As the Cessna 207 hits its cruising altitude of 7 500 feet (30 000 feet below where you normally fly on an inter-city jet), you realise you are truly on an Incredible Journey.
On the ground in Joburg, looking at the website (www.jennygreeffmarketing.co.za), it does seem glorious, but you can’t help wondering if there’s some hype to this eight-night flying safari across the Karoo and the Eastern Cape. But when you see the vastness below you get a sense of wonder that you’ll never get in a car. South Africa is huge… and beautiful, even if that beauty is sometimes stark.
Pilot Andre D’Hotman of African Ramble Air Charters – which takes care of the flying arrangements for the once-in-a-lifetime trip – says the flip we are on (from Prince Albert to Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve) will take about 45 minutes, but more than four hours by car. The itinerary of The Incredible Journey is tailored to allow leisurely arrivals and departures and maximum time at each stop.
It starts with two days in Prince Albert at the African Relish cooking school, then on to Mount Camdeboo, again for two nights. Next stop is the Addo Elephant Back Safaris and Lodge for something different for nights five and six. Final leg is to Sibuya Tented Camps, on the banks of the Kariega River outside Kenton-on-Sea, before a flight to Port Elizabeth… and then, sadly, home.
African Ramble co-owner Mark Andrews says flying makes sense in the Eastern Cape and Karoo, especially because distances are huge and roads don’t take the direct path. If bad weather prevents flying, the company will complete your transfer by road.
One of the things, though, which can make or break a trip like this is the other people. If they are not outgoing or don’t like socialising, then eight days and a few hours on a small plane can seem like a lifetime.
Fortunately for us, we fell in with the delightful company of Somerset West couple Tony and Lydia Da Silva, who won their trip as a prize in a magazine competition. They were great fun and appreciative of the beauty and the adventure. We became great friends.
l Brendan Seery was a guest of The Incredible Journey and African Ramble Air Charters.
African Ramble Air Charters – www.africanramble.co.za or email [email protected] or phone (044) 533 9006. - Saturday Star