13th – 15th July – Robertson, South Africa

Neil went for a run this morning! Mentalist! I stayed in bed! It was raining, again. I really hope that this isn't the end of our sun!

We began our drive along Route 62, the longest wine route in the world, towards Robertson. The rolling hills soon turned into Vineyard after vineyard with the rocky mountains forming as their back drop! Beautiful.

We found Robertson Backpackers, a lovely hostel run by a lovely couple, a real home from home, we decided to stay here for 3 nights, doing a bit of wine tasting, watching movies, cooking, wine tasting, shopping, cleaning, wine tasting....etc!

The sun even made a welcomed return!

16th – 18th July 2009, Outshoorn to Stellenbosch, South Africa

We eventually left Robertson Backpackers (begrudgingly) and drove east along Route 62 to Outshoorn, the drive was beautiful, snow tipped mountains in the distance, the sun still shining, gorgeous. Outshoorn was just a stop off for the night really, not an amazing town with much to offer, but a nice hostel (Shanti Oasis) where we could camp for 50 Rand each a night. Que the ski gear and blankets!

The following morning after getting the feeling back into our freezing feet we drove towards Cape Agulhas the southern most point of Africa, leaving Route 62 behind us.

We arrived at Cape Agulas and took a few photos, took in the scenery and our achievement then set out to find a nice place to stay for the night that we could eat Fish and Chips!

We rocked up at Hermanus just after dark and found the Hermanus Backpackers, who don't offer camping (shame!!) so we had a nice bed for the night for 100 Rand each a night. Hermanus is best known for its land based whale watching, we didn't get to see any, but we did get our fish and chips!

After nice stroll in the morning we headed in the direction of Cape Town, to Stellenbosch.

The drive to Stellenbosch wasn't a long drive at all, it is a lovely quaint little university town and best known for its Vineyards. We found the Stumble Inn Backpackers, which didn't accommodate campers, so we had to get a dorm! We we're a little sad, our camping days are over for this trip! We didn't get to say a proper goodbye to the tent??!!

We found a nice old pub and had a 'few' drinks......we were in bed by 10pm!

The following day, after waking up with fuzzy heads we wandered around the lovely little town, had some brunch ( we had to fit in with all the cool brunchers)! The went to an old vineyard estate, which was gorgeous! We walked around the grounds for a while, neither of us really up for tasting any wine after last night, but we did manage to try one each!

 

It was decided an early night was called for, to prepare ourselves for the final leg of the trip tomorrow. Cape Town, here we come! It was decided an early night was called for, to prepare ourselves for the final leg of the trip tomorrow. Cape Town, here we come!

 

19th - 30th July, Cape Town, South Africa

We woke up early with a dizzy excitment and hit the road to our final destination.........

 

 

 

WE MADE IT!!!

 

   

 

 

 

  Arriving at the harbour and getting our first view of Table Mountain. 

 

  Celebrating with a glass or 2 of champers!

 

  Visiting the Cape of Good Hope, South Westerly tip of Africa!

 

 

 Colourful Beach huts at Simons Town.

 

We wanted to go up to the top of Table Mountain, but the cable cars are out of service until August! 

Walking up was the only option, so 2 and half hours of up hill hiking later we made it to the top! Phew!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Another 'must do' was visiting Robben Island, one of the best experiences of the trip, a guided tour around the prison that held Nelson Mandela prisoner for 18 years, you are guided around the prison by an ex political prisoner, incredible tour. 

 

   

   

 

 Cape Town is a wonderful city with so much to do. Hustle Bustle of the city and within minutes you can be at the beach chilling out, or down at the port taking in the views and enjoying lunch. 

 

 

  The FIFA World cup stadium, still in construction!

 

 

  Lunch at the V&A Waterfront!

 

 

 Watching some surfers at the upper class Camps Bay.

 

 Thanks to my brilliant cousin having a contact in Cape Town we have had somewhere to stay whilst being here, it's not just a bog standard sofa that we're sleeping on either.....look at our bedroom!! 

 

 

Phil's amazing pad in Camps Bay, Cape Town. Phil is head chef at Gordon Ramsays Restraunt, so we will be enjoying a meal there tonight, our last supper of the trip.  

 

Thank you so much Phil, Rob and Nicky for having us at you beautiful gaff, and for feeding us the most delicious food of the whole trip, (apart from our 2 minute noodles of course)! 

It's been an absolute blast!

 

Finally a HUGE thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way and made generous donations to the good cause. 

You have all helped in raising over £3,500 for UNICEF. Thank you. 

 

It's been emotional!!! 

 

Time to start planning the next one....Newtown to New Zealand.......maybe not!