Africa!

Recently Josh and I traveled down to South Africa to celebrate our friend's Thomas and Frances' wedding.   Our time was divided among game drives, craft markets and township tours, to the more cosmopolitan Cape Town.

Our first night was spent on a game reserve, in the Bush, amongst the wild animals. We went on an evening and early morning game drive and saw giraffes, wildebeest, and zebras.

Josh and I in the game drive jeep getting ready to spot some dangerous animals.

I think this picture illustrates the African Bush the best. The earth is very hilly and rocky with thorny bushes.

I think I love the zebra the most!

After our night in the Bush, we ventured to Kruger Park. This expansive park is larger than London and home to five of Africa's most dangerous animals (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino). Even though it is incredibly rare, given the park's large size, we were lucky enough to spot the Big 5.

A baby elephant charging our car in the Kruger Park. 

The baboons were a humorous bunch. Throughout our travels, the baboons would be spotted on the side of the road wrestling and grooming each other.
I love this picture with the baby hanging on. 

One of the township villages we visited.
We learned all about African traditional ways of living. We purchased crafts from the community stalls, watched women weave mats and make homemade bread, and visited a witch doctor.

Frances with the town's chief.

Craft stalls on the side of the road.

After our time in Johannesburg, we continued on to Cape Town. This town has gorgeous beaches, amazing restaurants, and stunning scenery.

Table Mountain blanketed in clouds

I honestly just love this picture because of the colors.

View of Table Mountain from the water.

Josh and I took a sailing cruise out to Robben Island, which was the prison that held Nelson Mandela. Even though we weren't able to make it onto the island to view the prison, we did spot some whales! 

Taking the cable car to the top of Table Mountain.

Views from the top.

Views of Cape Town from Table Mountain.

Views of the harbor.
We were on our way to Cape Peninsula and Cape of Good Hope, the once believed most Southernly point in South Africa.

Cape of Good Hope and Dias Beach.

The coastline is very dramatic driving from Cape Point to Boulders Bay.

Penguins at Boulders Bay.

The wine region was simply stunning.

Josh and I after just enjoying delicious wine and lunch from a Michelin star restaurant.

Exploring Spier vineyard.

At the Spier hotel, we enjoyed; a traditional African dinner in the trees, face painting, and live music.

Colorful shanty towns.
The disparity between the rich and poor is staggering. These towns are constructed from sheet metal and other durable materials. 

From the safaris along the desolate landscape of the Bush, to the craft markets dotting the dramatic hillsides of Johannesburg, to the stunning coastline of Cape Town  - Africa has captured our hearts and exceeding all expectations.