‘Impala to the left, Impala to the right’

Johannesburg to Cape Town 5 Nov 2009

I travelled to South Africa in November 2009 to join the South Africa Scenic Route. This was my first taste of Africa and did not fail to disappoint!

For me this trip was full of memories. Starting from the moment I joined the Big Red Truck in Jo’burg and met my travelling friends, to the time we said a sad goodbye in Cape Town.

We were a mixture of Brits, Dutch and Germans and along with our excellent guides, Jerry and Shandle, enjoyed many great experiences together.

Jerry and Shandle were both great guides. Full of information on places, wildlife and culture and both very relaxed which kept the trip: ‘nice and easy’. This helped set a good mood amongst the group and everyone to bond well.

The highlights for me included the night game drive at Kruger National Park were we witnessed a male and female Leopard crossing the road, very close to our vehicle and then in what seemed like seconds, a pack of African Wild Dog lounging on the side of the road . Being night time the experience was even more extraordinary and we all were amazed by the evening’s activity.

We has some further excellent game drives in Kruger and came across the same pack of wild dogs in day light along with lions, cape buffalo, elephants, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, jackal, warthog, kudos, monitor lizard bush babies, porcupine and the ubiquitous Impala. The cries of ‘Impala to the left, Impala to the right’ became synonymous with our group.
Thankfully Jerry and Shandle gave excellent explanations of the wildlife we saw, and the bush breakfasts were devoured by the hungry group after morning game drives.

This trip has more to offer than just wildlife. Visiting Swaziland and Lesotho provided real insights and we were all touched by the friendly welcomes we received in both countries.

We visited a primary school in Malelaa, Lesotho and received a warm welcome from the teachers and children. The school is part of a community project and funded by donations, the teachers are volunteers and the school has no government funding which amazed us all coming from developed countries.

Hiking in Drakesnburg was a real highlight. The scenery, flora & fauna are stunning and after a challenging hike you are greeted to outstanding views of the varying rock formations. The guides continued to deliver with cooking and the beer can chicken cooked over a braai tasted so good after the hike.

We experience further game drives at Addo and Mkuze and again spoilt with wildlife, including the endangered black rhino. The campsite and walks in Tsitsikamma were also excellent and we all enjoyed the sundowners by the Indian Ocean.

Be prepared for a few long days on the road, but this is offset by the banter on board and arriving at well chosen campsites. Putting the tent up and down becomes easier and easier as the trip continues and getting involved with duties is part of the group ethos – you all do your fair share!

Cape Town has much to offer a weary traveller. Good food, good wine and lots to see and do. I will remember the walk up and down Table Mountain, for the stunning views and physical challenge!

Thanks to everyone for a great trip. To Jerry and Shandle for showing Southern Africa to us and the rest of my group for being great travelling companions –I think you may see a few of us next year for Cape to Vic Falls!

Jon Barber