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"Antelopes, Baboons and Penguins, Oh My" Tonka_eng's photos around Cape Town, South Africa

Preview of Tonka_eng's blog at TravelPod. Read the full blog here: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tonka_eng/1/1258405484/tpod.html This blog preview was made by TravelPod using the TripAdvisor™ TripWow slideshow creator. Entry from: Cape Town, South Africa Entry Title: "Antelopes, Baboons and Penguins, Oh My!" Entry: "Wow, Cape Town is really amazing. Dennis, why did you ever leave? It rained for a good portion of the first few days and the rain and the town reminded me a lot of San Francisco or Seattle. It's a huge city (3.5 million), but it feels small because of the mountains that separate the downtown area from the sprawling suburbs. Table Mountain dominates the skyline from any location downtown. I couldn't see it for the first few days because of the clouds, but when I first laid eyes on it my breath was taken away. It is so close you could almost touch it. It must have a profound effect and presence on the inhabitants of this city. While it was raining I explored parts of downtown like parks and museums. The fun didn't really start until the sun showed itself. I rented a car for a day and posted a notice at the hostel to see if anyone wanted to join me for a trip to the Cape of Good Hope. I didn't think anyone would respond, but Maarten, from the Netherlands, joined me at the last minute. We folded into the tiny Volkswagen (he's at least four inches taller than me) and hit the road. I struggled to drive for the first few minutes until I became re-accustomed to the right-hand drive. By the time we reached the highway I had it covered. The Cape of Good Hope is at the tip of a long penninsula and we were traveling down the eastern side. The towns we passed were incredibily cute and looked like good places to visit, however, we only stopped once to take a look at some colorful Victorian beach changing booths. A little farther down the road we reached Simon's Town which has a resident colony of African penguins (formally called Jackass penguins, but they changed the name to something more touristy). We were both disappointed that we couldn't get very close. We were confined to boardwalks above the colony, but it was still very cool. Penguins, like sea turtles, never seem to get ruffled by anything. The terrain of the Cape of Good Hope National Park is amazing. In such a small place there seems to exist several different types. There are rolling hills, sharp mountains, plains, and seaside beaches. Our first glimpse of wildlife was a troop of baboons playing and eating along the roadside. This caused a minor traffic jam as the tourists pointed their cameras at the primates. We saw another troop while we were at the beach. We were able to get within ten feet before it became uncomfortable; for us, that is. Baboons are very curious and strong and have been known to be overly attentive to some tourists. It was amazing to watch each family member; from baby to male leader. We also came across a herd of antelope, the Bontebok, and several wandering ostriches. I know it's not much relative to the diversity of southern Africa, but it was still nice to see animals that are vastly different from animals I'm accustomed to seeing. Finally the clouds cleared and Table Mountain was visible from all sections of the city. I took the cable car to the top and hiked around all day. The views from the top are amazing. Surrounding Cape Town are townships, which are informal settlements by immigrants. The city and federal governments seem to turn the other way regarding the regulation and policing of these districts. They are basically squatters living in shacks trying to make a living. 40% have HIV and a major social event is when one of their friends is buried in the now overflowing cemetary. The unemployment is around 80% and few have running water, but a majority have electricity. They are inherently unsafe places, but still many non-government organizations have stepped up to help them out from housing to education to employment. I was interested in visiting one, and while there are many 'tours' of the townships, I didn't want to feel like I was going to the zoo. I ..." Read and see more at: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/tonka_eng/1/1258405484/tpod.html Photos from this trip: 1. "Company Gardens and Table Mountain" 2. "Victorian changing rooms at Muizenberg" 3. "African Penguin at Boulders Beach" 4. "View of Table Mountain from Lion's Head" 5. "The view of Monwabisi Park from the guesthous" 6. "Male Chacma Baboon" 7. "Pair of Ostriches at Cape of Good Hope Park" 8. "Bontebok at Cape of Good Hope Park" 9. "Me and resident of Monwabisi Park" 10. "Devil's Peak" 11. "A Beautiful Pincushion Protea" 12. "Table Mountain and Camps Bay" 13. "Children of Monwabisi Park" See this TripWow and more at http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripwow/ta-00c1-4f64-8a60?ytv4=1

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Added: 152 days ago by SAClips

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Robben Island Cape Town Double Swim with Dolphins

Graham was accompained by a school of wild Dusky dolphins while completing this magic long distance endurance swim from Robben Island (the former prison of Global political icon Nelson Mandela) to Cape Town and back again (The Robben Island Double), one of only a handful of long distance swimmers to complete this particular swim. The swimming distance was approx 15km and it took place just off the south coast of South Africa in the cold, shark infested waters of the Atlantic Ocean, against the backdrop of Cape Towns most awesome Table Mountain. Time approximately 5 and a half hours. This swim has been recognised by the CLDSA Cape Long Distance Swimming Association of South Africa. This particular swim was recognised by various international news channels, including Carte Blanche, Africa's flagship magazine and actuality programme as an epic achievement, pushing human spirit and endurance to the limits. Graham was nominated by Out There Adventure Magazine as Out There Epic Adventurer of the year 2009 and quoted as 'having achieved one of the toughest extreme events in the world'. The first leg of the swim between Robben Island and Blaaubergstrand was completed with swimming companions Dr. Otto Thaning and James Saunders. The spontanious decision by Graham to turn around and complete the double swim 'carpe diem' resulted in the most awesome of human experiences. Completing this swim accompanied and 'pulled along' by such incredible animals truly was a magnificent experience, which touched those on the boat and reiterated for me the magnificence of our great oceans. At a critical stage of mental and physical exhaustion, five wild dusky dolphins swam side by side with me for about a mile, gently weaving their way under me, next to me and in front of me and it certainly felt like they were enjoying themselves. I completed the swim exhausted but exhilarated and have felt on a high ever since.

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Added: 152 days ago by SAClips

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Hadeda Creek Parys Adventure Operators - Africa Travel Channel

http://www.africa-24.com Hadeda Creek Bush Camp - Welcome to Hadeda Creek bush camp. Situated on a scenic and secluded section of the Vaal River, its the perfect spot to get away from the rush of city life. The venue offers comfortable 2 sleeper tents on the edge of the river. Relax as you soak up the spectacular views and tranquillity of your surroundings. At Hadeda Creek, your peace of mind is our priority. Savour the beauty of a truly South African getaway. At Hadeda Creek there is no shortage of things to see or do. Spend your days lazing away next to the river. Or why not enjoy a bit of fly-fishing. For the more adventurous, how about some river rafting? Hadeda Creek is well known for their skilled river guides wholl take you on an adventure of a lifetime. Its an experience that lives with you forever. If rafting isnt your thing, we also offer a great range of other exciting activities. From archery to high ropes, theres something for everybody to enjoy. We guarantee fun for the whole family. The venue is ideally suited for conferencing. Our team will go out of their way to meet your conferencing needs. After sunset, a spectacular fire show is a must on anyones itinerary. Unwind next the bonfire and enjoy. For some wacky fun, why not head over to our Wacky Paddler bar. At Hadeda Creek, we make sure that youre never short of entertainment. So come and join us in the ultimate adventure. You wont be disappointed.

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Added: 648 days ago by SAClips

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Hot Water - Cape Town South Africa

"HOT WATER" is fronted by talented singer-songwriter and facilitator Donovan Copley. It is collaborative band drawing on the talents of a diverse group of musicians to create dynamic and entertaining acoustic groove music with its roots in Africa. Hot Water draws on original music, songs and lyrics with a uniquely South African feel and flavour, warming any event. See www.peakperformances.co.za for booking info

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Added: 685 days ago by SAClips

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Surfing South Africa

http://durban.kzn.org.za http://www.durban.gov.za http://www.durban.co.za http://www.quikprodurban.com http://www.mrpricepro.com http://www.durbansurfing.co.za http://www.zigzag.co.za http://www.surfingsouthafrica.co.za http://www.bluntmag.co.za http://www.wavescape.co.za Justin Sanders Surfing Video. Jbay, Durban New Pier, Ecuador, world surfing games. Durban is the Sunshine City of South Africa, the Rainbow Nation. Take walk along the Golden Mile beach, enjoy ocean safari adventure's, you can see the dolphins and whales so close that you want to reach out and touch them. experience the true Zulu culture. Durban and surrounding areas offer a wealth of options for recreation, leisure, entertainment and adventure. Durban's climate is sub-tropical throughout the year with high humidity levels at certain times. Consistant surf up and down the coast all year round. http://www.coastingafrica.com/ http://surfingsouthafrica.co.za/ http://gardenroute.co.za http://claytonsurfboards.co.za http://safarisurfco.com http://baronsurfboards.co.za http://zigzag.co.za http://surfconditions.co.za http://wavescape.co.za

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Added: 686 days ago by gary

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