The journey home

Breakfast on the terrace on Monday morning before we packed up to leave. With an evening flight to London, we have planned to spend the day at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. 

This is a public holiday in SA - Heritage Day - and the gardens were busier than we have ever seen them - lots of groups having picnics in the shady parts of the lower gardens but still plenty of quiet space for us to enjoy the gardens and the wildlife. 

Double Pincushion

Southern Double Collared Sunbird feeding on Pincushion

We had to settle for a coffee and roll from one of the fast food outlets because the restaurant and tea rooms were mobbed but after the huge breakfast at Banhoek lodge, we didn't need much. By mid afternoon the temperature was around 24C so we were very glad of the shade. 

Uneventful drive to the airport - although a challenge to find the way to get into the airport filling station; Hire car returned without any problem - always feels good to get past that hurdle; Easy check in and a couple of glasses of Villiera Tradition Brut to prepare us for the  overnight flight.

We've had a great time on this trip - lots of spring flowers in three different regions; dozens of whales and a few dolphins; 24 more South African bird species to bring our current total to 328;  8 wineries; lots of good food with a couple of excellent meals and plenty of wines - including a couple of new favourites.

We also managed to catch up with old friends along the way and made a few new ones - hopefully it won't be too long before we are back here.