Yesterday we spent the day in Karoo NP. The temperature was predicted to rise to 39 C so we decided that the best option would be an early morning game drive leaving when the gate opened at 6am and then come back for a late breakfast. Unfortunately because it is so dry, the first 45 minutes of driving basically yield no wildlife as there is no water and no shade for the animals at all. We only saw 1 or 2 birds and the odd springbok or gemsbok. The staff had told us that all the game is concentrated in the 4×4 loops and so we had a plan to drive whatever we could that would still enable us to get back for breakfast at 9am.

We did see a little wild life including a jackal, some birds, kudu, baboon, gemsbok, springbok but not really anything else. Unfortunately we couldn’t get as far into the game area as we wanted because it takes about 3-4 hours to do the best loop (which is apparently where you will find the lion, rhino etc). By the time we got back to the camp the temperature was already in the mid 20s C. The rest of the day was spent watching cricket, chilling by the pool and then our final braai and dinner together.

We usually on the last night share what the highlights of the trip were but we actually did it the previous night already. I’m going to fail to remember them all but here are some of them:
– Sani Pass (whole experience including view, drive and drinks/lunch at pub)
– Underberg (accommodation and view)
– View from our cottage at Golden Gate
– Swimming in the river pool at Maliba Lodge
– Thunderstorm at Golden Gate
– Male lion at Mountain Zebra NP
– Company
– Diversity of vegetation from barren Karoo to lush Drakensberg
– Mountain views in Lesotho

After having breakfast this morning, we headed off home on the N1 back to Cape Town. The traffic was quite heavy and of course you have stupid drivers to contend with as usual. At one point a tanker overtook another truck on a blind rise with double no crossing lines! When we passed the tanker I wanted to get what company they were from so I could report the driver but no stickers or name anywhere to be seen. It was ridiculously stupid and you can see how head-on collisions happen when people drive like that. The good news is that we did all get back safely at around 3pm this afternoon.

Until next time (which will be in about 3 weeks time for H & I) …

P, H, S, C & K