Sailing with the Sun: Pumba Game Reserve…Port Elizabeth South Africa

Pumba Game Reserve

Early in the morning, the ship stopped its rocking and we knew we were in port, this time Port Elizabeth. There were many tours to choose from…elephant reserves, ostrich farms, beer tasting, sand dune sliding, or river cruises… but we were in Africa and it was time for a safari. So off we went to the Pumba Game Reserve to see the "Big 5", or at least some of them. By the way, the Big 5 are Lions, Rhinos, Elephants, Buffalos, and Leopards.
After an easy drive through town during rush hour, we were in the countryside which this time was mainly open flatlands. China has major car and truck factories here. We also passed several huge newly constructed buildings near the area where the new port is going in that is also Chinese owned. They even bring in their own workers from China to build them. We don’t understand what’s in it for South Africa.

Along the coastline were huge sand dunes and soon the land turned to dry rolling hills. We were told they have had four years of drought. Many years ago, the prickly pear cactus was introduced to the pastures for food during these dry spells and has taken over many areas. To the elephants, they are a culinary delight after they trample them to dislodge the spines.

After rolling into the Pumba Game Reserve, we hopped into 4 wheelers, ten to a jeep. The seats had good views and were surprisingly comfortable, even with the rugged path we bumped and twisted along. The reserve was formed when 26 cattle and pineapple farms no longer were profitable, so pooled together to make the reserve. Animals were brought in and have been left in a natural state, their numbers equilibrating with the leopards’ and lions’ meals. The elephants themselves have no predators, the young being protected by the adults. The only animals thinned out by giving to another reserve are the adult male lions since they would normally move away from the lion king’s territory and start their own pride.

Adult Male Enjoying his Meal
While Others Watch Hungrily

The highlight was watching the adult male lion feasting on a wildebeest. One of the female lions had brought it down yesterday, and the king lion will feast on the carcass until it is full. Only then will the other two adult females and the four young lions be allowed to eat. As we watched, one of the females got a little too close to the food, and the king suddenly jumped up and roared, at which the rest of the pride scattered, then returned to watch hungrily…but this time a few more feet away.

Adult Male Upset with his Pride Getting too Close

We did not see any leopards since they move very stealthily and mainly just at night. The water buffalo were also missing since they are up in the hills this time of year. But giraffes, elephants, warthogs, zebras, impalas and wildebeests were easily seen, many times within 50 feet of the jeep. The driver would stop to allow us to observe and take pictures. We were very lucky to see so many animals since they usually hide on cool windy days like today.

Waterhog Digging for Roots...When
Running, its Tail Straight Up

Of concern are the poachers who are now after rhino horns that in China are an aphrodisiac. One horn can bring in millions of dollars. The guides no longer mention a rhino's location on their walkie talkies since poachers hack in. This picture was taken by a friend since we didn't see any rhinos.

A Delicious Lunch at the Reserve

At noon, we feasted on a wonderful buffet with five different types of meat cooked in a brick oven, rice, potatoes, fruit, salad, and desserts, along with sodas, wines and beer. It easily competed with our ship’s fantastic food in a more beautiful setting, small tables among bushes and small trees.

One more trip around parts of the reserve, and we were off to the ship, arriving just in time to take the shuttle bus across the upscale parts of this port city to the Sun Resort and Casino, where we scurried around for 15 minutes before returning on the last shuttle to the ship. As always...we wanted more time.