Train Journey and such

We have safely arrived in CapeTown. No posts because the train was incommunicado!
Pretty full days. Train named Pride of Africa owned by a private company and supposed to be the ultimate in luxury.
The suite was a pullman-- basic one-- but it had ensuite shower etc and a couch which converted to a double bed while we ate dinner. There was a small table and a fridge which was stocked with whatever you ordered and it was all included. The train had two lounges and an observation platform at the back.
We had our first view of the Drakensbergs in the afternoon as we had afternoon tea. The first full day was spent in the Kruger National Park. We saw loads of animals and enjoyed lunch in the park before rejoining the train at Komatipoort.
Next stop was in Zululand and we headed for another nature reserve at Hluhluwe. Again many, many animals and birds. We were able to view the Valley of a Thousand Hills from the train while heading to Durban. We had a short tour there and went to the beach.
We paid a visit to a ceramics studio. Beautiful pottery being made at extortionate prices. The artists were from Zimbabwe. The estate was called Ardmore and had all the autumn colours as you would expect at home.
We had a tour of Bloemfontein and went to the National Women's Memorial. I had never heard of the terrible things women had had to suffer during the Boer War--- concentration camps. It was quite moving. Due to train running late we missed the crossing of the Orange River because it was too dark.
Addo Elephant Park was next--- not just elephants but everything really.
Port Elizabeth was a bit of a disaster because we were supposed to be there for a couple of hours but it was nearer four and again the scenery was missed in the darkness.
 We visited an ostrich farm and Dad had a sit on an ostrich's back! They are suffering from bird flu in South Africa just now and so it was a bit limited. There are six people who are on a golf holiday on the train. Dad was so jealous when they went off to play Leopards Creek! We joined them at Fancourt Golf Estate for dinner one night but the train was a better meal and the service on the train much better.
The train stayed in George while we drove to Knysna where we took a boat trip the the Featherbed Nature Reserve right out on the headlands to the Indian Ocean--- just like the Souters at Cromarty! Lovely walk and my knee was reasonable on the steep walk down.
Great scenery on theGarden Route along Mousel Bay.
This morning we stopped next to a Brandy Distillery (KWV) and got a free sample and tasting session.
Tomorrow off wine taasting and hopefully Table Mountain since weather is supposed to get dodgy after that.
Really had a lovely train journey.Looking forward to seeing this area now.
Mum and Dad