Since my last blog, I have spent time in South Africa, opting to partake in an overland tour along the entire Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. This entailed an early start, meeting in the ship’s Golden Lion Pub at 06.20. That meant an early wake up call at 05.15. This tour provided a rare opportunity to see much more of the country than is usually possible on a cruise holiday. Much was “crammed” into that first day and the early start was necessary. A light breakfast was brought to my room at 05.15. I had done most of my packing the night before, dining early also, rather than at the usual 8.30pm.
15 took part in this journey and before 7am, our luggage had been stowed in the hold of the 36 seater coach. The seats were comfortable with plenty of legroom. We left on time. Table Mountain was covered heavily by an unforgiving grey-ish cloud, while Cape Town itself was basking in warm morning sunshine.
The first leg of our journey was to Botlierskop situated between the Outeniqua Mountains and the beaches of the Indian Ocean. Here, is situated, the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve. Our overnight accommodation there consisted of luxury tented suites complete with balcony and plenty of comfortable garden furniture. The proximity of the reserve and the sounds of the wildlife created an exciting ambience, the like of which I had not experienced previously. We stopped for something to eat after almost three hours’ travelling. High winds and roadworks caused around an hour’s delay; lunch wasn’t hurried, but most of us didn’t get our accommodation until after the early evening safari trip.
Fifteen of us boarded “canopied” 4WD vehicles each with three rows of three seats. Although having been up since 5am, I was ready, as everyone else was to go exploring. I have taken some photographs, but although told at the time, I cannot yet identify everything.
Dinner later that evening rounded off a long but thoroughly enjoyable day. I couldn’t see myself making for the 5.45am safari the next day; I surprised myself and was ready with the rest of the party for another even greater adventure of stunning spectacular scenery and a large variety (over 26 species) of wildlife allowed to roam the 3,500 hectare game reserve.
By 11.00 that morning, we were saying a reluctant goodbye to what I felt was a remarkable experience. The coach was continuing towards our second destination, Plettenberg Bay. On the way, we would spend time at Knysna where there was time for shopping and lunch. Eventually, we arrived at the 5 star Plettenberg Hotel with fabulous views over the sands, the bay and the Indian Ocean beyond, with the continuous roar of the incoming waves and white foam.
I was exhausted by the end of that day and after a superb dinner, it was time for bed. Again, we were all reluctant to leave. I would have been happy to have stayed at both places for at least a week. All that was just yesterday. I was, however, excited to be boarding QM2 for the next stage of its World Voyage 2018. Today, in rather heavy seas, we are steaming towards the isle of Reunion, just West of Mauritius. There are a further three days at sea before many of us will be climbing aboard tourist buses to take us around this spectacular island. The trip I have chosen takes me 7,000 feet above sea level, and it promises to be cool up there.
When QM2 docked at Cape Town, around 1,400 passengers, I gather, disembarked, and a similar number came on board, mostly, I am led to believe, having flown out from Australia for the return sailing home. There is certainly a joyful atmosphere on board…not that it wasn’t before, but it’s certainly different. Things will continue to change as the voyage progresses.
Now, for 2 pictures
I hope you enjoyed this.
All the best, David.
David's Cruise 