KZN/Lesotho road trip: Day 12

Sunrise seems to be Lesley’s thing when we are on holiday, and this morning’s one at Dumbe was a doozy. She was up and taking photos. We only had a short drive to Mahai campsite at Royal Natal park so it was nice to lie in and then have a leisurely breakfast before we had to pack and be on our way.

We retraced our route and turned off the R74 towards the mountains. The amphitheatre was spread out in front of us. Quite magnificent. We arrived at the main gate and were allowed through without having to pay anything as it was during the holidays. A little further on we arrived at Mahai campsite. It is beautifully set out amongst huge trees with grassed sites. There are all the facilities needed including a laundry with coin operated washing machines. Lesley has taken the opportunity to catch up with the washing.

There are a lot of walks here ranging from 1 hour to 6 hours. There is also a guided walk to bushman paintings. We were planning to go on one or two walks after arriving here but it was very hot so we decided to wait till later. Then we ended up changing camp sites from non/electrical to electrical as I did not think the dual battery would last for the time that we were going to be here as we would not be driving around much to charge it and the battery does not have the life it used to have.

Then just as we were deciding to go walking a thunder storm started approaching and it started to rain. We took shelter in the washing up place, which is right next to it, and munched on avos. Walking was something we were only going to get to tomorrow.

After the rain stopped we started our braai and when we had finished we had a deer and her little one walking through the camp site, quite tame. Amazing to see them so close. I then went for a shower and when I was walking back I saw something moving on the road. I shone my torch on it and here was this owl checking me out. He flew off before I could get any closer.

Yeah, Steve, that was the cute and cuddly wildlife……I had a close encounter with the big male baboon while he was down at reception and it really enjoyed a lick of the braai grid before I and my fellow campers managed to scare it off…..

This is a lovely place and the mountains around us are spectacular, feel like we are in a bowl with mountains on all sides. Yes, once again, you will have to suffer some of my sunset pics, but I just can’t resist and this camera is a joy to use too.

Spoke to the girls on BBM tonight, told them that I wish they were here to see this, it is lovely and a place that so few South Africans ever get to see as it is so pricey to stay at most places. We are blessed.

Good night all, sleep tight, hope we do too with the owls a-hooting and the baboons a-screeching……!! Zzzzzzzz