Going to Kruger National Park

We set off for a long drive to our next destination, Kruger National Park. We had multiple stops at small places along the way. The first one of note was The Three Rondavels, a natural feature that look like local traditional huts. It is part of the Blyde Canyon one of the worlds largest.

                            Looking across the Blyde Canyon to the Three Rondavels

                                                The vertical walls of the Blyde Canyon

                             There were wildflowers in abundance as it is very close to spring.



The Canyon is impressive. We have however found that the South Africans are a little like Texan's.
We knew that they were responsible for Jacarandas and Agapanthus but we have now discovered that we need to add Macadamias, Granny Smith apples and lots more to the list.

At another part of the Canyon we came to Bourke's Luck Potholes to commemorate a failed prospector. This series of potholes and waterfalls is especially impressive in the wet season. We were in the dry season but still a great spot.

     Gail at the waterfalls. It was a sheer drop into a plunge pool at the bottom.

Apartheid memorials

We have traveled to South Africa to visit a number of National Parks and see some of the amazing wildlife....but we also came to respect the struggles against Apartheid.
After spending the first day recovering from the flight and visiting local spots in Johannesburg, we spent today at Soweto. The name synonymous with the struggle for equality is actually derived from SOuth WEst TOwnship. Land was divided up with 92% for whites and 8% for blacks and coloured people.
We came for the same reason that we have visited Auschwitz and other Nazi places of atrocities and Pol Pots death sites. Sad but essential to remind us of man's inhumanity to man.

When the Government set up some housing in Soweto it was substandard.

The dormitory in the centre of the photo was built for 52 single men.

The housing remains very poor but there are also some areas with improved conditions.

We visited Vilakazi street, the only street in the world that has housed 2 Noble Peace Prize winners!
We drove past Desmond Tutu's house but visited Nelson Mandela's. Earlier in the day we also went past his home in his life after coming out of gaol . It was quite a contrast.

                            Rob outside Mandela's home. It is now a museum.

We also visited the Hector Peterson memorial and the site of his death. He was a young boy of 13 who was one of the first to be shot when participating in a peaceful demonstration. Another 600 suffered the same fate that day.

                                         The wall where Hector Peterson was shot.

                                                            The memorial.

                                                      The historic photograph.

After lunch in a happy little Soweto restaurant we spent the afternoon at the Apartheid Museum. To enter you are allocated a status of White or Black and go in under differing conditions.

It traces the long sad struggle with lots of images and movie clips. The sort of place for quiet reflection.

Everyone should visit. All politicians should be made to visit prior to taking office!
We would encourage you to read up a little on this sad part of history.