Friday, May 1, 2026 – Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

PORT ELIZABETH (GQEBERHA), SOUTH AFRICA
A Xhosa tale

Port Elizabeth is located in the homeland of the Xhosa people, the ethnic group from which Nelson Mandela
hails. In Xhosa culture, oral tradition and storytelling play a significant role, with the tale of Qamata being
one of the most prominent. Qamata is regarded as the primary deity responsible for the creation of the
world and this story is not only a fundamental aspect of the Xhosa creation myth but also highlights the
deep connection the people have with their land and the natural world, showcasing the complexity of Xhosa
cosmology.

According to legend, Qamata was one of the first two beings to exist, born from the primordial forces of the
sky and the earth. Entrusted with the task of shaping the earth, Qamata faced a formidable opponent in
Nkanyamba, a sea dragon and the nemesis of his mother.
In one of their intense confrontations, Nkanyamba inflicted a grave injury on Qamata, hindering his ability
to create dry land amidst the endless ocean. In response, the Earth goddess, his mother, intervened by
casting large cattle made from reeds into the waters. These cattle miraculously transformed into landmasses,
giving rise to the continents.

Initially, these new lands were lifeless and barren. To remedy this, the Earth goddess began to populate
them with life. However, each night, Nkanyamba would drag the lands back beneath the waves, erasing the
creations of the Earth goddess.

To thwart this cycle, she fashioned four celestial beings from her own essence, who became the guardians
of the earth. These demi-gods assisted Qamata in his struggle against Nkanyamba, ultimately driving him
deep into the ocean. This victory allowed life to thrive without further interference.

SIGHTS

• Shamwari Private Game Reserve in
  the Eastern Cape
• South African Air Force Museum
• Storms River bridge
• The Campanile
• The Island Nature Reserve
• Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve
• Fort Frederick, Eastern Cape
• Kragga Kamma Game Park
• Kwantu Private Game Reserve
• Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan
  
• CUISINE AND SHOPPING
  Port Elizabeth has a diverse culinary scene with many local foods to try, including seafood, meat dishes, and baked goods. Locally grown oysters are a popular dish in Port Elizabeth. Biltong: A popular snack made from dried, cured, and spiced meat. Malva pudding: A sweet and sticky baked sponge pudding made with apricot jam and served with hot cream sauce.
• 
  There are plenty of places to shop in the Eastern Cape. From large shopping malls in Port Elizabeth to small boutique shops in Richmond Hill and country shops in the Gamtoos Valley there is a wide range of shopping in the Eastern Cape. Some of them are Greenacres, Baywest Mall, Walmer Park, Sunridge Village, MetLife Mall, Oceanside Surf Store, Pier 14, Moffet on Main Lifestyle Center, Cleary Park.

Today’s Excursion – Pumba Private Game Reserve – Safari & Lunch

We experienced the abundant wildlife and birdlife of the Pumba Private Game Reserve during this game drive.

Port Elizabeth, Pumba Private Game Reserve

The Pumba Private Game Reserve is a beautiful and expansive reserve spans over 14,826 acres of land, and offers the thrilling experience of spotting the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes) in their natural environment. Pumba also covers five of the seven biomes, and is the first of the eastern Cape game reserves to introduce a white lion breeding program.

Game Drive, Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffaloes, Giraffes, Zebras, Hippos, Birds
Upon arrival at the lodge and after refreshments and a comfort stop, we met our experienced ranger/guide and received our safety and tour instructions. Afterward, we begin our guided morning safari aboard an open-air, 4WD safari vehicle.

We experienced Pumba’s abundant game whilst marvelling at the exquisite natural beauty of the reserve. In addition to the amazing display of animals found at Pumba, the reserve is home to over 300 diverse bird species. Other animals you may observe during your game drive include giraffes, zebras, hippos, cheetahs, warthogs, hyenas, wild dogs, and more.

Lions

Elephants

Rhinos

Cape Buffalo

Zebras

The Rest

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant