Cape Vidal

After the 2-day safari, I wasn't expecting to see animals. But on our way to the beach at Cape Vidal today, we were pleasantly surprised to see more impala, warthogs, zebra, and monkeys. It was beautiful beach weather (for the South African winter, at least). I "swam" in the Indian Ocean, protected my lunch from monkeys; and after dinner, I ran home singing in the evening rain with good friends. 

Interesting note: we "ran" this evening because St. Lucia is very much a part of the wetlands of Kwazulu Natal. That means that the hippos that live in the estuary come out and walk around to find grass when they get the munchies at night. These hungry, hungry hippos will trudge right through the small town, so visitors are warned to be careful at night (in the late, late evening and early, early morning, at least)...Don't worry, we got back before 9pm. I was the only hungry hippo out on the streets this evening.

Manimals - Part III

Safari day 2: Hluhluwe Game Reserve

It was an amazing day...we crossed paths with an elephant herd, and we lunched alongside some zebra.

*Sorry I haven't edited any of these pictures yet...all pictures posted to this blog are going up as is. They don't do justice to the absolute beauty of South Africa, but they will give you a small idea of the gorgeous land here...*

From sunrise to sunset:

Manimals - Part II

Safari Day 1: Umfolozi Game Reserve

(the last picture shows the North Star)

Manimals - Part I

Yes, this first picture is totally random :)

So far I've seen plenty of buck, some zebra, impala, monkeys, and a giraffe from the roadside. There were lots of hippo, birds (African bald eagle & kingfisher), and one croc in and along the river in St. Lucia...the real safari begins tomorrow...