Shamwari Game Reserve
I did indeed have a great time in South Africa, so much so I plan to go again next year! Not sure how much of my other articles you have read but there are plenty more outlining what I did while out there, I also have photos from my trip at www.flickr.com/photos/thecssdiv/ and videos at www.youTube.com/thecssdiv/ - all very good indeed!
¼br /> In regard to the Baz Bus I think its a pretty good service for anyone wanting to explore the garden route. Though it is rather expensive (about R840) the fact that it actually drops you off at backpackers hostels means that you don’t get into trouble trying to find places in towns you have never visited before! If you leave from PE or Cape Town the early start times are rather prohibitive and for anyone going all the way in one day I would think its better to get a coach (i got one from Cape Town to PE for R140). The drivers all seem to be pretty nice, friendly and everything though sometimes when they pick up a mate its a bit of a pain as they do seem to concentrate less on the pick ups; equally the rather rigid schedule means that you have to make the most of the stop off for going to the toilet (I didn;t at one stage and almost got into a situation! It is also not quite as flexible as they make out - you should plan your pick ups two days in advance and if they make a mistake or you forget to book a pick up you have to wait a day for the next one - but apart from that its certainly a very valuable experience and service.
¼br /> In my opinion Shamwari was also worth the money. I have never been on a safair before but the team and experience I had there was excellent! I stayed in Eagles Crag (which is the most expensive place at R5500 a night) but my hut, meals, game drives and tour guides were well of the standard I would have expected for that matter - my suite (with my own pool) was truelly jaw dropping! If there was one thing I would say about the place it would be that I don’t think that one day is long enough to get the best experience out of the place - two days would have been excellent and given me a much better chance to see the big five. I did see elephants though which were the one I did most want to see.
¼br /> Kind regards,
¼br /> Ross Bruniges
