Everything was locked up tight in Upington, South Africa on a Sunday, so Bob thought an excursion would be a good way to spend the day. Unfortunately, a severe thunderstorm thwarted our plans to visit Witsand Nature Reserve Kalahari, the site of the roaring sands. Read more
Tag: South Africa
Buzzed by CMR Blisterbeetles in the Kalahari Desert
A day after visiting the Witsand Nature Preserve Kalahari, in South Africa, Bob and I continued on our journey east from Upington. Next in our sights was Kuruman, which is considered the Oasis of the Kalahari. It was at a roadside stop en route that we were buzzed by CMR Blisterbeetles, the largest insects we’ve ever seen. Read more
Heat Stroke at Augrabies Falls National Park
When Bob and I set off from Springbok, South Africa, I never expected to succumb to heat stroke at Augrabies Falls National Park. The temperature soared from 28° Celsius at 8:30 a.m. to 42° Celsius by the time we did our walkabout. Read more
Southern Ground Hornbill Encounter In Kruger Park
Waking at Skukuza Rest Camp the first morning after our arrival, and having just coped with a bout of stomach and intestinal distress, I was in no shape for any physical activity requiring stamina. So Bob and I set out on a self-guided safari that spanned the course of several hours. Among the wildlife seen within Kruger National Park that day was this astounding Southern Ground Hornbill. Read more
Discovering Sociable Weaver Nests in South Africa
Discovering Sociable Weaver nests in South Africa was the highlight of our drive from Cape Town to Upington. In a rather barren and very arid stretch of landscape, the nests stood out as quite unusual constructions on thin utility poles that looked like they would snap under the weight. Read more
Fynbos and Fantastic Views On Table Mountain
When visiting Cape Town, South Africa, Bob and I set aside one morning to explore the plateau called Table Mountain. This flat-topped mountain is recognized worldwide and is easily visible from every part of the capital city. Fynbos and fantastic views on Table Mountain were part of the draw for Bob and me.
Together with Bonteboks at Platboom Beach, South Africa
When Bob and I set off from Cape Point at the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa in search of the distant stretch of glistening white sand seen from the lookout, we were in for a big surprise and a treat when we spotted a small herd of bonteboks. Read more
The Legendary Cape of Good Hope, South Africa
After visiting Boulder Beach on our day’s excursion from Cape Town, South Africa, it was decided to push on to the legendary Cape of Good Hope. Only known to me through history lessons in grade school, the Cape of Good Hope instilled a sense of wonder in me. I could hardly wait to see it! Read more
Hordes of Ostriches On The Way To Cape Town
Sunrise must have been a little before 5:30 a.m. because that is when I woke up to a bright sunbeam that found a chink in the room-darkening drapes. I jumped out of bed and snapped a photo but already the brilliant orb was a short distance above the horizon. Read more
Among the Rocks at Mossel Bay
As I rubbed the sleep from my eyes at 6 a.m., a peak out the wall of windows revealed a couple of freighters silhouetted on the bright horizon in Mossel Bay, South Africa. The weather did not look promising. Read more









