No need to wait for an official safari to see some of the amazing wildlife of South Africa. Today we went to see the African "Jackass" Penguins (named for the donkey-like braying call they make while mating). They were SO cute. I mean...SO cute. I could have watched those little guys all day. We went to their penguin colony this morning and learned all about how they came to settle there. The penguins wander freely in a protected natural environment. It was so fun to see them waddle along the beach and dive into the water. Ohhh they were SO cute!
Continuing on our day's journey, we traveled to Cape Point. On the way, we came across a family of wild ostriches roaming freely near the road. A mom, dad and 5 babies (well, more like teenagers, we were told). Naturally we stopped the bus and jumped off to take several pictures. I have never seen such wild birds just freely wandering the land. How cool!
The final animal on our unofficial African wildlife tour was the baboon. OK, to be fair, we never saw an actual baboon, but we were in a baboon area. Road signs warned drivers not to leave their cars unattended because baboons can easily break into cars. Along the walking trails we took, signs warned walkers of the possibility of baboons. Our guide gave us advice on how to deal with a baboon if we should encounter one--drop all food items and back away slowly. To withhold food would most likely result in a baboon bite, which, according to our guide, is worse than being bitten by a bear. Ouch. Needless to say, with all the warnings, I think we were all glad not to have seen one up close. But where else have you seen a baboon warning sign!?
Penguins and ostriches and baboons, oh my! What a great day in Africa!
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