Making our way out of Namibia's desert we visited Swakomund, returned our 4x4 camping car in Windhoek, then departed Namibia and made our way down to Cape Town, Soth Africa, for the final week of our 3 1/2 month adventure through Africa.
Throughout our time in Africa, Aurelie's 'dare devil' or 'adrenalin junky' status has been rising. Upon arriving in Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia, it was time to put this to the test!
After a morning run along the Atlantic Ocean in an attempt to 'de-stress' the mind, it was time to do it, Sky diving was on!
Kitted up and ready to launch!
Greeted by perfect conditions, we kitted up and jumped in a mini plane, and quickly realised there was only one way down!
As expected, the sky jumping crew were pretty 'loose' and did their best to calm our nerves. Shane sat in what was supposed to be the door way, but this little plane had no door! Apparently this was to ensure that there was nothing blocking the view, hmmm, just what we needed! Aurelie requested to jump first, the crew nodded in agreement.
We ascended to 10,000m. The view over the sand dunes of the desert falling into the Atlantic Ocean were spectacular. Although at the time, they were of no concern whatsoever to Aurelie tucked away in the back of the plane. Before we knew it, it was time to jump. Shane's tandem instructor threw away the script, and decided that they were jumping first. Aurelie's look as they disappeared out of sight was priceless!
Don't look down, don't look down...oops, too late!
Aurelie then shuffled up to the open doorway, determined not to be left stranded up there, and made her leap of faith exactly 10 seconds later.
Aurelie looking pretty relaxed (you should see some of the other photos!!)
The 35 second free fall was a magic feeling, waiting for the parachute to open sent the ticker into overdrive, but the soothing descent with parachute open, finally gave us a chance to enjoy the views.
Shane relieved to return to terra firma
Certainly a memorable experience, and a great way to cap off a fantastic 10 day adventure throughout some of the most isolated terrain that we've experienced. Given we knew so little about Namibia before arriving there, we left incredibly impressed. Aesthetically, it was probably our favourite country in Africa.
We arrived in Cape Town and were quickly aware that the 'true' Africa was behind us. Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city and probably the most similar to an Australian city that we've been. A bit of a combination of Perth, Melbourne and Sydney perhaps!
Cape Town in all its glory!
Our time here went quickly, we stayed in a hotel that was almost to good to be true given some of the poverty that we've encountered and some of the places that we've experienced throughout Africa.
Shane quenching his thirst and enjoying a little bit of luxury...tough times!
We ran for 2 1/2 hours before breakfast one day to the summit of the Lion's Head and then trekked up table mountain the following day. We probably underestimated the difficulty of this trek, while it may not have been Mt. Kili, this trek was certainly a lot harder than expected. On arrival at the summit, our efforts were certainly not in vain. The weather was perfect and the views extremely impressive.
Making our way up to the summit of Table Mountain
We then got our taste of the history of South Africa with a trip to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was held for over 27 years and learnt much about the apartheid and the difficulties encountered throughout Sth Africa. Staggering to think that all this was able to occur in modern times.
The tiny jail cell where Nelson Mandela was contained for so many years
Our final journey was to the Cape of Good Hope, the most south-western point in Africa.
Aurelie soaking up the spectacular views off the Cape of Good Hope
It definitely seemed a very fitting end to an African experience, from Kenyan to Cape Town, that has simply blown us away!
Next up, it's back to Europe where the European summer will hopefully be not too far away.
The fun and games continue...LG!
