Thursday, 8 October 2026

Epiblog

 

Some thoughts overall -

Toilets were spotless and constantly being cleaned except in rural locations

We wished we'd brought pencils, crayons, old clothes and toiletries/old jewellery to donate to the townships although we didn't actually go

Main roads are very good and wide

South Africans are definitely carnivores. The meat is excellent and there are loads of cattle everywhere you go

You never have to carry your own luggage with Riviera

Don't feel you always have to order optional meals en route. You can opt out

You need layers in the Kruger. It's very cold in the morning and evening and very hot in the afternoon

If you do the bush walk wear long trousers and beige/olive green and a wide brimmed hat. I think a crossbody water bottle holder would be useful.  Water is freely supplied

The people we met were so friendly

Drinks seem to be very cheap

Waiting staff are very helpful if sometimes almost too enthusiastic in collecting dirty crockery!

Food is very good

Shower heads tend to be fixed

We were able to watch England cricket and football in most hotels

We never got bitten by mosquitos despite not using Deet

Loved the way our SA guide respectively referred to Nelson Mandela as Mr Mandela

Some Photos From Others in our Travel Group

 And not in any particular order!



Pics from those who did the helicopter tour








Life in the raw!












Airport bus on the internal flight












Saturday, 26 September 2026

Day 15: Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 September

 Waiting to set off home ....


Hotel lobby




On my third glass of Merlot with Cemair internal flight to Johannesburg and I was offered a fourth - which I declined!

Inside the Jo'burg terminal building

 

Minor celebrity sitting near us - Nigel Planer en route to Barton-upon-Humber on the East Coast main line to present "An Evening with Nigel Planer"

Friday, 25 September 2026

Day 14: Monday 21 September. Cape Town (3)

 

Last full day of our time in South Africa.

There were optional excursions today to a township and to Robben Island but we decided to spend some more time at the V and A waterfront.

The hotel provided a free shuttle as it was not considered advisable to walk anywhere. We soon realised that we hadn't seen even half of the waterfront area and spent an enjoyable day shopping, eating, drinking and making the most of the views of the marina and magnificent Table Mountain.

The highlight of the day was coming across the Ithemba Youth Choir who were singing to the shoppers and diners and who were truly amazing, joyous and uplifting.

After coffee and cake we returned to the hotel to pack and to get ready to go home.



Our hotel
























There's a seal there somewhere!









Ithemba Youth Choir



Hollywood Bowl on the Waterfront


The line which used to run from Southampton to South Africa



Epiblog

  Some thoughts overall - Toilets were spotless and constantly being cleaned except in rural locations We wished we'd brought pencils...