KL Capetown Trip 2019 - Khaya Lokukhanya

June 2019 was time to get on the bus for a mere 12 hours and head for Capetown! Safely delivered by our amazing driver Xolani, each of the children was, thanks to Tersia, smartly kitted out in matching, outfits, with name tags too for the little ‘uns. And what a time we had, with local angel Simone not only sorting the itinerary but meeting us everywhere, whether it was a 3D VIP showing of Alladin, Christian Barnard’s pioneering Heart museum, the Castle with its Dutch settler and warrior statues. The crowning glory for the ‘older kids’ was the trip over to Robben island and the recounted experiences of former inmate tour guide, while for the younger maybe being a pane of glass away from a basking shark at the aquarium. Magical!

Collecting popcorn and 3D glasses for a VIP showing of Alladin! Right: X marks the spot for the 1st ever heart donor

Wow that shark looks so real in these sunglasses! Wait:it IS real!

A highlight of the trip was a trip to Robben Island to see and hear firsthand accounts of how political prisoners – including Madiba himself – were treated. Right: in front of the big man’s (little) cell

After hectic Capetown we had a couple of nights at the Goudini Spa, a relaxing resort with thermal pools, where swimming and enjoying the surrounding mountain views were the order of the day, plus participation in a talent night for our resident dance troupe and our fiery poet!

Right: Rockin’ da house!

On then, to Oudtshoorn, for some outdoor fun, all organised by our second angel, Lynette. In a single, rainy day we did the massive Canga caves, a 500m zipline, Camel rides, go karts and an obstacle course!

Mongezi communes with his San ancestors while right: Clare is down (literally) with the kids

OK, where are the brakes on this thing?

Not content with that, day two took us to an Ostrich farm for some close encounters then on to an Elephant park for the ultimate photo op.

That’s breakfast sorted!

Thankfully, we were about half way back to Barkly at this point, so the last, long drive back gave some tired children – and grown-ups – chance to snooze and savour the memories.

Who needs a camel – I’m fine just here thank you

Finally, a couple of reminders that it doesn’t take much to make these kids happy, but it’s great to do it anyway! Thanks so much to Tersia and again to onsite hosts Simone and Lynette, plus of course Xolani, our indefatigable driver (in the cap).

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