Yesterday's slow pace is just a memory - a 4 hour drive from Durban is St Lucia estuary. We arrive at Amazulu lodge, hurl
our bags into the room then sprint down the jetty for a boat trip. Davide is almost left behind when he rushes back to fetch
the camera tripod.
The boat trip is well worth the journey. We soon see hippo nostrils peeking out from the river. Then shortly afterwards we
cruise past an unnervingly fast crocodile - apparently the crocodile is not really pushing it, either.
Our captain and guide also introduces various species of bird, from the big (Goliath Stork, Giant Kingfisher) to the small
(Yellow Weaver). But would you have expected to learn so much about Climbing Whelks? These little invertebrates climb up

Yesterday evening we arrived at the Buccaneers Lodge and Backpackers resort, just outside of East London, in Chintsa West. Established back in 1983, these guys are considered one of the early pioneers in the South African backpacking industry. After a little confusion over the sleeping arrangements we check in and enjoy an evening meal of South African braai with potatoes and vegetables. A few Castles later and we retire for the evening.






