Kruger and Southern Africa

[Jacques Vert]

Then heading further south towards the Cape...






As we approach the Cape the weather is closing in:

 

[Jacques Vert]

The Wild Card we purchased in Kruger got us into the National Park for free:



but we have to pay an extra R65 each for the Finniculaire



As we approach the top



the weather deteriorates further:





Quite fascinating watching the clouds/mist blow up and over the cliffs.

 

[Jacques Vert]

Back to the car and down to the Cape of Good Hope; the weather is much better at sea level...

 

[Jacques Vert]

Didn't I read that these guys are dangerous and should not be approached?





+1 and I kept our distance but were surprised by the number of people who went right up to them.


Heading back towards Chapman's Peak we pass an ostrich farm.

 

[Jacques Vert]

Some of the scenery on the way back:

 

[Jacques Vert]

Then up and over Chapman's Peak (it's a toll road; take some cash as foreign credit cards are not accepted).

 

[Jacques Vert]

Down the other side and the scenery is stunning:








The twelve apostles...



And the hotel by the same name:

 

[Jacques Vert]

So after a big day out it's the lounge at the Hilton..

 

[Jacques Vert]

Next day we planned to take the cableway to Table Mountain but the weather had other ideas:




So we headed to the V & A Waterfront instead...








We also visited Jetty 1 where the prisoners boarded a vessel to take them to Robben Island. There were a small number of interesting displays including this compilation of photos of some of the better known political prisoners...

 

[Jacques Vert]

we also came across these bronze statues of the four South Africans to have won the Noble Peace Prize:



Albert Luthuli, Desmond Tutu, FW de Klerk, Nelson Mandela.


Next we drove up to Signal Hill where you get some great views of the city and Table Mountain...

 

[love_the_life]

Robben Island is a must see while you are there. It was such a moving experience when we visited. The trip to the Cape looks very similar to the day out we had though as we didn't have a car, our hotel provided one with a driver which was great. I remember having lunch at the restaurant at Cape Point and looking down at a couple of whales passing by, just wonderful. Bringing back lots of great memories, JV.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Didn't I read that these guys are dangerous and should not be approached?

View attachment 91424

View attachment 91425

+1 and I kept our distance but were surprised by the number of people who went right up to them.


Heading back towards Chapman's Peak we pass an ostrich farm.

Baboons can be quite dangerous and aggressive so I wouldn't be going too near!

 

[drron]

And they make off with your balls.....when playing golf.

 

[Jacques Vert]

After Signal Hill a quick drive around Bo-Kaap...

 

[Jacques Vert]

Then a drive through Sea Point to Hout Bay area:













And back past The Freeway to Nowhere...

 

[Jacques Vert]

Robben Island is a must see while you are there. It was such a moving experience when we visited.

Coming up soon.

 

[Jacques Vert]

When researching our trip I came across an document listing the "Top Ten Restaurants" in Africa. Can't remember where I found it (probably a link from someone on AFF). The Signal restaurant at the Cape Grace Hotel (V & A Waterfront) is number 6 on the list. We checked it out earlier in the day and it looked nice and reasonably priced.

We had thought about having dinner at the Twelve Apostles Hotel and watching the sun go down but they were booked out. So we tried our luck at Signal and, as we were early, got a table. The restaurant filled up quickly so a good idea to book here also.



A five star restaurant with excellent service and food, plus Brian who is the most knowledgeable wine waiter I have met in a very long time.

+1 started with a vegetarian dish of caramelised eggplant, beans and other stuff..



I started with a seafood soup/broth



Then+1 had the bobotie-spiced springbok...



And I had the Cape Malay curry:



All excellent. Together with desert, two bottles of water and three glasses of wine came to R1,375.

 

[Jacques Vert]

Robben Island

I understand that the tour of Robben Island can be booked out well in advance so we booked on line before leaving home. If the tour is cancelled because of weather they give you a full refund. If you cancel, no refund. Price was R320 each, leaving at 0900 and returning abut 1330.

You print your ticket at home in the usual way and they scan the barcode as you get on the ferry to take you to the island. All very easy although you need to be at the terminal before 0830 for the 0900 tour (doesn't mention this on the ticket).

We had checked out where to go the previous day so we drove to the Clock Tower parking station (via Dock Road) and emerged about two minutes walk from the terminal - perfect.

Emerging from the Clock Tower carpark (which is underneath the Nedbank building) the Clock Tower is a short stroll away and the Robben Island terminal is next to it.



Looking back at the terminal from our ferry...



Table Mountain is closed again today...



Approaching the island...



Robben Island wharf:

 

[Jacques Vert]

A short walk to a number of waiting buses that take you on a 45 min tour of the island...



A few shots as we head towards the guards' part of the island..






This is the half way stop (tea, coffee, snacks and toilets available)..



a nice view of Cape Town from here..

 

[Jacques Vert]

Some of the locals...



Some WW2 additions...



An Angulate tortoise:



The limestone quarry where Mandela and others spent many years working. The bright light and dust resulted in Mandela's tear ducts drying up and resulting in him requiring an eye operation. I understand that all who worked here for years also had lung problems. You might notice the small cave on the left of the photo. This is the only bit of shade in the quarry and is where the prisoners had lunch, etc.




This pile of rocks (and a couple of others) was placed by Mandela and other former prisoners on their return to the island five years after his/their release..