Day 83 of 102

Just occasionally, I wake up at 3 am. and remain wide awake for what seems like the rest of the night.  If it’s a sea day, it doesn’t really matter.  But today, the ship is docked in Durban, South Africa.  I would like to think that will make the most of this afternoon’s shore excursion/experience to the Tala Game Reserve.  It’s a beautiful morning, as predicted by Captain Hall in yesterday’s noonday address, but so was a windy rainy afternoon!  

4/4/23 08.16hrs.

After checking in with South African Immigration at around 9.30 yesterday morning, I went for breakfast in the Kings Court Buffet, returning to my room for a much needed power nap.  This was only partially successful, being frequently disturbed by in-cabin announcements requesting certain (named) guests to urgently contact the Purser’s Office. 

I took a pre-lunch shower, collected what I needed to for the afternoon trip to the Tala Game Reserve, and returned to the Kings Court Buffet for a small lunch before meeting my fellow travellers in the Royal Court Theatre.

Later than expected, we were escorted to our coach, and there was enough spare room for me to enjoy a full-length window seat without disturbing anybody else.

Eventually, we were underway, passing the huge railway yards and depot, full of traffic and locomotives.  I was too slow with my camera!  I enjoyed the bus ride, catching a brief glimpse of what it was like to see that small part of South Africa.   As we ventured further out of the city and past various suburban areas and into open countryside, Captain Hall’s prediction of heavy rain and winds in the afternoon was proved founded.  We arrived at the Tala Game Reserve just as the heavens opened, and the thunder roared. 

We were all drenched, but the shower was short-lived, and as far as I know, we were taken around the entire complex in the two vehicles shown above.

As the illustrations suggest, we did see a great deal, although the giraffes needed to be coaxed into view by our safari guide.

Unfortunately, I can not identify everything, but I have received some assistance from home, which has been of some help!

The hour plus long journey back to the ship brought to an end, a wonderful worthwhile afternoon.  For the first time, apart from a very brief walk on the Promenade Deck to complete my minimum steps target, I went to bed immediately after dinner.  I needed the sleep, and surfaced this morning suitably refreshed!

Many thanks for reading, David, amended 16.25hrs. 4/4/23.