The Island Explorer

The reason why we were in South Africa was to go on a safari. Though it may not be the hardcore safari experience in Tanzania or Namibia, we were still very much excited to get the same experience in Addo.  In South Africa, most go to the Kruger National Park , an area as big as Israel as they say, to go on a wildlife safari. But we decided to keep it simple and safe, and so, here we are at the Eastern Cape where the reserves are malaria free. We started our day in the Addo Elephant National Park . The tour was operated by Hitgeheim, so we didn't have to change cars in the park. You could actually drive around using your own vehicle in Addo, and this is what most people do here. Our safari experience turns out to be perfect for kids. And most families take their children on safari on the Eastern Cape, just because it's safer and more manageable. The reserves in Kruger are wild and massive, hence you also need more time to explore the area.  The Addo Elephant Nationa

Finally, my daughter arrived at Johannesburg two days later than expected. It was a good thing that our plane tickets were easily rebooked for free (South African Airways). Our first adventure was down south of the capital, Port Elizabeth. We rented a car and drove off 2 hours to the town of Addo, where our first real South African hotel, the Hitgeheim Country Lodge is located. Apparently the number 1 accommodation of choice in Addo , Hitgeheim is owned by a very friendly Dutch couple.   Hitgeheim Country Lodge is situated on an eco-reserve in the heart of the malaria-free Sundays River Valley, only minutes from the Addo Elephant National Park . We decided on staying in this region for our safari, since it was more child friendly and as I've said, malaria free.  The lodge has a small pool and lounge chairs that overlooked the Sundays River . The view was really fantastic from all angles. Our host, Archie welcomed us with open arms literally. He explaine

My daughter missed her flight to Joburg, so I was started my South African sojourn alone. Instead of locking myself inside my hotel room, I decided to take a tour of the Lesedi Village , which was one of the top day tours for visitors to Johannesburg. The others were the Apartheid Museum and Soweto tours. I decided to take this first, since I was dying to get a taste of Africa. Johannesburg was beginning to bore me, so I wanted to see some action, even though it wasn't authentic. The tour price was also quite expensive, so I decided to take the 30-minute drive up north from downtown Johannesburg to Lesedi. I expected it to be a tourist trap , since it's part of the usual tours so didn't expect that much. We were welcomed by the cast of characters of the village. They were intimidating at first, but I realized that it was all part of the "show". The place actually looked promising. There was a cafe near the entrance. I started to wander around,