We get up and head to our first stop, then Manaholoholo Animal Rescue Center. We hear an impassioned speech by the director about animals and nature and how things are not working as they should (there is too little natural space left in Africa for the natural habitats of wild animals). We also learn alot about the "circle of life," for example I didnt' realize how important vultures, hyennas and insects are to making the whole thing work. Then we get a tour of the place, which takes care of injured (usually poisoined by farmers) animals and birds. We see a lion, leopard, all kinds of birds, hyennas, etc. Then we get in our truck and head up to see more of Blyde River Canyon, and drive to "God's Window" and overlook looking out over a huge green valley. On the way there we drive by waterfalls. Also, we drive by "townships" the vast shanty towns that you see everywhere in South Africa.
After lunch we drive back down from the Drackensberg Escarpment (mountains) and head to what we are all getting very excited about: Kruger National Park, one of the premier game parks in the world. As we enter the main gate around 4 pm you can feel the excitement in the truck. We head into the park and everyone's eyes are peeled for wildlife... then suddenly, impalas! (which are small deer and basically the bottom on the food chain there!) After lots of pics (later we will realize, impalsas are not that hard to find) we drive on and see giraffes. More pics, then on and see some zebras. Then, something very exciting, off in the distance we catch sight of a rhino with some buffalo. The goal is to see the big five: lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephant (so named because when hunted, if you don't kill them they will come back and hunt you!). So, 1 down! Then, we see several elephant (2 down) and more giraffes and zebras feeding. Then we see some hyennas which are interesting animals and although they seem ugly, Thabone informs us they are his favorite animal. Finally, we have to move on because we have to get to our rest camp spot and the gates close at 6:30 p.m., with or without us. The camp is pretty big and is protected by electrified fence all around. We are in cabins this time. Have supper, look at the stars and get to bed because tommorrow is a very early start.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
2.14.08 -- Jo'Berg to Tibavarti
Got up and breakfast at Fly Inn. Met overland trip group at 8 a.m. Our guides are Thabone (from Zimbabwe), Marietta (South African), and Juergen (Namibia). On the trip are 2 German girls, 2 German guys, a retired English couple and a Canadian guy. Thabone gives us the orientation, this is no coach guided tour he informs us. If the truck gets stuck, we get to help push it out. We do our own dishes. We might have to help with repairs. He says, we will always have a plan A for the day, but since this is Africa we might have to go to plan B, or sometimes plan C, and in some cases even plan D. I can tell this guy has a good sense of humor. We take off and get out of Jo'Berg pretty quickly and onto a modern interstate. We drive out of town and then stop at a mall for people to get last minute supplies. The mall looks pretty much the same as a US mall. We then start to drive towards the state of Mpulpalganga. Driving I see lots of rolling plains with... corn! And signs for Pioneer or DeKalb corn.. so this isn't looking too much different from Kansas yet! Also see lots of grain elevators, coal mines, and big power plants. Some of the fields are irrigated. I also see lots of modern railroads. One thing we see as we leave Jo'Berg are huge towering mine tailings.. legacies of the huge gold mines that used to (and somewhat still) dominate the scene. Apparently these tailings are being re-processed and are actually producing more gold now than they did when they were first actually mined.
We start to leave the farms and get into a little more mountainous terrain. We make our first stop and have, as Thabone describes it, something we are going to have a lot of and it starts with and "s"... sandwiches. We drive on and start to get into some bigger mountains. Then we come to the first main sight of the day, and it is spectacular. It is the Blyde River Canyon, 3rd largest canyon in the world and we are at an overlook called "the Three Rondavels" (which are traditional African huts.) We look way way down into a canyon and there are huge and beautiful rock formations as far as you can see. After lots of pics we drive on to the Burke's potholes which are rock formations formed by erosion and quite interesting. Then we head onto our first camp spot in Timbavarti, a camping area near Kruger. There we actually stay in Rodavels, but they are pretty modern, though we have thatched roofs. Evening spent at the bar getting to know the rest of the group and being entertained by the crusty old English bar-tender telling stories of his African adventures. (mostly lies I think!)
We start to leave the farms and get into a little more mountainous terrain. We make our first stop and have, as Thabone describes it, something we are going to have a lot of and it starts with and "s"... sandwiches. We drive on and start to get into some bigger mountains. Then we come to the first main sight of the day, and it is spectacular. It is the Blyde River Canyon, 3rd largest canyon in the world and we are at an overlook called "the Three Rondavels" (which are traditional African huts.) We look way way down into a canyon and there are huge and beautiful rock formations as far as you can see. After lots of pics we drive on to the Burke's potholes which are rock formations formed by erosion and quite interesting. Then we head onto our first camp spot in Timbavarti, a camping area near Kruger. There we actually stay in Rodavels, but they are pretty modern, though we have thatched roofs. Evening spent at the bar getting to know the rest of the group and being entertained by the crusty old English bar-tender telling stories of his African adventures. (mostly lies I think!)
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Day 5 -- Dubai to Jo'Berg
Day 5 - 2.13.08 - Dubai to Johannesburg -- Africa at last!!
Oh, as I came in I could see the Palms from the sky (the crazy islands they are building out in the desert.) The Dubai airport is surreal. I guess especially since I am there in the middle of the night. First of all, it is huge and pretty amazing. A towering glass cylinder laying on its side, full of unreal sights. I don't know if I should call it garish or splendid. They like the color gold and blue is all I can say. Lots of fake gold palm trees as well. It has a bit of a Vegas feel to it. But cleaner. Very, very clean. Went to McDonalds and its of course very interesting to see lots of people in traditional arab dress, all white robes and headclothes. I order a McArabia meal, kind of like a gyro. Ok. Then, I am not tired so I roam the airport which is mainly a giant duty free shop. The interesting thing is, there are people sleeping everywhere! They are practically covering the airport. I am not sure why Emirates does this, but lots of planes came in and have a nice 7 hour layover like mine I guess. Finally, our Johannesburg (Jo'Berg from now on -- thats what they call it!) flight boards. It is packed, with people from every race and color. Slept a little, then woke up to see a little of Mozambique from the air. Then, came over South Africa. Seems to be lots of farms from the air. Also, I am surprised at how big Jo'Berg is. Land and get through immigration, then into the airport which is a bit disorganized. Catch cab to the Fly Inn where I will be meeting my overland tour (more on this later) the next morning. Checked into small hotel and then off to dinner. Met and English family that had just finished an overland tour and were raving about it. They had done the Namibia, Botswanna, Victoria Falls loop. Highlights are the Okavango Delta, Chobe River, Namibian Dunes, and of course, Vic Falls. They are so excited about the trip and our company that I can't help get excited as well. Also met German girl, Anna, who had been with their trek and would be on my leg of the journey, which is from Jo'Berg to Durban via Kruger National Park and Swaziland. Had a few beers with the English blokes, then checked my email while, guess what: Napoleon Dynamite played on a tv in the background!
Oh, as I came in I could see the Palms from the sky (the crazy islands they are building out in the desert.) The Dubai airport is surreal. I guess especially since I am there in the middle of the night. First of all, it is huge and pretty amazing. A towering glass cylinder laying on its side, full of unreal sights. I don't know if I should call it garish or splendid. They like the color gold and blue is all I can say. Lots of fake gold palm trees as well. It has a bit of a Vegas feel to it. But cleaner. Very, very clean. Went to McDonalds and its of course very interesting to see lots of people in traditional arab dress, all white robes and headclothes. I order a McArabia meal, kind of like a gyro. Ok. Then, I am not tired so I roam the airport which is mainly a giant duty free shop. The interesting thing is, there are people sleeping everywhere! They are practically covering the airport. I am not sure why Emirates does this, but lots of planes came in and have a nice 7 hour layover like mine I guess. Finally, our Johannesburg (Jo'Berg from now on -- thats what they call it!) flight boards. It is packed, with people from every race and color. Slept a little, then woke up to see a little of Mozambique from the air. Then, came over South Africa. Seems to be lots of farms from the air. Also, I am surprised at how big Jo'Berg is. Land and get through immigration, then into the airport which is a bit disorganized. Catch cab to the Fly Inn where I will be meeting my overland tour (more on this later) the next morning. Checked into small hotel and then off to dinner. Met and English family that had just finished an overland tour and were raving about it. They had done the Namibia, Botswanna, Victoria Falls loop. Highlights are the Okavango Delta, Chobe River, Namibian Dunes, and of course, Vic Falls. They are so excited about the trip and our company that I can't help get excited as well. Also met German girl, Anna, who had been with their trek and would be on my leg of the journey, which is from Jo'Berg to Durban via Kruger National Park and Swaziland. Had a few beers with the English blokes, then checked my email while, guess what: Napoleon Dynamite played on a tv in the background!
Day 3 and 4 -- London to Dubai
Day 3 -- Monday 2.11.08 -- London
Slept in. Needed it bad. Got up, had lunch. Took a nap. Yes, not getting much accomplished. Took tube to High Holbern station. Took a quick walk down to the LSE. Things look pretty much the same, they've dressed up a couple of the doors but go in the halls and its still has the same scruffy look it did ten years ago! Unfortunately our favorite pub, the Three Tuns has been completely upgraded! Oh no! I preferred the old beat up place. Then met my friend Emily who I knew from K-State days. She is a lighting design engineer in London and has been there for several years. Got the update on all the new architecture projects happening in London, which are quite extensive. She worked on the new St. Pancras stations, which is where the Eurostar now comes in to London from Paris and Brussels. Took a walk around a saw all the great west end sites and remembered how vibrant and exciting this city is... Leceister Square, Convent Garden, Picadelli circus. West end is still thriving from what I can see!
Day 4 -- Tuesday 2.12.08 -- London to Dubai
Got up, and packed again. Had to make last minute decisions... what goes to Africa and what gets stowed at Nikki and Richs? (Now I wish I would have left more stuff!) Nikki drove me to Stratford tube and then central line to Holburn, changed to Picadelli line out to Heathrow. Heathrow... I remember why I prefer Gatwick. Miles of tunnels with your backpack. Long waits and then got my Emirates plane to Dubai. Interesting, they had 3-4 business magazines about the Middle East. Things are booming there from what I can see. Emirates is great... 600 channels and something like 50 movies to choose from. Great service and much better than average food. Flight took us over western Europe, then Bulgaria, Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia then over the persian gulf into Dubai. It was crystal clear (but dark) and I could see the cities lining the gulf. Thought: these countries didn't seem so evil from the air! Arrive in Dubai at about 3 a.m. their time
Slept in. Needed it bad. Got up, had lunch. Took a nap. Yes, not getting much accomplished. Took tube to High Holbern station. Took a quick walk down to the LSE. Things look pretty much the same, they've dressed up a couple of the doors but go in the halls and its still has the same scruffy look it did ten years ago! Unfortunately our favorite pub, the Three Tuns has been completely upgraded! Oh no! I preferred the old beat up place. Then met my friend Emily who I knew from K-State days. She is a lighting design engineer in London and has been there for several years. Got the update on all the new architecture projects happening in London, which are quite extensive. She worked on the new St. Pancras stations, which is where the Eurostar now comes in to London from Paris and Brussels. Took a walk around a saw all the great west end sites and remembered how vibrant and exciting this city is... Leceister Square, Convent Garden, Picadelli circus. West end is still thriving from what I can see!
Day 4 -- Tuesday 2.12.08 -- London to Dubai
Got up, and packed again. Had to make last minute decisions... what goes to Africa and what gets stowed at Nikki and Richs? (Now I wish I would have left more stuff!) Nikki drove me to Stratford tube and then central line to Holburn, changed to Picadelli line out to Heathrow. Heathrow... I remember why I prefer Gatwick. Miles of tunnels with your backpack. Long waits and then got my Emirates plane to Dubai. Interesting, they had 3-4 business magazines about the Middle East. Things are booming there from what I can see. Emirates is great... 600 channels and something like 50 movies to choose from. Great service and much better than average food. Flight took us over western Europe, then Bulgaria, Turkey, Jordan, Syria, Saudi Arabia then over the persian gulf into Dubai. It was crystal clear (but dark) and I could see the cities lining the gulf. Thought: these countries didn't seem so evil from the air! Arrive in Dubai at about 3 a.m. their time
Days 1 and 2 -- London
Hello everyone! This is going to be my Africa trip travel blog. I'm getting it started a bit into the trip but will be trying to keep it updated when I get internet time.
Day 1 (Sat 2/9/09) Kansas City to London
I packed up for the trip and Prem gave me a ride to the airport. KC to Philly and then on to London overnight.
Day 2 (Sun 2/10/08) London
Yay! Wonderful jet-lag again. Arrived in good old London Gatwick. Had a funny conversation with a woman from Omaha that lived in London while getting my coffee before the train. Topic: Obama. She was impressed that I had met him the week before. Took train to London Bridge station. I always remember this journey because it is the exact trip I took 10 years ago when I first arrived in the UK to live there for a year. Funny how your thoughts are when are sizing up a place that you have just arrived in but are going to live in for a year! Took train to London Bridge station, then, as is now becoming my tradition, walked over the Tate Modern Musuem which was just across the street from where I lived in London. They have a huge room (I talking huge -- 2 football fields or so!) that always has rotating exhibits. It is always pretty interesting. This time.... a crack running the entire length of the room! It was pretty cool... very imaginative. Give someone the hugest space to exhibit art in the world and what do they do... don't fill the space but go into the floor. Brilliant! Here's what it looked like:
http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/dorissalcedo/default.shtm
Then wandered around a bit killing time until my friends got home. Headed to Stratford (east London) where the Olympics will be and met up with Nikki and Rich. Nikki is one of my classmates from the LSE (London School of Economics). Great to see them and their daughter Mia. Nikki is originally from Bhurma and gave me the update... things not good at all there. She can't even take the risk to go and visit her grandma and aunties. Nice dinner and then bed.
Day 1 (Sat 2/9/09) Kansas City to London
I packed up for the trip and Prem gave me a ride to the airport. KC to Philly and then on to London overnight.
Day 2 (Sun 2/10/08) London
Yay! Wonderful jet-lag again. Arrived in good old London Gatwick. Had a funny conversation with a woman from Omaha that lived in London while getting my coffee before the train. Topic: Obama. She was impressed that I had met him the week before. Took train to London Bridge station. I always remember this journey because it is the exact trip I took 10 years ago when I first arrived in the UK to live there for a year. Funny how your thoughts are when are sizing up a place that you have just arrived in but are going to live in for a year! Took train to London Bridge station, then, as is now becoming my tradition, walked over the Tate Modern Musuem which was just across the street from where I lived in London. They have a huge room (I talking huge -- 2 football fields or so!) that always has rotating exhibits. It is always pretty interesting. This time.... a crack running the entire length of the room! It was pretty cool... very imaginative. Give someone the hugest space to exhibit art in the world and what do they do... don't fill the space but go into the floor. Brilliant! Here's what it looked like:
http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/dorissalcedo/default.shtm
Then wandered around a bit killing time until my friends got home. Headed to Stratford (east London) where the Olympics will be and met up with Nikki and Rich. Nikki is one of my classmates from the LSE (London School of Economics). Great to see them and their daughter Mia. Nikki is originally from Bhurma and gave me the update... things not good at all there. She can't even take the risk to go and visit her grandma and aunties. Nice dinner and then bed.
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