Sunday, March 9, 2025 – Photo of the Day – Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

ORT ELIZABETH (GQEBERHA), SOUTH AFRICA A Xhosa tale Port Elizabeth is located in the homeland of the Xhosa people, the ethnic group from which Nelson Mandela hails. In Xhosa culture, oral tradition and storytelling play a significant role, with the tale of Qamata being one of the most prominent. Qamata is regarded as the primary deity responsible for the creation of the world and this story is not only a fundamental aspect of the Xhosa creation myth but also highlights the deep connection the people have with their land and the natural world, showcasing the complexity of Xhosa cosmology. According to legend, Qamata was one of the first two beings to exist, born from the primordial forces of the sky and the earth. Entrusted with the task of shaping the earth, Qamata faced a formidable opponent in Nkanyamba, a sea dragon and the nemesis of his mother. In one of their intense confrontations, Nkanyamba inflicted a grave injury on Qamata, hindering his ability to create dry land amidst the endless ocean. In response, the Earth goddess, his mother, intervened by casting large cattle made from reeds into the waters. These cattle miraculously transformed into landmasses, giving rise to the continents. Initially, these new lands were lifeless and barren. To remedy this, the Earth goddess began to populate them with life. However, each night, Nkanyamba would drag the lands back beneath the waves, erasing the creations of the Earth goddess. To thwart this cycle, she fashioned four celestial beings from her own essence, who became the guardians of the earth. These demi-gods assisted Qamata in his struggle against Nkanyamba, ultimately driving him deep into the ocean. This victory allowed life to thrive without further interference.

SIGHTS

• Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape

• South African Air Force Museum

• Storms River bridge

• The Campanile

• The Island Nature Reserve

• Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve

CUISINE

Generally speaking, the Eastern Cape’s restaurants are good but not great. Of course, there are always a few exceptions to every rule, and in the Eastern Cape, the number of these exceptions is always increasing. But for good food, choose a great hotel or guesthouse, some of which are noted for their cuisine. Not surprisingly, most restaurants are reasonably casual, and there are none where men would be expected to wear ties.

Today’s Excursion – Amakhala Private Game Reserve – Safari and Lunch

During this immersive, full-day game drive excursion with lunch, we discovered the breathtakingly beautiful wildlife and bird species of the Amakhala Private Game Reserve.
Port Elizabeth, Amakhala Private Game Reserve
Depart the pier with your guide for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the Amakhala Private Game Reserve. This breathtakingly beautiful private game reserve spans a whopping 18,000 acres (about 7,284 hectares) of land that covers five of the seven biomes, from bushveld to savannah. As a result, Amakhala offers an incredibly diverse and abundant selection of wildlife, birdlife, and native flora to discover, along with exquisite panoramic views in all directions.

Game Drive, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Birds
Our guided safari aboard an open-air, 4WD safari vehicle looked for the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, monkeys, tortoises, and plenty of antelope species in their own habitat.

Dinner was a Greek Family Dinner in La Terrazza.