Saying goodbye to Africa

 Our last day in Cape Town was spent on a wine tour.  South Africa has become a well-respected wine-producer in the past few years.

Every morning and afternoon , the Duck Parade takes place when the ducks are "herded" to and from the vineyards where they consume huge numbers of snails and other pests.

The main house

The slave bell: remnants of the past

A fun wine tasting

The Farewell dinner with Sku

A Chocolate lover's refuge even in the busy Johannesburg Airport  

Cape Town part 4

One of our days in Cape Town was a brief education about the role of the city in the struggle to end apartheid.  During a Township tour, we toured Langa, Guguletu and Bonteheuwel, three areas that saw much violence in the 1980's and '90's .  Although some progress has been made to improve living conditions in those areas, there is much work to be done.

And then there was District 6.

 statute of Nelson Mandela outside the prison he left as a free man, Drakenstein Correctional Centre, in 1990

Cape Town part 3

We visited Boulder's Beach, home to over two thousand endangered African penguins.

They are called the jackass penguin because of the annoying braying sound they make .

 One evening we had a Home-hosted meal at a young couple's home.  They are part of the upwardly mobile "colored" population who, since the end of apartheid, have become shapers of South Africa's present and future.  It was fun to hear their stories and feel their optimism.

 Traveling along the spectacular coast road, we came to the Cape of Good Hope, the area near where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

Cape Town part 2

The harbor area

Busy city streets

 

The City Hall balcony where Nelson Mandela gave his first speech after 27 years in prison

This colorful neighborhood in Cape Town is Bo-Kaap.  Descendants of former African and Asian slaves the Dutch brought during colonial time have been replaced by a thriving Muslim community today.

Nov. 19-22 Last stop: Cape Town, South Africa

One of the most multi-cultural cities in the world, Capetown's metropolitan area has about 4 million people. Sitting on the southwest coast of the country below the impressive Table Mountain landmark, it is  the legislative capital of South Africa .

Here are photos of Capetown and its surrounding area that we explored.

 We took the tram to the top of Table Mountain, 3,350 ft. The views of Capetown were impressive .

Next up was the Botanical Gardens

Victoria Falls part 2

Some of our group had Happy Hour at the famous Victoria Falls Hotel. Built in 1904 to accommodate rail passengers on the proposed Cape to Cairo route, it has a spectacular view of the Victoria Falls Bridge which spans the Zambezi River, the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe .

Lyn and Terri relaxing 

 Later that evening we had a dinner cruise on the Zambezi River where Mel was treated to a surprise birthday party.  This was our group's farewell dinner as well.  The next day, some people went home, some went to Namibia for a post-trip, and some went to Capetown for a post-trip.  A herd of elephants attended the festivities too.

November 16-17. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

After leaving our last game preserve, we spent two nights in Victoria Falls.   

The falls are twice as high as Niagara Falls and 1 1/2 times as wide.  There are walking trails and dramatic lookout points.  The lush rain forest surrounding the falls was especially welcome after our time in the Bush.

We took a helicopter ride over the falls which was fun.  I got to be the "co-pilot".

Other memorable images from the Bush

Many lasting memories were made on our Bush excursions...from our intrepid group of 15 travelers to the awakening of all 5 senses in the new and exciting surroundings.

Cheerful, hardworking staff

Knowledgeable driver/guides 

Waiting for a Bush plane in Zambia 

Our group unloading groceries at the homestead

Wonderful meals

Accommodations 

Amazing wildlife 

After a torrential rainstorm 36 hours before, we witnessed the beginnings of rejuvenation in the parched vegetation .  Although our guides told us it would happen this quickly, I would have never believed it if I hadn't seen it myself.