The Western Cape is not exactly the first place you think of when you want to go on a South African safari. Not because there are no safaris in the Western Cape, but generally because it's more renowned for its Winelands.
More than meets the eye...But there is more to this South African province than winelands and stunning ocean shores, it also has some of the most beautiful eco-tourism facilities available. And that's exactly where I was on my way to for the weekend. I booked into the Kagga Kamma private game reserve for a three night stay of safari bliss. The good thing about the Kagga Kamma Reserve is that it's only 250 km away from Cape Town, so close enough to drive to, but far enough to make you feel that you are on some far-off holiday destination.
A little bit of art...Another reason why I came to this specific reserve was for one particular reason: this game reserve is rich in cultural heritage. This recently became my new and most fascinating hobby, the study of Bushman and San rock paintings. Everywhere around the reserve you find rock paintings scattered on the Cedarberg Mountains, some of which are as old as 6000 years. This for me is worth more than any Picasso. The simplicity with which these people lived their day to day lives is something to envy.
On my second day I was introduced to some of the Khomani Bushmen who has settled some ten years ago on the reserve. They've made their living creating gifts to sell to the tourists and have in this way stay kept to their simple lifestyle. I often wonder if people like them, who seem unaware of life outside the one they lead, ever wish for something better. Most people, as soon as they got what they wanted, want something else in their lives. It becomes a game of wanting more and more. It's not that I think ambition is a bad thing or that wanting more is, but I often think that people miss out on the bigger picture and fill their lives with things that they don't really need, but just want for the sake of having.
So after an interesting conversation, I continued on a hike through the reserve and saw quite a wide range of fauna and flora. Africa is really just as diverse with her nature as she is with her people. Walking through the Cedarberg Mountains, I had a good time to reflect on everything I've learned from the woman I spoke to earlier. When you are in nature you get the opportunity for uninterrupted quiet-time.
It was during this time of reflection that I came to realize that life so far has seemed like nothing more than an everlasting rat-race. That we are forever searching for something, but are not always sure what it is we seek. For some it's money, for others fame or a family. For me it was peace, but I'm not talking about that kind of world peace you hear Miss World pageant always wish for, but an inner-peace where you know everything will be alright, no matter what. That everything happens for a reason, even if you don't understand that reason.
At night...So as it became later I set-off back to the lodge where I was staying for my three day duration. What's so fascinating about this lodge is that they've created it to look like Bushmen caves, but with modern conveniences of course. After a good old South African meal, and of course, one of the Western Cape wines, I was off to bed. Absolutely exhausted after my day in the sun, I was ready for a good night's rest before taking on another day of Africa.
My last day was to be enjoyed by some game-viewing before I packed to drive back to the city. It was three days of sun, culture and enjoying the beauty that is South Africa's nature.
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