Into the Bushlands

March 17

A lush tropical drive in what is changing into more undeveloped Africa. Field after field of sugar cane. The largest avocados I have seen were being sold by people standing along the busy N2. The life along the highway is fascinating. Corrugated steel stands, or small wooden shacks serve as beauty parlors, car washes, restaurants, supermarkets and taxi/bus shelters. None are larger than 10 by 10 construction of left over wood, old storage containers, scrap steel or concrete. Pineapples are now in season. The ones were tried are very tiny, but extremely sweet.

I have been trying to convince the boys to get a haircut, but they have been hesitant.

The rondovals are a frequent sight. Many families still live in very traditional ones, others build them on their yards and use them for ceremonial purposes. The Zulu are superstitious and acknowledge many celebrations. Rondovals are circular so there are no corners where bad spirits could be trapped. They are usually made of mud with a thatched roof. Each pole used to make the ceiling has a symbolic meaning. Zulus still build beehives for ceremonial purposes. This is a completely thatched building without windows. The door is very low from times when protection was needed from invading tribes. When the enemy entered the beehive, they would have to duck and this would give the inhabitants time to defend themselves.

We arrived at Isinkwe Bush Camp early in the afternoon. It is indeed set in a bush. Upon first arrival, we thought it was very rural and isolated. As if the label “bush camp” shouldn’t have tipped us off.

The sandy path leading into the camp. We have seen dik diks and goats along this path.

The campsite was grassy and there was a large pool/eating area. The boys opted not to swim as the pool was a very different green colour, but made good use of the pool table. A group of university students arrived for an overnight stay who were all lots of fun along with some families getting away from Durban and surrounding areas for the long weekend.

Luke working on his foods credit. Minding the braai grilling borverst (sausage with coriander; not sure of the mystery meat content). Jack lived on this sausage during his bachelor days in Africa. We have limited the amount this trip.

We drove to the town of Hluhluwe (pronounced Shooshooway) along a very rutted, rough dirt road. It was a small town, but had the necessities. The impromptu beauty parlours, cell phone repair shops and fruit vendors made for lively street life. We picked up borverst to cook on the braai (trying to expand our braai options!). Spent the evening by the pool playing cards and sorting out our plan to go to St. Lucia.

Cell phone repair shop, electronic sales in Hluhluwe.

Street in Hluhluwe.