"A long overdue return to Mama Africa" South Africa by dgeorge10

South Africa Travel Guide: 14,794 reviews and 27,481 photos

Sunrise at Kruger National Park - South Africa

We set off in the pale early morning light for a walk through the bush armed with rifles, flashlights, and cameras. All we could hear were our footsteps, the birds, and an occasional grunt that seemed to come from less than a yard away. And then, dawn broke....

It was at this moment that I realized in my heart that I was, in a way, back home.

Africa, forever a part of my heart.

Back in the bush

How did this adventure begin? Just 3 days earlier I had been in Stockholm, trying to figure out when my next assignment would start. I had just hung up the phone after a chat with my new boss and was pondering what he had just said. My position in Japan wouldn't start till January 2nd, 2003. What was I to do with the 2 weeks till then? The answer was instantly obvious!

A quick call to United Airlines confirmed that seats were available. 10 minutes later and 60,000 frequent flier miles lighter, I had a roundtrip ticket to Cape Town, South Africa for a one week trip. The schedule had worked out perfectly. I would be back just enough time to hop on another plane to the States for Christmas with my family!! 20 hours later, I was on my way...

It would be my first visit back to Africa since I had left Nigeria as a bright-eyed 16 year old on the cusp of adulthood. For 12 years since that day, I had dreamed of returning and now I finally had the opportunity. The choice of South Africa was an easy one. It is truly a symbol of Africa's struggles, hopes, and possibilities and a visit there had always been one of my dreams.

Africa is a mystery to most of the world. For those lucky enough to have set foot on her soil, the grip that she puts on the soul is hard to understand, much less describe. I doubt there are many who have been to Africa and left without taking a piece of her with them. Perhaps it is the feeling of walking on land that feels as if it's been untouched for millenia. Wander into a village anywhere on the continent and you feel like life goes on as it has for generations, even though signs of the "modern world" are everywhere to be seen. I dare you not to be humbled by the warmth and hospitality of a people who are considered to be the wretched of the earth. Poor in material possessions perhaps, but certainly not in spirit.

Wild Africa

Heading for the water hole

Of course one of the first things that pops into most people's minds is the richness of the wildlife in Africa. Without a doubt, it is the place to go if you want to see what untamed really means.

Pictures can never do justice to the experience of seeing the bush come alive in front of your eyes...

I'll try though. Check out my travelogue pictures for a few more safari shots.

Pros and Cons

Pros:A diversity of people and nature that can riival just about any other country in the world
In a nutshell:Experience almost everything that Africa has to offer in one country.

Last visit to South Africa: Dec 2002
Intro Updated Mar 4, 2003
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Comments (31)

Geisha_Girl Dec 1, 2006 at 11:41 AM Report Abuse

Ohhhh! I forgot all about the "Tales of the Nubian Princess!" Thanks for reminding me! We also mustn't forget Mama! Dear Baby G, once upon a time at the crack of dawn in the Salsa clubs of Tokyo, Auntie Geisha, Tito Manuel, and Uncle Stonefree...... ;-))
jo104 Nov 28, 2005 at 2:11 AM Report Abuse

I also love those long necked animals so graceful - Have a wonderful birthday & hope you have found the right kindof girl :-) greetings from Jo in London born in Cape Town.
Narviking Feb 5, 2004 at 7:57 AM Report Abuse

Nice page. South Africa seems to be worth a visit. Greetings from Norway !
kenHuocj Oct 7, 2003 at 4:14 AM Report Abuse

African drumbeat drwas you back laways - shaph eh Blah ;-)))
suubi Oct 1, 2003 at 5:23 AM Report Abuse

Excellent Travelogue!! would have loved to rate your tips, but how?
Christian.Lafont Jul 28, 2003 at 1:58 AM Report Abuse

A tree with the roots in the sky !! Great picture.
Jackiekg May 2, 2003 at 1:07 PM Report Abuse

Your South Africa travelogue is very nice - great pictures on all your pages..
waffs May 1, 2003 at 10:26 PM Report Abuse

wildlife in africa always an amazing sight .. i'v seen asian elephants in india and Thailand but never africans. a nice pic of zebras and giraffes ... great visual texture!
zumodemango May 1, 2003 at 1:55 AM Report Abuse

amazing sunset in the intro pic! what a wonderful trip!
syllybabe Apr 22, 2003 at 12:45 AM Report Abuse

I'm fascinated by giraffes as well...such graceful looking creatures. I wonder how many miles I have to give up to redeem a flight to SA...