TRAVEL SOUTH AFRICA A LETTER FROM AFRICA Nr. 3
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LORD MILNER HOTEL MATJIESFONTIEN IMAGE: NOLEEN KUTASH © |
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STATION MATJIESFONTEIN IMAGE: NOLEEN KUTASH © |
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BLUE TRAIN IMAGE: NOLEEN KUTASH © |
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DRIVE THE KAROO IMAGE: NOLEEN KUTASH © |
And then I reached an obstacle in the middle of the road—a
large herd of sheep casually blocking my path. They were meandering across the
dirt track without a care in the world, seemingly oblivious to my presence.
What’s a girl to do?
I decided to take this unexpected pause as an opportunity to
stretch my legs and enjoy the serene environment. Stepping out of the car, I
was greeted by the fresh, earthy scent of the Karoo, and the distant sound of
birdsong filled the air. With a little patience and some gentle coaxing, the
sheep eventually made way, allowing me to continue my journey.
Finally, I arrived at Martisan’s game farm, where I was
warmly welcomed with open arms. The farm was nestled amidst rolling hills, with
stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It was the perfect place to unwind
and experience the rugged beauty of the Great Karoo. Spending time with
Martisan and her husband, I learned more about life on a game farm and marveled
at the incredible wildlife that called this place home.
This adventure was a reminder of the unexpected joys of
travel, where even a simple journey can turn into a memorable experience full
of surprises and new friendships.
I could not call anyone, as my cell phone showed no
reception. So, I got out of my car, rolled up my pants, and proceeded to zigzag
through the water to figure out the depth. In some places, I sank in deep
enough to know that attempting to cross was not something I was willing to try.
The water was chilly, and the mud squelched beneath my feet, making it clear
that this route was impassable.
With muddy feet and all, I got back in my car, turned
around, and drove back the way I came in search of help. Approximately 15
minutes later, I surprised two Karoo bachelors when I drove up to their
homestead requesting assistance. Their property was a quaint setup, with a
charming farmhouse and a few scattered outbuildings.
The two men were in the middle of their daily chores and
were quite amused by my unexpected appearance. They readily agreed to help and
seemed excited about the opportunity to save a damsel in distress. After
sharing a few laughs and exchanging stories about the unpredictable Karoo
roads, they hopped into their truck and led the way back to the waterlogged
path.
Upon reaching the obstacle, they expertly assessed the
situation and guided me through a drier route I hadn't noticed before. With
their help, I managed to bypass the flooded section and continue my journey to
Martisan's game farm.
I was grateful for their assistance and kindness, a
testament to the welcoming nature of the people in the Karoo. This experience
reminded me that sometimes the road less traveled is filled with challenges, but
it also leads to unexpected friendships and adventures.
I arrived at Martisan and Julian Theron’s lovely home and
was blown away by their hospitality and their amazing game farm, Plaatfontein,
which spans 33,000 hectares. Julian is world-renowned for breeding
trophy-quality deer, and the farm is a testament to his dedication and
expertise.
From their home, I could see their hunting guest lodge,
which sleeps 22 people, and it was magnificent. Everything about Martisan and
Julian was impressive. Their home was tastefully furnished, my room and
bathroom were amazing, and I just had the greatest time. The décor was a
perfect blend of rustic charm and modern elegance, reflecting the natural
beauty of the Karoo.
It did not take much to convince me to stay another night,
as there was just so much to see, do, and explore on Plaatfontein, and I was
eager to capture it all on camera. From the sprawling savannahs to the lush
woodlands, every corner of the farm held new surprises and breathtaking views.
The following morning, I set out early with my camera, ready
to document the rich wildlife and stunning landscapes. Herds of springbok and
wildebeest roamed freely, and the birdlife was abundant, with vibrant flashes
of color darting through the sky. I even had the chance to witness some of
Julian’s prized deer in their natural habitat, a truly unforgettable
experience.
Staying at Plaatfontein was more than just a visit; it was an immersive experience in the heart of South Africa’s natural beauty. I left with a camera full of photos and memories that would last a lifetime, grateful for the warmth and hospitality of the Therons and the unforgettable adventure on their incredible farm.
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IMAGE NOLEEN KUTASH © |
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KAROO IMAGE NOLEEN KUTASH © |
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KAROO IMAGE NOLEEN KUTASH © |
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KAROO IMAGE NOLEEN KUTASH © |
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KAROO IMAGE NOLEEN KUTASH © |