Diary

October 30-31, 2024

We left Kruger Park and headed to the quaint town of Dullstroom. Shortly after our departure, we encounter a family of elephants right by the roadside. With two little ones in tow. However, as soon as our vehicles stopped, the adult elephants shielded them with their bodies. Along the way, we visited a beautiful viewpoint known as God’s Window.

The journey gives the feeling of traveling somewhere in Europe, in the Alpine region. At the pass, the altitude was 2,150 meters. We descended into the valley and arrived in the charming town of Lydenburg with neat houses, modern shops, small restaurants, and well-kept emerald lawns. The main street is adorned with blooming trees. The town has a population of 40,000, and it even has an airport nearby!

The town of Dullstroom, where we are staying overnight, is situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters. Dullstroom bears a strong resemblance to a small town in the American Midwest. It has wide streets, single-story buildings, and outdoor advertising. The cafes, gas stations, and coffee shops are similar to those found in America. When we arrived, the temperature was 20 degrees Celsius. Half an hour later, a storm with hail erupted, but afterward, there was a picturesque rainbow.

The next day featured a rather long journey of over 400 km, with the final destination being the city of Bethlehem, located in the eastern part of South Africa, by three o’clock. The town has a population of around 16,000 people. Our hotel is situated in an affluent and very charming area. We took some time to rest and eat.
Expedition diary Stage 4