Southern Drakensberg (Sani Pass Region, South Africa)

March 30^th, 2011 (January 2011) – After Kosi Bay we headed south to St. Lucia Estuary located within the boundary of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It is a beautiful area and well worth a visit. Unfortunately, the campsite was crowded and overpriced (high season) but the surrounding area in the estuary and along the coast are quite pleesant. The beach front near the campsite is remarkable as well but given the condition of our skin (crispy that is) we were in no mood to sunbathe.  

Along the way I noticed a curious creature in the road and stopped to have a look. It was my favorite lizard, Mr. Chameleon. I don’t think I will ever tire of watching these strange beasts. Everything about them is intriguing right down to their unmistakable ‘stutter-step-robot-dance’ way of moving, not to mention eyes that rotate 360 degrees independently of each other. Thankfully, this would not be our last encounter.

As we continued further south we decided to take a look at Richard’s Bay as someone we’d met recommended it. We had a hard time determining why. It is an industrial hub and boasts the largest coal export facility in the world. That’s as sexy as it gets. We checked out a couple of unappealing campsites, stopped for lunch along the water, and got the F out of Dodge. It wasn’t easy. More road construction. I tried several escape routes but to no avail. We were stuck in traffic for over an hour in our non air-conditioned vehicle ruing our decision to detour. Patience is a virtue. It really is. No, really.