Hey everyone,
As most of you know, I’ve spent the last couple of weeks in South Africa. Not many of you would know about my past in Africa. I spent three years from 1999-2001 running the UN demining programme in Mozambique. It was my first posting abroad and our two oldest children were born just across the border in what was then known as Nelspruit, now Mbombela, back then. So our connections are strong.
We haven’t been back to South Africa for fifteen years which is far too long. Contrary to the common impression of backsliding and bad times, this is not what I’ve seen. South Africa is moving forward in a number of areas. I found a stunning spot in top of the Table Mountain with Robben Island in the background after a fantastic hike up the Plattenklipp Gorge to record my Africa briefing!
Here’s the video:
There’s so much to explore in South Africa. The Kruger is my home turf. The camps are old fashioned, thank God. Hardly any connectivity. I hope they’ll leave it that way. For the folks who need luxury, they can go to the fashionable lodges outside the park and have guides show them the game. I don’t need that stuff!
Stage two was the stunning Cape Town. I only have one thing to say: if you haven’t already, then go for heaven’s sake. Fully agree with the good : my favourite city in the whole world. Our oldest daughter has spent a couple of months here and is madly in love too. It’s safe to say the Kaarsbos will be back shortly.
Stay safe!
