What I miss
about South Africa 
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LANDSCAPE
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ACTIVITIES
Hiking, Caving, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding, Camping		 OUR GUIDES
 
ACTIVITIES

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Game spotting and hiking in the African Wildness were two major activites in our trip. 
But the excitment of the adventure was enhanced further by other extraordinary activities such as horseriding, mountain biking, caving, watching sea animals (whales, penguins, seals), star grazing, camping and cooking! 
  
Horse Riding
Many of us had never ridden a horse before, let alone handling horse ourselves. But horse riding in South Africa is really your "own business" and ride at your own risk. You paid the money, put on a helmet and pulled the rein yourself and get ready to go! With only a guide (leader with a experienced horse) in front, the horses were led to the rugged mountains for couples of hours. Not sure if they are all tamed animals, but the wild beast would not stop unless the leader stopped. With a little whip, I was taught, the wild beast would trot and gallop occasionally. It was most beautiful when the sun set behind us.
Mountain Biking

Caving
Watching Whales, Penguins and Seals

 
Star-gazing 
Despite being beginners of star-gazing for most of us, we were able to appreciate, with varying degree (depending on individuals) the secrets of the enchanting night sky of southern atmosphere. With countless billions and zillions of brightly glowing stars above us (as we strolled around our campsite or along the windy coasts, usually after our dinner, resting in our campsite while waiting for our dinner), we were never bored by the forever warm glowing Southern Cross and fascinating star constellations. Some was even lucky enough to see shooting stars (but too late to make a wish!) as they flashed across the silent night within second.
"Do it Yourself"

Part of the fun came from doing things ourselves. 
We helped to prepare our meals, wash the dishes, and pitch our own tents.

Camping 
This was the most exciting part of our trip; for me at least. Tents were extraordinary big, spacious enough to be a changing room (Slightly more than five feet), airy, and cosy for two (I suppose we are Asians!). With comfortable mattress and sufficiently warm three-season sleeping bag, I had good sleep for almost all of the nights. It was also exciting to pitch our tents in the wild. I remembered seeing herd of impalas outside my tents in Mlilwane, hearing jackels' calls in Drakensberg and feeling the gusty wind blowing against our tents at Tsitsikamma. The best part was sitting near the campfire, waiting impatiently for our dinner, chatting away about our daytimes' discoveries (birds' talk!) and not forgetting about writing our diaries!

Cooking 
In a group of threes, we helped to prepare lunch and dinner  and washing dishes for a day before resting for next couple of days. Under the constrainst of light at night (but not water and cookery wares, surprisingly), we had helped to prepare the most sumptuous breakfast, lunches and dinners - largely of cheese, ham, sambal chilli packed from home, cereals, bread, sandwiches and salad and (BBQ meat, garlic bread, baked potatoes, corn, pumpkin, tomatoes, pasta, curry rice etc respectively. Of course, not without the command of our great chef, Garth, also our guide who emphasize high standard of cooking : "No old leaves for salad!"

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Last updated on 27 Dec 2000
Copyright of Gek Hoon
(Singapore)

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