South Africa | FindPenguins

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Trip start
April 14, 2024
South Africa Traveler
Off we go!
Apr 14–15, 2024 in England ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
We left home for our evening flight from Heathrow to Cape Town, looking forward to an exciting adventure in South Africa
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South Africa Traveler
Cape Town and Table Mountain
Apr 15–16, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
We enjoyed wonderful views of Cape Town from the plane as we approached the airport! We had a Meet and Greet service at the airport and car transfer to our lovely guest house that had beautiful views of both Table Mountain and Cape Town bay. We had a light lunch at Oul Moel Cafe down the road from our guest house and dinner at Bo-Vine in Camps Bay with great views of the sunset over the beach.
16/4/24
The day started with breakfast on the terrace by the pool before taking an Uber to the Table Mountain aerial cableway and ascending the mountain. The 360 degree views from the summit were incredible; looking across the sea, over towards Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope. We ended up walking to Maclear’s Beacon which offered further wonderful views to False Bay. The walk was well marked even though at times we had to scramble over rocks and down precipitous rock steps with the aid of chains! A strange sight was seeing the sea fog rolling in towards the city and the ships disappearing as the fog enveloped them. Once back at the base of the mountain we caught the hop on hop off bus along the coast to the V&A Waterfront and then back to our guest house. In the evening we ate in the Waterside restaurant in the city centre with a fabulous 9 course meal along with a wine flight for Anne. The air was noticeably cooler in the evening, jumpers required.Read more
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South Africa Traveler
Cape Town and Footsteps to Freedom
April 17, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
We awoke to thick fog enveloping Cape Town but it cleared quickly enough for the sunshine to break through. Our tour guide Gareth Angus collected us at 9am and drove us to Mount Nelson Hotel, a colonial style building built by the Union Castle Shipping Line in 1899 for first class ship passengers arriving from the UK. Here Gareth started to tell us the story of how South Africa and Cape Town evolved. It was a very interesting talk linking the buildings and parks to the history. We were due to travel to Robben Island in the afternoon but it was cancelled due to poor sea conditions so we have rebooked for Friday morning. The sea fog lurked just off the coast all day so that from our hotel we could see layers of low clouds sweeping in.Read more
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South Africa Traveler
Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point
Apr 18–19, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C
Our final full day in Cape Town was spent driving to the Cape Peninsula through stunning landscapes to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. On our way along the False Bay coastline we noticed people had stopped off at the roadside and realised they were watching a pod of dolphins just off the shore! Further on we visited Boulders Beach where a rare colony of wild African penguins live. The viewing areas allowed a close view of the colony. Some penguins were nesting and others were swimming in the sea near the beach. Once in the Cape National Park we drove through the rocky landscape to Cape Point. The skies were really clear giving us a great view out to sea. Next landmass is Antarctica - just 2,500 miles away! Afterwards we drove to the nearby Cape of Good Hope. On the way we saw ostriches and later spotted a huge baboon. The Cape of Good Hope itself had a colony of cape fur seals and many wild sea birds. On our way back to our guest house a large troop of baboons ran through the woodland next to the road and later crossed the road in front of us.
19/4/24
We were due to cross to Robben Island today but our trip was again cancelled due to the weather. We used the time to have a harbour and canal cruise instead, before leaving Cape Town and driving inland to Franchshoek.Read more
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South Africa Traveler
Franschhoek
Apr 19–20, 2024 ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
We had a good trip from Cape Town, skirting the slopes of Table Mountain before entering the mountains . Our guest house was of the typical Cape Dutch style built in 1870 with ornate wrought iron fretwork. Apparently it used to be thatched. On arrival Anne went for a swim in the pool and we both chilled out on the loungers in the garden. In the evening we went to the Bon Vivante restaurant and had a delicious ‘chefs surprise’ four course dinner and Anne had the matching wines.
20/4/24
After a tasty breakfast on the hotel courtyard we had a quick look around the local craft market before heading off to Babylonstoren for a delicious lunch and an interesting cellar tour with wine tasting.Read more
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South Africa Traveler
Hermanus and Sharks
Apr 21–22, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C
We left Avonrood Guest House and travelled over Elephant Pass to La Fontaine Guest House in Hermanus. The guest house was perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea and although our room was tiny it did have a sunny balcony looking towards the mountains. After a walk along the cliff path we had dinner in a local restaurant.
22/4/24
Today we were up bright and early to get ready for our cage diving experience. The weather was beautiful so we had a lovely breakfast on the guest house veranda overlooking the sea then set off for the hour long trip around the coast to Gansbaii. Following a briefing we were issued with float aids and waterproof coats and then walked down the road to the harbour. The trip out towards Dyer Island by boat took about 20 minutes before we anchored. We changed into wetsuits on deck and then waited for about an hour before there was any sign of sharks. We had multiple sightings of four different species of shark and finally we had a chance to dive in the cage ourselves. The sea was teeming with fish and the sharks came near enough to be able to see them in the cloudy water. Dinner tonight was at the Rock Restaurant by the working harbour in Hermanus. Anne had some delicious oysters!Read more
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South Africa Traveler
Southern Tip of Africa to Swellendam
Apr 23–24, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C
Today we left Hermanus and drove to the most southerly point in Africa at L’Agulhas, where the Atlantic joins the Indian Ocean. On our way we spotted Ostriches and Springbok as we left the DeHoot National Park. It was lovely to see the mountains in the distance as we approached Swellendam. Our overnight stop was at Rothman Manor which was a pretty grand affair in the Dutch style. We had a room upgrade to a very spacious suite near the pool. Anne had a swim before we went out to dinner at an Italian restaurant nearby- La Sosta. Delicious food this evening.Read more
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South Africa Traveler
The Garden Route to Ostriches
Apr 24–26, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C
The journey from Swellendam started cloudy and cool. As we climbed the gorge towards Route 62 and the Garden Route we were in deep fog until we arrived at Barrydale when the skies cleared revealing magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. We stopped for a short time for hot drinks and chocolate before heading on towards Oudtshoorn passing the eponymous Ronnie’s Sex Shop! We arrived at La Plume Guesthouse in time for Anne to have a swim in the pool and have drinks on our veranda before dinner. We enjoyed our first taste of ostrich meat which was delicious. Our accommodation was extremely spacious and comfortable with lovely views across the valley to mountains in the distance and fields of ostriches in the foreground.
25/4/24
Today we set off after a good breakfast to visit Cango Caves and the Swartberg mountains. Cango means ‘place of water’ in the local language. We had a guided tour led by Eric a local, who shared the history of the cave’s discovery and the limestone features which were majestic! Eric even sang some African songs underground including the ‘click’ song! We bought a biltong snack in the shop for lunch later . Once we left the cave complex we drove on to the Swartberg pass passing remote farms some of which were growing tobacco. The scent of tobacco was quite noticeable in the air. Sheds drying the tobacco were scattered around and the harvest was taking place. Continuing, the road soon changed from tarmac to gravel, winding through the valley and up towards the pass. The higher up the hillside we went, the closer we came to the clouds and very soon we were driving through thick fog. As we reached the summit of the pass the weather improved dramatically and the clouds were replaced by sunshine although we could still see clouds sliding down the mountain. Halfway down the pass the dirt road led us through the most incredible narrow gorge with a small river crossing the road as a ford. Much of the remaining journey followed a wider gorge as the river criss-crossed the road.
26/4/24
The day started with an early breakfast so that we could fit in a tour of the Ostrich farm with Bartel the farmer and owner of La Plume. We were told all about the history of the family settling in Franschhoek and then Oudtshoorn. Bartel explained the process of rearing, feeding and breeding ostriches as well as the markets for the meat and feathers.
We then continued our journey, driving from La Plume to Plettenberg Bay and Lily Pond Country Hotel. The journey over the Little Karoo was wet for the first time in the holiday.Read more
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South Africa Traveler
Lilly Pond and Titsikamma National Park
April 26, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
We arrived at Lily Pond Country Lodge in dull weather but to a warm welcome. Our room overlooked the pond and garden beyond. We had pre dinner drinks in the lounge in front of a roaring fire while we chatted to an Italian/Austrian couple. Dinner tonight was delicious, freshly cooked by the resident chef.
27/4/24
Today the sun was shining when we woke so over breakfast we made plans to go to the nearby Titsikamma National Park for a walk over the Storms River Suspension bridge.Read more
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South Africa Traveler
Plettenberg
April 28, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
We awoke this morning to a loud thunder storm, but it quickly passed overhead and turned into another sunny day so we drove to nearby Knysna for a boat trip around the lagoon. Roman, our captain, showed us the sights of the estuary and took us out to the narrow entrance called the Two Heads. Once finished we drove to the waterfront for an ice cream and then strolled on the beach in Plettenberg for a while. That evening another dramatic storm came over as we ate dinner.Read more
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South Africa Traveler
Storms River Kayaking
April 29, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Today we headed back to the Titsikamma National Park and the mouth of the Storms River for our kayaking and lilo trip. The weather changed from sunny to cloudy as we arrived at the meeting point for the kayaking. We changed into wet suits before embarking on our trip. Initially we paddled across the sea to the mouth of the river then we turned towards the suspension bridge before paddling underneath it towards the steep sided gorge. On our way up the gorge we passed a couple of caves, one with cormorants singing and one with bats whistling. Before long we were met by a rock barrier which was the dam between the sea and the fresh river water. Even hammerhead sharks swim up to this point which is teeming with 82 species of fish. We parked our kayaks and clambered over the rocks where inflatable lilos were waiting for us. These enabled us to access the very narrow upper reachers of the river by paddling with our arms.
Afterwards a few brave souls jumped into the river from high in the gorge as we returned to the parked kayaks and paddled back to the start point.Read more
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South Africa Traveler
Fly to Rissington Inn
April 30, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
We left Lily Pond Country Guest House bright and early to drive to Port Elizabeth airport and then fly on to Nelspruit. We were met at the airport by our driver who transported us to Rissington Inn. Shortly after we arrived our new hire car was delivered. We had a spacious thatched lodge with an outdoor shower. Food was served on the Inn’s verandah overlooking the pool, garden and hills beyond.Read more
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South Africa Traveler
Panorama Route
May 1, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
Today we spent a wonderful day taking in the sights of the High Veldt. We visited the Graskop lift, Gods Window, Berlin Falls, Bourkes Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavelles. On the way back to our lodge we passed through Pilgrims Rest, an early gold miners' settlement. Unfortunately we then became stuck behind a very slow logging lorry, which took ages to overtake, as it crept over the pass. Shortly after overtaking the lorry we came across a bad accident almost blocking the road. Both of these events delayed us returning to our lodge so it was getting quite dark and we had to navigate the potholes on the descent to Hazyview in poor light!Read more
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South Africa Traveler
Kruger National Park
May 2, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C
Today we drove into Kruger National Park via the Phabeni Gate, where we bought the Kruger guide and set off down the dirt tracks towards Lower Sabie. Initially we saw Impala and Kudu grazing near the roads and not long afterwards we saw several wallowing hippos in a waterhole and our first elephant on the opposite bank. Before long just off a dirt road a one tusked bull elephant appeared crashing through the bush towards us which was an incredible experience. Later a whole family of elephants including their young appeared in front of us blocking the road ahead for some time as they grazed on a tree. Along another track we saw an open area and passed a dazzle of grazing zebra. We spotted a water buffalo in the river and tried to get closer for a better look. It was here that we came across a tower of giraffes, including a calf, grazing the tree tops. The more we looked around the more giraffes we spotted. On our return to Hazyview we saw more giraffes on the roadside and were slowed down by a parade of elephants blocking the road. As we crossed the river there were crocodiles and hippos in the water. Later we stopped briefly at a water hole with more hippos.Read more
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South Africa Traveler
Notten’s Bush Camp Day One
May 3–4, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C
Our taxi transfer arrived to take us to Nottem’s Bush Camp about 1.5 hours drive away but as the van had a slow puncture we had to get a new tyre in Hazyview before we could start the journey. After about 30 minutes driving on tarmac roads, we switched to a bumpy dirt road through the savannah for the next hour of the trip. On arrival at Notten’s we were greeted by staff offering us a chilled glass of lemon water, briefly shown around the lodge and taken to our room. Our room was the size of a small house with two double beds, and a single all with mosquito nets, two bathrooms and a full length terrace with comfy sofas overlooking the bush. Lunch of curry with rice, a plate of cold meats and a salad bowl was served at 2pm.
3.45- 7pm Our first evening game drive. We embarked on an open topped jeep with 3 other passengers and our guides Joseph and Thulani. The time was spent driving along winding dirt tracks looking for interesting wildlife, even driving completely off road at times. The drive finished with a sundowner barbecue and drinks and a chance to mingle with staff and guests. Returning to Notten’s our bedroom had been prepared for us including running a bath! We had drinks in the bar then dinner was served outside with steak cooked on the braai. There was a chance to sit around the camp fire for a short time and chat to other hotel guests before bed, as the next drive was going to be early the following morning.Read more
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Notten’s Bush Camp Day Two
May 4, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
5.15am This morning we were awoken by a gentle knock on the door alerting us to get ready for our first morning game drive. It was still dark and just a chink of light in the sky. A quick warm drink was offered in the bar before we climbed back onto the jeep to start the trip. The sun rose rapidly but it remained chilly for at least an hour before the sun warmed up enough for us to remove coats. Very quickly we came across a single female hyena that was heavily pregnant. Shortly after she led us to the whole pack of hyena playing together. We watched them for a while before continuing our journey through the bush. We didn’t see much more for a while so stopped to stretch our legs and have hot drinks and biscuits next to a private runway with a tiny terminal building! Once we were back on the road we came across a white Rhino, trotting along the dirt road. The rhino was tracking other rhinos and following their scented trail so soon left the track and moved into the bush so we followed off road in the jeep. Rhino horns are removed in Kruger to prevent them being poached. After a short while shadowing the rhino we spotted an elephant grazing on a tree. We observed the elephant for quite a long time as he slowly demolished the tree and learned about the reason bull elephants do this. On our way back to the bush camp we came across a herd of water buffalo. They were covered with ticks and flies but the Oxpeckers were hopping all over their hide feasting on them. Finally we returned to Notten’s for a delicious two course breakfast in the summer house.
Not long after breakfast we joined a bush walk with a local guide carrying a rifle. We were briefed about walking in single file behind the guide in the bush and told how he would use his rifle to protect us if necessary. We had a lovely 1.5 hour walk, looking at the local plants and trees and learning about how the indigenous people used them in their medicine and practical lives. We saw a monitor lizard, an Aardvark burrow and a collection of bones from dead animals including elephants and water buffalo.
After the walk there was just time for Anne to have a swim in the pool before lunch.
The game drive this evening was a quiet one with not much around to watch, however it was great to be driven around the bush as the light faded and the sun set. The sundowner drinks were a great opportunity to watch the sunset over the African countryside admire the southern night sky and to chat to our guides and other camp guests. We returned to the camp to freshen up and dinner followed in due course.Read more
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Notten’s Bush Camp Day Three
May 5, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ 🌙 13 °C
We were again woken up by a gentle knock on the door telling us that it was time to get up for the morning game drive. This morning the sky was clear with a chink of dawn appearing on the horizon as we drank our hot drinks in the summerhouse before departing in the jeeps. It wasn’t long before we circled back towards Notten’s as one of the jeeps had spotted a pack of wild dogs. They had just feasted on a kill so were very happy and playful. They were a wonderful surprise as African Wild Dogs are endangered because of rabies killing about half of their population. Before long we spotted an adult leopard creeping through the tall grass and crossing in front of our jeep. We were about to follow her when a message came through that something exciting had been seen not too far away. Before long we spotted two lionesses each with two cubs strolling down the track. In the jeep we were able to follow then overtake them so that we could get a fantastic view as the pride headed towards the dry river bed. At one point the lions stopped as they sensed that there were water buffalo around the corner, hesitated, and then decided to take an alternative route so the water buffalo couldn’t threaten them and endanger their cubs. It was wonderful to be so close to such magnificent animals.
Back at Notten’s we had breakfast and rested until lunch. After lunch we sat on our balcony as a few of the bush animals appeared in front of us; Kudu, waterbuck, impala and even an elephant visited!
Our final evening game drive began with revisiting the same lions we saw earlier in the morning who had spent the whole day on the sandy dry riverbed. One of the lionesses was a bit restless and prowled past us as if heading out to keep guard. Leaving the lions we headed off agin, this time finding both a rhino and two elephants in the same spot. After that we turned back towards the backdrop of Notten’s to see if there were any birds in the pond. There were different storks from the morning - this time saddle-billed storks moving sideways through the water to catch fish. We also noticed an elephant right in front of the summer house. Tonight’s sundowner was close to Notten’s with another chance to listen to Joseph’s animal impressions in front of the camp fire. The stars were amazing tonight. We could clearly see the Southern Cross and its pointers as well as Orion. Dinner tonight was served in the summer house.Read more
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Notten’s Bush Camp Day Four, then Home
May 6, 2024 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C
This morning we were woken up by a loud calling of “good morning” as we’d overslept and missed the first call for the morning game drive! Fortunately we had prepared the night before so could get ready quickly. On this our final game drive we followed the leopard we had seen the day before, this time with her two cubs, as they returned to where a kill had been made earlier in the morning. Sadly for the leopards, the hyenas had stolen the carcass so there was very little left for the leopards. It was wonderful to be so close to them as they scoured the area for left over kill. We stopped in a lovely scenic spot for warm drinks as the sun warmed up the day and then returned to Notten’s for breakfast. After breakfast there was time for a relaxing swim in the pool before packing our bags ready for our trip back to the airport. The journey to the airport was like a mini game drive as we traversed the savannah toward Skukuza airport. The airport itself was small but luxurious with a thatched roof and open sides. We again had great views of the African landscape from the plane as we headed for Johannesburg and then our flight back to the UK.Read more
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Trip end
May 7, 2024