When we first arrived in South Africa we stayed with cousins Chris and Debbie who Anneka first visited 10 years ago. They were extremely hospitable and it was fun getting to know their housemates, a jack Russell, basset hound, two cats, parrots and even a venomous spider called simon/e who lived in the bathroom! We indulged a little on amazing meat, wine and great company.

Our first stop after Johannesburg was the Drakensburg to visit our friends Pat and Sandy, who we met in hospital in rather trying circumstances when Alex broke his femur in Mauritius. Though every cloud has its silver lining, and in this case, it was meeting this energetic couple who really supported us to get through a difficult time. It was such a great experience to stay with Pat and Sandy on their beautiful farm in the Drakensburg mountains. The Drakensburg is a world heritage site due to its breathtaking beauty and also supports many endemic plants. It felt as though we were on a film set, which was quite ironic as Pat told us that their home was actually used for a Hollywood film recently! The acclaimed movie Lady Grey was partly filmed there. Pat and Sandy were lovely and as iconic to South Africa as vegemite to Australia. We had a wonderful time staying with them on their farm.

One day we ventured up the Sani Pass which is a road leading to Lesotho from Underburg in South Africa. The pass has an elevation of 2876m and is where you will find the highest pub in South Africa. The pass leads to vast Lesotho grasslands and at that elevation no trees are to be found. The Basotho people live in a beautiful wilderness that is covered by snow for half the year. They have strong traditional links with the area and provide treks and homestays for those interested to learn about their culture.

On a Sunday afternoon Pat and Sandy took us for a drive around their farm. We stopped on a mountain ridge that overlooked Pats ‘soul’ for a Braai that featured traditional farmer sausage called ‘Boerworst’ that tasted amazing. The countryside where they live was spectacular and we were so lucky to have it shared with us.

We were sad to leave Pat and Sandy’s but so excited to see more of South Africa and it was time to go on Safari!