We left the V&A Waterfront at around 09h30 yesterday morning, on the Sea Princess, bound for Robben Island. The island is about 12km from Cape Town; this is the same trip that political prisoners would have undertaken to reach the island in years gone by, although in considerably less comfort, and with rather grimmer prospects. We picked a perfect morning to visit the island, as you can see from that almost-too-blue-to-be-true sky, and the water was flat and calm, making the ride out a really pleasant one. The next instalment tomorrow...

Our winner: Well done to victoria and kala for getting it right - the beaded creature in the picture was indeed a gecko. Victoria, as the first person to name the mystery animal, you are officially our very first CTDP prize-winner! :) Please email me your postal address and I'll send you your new pet.