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South-West Africa
South Africa
We crossed into SA from Namibia, via the small non-commercial border Springfontein. At the time this was the closest border to the Kalahari Transfrontier N.P. Only 4 days later, the Mata Mata border, directly into the park was officially opened.
In fact we were lucky we used this border, as it saved us having to perform the lengthy customs procedures at the border itself. These later took me 4 days in Cape Town. If you are planning to import your vehicle into SA after a trip, think again. (and read more in the vehicle section). We spent 3 days in the park, looking for the famous Kalahari Lion that is famed for its black mane, and is supposedly (but not actually) larger than Lion found elsewhere. The park follows 2 main riverbeds, so animals are fairly easily seen. Our only negative comment about the park was the appalling corrugations in the sandy roads.
My parents had come down from Pretoria to meet Jaye and myself as we finished. My brother from Cape Town was also there to share the event.
Jaye tries a chocolate potjie at the excellent local "Brass Bell" in Kalk Bay.
Another local experience, not often done by tourists is the ascent of Lions Head, followed by a descent at full moon. We were joined by fellow overlanders Andrew & Anne.
Along with friends from the UK, Caroline & Stefan, we took ourselves on a wine tour, visiting 4 of the most famous wine estates. Out favourite was probably Boschendal.
After 3 weeks in Cape Town, we made our way up the coast toward Durban. Outside Oudtshoorn we visited an ostrich farm, where Jaye enthusiastically took part in all activities, including Ostrich riding, and standing on eggs!!
At Cape St Francis, on the long, deserted beach one evening, I proposed to Jaye. She immediately said "OF COURSE!!", and thus our new adventure was born, at the end of a wonderfull trip.
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After a few insignificant stops on the way south, we arrived in Cape Town on a glorious October morning - not a cloud in the sky - thus getting the perfect Table Mountain photo from Bloubergstrand. 
My parents had rented a beautifull apartment overlooking Fishhoek bay. This is the best place to see the whales in Cape Town and on many mornings we would eat our breakfast while watching these serene animals in the water below.
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