South Africa
I’m going to discover
the coast of South
Africa on board
Oceania Cruises
5-star Nautica, where
I’ll be able to explore
the local cultures and
customs as well as
the opportunity to see
abundant wildlife.
cruise
My 15-day cruise starts in Cape Town,
and once embarked and settled into
my stateroom, I’ll head up on deck and
watch Table Mountain fade into the
distance as the ship heads for Mossel
Bay. With an average of 320 sunny
days a year, Mossel Bay has the second
mildest climate in the world. Here you
can partake in walks along the beach,
enjoy horseback riding or even take part
in whale and dolphin watching. Another
great experience is to take a trip to Seal
Island, home of over 2,500 Cape fur
seals. Two days at sea allows me to
relax and take advantage of the ships
facilities, or simply choose to do nothing
at all and chill out on deck around the
pool with a good book.
Maputo in Mozambique is the next port
of call, where I’ll find out more about
Maputo’s struggle for freedom from
Portuguese colonialism. The wildlife
and beach lovers on board will no doubt
head to nearby Inhaca Island for some
great snorkelling.
Back on board and the ship returns to
South Africa, with a visit to Richards
Bay. Here you can take an excursion to
a nearby game reserve, or head on over
to Alkanstrad Beach to look for dolphins.
Richards Bay is a bustling port and the
many types of ships will intrigue marine
buffs.
The next day the ship calls at Durban;
74
head to the Golden Mile beach area to
take in the sun or enjoy walking along
its promenade. You can also discover
British Colonial architecture as well
as the largest mosque in the southern
hemisphere – the Juma Masjid. Optional
tours include a visit to the Tala Game
Reserve, where you can explore South
Africa’s diverse flora, wildlife and bird
life. This game reserve is nestled in the
KwaZulu-Natal Hills, and covers nearly
7,410 acres. Wildlife here includes
buffalo, rhino, kudu, hippo, giraffe, and
the rare sable antelope. You can also
visit the traditional homeland of the
Zulu, and discover past and present day
African tribal cultures and customs.
Sailing south-west along the coast, East
London is the next port, and is in fact
South Africa’s only port on a river. East
London stretches along the banks of
the Buffalo and is revered for its unspoilt
beaches. Although links to England
are apparent, the town stills bears a
refreshing South African ambiance. Top
things to see here include the aquarium,
and ensure you pay a visit to the East
London Museum, which displays the
world’s only Dodo egg. Optional tours
will take you to local game reserves,
including the Pumba Game Reserve,
where you will have an excellent chance
of seeing The Big Five, including the
magnificent free roaming White Lions.
There are also over 300 different species
of bird here, so perfect for bird watchers.