South Africa : first days

After getting acclimated to the driving on the left side of the road we now have to adapt to the South African way of life. I must admit the first hours aren't always easy. First, after taking gas it seems that the persons who tanks waits for a tip, but what I gave him didn't seem to be enough. First lesson learned. (After discussing the topics with locals, it appears that tipping is never compulsory, but that 2/3rands are a nice sign if the guy washes the window - a 5rand tip is okay is they check the tyres/water... So we were actually right ;-))

We decided to go visit Pilgrim's rest and we learned our second lesson : don't leave your dirty car (see previous post drive to Horseshoe falls for explanations) alone because when you come back it's all clean but they are waiting for their tip. Nice place but more touristic than authentic.

We started the "Panoramic view road" along Blyde River Canyon. Our next stop, the "three Rondavels". This place is really breathtaking. Three gigantic detached mountains with two rivers at their bottom. Even though this is only our second day I would say it's a "must see". The next stop is also really nice, the "Bourke's Luck Potholes". You can see potholes carved in stone by a river. It's really impressive.
The two sites have low entry fees (R10 & R80 for us two), so don't hesitate: the sites are clean and well maintained, and you really don't want to miss these views :-)

Later we went to God's window which is interesting but not as much as the two first sites. As everything closes at 05PM we couldn't visit "The Pinnacle" which seems to be nice but again after seeing the two first one it is a little bit less impressive. We went back to the Valley View backpackers for a good night rest.

Pilgrim's Rest

Three Rondawels

Blyde River Canyon

Bourke's Luck Potholes