Johannesburg and Victoria Falls

PWe arrived in Pretoria which is the capital of South Africa and traveled by bus to Johannesburg where we would spend the night before flying to Victoria Falls.  The drive through the city was quite the eye opener as every house and building was well surrounded by high fencing and often barbed wire and electric fencing as well. Security signs were very prominent and every property was gated. Quite a different way to live from what we are accustomed to.

Fencing and wire was on every property even small houses. The wire and security businesses must be very profitable in this country.  Driving through the city there was a very eclectic mix of buildings with some wonderful new architectural designs and new buildings springing up everywhere.  We passed through areas that were definitely more economically challenged and then entered one of very large estates with high walls and imposing gates.  Eventually we pulled into the Saxon with its ten foot solid gates and guard tower which led onto a beautifully landscaped large property on which sits one of the leading boutique hotels in the world.  Once a private home it was here thar Nelson Mandela di much of his writing after his release.  The hotel was magnificent and our suite stunning.

Approaching the Saxon

Our 850 square foot suite was definitely more than we needed but we enjoyed the luxury.  The open bar, snack and massive tub made for some nice relaxation before continuing our journey.  From Johannesburg we flew to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe where we stayed at the the historic Victoria Falls Hotel which opened in 1905.  From the lookout we had a wonderful view of the bridge that goes over the Zambezi River joining Zimbabwe and Zambia

Zimbabwe on the left with the spray of the falls in the background.  The water level of Victoria Falls fluctuates greatly with the season and as we were here at the end of the wet season the level was still high and the mist at times so great it made it hard to get clear pictures but really added to the experience.  We definitely avoided our shower the morning we visited as we got soaked.

The Victoria Falls Hotel.  The evening we arrived we took a late afternoon cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.  We were treated to close up views of hippos and crocodile while being served wonderful food and drink and enjoying the panorama sights about us but my special moment of the cruise was when we. Ame upon a family of elephants drinking at the rivers edge.

Coming down to the rivers edge for some needed hydration.  Thank you for the show.

The mighty Zambezi with the spray of the Falls in the distance.  What a sight.

Our cruise ended as the sun slipped below the horizon.  We completed a perfect day with a wonderful dinner in the stately Livingston Dining Room of the hotel.  On the sideboard was a gorgeous huge silver bowl which the Queen Mother had brought with her to chill her champagne when she stayed here and gave to the hotel as a gift when she left. Maybe we stayed in her room though I somehow think not.

Early the next morning we donned our rain ponchos and set out to explore the Falls. At times the mist fell like heavy rain but the resulting rainbows were exquisite and one felt that you really could reach the pot of gold.

Getting wet and loving it

At times we walked right under the rainbows.  The mist would come and go and using the waterproof camera I tried to snap some shots when it lifted.

The volume of water was incredible and it is quite amazing to realize that at times it actually almost dries up.

Quick photo as mist was momentarily blown away

Through he mist

Looking down the gorge

Far end of the Falls where the mist was blown away so we were able to dry out and see clearly.  From here the view down the gorge was impressive.  Victoria Falls is twice the height of Niagra Falls so is truly a magnificent site to see.  Would have liked to have been able to cross the bridge but there unfortunately is the matter of an international border.

When the level of he water drops some adventuresome people swim in some of the holes at the top of the falls.  Of course others bungy jump off of he bridge spanning the river.

Statue of David Livingstone who discovered Victoria Falls and died here of Malaria in 1873.

Leaving Victoria Falls we travelled to Botswana which we entered for a short time only before exiting into Namibia to board the Zambezi Queen on the Chobe River.

The Cape and the Rovos Train

We spent our last day in Cape Town exploring the cape. The drive along the coastline was spectacular with beautiful sandy beaches interspersed with rocky shorelines with crashing waves.  The Chapman Peak drive is said to be one of the most scenic in the world and in places the roadway is cut out of the rocks.

Chapman Peak roadway

Beautiful shoreline with roadway along the cliffs

Traveling farther south we reached the Cape of Good Hope which is the most south westerly point of Africa.  Having read about rounding the Cape in books for as long as I can recall it was rather emotional to actually stand here looking out to sea and thinking about the hundreds of ships that have perished in these unforgiving waters.

Our travel companions

Misty weather at the point

As we had left early in the morning we were the only people at the Cape which was quite special.  As the tour buses started arriving we headed off to the Cape Point Lighthouse for some fantastic panoramic views. Accessed by the Flying Dutchman Funicular the Cape Point Lighthouse is also very popular with a large baboon population which have no fear of people.  In fact Eric put down his backpack so I could take his picture and a baboon appeared out of nowhere and grabbed it. Luckily Eric has very quick reflexes and grabbed it back as it had his camera equipment in it.  Lesson learned.

Cape in background. Backpack now in hand

Never trust a baboon

Cape of Good Hope from the lighthouse 

Lighthouse sitting high above the Cape

Flying Dutchman Funicular 

After our visit at the Cape w carried on along the coast to Simon's Town to visit Boulder 's which has become a thriving colony for the endangered African penguin. From two breeding pairs in1982 the colony has grown to 2200 in recent years.  They cannot fly and nest in the sand.

They live in colonies but they mate for life

Penguins really do seem to strut

Going for a swim in search of food

Baby penguin covered in down

They all had very pink eyes

Our last stop of the day was at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens which were established in 1913 and span over 1000 acres.  Our entertaining and knowledgeable guide Andrew took us through this garden which is acclaimed as one of the greatest botanical gardens of the world.

Queen protea

King protea

Single almond tree which is hundreds of years old

The canopy walkway

The gardens were an interesting mix of wild and manicured displays.

Everywhere we went was very proud of their association with Nelson Mandela whom they regard as their greatest humanitarian.

Returning to Cape Town we went out as a group to an African restaurant called Gold which was an African dinner theatre. We started the evening with drumming lessons which was really fun and interactive.  Dinner was a fourteen course affair interspersed with dancing and singing and even some face painting at the table.  

Eric ready to play

Some in our group ended up with bruised hands the next day.

Bet the kids won't believe even Grandpa got his face painted!

Arriving at the train station to board the Rovos Train which would take us to Pretoria we were welcomed with a red carpet and champagne. Once inside the well appointed waiting room there was a duet playing beautiful classical music and trays of canapés were being passed around.  This is called the most luxurious train in the world and it was first class.  The train was a step back in time with luxurious shiny wood, crystal and service above and beyond.

Arriving at the station

Turndown service complete with champagne and chocolate. The bottom of the bed had an electric blanket on it so the bed was prewar end.

Observation car complete with bar and afternoon tea at 1630

We had a coup,e stops on the train for short excursions.  One was at Kimberly which is the original home of De Beers Diamonds where we toured a diamond mine which was really interesting.  Our guide was great and we did learn a lot.

Diamond mine

That is a lot of diamonds!

It was very pleasant to sit in the observation car visiting with fellow passengers and watch the passing scenery which varied from wide open spaces, to vineyards,farms ,towns and sometimes large collections of shacks.

Colourful fields with stark mountain range behind

Formal dining car

The steam engine arriving to pull us in to the station

Beautiful African sunset

This morning, June 15th we will be disembarking and heading to Johannesburg for the night before going on to Victoria Falls.