SouthAfrica2008

                 South Africa November 2008

The trip was absolutely amazing, hard to put into words (but I will!). We saw so many things, and everyone was very
nice and accommodating for "the Americans" :-)
Africa was the most amazing place to visit, and the trip in it's entirety was sensory overload in the most wonderful
way! In Cape Town we spent a few days, visiting the World of Birds in Hout Bay, took a tour down to the Cape
Point, saw the penguins and much more. We then flew into Joberg and Bobby Hartslief from the Savannah Cheetah
Foundation met us at the airport; we spent a wonderful afternoon and overnight seeing the preserve, talking with
Lizzie about the volunteer program and meeting the cheetahs. The next morning, we took the Eco-Training Bush
Bus up to Kruger Park, and saw the countryside, townships, and more along the way. The camp itself was really
nice, as was everyone there. Wake up was 4:30am to drums, out on a walk or drive by 5am. Back by 9:30-10am,
breakfast, lecture, break, light lunch, another drive until after dark, dinner, final bird count, bed at 10-10:30pm! The
birdlife was unbelievable, something we don't get to experience here in the states; everything from LBJ (little brown
jobs) to songbirds to hornbills to raptors. I was thrilled to see a Purple Crested Turaco flying in the wild, they were
kind enough to humor me and call one in :-). We also saw several mammals and hoofstock, including Elephants
and Hyenas in camp, Impala, Cape buffalo, Nyala, Impala, Lions, African wildcat, Civet, Genet, Kudu, Hippos, Crocs,
so much more. The class itself was tough, but nicely done. I still have homework to do!

We took so many pictures and kept journals as well. As promised, we put together a really nice Powerpoint
presentation with audio on the EcoTraining "Birding in the Bush" course, and are presenting this amazing learning
adventure to clubs and organizations. We will also put together one on the Savannah Cheetah Foundation and
their volunteer opportunities, and another on the wonderful World of Birds in Hout Bay. Here are a few pictures: