to Addo was great got there in the morning and just where I expected them to be on que there they were 3 nice big beards of Elephants it was really great, there were some tiny baby ones as well. We saw lots of great game and had a great day
The trip to Knysna went great to we stopped in Jbay as one of the group was an ex surfer so we stopped and the rest of the group almost bought the shop out of all there t-shirts
Lunch in pPlettenberg was good with a nice early arrival in Knysna.
Before dinner I took a group of people down to Oldies bar and introduced them to the shooter ( the town ship toilet) most were put of by the name but by the second night almost all were trying them
Dinner at the Cruise cafe was ok .
The ride out to Oudshoorn was an average day all had fun
Dinner was on their own but 16 went down to JJ's and all enjoyed
The boat trip across to the feather bed was alittle different there were 8 Canadians and 38 of us so there was them singing their National anthem then our group started, then the one lady said she wanted me as her guide it's not fair, as her guide was a lot older than I am, It was very funny.
Only one casualty on the walk went one man slipped and cut his wrist
Sunday, 17 March 2013
HluHluwe and on to Port Elizabeth
Well the Zulu dancing was liked by all, and a little cultural experience.
as usual a few complaints about the rooms of Hluhluwe but all enjoyed the stay.
Thee Safari went well a little quieter than what we've had but one jeep got charged by a bull elephant, which kind of showed them who is the boss around there.
I got a great shot of a Zebra yawning (photo loaded) looks like its smiling, and saw some great other animals around.
Then the boat trip on the St Lucia estuary, finally got those Hippo action shots thanks to my new camera and the multi shot I got some great hippo fighting shots ( one photo loaded)
The flight to PE went well and with no issues this time short city tour and to the hotel.
Tomorrow we are of to Addo Elephant park I hope we get some great Elllie shots.
as usual a few complaints about the rooms of Hluhluwe but all enjoyed the stay.
Thee Safari went well a little quieter than what we've had but one jeep got charged by a bull elephant, which kind of showed them who is the boss around there.
I got a great shot of a Zebra yawning (photo loaded) looks like its smiling, and saw some great other animals around.
Then the boat trip on the St Lucia estuary, finally got those Hippo action shots thanks to my new camera and the multi shot I got some great hippo fighting shots ( one photo loaded)
The flight to PE went well and with no issues this time short city tour and to the hotel.
Tomorrow we are of to Addo Elephant park I hope we get some great Elllie shots.
Friday, 15 March 2013
Swaziland And Zululand
Well wow again is all I can say this is my third trip this year and I have raised over $8000 for the School. Everyone enjoyed the visit and left with mixed feelings with one guest asking if she can come and do voluntary work there, we have given her details to Boston so we shall see what happens.
We made our way down to Zululand today and had a great Zulu cultural experience,
Tomorrow we make our way to Hluhluwe game reserve for a morning Safari, I hope we are as lucky as we have been and get some more good shots.
I have tried up load some pic but only managed two on the blog I will try later again.
There is one of the Wild dog and one of the group
We made our way down to Zululand today and had a great Zulu cultural experience,
Tomorrow we make our way to Hluhluwe game reserve for a morning Safari, I hope we are as lucky as we have been and get some more good shots.
I have tried up load some pic but only managed two on the blog I will try later again.
There is one of the Wild dog and one of the group
Tuesday, 12 March 2013
Base trip Soweto to Kruger park day two
Well Soweto went as per normal no thing much except all seemed to enjoy the trip.
Welcome briefing went smooth and was done by 7 which was a miracle, but but any how then dinner went well.
The drive towards Kruger was fine just a little long got to hotel around 7pm
The next day we was day one in Kruger
Well wow is all I can say, as by 10:30 am we had found all big 5 and a Cheetah.
We found a Leopard in a tree and close to the road, was awesome then 2 big male Lions that gave us an amazing show and vocal welcome. It Couldn't have been a better drive, even those who where on the Pre trip were happy.
All though all were tired all were talking about the day drive around the table.
Day 2 in Kruger well Wow again not even 10minuets into the drive we found 6 wild dogs next to the road and stayed there for a long time, 100m down the drag we got 3 lions just lying there as if nothing was happening awesome,
later in the day we came across a heard of Buffalo at least 1000 strong wow it was great the bus at one stage was completely surounded, Then a heard of Elephant andd a tower of Giraffe
I have uploaded some of the photos on my Face book Acount Jason Safaris Mair
the signal not great hear but will add to blog later
Welcome briefing went smooth and was done by 7 which was a miracle, but but any how then dinner went well.
The drive towards Kruger was fine just a little long got to hotel around 7pm
The next day we was day one in Kruger
Well wow is all I can say, as by 10:30 am we had found all big 5 and a Cheetah.
We found a Leopard in a tree and close to the road, was awesome then 2 big male Lions that gave us an amazing show and vocal welcome. It Couldn't have been a better drive, even those who where on the Pre trip were happy.
All though all were tired all were talking about the day drive around the table.
Day 2 in Kruger well Wow again not even 10minuets into the drive we found 6 wild dogs next to the road and stayed there for a long time, 100m down the drag we got 3 lions just lying there as if nothing was happening awesome,
later in the day we came across a heard of Buffalo at least 1000 strong wow it was great the bus at one stage was completely surounded, Then a heard of Elephant andd a tower of Giraffe
I have uploaded some of the photos on my Face book Acount Jason Safaris Mair
the signal not great hear but will add to blog later
Friday, 8 March 2013
pre trip. Entabeni
Well finally I have internet so I can Catch up all.
We arrived on Tuesday aftertnoon and had lunch then at 4pm went out on our first game drive , down the hill we went and we found the herd of Elephant one of which decided to keep giving us warnings we were too close for her likeing, so got some great photos of that, then we headed back up the hill for dinner.
Day two we left the lodge at 6am and down the hill we went and found two female lionesses trying to hunt a herd of impala, but no attempt was made only stalked them, on our way to the lionesses we found a hippo out the water and some really close Giraffe, it was a great morning all were happy, the afternoon drive also went really well we found the big male with a Zebra kill. then we moved back to where the females where and got somemore great shots.
Day three, now all are telling me wow how can one better what we have had so far, so we take them completly of road bundu bashing and find a lioness with 3 cubs then we hear via the radio on the other side of the reserve they have spotted the Cheetah so of we go and thank you we have the Cheetah. the afternoon ride the group stays on the top escarpment and find the other heard of elephant and this time they could almost touch them.
So on every dive we went on there was always something new and exciting all seemd to have fun.
we are now back in Joberg and are awaiting the rest of the group to arrive and start tomorrow with Soweto.
We arrived on Tuesday aftertnoon and had lunch then at 4pm went out on our first game drive , down the hill we went and we found the herd of Elephant one of which decided to keep giving us warnings we were too close for her likeing, so got some great photos of that, then we headed back up the hill for dinner.
Day two we left the lodge at 6am and down the hill we went and found two female lionesses trying to hunt a herd of impala, but no attempt was made only stalked them, on our way to the lionesses we found a hippo out the water and some really close Giraffe, it was a great morning all were happy, the afternoon drive also went really well we found the big male with a Zebra kill. then we moved back to where the females where and got somemore great shots.
Day three, now all are telling me wow how can one better what we have had so far, so we take them completly of road bundu bashing and find a lioness with 3 cubs then we hear via the radio on the other side of the reserve they have spotted the Cheetah so of we go and thank you we have the Cheetah. the afternoon ride the group stays on the top escarpment and find the other heard of elephant and this time they could almost touch them.
So on every dive we went on there was always something new and exciting all seemd to have fun.
we are now back in Joberg and are awaiting the rest of the group to arrive and start tomorrow with Soweto.
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Trip number 3 almost here
Well trip two is done and dusted, all seemed to enjoy the trip,
trip one results came back and thank you to all on that trip 100%
the results of trip two should come through in two to three weeks
Trip 3 is going to be fun for me as I am doing a pre base and post, but I have a new toy my camera Nikon D7000 no to see if it was worth the wait and time to get better photos for the blog .
I meet the first group on monday 4th March then the base group on the Friday 8th March and of to Vic Falls on the 26th March
stay close if you want too see and hear what happens on this trip
trip one results came back and thank you to all on that trip 100%
the results of trip two should come through in two to three weeks
Trip 3 is going to be fun for me as I am doing a pre base and post, but I have a new toy my camera Nikon D7000 no to see if it was worth the wait and time to get better photos for the blog .
I meet the first group on monday 4th March then the base group on the Friday 8th March and of to Vic Falls on the 26th March
stay close if you want too see and hear what happens on this trip
Saturday, 23 February 2013
Knysna and Cape town
Well here we are almost at the end of trip number two for the year.
the trip from PE to Knysna went well with a small stop at Jbay, lunch in Plettenberg bay and an early arrival in Knysna.
Oudsthoorn and the safari Ostrich farm was great and not to hot.
Back in Knysna we did the Boat trip and the hike down was great, all had a great lunch and a good relaxing afternoon.
The trip to Cape town went pretty well but sadly when we got to Cape Town the Mountain was closed. We tried this morning as we got there it was open and by the time we reached the summit it had fogged up, once or twice there were small gaps where one could see the sea but anyway we tried.
Tonight they are out on the home hosted suppers, and tomorrow we are on the Cape Point tour.
the trip from PE to Knysna went well with a small stop at Jbay, lunch in Plettenberg bay and an early arrival in Knysna.
Oudsthoorn and the safari Ostrich farm was great and not to hot.
Back in Knysna we did the Boat trip and the hike down was great, all had a great lunch and a good relaxing afternoon.
The trip to Cape town went pretty well but sadly when we got to Cape Town the Mountain was closed. We tried this morning as we got there it was open and by the time we reached the summit it had fogged up, once or twice there were small gaps where one could see the sea but anyway we tried.
Tonight they are out on the home hosted suppers, and tomorrow we are on the Cape Point tour.
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Zululand, Hlihluwe to Knysna
Wow sorry its taken so long to catch up but things have been getting the better of me and running late.
Well we had a good run from Swaziland to the Zulu village Dumazulu, had a good lunch, but when the cultural show started they were all so hot they were not really interested all they wanted was shade, but the show went on. Irene Luna had a birthday so i arranged a cake and the Staff sang for her, thanks Hluhluwe Protea.
The next morning we were of to the Hluhluwe National park, yes in the Rain, saw the odd Buffalo, a great Tower of Giraffe and then some wild dogs, My first sighting in Hlhluwe. Then just as we were leaving we found some elephant.
St Lucia i managed to sell everyone the boat ride and we saw some great Hippos and great birds.
The flight to Port Elizabeth went well except for the fact they took my bag of the plane as they were looking for a missing persons bag whom i told them was not on the flight then took my bag saying its the one, so eventually they put it back and 20 min late we took of, landing in gale force winds.
Addo Elephant park was a little disappointing but at 45 degC you should expect that but any way we got a great heard playing in the water and 3 under 1 year old babies, all were happy.
Now we are in Knysna had dinner and its raining, I hope tomorrow clears up for the Ostriches.
Well we had a good run from Swaziland to the Zulu village Dumazulu, had a good lunch, but when the cultural show started they were all so hot they were not really interested all they wanted was shade, but the show went on. Irene Luna had a birthday so i arranged a cake and the Staff sang for her, thanks Hluhluwe Protea.
The next morning we were of to the Hluhluwe National park, yes in the Rain, saw the odd Buffalo, a great Tower of Giraffe and then some wild dogs, My first sighting in Hlhluwe. Then just as we were leaving we found some elephant.
St Lucia i managed to sell everyone the boat ride and we saw some great Hippos and great birds.
The flight to Port Elizabeth went well except for the fact they took my bag of the plane as they were looking for a missing persons bag whom i told them was not on the flight then took my bag saying its the one, so eventually they put it back and 20 min late we took of, landing in gale force winds.
Addo Elephant park was a little disappointing but at 45 degC you should expect that but any way we got a great heard playing in the water and 3 under 1 year old babies, all were happy.
Now we are in Knysna had dinner and its raining, I hope tomorrow clears up for the Ostriches.
Friday, 15 February 2013
Kruger, SwaziLand and Hluhluwe
Well if you are on my face book page you would have seen the photos of Kruger Park.
We were blessed with all 5 on day one, two lions fighting and a beautiful Leopard wright next to the road . She tried 4 times to catch an Impala but missed. later on in the day we found a Hyena walking down the road, and towards the end of the day we got the Buffalo.
Day two we found on the bus 3 cheetah wow really great sightings, and some great birds.
Swaziland went of very well the School visit was a great success, all were moved i didn't make what I did on my last trip but a good amount was raised as well so i must be doing something right.
Tomorrow we head into Hluhluwe Umfalozi park i am hoping we have good weather and a successful day. Then on to St Lucia for the boat trip . stay close
We were blessed with all 5 on day one, two lions fighting and a beautiful Leopard wright next to the road . She tried 4 times to catch an Impala but missed. later on in the day we found a Hyena walking down the road, and towards the end of the day we got the Buffalo.
Day two we found on the bus 3 cheetah wow really great sightings, and some great birds.
Swaziland went of very well the School visit was a great success, all were moved i didn't make what I did on my last trip but a good amount was raised as well so i must be doing something right.
Tomorrow we head into Hluhluwe Umfalozi park i am hoping we have good weather and a successful day. Then on to St Lucia for the boat trip . stay close
Saturday, 9 February 2013
Soweto day 1
Well I started the day with only 31 guests when we drove out the hotel to Soweto,
we met up with 4 in Soweto and found the last when we got back to the hotel so now we are a full group of 36, thanks to the storm over in the USA for the delay.
The only thing is now we are missing some luggage which apparently should catch us up tomorrow.
Soweto went well and all enjoyed lunch at Chez Alina. We had awesome weather of 30degC around 90F.
The welcome speech went well just ended up a little long but all was accomplished
and looks like all enjoyed dinner .
Tomorrow we head of for Kruger Parka long bus day hope weather is good, so far its been great.
I will write again once we get to Swaziland.
we met up with 4 in Soweto and found the last when we got back to the hotel so now we are a full group of 36, thanks to the storm over in the USA for the delay.
The only thing is now we are missing some luggage which apparently should catch us up tomorrow.
Soweto went well and all enjoyed lunch at Chez Alina. We had awesome weather of 30degC around 90F.
The welcome speech went well just ended up a little long but all was accomplished
and looks like all enjoyed dinner .
Tomorrow we head of for Kruger Parka long bus day hope weather is good, so far its been great.
I will write again once we get to Swaziland.
Thursday, 31 January 2013
A short break from Touring
Hi there
Well on Tuesday i decided to meet a friend in Knysna on my bike a 600km ride, he was catching a bus up from Cape town and collected his bike in George.
We then stopped at a gas station filled up his bike and headed up the Montagu Pass, it took a lot longer than just riding as we took loads of photos, When we reached the top we turned right and rode on tar for about 45km to just outside Uniondale and took the R399 down to Knysna, as we hit the dirt road it said 83km to Knysna, awesome.
What a scenic road WOW
we were lucky that parks and forest had just repaired the road, although very slippery with loose stones, as Craig said "its like riding on marbles"
Just before 7pm we made it to the N2 just East of Knysna, where the shanty town is.
As we got on to the road the locals were busy blocking the road with burning tyres and barricades,
now here Craig and I are in the middle, the police 200m away on the other side.
Next a black guy come to me me and asks where we want to go, so I said Knysna, so he started to run towards the shacks and waving at us to follow him, He then showed us a small foot path and said go here turn left right left straight left Craig and I looked at each other and said whats there to loose lets go, Before you knew it everyone as we passed pointed in directions for us to go. Then we get a road great of we go round the corner shacks are built on the road, i look left and there is a deep gorge from water erosion the right is a path so we go right then there are chemical toilest int the road cant go any further.
Then a lady stuck her head out and showed us to pass her place and turn right , after manoeuvring the bikes we were back on a foot path and yea wow there was the main road with the police . As i got on the road the cop asked where the hell i just came from so I said Uniondale, he did not believe me.
On getting to the hotel we took of the riding kit and went to Oldeis Bar and had a beer
a total of 14.5hrs on the bike wow an awesome day
Well on Tuesday i decided to meet a friend in Knysna on my bike a 600km ride, he was catching a bus up from Cape town and collected his bike in George.
We then stopped at a gas station filled up his bike and headed up the Montagu Pass, it took a lot longer than just riding as we took loads of photos, When we reached the top we turned right and rode on tar for about 45km to just outside Uniondale and took the R399 down to Knysna, as we hit the dirt road it said 83km to Knysna, awesome.
What a scenic road WOW
we were lucky that parks and forest had just repaired the road, although very slippery with loose stones, as Craig said "its like riding on marbles"
Just before 7pm we made it to the N2 just East of Knysna, where the shanty town is.
As we got on to the road the locals were busy blocking the road with burning tyres and barricades,
now here Craig and I are in the middle, the police 200m away on the other side.
Next a black guy come to me me and asks where we want to go, so I said Knysna, so he started to run towards the shacks and waving at us to follow him, He then showed us a small foot path and said go here turn left right left straight left Craig and I looked at each other and said whats there to loose lets go, Before you knew it everyone as we passed pointed in directions for us to go. Then we get a road great of we go round the corner shacks are built on the road, i look left and there is a deep gorge from water erosion the right is a path so we go right then there are chemical toilest int the road cant go any further.
Then a lady stuck her head out and showed us to pass her place and turn right , after manoeuvring the bikes we were back on a foot path and yea wow there was the main road with the police . As i got on the road the cop asked where the hell i just came from so I said Uniondale, he did not believe me.
On getting to the hotel we took of the riding kit and went to Oldeis Bar and had a beer
a total of 14.5hrs on the bike wow an awesome day
Monday, 21 January 2013
Cape Town
Well we had an easy drive from Knysna to Cape Town, arriving in Cape Town in very strong wind so we could not do Table Mountain.
We woke up to gale force winds but still finished a great city tour with views from Signal Hill.
Cape Point on Sunday 20th was great and still don't have Table Mountain done and now all guests are starting to wonder if they are going to get this so called mountain,
This morning we had an appointment at the wine farm at 9am all had 6 wines by 10am all were having a great time, on to Stellenbosch ( the second oldest town in South Africa) I told the group sorry only one hour the Mountain is open, by 13;15 we were on the Mountain all were very excited.
We had one guest who has a phobia of heights and cried all the way up and down but loved every minuet of it.
The Farewell dinner was a hit all had a great time and enjoyed the meal.
Tomorrow (22jan) we head to air port and all fly home.
It was a smaller group than usual but I raised the most money ever for a South African Program Director $3010 for the Swaziland Foundation, I have now set a big target for the rest of the Year for me. But I can handle a good challenge.
We woke up to gale force winds but still finished a great city tour with views from Signal Hill.
Cape Point on Sunday 20th was great and still don't have Table Mountain done and now all guests are starting to wonder if they are going to get this so called mountain,
This morning we had an appointment at the wine farm at 9am all had 6 wines by 10am all were having a great time, on to Stellenbosch ( the second oldest town in South Africa) I told the group sorry only one hour the Mountain is open, by 13;15 we were on the Mountain all were very excited.
We had one guest who has a phobia of heights and cried all the way up and down but loved every minuet of it.
The Farewell dinner was a hit all had a great time and enjoyed the meal.
Tomorrow (22jan) we head to air port and all fly home.
It was a smaller group than usual but I raised the most money ever for a South African Program Director $3010 for the Swaziland Foundation, I have now set a big target for the rest of the Year for me. But I can handle a good challenge.
Thursday, 17 January 2013
PE to Knysna
The drive went very well Lunch in Plett with a pit stop just before at the Big tree, where we had a small accident when a woman tripped and "sprained" her wrist, and later that night she asked to see Doctor and was broken.
so only one small incident not bad.
Yesterday the 16th Jan we went to Oudtshoorn it was very hot but all had fun. JJ's Restaurant food as usual was great.
Today the 17th we did the boat trip to the Featherbed was a little overcast but very humid and when all sat down outside under the trees for lunch there it came buckets of water, wow it rained. Everyone went running inside with their lunch. It was comical to watch.
Tomorrow we are on our last leg to Cape Town, so we will fill you in once we have done a few days there
so only one small incident not bad.
Yesterday the 16th Jan we went to Oudtshoorn it was very hot but all had fun. JJ's Restaurant food as usual was great.
Today the 17th we did the boat trip to the Featherbed was a little overcast but very humid and when all sat down outside under the trees for lunch there it came buckets of water, wow it rained. Everyone went running inside with their lunch. It was comical to watch.
Tomorrow we are on our last leg to Cape Town, so we will fill you in once we have done a few days there
Tuesday, 15 January 2013
Addo
Well we left Hluhluwe to the airport and was raining on ad off all the way there, check in went well and the flight was good.
We landed in Port Elizabeth, in near Gale force wind but that's why its also known as the windy city,
we did the city orientation tour and got to the hotel.
yesterday the 14th Jan we went to Addo elephant park, All i can say finally, i found the lions wow what a great sighting all got some great photos, then a little further on we got a massive heard of elephants play and swimming in the water, it was really great to see.
Today we we travelled to Knysna and had a walk through the forest and had lunch in Plettenberg bay
and now we are at the hotel, with dinner tonight.
We landed in Port Elizabeth, in near Gale force wind but that's why its also known as the windy city,
we did the city orientation tour and got to the hotel.
yesterday the 14th Jan we went to Addo elephant park, All i can say finally, i found the lions wow what a great sighting all got some great photos, then a little further on we got a massive heard of elephants play and swimming in the water, it was really great to see.
Today we we travelled to Knysna and had a walk through the forest and had lunch in Plettenberg bay
and now we are at the hotel, with dinner tonight.
Friday, 11 January 2013
Swaziland to Hluhluwe
Well the trip through the border was smooth and all went well,
I changed the itinerary around a bit and did the school visit the first day and it worked out very well.
all were happy and got involved, even one of the guests Jason Zwolak played American football with the kids, and all helped with the food and fruit.
grand Circle sent 5 of their trip leaders and management to the school to fix, paint and plant trees and veggies, well the veggie patch is growing very well the trees have taken of and the toilet is still intact, how ever the swings have been destroyed and the classroom not finished.
so the group made a challenge to try and raise $3000 to build on a second class room in the end we raised $2440 close. I will send a letter to see if this can happen. Lets hope this happens.
The next day we had a really easy day starting at 10am and back to hotel around 3pm but wow what a hot day 40deg C around 110 deg F.
But around 1am bang bang an electric Storm of note.
We woke up to a very foggy morning and drizzle. The border went well and arrived at the dumazulu cultural village at 12:15 a little early but managed to get an early show witch was great and got to the hotel at 4pm.
Tomorrow we are of to Hluhluwe national park also a big 5 park lets see what we can find.
I changed the itinerary around a bit and did the school visit the first day and it worked out very well.
all were happy and got involved, even one of the guests Jason Zwolak played American football with the kids, and all helped with the food and fruit.
grand Circle sent 5 of their trip leaders and management to the school to fix, paint and plant trees and veggies, well the veggie patch is growing very well the trees have taken of and the toilet is still intact, how ever the swings have been destroyed and the classroom not finished.
so the group made a challenge to try and raise $3000 to build on a second class room in the end we raised $2440 close. I will send a letter to see if this can happen. Lets hope this happens.
The next day we had a really easy day starting at 10am and back to hotel around 3pm but wow what a hot day 40deg C around 110 deg F.
But around 1am bang bang an electric Storm of note.
We woke up to a very foggy morning and drizzle. The border went well and arrived at the dumazulu cultural village at 12:15 a little early but managed to get an early show witch was great and got to the hotel at 4pm.
Tomorrow we are of to Hluhluwe national park also a big 5 park lets see what we can find.
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Kruger Park day 1 & 2
Well the drive to Kruger went well we managed to get in at 17;30 the best time Ive done,
Day 1 in Kruger went well we got 3 of the 5 and some great Zebra.
The lions we found almost at the end and quite far of, but in the beging of the morning what a great Elephant heard with 3 new borns and a young male showing of.
Day 2 we had 10 on the bus and 13 on the jeeps, well this time he jeeps got ot all with 3 big male lions an awesome leopard and all the rest, us on the bus well the day had to come that I could not produce but we still had an awesome day out in the park. We got to see some awesome bird sightings.
All in all i feel we had a great time in the park.
Tomorrow we are of to Swaziland, and are visiting the school, it will be great to see if they have kept the veggie garden neat and have painted the class room as they said they will, after we spent the whole day there in December sorting it out for them.
Day 1 in Kruger went well we got 3 of the 5 and some great Zebra.
The lions we found almost at the end and quite far of, but in the beging of the morning what a great Elephant heard with 3 new borns and a young male showing of.
Day 2 we had 10 on the bus and 13 on the jeeps, well this time he jeeps got ot all with 3 big male lions an awesome leopard and all the rest, us on the bus well the day had to come that I could not produce but we still had an awesome day out in the park. We got to see some awesome bird sightings.
All in all i feel we had a great time in the park.
Tomorrow we are of to Swaziland, and are visiting the school, it will be great to see if they have kept the veggie garden neat and have painted the class room as they said they will, after we spent the whole day there in December sorting it out for them.
Friday, 4 January 2013
Day of arrival
Well the meeting at the airport went well all but one arrived.
I have met up with all the own air guests as well, so now they all know who I am.
Tomorrow we set of for Soweto and the Apartheid museum, then we have the welcome briefing then the welcome dinner, so all should be on track, this new itinerary does not have Pretoria so we leave on Sunday to Kruger,
Stay close
I have met up with all the own air guests as well, so now they all know who I am.
Tomorrow we set of for Soweto and the Apartheid museum, then we have the welcome briefing then the welcome dinner, so all should be on track, this new itinerary does not have Pretoria so we leave on Sunday to Kruger,
Stay close
Thursday, 3 January 2013
The time has come
Well by now all are on their way to South Africa, I am packed and ready to fly and meet all in Johannesburg, there are only 23 on tour, no pre or post, only a base tour, and on the new itinerary.
I am the first one out this year to test it so am really looking forward to this expedition, lots to show and pass on,
I went out today on my bike for the last ride till I get back home, all I can say is WOW it is an amazing ride, lots of power and just so comfy.
This afternoon we had some serious wind with speeds of over 100kmph.
Well for now thats all will check in tomorrow after we all meet at airport.
I am the first one out this year to test it so am really looking forward to this expedition, lots to show and pass on,
I went out today on my bike for the last ride till I get back home, all I can say is WOW it is an amazing ride, lots of power and just so comfy.
This afternoon we had some serious wind with speeds of over 100kmph.
Well for now thats all will check in tomorrow after we all meet at airport.
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