Mauritius

Mauritius is a small island in the Indian Ocean where the MV Explorer docked for a day. I spent the day snorkeling on an island called Ille des Deux Cocos. I saw hundreds of types of fish and there were amazing igneous rock formations on the beaches from the volcanoes on the island. Mauritius was only a brief stop for us so it was difficult to get to know the country but it was a beautiful island that is a favorite tourist destination for South Africans and many Europeans. The biodiversity was astounding and the island had several volcanoes covered in thick forest.

My Safari in South Africa

Kariega Game Reserve

While I was in South Africa, I went to the Kariega Game Reserve on a safari for several days. The ranger who was with me on my safari drives was named Matt and he told us all about the animals and how safaris are an important way of educating people about the species in Africa and of preserving the endangered species that are native to South Africa. We saw rhinos, hippos, elephants, lions and several other types of animals. Unfortunately there is also a problem with poaching. Poachers sometimes come into game reserves to slay animals for their horns or tusks which can be very valuable on the black market. This is a tragedy and the rangers in the park have watches and patrols to try to block poaching. Elephants and rhinos  are most at risk. There are so many beautiful species in South Africa, it's a shame that they are in danger from poachers.

As requested, pictures of Festus from Winneba, Ghana.

 You guys asked to see what Festus looked like so here are some pictures. He taught me the popular Ghanaian dance, High Life.