Days 19-20:  What an AMAZING weekend!

We headed out toward Addo National park early afternoon on Friday.  The drive was spectacular.  We drove through rolling hillsides and small towns, then into the mountains.  We finally arrived at our B&B Casa Mia Health Spa, just before dusk and got settled in.  Then it was off to dinner at Lenmore.

The next morning we got up early and headed to Addo Elephant Park for a 2 hour safari.  It was amazing and a little heart pounding when one of the big bulls in heat came to check us out.  We had to be really quiet and still to ensure we didn't set him off and you can see why below!

After the tour we picked up some souvenirs at the gift shop and had some lunch before heading out to Daniell's Cheetah Breeding Project.  It was AWESOME.  I got to pet a 5 year old Cheetah, hear her pur, and lick my hand.  It was a once in a lifetime experience for me.  We also got to play with two 10 week old lion cubs.  They were SUPER cute!

From here we headed onward to Graaff-Reint and our B&B Villa Reinet Guest House.  It was so beautiful. 

 We got settled and then walked through town to a recommended restaurant where we all ordered the Trio consisting of beef, ostrich and  spring bok.  With full bellies we headed back for an early night as we were headed out to Camdeboo National Park at dawn.

Camdeboo National Park was breathtaking.  We headed up the mountain to the outlook point before making our way to the Valley of Desolation.  The views were unreal and the wildlife was really active at 7am.  This includes a BIG baboon that we saw chase some spring bok.   On our hike up to the Valley, we could hear the baboon calling out and it was getting closer each time.  It was a bit unnerving to say the least.  Fortunately we did not cross paths.....

We headed back to the B&B for breakfast and then to one of the museums in town Reinet House.  Did you know that Graaff-Reinet is the 4th oldest settlement in South Africa?  I do now!


From there it was off to home base.  The scenery change was amazing, from dry dessert to lush rolling hills of green.  We drove a different route taking us down through the mountains and into Queenstown.  That was an experience!  We came across what we think was a wedding party driving around.  The chaos that in-sued was like nothing I've experienced before.  The one lane of traffic became 5 lanes and those cars coming the other way were forced way off onto the shoulder!  None of us could believe it.  We pulled off for gas and left the group to continue on.

All said we had an amazing time.  This is a beautiful country with so much potential and hidden gems.  I can't wait to see what else it has in store for us.