Sunday, September 8, 2013

Uganda



As mentioned previously, I will update portions of my Africa trip when the opportunity arises. From the Great Rift Valley in Kenya we headed into Uganda to our first stop, Jinga, which is located on the shores of Lake Victoria, near the source of the Nile River. 

The Nile River.
My faithful stead after a much need wash.

New buddy at campsite.

From there we headed into the capital city of Uganda, Kampala. Where we restocked and met up with some old friends from SA.




Your local butcher.
From Kampala we head back down across the Equator again to the south-western part of Uganda to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is a world heritage site.



Paul and myself at the equator.
A wacky shot of some locals, as we ride past.

Heading into the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Here we spent the night as I prepared to go Gorilla tracking the next morning.
An awesome view greats us as we start on our journey after been briefed by our rangers.

One can't help feeling like you are in the movie," Gorillas in the mist."

The size of this stunning nature reserve is only 331 square kilometers.

Some of our group working there way through the bush, tracking the Gorilla's. Gorilla's can only be found on the green volcanic slopes of Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
After a hell of a walk we are finally greeted by this young Gorilla peacefully eating in the trees.
It was insane that you could hear and see them just in front of you, and then next minute you could not see them. They are true masters of their domain.

If he wanted to he could snap us like a twig, he easily pulled up little trees as if they where a feather. With all his strength he looked at us with such intelligent gentle eyes.
What a humbling experience to see such a majestic animal up so close.

Yours truly, on the trail behind our tracker.
We have this picture, printed out big, on canvas, in our office. Looks stunning!
It's so sad to see these beautiful creatures are on the critical endangered list, as of November 2012 the estimated number of Gorillas left is 880 in the world.


Trying to get me and the Gorilla in the background in the picture.
Our guide following the Elephant spoor through the swamp.
My soaking wet foot in the Elephant spoor.

Our group with our certificates showing that we had successfully tracked and seen the Bitukura Gorilla family.
A massive moth at our campsite.

On route to Rwanda on this stunning road on the side of the mountain.

In this picture you can clearly see the line between humans and the home of these wonderful and majestic Gorillas. Given half the chance this would be turned into farm land. How can we expect wild animals to survive if we give them nowhere in the wild to live?
It's amazing how they manage to farm on every available piece of land.

I am truly blessed and grateful to have been able to experience and see the majestic mountain Gorilla in their habitat. This is and should always be protected, it is us who are encroaching on their home. Since it has become a world heritage site the number of Gorillas has slowly started to increase. So well done to the local communities and everyone that has contributed to this worthy cause.


Friday, August 30, 2013

Snow again on Helderberg Mountain

Woke this morning to snow covering the Helderberg mountains once again, a majestic sight indeed.





Up in Lourensford Wine Estate.





Lourensford Wine Estate.

A Panorama at Lourensford Wine Estate.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

What a Life.

I recently got the opportunity to take some pics of my mates beautiful new dream home.

This stunning home in the Stellenbosch area overlooks the paddocks and dam, with grape vines and olive trees growing and the Hotentots Holland mountain range in the back ground..

This house was built with the surroundings and history of the area in mind hence the Cape Dutch design.
Stunning Protea's line the self made hill overlooking the vineyard.
Taken one evening
Very stylish entrance with Koi pond under the stairs.
These Koi have the life.
Another night shot.
The rim flow pool overlooking the dam and paddocks.

What a stunning and beautiful home, for an amazing family and friend, as always you do it properly!

Friday, August 9, 2013

Snow on the Mountains Somerset West

A beautiful day in Somerset West, snow on the Helderberg mountains and stunning blue sky!



Another shot a day later of our beautiful home town.


Friday, July 5, 2013

Lyzyrd Kyngs Live in Barrydale

Had an awesome weekend in Barrydale. The Lyzrd Kyngs played at the Barrydale hotel had a blast!
The lighting was terrible as usual but here are a couple of pics.



Arthur and Piet Botha.
The boys in action.
Piet Botha and Arthur.
The Barrydale Hotel

One rooms on the way to the loo.
Piet Botha and Rudi giving us a private show, very entertaining!
Hennie and Maired at Ronnies

Ronnie with Maggie
The kids in Ronnies

Brendan and Mags

Maggie and Ronnie