South Africa Pt. 1 - Johannesburg, Whitewater rafting, the Panorama Route, and the Karoo!

Nelson and Allie enjoy views of the Panorama Route

We began our South African journey in Johannesburg. A city that holds a sad history of division and exclusion. Of hurt and anger. But one can also say it is a city of unification. In 1992, the remarkable work of Nelson Mandela and President F W de Klerk, reconciled the country and brought a divisive nation together to be wholly 'South African'. The history of Apartheid is quite a piece of history and one can surely see the divide (At a much lesser scale) today in parts of the country. However, the country is making great strides and uniting as one. The people we encountered from all backgrounds were extremely friendly, wanting to assist us, wanting to make sure we were enjoying ourselves in their country. And we did enjoy it immensely! The natural beauty left us in awe each day! As we road tripped through the nation, we saw new natural beauty each day with such a variety of landscapes! 

We visited Johannesburg where the Apartheid Museum gave us a great history lesson and kept us engaged for hours. We also visited the neighborhood of Soweto. Vilakazi street was the home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Then we headed east to Hazyview and went whitewater rafting  in crocodile and hippo infested waters (!!!) and drove the infamous Panorama Route where we were in awe by the beauty. We then headed south to eventually reach the coastline. But before arriving to the south, we made a stop in Graaf Reinet. A town on the Karoo - The Karoo being comparable to our 'western frontier'. We did some hiking and a self drive game ride to see some wildlife. Enjoy Pt. 1 of South Africa, a country that truly surprised us in the best way possible. 

The Apartheid Museum

The Museum had two entrances to give you an idea of the segregation.

Street art in Soweto

Nelson Mandela's first home in Soweto.

Nelson in Nelson's house.

Plaque at Desmond Tutu's home.

Did Nelson listen? Of course not.

Blyde River Canyon

Nelson being Nelson.

"I believe I can fly..."

View of the three rondavels.

Oh Africa.

'God's Window'

Quite the rebel.

Getting our quick 101 lesson.

If only we were this in-synch the entire time!

Allie bracing, Nelson celebrating.

Taking a break halfway, we were tired!

We survived! What a blast! 

The Valley of Desolation

Valley of Desolation

Amazing views.

Nelson doing some hiking.

Allie with the vast views. 

Nelson with the view

Nelson hiking in the Karoo

Monkey business on the Karoo

When you have an itch you just can't reach.

Wild Ostrich

The wild animals' views were impressive.

Antelope enjoying the sunset.

The sunset over the Karoo.

The Old Dutch style architecture in Graaf Reinet

The town sat in a valley, surrounded by impressive mountains on all sides. 

The impressive church in the center of town.