Cradle of Humankind is the most popular cycling area in JoBurg. One of the few places with dedicated bike lanes.
The Cradle of Humankind is a World Heritage Site first named by UNESCO in 1999, about 50 kilometres northwest of Johannesburg …
… it contains a complex of limestone caves, including the Sterkfontein Caves, where the 2.3-million year-old fossil Australopithecus africanus (nicknamed “Mrs. Ples”) was found in 1947 …
We had a drink at the Neck and Deck rooftop restaurant.
Thanks William!
Johannesburg claims to be the “lightning capital of the world“.
It certainly seems that way to me. Pretty much every day I’ve been here.
This tree came down a few houses from where I’m staying.
Not sure why it fell. It was not hit by lightning.
related – The Joburg We Know And Love in 50 Photos
Crazy great photos.
One life changing experience. The memories from 12 days spent in Antarctica will stay with me forever.
Route:
Crystal Sound – Renard Island – Argentine Islands – Lemaire Channel – Port Lockroy – Gerlanche Strait – Paradise Harbour – Necko Harbour – Willemina Bay – Deception Island – Graham Land
read his trip report
I’m a volunteer coach for the month of February.
Though Johannesburg is not considered a big tourist destination, over 4 weeks here I expect to become something of a local.
It’s sprawling, green, clean. A very attractive city at first glance.
Greater population almost 10 million.
Mountain biking the Cradle of Humankind on Sunday.
related – Why I Think Joburg Rocks
… GoPro Hero3 camera mounted on a DJI Phantom quadcopter drone. …
Click PLAY or watch it on Vimeo.
(via Adventure Blog)
http://theadventureblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/video-aerial-shots-from-okavango-delta.html
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… the accomplishments that most deserve commendation, we think, are path-breaking reforms that do not merely improve a single nation but, if emulated, might benefit the world.
Gay marriage is one such border-crossing policy, which has increased the global sum of human happiness at no financial cost. Several countries have implemented it in 2013—including Uruguay, which also, uniquely, passed a law to legalise and regulate the production, sale and consumption of cannabis. This is a change so obviously sensible, squeezing out the crooks and allowing the authorities to concentrate on graver crimes, that no other country has made it. If others followed suit, and other narcotics were included, the damage such drugs wreak on the world would be drastically reduced.
Better yet, the man at the top, President José Mujica, is admirably self-effacing. With unusual frankness for a politician, he referred to the new law as an experiment. He lives in a humble cottage, drives himself to work in a Volkswagen Beetle and flies economy class. Modest yet bold, liberal and fun-loving, Uruguay is our country of the year. ¡Felicitaciones!
related – This immediately iconic photo of Uruguay’s president must be seen to be believed
I unexpectedly spent 4 nights in Durbs (3.5 million) and had an unexpectedly good time.
The city had a makeover in preparation for the 2010 World Cup. The new Moses Mabhida Stadium is now the most prominent icon of the city.
The arch was inspired by the South African Flag
Lesson learned. Don’t bike 6hrs in the hot sun on a CRUISER.
Gandhi landed in Durban 1893.
I stayed at Happy Hippo — on Mahatma Gandhi road.
This hostel is near the fantastic uShaka Marine World. From here a sea side promenade runs 6km.
On arrival we remarked on how clean and safe the area seems to be. … Later we learned this is supposed to be the “dangerous” part of town.
UPDATE – South Africa has already been knocked out of the Rio World Cup. 😦
Next stop is Sani Lodge:
It’s run by the author of A Backpackers Guide to Lesotho, Russell Suchet.
Looks great.
uShaka Marine World is a … theme park which was opened in 30 April 2004 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It comprises 4 sections: uShaka Sea World, uShaka Wet ‘n Wild, uShaka Beach, and uShaka Village Walk. …
… the 5th largest aquarium in the world … designed around 5 shipwrecks, with its entrance through the above ground “Phantom Ship” …
Click PLAY or watch a promo YouTube.
Though I rarely enter any body of water larger or colder than a jacuzzi, for uShaka I made an exception trying everything but the HIGHEST slide.
Highlights for me were the Aquarium, Dolphin show and the buffet restaurant in the converted ship.
Rick McCharles 