The Harts Honeymoon in South Africa: Panorama Route
To recap: We took a looooong flight to South Africa, spent a day recovering in Joburg, and then set out on a safari adventure. Even if we had flown home from Joburg the day our safari ended, we would have had an incredible honeymoon. But what I really loved about South Africa was that there was so much more to see. There was literally everything one could want in a trip - scenery, new experiences, time outdoors, time indoors, mountains, beaches, open skies, cityscapes, incredible food, and even wine. A safari was only the beginning.
Following our 5-days with Viva Safaris and one last sunrise walk through the bush, we made the drive back to Joburg, again stopping in Dullstroom for lunch, this time with the chance to explore the quaint town for a bit. Honestly, I slept for much of the return trip, but there was one unmissable portion of the drive - the scenery along the Panorama Route descending through the Drakensburg Escarpment, the highlight of which was the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon. We had a chance to stretch our legs and take more than a few pictures along the way, although I know we only explored a fraction of the sites and history along the route.
To put it simply, the Blyde River Canyon from the viewpoint of the Three Rondevals was gorgeous.
Returning to Joburg, we were dropped off at the airport to catch our quick flight to Cape Town later that evening. Arriving late at night, we had little to do other than settle into our incredible hotel room.
We arrived at the Protea Hotel Cape Town Victoria Junction tired from a day of travel, but excited to begin our exploration of Cape Town the following day. Located near the Waterfront, I was hopeful we would be well-situated for our time in Cape Town. The check-in process was quick and easy and the front desk staff shared in the excitement of our honeymoon as I glanced around at the modern decor of the lobby.
Obviously this picture was not taken as we were checking in.
And then there was our room. Despite the fatigue, I got a bit giddy when we opened the door to our two story apartment with a floor to ceiling window whose real magic would the revealed the following morning when I got a glimpse of Table Mountain. It was a fantastic room.
How we felt about our Cape Town hotel room
I just want to pause for a moment and speak to the water crisis in Cape Town, since improved due to increasing dam levels over the winter. While we were there, water restrictions were still in effect for citizens of Cape Town. As a tourist, there was no requirement to limit water, although there were signs everywhere encouraging thoughtfulness about this, as well as providing water saving tips. Although not strictly required, I could not feel good about visiting a place and causing harm, so we made every effort to follow the recommendations. We never left the water running, did not flush the toilet except when necessary (if it’s yellow, let it mellow), and did our best to take quick showers. We definitely conserved water by drinking wine instead. I realize that what was, at most, an inconvenience to me was potentially a life or death issue for others. Climate change and water crises are global issues that are not going away. Although by now, a rainy winter has temporarily averted the current Cape Town crisis, drought and lack of access to clean drinking water is a reality for many in our world. Although I often focus on the fun parts of travel, travel also forces me to confront the issues and challenges in the world that I may be able to ignore in my own day-to-day life. Travel teaches me that my place in the world is so small and reminds me to fight for the good of all, not just those who look like or live like me.
Okay, I am off my soap box. South Africa had been amazing so far, a dream of a honeymoon with beauty and adventure and perfect places. The morning after arriving in Cape Town, we slept in (finally - so many early mornings on safari) and savored a rare lazy morning. I brewed some coffee (okay, Brandon made the coffee) and enjoyed the view from our room as I anticipated what discoveries awaited us in Cape Town.
