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The northern Drakensburg is as spectacular as the south and some may argue even more dramatic. The escarpments are longer and cliff's higher. We took a day's guided hike from Sentinel Peak to the Amphitheatre and to the mighty Teluga falls (reportedly the second highest in the world). The hike was pretty hard going and made us realise just how unfit we have become in the last few months. The views were like none other, the San bush people described the place as the 'end of the world' as they simply could not imagine anything beyond the mountains, and the description is pretty apt with only peaks interrupting the landscape as far as the eye can see. The falls were rather hilarious, being winter there has been no rain and the only bit of these apparently mighty waterfalls had literally fallen off the cliff where it had frozen! All we could see was a pretty big drop and nice lump of ice part way down.
The route back to our vehicle took in some leg tingling chain ladders down the cliff face, a 15 meter and 22 meter climb down to nothingness. No ropes or safety harnesses, just encouragement to keep your legs straight and watch where you put your feet. It was quite good fun until the wind picked up and we were all hanging on with white knuckles.
Our last couple of days before heading to Johannesburg were spent in the picturesque little town of Clarens. Having thought I'd long ago negotiated my last mountain pass we headed through the Golden Gate National Park and my most technical bit of blind bend, very steep slope driving yet. I'm rather impressed to say I was pretty damned good and for once no one overtook me! Ha I have finally got the hang of this driving lark. Clarens it rather cute, if a small town can be described in that way. It appears to be a weekend getaway destination for people from J'burg with money to burn. Brad Pitt has a house here, no we didn't get invited round for dinner (only because James was with me!), and there are restaurants and deli's galore. We came across the best food store we've seen in South Africa and had I been heading home my bag would have filled up with unusual preserves, oil's and coffee. Shame I had to leave it all behind. I am now inspired to get making my own when we get home so here is an early warning that you will all be getting chutney for Christmas! Just pretend you like it even its gross.
Our trusty Tata took us on our final journey to Johannesburg along some of the straightest, quietest roads ever, James spent most the trip measuring just how long and straight stretches were - oooh the excitement. Coming in to Johannesburg was bonkers and I am so glad I never have to drive that again. However, the car was finally dropped back to the airport without a scratch, perhaps just a rather worn out clutch!
Our final night in South Africa was uneventful and we're now sat in the airport waiting to catch our onward flights to Asia. We can't quite believe this time has come and that we're leaving this continent. It has been a fabulous four months and we can only hope that Asia will bring us as many experiences and memories.
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