We started on the continent of Africa in the city of Port Elizabeth (locally known as Gqeberha). The area is known for its diversity of wild animals. We found Sundays River Adventures and the Schotia reserve for our safari day. After a little hiccup in the pick-up, it turned into a great (albeit chilly) day.
Sable antelope at the entry to the reserveWarthogWildebeestWaterbuck (with giraffe in the background)Bongo antelopeCrocodileGiraffe with newbornFamily of zebras (wildebeest in background)A Kaleidoscope of giraffes (groups of giraffes: when feeding = a Kaleidoscope, when walking are a Journey, and when standing and ruminating/ sleeping are a Tower)RhinoJuvenile bull elephant named MillennialLionessLion – The King of Beasts and if they’re in the road – all traffic stopsOur guide Norman getting the selfie with me
Our day in Mossel Bay almost didn’t happen – the sea had been a little rough as we approached, and the Serenade could only tender from one side (and then one of the tenders had trouble later in the day). We managed to get on the second tender out and met with Geoff – our driver and guide for the day – the second of four amazing days in South Africa.
We started the day with champagne by the BayDottie and Ken enjoying some bubblesThe Mossel Bay lighthouseThen onto some wine tasting – starting with JakkalsvleiThe vineyardLiam and Alan chatting with the sommelierSome tasting notes: Tasting 1-7: 1)Sauvignon Blanc – nose – apple and pear, tongue strong lemon/citrus – dry but slightly sweeter than NZ 2) chenin Blanc – excellent balance with apricot to the nose and palate, slight sweetness, touch of pepper 3) strong pepper and unripe guava/passionfruit – both on the nose and palate – interesting fruitiness and very dry with a hint of bitterness 4) pinotage rose’ – did not like at all – nose was nice with hint of strawberry and citrus – but tongue was “off” 4) white moscato – slightly sparkling and sweet but smells sweeter than taste, tongue strong lychee 5) pink moscato- beach/poolside wine – light fruity – no strong character but pleasant 6) red moscato – sweet and strong strawberry to the nose – but on the tongue is just not one I like
After our tasting and lunch, we continued on to hike to the cave of “The Point of Human Origins”- Pinnacle Point Cave 13B. The cave was discovered in 1997 when the point started a housing development. The cliff face had covered the entrance to the caves with thick calcium carbonate, which protected the contents from the rise and fall of sea levels over the millennia. About 165,000 years ago the earliest “modern” humans lived in this cave for thousands of years – as supported by layer upon layer of fire remnants in the front of the cave, raising the base by almost five feet. Evidence of the use of ochre indicates use of symbolic painting for story telling.
Overlooking the bay where the caves house “the point of human origins”Approaching cave 13BGuide Christopher explains the cave and its importanceThousands of years of fires raised the floor of the caveA Dassie (aka rock rabbit) – the closest living land relative to the elephantBack onboard for sunset
