Today’s tidbit: “Happiness is a state of mind, a choice, a way of living; it is not something to be achieved, it is something to be experienced.” ― Steve Maraboli

Earlier this week I showed our amazing wildlife adventure at Kruger National Park and the second night at Casa do Sol. The following morning we were back on the road, heading to our next destination – Durban. We broke the journey up with two exciting stops: 1. KwaZulu Natal at Hluhluwe Game Reserve and 2. St Lucia for a Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise. Up until now it had been upper 70s and sunny–perfect weather for exploring. Although we had two outdoor stops and today was rainy, cold and windy, we didn’t let that get in the way of enjoying the day!

Sneak peek image: View from our hotel room in Durban

Be sure to click below to read more and check out more pictures. Enjoy!

{day 10, stop 1: Hluhluwe Game Reserve} As I mentioned, it was a rainy, cold morning. We drove through the reserve and although most of the animals were hiding, unlike in Kruger the previous day, we were able to see some wildlife out and about.

As the website states, “Hluhluwe Game Reserve is situated in KwaZulu Natal and is internationally recognized as one of the top game reserves in South Africa. Set in the heart of Zululand, it is the oldest game reserve in Africa where Zulu kings such as Dingiswayo and Shaka hunted and put in place the first conservation laws, where today the “big five” of African legend stalk the verdant savannah. Established in 1895, game viewing is the prime attraction. Viewing hides overlook waterholes enabling visitors to see animals at close range.” Read more.

I couldn’t see the bird from the vehicle, but through my lens I spotted it on top of the Kudu.

{day 10, stop 2: St Lucia Hippo & Croc Boat Cruise} Our next stop was in St Lucia for a boat cruise. Although it was cold and windy, the rain let up for most of the ride. I didn’t want to chance it with the rain, so I left my DSLR behind on the bus and brought only my smaller camera. As you can see from the pictures below, we were able to get very close to the hippo.

As the website states, “The St Lucia Estuary one of the largest in Africa 85km in total length gives an opportunity of witnessing hundreds of Hippo’s and Nile Crocodiles. This 2 hour Boat cruise Safari gets you close up to the residants of the estuary.” Read more.

On the way back to the port, it started to pour again. We were all soaked and freezing, but that wasn’t going to stop us from smiling and enjoying the adventure. It only added to the memories… and to stay warm we all had a nice shot, or 2, of brandy from the bar on the boat!

After that cold and wet adventure, we stopped at a local cafe to grab a warm drink (the brandy only did so much :)). I don’t remember what this was, but it was delicious (even saw them grate a bar of chocolate for the top).

{day 10, stop 3: destination + Durban} After an adventurous, cold and rainy day we finally made it to Durban in the evening–just in time for the rain to stop and the sun to peak out.

As the website mentions, “Durban is the largest city in the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. It is also the second most important manufacturing hub in South Africa after Johannesburg. Durban is famous for being the busiest port in South Africa and Africa. It is also seen as one of the major centres of tourism because of the city’s warm subtropical climate and extensive beaches.” Read more.

By now you know we stayed at many different kinds of lodging throughout the tour. Once we arrived, we checked in to our hotel for the night: Protea Hotel Edward 4 Star Durban Beachfront.

View from our hotel room.

After getting settled and changing into dry clothes, we headed out to explore Durban. The sun came out just in time for an evening stroll along the beach where we watched the sunset.

My mom, a guy from our group and I headed out to dinner and drinks right off the beach over looking the water. We ended the night walking along the beach and docks, looking back at the city lights. It was beautiful!

{day 11 + morning in Durban} The next morning it was back to being gorgeous and sunny out. Waking up early, my mom and I decided to go walk along the water again before having to meet our group and start the next road trip. Although it was quite early, the city and beach was alive with locals enjoying their Saturday morning… from yoga and prayer on the beach to jogging, surfing, swimming, kayaking–you name it. It was easy to picture a lifestyle like that!

I wish I had time to go swimming, but I can now say I have been in the Indian Ocean!

Yup, another busy and memorable day. Durban is a really neat city, I wish we had longer there but that is the beauty and pain with being in a tour.

Have a wonderful weekend! I will be heading to Albany, NY today to spend the long weekend with family and say our final goodbyes to my grandpa, who passed away 1.5.14. It will be really hard, but I am happy he is no longer suffering and I was able to spend so much time with him!