It?s something every tourist to South Africa ends up doing, but this was a first for me. Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world, home to the leanest meat and brightly-coloured feather-dusters (plus graceful Victorian architecture and a couple standout restaurants). The ostrich experience went a bit pear-shaped, as Jason took exception to riding the creatures, feeling it was cruel.

I respected him for his decision, and Novak, being the junior partner in the relationship, took his lead and followed him outside. So Neale and I photographed each other bouncing around the paddock instead.

I?d heard of diving with crocs, but had never done it. So at the local croc ranch we had our chance, a flimsy-looking cage being dropped into the water. Crocs are actually rather boring creatures to watch, conserving their energy until they need it, which makes them the ruthless predators they are.

My spell in the cage didn?t produce much, with the prehistoric reptiles circling slowly around, offering no chance of a close-up of their gleaming yellow eyes. But the TV crew was happy with Jason and Novak in the cage, with a little more action providing the 'money-shot' for their insert.

Passing time while the TV-crew packed up their equipment, I saw the ranch had a fine display of creatures on display, Greater flamingos, rare, spotted-necked otters and ring-tailed lemurs among them.

Time was running out for the intensive adventurers, and we didn?t manage to complete the adventure part of the Cango Caves. Both Novak and Jason were a bit big for the narrow ?postbox? section, and likely wouldn?t have made it anyway, so we instead toured the caves with a guide, passing massive chambers where choirs used to sing. I?ve seen them before, but the stalactite and stalagmite creations remain phenomenal.

Walking with elephants

All of that above in one day, plus getting there. And then, when we arrived at Buffelsdrift Private Game Reserve, the elephants were waiting for us to walk with them. We had to leave at 7.45 the next morning, so the feeling was to shoot the TV and stills straight away. I?ve been lucky enough to interact with elephants on previous occasions, and while it is a thoroughly rewarding and instructive experience ? if the elephants are treated properly, as they seemingly are here ? I opted instead to spend the remaining few minutes of daylight checking out the lodge.

The accommodation at Buffelsdrift, right on the edge of a dam filled with waterfowl and grunting hippos, is excellent, with the Victorian ball-and-claw-bath and aircon (for the harsh winters and summers) the highlight ? especially as they?re in a tent. But the co-owner we met was quick to point out that it?s a nature reserve, rather than a Big Five game reserve, thus not misleading the potential consumer.

The rare mountain zebra and rhino, plus the spectacular arid landscape would do it for me, and although I reckon his staff need some fine-tuning, I liked the man?s honesty.

Angus Begg is the owner of the recently-established African Storybook Media. He is a prolific photo-journalist and TV producer, counting CNN Traveller amongst his clients.

Read more:
Page 1: Tracking Black Rhino
Page 2: Surfing J-Bay and Bungy-jumping
Page 4: Adventures in Knysna and Cape Town