19/10/2019
Hello folks, in August I went to Thailand (Phuket) for a brief holiday. I'm glad I went ............did and saw things which were totally new to me. This included visiting the various islands in Phuket bay. Despite this, I was relieved to get onto the plane for my return trip - until it actually started, that is. The trip going from E -> W was a nightmare! It included a 10 - hr stopover at the Abu Dhabi airport. We arrived there a little after midnight, and our next flight left at about 10. I was able to book a room at the airport hotel (sleep only, no food: R2200), so I got a little bit of sleep. Fortunately the flight from there to Jo'burg was almost empty, so I was able to stretch out on the seats in the centre portion (across 4 seats) and got some sleep. Despite spending time with my sen and his family in Joeys, it took me the best part of 2 weeks to recover partially. This all set me thinking. Phuket was pretty, but was going through a devastating drought. It was nowhere nearly as green as I'd expected. So........................what did Thailand have which can't be equalled here in Southern Africa? The countries are very different - but we have some really spectacular scenery here. I include even the Karoo in that. I've decided to find out in more detail just what's available here in the Southern tip of Africa. I'm starting it hopefully in January (I only hope we have some decent rain before that!) by visiting Lesotho. I've flown over it many times, but have never actually been on the ground there. I've identified three areas I want to see. The first is the Sehlabathebe national park. It's a small park - only some 68 sq. km. - but has a range of different environments, with lots of water. It's a world heritage site, so should still be pristine. There are several caves there, with bushman paintings. For birders, there are species which are adapted to high altitudes - Drakensberg siskins, Drakensberg rockjumpers, lammergeyers, etc. I have one photo of a rockjumper, but would like to improve on it. There is accommodation available at Sehlabathebe. From there I want to go to the Maletsunyane Falls - the highest single - fall in Southern Africa, at some 182m. There's accommodation at the Semongkong Lodge, right at the falls. There's a hike to the bottom of the falls (quite a stiff one, I'm told) for spectacular photo opportunities - and for trout fishing! One only hopes that by mid - January there will have been some rain to charge the river. From there I want to go to Katse Dam. Despite the drought, that's currently at some 63% of capacity (according to Dr, Google!). Lots of scenery, water - and trout fishing. Coming back home, I want to spend a night at the Sani Pass hotel. I'd like to travel down the pass in the morning, to get the best of the light and colours. Fortunately I drive a 4x4!
