Southern African Parks Tours

For us, used to the Kalahari after four months in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park's remote camps, to embark on a luxury trip on a mighty big vessel sailing that big, blue, huge dam with the restless water, was quite an experience.  Something totally different and not very Africa-like.
But, after a while we adapted and started enjoying everything the ship's crew threw at us.  From grand accommodation, to very tasty meals, to grand shows and wonderful cocktails in a number of bars and lounges with friendly waitresses making sure you do not run dry.
Being a camper, sometimes I sensed some people consider us campers to be the poor set on the nature travelling scene and I wondered what they would think if they could see us operating on this golden ship for a change.

Durban Harbor from the MSC Opera.  

Still in Durban Harbor getting acquainted with our cabin and the view.

Checking out the ship's offerings.  A mighty vehicle built for comfort and opulence.

The pools area where all kinds of fun entertainment is offered with passengers joining in the fun and games.

One of the eating places on the ship.  Here you can eat and drink day and night, free and nonstop.

Next day, we went to Mozambique Island near Maputu Harbor for a picnic offered by MSC on the Island where they have built some great facilities for such a day outing of fun and games.  At first, the sea was a bit choppy, but later on things improved and we were transported to the island with little rubber ducks like the approaching one you can see on this picture.  Quite a choppy ride, but great fun.

Some of the locals set up stalls on the island selling all kinds of trinkets and some potent rum and tasty 3M Beer.  Rubber ducks constantly travelled between the ship and the island, carrying people to and from the ship.  A real colourful affair with lots of jokes and fun among the passengers.

Passengers sitting on the decks under umbrellas enjoying some of the great food and the company of fellow passengers and some locals. 

Staff dishing up for hungry passengers.  All the food was prepared on the ship, except the braai meat and transported with rubber ducks to the island - a major operation. 

There was even a melon artist among the staff, dishing out some of the sweetest watermelon I ever tasted.  A very welcome treat in the hot weather. 

Arriving back at the ship.  For us it was quite fun to be on a half-empty ship until the others arrived.

Back in Durban Harbor!  The trip is over and we planned to explore the bush along the coast from Port Edward right up to Kosi Bay

So, how did two "Bushies" enjoy this kind of luxurious experience?  We both liked it very much, however Cari definitely enjoyed it more than I did.  She reveled in the fun and games (and the cocktails) and she did not even once compared the ship with our usual diet of wild animals, sand, heat sun, pitching camp, making fire at night, sitting around the fire under the stars, listening to the night sounds or any such things.  For myself, I enjoyed the trip, but I was glad it was over now and we could go back to our normal bushy way of life.

Our plan was to drive down to Port Edward on the Natal South Coast and return northwards and camp in some of the best camping spots up to Kosi Bay.  My next contribution which I hope will be soon, will cover that piece of recent history.  In the meanwhile, please go to my Youtube page and check some of the videos I have there.  They will help you understand what kind of wonderful life we lead and how easy it will be for you to join us in this wonderful parts of Africa. http://www.youtube.com/user/pietertron?view_as=public