Eastern Cape

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A flowering Kapok Tree, also known as a Silk Floss Tree

Since I started blogging nearly 7 years ago, the post that has received the most attention wasn't some exotic location, epic once in a lifetime animal photo or mind blowing sunset.  It was a post about a flowering Kapok Tree.  Up to now it has received over a whopping 20 000 page views.  I've been wanting to do another post but the problem was that I haven't had another chance of encountering one while it is in flower and having my camera…

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08/06/2015
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The Baviaanskloof – an UNESCO World Heritage Site

South Africa has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites.  These are places such as a forest, mountain, lake, island, desert, monument, building, complex, or city that is listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as of special cultural, natural or physical significance.  One of the South African World Heritage Sites is the Cape Floral Kingdom.  The Cape Floristic Region, the smallest of the six recognised floral kingdoms of the world, is home to more than 9 000 plant species of…

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02/06/2015
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Our own secluded Baviaans valley

One of the best parts of exploring while traveling is discovering hidden gems.  Some of these hides are figuratively, as in somewhere (either a place or establishment) off the beaten track that the hordes haven't discovered yet.  Sometimes you find places that are literally hidden though.  One of these I found on our weekend at Baviaans Lodge recently.  A walk along a stream up one of the valleys near the lodge brought us to a breathtaking spot with a river pool, sheer…

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01/06/2015
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Baviaans Lodge – a special oasis in the southern Baviaanskloof

The Baviaanskloof must be on the bucket list of a lot of South African travellers.  Stunning scenic beauty which, if she was a person, would put her in the top three of a Miss Universe competition.  Isolation, but not like just around the corner where you can't hear the traffic.  A true wilderness area.  UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Overnighting in caves or on a river beach next to sheer cliffs.  Challenging roads.  Unfortunately for us mere sedan drivers a big part…

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27/05/2015
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What reigns supreme in the Baviaanskloof?

The Baviaanskloof.  A place where nature, scenic beauty, fresh air, great hospitality and, where I was at Baviaans Lodge in the south, no electricity and no cell phone reception, reigns supreme.  Keep an eye on the blog in the next few days to read all about our Baviaans Lodge experience. 

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25/05/2015
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Weekend time is braai time

We are so fortunate in South Africa that we can braai with coals created from burning wood.  In so many countries you aren't allowed to braai on an open fire and if you are a real braaier then you would agree that a braai on gas just isn't a braai.  It's also so much more than just a braai.  It's about the socializing around the fire.  Enjoying a drink and a chat with friends and family while the fire is…

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22/05/2015
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Camping and canoeing at sunset

You know your kids are enjoying a camping trip and perfect weather when they're still out on the water after sunset.  The picture is from a recent camping trip to Sitrusoewer on the banks of the Sundays River outside Kirkwood. 

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18/05/2015
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Moonrise on the Wild Coast

I spent the most amazing three days exploring the Wild Coast recently and will still post all about it in the coming weeks.  Obviously there are lots of photos to share as well.  In the mean time here is one I took at Wavecrest on my first night of the moon rising over the river mouth at about 7pm.

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15/05/2015
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Dune Ridge – a country jewel in the St Francis Bay crown

When you think St Francis Bay in the Eastern Cape you tend to think beautiful coastline and black and white houses on the canals.  If you had to spend a weekend in St Francis you would probably expect your guesthouse to have stunning sea views or be situated right on the canals.  Yes, but not always.  We spend a fabulous weekend at Dune Ridge Country House just outside (and with this I mean literally only a stone's throw away) St…

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14/05/2015
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Camping at Sitrusoewer

A couple of weekends ago we spent a long weekend camping on the banks of the Sundays River at Sitrusoewer just outside Kirkwood.  It must be one of my favorite campsites I've ever been to.  The water was literally 2 meters from the front door of our tent and we spent the whole weekend either in or on the water.  A long weekend to remember and one we would have over again and again. 

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11/05/2015