Tourists in our own Country Part One - Mpumalanga

We collected Dave and Crissie at OR Tambo early on Saturday 31st October and were already having morning coffee at Millys by 11am. We took the touristy route via Sabie and Graskop to lunch at the Boskombuis and headed back to Graskop via God's Window to overnight at the Graskop Hotel. RWC Final! I had booked at the Canimambo Mozambiquian Restaurant months in advance in the hopes that we would be watching a SA vs Aussie ( Dave's team ) final. Sadly, the Bokke didn't make it and the place was very quiet. Dave composed himself well after the defeat by the All Blacks.  The next day, after Amarula shots at the Royal Hotel, Pilgrims Rest for morning tea, we headed to the Kruger National Park. Here's a best kept secret... Talamati Bush Camp, about 30kms from Orpen Gate. We loved it. Only 15 huts, a private flood lit water hole, excellent staff and off the beaten track.  The drought meant all the animals had to come to the man made water holes to drink,  which meant the predators were not far behind.  We dragged Crissie and Dave up before 5am every morning but we were well rewarded. We saw four separate sightings of leopard, mating lions and even honey badger. A sable antelope came to our water hole along with hundreds of ellies and buffalo as well as zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, warthog and plenty of buck. On our last game drive we saw  rhino, completing our big five experience.  We did a bush walk too. The rangers who took us out on drives and walks were all professional and friendly;another reason to stay at Talamati.
After 3 nights and 4 days we headed to Dullstroom and stayed in the delightful Cedar Cottage. Wild about Whisky is a definite stop; they have the biggest collection of Whisky in SA and very generous with the tastings. I recommend the whisky and chocolate truffle tasting. We ate dinner at Art of Food, a good spot because Mrs. Simpson's was closed on a Wednesday.