Saturday, September 29, 2007

NAMAQUALAND with fantastic Flower Fields!



Two ladies from Harare, Zimbawe, wanted to come to Cape Town and tour up the Westcoast to our most fantastic Flower Fields. The flowers were absolutely exquisit this year. There was so much rain in the Western Cape that it was one of the best years for the flowers of Namaqualand. One just needs enough sun for these millions of Daisies in various colours to be open for their shows. At Kamieskroon it was hot and we saw fields of orange daisies. At Nieuwoudtsville the many different types of bulbs gave even a larger variety of different shapes and colours of this multitude of flowers.
For the desert to flower we needed the rain and sun, but as soon as it gets hot and dry they all disappear again until the next year if and when it rains.


The time was a little short and we had to rush back, so that these ladies could still fill up their empty suitcases that they brought along to get some food supply for the next couple of weeks in Harare.

IMPORTANT to Know:

The accommodations in these areas are scares and not all that comfortable as the many lovely Guest Houses around Cape Town. So if you think of joining me for a tour next year, please book early.

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Garden Route Tour with visitors from Montana---12 to 18th August 2007

What a pleasure it was to take such a friendly Family from Montana through various exciting places on our beautiful Gardenroute. In the Tsitsikamma forest we all took part in the most exciting trip through the Yellowwood and Wild Pear trees. Swinging like monkeys from one high tree to the other was amazing. This venture was planned firstly by Costa Rika people. It is amazing, since there is not one metal object put into the tree. Very environmentally friendly to the forest. It all works on peaces of rubbers and wood carrying the thick cable that supports the platforms around the tree and also the cables leading from one tree to the next. Sliding on the cables from one tree to the next gives one a totally new perspective of these high giants. Try it next time you are in the Tsitsikamma forest. You take the turnoff to the village and then you will find the Treetop Canopy Tours or find them on the web at: www.stormsriver.com You will have to book this trip.
After the treetops we went to Monkeyland the next day, which everybody also enjoyed a lot. Most interesting I found the Snakepark just outside Plett. This woman who took us around said her husband had all these snakes as his pets and she just had to learn all about it over the last 4 years. One looses ones fear for snakes at this park, since most snakes are not poisonous and will not attack easily. I even ended up having a young Boa around my neck. Quite a slippery, cold experience!!!
The place to Feed, Feel and Hug an Elephant, The Elephant Park near Knysna, was as usually also very pleasant and my guests also enjoyed that experience. These guests enjoyed some adventure and said they might be back to do more, like the Bungy jumping at Blaauwkrans. Well, that is not for me. I will not join them for that, but I will take them.
This trip ended up for them with seeing all our Big Seven, since we still saw many whales at Hermanus, before enjoying the wines on the winelands tour around Cape Town.
When I get friendly people like these, I really enjoy my tours around our beautiful country.