RMVC visit to South Africa

Week 2-'The Young Ones

As the daughter of the RMVC secretary (John Bartle), I was very fortunate to be given this 'once in a lifetime' opportunity to experience the fantastic culture of South Africa, for two whole weeks. Both my brother Jonathan (who was 13 at the time) and I (17 at the time) were the only people on the trip below the age of 50! This was good as we were just spoilt rotten by a big group of elders.

As you can see from looking at Martin Clarke's re-collection of memories from week 1, we never stopped until week2. That's where the real sun bathing started! Although I did really enjoy the first week I had to be pushed by the parents to leave the hotel pools. Well, what's a girl supposed to do? In Cape Town there was every type of shop under the sun. The sun was shining, and there was a glorious swimming pool just shouting my name.

Despite the above distractions I did visit Robben Island, where I recollect memories of saying to myself, after walking no more than 10metres on shore: "well, this is just like the concentration camps I visited in Poland". I also visited the Ttownship, which I may add, was most definitely the most amazing experience I've ever had, now currently 19years old.

Anyway, Saturday the 26th February came (day 8) and the week 1 group, sadly left at 4pm, for their long journey back to Radcliffe.

Saturday, 26th February 2000

After staying with a very pleasant couple in Hermanus, we left to proceed onto Knysna Quays by coach. I can remember Jonathan and I wanted to leap off the coach and jump into the sea, with all the driving past the seaside scenery for hours on end. We drove up the famous Garden Route. We couldn't stop fidgeting! We arrived at Knysna Quays Hotel in the early evening time. For their web site go to QUAYS HOTEL. It was raining which seemed very bizarre as I thought Africa only shined glorious sunshine at that time of year. Despite this, Jonathan and I proceeded to try out another beautiful pool that was situated facing the actual Knysna Key side. It was the English holiday makers type of thing to do. We got some strange looks from other hotel guests.

That evening we all went out for dinner at a nearby Restaurant. The group split into 2, as people wanted to eat from different menus. Later that evening we were joined by the other half, Jonathan and I had a bit of a giggle at other choir members being quite jolly after a few 'G&Ts'!

Sunday, 27th February 2000

Today seemed like another day with no sight of an opportunity to top up my tan, with Knysna being fairly overcast. However, as we travelled over the mountains via coach, the weather turned into brilliant sunshine-ahh there is hope! First we stopped at the Cango Wildlife Farm, with Jaguars, Cheetahs, Lions and scary crocodiles. The guide hit them on the noise to make them move for us-this seemed a bit unfair.

Jonathan and other members of the Choir got inside the cage of a leopard-this, I felt was very daring as the guide had previously explained how dangerous they can be.

Onto the Cango Caves, these had massive Stalactites and Stalagmites. Choir members were impressed as apparently concerts were held in the large one.

Last visit, was onto the Safari Ostrich Farm. We ate Ostrich egg omelette and ostrich steak, which was very pleasant, surprisingly in fact. We were shown around the birds. Jonathan and I had a crazy few moments and decided to ride the birds. Yes! There was a shop where I bought a real Ostrich egg. They sold real Ostrich Leather garments at very reasonable prices. If only I knew that Ostrich Leather was 'in fashion' that summer.

That evening we went to J.J's restaurant in Knysna. It was Teg's birthday so we all sang to him….several times throughout the meal.

Monday, 28th February, 2000

A brilliant sunny day at Knysna. I decided to use this opportunity to get some serious sun bathing in at the hotels pool side. The others all went on a boat trip out to Featherbed Nature Reserve at the 'heads' of Knysna bay. Brenda (my mum) told me that a tractor train up a cliff track took her. They didn't see much of the wildlife due to the density of the woods.

In the afternoon, a party went on the world famous Outiniqua Chloe Tjoe train. Unlike the adverts, a diesel engine pulled it. The steam engines were not in use due to fire risk.

Mid-afternoon, I dragged myself from the pool and went for an explore into the town centre for some retail therapy.

Late evening, I joined the rest and watched the sunset over the keys, from the hotel pool.

Again, we split up between two restaurants on the waterfront.

Tuesday, 1st March 2000

A long drive today, 250km, to Port Elizabeth via Platte berg Bay, Natures Valley and Tsitsikamma Forest. I am not one to take in the scenery but my god the sights really did take my breath away. We stopped off at the highest bungee jump in the world! Jonathan and I managed to convince our parents to make a small contribution towards us taking part in this. However, much to our disappointment, there was a 2hour wait and we had places to go and people to see. Never mind, maybe when I'm old enough, I can afford to come back again. We went on to Storms River mouth for our lunch.

Arrived at Port Elizabeth airport for our flight to Johan Airport. It seemed very weird getting a plane to travel to another part of the same country.

The Johan airport experience was a bit scary. We were invaded by locals offering to help with our luggage. We stayed at the Garden Court Hotel, near the airport; it wasn't quite as pleasant as the other luxuries we'd been fortunate to experience.

Wednesday, 1st March 2000

There had been two cyclones that had hit that part of Africa over the proceeding weeks; causing serious flooding and loss of 1000's of lives in nearby Mozambique. Due to this plans were changed as the Kruger National Park and Skukuza airfield were closed.

04.15. 22 members of the group left by coach to go on a Balloon Safari. Unfortunately, at the time I was being a typical lazy teenager and decided to skip this opportunity for a few more hours kip.

They flew up to 8,000ft and sighted Giraffes, Zebras and other wildlife. They had a champagne and strawberries breakfast-how jealous am I?

We picked them all up on our way to Mabula Game Lodge, a private game reserve. We had another massive lunch on arrival, and then we were allocated to our separate lodges. As Jonathan and I arrived at our lodge we found an what we suspect is a Monitor Lizard on our doorstep-we took photos but they didn't print up as clearly as we hoped.

4pm On Our First Game Drive As we drove to the park, the heavens opened and we were all drenched to the skin-we were all in open top Land Rovers. If you think the English rain is bad, you should try the African rainfall. Despite this, we drove on and saw a whole family of lions and they hadn't eaten for days. Jonathan found this all very amusing.

Thursday, 2nd March 2000

04.15. Early morning call for the morning game drive. All went out in our allocated Land Rovers. We sight of lots of game-the highlight was a family of White Rhino's that sat in the roadway.

This was our first real taste of the African Bush. The downside was that we could not access 80% of the park, due to the recent rainstorms. We could not reach those areas of the reserve where the elephants and buffalo live as it was cut off in the floods. The day was spent relaxing round the pool, sunbathing and catching up on sleep.

4pm Afternoon Game Drive Back in the Land rovers. I went with six others on a horseback game drive. More and more game!

Evening This was our last night together. The meal was served in the Boma; once again everyone ate mountains and mountains of delicious food. Staffs that were dressed up in a tribal costume entertained us, singing and dancing.

A presentation was made to my dad from all the other members of the party. Dad was quite emotional, as he'd done such a good job at organizing our mini tour of Africa.

Friday, 3rd March 2000

6am Game Drive We went looking for more lions. We heard the roar of the "Lion King". We were 200yds away and the sound was astonishing. We saw one of his wives and lots of the usual Zebras, Blue Wildebeests etc.

After breakfast I went with 3 others on another horseback game drive again and came face to face with a Rhino-ahh!

The rest of the day was spent relaxing and doing some more sun bathing by the pool.

4pm. Coach for Johannesburg Airport collected us for our flight home to the U.K. I was especially very sad to be leaving South Africa

9pm. Flight on time. We all just slept and watched movies for hours on end.

Saturday, 4th March 2000

Arrived in Heathrow. Back in Radcliffe for 11.30am…never mind, the fun had to stop somewhere! Back to reality, work on Sunday and college on Monday. Don't worry Africa you haven't seen the last of me-I am definitely coming back.For further details on Mabula's Fantastic game reserve, see webster: Mabula Game Reserve.

Alternatively if you should want to contact me for any reason feel free at Suzie B's E-mail Address.

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