South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia (2004) - shoshtrvls

Days 1 - 2
Cape Town, South Africa
We left Philadelphia on August 23 and arrived in Cape Town on the 24th.
We started our trip by walking in and around the shops in Capetown and then took a cable car up to the top of Table Mountain.
written by  shoshtrvls on August 24, 2004 from Cape Town, South Africa
from the travel blog: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia (2004)

Day 3
Cape Town, South Africa
Today was a total tour day.
We started by walking around the shopping area in the Harbor at Cape Town, and took the cablecars to the Top of Table Mountain for a nice view of the city and Lion's Head.
written by  shoshtrvls on August 25, 2004 from Cape Town, South Africa
from the travel blog: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia (2004)

Day 4
Cape Town, South Africa
We started this day with a visit to Kristenbosch Gardens before heading north of the city.
written by  shoshtrvls on August 26, 2004 from Cape Town, South Africa
from the travel blog: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia (2004)

Day 4 (continued)
Stellenbosch, South Africa
We then headed for Stellenbosch, where we rode horses at Spier and tasted wines at several vineyards.
written by  shoshtrvls on August 26, 2004 from Stellenbosch, South Africa

Day 5
Richards Bay, South Africa
We flew from Capetown to, I believe, Durban, and were picked up and taken on a very long drive to our game reserve, Zulu Nyala. Not fancy, but very comfortable and homey.
Our guide for the week was Penn, a true Zulu native, and the only such guide at the reserve. We couldn't have been luckier.
Coming into the reserve, and on our first game drives, we caught sight of Nyala, warthogs, Zebras, giraffes and various antelope.
written by  shoshtrvls on August 27, 2004 from Richards Bay, South Africa

Hluhluwe, South Africa
Our last day at Zulu Nyala.
A quick morning tour nabbed up some final shots and viewings of the hippos and rhinos, including the baby. Then it was time to say good-bye to Penn and begin the trip to Johannesburg.
written by  shoshtrvls on September 2, 2004 from Hluhluwe, South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa
This was pretty much a travel day, leaving Johannesburg and heading up to Victoria Falls.
written by  shoshtrvls on September 3, 2004 from Johannesburg, South Africa

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
This was our adventure stay. We started by visiting the falls, and then it was off to the Zambezi River, where we partook in various death-defying stunts, like the zip line and the gorge jump.
In the afternoon, we did an elephant safari -- not very interesting, but Ellery enjoyed being with the elephants.
written by  shoshtrvls on September 4, 2004 from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Livingstone, Zambia
I was up with the sun, and did what I had come to do ... I bungi jumped off the Zambezi Bridge. First jump of the day and it was a great way to end the trip.
Then it was time to start the long journey home, flying first back to Johannesburg.
written by  shoshtrvls on September 5, 2004 from Livingstone, Zambia

Day 14 (cont.)
Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg is not the greatest city in the world, but returning to our hotel, the Westcliff, made it a lot more bearable.
written by  shoshtrvls on September 5, 2004 from Johannesburg, South Africa

Soweto, South Africa
Our last day in South Africa, we took a tour of Soweto.
written by  shoshtrvls on September 6, 2004 from Soweto, South Africa

Day 11 (cont.)
Johannesburg, South Africa
We arrived in Johannesburg and checked into the only thing that made this city worthwhile, the Westcliff hotel. We had dinner at Moyo, an African "theme" restaurant that would have done Steven Starr proud.
written by  shoshtrvls on September 2, 2004 from Johannesburg, South Africa

Hluhluwe, South Africa
We settled into a regular pace, two game drives a day, lots of lazing around in between. A bit too relaxing for me.
Today's drives involved rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and monkeys.
written by  shoshtrvls on August 28, 2004 from Hluhluwe, South Africa

Hluhluwe, South Africa
Rhinos, hippos, monkeys and lots of birds and warthogs. A game walk in the afternoon.
Also, shopping -- I bought a huge beautiful basket and a few other things.
written by  shoshtrvls on August 29, 2004 from Hluhluwe, South Africa

Nyala, giraffe, zebras, warthogs and elephants far in the distance.
written by  shoshtrvls on August 30, 2004 from Hluhluwe, South Africa

Today we went to Hluhluwe game reserve ... and it was fantastic. Not only did we see the usual suspects, but also water buffalo, crocs, monkeys and ... finally ... lions. Lots of lions, lazing in trees and lounging near a water hole.
Man, we thought we'd go the whole trip without seeing a single cat. All hail to Penn, who has eagle eyes.

Best. Day. Ever.
First, Penn took us to his village. It was amazing. We learned more about Zululand, and South Africa, in one morning than the entire rest of the trip. We stopped at the local school, where the kids gathered to perform for us; we visited Penn's family and his home (a one room hut) and had a great experience.
Then, to top it off, on the way back we finally, finally got up close and personal with the elephants. Indeed, almost too personal, as they charged our jeep several times. We were even able to see a baby nursing. Amazing way to end our stay here.
written by  shoshtrvls on September 1, 2004 from Hluhluwe, South Africa

Day 3 (continued)
The Boulders, South Africa
Next it was on to The Boulders for penguin viewing and lunch.
written by  shoshtrvls on August 25, 2004 from The Boulders, South Africa

Day 3 (continued)
Cape Point, South Africa
Then it was on to Cape Point, where we climbed to the lighthouse and took our time at the tide pools. We also saw our first monkey of the trip.
written by  shoshtrvls on August 25, 2004 from Cape Point, South Africa