We left the Kruger Park and wished to visit the Drakensberg, one our favorite places (in the world). However, we decided to pop into Swaziland on the way down after researching potential hikes available. We were last in that country some forty years ago. Wow! Just mentioning a big number of life years makes one realize that a large part of life has come and gone. We entered from the north and headed towards the central-western part. From the roads, the views were rather ordinary and so we wondered whether we had made a good decision.
We booked into a lodge secluded in the hills but close to the big city of Mbabane. We met the owners, Veki, a Serbian national and David Cranko, formerly of Zimbabwe. We feel so fortunate to meet many wonderful people on our travels. This couple were no exception. In fact, they were delightful and it was difficult to part. David is an artist; we viewed and enjoyed his artistic output very much. We learned that he is related to John Cranko, the famous ballet dancer and founder of the Stuttgart Ballet School. When he had mentioned his surname, it struck a chord. During my years at Highlands North High School, it was often announced when entertaining dignitaries visiting the school that John Cranko had been a student. He was the only person of any culture that graduated from our school—the rest of us ended up...never mind.
From near the top as we stood in blustering winds. (Second largest rock in he world after Ayers.)
Malolotja Nature Reserve, a stunning position in a 'surprisingly' beautiful region.
Side view of part of this amazing rock. (Reminded us of a larger Half Dome, Yosemite.)
Condi and Jenni sitting at the top while 'others' go exploring the peak.
When we arrived at the trailhead for Sebebe Rock, a guide approached us. We have only used a guide on two occasions over the years and that was over the Andes in Peru. When we asked whether it was mandatory, he looked at us with large, brown, weepy eyes and replied, "It's your choice." What could we say? Okay, let's do it. A young South African woman was standing nearby and so we invited her to join our little party. For the return journey, we suggested that he leave us to our own devices so we could explore in more detail and he could seek an additional client. It was an enjoyable hike with some tough parts.
Observing Blesbok and vice-versa on foot in Malolotja Nature Reserve.
Editor trudges back on this 9-mile hike which reached spectacular positions and sights.
When we visit the zoo, the animals are caged and we are free to wonder. At the game parks, we are usually restricted to our vehicles and animals are free to roam. However, in the wilds and some of the nature parks, both the animals and ourselves are free to roam and explore. We have come to enjoy these experiences immensely. There's something very special about searching for and observing animals on foot. For the record, we omit the desire to be close to the great predators without some protection. I find putting the editor ahead of me is not acceptable protection.
A beautiful part of the world, tranquil and peaceful.
We walked many miles over undulating country to appreciate this view.
Jenni sits above the waterfall which is just visible in part.
We wonder if the blesbokke appreciate the view.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
A favorite sequence for which much time was required before the bird took to flight. These birds can be most 'unreasonable'.
'I'll be sitting here all day'...he wasn't kidding.
Talk of a pain in the neck...Stopped for a scratch.
No comments:
Post a Comment