Seeing as how I’m from the Pacific Northwest, it’s only natural that I love the outdoors. So, when I think of camping, my mind conjures up images of remote wilderness, starry nights by campfire, and space – lots of it. If you’re from South Africa, chances are your definition of camping is a little different. It probably involves luxuries like electricity and communal kitchens, as well as neighbors on all sides.
I’m not going to lie: there were many times that I was thankful to have such conveniences, especially with the hit-and-miss weather we experienced, but at the end of the day, I would far rather do without. There is something to be said for peace and quiet, just as there is for disconnecting and allowing yourself to get swept away with whatever surrounds you. That’s not to say it can’t happen with modern amenities, because it most certainly can — it just takes more to stimulate the senses is all.
We said goodbye to Kosi Bay and headed South, stopping for a night in the St. Lucia Estuary. The landscape was lovely, but the campsite was nothing to write home about. Crowds and a going rate of sixty dollars per night kept us moving.
While on the road, we decided to have a look at Richard’s Bay. A friend had suggested it, but after having a little look-see, I can’t imagine why. The only way I would ever return is if they bulldozed every strip mall, KFC, and condo-community within a 30 mile radius. Even then, I’d still be hesitant. Just imagine Florida, without any and all redeeming qualities. Yuck.
Instead of stopping in Durban, we watched it fly by in the rear-view mirror. We sought refuge within the city of Pietermaritzburg (Pieterma-what?) for a few days. I was feeling a little under the weather, but doing my best to hold it together. Who needs Day-Quill when you can have a comfortable bed and satellite television?
Showing signs of improvement, we made our way to the Sani Pass within the Southern Drakensburg area, bordering Lesotho. As you can imagine, our Polo was no match for the pass. We attempted it, but quickly turned around and setup camp at the Sani Lodge, nestled along the foothills. The area is beautiful, but the peaks played hide-and-seek due to the weather and low cloud cover. Timing is everything and ours is perpetually off – what can you do?
