Day 88 Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa

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What we did
Today’s excursion brought us to Pumba Wildlife Reserve, about a 75-minute drive from the port; and what a great fifth and final safari! Without a doubt, this was the most spectacular safari of the trip.

After climbing aboard our jeep with our guide, Thomas, the action began almost immediately. Within the first 30 minutes, we spotted warthogs, white lions and lots of up close elephants and rhinos, amazing! Not long after, we came across another pride of lions finishing a meal. The male was still feeding while the lionesses lounged nearby under the bushes, resting in the shade. It was an unforgettable scene and one of the highlights of the entire journey.

As we continued through the reserve, we encountered an impressive variety of wildlife, including impala, wildebeest, zebra, Cape buffalo, kudu, nyala and more. The reserve itself is expansive and the landscapes were absolutely stunning; rolling terrain, open plains, and lush pockets of vegetation that made every turn feel like a postcard moment. Midway through the day, we stopped for lunch at the Water Lodge. The meal was surprisingly delicious, and it was nice to relax and share stories with fellow passengers during a leisurely break. Unfortunately, our time at Pumba was cut shorter than planned due to a late arrival in port, so our return drive to the buses was a bit rushed. Still, we managed a brief afternoon safari where we spotted a secretary; an endangered bird known for its unique hunting style of stomping snakes. We even caught sight of a giraffe before heading back.

To their credit, Viking proactively provided a 15% refund due to the shortened experience, which was a thoughtful and appreciated gesture to wrap up an otherwise incredible day.