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April 8, 2024
Gqwbweha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa
Port Elizabeth. Look at that sky!
The Cape of Good Hope in South Africa is one of the most treacherous places in the world to sail. Two days ago, we missed both Richards Bay and Durbin because conditions were too rough to dock. As a result, all guests lost the chance to embark on any multi-day safaris (Viking or private).
This morning’s destination of Port Elizabeth was just as dicey. We were supposed to be docked by 7:00 am. At 7:30, our ship was still floating around outside of port. For two hours we watched as the ship changed direction, alternately sailing toward the port and sailing away from it. One theory is that our captain kept trying to get into port without getting blown away. Another theory is that we were simply spinning around, waiting for a late port pilot to board the ship.
Today’s weather report. Note the lower-left-hand corner: “Chance of rain 100%.”
The ship tracker, showing the Viking Neptune alternately sailing toward and sailing away from Port Elizabeth
In any event, we finally docked an hour-and-a-half late. Rather than hope for an escort assignment, we had purchased an 8.5-hour safari, “Sibuya Private Game Reserve.” Not only would we be assured of a one-day safari, we would also get to travel together.
Safaris are completely unpredictable. Perhaps because of the recent storm, our guides were greatly challenged to find any of the big animals for us. But by the end of the day, we were very satisfied with what we saw.
Here is a photo album of some of the highlights from our one-day African safari.
Sibuya Game Reserve is a 7,400-acre eco destination
We rode in 10-person trucks that gave each passenger a clear view
Here’s what our trails looked like
Nyalas
Gail’s cellphone photo of a male nyala looked like it had “googly eyes.” Russell’s optical zoom camera showed his real appearance.
Impalas
Warthogs
Water Bucks have a distinctive white circle on their rumps. It looks like they sat on a paint bucket.
The male Vervet Monkey has blue genitals. The brighter the blue, the more virile he is.
The Cape Glossy Starling is an iridescent blue
Mongooses
A Monitor Lizard
Our guide, Chris, with a six-year-old tortoise (you can tell how old it is by counting the rings on each of its scutes)
Giraffes
We were thrilled to see rhinos, which can be difficult to find
Zebras
Sadly, we did not see any lions, though our guide spent quite a bit of time searching for them
Our most challenging search was for elephants. Our guide finally saw some across the valley. In the left-hand photo, they are in the bottom center clearing. Luckily, Russell’s camera has a 50x optical zoom.
The closest we got to Cape Buffalo was also across the valley
At literally the last moment before we left the park, we finally came upon an elusive elephant up close!
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