Gaelyn's swollen feet Pretoria South Africa

I want to be a world traveler but don’t like swollen feet.

Sunrise from plane over South Africa

Sunrise over South Africa

After an 11 hour flight from Frankfurt Germany I was more than ready to greet South Africa.

Builders Wharehouse Pretoria South Africa

Joan showed me around Pretoria and it felt like I was still in the States.

Cradle of Mankind Museum South Africa

We visited the Cradle of Humankind Museum.  And drove past Hartebeesport Dam.

Sudwala Caves South Africa

Finally by Saturday we were ready to hit the road.  And what fantastic roads, mostly repaved in preparation for the 2010 Cup.  First stop, Sudwala Caves where our guide Musa showed us many underground marvels.

Dinosaur Park South Africa

We also wandered through the adjacent Dinosaur Park.

07 Berlin Falls ZA (542x1024) 08 Mac-Mac Falls ZA (768x1024)   09 Berlyn Falls ZA (768x1024)

Lone Creek Falls                 Mac-Mac Falls                Berlyn Falls

Along the road there were several side trips to waterfalls.

Pilgrims Rest tourist trap South Africa

And we camped the first night at Pilgrims Rest, a quaint old mining town and tourist trap.

Coffee & Rusks Pilgrims Rest camp South Africa

After a healthy breakfast of Coffee and Rusks we walked around Pilgrims Rest admiring the old buildings and stuff for sale.

Africa Silks South Africa

Later made a stop at Africa Silks in Graskop where we were given a grand tour of the silk making process from worm to finished product.  I just had to buy myself two lovely silk blouses and some spun silk textiles to make something with in the future.

God's Window Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve South Africa

After a quick stop at God’s Window we continued on into Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.

Potholes Blyde River Canyon South Africa

With a stop at the Potholes along the Blyde River.

Three Rondawels Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve South Africa

And an overlook of the Three Rondawels named such as they are shaped like the thatched structures of the same name.

Kruger National Park litter bag South Africa

That night we camped near Klaserie before entering Kruger National Park at Orpen Gate.

So far, I’m loving the travel in South Africa.