The South Africa roadtrip 2009 - Hluhluwe

Monday started off as a cooler day, with prospects of light rain.  It was not looking too good when we left Ballito, so I decided that a trip to the Valley of 1000 Hills would be a good option, as it's always pleasant there no matter what the weather.

We were in the 1000 Hills area relatively early which gave me an opportunity to take some pictures of the old Botha's Hill station which is now derelict.  It's signs of the times and is unfortunate that it looks as though it's quickly entering a state of disrepair.  What an opportunity for a conversion into a home!

Onwards we went to the Pot and Kettle, which has been in business for many years now.  It is in the fortunate position of undoubtedly having the best views of the valley.  It's the perfect vantage point, so we stayed for an early lunch and the obligatory scones with jam and cream.  We walked around the little market, looking for anything which caught the eye.  As we left, the sun had burnt through the cloud and started making quite a significant change to the weather.  Taking the back roads to Shongweni and Cato Ridge the temperature had risen by several degrees, so much so, that when it reached 35 degrees, we were in agreement that the remainder of the afternoon would be best spent in the sun by the pool.

On Tuesday we made an early start to the day but eventually only left for Hluhluwe at noon.  The Drive up took a neat two hours and another half an hour to wander around the local market minutes before the Hluhluwe exit.  We checked into Zululand Forest Lodge within the Ubizane Wildlife Reserve.  We went out on an evening game drive, stopping for sundowners overlooking the undulating hills.  It was followed by a wholesome dinner and finished off with some malva pudding, which I've not had for quite some time.  As it was going to be an early rise at 04:15 we both had an early night.

The wake up call on Wednesday had me staggering in the dark trying to find where the telephone was.  One of those moments when you can't hit snooze!  Up and out the door for coffee and heading off early to the Hluhluwe-Infolozi Game Reserve to catch the animals whilst they're still active before settling in for the day.  It wasn't a chilly drive, as is usually expected; a sign of the day ahead.  Game that we spotted included nyala, kudu, impala, springbok, white rhino, wildebeest, buffalo, zebra, hyaena, elephant, crocodile, vulture, eagle, guinea fowl, francolin and loerie, to name the ones which I remember.

Making our way back to Ballito from Hluhluwe and The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, the temperature kept on rising, passing the 40 degree mark.  We decided to take a break at Zinkwazi, which was an excellent idea, as I don't recall going to the beach there and the baking sun from the drive was leaving me in need of rejuvenation.  It must be one of the most impressive unspoiled stretches of coastline I have seen for quite some time.  It was an endless beach with untouched dunes and coastal forest, something which you don't see everyday along the coastline.

As it wasn't particularly safe to swim in the sea there, even though there were lifeguards on duty, we carried on the remaining 10 minutes to Ballito to the apartment.  As I felt cheated not being able to swim in the sea, I dragged Mike down to one of the Durban beaches where I went body surfing, remembering how angry the sea can be at times.

This evening we had another braai, although this time we opted to only have chicken sosaties, as both of our red meat consumption has skyrocketed since arriving in South Africa.  Oh what we'd give to be able to find some fresh fish to braai.  It's still quite warm on the outdoor lounge, with temperatures hovering around the mid thirties.  Needless to say, it's an evening where air-conditioning is necessary for some peaceful sleep.