Sometimes when looking back over pictures from recent tours one is struck by themes which pop up unbidden. Our recent vastly different tours to the Wild Coast and to Steytlerville provided 2 such themes:
Textures:
Sand, wood, rock, vegetation, water, sky – Nature’s juxtaposition of texture is simply magnificent. And sometimes Man adds yet another dimension.
Textures – hard, soft, liquid. solid and every stage of in between.
Lines, shapes and textures – wondrous to behold.
Foamy wavelets.
Solidified sand creates a fascinating shoreline
It’s hard to believe that these rocks have been etched by natural forces.
Sunset throws Gulu Lagoon into sharp relief.
Grass, sand, boulders, foam – tactile contrasts
Almost impossible to grasp the forces of Nature which created these fantastic folded strata.
It’s not only the iconic Hole in the Wall itself – it’s the whole panorama which is breathtaking.
Undulating hills, dotted with rural huts
Soft grazing above wet sand.
Cement steps, wooden balustrades, tropical foliage – terrific textural juxtaposition.
Vegetation at Morgan Bay
Seashore detritus – multiple shapes and tactile experiences.
Straight steel railway tracks – strong lines fronting soft, draping greenery.
Contrasts
This provided by the Karoo hotels of yesteryear – some, like Wolvefontein Hotel, just starting the process of renovation, others, like the Royal Hotel in Steytlerville, having completed it to perfection. Another contrast in Steytlerville is the option to savour traditional cuisine in the simplicity of Lizzy’s Khaya or the in the glitz of The Karoo Theatrical Hotel – both a must-do.
Long forgotten, but now being restored, along with many plans to get people tripping back to Wolvefontein and her hotel.
Beautifully restored and appointed, The Royal Hotel, Steytlerville.
Lizzy always has a warm welcome for visitors to her Khaya
Inside Lizzy’s Khaya, Steytlerville
The Karoo Theatrical Hotel which houses memorabilia of glitzy, glamorous, burlesque days – and recalls them in the persons of Dame Leyla Lamborghini and piano maestro Freddy Ferrari.
Awaiting dinner and cabaret in Grimaldi’s Theatre Hall
SA GUIDED TOURS 