Hi all,

Firstly we are both sorry we have not updated much on here as of yet, but when you see some of the places we have been staying (some 45km on a bumpy track away from phone signal, let alone internet) you will know why. Anyway we have now got to Durban and have plenty of time on our hands to catch up and do washing etc, so I hope this lengthy entry and many photos makes up for it.

Right, so we arrived in Cape Town early, and neither of us really slept on the flight (thanks to philippa's nerves - I will slip here a sleeping pill next time!) We dumped our bags and went off to explore. Table Mountain was closed (wind/cloud) and Robben Island was fully booked, so we jumped on a tour bus and went around the city. We climbed up Lions head which gave us some fantastic views of Cape Town and Seapoint.

We went on a full day tour of the Peninsula, which was great. We went to a seal colony (thank you to Aunty Tita for my birthday money) by boat and then onto the penguins at Bolder's beach. Along to drive we saw some whales, and the cycled through a national park to Cape Point/Cape of Good Hope, Beautiful views and windy! FInished the day in a nice resurant, and ate Kudu, springbok, Ostrich, Crocodile platter (see photos yum yum), philippa had curry...woo

We then started on our tour to Durban. We did not really understand how far we would be driving (3000km) and we spent a long time in the cruiser, but the highlights were definately worth it. First stop was Hermanus, where there were no whales, but our our dissapointment was short lived as whilst on the sand dunes in De Hoop there were 7 whales on the coastline. We also saw Zebra, Baboons and Bontebok. The night was in "round the bend" next to a river- quiet, but a crazy bar man who kept setting the bar on fire!

Strange day as we drove to Oudtshoorn to see an ostrich farm - possibly the strangest thing we have seen in our lives - we are thinking of opening a farm of a boring animal ourselves - possibly badgers! Then to the Cango Caves (one of the natural 7 wonders of the world) and into Knysna.

The next day we went searching for whales on the sea, out of one of the most dangerous port exit in the world. (great fun in a little speed boat jumping around!) we got really close to some whales mating and playing (photos are a bit rubbish). Got back to our hut to find a huuuuuge spider on our door....scary.

Possibly the best day so far was the Otter trail. (one of the most dangerous coastline walks, but we had perfect conditions for it). It was about 5km over huge boulders to a magificent waterfall, where we swam. brrr chilly water!

Next day into Addo Elephant park (should be called Warthog park!). So yes we did see lots of Warthogs, and tortoises. From the photos you will see it was mating season! We drove around all day but again it was worth it when we saw a heard of elephant right next to the car.

East London - where we used the internet - dodgey (wanted posters behind the bar!) - enough said, had a township tour - felt really bad, like the black poor people were on show for the rich white people, but quite interesting in the primary school. (we did not take our camera)

Onto the Wild Coast where our lodge for the next two days was 45km away from civilisation (if you can call that local town civilised). It was amazing to be so secluded. The weather was not perfect but we managed two hikes to a ship wreck and another more tropical waterfall. The accomodation was lovely as were the couple who owned it and cooked for us - Their two year old son kept us entertained taking thousands of pictures on our camera.

Last day of the tour was spent in the car getting to Durban - where we spent last night on the dolphin coast. We opened our curtains this morning to the sight of dolphins playing in the waves. We have now moved into central Durban where we have a few days before we leave for Drakensburg Mountains.

Thats it, hope you are all well, enjoy the photos.

D and P

x x x