A short stop at Agulhas cape, the southernmost point of Africa. Not a lot of things to do except taking pictures, scratching the sand to collect shells or visiting the former lighthouse which has pride of place over the rocky peninsula.
We leave again towards Gansbaai where we've taken an appointment with the great white sharks. En route, we cross a couple of whales which associate with the cold waters of this place. Calm and serene contemplation before the great dive among the sharks which is planned for tomorrow....
Keyword - serenity -
Monday 4 August 2008
Southernmost tip of Africa
By dorian on Monday 4 August 2008, 21:46 - RTW2-South Africa
Monday 21 July 2008
overnight in the kingdom of Swaziland
By dorian on Monday 21 July 2008, 20:51 - RTW2-South Africa
We leave the Kruger reserve and get in one of the last kingdoms of Africa, Swaziland. A tiny country bordered by South Africa and Mozambique. A the immigration post, a wall-hanging photo displays the traditionally-clad king. Because one of the features of this small nation lies in its strong culture and its deep ties in traditions. The road rolls to get to the Ezulwini valley. Our path turns off to the left and we reach the wildlife sanctuary of Milwane which stands out against the foothills of the valley. We stop to spend the night within the reserve. On the lake, a few-square-meter island is weighed down by a heap of hippopotamuses. Among the tall grass, a group of rare antelopes. A forgotten park, far from the classical itinerary described by the tourists. Light night in the kingdom of Swaziland.
The next day, we walk into the intimacy of the Manzini market. Then we gently drift southwards and close this interlude away from the South African bustle.
Tuesday 20 November 2007
The exhausting ascent of Avalanche peak
By dorian on Tuesday 20 November 2007, 21:14 - RTW-New Zealand
It turns out to be hard to make a choice between the appealing sceneries of the coastal road and the voluptuous curves of the asphalted ribbon that opens to the mountains of the middle of the island. At the chance of a bend, we turn on the left and dip again into the New Zealand Alps for a day. A blend of wooden houses mark the boundaries of the Arthur's Pass village. A small fistful of tourists converge here, most of them tempted by the ascent of the 1000m-overhead Avalanche peak.
The next morning, we start the ascent. Some portions liken more to rock-climbing than trekking and require a high caution. The climb seems endless. The calves burn and the water leaks through our pores to cool down the machine. Our eyes look upwards and hope for a little bit of flat land at the end of the visible path. But, after a curve, the nature makes fun of us and keeps on with an even more difficult slope. The ascent goes on and on. Then, the continuity of the forest suddenly ends and a barren hill, incrusted with patches of snow rises above the clouds. The fist up, we enjoy the last meters of the ascent. The nature, after being so exhausting, cheers us up with a panoramic vista.
A tongue of clouds devours the valley, the snow softens the raw lines of the mountains and a keas' family celebrates our arrival.
Some landscapes are picked thanks to numerous aches and repeted efforts. A shooting screenplay for masochists that finishes with a happy end : an inexpressible excitement where we are perched on the summit.
« previous entries - page 2 of 6 - next entries »
visits