#shot left

[rrcarrot]

Isolation cells at the Number Four prison at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg, South Africa

[theincidentaltourist]

Travel. - Yes. Here's to all that is beautiful in our own country.

[theincidentaltourist]

Eastern Cape. #ShotLeft. - There are still numerous stories to share from the second part of my Eastern Cape Sho't Left trip, which I will do after my #meetsouthafrica adventure - which starts tomorrow.

For now though a video. Cheetah Trekking in the Mountain Zebra National Park. Nothing quite like walking the bush. 

#TravelHero

[theincidentaltourist]

Kragga Kamma Game Park. Port Elizabeth.

Eastern Cape. #ShotLeft. - There is a bit of a misconception about affordable travel for South Africans. Its one of the reasons why the SA Tourism Sho't Left campaign holds such value.

The argument that properties, specifically those offering a safari experience, are out of reach for us, isn't true. I also know that the price per night never reflects the true cost of game management or the intricacies involved in running a game reserve and giving us that dream safari experience that is synonymous with Africa. 

Which is why I have respect for all private game owners, and take great pleasure in confidently recommend Kragga Kamma on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth as a wonderful option to bring you close to nature and some impressive big game. We spent a night here on our recent trip, I have also been lucky enough to stay here on two previous occasions.

An area of lush coastal forest and grassland, its home to herds of African game including White Rhino, Buffalo, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra, Nyala, Bontebok, Lechwe and more. All the animals roam freely and unrestricted. This park is owner operated and their no hunting or other disturbance policy means the game is relaxed and game viewing is excellent. Game drives are either self-drive or a two hour game drive can be booked with a professional guide. Also offering cheetah interaction.

Accommodation is in chalets, lodges or a luxury tent which sleep between 2 and 6 people. The accommodations are self-catering, well equipped and offer the best view as the animals literally come to you in the evening light. 

Our cheetah chalet which slept four with a full kitchen and outside braai area. The buffalo and warthogs came right up to the lawns and were rather curious about us. It was very special to see them from so close up, a wooden railing separating us as we had our dinner. And they had theirs.

This is also a popular spot for day visits and picnic spots with braai facilities are available under shady trees. There is a Bush Cafe that offers home baked cakes and tarts, sandwiches and burgers. 

Gates open daily at 8:00 am and close for entry at 5:00 pm. In summer the gates are locked at 7:00 pm and at 6:00 pm in winter. 

Contact details. Phone: [phone] and Cell: 083 410 2883. Bookings at [email protected] Open every day during the year, excluding Christmas day.

Here is a place that I can't quite get enough of. When you say Port Elizabeth, I want to visit Kragga Kamma and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the park and animals. Incredibly good value and place that all South Africans can be proud of. 

Note: There is a good shopping centre with supermarkets just 5 minutes up the road from the entrance, a good option for stocking up on groceries for the night. It couldn't be easier.

[theincidentaltourist]

Port Elizabeth's Route 67. Donkin Reserve.

Eastern Cape. #ShotLeft. - The Donkin Reserve is a public space gifted to the city by its founder, Sir Rufane Donkin. Equal in size to about two city blocks, its main feature is a stone pyramid monument with a touching inscription in memory of his late wife, Elizabeth, after whom the city was named. Also the lighthouse built in 1861, which I just had to climb for best views towards the harbour.

Today the area holds 67 pieces of public art to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of public life and his contribution to the freedom of South Africa. The route starts at the Campanile built on the beach where the British Settlers landed in 1820. Standing 52m high it is one of the beacons of Route 67. The walk starts here and winds its way through the CBD all the way up to the Great Flag - the tallest flag pole in Africa, symbolizing our freedom.

The walk is symbolic of the struggle that Madiba and fellow comrades underwent during South Africa’s apartheid years and is a symbol of hope for the youth of today. Sending out a strong  message - the struggles of the past were not in vain.

A life size laser cut figure of Mandela leads a line of voters in SOuth Africa's first democratic elections.

The 470 square metre mosaic celebrates the multi-cultural heritage, history, fauna and flora.

The view from the top of the lighthouse.

From above, the view down the path way with its white crosses which represent the voting queue in 1994. On either side the 43 lights representing a journey along the voting line.

The lighthouse also holds the headquarters of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism.

I'm touching briefly on the attractions, as everywhere you look there's a piece worthy of time and appreciation. Don't visit Port Elizabeth without spending a couple of hours taking in all this area has to offer. 

[theincidentaltourist]

Nieu Bethesda. - A short film for The Incidental Tourist by Chris Wait Media.

[theincidentaltourist]

Nieu Bethesda. Sunset over the Valley and our Weekend.

Nieu Bethesda. - After a full day of getting to know the locals, we headed up to the lookout point overlooking the valley, the village below and the Compassberg Mountain in the distance.

We lit a fire for comfort despite the warm weather and cracked open a bottle of bubbly to be enjoyed with some local cheese. A contemplative moment. The sense of belonging. The desire to live here. At least for a few months a year.

Thank you all in Nieu Bethesda for accommodating us, for your time and generosity. We will continue to spread the Karoo love!

Chris and Jeffrey, who we had the pleasure of meeting at the guest house.

And to my travel companions too. Above, Eden and I.

[theincidentaltourist]

Nieu Bethesda. An inviting, evocative Karoo village.

Nieu Bethesda. - I selected to visit Nieu Bethesda with the specific desire of capture as much of the essence of this evocative Karoo village as possible. To breath in the fresh air, eat the locally grown produce, try the craft beer, linger in the Owl House, search for fossils, take a donkey cart ride, have an amazing coffee at the Ibis Lounge, walk the graveyard and meet to interview a collection of interesting locals. Not to mention sundowners overlooking the valley.

After checking in at our guest accommodation, which was sponsored by Ian and Katrin Allerman of Nieu Bethesda Accommodation, we took to the streets, staying loyal to my mantra always walk any and everywhere that you visit.

During the three days that we were there, we achieved all of this and more, capturing it to a short film and GoPro video. Also learning more about the very important anti-fracking movement. I felt completely at home, as though part of me belonged here. Relaxing into the atmosphere of the place, I didn't want to leave.

Here is a photo essay of some of the sights that met us, architecture and Karoo style. Dirt roads with no street lamps. Character and community. For more info and additional accommodation options see Nieu-Bethesda.Biz.

NOTE - Nieu Bethesda has no petrol, bank or credit card facilities. Fill up your tank and your wallet before you arrive!

Cameraman Chris Wait and son and travel buddy Eden Weiss.

Tickles my sense of humour.

A giant coke, oh dear.

Evidence of the Fugard Festival which is held here annually.

A lovely bit of randomness about the spelling off the Nieu Bethesda website - In 1878, when the town was first formed, the name nu Bethesda was misspelt as "Nieu Bethesda". "New Bethesda" is also popular. Other creative misspellings include: New, Nu, Nieuw, Niew, Bethesda, Betesda, Bathesda, Batesda, Bethesta, Betesta, Bathesta and Batesta. 

And I found that once you start chatting with locals and discussing your return, Bethesda will certainly suffice.