Day 9

Today started very leisurely as it is our last day at the Cape Suites. To ensure everyone was packed in time for a 10am departure, breakfast was in place at 9am (the earliest yet!). Slowly but surely each team member filtered into the breakfast room, looking jaded but certainly looking forward to going up Table Mountain and on to the second and final leg of the tour, Fairy Glen.

Once all packed and room inspections had been done, we said goodbye to the Cape Suites Hotel and headed up the mountain to where we to catch the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain.

All team members piled into the cable car and enjoyed the breathtaking view of Cape town which was before us. Due to the visability being low this didn’t last long and we where soon up into the cloud with the wind hurling round the cable car. Needless to say the revolving floor of the cable car was now useless!

Upon arrival at the summit, we were greeted by a white fog with no view and gale force, freezing wind. The lads with shorts and flipflops on were no regretting their choice fo clothing. We took all of 5 minutes for the photo opportunity before everyone piled into the newly refurbished café for a hot drink and biscuits. This was a great disappointment for everyone involved as on a clear day you can see for miles including the Robben Island which we visited yesterday.

After a good warm, we then made our way back to the cable car station for our decent. This time the cloud was slightly broken and we got a glimpse of the view which we could have seen but unfortunately the weather was against us.

Once back on the coach we went to the V&A Waterfront for the last time to purchase last minute souvenirs and have one last exploration, at this point it was very clear all the touring party was ready for the down time at Fairy Glen game reserve with all team members back early!

We then boarded the coach bound for the game reserve. En route we passed through the longest tunnel in South Africa and on the otherside the backdrop of snow capped mountains was out of this world. We also got our first taste of the wildlife we were about to experience, with baboons on the side of the road watching the world pass them by!

When we arrived into the Fairy Glen Game Reserve every player and coach commented on the spectacular mountains we found ourselves surrounded by it was certainly a sight no-one will ever forget. We all then boarded a game vehicle and made our way up the drive to the lodge where we will be staying for the next 2 nights accompanied by 2 elephants who were intrigued to who was visiting them.

Before long we were on the game vehicles again and on our first game drive. This first game drive was to give everyone a slight taste to what the game park has to offer. We saw Buffalo, Lions, Zebra, Spingbok, Elephants to name but a few. This really was Africa how everyone imagines and at its best!

On the menu this evening was a traditional African Braai where everyone gathered round the fire to eat in true bush style. Here everyone sat until the night was out and ready for another well earnt rest.