Garden Route

Days #78-82 (Mon-Fri)

Monday

Early pick up from Hotspots2C and then we were off! A total of 9 of us in the group; couple from Washington, one from Italy, Switzerland, Canada, Netherlands, Morroco, Tunisia and me the Scouser. Our tour guide was Paul who is born and raised in Cape Town! He had some amazing stories especially as he was once apart of Nelson Mandela's private security team in Cape Town but you'll have to ask me to find out more. 

We set off for Oudtshoorn and first stop was the Cango Wildlife Centre. The centre is a part of a breeding programme and gene pool strengthen for certain threatened species! 

We had a tour around the complex seeing lots of amazing animals such as Crocodiles, Hippo, Cheetah, Leopard, White Tigers and my new Favourite the White Lion. First animal to make me just say 'wow'. 

To support the breeding program they offer close encounters. Money raised from these goes directly to supporting the various programms. I got the chance to say hello to this Cheetah. Just like cinder he loved behind the ears. 

Tuesday

Early wake up and once again we were on the road. First stop was a private game reserve to experience one of natures biggest and cleverest animals; the elephant. We got the chance to ride them around the reserve and feed them and one big hug to say goodbye. 

Then we headed to the Cango Caves. No photos in hear as we were on the adventure tour which I loved as it would never be allowed in England in a million years. We had one guide, she had been on the job 3 months, there was over 20 of us. We had no helmets and the tunnels and holes we crawled through were very extreme. Is you weren't a fan of small place this wasn't for you. 

Next for lunch we went to the ostrich ranch. We enjoyed a tour around the ranch then the opportunity to ride these crazy animals. Only two of us were brave enough. It's like a rodeo. The first guy fell off but I am the ostrich whisperer and I could of stayed on all day but had to hop off. 

The podium. 

 

Wednesday

This was a very early start leaving at 6am to head for the Addo Elephant park. This is home to the densest population of elephants in the world. Had a 2 hour 4x4 safari then we drive round in the minibus. We saw A LOT of elephants! A buffalo, Zebra, Warthogs... 

In the afternoon we shopped in the huge surfing factory shops! There was billabong, rip curl, quicksilver... All the big brands and super cheap prices! Got myself a T Shirt and a Hoody! 

Thursday 

First stop was Zip-Lining in Tsitsikamma just to get us warmed up! Great fun, really enjoyed it!

 

Then we went for a walk just to calm down the adrenaline levels in Tsitsikamma national reserve. It was a costal walk to the famous hanging bridge. 

Now was the moment of the week. 

 

The worlds highest bridge Bungy jump! Yes this happened! We made our way to the bridge and got pumped up by the loud dance music! Then we waited until our names were called; like lambs waiting for the slaughter! I was surprisingly very confident. Even on the edge I was looking down and proper excited. 

It was only untill that split moment when you first jump off, that first second, when all you can think is "Oh Crap!" Such a bizarrely amazing feeling that I know no words to describe it except indescribable (like what I did there). 

Also got the chance to go the toilet in the most extreme and dangerous place I'll ever go. You walk down on a wire untill the point where the bridges curve is at it's streepest then you do your business. Unsurprisingly I was the only one to go! 

Friday

Chilled morning. Nice canoe through the wilderness. 

Then we had another crazy experience; a lion walk! 

After a long drive finally got home. But headed straight out back into the city to experience Madela's memorial in Cape Town. 

This picture sums it up. Memorial outside the place were Madela did his famous speech once he was released. Flags throughout South Africa were all half flying. Throughout the city were flags and banners saying "Madiba" "Father". Then kneeling at the memorial lighting there candles are a couple; one White one black. If it weren't for Madela these two individuals would never be together. 

Long week very tired. 

God Bless.