The first long drive...

We finally had to say goodbye to the beautiful luxury and comfort of Lesedi as we headed out of Johannesburg on our long journey towards Mpumalanga. The first stop was at Highveld Mall, where everyone one had a chance to jump off and organise themselves before the venture into the outback of South Africa. After the short pit stop, we were back on the truck where we drove through the most adorable little towns all known for their interesting stories and history. The first town we passed was Dulstroom the highest point above sea level in South Africa. The next town was Lydenberg known as the town of sorrow because back in the time of the Voortrekkers, they came to this town to settle with their wives and children. The Voortrekkers then decided to explore more of the area and left their wives and children in Lydenberg with the instructions to head back if they had not returned within 2 months. After 2 months the men still had not returned and the wives had to sorrowfully head back without their husbands.

After Lydenberg we had another pit stop at a beautiful view point on the side of the road for a picnic lunch that was fresh and delicious, after which we headed to the beautiful Blyde River Canyon to view the three sisters and the beautiful scenery. The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world and also the largest green canyon. Blyde, meaning happiness in Afrikaans was the name given to this canyon as this is the place where the Voortrekkers met with their wives who were heading back from Lydenberg. The sheer magnificence and awe inspiring view of the canyon and its surrounding valleys is something never to be missed.

We spent the night in a picturesque camp site, each group with their own tent, we created our own little village under the stars. Maretha cooked a delicious chicken a la king, out of our fully equipped kitchen in the truck, after which we roasted marshmallows around the fire and laughed into the night.