Today begins the safari tour I have signed up for. I repack my luggage so I can carry what I need for the next 6 days in the little case. The big suitcase gets left in storage at the guesthouse.
Marc drives us to town so I can pick up the bus. It is a small people carrier and our group consists of five people and the driver cum guide.
Leaving Cape Town.
Today we are heading round False Bay towards Gordon's Bay and down the coast, following the mountains.
Again, the views are spectacular.
The mountains are rugged, with wildflowers to soften the picture.
After plenty more such beauty, we arrive in Betty's Bay where we visit the penguin colony.
These are the African Penguins, previously known as Jackass Penguins because of their call that could be mistaken for a donkey braying. Apparently it is now politically incorrect to call them by that name.
It is a very good setup, with a timber walkway right down to the tip to keep the stress out of the penguins' lives.
We spot a Hadeda Ibis, which, according to our guide is the only bird afraid of flying as it cries every time it takes to the air.
There are also a pair of Egyptian geese with goslings.
Out on the rocks by the tower, congregate various species of Cormorants.
Some penguins are frolicking out there among the kelp, but they are a bit too far to see.
These little lizards very obligingly pose for me.
But try as I might, I cannot find any Cape Wagtail. Pity, no good fortune for me then.
All too soon, the walk ends back at the beginning and we have to drive on.
At lunchtime, we arrive at the town of Hermanus.
This is the old harbour.
It is winter, but there are no whales in sight which is a pity.
There is some interesting art around town.
The little animal I spot out on the rocks is called a Rock Hyrax or Dassie in the local language.
There is a fabulous cliff walk
The track is flanked by vegetation, some of which is very familiar to me.
I take great pains trying to grow sea lavender in my garden and here it just happens naturally.
Driving on, we suddenly see some Baboons, quite at home in a town, on top of peoples' fences.
A bit later we arrive atBirkenhead for some wine and beer tasting.
The Estate was named after HMS Birkenhead (1845) which sank nearby.
Somebody takes this 'before' shot of our group, but no 'after' shot was ever taken.
As we keep heading South, we see some Cape Thatching Reed growing on the side of the road.
It does get harvested and dried and used for the many thatched roofs we see around.
Right on sunset, we arrive at Cape L'Agulhas the Southernmost point of Africa, where the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean come together.
There is a large relief of the African continent. A real work of art.
We drive back into the town of Agulhas where we settle into the Backpackers for our first night. Dinner consists of a typical South African Braai.
And so ends the first exciting day of our safari tour.
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