Jo'Blog: Sunday Stroll

Yesterday I went for a walk in the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve just to the south of Joburg. My guidebook promised that animals (like wildebeest, hartebeest, and even zebras) definitely lived in the park and I just hoped I would be lucky enough to see one of them. As I entered the park I saw a little fox-like creature run across the path in front of me. If you remember from my visit to another nature reserve, the only animal I saw that day was the one that ran across the path in front of me as I entered the park. So naturally I felt a little disappointing deja vu. However, as I continued my walk, I saw what I suspected were wildebeest across a small river from me. I took about ten pictures, getting as close as I could without entering the high grass in front of me (for fear of snakes, whether a legitimate fear or not, I wasn't prepared to find out). As I continued along though, eventually there was a bridge so I could cross over to their side. They were all still in that field although they slowly moved a little farther away as they saw me coming, but I got some even better pictures from that side. I also discovered an antelope looking creature. With help from my guidebook and google images, I think I can semi-confidently say it was a bontebok.

After seeing these animals, I felt pretty happy about the day. However, my guidebook had also promised beautiful views of the city to the north if I climbed up the mountains. So when I saw a sign for "look-out point", I followed it. Unfortunately, I climbed the wrong mountain and my view of the city was blocked by other mountains, but I did still get a nice view of the park. I guess I will just have to go back and try again for my city view.