Victors place is certainly more like the South Africa that all the students expected. Many were disappointed that there were not wild Elephants, Lions, Zebra or Giraffe roaming around the streets of Durban.

After a picnic lunch in Durban’s botanical garden the minibuses left for ‘Victor’s place’ . On arrival everyone was bundled into the game vehicles and taken on a quick tour of the property/bush where there are Giraffe, Zebra, Impala and countless other species.

After the tour, everyone had the chance to help Victor feed the troop of wild vervet and the bush pigs too. Accompanied by Victor  with his stories of the monkey antics.

Biggest shock so far to the students despite the muthi market was the size of the grasshopper on the safari vehicle!

Everyone enjoyed their traditional dinner of pap ‘n sous (maize meal – like mash potato – and tomato and herb gravy) with lamb chops, chicken, boerewors and salad and countless other sides.

But now it is bedtime and time to watch the thunderstorm!

An eye-opening experience for our students today as they discover that despite all the endangered listings of species, and the supposed protection that they receive; many are still slaughtered and sold in the open at Muthi markets.

Muthi markets are markets that sell particular ‘medicines’, it is a part of Zulu culture. There are many beliefs and superstitions about different animals and animal parts, so walking around this market can be both and upsetting and enraging event – as our students found out today.

It is important however that the students understand that despite being protected – this means very little.

Below are a few pictures of what was present.

The students walk around the muthi market

Vulture - supposedly gain the ability to see into the future

Monkey - supposed to ward off evil spirits, drinking blood has other 'spiritual' advantage

Faces after the market - didn't last long though as there was a colourful indoor market to explore

On the brighter side however the students had a chance to explore the traditional Victoria market – spices, clothing, bags, paintings, watches, parrots, meat, veg, books e.t.c

Particularly popular were the sheep heads – we didn’t take any photos of those as the facial expressions were much more amusing!! Especially when they realised they were for eating

After the market everyone was happily showing off their new purchases – or even other peoples.

At least he claimed it wasn't his...