With so much to see in South Africa’s diverse land, it was difficult to choose which path to take. Addo Elephant Park turned out to be one of our favorite jaunts. We observed the interactions between several families of elephants at two different watering holes. Each family took a turn plodding down hillside paths with ears waving, trunks swaying, keeping the little ones in line. At the water they slurped, sprayed, and rolled in the muddy ponds. Adorable babies frolicked, even throwing and fetching sticks.
The hierarchy of males was fascinating. Huge bulls sometimes challenged one another for control while protecting their group. While roaming the park’s dusty roads, we came across eland and hartebeest that bounded through the brush, a warthog with babies scurried by, large tortoises lumbered, ostriches sprinted, friendly mongooses stared , and a jackal came close—nice puppy.
Spending the night at Cosmo’s Cuisine Guesthouse, only a ten minute drive from Addo, was quite a luxurious contrast to boat life. Nestled in the heart of the Sundays River Valley, this quaint B&B contained antiques, artwork, a TV for Jerry, and a bathtub full of bubbles for me. Following a pleasurable soak, we enjoyed a tasty traditional dinner in their elegant dining room. For a very reasonable cost we devoured chicken schnitzel smothered in cheese sauce, spinach pasta salad, baked potato and veggies, along with an appetizer and dessert. All accompanied by a bottle of a superb S.A. wine, of course. As if that wasn’t enough food for a week, we stuffed ourselves in the morning with an enormous breakfast. After that I needed a long stroll through Cosmo’s lavish gardens while sipping my cup of tea.
Heading back to Knysna, we detoured to Tsitsikama National Park. We wandered through this spectacular wonderland of forests with 105 species of trees, mountain lakes, tumbling waterfalls, and white sand beaches. Wish we’d had more time to explore, but we did hike along a dramatic rocky coastal trail that was reminiscent of the Northern California coast. Reaching the Storm River, we had to cross a very long suspension bridge that traversed a wide gorge where the river met the sea. Not a fan of high places, especially those that are swinging in a strong breeze, I crept across keeping a firm grip on the cable. More than enough excitement for one day!
On the winding road back through the mountains, we delighted in gorgeous vistas and groups of baboons and monkeys. The countryside varied from green hills to fertile farms, and scattered with hot, dry savannas. Back in Knysna, we provisioned and prepared for the next safe harbor hop to Mossel Bay. See you next time for more South African adventures.
Nature is not God but God revealing the weight of Himself, all His glory, through the looking-glass of nature.
Ann Voskamp
cheryldfitzgerald.com 