Fantasy South Africa RV Safari #5

After we finish feeding the elephants on Monday morning, we head back out on the road to the next campground. On these travel days, everyone travels at their own pace. One of the things everyone appreciates most about this journey is the freedom it offers. There’s no convoy pressure, no rush to keep up. Each person travels at their own pace. The WagonMasters do give us insights and suggestions, but it really is up to each individual where they want to stop and what they want to do. Only requirement is to get to your campsite on time.

One of the suggestions for today was Monkeyland — and that sounded like a pretty great plan, so off we went. Getting there, though? That was a bit of an adventure. Between road construction and traffic delays, we were creeping along, trying to keep an eye out for our turn. Somewhere in all the construction, signs, and slow-moving cars… we completely missed it. Oops. No big deal — we’d just turn around. Well. The first chance to turn around happened to be after a toll booth. So we paid the toll. And then, after turning around… we paid it again. Apparently, that little detour came with a price tag. Back through the construction. Back through the traffic. This time, we were determined not to miss the turn — and thankfully, we didn’t. We wound our way down a narrow road that eventually opened up into a parking lot that was already pretty full. We could see several of our fellow campers parked, which at least reassured us we were in the right place. An attendant came over to help guide us into a spot. Unfortunately, the only space available was under a tree with some very low branches — and if you know us, you know low branches and our rig are not the best combination. After a few attempts and a lot of careful maneuvering, it was clear it just wasn’t going to work. Steve finally waved it off and said, “Forget it.” So, after toll booths, traffic, construction, and a near run-in with some tree limbs… we left.

We make our way back through the construction zone (again), hand over money at the toll booth (again), and finally point ourselves in the right direction. By this time, Steve’s frustration level is definitely climbing. Missed turns, traffic, tolls — it had been that kind of morning. So naturally, the obvious solution? Jump off a bridge.

As we continue our journey, the road carries us across the iconic Bloukrans Bridge — the highest bridge in Africa and a true marvel of engineering. Suspended high above the dramatic gorge below, the bridge is famous not just for its height, but for the adrenaline-pumping activities on offer — the most daring of which is bungee jumping. Of course, Steve decided he had to do it.

With barely a flicker of hesitation, he signed up, harnessed in, and prepared to leap into the void. Later, he described it as an incredible thrill — exhilarating, unforgettable, and absolutely worth it. Meanwhile, I experienced the adventure in a slightly different way. Armed with a healthy fear of heights, I positioned myself at the viewpoint at the top edge of the gorge.. From where I stood, the jumpers were nothing more than tiny specks. Still, thanks to Steve’s bright blue shirt, I could just make him out. Somehow, between nerves and shaky hands, I even managed to capture the whole thing on video. Needless to say, Steve had bragging rights at camp that night.

The campground for the night, Storms River mouth rest camp at Tsitsikamma National park, is perched on a rugged bluff above the Indian Ocean. It is a campsite with a view you’ll never forget. From the moment you arrive, the drama of the coastline captures your attention — endless blue horizons, rolling swells, and waves crashing powerfully against the rocks below.

There’s something incredibly calming about being here. As the sun dips lower, the ocean seems to shift through shades of silver and deep blue, and the rhythmic sound of the surf becomes the soundtrack to your evening. Sitting back at camp, breathing in the salty air, and enjoying the sunset.

Tuesday morning greeted us with another spectacular show — this time, the sunrise. The horizon slowly shifted from deep indigo to soft shades of orange and gold, as the first light spilled across the ocean and lit up the rugged coastline.

I wasn’t alone in soaking it all in. Three wonderful women from our travel group joined me, and together we shared a peaceful start to the day. Wrapped in the quiet stillness of early morning, we sipped our coffee, watched the sky come alive, and let the calmness of the moment settle in.

The rest of the day, however, was anything but calm and relaxing. Our peaceful morning quickly gave way to adrenaline as we geared up for our next adventure — zip lining.

Our course sent us soaring back and forth across a breathtaking gorge on eight separate lines, gliding high above the treetops and even over a small waterfall cascading below. It was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. As someone who’s not exactly fond of heights, my nerves were in full swing at the start. My heart pounded as I stepped off that first platform.

But something amazing happened after the first couple of runs. The fear slowly gave way to excitement, and I found myself lifting my head to actually take in the views and enjoy the thrill.

On our way back to camp to get ready for the next adventure, Steve and I decided to make a quick little detour to see the Big Tree. A short walk through the forest and across boardwalk brings you to this giant Yellowwood tree, and it is seriously impressive. It stands about 36.6 meters (120 feet) tall, with a massive girth of 8.2 meters (27 feet) at its widest point. It’s estimated to be between 600 and 800 years old. Just imagine the history this tree has quietly witnessed over the centuries.

It’s also pretty special because the Yellowwood is the national tree of South Africa. Standing there beneath its towering branches, you can’t help but feel tiny — and a little in awe.

Next up on our adventure-packed day? Kayaking!

After squeezing into our gear and climbing into our two-person kayaks, our guides led us out across a stretch of open water on the Indian Ocean. The waves were a little choppy (okay, more than a little), so when we finally turned into the entrance of Storms River Gorge, it felt like we’d paddled straight into a secret world.

The water in the gorge a deep, almost black color thanks to tannins from the forest. It looks mysterious, but it’s perfectly natural. Towering rock walls rise up on both sides, with little caves tucked here and there. Compared to the rolling ocean, it was unbelievably calm and peaceful. You could actually hear yourself think again

About halfway in, we got to switch things up. The guides handed out bright red lilos—basically big floaty mats that you lie on your stomach and paddle with your hands. Sounds relaxing, right? The real workout is holding your head up high enough to see where you’re going! Still, it was such a fun change of pace as we drifted even deeper into the gorge before eventually heading back.

And just when I thought the adventure portion of the day might be winding down… nope. Cliff jumping.

Normally, this would be an automatic “absolutely not” from me. But for whatever reason, standing there in that moment, I felt like I could do it—and maybe even needed to. With help from our guide, we climbed up onto the rocks. The guys went first, jumping from the higher 6-meter (19½ feet) ledge. Then it was our turn from the 3-meter (about 13 feet) ledge.

The walk to the edge was slippery, my heart was pounding, and then the guide counted down: “3… 2… 1… jump!”

The water was cold, shocking, and completely refreshing. And honestly? I was so proud of myself. There’s something really empowering about saying yes to something you usually say no to.

After that, it was back into the kayaks to paddle out of the gorge and across the open water again. By now it had started raining—but we were already soaked, so what did it matter?

To top it all off, I was wearing my Penn State hat, and one of the guides who held it during my jump, read it out loud. Naturally, I took the opportunity to teach him the classic “We are… Penn State!” cheer. We ended up doing it together back at the kayak stand, laughing like we’d known each other for years.

doing the we are…Penn State cheer with OG

Honestly, it was the perfect ending to an already awesome, adventure-filled day.

Might as Well Jump

Fantasy South Africa RV Safari #5

Caves, Ostriches, & Elephants