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Uwe Auer

Western Cape Road-trip | Day 6 & 7 | Bontebok

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Western Cape Road-trip | Day 6 & 7 | Bontebok

Bontebok Nature Reserve – Swellendam Finally a chill day! No rushing to pack up our camp site, no driving on dirt roads for hours (although this is very fun, it’s nice to take a break). And it was BOILING hot! Linda, Olivia and I spent most of our time in the shade of Wayne and Kristin’s wrap around awning. Man, that thing is lekker. I am very jealous. I was also very jealous of everyone’s fridges… I would do bad things for an ice cold beer today…

We also get to swim in the river again. It was super refreshing. Now that we have checked out the site, the stands near the river don’t seem like such a bad idea. Especially on a day like today. However, I’m not convinced that the benefit outweighs the fact that EVERYONE is walking past your stand to come to the river. We were super lucky with our stands.

I tried fixing my fridge again. The though of cold beer was overwhelming. I replaced a blown fuse in the fridge with a new one that I bought for super cheap from a  Chinese electronics store in Swellendam. What could go wrong? Ah… I guess flames inside the power supply unit is not a good thing… There is no hope now of getting this fridge fixed today. This will be a bridge that I will cross another day…

I did muster some energy to look for some birds. I also got Liam interested in doing some bird-watching. However, in the heat of the afternoon sun, and from the patch of shade I had, I was only able to spot a bokmakierie and a sugarbird. Although not a bird, we also found a Bontebok that came wondering through the campsite checking everyone out.

And so our epic road trip comes to an end. What a lekker way to end the year. Linda, Olivia and I are heading straight back to Paarl to offload our car, then repack it with fresh clothing and a tent without a big hole in the top. And it is straight off onto the next adventure at Koningskop campsite for 3 nights with Zelni and Andrew. If doing a 7 day off-road trip is the best way to end a year, then  a 3 night camping trip in the Cederberg mountains is certainly the best way to start a year.

We are looking forward to an action-packed 2023 with GO Adventure finally coming online for real this time and making decent sales, expanding the company, growing a child, camping trips with Dirty South Adventures and our end-of-year adventure to Amsterdam and London.
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Western Cape Road-trip | Day 4 | Knysna to Van Wyksdorp

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Prince Alfred's Pass
Always time for a selfie
Adventure Team group selfie on Montagu Pass
Coming down somewhere along Rooiberg Pass
Heading along Rooiberg Pass

Western Cape Road-trip | Day 4 | Knysna to Van Wyksdorp

Day 4 | Knysna to Van Wyksdorp | +- 200km

The boys on top of Rooiberg Pass

This morning we woke up refreshed, ready to hit the road again and make our way across to Van Wyksdorp. About 100 meters from our stand, there is a river from a small dam running across the road. The sun was already up, and Unardo had been trying to convince people to get in the water and swim for a bit. Eventually I caved in, and I am glad I did. The water was so refreshing! It would have been great to have stayed longer here, then I would have definitely taken one of the small canoes or rubber tubes and chilled on the dam.

As we leave Charlesford Farm, we head onto Phantom Pass and up towards Karatara which is along the Seven Passes Road. You eventually end up in George and as you start heading out, there is a turnoff that takes you onto One of my favourite passes of the trip.

Linda and I remembered passing by the Old Toll House a year before, but we never stopped there. We decided to stop this time and check it out. They sell pancakes and coffee. Just pancakes and coffee. For a small donation of around R40 you get 2 cinnamon and lemon pancakes and a cup of filter coffee. Simple, but still delicious. It was worth the stop as we got to sit under a tree in the garden, and Olivia was able to crawl around on the lawn. From the end of Montagu Pass, it was a 40 minute tar road to Oudtshoorn where we stopped and restocked our coolers and fridges.

Looking across towards Langeberg Mountains from Rooiberg Pass. We headed west to Calitzdorp and from there we turned south to head down towards Van Wyksdorp via Rooiberg Pass. The drive up to the top of Rooiberg Pass was beautiful. We had to make a detour at one point, as the road we were originally going to take was covered and blocked by thick thorn trees. We contemplated cutting the branches and bundu-bashing our way through, until finally deciding to find an alternative route to van Wyksdorp.

We checked in to Karoo Bush Camp at around 5pm. Their camping stands had beautiful soft grass, but unfortunately the terrain was quite uneven for our group. With some maneuvering we all managed to find a lekker spot to set up for the night. Our campsite at Karoo Bush Camp, Van Wyksdorp After a delicious dinner and chill around the camp fire, so ended Day 4 of our trip. Tomorrow will be the last day of an eventful 2022. I can’t think of a better way to send off an old year than road-tripping across the country with family and friends into a new year.
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Western Cape Road-trip | Day 3 | Die Hel to Knysna

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Western Cape Road-trip | Day 3 | Die Hel to Knysna

Let’s start the day

It was an early start in the morning. We were up at 6am and by 7am our camp site was packed up, the car just about ready, Olivia fed. At 7.15 everyone was lined up ready to go, I just needed to load some firewood that we had left over from last night into the back of the bakkie.

And then for some strange reason, the braai bak with our leftover meat from the braai slid off the dashboard and fell onto the seats. There was meat juice all over the interior. On the leather seats, on the dashboard, on the gear lever, the handbrake…everywhere. F*#&! It took us a good 15 minutes extra to try and mop up the spillage. And the whole car smelled of braai meat (not the worst smell, to be honest). It was a humbling situation, as we were the ones constantly going on about leaving on time so that we can try arrive at our next destination earlier, etc. Nevertheless, we were on the road again and starting off the first leg of today’s trip to get out Die Hel.

Rain in Hel

Normally, Die Hel is quite dry at this time of year (over New Year’s) but there was no blue sky to be seen. As the only non-4x4ers, we were a bit concerned about having to try get up the steep ascent out of Die Hel if the rain should start falling heavier. Luckily for us, it remained only a drizzle, and our 2×4 Ford Ranger got up the hill with no issues. The views from that pass looking back over the valley are stunning. Worth the long trek up and down that rough road.

The beautiful Swartberg

We took a left when we reached Swartberg Pass and headed in the direction of Prince Albert. This is also one of my favourite stretches of the trip, as you are completely dwarfed by the unique folding shaped mountains as you drive through at their base.

Where are you going?

The next stretch was going to be on tar road, and we were heading towards Uniondale, where we would then get on the next dirt road and head down into Knysna. Prince Alfred’s Pass on the R339 between Uniondale and Knysna is the longest (publicly accessible) mountain pass in South Africa: 68.5km. The rain had made this stretch of road very muddy. It was Linda’s turn to drive as well, and she did really well keeping all 4 wheels on the road. At one point, I must have dozed off in the passenger seat, and as I opened my eyes Linda was just managing to avoid sliding into the bushes on my side of the road. Of course I got a big fright, pushed on the dashboard and exclaimed: “Where are you going?!”. We both found the situation quite funny… afterwards.

Cheat meal

We arrived in Knysna at around 18h30, so we decided to have a cheat meal and ordered some Steers burgers for dinner because we knew we were only getting to our campsite at Charlesford Farm after 19h00. The campsite was really great. We only needed one stand for all 5 vehicles. Unfortunately, we only had the one night here, and Linda and I would definitely like to come back again. Lots of shade and soft ground for tents. There is also a river and dam nearby that has canoes and rubber tubes to relax on. Charlesford Farm is a dairy farm and also has a piggery (which we didn’t get to visit this time around).

And settle

And so ends day 3 of our trip. We have covered around 900km on the trip so far, with around 80% of that being gravel road, I reckon. Day 4 will take us from Knysna to Van Wyksdorp, around 200km with some really beautiful passes to navigate.
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Western Cape Road-trip | Day 2 | Seweweekspoort to Die Hel

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Western Cape Road-trip | Day 2 | Seweweekspoort to Die Hel

It was an early morning for me. I battle to sleep past sunrise, and being summer in South Africa, it starts getting light from around 04h45. It was a great opportunity to try and tidy up

Olivia was awake as well, so I prepared a bottle of formula and let Linds sleep in for a few more minutes while I fed her.

At 6am it was already starting to bake out there in the Karoo. Unardo was also up early, so we decided to go on a short walk to explore the rest of Porcupine Rest Camp. We came across a sign pointing down a path and indicating that the river was there. We were both keen to go for a refreshing swim, so we pushed our way through the thorn bushes and found the river… bed. Not a drop of water left to dip into… It’s the thought that counts, though. With day 1 under our belts, it was time to pack up our camp site and get back on the road for a big drive into Die Hel. We left the camp site at 10am, all refreshed and ready for a new day. We were going to drive through 2 of the most beautiful mountain ranges today: Swartberg and Gamkaskloof. The mountains and views are absolutely stunning.

Linda and I were there in 2020 (link to our Youtube video), and we were both looking forward to going back. On that trip we stayed in one the Cape Nature historical cottages: Koort Cordier. This time we were driving pretty much all the way to the end of the valley, past the Cape Nature offices and into Bo Plaas, which is  private property.

After driving on Swartberg Pass, you reach a turnoff to Gamkaskloof. There is a sign that says: “37km, 2 hours” to get to Die Hel. Google maps tries to trick you by saying it is 1 hour, but the road is in such a condition that it is at least 2 hours. 2 hours gets you into Die hel, but then there is another 45 minutes of driving to actually get to the other side of the valley (Bo Plaas). You can’t rush this stretch. It feels like the road is never-ending. Once you reach the top of one koppie, you see the road far in the distance going over another one.

After driving multiple passes on this 30km stretch of road, eventually you get to the top of the valley, looking down into Die Hel, and this is where the real fun begins.  This stretch is part of Eland’s Pass. The summit is just over 1000m high. You descend a total of 447m over 4.7km. If you are scared of heights, make sure you sit on the mountainside of the car, as the road is very narrow (most sections are only 1 car width wide, and there are steep, unprotected drop-offs. The views are insane, though.

Once you reach the bottom of the pass, it is a relatively flat, but very rocky, 14km to get to the entrance gate of Bo Plaas. The camp site was large, with plenty of space to set up our tents, a nice central fire pit, as well as green lush grass.  The ablutions and kitchen area were also good.

We completely misjudged how long the drive would take us to get into Die Hel. I had forgotten how long that 50km stretch from the Swartberg turnoff was. I don’t think I will be forgetting it any time soon. So again, it was a quick camp setup, get Olivia fed and in bed, then sit by the fire to cook some dinner and relax. Linda was exhausted, so she was in bed early, and we decided to make an early start the next morning (07h00) as we were heading down to the Knysna on the coast.

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Western Cape Road-trip | Day 1 | Cape Town to Seweweekspoort

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Western Cape Road-trip | Day 1 | Cape Town to Seweweekspoort

The Road Trip Begins

One more sleep and then our road trip can begin. Until now, we were putting all our road trip items in a neat pile in the garage, waiting to be loaded into the bakkie. How did this pile get so big? There seemed to be a lot more things in that pile than what we had written down. Luckily for us we have a bakkie to load everything into, however, it has not been kitted out for camping trips just yet and it is still just a plain bakkie. We decided to load everything in the day before the trip so that we did not have to be rushed for time when we were going to head off to the meeting point. By the time I had loaded it up, we realised that we literally could not bring anything else even if we wanted to. But, the car was packed and we were ready to begin in the morning.

Adventure Team Unites

In the morning we met up with the rest of the Adventure Team. We were a group of 5 bakkies (all of them 4×4 except for us in our “little” Ford Ranger). They had already ticked off their first mountain pass (Ou Kaapse Weg) to get to the meeting point in Paarl which is where Linda and I live, so our first pass was going to be Du Toitskloof pass heading over from Paarl to Worcester.

Tea Break

45 minutes later, with our first pass in the bag we had a quick break at the Ou Meul Du Toitskloof, near Rawsonville. Linda was able to get some coffees for us (and a delicious butter croissant for me), and Olivia was able to have a drink to keep her satisfied for the next stretch… which turned out to be 1 hour later when we stopped in Touws Rivier to fill up before heading onto dirt roads for the next foreseeable future.

The Dirt Begins

Halfway between Matjiesfontein and Touwsrivier we turned off of the N1 at a signboard pointing to Witteberge (when looking for more information about the Witteberge, the only reference I could find was for the Witteberg Mountain in Lesotho. Google maps references this mountain in the Karoo as “Witberg” but no results for Witberg come up on Wikipedia. I did find out that “Witteberg” is used for any mountain range that gets snow-capped in winter). No one wanted to get a flat tyre on this trip, so we took extra careful precautions every time we went onto gravel roads. This meant that we would deflate our tyres at the start of a dirt road, and then inflate them again when we got back onto tar. I was quite skeptical of this process in the beginning, as I have driven dirt roads before without deflating and inflating my tyres and I never had any issues before. I also didn’t want to be the only one that didn’t change tyre pressures and then risk being the first one to get a puncture, so by peer-pressure I joined the group by deflating and inflating. And not one of us got a flat tyre for the entire 1500 km trip…

Gamkapoort Dam, anyone?

Our route took us to the southern part of Laingsburg where we turned south, then headed past Porcupine Ridge Rest Camp (Middelplaas) towards Seweweekspoort, but instead of going over the pass, we wanted to go and check out the Gamkapoort Dam. We reached a closed gate half way up the road, and there was no answer when we rang the intercom system (it was after 5pm at this point). It turns out that the gate was unlocked and we just needed to slide it open… we only found this out when we returned to the Porcupine Rest Camp and the owner informed us about it. Although… I think it was a blessing in disguise, as Olivia was getting very irritable after spending the last 6 hours in a car seat and it was nearing her bed time. Had we ended up driving the extra section to the dam, it would certainly have meant we were getting to our camp site far too late.

Porcupine Rest Camp

We arrived back at Porcupine Rest Camp with not much daylight to spare. This meant we needed to unpack our bakkie, set up the tent with mattress and cot and changing station, prep Olivia’s food, give her a bath, give her a bottle then try to get her to sleep. After that was done, then we could focus on feeding ourselves. The site that we were on was newly constructed. Unfortunately there wasn’t any grass (we are basically in the middle of a desert), and the stands were surrounded by Kameeldoring (thorn) trees. This meant you had to be that little bit extra careful when pitching your tent to avoid any mishaps. Also, good luck when walking around barefoot… The ablutions and kitchen area were neat and clean. There was also a large communal braai area for the site so we got to meet our neighbours. I tried slow cooking some lamb ribs that I have had in the freezer for the last few months, but unfortunately my whiskey and coke kicked in too quickly and I ended up creating lamb dust. I thought we had eaten it all between the whole group, but the next morning I found a big pile of crumbled up lamb ribs on a plate under my chair… I must add that the hosts/owners at the Porcupine are very friendly and seem like proper characters to have a lekker jol with. The bar area is relaxed and looked super chilled. It is unfortunate that we did not stay longer at the site, as I would have liked to have had some cold beers there  and maybe play some pool too.

Bed Time!

And so ends day 1 of our camping road trip. Time to stumble back to my tent smelling like whiskey, lamb and braai: irresistible!
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Western Cape Road-trip | Day 0 | Trip planning and details

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Western Cape Road-trip | Day 0 | Trip planning and details

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The planning.

In October last year (2022), my friends and I started planning an end of year roadtrip. The plan was to leave just after Christmas and see in the new year from a lekker location somewhere and then head back home.

Also, only the guys were doing all the planning for this trip, as a result, the women were just coming along for the ride (and stopping us from going hungry). Oh, and looking after the kids. Basically, the guys were just planning where we would be driving and stopping and sleeping, and setting up the tents, and then the other necessities of a camping road trip would just somehow fall into place naturally…

Another note about this trip: the purpose was to drive over as many mountain passes as we could… and there are A LOT of mountain passes in the Western Cape, let alone South Africa.

The trip.

Over the course of the next few months of planning, we decided on the following route details:

  • Day 1: Travel from Cape Town to Porcupine Rest Camp @ Seweweekspoort.
  • Day 2: Seweweekspoort to Bo Plaas in Die Hel.
  • Day 3: Die Hel to Charlesford in Knysna.
  • Day 4: Charlesford to Karoo Bush Camp in Van Wyks Dorp.
  • Day 5 (New Years eve): Karoo Bush Camp to Bontebok Nature Reserve in Swellendam (spend 2 nights here).
  • Day 7: Bontebok Nature Reserve back to home in Cape Town (in our case, Paarl).

80% of our trip was going to be on gravel roads, and we weren’t entirely sure how good the conditions were going to be for the majority of the route. For instance, in November and December there were some crazy rain storms that caused flooding and damaged many roads in the areas that were going to be going through.

The passes.

Below is a list of passes we were going to attempt to complete: 45 mountain passes in total.

Day 1

  • Ou Kaapse Weg
  • Du Toits Kloof
  • Witwaterspoort Pass
  • Varsbokkraal Pass
  • Rooinek Pass
  • Witnekke Pass
  • Koueveld Pass
  • Bosluiskloof Pass

Day 2

  • Seweweeks Poort
  • Huisrivier Pass
  • Kruisrivierpoort
  • Huis se Hoogte
  • Doringkloof Pass
  • Swartberg Pass
  • Gamkaskloof
  • Elands Pass (Gamkaskloof/Die Hel)

Day 3

  • Kredouw Pass
  • Meiringspoort
  • Rooikranspoort
  • Uniondale Heights
  • Uniondale Poort
  • Prince Alfred Pass

Day 4

  • Phantom Pass
  • Homtini Pass
  • Karatara Pass
  • Hoogekraal Pass
  • Touw River Pass
  • Silver River Pass
  • Kaaimansgat Pass
  • Swartrivier Pass
  • Montagu Pass
  • Paardepoort
  • Perdeskoendraai Pass
  • Rooiberg Pass
  • Assegaaibosch Pass

Day 5

  • Kliphoogte
  • Gysmanshoek Pass
  • Wadrift Pass
  • Seekoeigat Pass
  • Doringkraal Pass
  • Boosmansbos Pass
  • Moodies Pass

Day 6
None

Day 7

  • Dwarskloof Pass
  • Coles Pass
  • Sir Lowrys Pass
  • Ou Kaapse Weg

Pack the important stuff

As our departure day neared, we made sure that we had all the necessary items needed for a week long road trip with us:

  • Linda and I borrowed Varkie’s tent: a not-too-difficult to set up tent that you can stand in, and is big enough to accommodate a double blow-up mattress, a camping cot for Olivia and a changing table
  • braai equipment
  • enough clothes
  • pram (get a small one that can fold up compactly)
  • jumper leads
  • a spade
  • a mosquito net (the most effective item against those MFers)
  • table and chairs
  • tyre repair kit
  • fridge / freezer (we had to get an Anderson plug installed to the back of the bakkie to power the fridge = R2 900)

and then a whole bunch of other stuff that completely filled the back of the bakkie and the backseat of the car (!) such as our exercise equipment which seemed like a good idea before we left but the only time it ever got touched was when I had to move it out the way because it was blocking access to the chips and beer in the cooler.

Keep an eye out for a day-by-day breakdown of the trip as well as my favourite images that we took.

Thanks for reading!

Uwe

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Adventure Highlight: Zanzibar

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Adventure Highlight: Zanzibar

Welcome to Zanzibar,

A beautiful and exotic destination that’s perfect for travellers looking for a mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture. This Tanzanian archipelago in the Indian Ocean is made up of two main islands – Unguja (commonly referred to as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba, as well as several smaller islands. Zanzibar is famous for its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and diverse marine life, making it a top tourist destination in East Africa.

Tourism

Tourism is the main industry in Zanzibar, with visitors flocking to the islands from all over the world. This is hardly surprising, given the sheer beauty and splendour of the place. The islands have a rich history and culture, as well as a vibrant nightlife scene that caters to all tastes. There are plenty of activities to engage in, whether you’re interested in exploring nature or immersing yourself in the local culture.

Fun Facts

Zanzibar is known for its spices, and it’s often referred to as the “Spice Island”. The islands were once the world’s leading producer of cloves, which were highly prized by ancient traders. Another interesting fact is that Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the rock band Queen, was born in Zanzibar.

Beaches

One of the main draws of Zanzibar is its beaches. With miles of pristine white sand and crystal clear waters, there’s no shortage of spots to sunbathe, swim, or engage in water sports. Some of the best beaches include Nungwi Beach, Paje Beach, and Kendwa Beach. If you’re interested in snorkelling or scuba diving, head to Mnemba Atoll, where you can explore colourful coral reefs and swim with dolphins and turtles.

Activities

Aside from relaxing on the beach, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained in Zanzibar. One of the most popular is visiting the Jozani Forest Reserve, which is home to the endangered red colobus monkey. You can take a guided tour of the reserve and get up close and personal with these fascinating primates. Another must-do activity is taking a spice tour, where you’ll get to learn about the various spices that are grown on the islands, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.

Nature

Zanzibar is a nature lover’s paradise, with a diverse range of flora and fauna to explore. If you’re interested in birds, head to the Pemba Channel Conservation Area, where you can spot over 200 different species of birds. You can also take a boat tour of the islands, where you might be lucky enough to see dolphins, whales, and even the occasional whale shark.

Places to Visit

There are plenty of places to visit in Zanzibar, whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature. Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its narrow streets, ornate doors, and historic buildings. The House of Wonders is a must-visit, as it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Stone Town. It was originally built as a palace for the Sultan of Zanzibar, and now houses a museum that showcases the island’s rich history and culture. Another interesting place to visit is the Old Fort, which was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. It now houses an open-air theatre, where you can catch live music and dance performances. For a taste of local culture, head to the Forodhani Gardens, where you can sample a range of delicious street food and mingle with the locals.

Conclusion

Whether you’re interested in lounging on stunning beaches, exploring the islands’ rich history and culture, or immersing yourself in nature. From snorkelling with dolphins to sampling delicious street food, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained throughout your trip. So why not book your ticket and experience the magic of Zanzibar for yourself? You won’t regret it!
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Adventure Highlight: Sychelles

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Adventure Highlight: Sychelles

Welcome to the Seychelles!

This group of islands located off the eastern coast of Africa is a true tropical paradise, with stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush greenery. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Seychelles has something for everyone.

Location

Seychelles is located in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar and about 1,000 miles off the coast of Kenya. The archipelago is made up of 115 islands, which are divided into two main groups: the Inner Islands and the Outer Islands. The Inner Islands are granite islands, while the Outer Islands are coral atolls and reef islands.

Tourism

Seychelles is a popular tourist destination, and it’s not hard to see why. With its white sand beaches, clear waters, and tropical climate, it’s the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The tourism industry in Seychelles is well-developed, with plenty of accommodation options, restaurants, and activities for visitors to enjoy.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun facts about Seychelles that you may not have known:
    • The Seychelles is home to the world’s largest nut, the coco de mer, which can weigh up to 30 kilograms!
 
    • The islands are home to a variety of unique and endangered species, including the Seychelles giant tortoise, the Seychelles black parrot, and the jellyfish tree.
 
    • Seychelles was once a hideout for pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard.
 
  • The Seychelles is the only country in the world where the giant tortoise, flightless bird, and fruit bat all coexist.

Beaches

One of the main draws of Seychelles is its beautiful beaches. With over 90 to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are some of the best:
    • Anse Source d’Argent: Located on La Digue island, this is one of the most photographed beaches in the world, with its stunning granite boulders and crystal-clear waters.
 
    • Beau Vallon: This is one of the most popular beaches in Seychelles, thanks to its wide range of activities and facilities, including restaurants, water sports, and boat excursions.
 
  • Anse Lazio: Located on Praslin island, this beach is famous for its turquoise waters and pristine white sand.

Activities

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy in Seychelles, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation. Here are some of the top things to do:
    • Snorkelling and Diving: Seychelles is home to some of the best snorkelling and diving spots in the world, with clear waters teeming with marine life, including colourful fish, turtles, and even whale sharks.
 
    • Hiking: Seychelles is home to some stunning hiking trails, which will take you through lush forests, past cascading waterfalls, and up to breathtaking viewpoints.
 
  • Island Hopping: With over 100 islands to explore, island hopping is a must-do activity in Seychelles. Each island has its own unique charm and attractions, from pristine beaches to national parks.

Nature

Seychelles is a nature lover’s paradise, with an abundance of flora and fauna to discover. Here are some of the top natural attractions:
  • Vallee de Mai: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the coco de mer, as well as a variety of other rare and endemic species, including the Seychelles black parrot and the vanilla orchid.
    • Aldabra Atoll: This atoll is the world’s second-largest coral atoll and is home to over 150,000 giant tortoises, as well as a variety of other wildlife, including sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles.
 
  • Morne Seychellois National Park: This park covers over 20% of the land area of Seychelles and is home to a variety of hiking trails, waterfalls, and breathtaking viewpoints, as well as a variety of endemic plant and animal species.

Places to Visit

While there are plenty of islands and beaches to explore in Seychelles, here are some must-visit places:
    • Victoria: The capital city of Seychelles is located on Mahe island and is home to colourful markets, colonial architecture, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.
 
    • La Digue: This laid-back island is home to some of Seychelles’ most beautiful beaches and is the perfect place to relax and unwind.
 
  • Praslin: This island is home to the Vallee de Mai and Anse Lazio beach, as well as a variety of other natural attractions.
In conclusion, Seychelles is a tropical paradise that offers something for everyone. From stunning beaches to unique wildlife, there are plenty of things to see and do. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Seychelles is the perfect destination. So why not plan your next vacation to this beautiful island nation?
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Adventure Highlight: Thailand

Posted on Posted by Uwe Auer Categories Adventure Highlight, Thailand

Adventure Highlight: Thailand

Thailand: Land of Smiles

Thailand is a beautiful and fascinating country located in Southeast Asia. Known as the Land of Smiles, it is famous for its rich culture, stunning beaches, delicious food, and friendly people. If you’re a traveler looking for an adventure, Thailand is the perfect destination for you. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top attractions and activities that this country has to offer.

Location

Firstly, let’s take a look at the location of Thailand. Thailand is located in the center of Southeast Asia, bordered by Myanmar to the north and west, Laos to the northeast, Cambodia to the east, and Malaysia to the south. Its capital city is Bangkok, which is also the largest city in the country. Thailand has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather all year round.

Tourism

Secondly, Thailand is one of the top tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. There are many reasons why people choose to visit Thailand, including its rich history, stunning landscapes, and unique culture. Some of the top tourist attractions in Thailand include the ancient city of Ayutthaya, the Grand Palace in Bangkok, and the beaches of Phuket.

Fun Facts

In addition to its popularity among tourists, Thailand is also known for some fun facts. For example, did you know that Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized by a European power? Or that it is the world’s largest exporter of rice? Thailand is also famous for its delicious street food, which includes dishes like pad thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice.

Beaches

One of the biggest draws of Thailand is its stunning beaches. Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with crystal clear waters and soft white sand. Some of the most popular beach destinations include Phuket, Koh Samui, and Krabi. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway or a party scene, Thailand’s beaches have something for everyone.

Activities

Aside from its beaches, there are plenty of things to do in Thailand, from exploring ancient temples to hiking in the mountains. Some of the top activities include:
  1. Visiting the temples of Chiang Mai – Chiang Mai is a city in northern Thailand that is famous for its ancient temples, including Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Wat Chedi Luang.
  2. Elephant sanctuaries – There are several elephant sanctuaries in Thailand that allow visitors to get up close and personal with these gentle giants.
  3. Scuba diving – Thailand has some of the best scuba diving sites in the world, including the Similan Islands and Koh Tao.

Nature

Thailand is also home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. From the mountains of Chiang Mai to the waterfalls of Khao Yai National Park, there is no shortage of natural beauty in Thailand. If you’re looking for a break from the city, consider taking a trip to one of Thailand’s national parks.

Places to Visit

Finally, if you’re planning a trip to Thailand, here are some of the top places to visit:
  1. Bangkok – Thailand’s capital city is a must-visit for any traveler, with its bustling markets, ancient temples, and vibrant nightlife.
  2. Chiang Mai – This city in northern Thailand is famous for its ancient temples, beautiful mountains, and laid-back vibe.
  3. Phuket – Phuket is a popular beach destination that offers something for everyone, from partying to relaxation.
In conclusion, Thailand is a beautiful and fascinating country that offers a unique travel experience. From its stunning beaches to its ancient temples, there is something for everyone in this amazing country. If you’re looking for a vacation that combines culture, adventure, and relaxation, Thailand is the perfect destination for you.
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Adventure Highlight: Kruger National Park

Posted on Posted by Uwe Auer Categories Adventure Highlight, South Africa

Adventure Highlight: Kruger National Park

Exploring Kruger National Park: A Safari Adventure in South Africa

Kruger National Park is a world-renowned destination for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers. Located in northeastern South Africa, it covers an area of 19,485 square kilometers and is home to an incredible diversity of animals and plants. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Kruger National Park such a unique and fascinating destination, and highlight some of its most interesting features.

Location

Kruger National Park is located in the northeastern part of South Africa, spanning across two provinces – Limpopo and Mpumalanga. It is easily accessible by road, with several entrance gates located in the vicinity of major cities like Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Nelspruit. Visitors can also reach the park by air, with several airports located nearby.

Points of Interest

Kruger National Park is a vast and sprawling wilderness area, with plenty of sights and attractions to explore. Some of the key points of interest include:
    • Sabie River: This beautiful river runs through the southern part of the park and is a popular spot for game viewing, birdwatching, and fishing.
 
    • Letaba Elephant Hall: This unique museum is dedicated to the largest land animal on earth – the elephant. Visitors can learn about the history, biology, and behavior of these magnificent creatures through interactive exhibits and displays.
 
    • Blyde River Canyon: Located just outside the park, this stunning canyon is one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the rim, stopping at lookout points to admire the panoramic views.
 
  • Skukuza Rest Camp: This is the largest and most popular camp in the park, offering a range of accommodation options, restaurants, shops, and facilities.

Interesting Animals

Kruger National Park is home to a wide variety of animals, including the famous “Big Five” – lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalos. Other interesting animals to look out for include:
    • Cheetahs: These sleek and speedy cats are a rare sight in the park, but can sometimes be spotted hunting on the savannahs.
 
    • African Wild Dogs: These highly social and endangered predators are a rare sight, but their distinctive spotted coats and pack behavior make them a fascinating species to observe.
 
  • Hippos: These massive and often misunderstood animals can be seen lounging in rivers and watering holes, or grazing on land during the night.

Activities

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Kruger National Park, including:
    • Game drives: These guided tours take visitors through the park in search of wildlife, with knowledgeable guides providing insights and information about the animals and their habitats.
 
    • Bush walks: For a more immersive and intimate experience, visitors can take a guided bush walk through the park, getting up close and personal with the flora and fauna.
 
    • Night drives: These unique tours take visitors out after dark to observe nocturnal animals like hyenas, owls, and bushbabies.
 
  • Birdwatching: With over 500 species of birds in the park, Kruger is a paradise for bird lovers.

Fun Facts

    • Kruger National Park was established in 1898 as Sabi Game Reserve, and was later renamed after Paul Kruger, the former President of the South African Republic.
 
    • The park is home to over 147 species of mammals, 114 species of reptiles, and 507 species of birds.
 
  • The oldest Baobab tree in Kruger National Park is estimated to be over 2,000 years old.

Pack your bags!

Kruger National Park is a truly magical destination that offers visitors an unparalleled wildlife experience. From its stunning landscapes and fascinating animal species to its unique activities and rich history, there is something for everyone in this incredible wilderness area. Whether you’re a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time visitor, a trip to Kruger National Park is sure to be an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
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