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| View of seals from boat |
Ready for another action packed weekend, five of us set off in our rented 1980’s citi golf towards Plettenberg Bay.
Plettenberg, a small coastal town built on a hill surrounded by beach, reminded
me in many ways of childhood holidays with family on the North Coast of
Ireland. When we arrived at the backpackers where we were staying, we soon
realised the wide range of activities on offer in Plettenberg and were
determined to fit in as much action as possible!
Despite getting washed over some
pretty sharp rocks, swimming with seals was definitely one of the coolest
things I have ever done! After a short boat trip out to sea we were greeted by
hundreds of seals splashing and swimming in the water. It is difficult to
describe in words the sheer adrenaline rush as a seal brushes past you,
touching you while you swim, or the feeling of exhilaration as a huge bull seal
swims right below your legs.
I think everyone’s eyes lit up when
they noticed the brochure for Monkeyland and Birds of Eden in the backpackers.
Still buzzing from our seal swimming experience we decided to check out if the
brochure really lived up to its words – it definitely did! A guided tour
brought us within touching distance of hundreds of monkeys as we walked through
their enclosure. Most of the monkeys had either been unwanted pets or had been
born in captivity – Monkeyland was a chance for the monkeys to learn how to survive
on their own again. One monkey which was particularly special was Atlas, a white
gibbon. Watching Atlas swing from trees and along railings was a truly
hypnotising sight! Birds of Eden gave us a chance to see some of the most
colourful and beautiful creatures I have ever seen in real life. No picture can
fully describe how magnificent some of these birds look as they fly around you.
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| Stopping off on Boat Trip |
Saturday saw a group of over 40 more
international students from NMMU come to experience Plettenberg, and there was no
better way for everyone to do this than a boat trip up river, between some
incredible mountains. A fleet of over ten boats controlled by ourselves sailed up the river,
occasionally swapping passengers along the way – this being Africa, health and
safety wasn’t a pressing issue. We often use the abbreviation T.A.I. – This Is
Africa! Soon the time came for many to conquer their fear of heights as the
opportunity to cliff jump came! I must admit that I never thought I had a fear
of heights until I got to the top and thought to myself ‘what am I doing’??!!
Nevertheless I jumped and I wanted to go again, which I did several times! It
was nice that as a big group of international students we were able to do
something together as we hadn't really had the chance until now. I was actually
surprised by the amount of new people I met as I thought I had met all the
international students.
Our time here has being going so fast and I feel more determined than ever to fulfil my list of things to do while here. Stopping at the world’s biggest bungee jump at Bloukran’s Bridge on the way home for a quick look has made me ready for adventure again!
Living the Dream,
Glenn
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| Flamingo in Birds of Eden |
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| On the Beach |
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| The Backpackers where we were staying |
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