For some reason, both of us were awake at 3:30am, waiting for the alarm to go off at 4am. We had decided to go on the final game drive this morning as long as it was not raining. We were already 99% packed, so we had the time. There was no rain, so the drive was on. We were off and running by 5:45am. It was going to be a nice day.
The first wildlife we saw was a leopard sitting on a branch of a tree. We took many photos of course, then it zeroed in on something in the distance, as cats do. The leopard slithered down the trunk and took off on a run. We followed, as did a Landrover from Sabi Sabi. Unfortunately, by getting too close to the leopard's attack run, we all had effectively cut the animal off. He hunkered down into the grass, where he stayed without moving. By doing this, he may have some success with a kill if the remainder of the impala herd followed the others. Not that we wanted to see a leopard kill, we felt it would have occurred this morning.
While tracking this same cat, a different vehicle got hung up while attempting to go down a steep creek bed. We were right there at the same time and were able to help with the loan of a long rope of sorts. Another vehicle pulled the Landrover from the ledge. Glad it wasn't us since we were due to leave this morning.
We spotted more zebras, impala, a green pigeon, and a bull elephant. Tinyiko had pinned the elephant between the trees and the vehicle, so when the elephant decided to bolt, one of his tusks actually scraped Bill's arm. He had the camera up taking pictures and had no idea this elephant was so close. Too close for comfort he said. We also saw a hidden rhino complete with his oxpeckers, two kudu bucks, and a family of mongoose on the road. Tinyiko said they have been brought into the area to kill black mamba snakes, one of the deadliest in South Africa. He claimed they have been doing their job well.
It was time for the coffee stop, and we assumed that Tinyiko knew we were expecting another driver to pick us up. No, he had not been told, so he asked is anybody from here going back to the camp? Yes, it was us. The driver showed up in a smaller vehicle, we said our goodbyes, and then left the group. Boy, we are going to miss these drives.
Breakfast was ready in the dining room without anyone there but us and the staff. Yanna came and gave us a time for our transfer to the airport, which was at 10:50am. That worked perfect for us. Gathering the last of our stuff, we went to the loading area where our driver picked us up in a different vehicle. He remembered us from 5 years ago. He was fun as we drove the deep-rutted road for a half hour drive to Skukuza Airport, even smaller than Mpumalanga International in Nelspruit. Groups from other camps were there as well for the same flight to Cape Town……most of them quite young.
Going to the one small reception desk was simple as we had only one bag to check. Passing through the xray, my handbag was searched closely. The inspector checked both eye glass cases, and every baggie. She looked closely at the Kindle too. Of course, nothing was out of the ordinary, and we were released to go, never asking why she did that. After a short wait, we boarded the small aircraft which took off right on time at 11:40am. The seats were tight with little leg room, but just for a short duration. Once again we were served beverages followed by a beef or chicken with pasta snack with crackers. Coffee, tea, water, or sodas were offered as well as wine. It was a quick uneventful flight and we landed early at 2:04pm. We had a great view of Tabletop Mountain and all of Cape Town before landing smoothly at the airport.
Disembarking the plane on the tarmac, we boarded a bus that drove us a short distance to the domestic terminal for Airlink. It took at least 20 minutes before the turntable began to move. Glad we only had one bag to pick up. Going out the doors, we entered the receiving hall and a young well-dressed fellow had our names on his computer. He led us on a long walk to the parking garage, where our driver, also well-dressed in a suit, was waiting to take us to the pier.
In the extremely nice SUV limo, the ride took a little more than a half hour passing by shanty towns along the freeway. Large sections revealed housing made with corrugated metal for the walls and the roof. Oddly enough, every one of these "houses" had satellite dishes. We wondered if there was some form of bathroom facilities there, but did not ask the driver, who may have been sensitive with such questions. Obviously, they had water and electricity.
As we neared Cape Town proper, the buildings rose into high rises and a real downtown. We arrived at the pier by 3:15pm a good time considering it was commuting time on the roads.
It felt good to be back, but sad in a way as we both looked at our watches and realized those folks we left back at the camp were readying to begin the afternoon game drive. But all good things must come to an end, and this was one of them. We dropped our bags in our room and checked our mail on the bed…all nicely laid out by our room steward. We took note that everyone was required to go through the departure clearance between 4pm and 8:30pm. As exhausted as we were, there was still time to take the free shuttle bus to the V & A Waterfront Mall, a 15-minute ride from the ship. We noticed many different hop on and hop off buses, and decided that was a great way to explore this city and the surrounding areas in the future, if we ever make our way back here.
Viewed as one of Cape Town's biggest tourist attractions, the Waterfront comprises of the busy commercial harbor with entertainment venues, pubs, restaurants, shops, craft markets, and movie theaters. In the mall, we located a restaurant where we had great pizza. However, it has changed hands and is called something different. No pizza. It sure was tempting to stop and have a beer break, but it was near 5pm, and we would never eat dinner if we stopped.
Crossing over the swing bridge by the Clocktower, we continued past the grain silos, then followed the signs to the ship. We had walked back to the ship probably faster than the shuttle that brought us here. Having taken our passports with us, we figured that after 5pm, most folks would have done the mandated departure clearance. We were wrong. Entering the terminal, we found that the screening area had no one there. This was good as we went right through the procedure quickly, but discovered once we went outside the building, a line to board the ship had grown immensely. It was one way traffic with passengers filing off of the gangway….. some extremely slowly. We waited at least a half hour in the blowing wind before we were let back onboard. By the time it began to move, the line was a mile long behind us.
Time for dinner, only Barb was there…the others were either away still off of the ship or dining elsewhere. It was nice to share our exploits with our friend. Since the ship was not leaving until late, many folks were out to dinner onshore. Half of the dining room was empty. Better for us, we had great service. Ellen and Aart saw their chance to join us, and we were happy to have them.
At 9:30pm, the South African Youth Choir gave a performance in the World Stage. Together since 2005, this group has traveled worldwide performing their specialized music. It was a moving show, not to disappoint any of us. It had been an incredibly long day, and one of us almost fell asleep putting the key in the door to our room. Good thing we had stashed everything before dinner and had the laundry ready to go for the next morning. We slept like logs…if there is such a thing? By the way, the ship did not leave the port until well after 11:30pm, since another vessel was blocking our way.
Bill & Mary Ann
