Head South: a trip of a lifetime (guest post, tim and karen, part 1)

Hi,

Karen and Tim, Jennifer’s Mom and Dad, here. We recently returned to our home in Minnesota from a fabulous trip to South Africa to visit Jennifer and Jim. We’re taking a turn as guest bloggers to recap what was truly a trip of a lifetime. We’ll try to keep it short, and focus on our Top 10 Experiences in South Africa.

#11 – Groot Constantia Vineyards & Winery

OK, we cheated. There was no way that we could trim the list to only 10. We thought we did well to keep it to only 11. The vineyards and winery of Groot Constantia is a beautiful collection of vines, hills, and manicured grounds – all literally across the street from Jennifer and Jim’s house.

From Jennifer and Jim’s house, a five minute walk past a couple of large estates puts you into the vineyard. Here’s the first picture of the trip, on a walk the morning following our late night arrival in Cape Town.

The main house at Groot Constantia is a classic example of Cape Dutch architecture.

A grand view of the vines and Hottentot Mountains to the northeast beyond from the farm's homestead.

Groot Constantia features two restaurants. One morning we enjoyed breakfast at the Jonkershuis Restaurant’s outdoor, bistro-style seating.

#10 - African Penguins

Located just 30 minutes south of Constantia near Simon’s Town is Boulders Beach – home to a large colony of African penguins.

African penguins, at about two feet tall, are about half the size of their more famous cousin, the Antarctic-resident King penguin. However, their residence is considerably warmer, shown here enjoying the white sand of Boulders Beach.

Here are two fluffy young penguins, about 8 months old, with one of their parents.

There were several nesting penguins in close proximity to each other on the beach. Here is one taking care of two eggs.

#9 Blyde River Canyon Drive

The Blyde River Canyon extends north from the town of Sabie, about 4 hours northeast of Johannesburg. It claims to be the largest “green canyon” in the world, unusual in that it is home to lush subtropical foliage rather than the desert climate of most deep canyons.

Several waterfalls are visible on the drive. This is Mac Mac Falls.

Soon followed by Berlin Falls.

The drive features lots of viewpoints along the way. Most cost a dollar or two to enter, which gives you a chance to experience breathtaking views and about 10 to 20 vendors selling arts and crafts in the parking lot. Karen scored her safari hat (seen later in the trip) here for only $5.

This is one of the most famous sights on the drive – the Three Rondawels.

#8 - Table Mountain / Lion’s Head

Table Mountain, the most photographed natural feature in Cape Town, is a large, flat-topped mountain jutting up directly out of the sea to a height of 3,563 feet.

This view of Table Mountain (the mass of rock on the right) from a distance also shows its sister mountain, Lion’s Head (the pointier one).

We started out with the plan of climbing to the top of Table Mountain, then riding the cable car down. It was supposed to be a two to three hour climb up. However, after about 20 minutes we couldn’t even see the top of the connector trail, which led to the mile long ridge trail, which led to the actual climb itself. Wisely, we turned around and purchased round trip tickets on the cable car.

The views were amazing. Below is the beach at Camps Bay.

Looking south toward Llandudno Beach (more on that later).

A view of downtown Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain.

Following a death-defying, 2,195 foot climb here is a view of Table Mountain from the top of Lion’s Head. The trail was narrow, with several steep built-in ladders and chains to make

On the climb up Lion's Head.

#7 - Llandudno Beach

Follow the road south out of Camps Bay along spectacular cliffs and you will soon reach a small

residential community overlooking beautiful Llandudno Beach.

The sand is perfect, but too bad the water is so cold. It rarely gets above 55 degrees.

Huge boulders anchor both ends of the beach.

We can see why this is one of Jennifer and Jim’s favorite places.

In the distance you can see large homes on the hillside.

#6 - Naledi Bush Camp

Our home for the safari portion of the trip was Naledi Bush Camp. As you’ll see, this was definitely not roughing it. It’s truly amazing that they can build and operate a lodge like this in such a rugged and remote place.

Big beds with romantic mosquito netting

Always on the lookout for wild animals!

Our outdoor living room for the trip.

#5 - Wine Tasting & Dining

Wining and dining is a top South African pastime. We started with wine tasting on day 1 in Constantia, and spent two days at a quaint bed and breakfast in the wine region of Franschhoek, a picturesque village surrounded by mountains and vineyards. It’s hard to say whether the food or the wine was better; both were outstanding. The highlight was La Petite Ferme, where we did a tour of the winery, then were treated to a gourmet ‘birthday’ lunch by Jennifer and Jim.

Tasting at High Constantia winery, just a mile or so from Jennifer and Jim’s house. Small and casual, but it had some of the best wines of the trip.

Toasting at the “end of the school week” lunch.

The mountains and vineyards in Franschhoek, gaining a reputation as one of the world’s best wine and dining destinations. It’s certainly one of the most beautiful.

Part of the Le Petite Ferme winery tour, given by its founder John Dendy Young.

Lunch at La Petite Ferme. Jim and Jennifer made everyone order the lamb.

A bottle and glasses posing on the lawn at La Petite Ferme.

#4 - Cape of Good Hope

Cape Point, the “most south western point of the African continent” is just another 30 miles or so past the penguin beach. We hiked from the Cape of Good Hope up to the old lighthouse, high above Cape Point. It’s a hike of about 3 miles, climbing from the beach at sea level to an elevation of 800 feet, with breathtaking views all along the way that made you feel like you’re on top of the world.