The Island Explorer

Day 3 of our South African sojourn begins as we bid farewell to  our host, Archie, and Hitgeheim Country Lodge. Our safari experience left us wanting for more. So we decided to do something that most travelers don't usually do - drive the Garden Route in the other direction, from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. The Garden Route in South Africa is a breathtaking stretch of coastline that spans from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The route is known for its lush forests, sparkling lagoons, pristine beaches, and towering mountains.  Along the way, travelers can explore charming coastal towns, visit wildlife reserves, go hiking in nature reserves, and indulge in fresh seafood. The Garden Route is a popular destination for those seeking outdoor adventures, relaxation, and stunning natural beauty. Our first stopover is not officially part of the Garden Route. The Daniell Cheetah Breeding Sanctuary was recommended to us by Archie. He sa

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