March 18th - 22nd, South Africa

Wednesday March 18th: Citrusdale, South Africa
An early start so we can cross the border into South Africa with few issues. We drive for most of the day and set up at Citrusdale which is a citrus growing area. We’re taken on a bushwalk by a local bushman, who is eccentric to say the least. Along our walk, he takes out different varieties of Scorpions’ from his bag and also shows us Aardvark holes and stone paintings. A subdued night in anticipation of getting to Capetown.
Thursday March 19th: to Capetown
After a two hour drive we arrive in Capetown. It is a beautiful city. Richard took off to watch the Aussies play the Saffers in the third day of the test match with most of the crew from the trip (all wearing the Aussie flag and other paraphernalia!). They return many hours later after obviously having a good time and the odd beer (the hats made from pizza boxes gave it away).
I spent the day at the Waterfront which is a beautiful wharf of restaurants and shops with Table Mountain as the backdrop. It is a gorgeous place to spend the afternoon and have a few drinks... there are performers every block and they are good!
After dinner we go to a pub and are graced by the presence of a John Denver look alike that knows how to play everything. It’s a big night to celebrate the end of our tour. A few too many “Springbok” shots (Peppermint liqueur and Amarula) means that it’s a late start the next day
Friday March 20th: Capetown
I wake up so hungry I could eat a horse (I might be a little seedy too). Even though it’s a lazy day we still manage to get to the top of Table Mountain (we opted out of hiking it and took the “soft” cable car option). The cable car rotates and elevates 1000 metres in what seems like a 90 degree vertical ascent. I feel sick. But the view from the top makes it worthwhile. Capetown is spectacular. And it also offers interesting people watching! Many of the locals have coffee coloured skin which is often described as “Cape Coloured” which is a blend of the Dutch, English, Indian, Indonesian and Malay influence! It’s a quiet night.. We need to rest ?
Saturday March 21st: Capetown
We pick up our hire car (which apparently rivals Richards mums 1980 Sigma in terms of its luxury!) and take off for a drive down the coast which is littered with expensive cars and beautiful beaches (the water is 11 degrees). We make our way to the spectacular Cape of Good Hope, where the Atlantic and Indian Ocean meet. After this, we drive to Stollenbosch which is South Africa’s wine country. The town is a fantastic place to visit. It has a great vibe with lots of funky restaurants, bars and cafes through tree lined streets and European styled buildings (I could swear that I was in Germany). For dinner we try some local cuisine – Wildebeest with some Pinotage (similar to Pinot Noir). It is good. And the wine is comparatively cheap! A good bottle can set you back $10USD. I wish we were staying longer.
Sunday March 22nd: Stollenbosch to Kigali (Rwanda)
We start the morning with a bike ride to a winery and some wine tasting (South Africans are very generous with their proportions!). After a lovely drive through the hills we make our way back to Capetown to fly to Kigali in Rwanda to meet Richard’s sister Liz.