Arriving in Johannasburg, South Africa was exciting. This trip has been planned for over a year and as most businesses – COVID 19 hit and everything was cancelled. Safety on the planes and arriving at the hotel was outstanding. Proceedures and safety measures were in place and at no time did I feel unsafe. With that said, both Geneva and I were thrilled to have finally landed in Africa to begin this epic journey. My goal is to share with you the beauty and various places to visit in SA.
I am working with Abram Knoetze, owner/operator of the Garden Route Safari Camp and with his extensive knowledge and understanding of what guests are looking for when coming to South Africa. He designed an itinerary in which we have included the Garden Route, which is along the beautiful western and parts of the eastern coast of SA. We are traveling here for a week and than onto the Panoramic Route. I will try to post everyother day but the days have been busy & I want to create an amazing trip for those who want to come over with KLSafaris in 2022.
Our first day out we visited the town of Knynsa which was beautiful.
The Alexander, Knysna
This boutique hotel is fabulous! It sits up on a hill over the cliffs with the ocean waves breaking below.
We came at a perfect time in terms of having everything to ourselves, but it is very tough to see how Covid has affected many properties. Fortunately for us, they were so thrilled to see tourists. I had the Captains room and boy, was I spoiled.
This property has wonderful hosts who live on the property. Breakfast was to order and extremely tasty.
After a good night sleep, we drove to Plettenberg Bay to visit Birds of Eden. This is the largest single dome free-flight bird aviary in the World. It was so exciting to enter this aviary because you don’t feel like you are in an aviary, rather out in the jungle. The walkways meander and you are surrounded by beautiful birds, trees and suprises around every corner. They opened to the public in 2005 and care for more than 3,500 birds consisting of 210 different species. Not all are native to South Africa, but was such a delight to see the colors. These are some of my favorites.
They not only had birds but Blue Duikers, fruit bats (above) and some weaver nests.
Elephant Sanctuary
We finished at Elephant Sanctuary, located in Plettenberg Bay. Once you arrive, they take you out to see the elephants and talk about how they care for them and how they ended up at the facility. We were able to feed them – highlight – and actually walk with them (and the keeper) and touch them. The body is so rough, but when you feel behind the ears – so soft.
This is awesome!! I feel like I’m there. Gorgeous photographs. Keep ’em comin’!
Wow! Looks amazing. The accomodations are luxurious and your photographs spectacular.
Wow, Karen! Incredible! I’m curious if dome-free means the birds truly come and go as they wish? And staff still cares for them? So fascinating!
I’m enjoying your blog!
Jeanne
This is exciting!
Your photography is so beautiful. Yes it’s the subjects themselves, but I’m moved with emotion at how you’ve captured some of the images. What a beautiful, amazing world we inhabit
Beautiful!! Both the accommodations but most importantly, the creatures 💜
You are certainly on an adventure and so far it is awesome……your captains room was beyond……Enjoy each minute of this beautiful South Africa. Hugs
MOM!!! Looks amazing!! Photos look unbelievable!! Love you so much!
Oh Karen, what a beautiful job. Joe and I have been to Africa my very favorite trips in the whole world. If I wasn’t too old I sure want to go on a trip with you because you know so much about it. And a lot of places you talk about I haven’t been actually I’ve only been to Kenya. Much good luck to you, love Fae Rosen
I am thrilled by what I have seen so far! More, more, more!
Beautiful pictures Karen and it looks like the accomodations are lovely, fun following your blog!
Love, Mom
Beautiful pictures, fun following your great adventure!!