Monthly Archives: January 2018

The Friendly City of South Africa

Posted on January 16, 2018 by kcbernick

Wednesday, January 10, 2018 We arrived at Port Elizabeth this morning. The town was named, not for British royalty, but for the wife of Sir Rufane Donkin, a governor of the port in the early 1800’s. Elizabeth had died in … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Crystal Cruises, Nelson Mandela, South Africa | Leave a comment

The Ostrich Capital of the World

Posted on January 15, 2018 by kcbernick

Tuesday, January 9, 2018 Our ship docked in Mossel Bay, the bay of mussels, this morning. The name dates back to 1595 or 1601, depending on which story you believe. Mossel Bay is part of the Garden Route, of South … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Crystal Cruises, Ostriches, South Africa, The Garden Route, UNESCO World Heritage Site | Leave a comment

Mother City of South Africa

Posted on January 13, 2018 by kcbernick

Saturday, January 5, 2018 This was a long travel day. Again, there were three legs to our flight. First, we returned to the small airport at Xakanaxa where we boarded a 12 passenger plane that took us to Maun. Mark … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Cape Town, National Geographic, South Africa, The Big Five | Leave a comment

Kasane Heat

Posted on January 11, 2018 by kcbernick

Wednesday, January 3, 2018 There was a beautiful full moon over the channel at Xakanaxa this morning. After breakfast, we were taken to the airport for transport to Maun where we will reconnect with the DC-3 South Africa airplane and … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Botswana, Elephants, Hippos, Rhinos, Warthogs | Leave a comment

City of Oaks

Posted on January 9, 2018 by kcbernick

Sunday, January 7, 2018 The ship was late docking this morning due to high seas, so we ended up boarding about two hours late. At least we had reading materials and electronics to occupy our time waiting at the cruise … Continue reading →

Posted in South Africa, Stellenbosch, Wineries | Leave a comment

The Smoke That Thunders

Posted on January 8, 2018 by kcbernick

Thursday, January 4, 2018 I’m feeling much better this morning. We did walk to a nearby pharmacy to get some electrolyte powder to mix into our water. I don’t want another experience like yesterday! The grounds are beautiful at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Baboons, Victoria Falls, Zambia, Zebras | Leave a comment

Xakanaxa Camp

Posted on January 8, 2018 by kcbernick

Happy New Year! January 1, 2018 No game drive this morning as we had a long journey to our next camp, Xakanaxa, in the Moremi Game Reserve. Rains arrived at Mashatu during the night, accompanied by lots of thunder and … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Botswana, Hippos, Zebras | 1 Comment

Evening in Xakanaxa

Posted on January 5, 2018 by kcbernick

January 2, 2018, evening This evening’s event was a boat ride on the channels of the Khwai River, lined with pampas grasses, papyrus, and waterlilies. The animals don’t eat the pampas grass so it can grow quite tall. Among the … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Botswana, Hippos, National Geographic, Okavango Delta, Wildlife Refuge | Leave a comment

Morning in Xakanaxa

Posted on January 5, 2018 by kcbernick

Tuesday morning, January 2, 2018 Every night I think we couldn’t possible top the experiences of the day, and the next day I am continually proved wrong. We were told to be careful this morning as a bull elephant had … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Botswana, Hippos, Lions, National Geographic, Okavango Delta, Wildlife Refuge | Leave a comment

Pawprints, Poop and Plants

Posted on January 5, 2018 by kcbernick

Sunday morning, New Year’s Eve 2017 We signed up for a walking game drive to get a different perspective. Also, we’re ready for some physical activity. Riding in the safari vehicles is great for getting around and seeing many animals, … Continue reading →

Posted in Africa, Botswana, Elephants, Giraffes, Wildlife Refuge | Leave a comment