THE SG 1616 FAMILY TOUR 3

The 1st of October was a very special Monday for the SG 1616 family. It was special for two main reasons: the boys, Bantse and Tsepamo had the privilege of purchasing themselves some casual garments for the journey ahead. Some eye-ware for the hot weather; safari hats to brace themselves for exploration of the Augrabies landscape; footwear and colourful pants for swimming. Second, this was the first family tour where it was an all-male affair; father and sons on tour where the guys had the honour of determining what went into the cooler boxes. But mostly, the recent family acquisition of “The Beast” was a special ingredient. The idea of travelling some 650km to our destination was more than exciting for the boys since it gave them plenty of opportunity to revel in putting “The Beast” to the test while exploring the beauty of this great Fatherland. Reaching Upington was a relief as we knew we were much closer to our destination. We had the chance to move around the second biggest city in the Northern Cape Province, and one of the cleanest cities to visit in the land. The last 130km from Upington to Augrabies National Park were a marvel to cruise along. At frequent interval the route was uniquely punctuated by those breath-taking vineyards on either side of the road. Something that reminded us that we were entering one of South Africa’s finest raisins and wine cellars regions, reputable for its export of the finest wines to the world and mostly to mainland China as our number one premier consumer. Delush pack, Cape Ruby and Muscadel come to the fore for every tourist’s collection. The first day was reserved for travelling the arid N14 route and resting in the afternoon and maybe a baptismal dip in one of the three super pools. Needless to say, swimming is not a family tradition but a novelty. Except for Bantse, the last born who’s more daring character has equipped him with some basic swimming skills. Hot-Air Balloon was scheduled to be the leading adventure the following day. However, our evening visit to the service provider revealed the unexpected disappointment. We dropped it. The second day was therefore dedicated to a family safari drive. We experienced nature at peace. The unique rock formations at different points were stunning. The meandering routes lend themselves to a memorable cruise with spectacular sceneries. Taking beautiful pictures and breathing the freshest air was a rejuvenating experience of freedom of the human spirit. As for animals, Augrabies is not home to South Africa’s Big Five. The leopard is the only beast that roams the park. Otherwise Giraffe, Gemsbok, Eland and Tholo are the biggest antelopes to see. It was an exhausting yet exhilarating journey that took the trio some four hours of park exploration. Previously, we had spotted a picnic spot for day visitors along the route with lots of barbecue stands, a big pool, ablution block with showers and plenty monkeys that roamed the place as natural guests waiting for every opportune time to grab a “tax” snack from unsuspecting invaders. The pool became an irresistible attraction to wrap the day’s proceedings. The third day started with an early drive to Kakamas clean dorpie to buy meat for the afternoon picnic and other necessities for the chalet. Then, it was time for the Augrabies Waterfalls. And, that’s by far the number one attraction to Augrabies National park. The waterfalls are located along the Orange river. Different routes take you to different areas to witness the majestic and magnificent sceneries where water falls from different heights and formations of the solid rocks depending on the season. And, I daresay visiting such places of natural wonders has a way of invoking in every tourist an instantaneous reflection of the awesomeness of the creator of the Universe regardless of what you consider Him to be. By its nature, the programme of a tourist must provide for laxity, fun, reflection and some degree of indulgence in one’s hobbies or sheer idleness of mind and body. So, the third, event for the day was to go wine tasting at Kakamas, some 30km from Augrabies. And, take it from me. There were so much to see, so much to savour, so much to taste and so much to appreciate. Besides, one had to be selective in wine tasting lest you taste yourself into a stupor.