GAVIN MO F F AT
experience of snorkelling with a relatively young southern right whale of around 8m in length. Excellent work by the skipper had us in a perfect position to witness up close the cetacean enjoying our company for about half an hour: playfully swimming with us, diving to about eight or nine metres deep, and then rolling over to watch us and clap its pectoral fins. It repeated the exercise of coming up for air and then dropping
me realise there are many things in our country that we take for granted, and a little fresh perspective can bring a new sense of appreciation for what we have here on our doorstep. The expedition achieved many of its goals, with McCord tagging and taking samples from a number of sharks to add to her ongoing effort to understand the biology and ecology of sharks, rays and skates for management purposes.
below about six or seven times, and swam in for a closer look at the freediver who dropped down further to examine him. Majestic and curious, engaged and interested, they’re among my favourite of the ocean inhabitants. It was refreshing to spend time with people who were in a constant state of amazement and wonder at the beauty of our coastline, oceans and locals. It made
The team travelled over 1 000km in a fleet of Land Rover Defenders and Discovery Sports over the two-week period, crossing the Kei River on a barge, traversing a number of challenging off-road routes, and spending time with the UK’s Born Free Foundation and our very own modern-day explorer, Kingsley Holgate. All in all, our country was the big winner along with our Canadian visitors
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The Intrepid Explorer issue 14
CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT: By the light of the campfire at Coffee Bay, Kingsley Holgate tells his entrancing stories; An early-morning launch into the Mthatha River mouth; A picturesque dawn scene at Coffee Bay—as only Africa can provide; The research team tagging a blacktip reef shark: The data will be used to map their travels up and down the coast of South Africa, providing valuable insights for conservationists
and international expedition team. Our coastline shone and shared its beauty, showing why South Africa is among the best dive destinations in the world. Now go and book your trip to join in the fishy fun of the 2016 Sardine Run! Contact Tourism KZN for further details: info@zulu.org.za.
www.intrepidexplorer.co.za