Mini vs Maxi Day 3

Once again waking up to the sounds of the crashing sea at Stokkies & Skuilpies in Sunrise on Sea on the Jikaleza Route we got out of bed and enjoyed a cup of tea or coffee which ever was ones addiction in the morning. We checked out and travelled to Lavender Blue where we had the Farmhouse Breakfast. The place was busy and it was great to see the fun people were having there just enjoying a good meal and in the company of family and friends.

We departed along the N2 towards King Williams Town where we had a quick stop at the old soldier barracks and to see the fine handy work of the original British Royal Engineers guttering along the roads. Hard to believe that these were built over 100 years ago and have lasted and we can't even get roads to last over a year now a days. We then proceeded to visit Steve Biko's Garden of Remembrance where we paid a visit to his resting place. He was a great man who died before his time as many did in that era. 

A quick visit to Steve Biko Garden of Remembrance

We continued to Grahamstown where we turned off the N2 towards the Great Fish Nature Reserve and Bucklands Private Game Reserve and into the Frontier Country where numerous battles were fought over these lands. 

Frontier Country



We arrived at Bucklands Private Game Reserve where we were welcomed by Terry the owner and our ranger Werner. We enjoyed a light snack and then were taken for a rifle handling lesson at a shooting range. We had the opportunity to fire two rifles and a handgun which was an excellent experience for those who had never done this before.

Jonker learning how to handle a rifle

The next activity on the cards was a drive through the reserve and enjoyed a fantastic view and a sun downer drink before we set off again returning to the lodge for dinner. We got to see a number of wildlife species but for me the highlight by far was the Aard Wolf. 

Getting ready for our afternoon drive

On returning to the lodge an excellent dinner was waiting for us, A curried butternut soup for starters, Venison pie with veg for the main meal and crumbruele for desert. 

Maagies vol, oogies toe - as the saying goes and then it was bed time.

Until next time, explore and enjoy the journey 

Mini vs Maxi Day 2

Waking up to the crashing waves in Morgan Bay Hotel I got out of bed and wondered out onto the deck to have a look outside. The weather was not too bad and we enjoyed an excellent breakfast in the restaurant. We checked out and headed out of Morgan Bay in the "mini" VW Polo. We headed for Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve where we were scheduled to enjoy an experience one will only get in Africa, walk with African Elephants. We jumped into the Land Rover with our guide who took us on an awesome 4x4 drive to where the "jumbos"were waiting.

Jonker and Sisa ready for the activity



When we arrived where the elephants were waiting in the bush for us, feeding on the trees around them they all started towards us with their trainers who introduced themselves and the elephants and made us feel very comfortable with them. After a good explenation on what was going to happen we headed into the bush side by side with the mighty African Elephant.

Sisa with the trainers and the Inkwenkwezi elephant

We returned back to the main reception area where we were taken through to the camp where the cheetah were held. we entered and were told to wait until the ranger had found the cheetah and ensured all was safe for us to approach and enjoy an interaction with these incredible creature.

Cheetah at Inkwenkwezi

We enjoyed an excellent lunch, fortunately not as big as the Maxi Burger as yesterday, I enjoyed a lamb curry potjie which is a great dish. We departed and traveled to the nearby Areena Riverside Resort where we had a fantastic time doing some adventure activities. First we took a ride around the farm area on a big quad bike.

Sisa and Jonker getting ready for the ride

We rode up to a fantastic view point looking over the whole resort and then Ed the owner took us for a new experience offered by Areena, a zip line that they have just completed which will be launched on the 1st of September in time for the Eastern Cape Tourism Month. We took part in 4 of the slides which was an adrenalin pumping experience.

Ed from Areena showing us how its done

We left Areena on a high in our VW Polo and travelled further along the Jikaleza to our over night spot, Stokkies & Skulpies Self Catering. We stopped at the local Spar Supermarket and bought our dinner which was a braai and then continued to Stokkies & Skulpies and checked in. We ended the day enjoying a quiet braai with a glass of wine on the deck.

What a day!!

Untill then, explore and enjoy the journey.