April 5, 2023
We are docked in Nelson Mandela bay the gateway to Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It is one of the major seaports in South Africa. Toyota ships over 3,000 cars a week from this port as one of the major employers in the region. Port Elizabeth suffered substantially during Covid and the downtown area is not a place you would feel safe.
What makes Port Elizabeth worth visiting is access to over 20 game reserves that are dedicated to preserving the wildlife of Africa. At one time some of these reserves were where “big game hunters” went to kill the Big 5 but now they are all committed to preserving the wildlife.
The reserve I visited was unbelievably beautiful with its green hills, rugged dirt roads and was populated with a wide variety of wildlife including white rhino, cheetah and white lions!!
I knew when my guide pulled up did a fast u-turn and screeched to a halt that it was going to be an awesome day and it was!!! Her love of the animals and extensive knowledge made for a fun day of learning and observing!!
The pictures tell the story of the incredible animals but I have a few stories to share from the day.
There are two white lion males in the reserve and they are father and son. The son has determined that he is going to take over and has been fighting with his dad. Dad has several head wounds that he was nursing.
Getting to interact with the white rhinos was so special!! This is the first time that I have seen them up close. The horn on the oldest female is incredibly long!!! Sorry for posting so many pictures but it was a special time and I want to share it.
The nursing zebra was also a first for me!!
The cheetah is in an enclosed area because by nature they would be reducing the impala population.
Yes, I got behind the wheel of the jeep but no one would get in…..drat!!! So the guide took control! Trust me our guide was a true badass and we bounce around the rough roads to the squeals of several of the other guests!!
After the morning safari we had a buffet lunch BBQ lunch under the trees and then headed out for our second drive.
Safari is truly my happy place so this was yet another “Best Day Ever”!!!!
Circle of Life
I am so excited for you! And I love hearing that a hunting resort is now committed to preservation. Your smiling face in the photos says it all. Maybe your next gig is as a badass safari tour guide. I can see that.
AWESOME!!!!