There were just so many amazing choices of excursions here in Capetown that Ted and I went our separate ways to try to take advantage of as much as possible!
Today, Ted was off on a 9-1/2 hour adventure to the Aquila Private Game Preserve via a 4×4 game drive in search of Africa’s “Big 5” and more.
His day began at 7:30 a.m. with a scenic drive by motor coach through the Hex River Valley to the wildlife and safari park nestled in the southern Karoo Highlands. Covering more than 17 square miles, the reserve’s mix of natural wetlands, semi-arid desert and mountains is home to a wide range of flora and fauna.
En route, some pretty spectacular scenery viewed through the coach windows, including vineyards.
Then more beautiful vineyards and citrus orchards, and decidedly less beautiful homes for the local workers.
They thoughtfully started everyone with a welcome drink before boarding 4×4 safari vehicles and setting out into the wild with experienced ranger guides.
10:25 a.m. Lazy, lazy hippos.
10:35 a.m. Giraffe
10:45 a.m. Some birds are for watching; others sunbathe on the hippos’ backs.
10:53 a.m. Ted assured me that these ostrich faces involved no camera zooming – they really got that close to the vehicle!!
11:00 a.m. White rhinos (again, the hair horns have been trimmed to thwart poachers)
11:05 a.m. Burchett’s zebras
11:10 a.m. A “common” eland
11:15 a.m. White rhinos at a watering hole.
11:20 a.m. Cape buffalo
Fellow world cruise Pat kept track of sightings
11:40 a.m. A male lion way in the distance.
11:50 a.m. The top photo was the closest Ted got to seeing a lioness, but he was able to zoom in on her face.
11:55 a.m. More beautiful zebras.
12:08 p.m. Elephants in the distance… and up close
He came back saying the day was just “okay”, but I think he got some pretty great photos.
The tour ended with a buffet lunch at a local restaurant, with the excursion group not returning to the ship until 5:00 p.m.
Ted beat me back to the ship, though, because I was off on two excursions, the second of which got back at 7:30 p.m. He saved me a seat for the wonderful destination performance.
We’re touring separately again tomorrow.
Rose and Ted’s Excellent Adventure 
I think Ted’s day was better than “okay” as he got to see lions!! Both papa lion posing on the hilltop and the lioness resting on the rocks. The photos and close-ups of all the animals are super, even the in-your-face ostrich.
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hi first time to comment I love reading your blog post. You put a lot of effort into them. my wife and I did the World cruise last year. great pictures of the Safari very nice
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Thank you! Hope we’re rekindling some great memories.
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