The tabletop peaks of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg (the lower case "u" is not a mistake) range, which form the boundary between South Africa and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho, offer some of the country's most awe-inspiring landscapes. This vast 243,00 hectare sweep of basalt summits and buttresses are so recognizably South African that they've become tourist-brochure cliches. If any landscape lives up to its airbrushed publicity-shot alter ego, it is the jagged, green sweep of the Drakensberg. (LP)
We followed the Indian Ocean coastline through KwaZulu-Natal before heading inland to the mountains. Our lodge, The Cavern was situated in the Northern Berg at the foot of the Amphitheatre where we walked and relaxed in spectacular surroundings.
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Throughout Africa, we noticed that construction
workers don't use orange cones to block
traffic, they use blocks of wood and large stones. |
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| Yeah, it's here too! |
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The mountains come into view
and they were beautiful! |
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| The Cavern - our incredible accommodation |
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Our hiking destination behind the
lodge. Something we were all looking forward
to the next morning. |
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| The Cave - Lodge bar |
Early the next morning we begin our hike to the Cannibal Cave, high above the lodge. It was considered "moderate" however many of us took regular breaks as it was very hot and incredibly steep at times. When we arrived, we had tea, cold drinks and treats. I was even asked to lead a group in yoga stretches. Don't fret Rachel....I made them sign a waiver.
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No matter where you turned, the views
were unbelievable! |
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| What a scene behind Brigit and Veronica! |
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| Cattle roam freely |
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| Our destination |
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| Ancient rock paintings |
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We arrive in the Cannibal cave and
our guide immediately builds a fire
and collects fresh water that drains
through the rock from the top of the mountain
to make us tea to accompany snacks. Delicious! |
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| Yoga class... |
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| Keep up Sharon! |
Early in the afternoon, Lezanne, Kembo and I headed to the lodge stables for our afternoon ride. Bob, Brigit and Veronica provided moral support, encouragement and were voluntary paparazzi.
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| Here come our horses! |
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| Our super guide - Chris |
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| Lodge far below |
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Fed up with Jacaranda pics yet? I
LOVE this tree!!! |
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| Boo hoo! Who are you hiding in the grass? |
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Back at the ranch, Kembo tries
for a final buck..... |
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While Lezanne, who fell in love with
her horse, gave him a big hug. |
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At the bar a little later, this beauty
sat on his bar stool and kept me
company for a long time...while sipping
a Black Russian |
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