South Africa

Table Bay Explore the southernmost coast of Africa in a journey from Port Elizabeth to Capetown, shelling all the way. We'll visit a game park, stay in charming bed-and-breakfasts, and drive through spectacular scenery. Last trip we had to stop for baboons in the road! The small group will travel by van and move frequently, covering about 500 miles in all in three weeks. Bring your binoculars for birding and we'll also look for land snails (African snails in their native habitat!) Dates may change slightly because of airline scheduling.

Date: (probably) Sept 9-23, 2008
For: Waders and beachcombers
Cost: $6100
Includes:
  • Air fare from Miami (other port may be more)
  • Accommodations (double occupancy)
  • Land and air transportation
  • Park fees
  • Some meals
  • Guide
  • Not included: Most meals, bar, departure tax.
    • Deposit:
  • $1000 with reservation
  • $1000 due on June 1
  • balance due 6 weeks before trip
  • Passport required.
  • No immunizations required.
  • Reservation Form

    • More about South Africa

    Come with me to another land "down under". Our trip will begin in the Capetown area, where we will shell during low tide cycle and do a little whale watching. This area has great live shells, found under rocks, and also great beach shelling.

    The Cape area has a unique fauna called "fynbos": low, flowering plants found nowhere else in the world. The original geraniums and gladiolus came from this region. Each plant seems different from its neighbor.

    Elephants When the tides aren't low, we'll visit a game park to see native animals in their natural habitat.

    When the tide falls we'll begin shelling from Port Elizabeth to Plettenberg Bay and Jeffreys Bay, as famous in that part of the world as Sanibel is here. We'll have good live shelling as well as beachcombing.

    South African Limpets The limpets of South Africa are famous, and you will find most of the available species on our trek. Some of them get to be nearly 5" across. The Cochlear Limpet (as well as some of the others) may get so crowded that smaller specimens take up their home on top of larger ones, forming "condos" of shells.

    There are several buccinids to be found, and turbos, turrids, abalones, marginellas, cones, and some spectacular bivalves - even beached cowries and trivias. We will move from one molluscan fauna to another and get a taste of yet a third. We will be shelling in the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean, and visit (and shell) on the southernmost point of Africa.

    The people are friendly and warm, speaking English. Food and accommodations are great. You will be very comfortable. This is an exciting trip, It's limited to the number who will fit in the van (you must pack lightly!).

    Ready to go? Fill out the reservation form and send a deposit to reserve your space. I will send a list of items to bring about 6 weeks before the trip. You will need a passport but no immunizations.