The Netherlands : Island of Texel

I had to drive all the way up North of the Netherlands. I decide to kill two birds with one stone and visited the beautiful little island of Texel. (pronounce "Tessel") This island is known for it's bird life and sheep breeding.

We first had to take the boat from Den Helder. It costs 25€ for the round-trip (http://www.teso.nl/en/). As the sun was going down we drove all the way up to the lighthouse  north of the island where we discovered a splendid sunset.

We had booked at the Fletcher Hotel de Cooghen in De Koog (which was ok because of last minute booking but that we would not really recommend otherwise, go for a B&B instead!). What we didn't know is that Texel has a tradition of celebrating "Ouwe sunderklaas" one week after Sinterklaas. Every inhabitant disguise himself and knock on doors taking weird voices and makes fun of known Dutch figures. So the hotel was kind of noisy however the breakfast was really nice. We had supper at the Bodega 59 (http://www.bodega59.nl/) which wasn't too expansive and quite good. If we had to do it again we would choose a more authentic place in the countryside like a bed & breakfast.

We woke up early to see the sunrise. Unfortunately, it was overcast but we enjoyed walking at the Oudeschild's seaport where fishers had just come back from the sea and were unloading fish and repairing nets. Afterwards we went hiking in the National Park Dunes of Texel (http://www.npduinenvantexel.nl/page/English). You can see a lot of bird species in these dunes. It's said that you can spot some seals and if you want to learn more about them you can stop by at the Ecomare (http://www.ecomare.nl/).

For lunch we stopped at the "Inn de knip" (http://www.inndeknip.nl/). This is a beautiful little café lost in the town of Den Hoorn has lots to offer. You can eat all kind of homemade dished : soups, sandwich, fishes, etc. It's definitely worth a stop.

Belgium : One day in Antwerp

What should we do this weekend? "Well let's go and visit Antwerp!" "But where should we start a Saturday morning knowing it's "Sinterklaas". (= Biiiig Belgian tradition for Children!)

Well we decided to start where most travellers start: at the train station. We had been there in the past but it's always a pleasure to see this wonderful train station. We parked the car in the underground parking under the station (about 18€ a day).

We had a Starbucks before leaving the station (old habbit we picked up in the US) and just wandered in the streets. The buildings are really nice and the main square is really nice with the view of the Cathedral of our Lady in the background.

We had read about a small museum in the backstreets that was really worth a visit. "The Poorterswooning" Museum (http://www.poorterswoning.be/) is a really nice little house of a 16th century house where you can see how a trader lived at that time. The guide put you really in the picture and it's just like you travelled back in time. (3€ per person where 1€ can be used in the café downstairs)

A second thing worth seeing is crossing to the other side of the river through the "Sint-Anna tunnel'. This 572 m long tunnel is reserved to pedestrians and bikers. The escalators are still the originals which are made of wood. When getting out of the tunnel you can enjoy the view of Antwerp's skyline.

This was the last step of our trip. We walked back to the train station using all small streets. We definitely have to come back another day to explore more of these old streets and houses. 

Belgium : Around the corner

As the weather wasn't too bad today we decided to have a walk near our place. We walked the reebok trail (11km) that starts in the town of Fumal (Braives). This wonderful trail took us in the beautiful countryside of the rivers Mehaigne and Burdinale. (http://www.tourismebm.be/index.php?lang=fr)

South Africa : Last day

Unfortunatly our trip is coming to an end. However, our flight is only leaving at 10.00PM which gives us plenty of time to visit the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. We didn't have to pay any charge as we only went through the park. Even though we didn't really stop the park is worth the detour.

After the long drive back to Jo'burg we had to say goodbye to this wonderful country but we already have plans to visit the west coast :-).

Golden Gate Highlands National Park

South Africa : Drakensberg

Our next step was Drakensberg. I was really waiting for that moment as I love being in the mountains and the pictures I had seen were breathtaking. Unfortunatly, I didn't get to see to much the first day as the rain was pouring when we arrived at the backpackers we were staying, Inkosana Lodge.

This lovely place made us quickly forget about the weather outside as we read all the afternoon by the fireplace with a nice tea in our hands. As they say, "it's always tea time" in South Africa.

The next day we had more luck and we decided to hike "Blind man's corner" near the Monk's Cowl (70 ZAR). As expected the view got better with every step we took. The hike took us about 3 hours so we decide to drive quickly to Cathedral Peak. The drive to get there was really beautiful we went through all small villages with the Berg in background.

We've spend the second day in the mountains hiking near the Amphitheater. The "Thukela Gorge" hike is about 5 and half hours and is really worth it even though we couldn't see all of the Amphitheater as it was foggy.

South Africa : iSimangaliso National Park - St-Lucia

We decided to head to St-Lucia about four hours from Kosi Bay. We went through the only commercial street to find a place to sleep that night. We found the Budget Backpacker which was alright for one night. Afterwards we left to explore the Eastern Shore of the park (120 ZAR/pers). It is a 40km drive between the sea and the inner lake. We have seen a lot of animals and especially birds and hippos. The viewpoints seemed new and well arranged. We arrived at Cape Vinal after a good hour drive. The view is splendid and it's worth walking on the beach for the view and the small crabs that live on the shore.

The day after we decided to visit the close by Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve (120 ZAR/pers) which is said to be the little Kruger. We weren't disappointed by the magnificent landscapes and the variety of wild animals. The roads are better in the eastern part of the park. The western part is better suited for a 4WD. However, it is in the western part that we've seen our first lions which clearly made our day.

However, the best part of the day came when we arrived at Umlilo Lodge. This is our best stay for sure. Next to the fact that our room was perfect (with our first not shared bathroom with a bath) the decoration of the garden was splendid and the breakfast buffet was well furnished.

Cape Vidal - iSimangaliso

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve

South Africa : iSimangaliso National Park - Kosi Bay

This was our first day of rain. We left Crocodile Bridge Camp at 5.30 in the morning to be sure to arrive at Kosi Bay before night fall (it feels weird for us as sunset is around 6.30 PM this time of year).

The shortest way was to cross Swaziland which seemed interesting as they have some National Parks and have still a lot of traditional ceremonies. Unfortunately we didn't have to much to stop for all these attractions. First we arrived in front of a closed gate. Indeed, the border opens only between 7.00 AM and 6.00PM so we had to wait for a few minutes. As European we aren't used to go through customs anymore and after filling and receiving about ten papers, getting five stamps and paying 50 ZAR for the car we finally were in Swaziland. The drive through was pleasant but we didn't see too many things (looots of sugar canes!). About four hours later we arrived at the other side of the country and went through the Lavumisa Border control (which went faster and free :-)).

We arrived finally at Amangwane Camp in Kosi Bay around 3.00PM. We just took the time to go through our stuff in our hut and went to see the bay and estuary. The landscape is wonderful and seeing all these fishing traps in the lake was impressive and interesting. It is worth stopping at this place.

We had booked dinner and breakfast. These two meals were really good and we were treated as kings by our hosts. It's really a place I would recommend.

We were supposed to do some snorkeling and kayaking as the place is known for but the heavy rain changed our plans and we headed off to St-Lucia.

Amangwane Camp

Kosi Bay

Fishing nets in Kosi Bay

South Africa : Kruger National Park

We were really waiting for this big day of meeting the wildlife and there it was. We choose to weak up at 5.00 AM to arrive at Kruger NP around 7.00AM. We've heard that most animals are active until 10.00AM as it gets too hot later.

We were rewarded as soon as we've entered the park. We were looking all over the place, on the left were impalas, on the right zebras and in front giraffes. We were just like little kids in a toy store. I couldn't even list all the animals we saw that day but we have seen leopard, elephants and hyaena for the most impressive ones.

We had booked the Olifant wilderness trail for the three next days. This is a unique opportunity to walk in the bush with two rangers and to immerse yourself in the animal kingdom. We did see a quiet a few animals (close up with elephants, a white rhino, impalas, giraffes,... and a lioness who fled when we approached) but it's more about what we've learn about them, their habits, their food, their predators, etc. Moreover we were staying in a remote camp where we had a small hut for two persons and we were served breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everything was good organized and we ate really well. At the end of the day we would gather all eight of us (max participants) around the camp fire.
The rangers were accessible and keen to share their knowledge. We were impressed by their knowledge and the way they read the Bush (thanks again Harold & Shawn!).

The trail finished the saturday morning around 10.00AM and left us with stars in our eyes. We choose to drive all the way south of the park, Crocodile Bridge Camp. The camp was nice and clean. This was our last night in an amazing parc where nature and animals are up in lights.

Olifant trail

South Africa : Leopard Trail

As most backpackers recommended us to do the Leopard Trail near the Three Rondawels we took their advice and went for the walk. In fact, we ended up walking three trails put together: Leopard, Guinea Fowl and Tula trails. We had to pay the entrance fee at the Blyde Forever Resort (R50 each) and went to park the car in the resort. It was only 9AM and it was already so hot but we decided to do it anyway.

The views during the whole hike are wonderful and we were even able to swim in natural pools with waterfalls (it was like being in a shower gel commercial :-)). It took us about 5 hours to walk the whole path but with a couple of stops. Don't forget to bring a LOT of water because it can be really hot out there. We learned later that the temperature was between 35°C and 40°C today. This probably explains why I was sweating like a pig...

We visited the Lisbon falls (R10 for entrance) on the way back to the Valley View Backpacker. These are the highest falls of the region and are worth a little stop.

Apparently, you can also go swimming a little down the river, but we didn't do it ourselves.

Leopard trail (Tufa Falls)

Lisbon falls