Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!
So far the beginning of 2009 has been a lot slower than the end of 2008. On the 30th of December we left surfer hot-spot Jeffrey’s Bay and went to a quiet backpacker hangout in Nature’s Valley called Wild Spirit. Our new accommodation offers spectacular views over a valley stretching all the way down to the ocean and also a plethora of things to do in the vicinity.
On New Year’s Eve we decided to try a few of the local sights and gave ourselves a full itinerary as we decided to visit four of the five local animal refuges. We started the day with a visit to recently built Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness centre, where we got up close to cheetahs, servals, caracals and African wild cats, not to mention the leopard tortoises and meerkats.

We entered all enclosures as we were guided around the entire establishment during the course of 90 minutes. The knowledgeable guide, friendly animals and beautiful surroundings (and enclosures) resulted in us having a great time. The chocolate cake (called ‘death by chocolate’) we had in the café before we left sure helped as well… it was magic.

Från Off the Map - Africa 2

Från Off the Map - Africa 2

Our next stop was the 12-hectare Monkey Land, a huge sanctuary now being the home of a wide array of different monkey species. The guide who took us around the jungle was probably the best guide we could ask for, and also quite impressive when it came to spotting small monkeys in the dense jungle. It was an amazing experience getting so close up to the monkeys, while walking through what felt like any normal jungle, save the perfect walkways and really cool suspension bridge.

Från Off the Map - Africa 2

After Monkey Land it was time for us to monkey away and get some lunch. We stopped at the Peppermill Café, where we after the ostrich burger and smoked salmon pasta realized that this was about to be a really good day. Great nature experiences and amazing food… what more can one ask for? That’s right! Snakes!

Från Off the Map - Africa 2

Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary is a rather small establishment, but it offers at least as much knowledge and enthusiasm as the aforementioned refuges. We were lucky enough to be guided by the owner himself, who soon happily draped himself in mole snakes while juggling a couple of not-so-happy puff adders. What was most impressive was how shy the snakes were; even after they were provoked they rather took off than attacked. Before leaving we had learned a lot about snakes (and that St Lucia, where we spent Christmas, is one of the snake densest areas in South Africa) and also gotten to drape ourselves in corn snakes and boa constrictors. Amazing!

Från Off the Map - Africa 2

Från Off the Map - Africa 2

Från Off the Map - Africa 2

Från Off the Map - Africa 2

The clock had struck 4PM before we left Lawnwood and the weather had suddenly gotten cold, but we had one stop left before we were done: Bird Eden, the world’s largest aviary. The same guy who built Monkey Land also decided to build a massive cage around the valley next to the Monkey Land, and then filling said cage with thousands of birds. I don’t know what impressed me the most; all the wonderful birds or the amazing work that had been put into the park. The aviary covered an area of 2 hectares, and the drop from the top of the cage to bottom of the valley was immense.

Från Off the Map - Africa 2

Från Off the Map - Africa 2

Just before leaving the aviary a grey parrot took a liking to my right shoulder and promptly refused to leave. Kina and I both did our best to persuade it to fly back to the railing where it sat before, while also trying to comply with the “no touching-rule”. After being bitten quite a few times and angrily hissed at we decided to call for help and as one of the employees approached the bird carrying a stick it decided that the battle was lost and took off. I kind of miss it, though.

Instead of lobster for dinner we put some spare ribs on the braai, and were soon covered in BBQ-sauce as well as getting the full attention of the two residential dogs. Beer and Smirnoff Spin substituted the champagne and midnight was substituted by 10PM… Yes… we fell asleep long before the clock struck twelve, but were awakened by Kina’s 92 years old grandmother who called us at midnight to wish us a happy new year. I have never felt so boring my entire life… Out-partied by a 92-year-old.

New years day has been slow, with us doing a whole lot of nothing. Tomorrow we are going to drive 600 kilometers to Sommerset West, where we are going to stay with our friend Frank who we met in Kenya. Frank is going through the final preparations for his own overland trip, taking him from Cape Town to Kenya and later all the way to the UK. Hopefully we can be of any assistance in case he needs any help. I think he’s got it all covered though… he’s also got a Land Rover.

=)

www.tenikwa.co.za
www.monkeyland.co.za
www.birdsofeden.co.za