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Young Lions at Addo National Park – Port Elizabeth and Addo, South Africa

Young Lions at Addo National Park – Port Elizabeth and Addo, South Africa | Addo Game Drive – Find Addo Accommodation. Image by whl.travel These two sub adult lions were spotted while on a Wildlife Safari at Gorah Elephant Camp in the Addo National Park. They were part of a group consisting of these two …

Young Lions at Addo National Park – Port Elizabeth and Addo, South Africa | Addo Game Drive – Find Addo Accommodation.
Addo Game Drive
Image by whl.travel
These two sub adult lions were spotted while on a Wildlife Safari at Gorah Elephant Camp in the Addo National Park. They were part of a group consisting of these two lions and 2 other lions taking a morning walk towards the camp. The lions overnighted next to the camp keeping the evening very exciting.

(By Neil Lyon)

www.travel-easterncape.com

This image was selected as a Photo of the Week by The Travel Word

Great Addo and Surrounds Accommodation Choices: Addo, Eastern Cape | Addo Village, Addo | Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape | Greater Addo Route, Eastern Cape | Sunland, Addo | Colchester, Addo | Kirkwood, Addo | Paterson, Addo | Alicedale, Addo | Zuurberg, Addo

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Lazy, surprising Sundays – Addo’s White House, Sunland News

Lazy, surprising Sundays Addo’s White House, Sunland selected news snippet: Thirty minutes later and just about 5km away, outside the hamlet of Sunland, we pull into the Hopefield Country House and Guest Farm, where an armada of dust-covered but swanky 4x4s has already assembled. Inside, about 40 people are … Not far from … Read …

Lazy, surprising Sundays Addo’s White House, Sunland selected news snippet:

Thirty minutes later and just about 5km away, outside the hamlet of Sunland, we pull into the Hopefield Country House and Guest Farm, where an armada of dust-covered but swanky 4x4s has already assembled. Inside, about 40 people are … Not far from …

Read more on Independent Online

Great Addo and Surrounds Accommodation Choices: Addo, Eastern Cape | Addo Village, Addo | Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape | Greater Addo Route, Eastern Cape | Sunland, Addo | Colchester, Addo | Kirkwood, Addo | Paterson, Addo | Alicedale, Addo | Zuurberg, Addo

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Ploceus cucullatus (Village Weaver) – male – Addo Village, Addo

Ploceus cucullatus (Village Weaver) – male | Addo Village, Addo – Find Addo Accommodation. Image by Arthur Chapman Non-breeding male Village or Spotted-backed Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) at Kudu Ridge Game Lodge near Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Photographed on 21 June 2012. Great Addo and Surrounds Accommodation Choices: Addo, Eastern Cape | Addo Village, Addo …

Ploceus cucullatus (Village Weaver) – male | Addo Village, Addo – Find Addo Accommodation.
Addo Village, Addo
Image by Arthur Chapman
Non-breeding male Village or Spotted-backed Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) at Kudu Ridge Game Lodge near Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Photographed on 21 June 2012.

Great Addo and Surrounds Accommodation Choices: Addo, Eastern Cape | Addo Village, Addo | Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape | Greater Addo Route, Eastern Cape | Sunland, Addo | Colchester, Addo | Kirkwood, Addo | Paterson, Addo | Alicedale, Addo | Zuurberg, Addo

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A Bumper December for Addo

Addo Elephant National Park experienced a phenomenal December at the end of last year – with an increase of 18 percent in visitors from December 2012. Total visitors for December increased from 22 600 in 2012 to 26 680 in 2013 – a whopping  4 080 more people.  This means that the Park averaged 860 …

Addo Elephant National Park experienced a phenomenal December at the end of last year – with an increase of 18 percent in visitors from December 2012.

Total visitors for December increased from 22 600 in 2012 to 26 680 in 2013 – a whopping  4 080 more people.  This means that the Park averaged 860 tourists per day.  The increase in visitors also meant an increase in activities – with the Park’s game drives section reporting a 28.8 percent increase in income.

Not to forget the increasingly popular southern section at Colchester, Camp Matyholweni’s figures show an occupancy increase of eight percent.

Park Manager, Norman Johnson, said, “I would like to thank all the staff who worked over the festive season – those in our Tourism, Technical, Conservation and Administration Departments.  It is thanks to them that the Park continued to deliver the good quality service upon which SANParks prides itself”.

“A special word of thanks also needs to go our visitors for choosing Addo as their destination of choice.  Barring one or two incidents, most of our guests exhibited sterling behaviour by adhering to the park rules,” concluded Johnson.

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Christmas Lunch in the Addo Elephant National Park

Due to popular demand, Addo Elephant National Park’s Restaurant will once again offer two sittings of their popular Christmas Day lunch this year. Restaurant Manager, Wayne Range, says the three-course meal, featuring a three-meat main course, was well-received by patrons last year. “Judging by the reviews, it made sense for us to offer Christmas Day …

Due to popular demand, Addo Elephant National Park’s Restaurant will once again offer two sittings of their popular Christmas Day lunch this year.

Restaurant Manager, Wayne Range, says the three-course meal, featuring a three-meat main course, was well-received by patrons last year. “Judging by the reviews, it made sense for us to offer Christmas Day lunch again this year, and it only costs R160 per person,” he said.

It’s an alternate way to spending Christmas. Visitors can choose to work their way through the Park from the Camp Matyholweni gate near Colchester before ending up at the main rest camp for lunch, or they could opt to exit that way afterwards while enjoying the Park’s sights and sounds along the way. All-in-all, the day’s outing will prove to be a leisurely alternative to those wanting to do something a bit different this Christmas.

The two sittings are at 12:00 and 14:00 and the restaurant will close at 16:00. Bookings are essential to avoid disappointment. To book your table contact (042) 233 8674 or e-mail addo@tourrest.co.za.

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Addo Elephant National Park Holiday Programme for Youngsters

Both kiddies and their parents can look forward to a fun-filled holiday programme in Addo Elephant National Park, packed with activities for youngsters between the ages of four and 12 during December. The Park’s People and Conservation Department will be running a special programme for the young ones between 14 and 31 December, with the …

Both kiddies and their parents can look forward to a fun-filled holiday programme in Addo Elephant National Park, packed with activities for youngsters between the ages of four and 12 during December.

The Park’s People and Conservation Department will be running a special programme for the young ones between 14 and 31 December, with the exception of Christmas Day. Children can be left in the hands of trained professionals at the Ulwazi Interpretive Centre, where they will enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment designed to suit their needs. Some of these activities will include game drives where they can explore their natural and cultural heritage and get up close and personal with the Addo ellies – the first inhabitants of the park. There will also be activities like face painting, movies on a big screen, walks on the wild side and creative crafts, while their parents can enjoy the tranquillity the park has to offer.

Packed with interactive displays, the Ulwazi Interpretive Centre is the perfect place for curious minds. The centre provides valuable hands-on learning experiences using world-class exhibits designed to enrich and equip enquiring minds by increasing their understanding of the environment – a truly interactive experience!

The children will also enjoy the spacious play areas in which they can run, jump and have fun. These areas include an elephant jungle gym, whisper dishes and a sand box where they can trace the tracks of the wildlife seen on the game drives.

All these activities will be available to both day visitors and overnight guests in the park. Activities are conducted in English to include the majority of guests. A detailed programme containing times and venues will be advertised throughout the Park from 14 December.

Addo holiday programme
Both children and adults alike can learn as they play during Addo Elephant National Park’s fun-filled holiday programme between 14 and 31 December.
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Prestigious Award for Addo Elephant National Park

South African National Parks (SANParks) supported by First National Bank (FNB) recognised deserving Parks and staff members at their 9th annual Kudu Awards ceremony held at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria earlier this month. Addo Elephant National Park’s Main Camp won the Chief Executive’s Award for the Best Performing Camp in the 2012/2013 Financial …

South African National Parks (SANParks) supported by First National Bank (FNB) recognised deserving Parks and staff members at their 9th annual Kudu Awards ceremony held at the CSIR Convention Centre in Pretoria earlier this month.

Addo Elephant National Park’s Main Camp won the Chief Executive’s Award for the Best Performing Camp in the 2012/2013 Financial Year. Some of their achievements during this time were an increase in visitors of 15.7% from 102 566 to 121 724, a bed occupancy of 69.3% – the highest of all national parks and a camping occupancy of 74.4% – also the highest of all national parks. A total of 26 907 game drives were sold, which was the highest activities sold per 100 overnight guests of all national parks. These are just a few of the camp’s accomplishments over the 2012/2013, proving that they were, indeed, worthy winners.

All had been winners in the organisation’s regional awards ceremony in June this year, and so qualified to be entered into the prestigious national awards.

SANParks CEO, Dr David Mabunda, said “The Chief Executive Awards is an important initiative that recognises internal stakeholders for efforts in making South African National Parks the custodian of choice for the national parks system”.

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Addo Elephant National Park Celebrates World Ranger Day

Smoke bombs dropped from an overhead plane, flares shot into the air, gunshots ringing out, a high speed car chase and numerous arrests were the order of the day in Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) this week – but only as part of a simulated poaching exercise on World Ranger Day. The day is celebrated …

Smoke bombs dropped from an overhead plane, flares shot into the air, gunshots ringing out, a high speed car chase and numerous arrests were the order of the day in Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) this week – but only as part of a simulated poaching exercise on World Ranger Day.

The day is celebrated annually, to remember the rangers who were killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate and acknowledge the work being done by both the men and women in green. On a daily basis, the world’s rangers put their lives in danger to protect the world’s heritage, and with the current onslaught of rhino poaching in South Africa, these rangers are the last barrier between a rhino and a poacher.

Since the start of 2013, a total of 536 rhino have been killed for their horns, with the Kruger National Park remaining at the forefront of the onslaught.  A total of 334 rhino have been poached in the Kruger National Park in the past seven months.

Today, AENP’s Management, Staff and Honorary Rangers came together to celebrate the occasion with the Park’s 75 member strong ranger contingent – those responsible for the Park not having suffered one case of poaching as yet.

Speaking at the event, Regional Ranger, John Adendorff, honoured the rangers on the work they do. “Over the past ten years, over one thousand rangers have lost their lives in the line of duty all over the world. Even though the threats increase daily, we’re here because we have a passion for what we do and we believe in this worthy cause – protecting our environment for our children and the generations to follow,” he said.

He went further, commending all his colleagues from other departments who had also gathered. “While we’re in the frontline, doing the actual anti-poaching and law enforcement, those of you behind the scenes who make our work possible are rangers in every sense of the word, too. You make us the success that we are, and I thank you,” said Adendorff.

Ranger Day Poachers
Rangers moving in on a target during a simulated poaching incident. Photographer: Johan Zwiegers
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No monkeying around in Addo on Mandela Day

Addo Elephant National Park staff are hard at work in and around the Park, doing their bit for Mandela Day. The Park’s flagship project is renovating the home of a 73-year-old grandmother, who has a granddaughter and three great-grandchildren living with her. Known to the Park’s staff as “Ouma” or Mam’Tshawe, Jeanette Lindiwe Makaza was …

Addo Elephant National Park staff are hard at work in and around the Park, doing their bit for Mandela Day.

The Park’s flagship project is renovating the home of a 73-year-old grandmother, who has a granddaughter and three great-grandchildren living with her. Known to the Park’s staff as “Ouma” or Mam’Tshawe, Jeanette Lindiwe Makaza was at first hesitant to give away her age, only divulging that she was “a few years younger than Madiba”.

Ouma and her family, her 27-year old granddaughter and the youngsters, aged six and eight years and eight months old, live on the border of the Park just as one turns off the R335 to enter the Main Camp. Her father used to work for the Park, and she’s lived there all her life.

The preparation work started yesterday. Work is still in full swing – since early this morning. Park contractors have also come on board to assist. Boarded up windows have been replaced with new windows sponsored by PG Glass in Uitenhage. Cracked walls inside and out were plastered and given a fresh coat of paint, with paint brushes supplied by Uitenhage Sawmills. Faulty taps and pipes were replaced in the kitchen and shelves were installed in the two bedrooms. Bushes surrounding the home are being removed, new fencing was erected and the administration staff washed the cupboards and all the contents of the kitchen. Zenobia Trading donated cleaning materials, and the most generous sponsorship was that of a double bed and two three-quarter beds for the family by Vitafoam.

Asked what she thought of the hordes of people in and around her home today, Ouma simply said, “It makes my heart very, very happy. I’m so grateful.”

While all of this was happening, Mam’Tshawe and her family were treated to lunch courtesy of the Park Restaurant, and then hosted to a game drive. She was beaming as she returned to her home afterwards, which had already undergone an amazing transformation since she’d left. “It was my first time on one of these trucks,” she said. “I saw lots and lots of elephants, but no lion,” she chuckled. She also couldn’t stop thanking everyone working on her home, even though there was still much to be done at the time.

The Park’s tourism staff collected money amongst themselves and have bought groceries for the family. Bedding and curtains not used in the Park’s accommodation units will also be donated, while a number of individual staff members have donated items of clothing and bedding.

Other projects happening in and around the Park include a clean-up of the staff village. The litter collected will be recycled. The Park’s People and Conservation Department are also assisting the St Reginald Primary School outside Kirkwood to start up a veggie garden.

Addo Elephant National Park’s management would like to thank all their partners who participated through their generous donations, as well as their staff who gave up of their time to assist the less fortunate.

Addo Windows
New windows were installed courtesy of PG Glass in Uitenhage.
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Day of Celebration for Kirkwood and Addo Emerging Farmers

Today 4 female and 29 male Kirkwood based emerging farmers celebrated by symbolically receiving the key to their farms. In 2007 the Sundays River Farming Trust (SRFT) was established consisting of four farming entities situated between Addo and Kirkwood in the Sundays River Valley. Four farms; Willowtree, Siyathemba, Glengrove and Eendracht The farming land were …

Today 4 female and 29 male Kirkwood based emerging farmers celebrated by symbolically receiving the key to their farms.

In 2007 the Sundays River Farming Trust (SRFT) was established consisting of four farming entities situated between Addo and Kirkwood in the Sundays River Valley.

Four farms; Willowtree, Siyathemba, Glengrove and Eendracht The farming land were purchased by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) under PLAS (Proactive Land Acquisition Scheme). The Sundays River Citrus Company (SRCC) concluded a management agreement with DRDLR for the management of this farming operation. In terms of this management agreement, SRCC became responsible for the day to day management of the farms, together with the identification, mentorship and training of successful black farm managers.

The original permanent farm workers on the four farms were identified as beneficiaries of which there are currently 33. The ultimate aim is to settle commercial black farmers on the land. Existing farm workers get preference in this process. The processes to select the beneficiaries have been developed with the assistance of the Department of Labour, and include various tests to determine which of the workers have the ability to take responsibility as initially farm managers and ultimately part owners of the farm.

Since inception the SRFT has created 40 Permanent and 318 Seasonal Jobs.

The SRCC actively manages the training and development of these emerging farmers and tailors it programmes to the individual.

In 2009 full ABET facilitation for the SRFT were established and training commenced on a daily basis. ABET enables the workers to better themselves and in turn better their social conditions. Being able to read and write is a benefit that most farm workers in the Sundays River Valley do not have.

Four of the emerging farmer Senior Assistant Farm Managers are also part of the SRFT Management Committee, which makes management decisions and recommendations for approval by the SRFT Trustees.

During the past 3 years more than R 3 000 000 was spent on developing new orchards for the SRFT. About 24% of the current planted hectares of the SRFT are still non-bearing. When these new orchards come into production it will make a great contribution to the total yield of the SRFT.

Five years after it was established, SRFT bought 117 hectares of land in Addo for R11 000 000.00. R7 million rand was utilised by the emerging farmers saved up from production of approximately one million export cartons of produce. The remaining R4 million was loaned from the SRCC.

Deputy Director General of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform noted that the department had changed it’s policies to match the product cycle of the various farming products that it had invested in, noting that it takes 2 to 3 years to receive orange and lemons trees from nurseries once the order is placed, and another five years before production is possible.

Spokesperson for the emerging farmers, Mrs Buyiswa Ndyenga, was awarded the prize of Female Entrepreneur for 2011 in the Eastern Cape (Western Region) by the Department of Rural Development & Agrarian Reform. She was also awarded the Provincial Female Top Export Entrepreneur Award for Willowtree Farm for the year 2011/2012.

SRCC MD, Ken Nieuwenhuizen said that the Sundays River Farming Trust has, through the application of good management, training and financial discipline gone from strength-to-strength and is currently one of the few success stories in the economic empowerment process in agriculture in South Africa.

The SRCC has managed to extend a valuable lesson in development of emerging farmers along with a valuable lesson to those greedy GRQ Tenderpreneurs who with their privileged positions and shuffling of paper to and fro do not contribute to the economy at all.

Siyaphambili! SRFT. Siyaphambili! I am sure the government will transfer the land to you soon.

Buyiswa Ndyenga
Deputy Director of Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, Vusi Mahlangu; Emerging Farmer, Mrs Buyiswa Ndyenga and SRCC MD, Ken Nieuwenhuizen celebrate at The Lookout in Kirkwood.
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Closing date for Addo Birding Weekend looms

The closing date for registration for the Sasol/Addo Birding Weekend is 27 August 2012.  The Birding Weekend will take place at Addo Elephant National Park from 19 – 21 October 2012. The weekend of birding will offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the diverse biomes of Addo Elephant National Park and the chance to spot …

The closing date for registration for the Sasol/Addo Birding Weekend is 27 August 2012.  The Birding Weekend will take place at Addo Elephant National Park from 19 – 21 October 2012.

The weekend of birding will offer a wonderful opportunity to experience the diverse biomes of Addo Elephant National Park and the chance to spot over 200 bird species.

Organised by the SANParks Honorary Rangers at Addo, participants will have a choice of taking part in different excursions.  Birders will join groups birding in different areas of the ecologically diverse Addo Elephant National Park. Excursions include a trip through the Nyathi area of the Park while another group will lazily float up the Sundays River on a ferry spotting darters and different species of kingfishers. Other groups will depart for Kabouga section of the park, which is situated close to Kirkwood for the chance to walk on the ‘wild side’ or take a ride through Addo game viewing area and see parts of Addo that are not open to the general public.

The weekend starts on Friday evening with a get-together and ends with a venison potjie on Saturday evening.  A variety of accommodation has been pre-booked by the Honorary Rangers in Addo Elephant National Park and bookings should be done well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Sasol has provided sponsorship for logistics and lucky draw prizes with Stretton’s Gin and Glendower Whisky being the other main sponsors.  RiverBend Lodge as always will assist with night drives in the Nyathi section on Friday evening.  Funds raised by the Honorary Rangers birding weekend will go towards funding conservation support work within Addo.

For more information, contact Nicky Bosman, 082 336 4471 or nbosman@nmmu.ac.za.

Registration forms and information are available at http://www.sanparksvolunteers.org/addo-region

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Kirkwood Wildsfees Record

A record more than 46 000 people who streamed into the Sundays River Valley this weekend for the 11th annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees “exceeded all expectations,” says Wildsfees director Jenni Honsbein. “We know that the economy continues to be tough, and in recognition of that we decided not to increase entrance or stallholder fees this …

A record more than 46 000 people who streamed into the Sundays River Valley this weekend for the 11th annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees “exceeded all expectations,” says Wildsfees director Jenni Honsbein.

“We know that the economy continues to be tough, and in recognition of that we decided not to increase entrance or stallholder fees this year. The public responded in their thousands, and we thank everyone for their support.

“It shows that the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees, with its unique mix of entertainment, stalls, expos and shows has firmly established itself as one of the premier festivals in South Africa,” she says.

“Hosted by the community of Kirkwood, the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees provides a fantastic platform for tourism, wildlife and environmental conservation in the Eastern Cape,” says DSTV’s Carmen Bennett.

“We are proud to be associated with an event that ploughs all proceeds back into the community,” says Suzette Celliers, provincial marketing manager of naming sponsors Absa.

Bennett says the vision behind the festival “also resonates” with the pay TV brand: “By running the event for the community by the community, the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees provides temporary work for over 350 people and generates a turnover of R19 million for the area.

“All profits are subsequently invested in community-based projects – making it an event that gives back in a very real way.”

The festival is the first major festival in South Africa to be wheelchair friendly. It’s also one of the first South African festivals to go green, according to Honsbein.

One of the highlights of the festival was the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildlife Auction, which this year turned over more than R11-million.

The top price paid was R360 000 for a buffalo bull, while a family of sable antelope went for R900 000.

A white impala ewe was sold for R260 000.

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R11.2 Million in Sales at Wildlife Festival Auction

Some 150 buyers from around Southern Africa crowded into the Kirkwood High School hall on Friday, June 29, to spend over R11-million on prime game in one of the country’s top wildlife auctions. The biggest interest was in 38 buffalo from the Addo Elephant National Park. Top prices for the buffalo were R380 000 for …

Some 150 buyers from around Southern Africa crowded into the Kirkwood High School hall on Friday, June 29, to spend over R11-million on prime game in one of the country’s top wildlife auctions.

The biggest interest was in 38 buffalo from the Addo Elephant National Park.

Top prices for the buffalo were R380 000 for a bull with a 42,5 inch horn span, and R300 000 for a cow.

Other good prices were R260 000 for a white impala ewe, and R900 000 for a family of sable antelope consisting of a bull, two cows and two heifers, according to auction convener Johan Swart.

The turnover at, R11,2-million, was up on 2011’s R9,9-million as game farmers in the Eastern Cape recover from a devastating drought, and despite the global recession having an ongoing impact on tourism, said Swart.

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Hear What Charlene Wittstock Heard

Romanz returns to the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv this year. They will be performing songs from their double Platinum album “My Hele Hart” and more recent songs from their latest album “Ek sal getuig.” In November 2011, at the Royal Wedding in Monaco, the group serenaded Charlene Wittstock and …

Romanz returns to the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv this year. They will be performing songs from their double Platinum album “My Hele Hart” and more recent songs from their latest album “Ek sal getuig.”

In November 2011, at the Royal Wedding in Monaco, the group serenaded Charlene Wittstock and her new husband Prince Albert of Monaco with their song “With all my Heart”. They also performed a rendition of the South African National Anthem.

In the same year, Romanz won a South Africa Music Award for the best Afrikaans DVD.

A not-to-be-missed performance by Romanz will take place live at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv on Sunday, July 1 from 12 noon.

Other performances on the day include NRG, Emo Adams and his Band and Chris Chameleon and his band. The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv takes place from Friday, June 29, to Sunday, July 1.

For more information go to www.wildsfees.co.za

Romanz

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Zuurberg-Inn

Long a preferred Sunday lunch destination of Port Elizabethans looking for a day in the country, the Zuurberg Inn is still a staple and much loved accommodation destination. As a child we used to leave directly from Church for Sunday Buffet Lunch at the Zuurberg Inn, in my late Father’s pride and joy – his …

Long a preferred Sunday lunch destination of Port Elizabethans looking for a day in the country, the Zuurberg Inn is still a staple and much loved accommodation destination.

As a child we used to leave directly from Church for Sunday Buffet Lunch at the Zuurberg Inn, in my late Father’s pride and joy – his white Mercedes S Class. The mere fact that he was prepared to drive on a gravel road up the mountain for Sunday Lunch imprinted on my mind just how precious a place this was. My father never rode on any other gravel road but that one to the Zuurberg Inn.

My childlike mind would survey the vast quantities of food available and say; “One day I will be big and return to try and eat my way through as much food as possible”. Afterwards we would lie on the grass overlooking Addo and soak up the sun before returning to the ‘big city’ of Port Elizabeth.

Winter weekends at the Zuurberg Inn were always special – roaring fires, sherry, rib sticking real food and good times ….

Click here to get an ONLINE QUOTE for a memorable stay at the Zuurberg Mountain Inn

This web site is a tribute to those wonderful days and a means to get more people to share those good times by booking a holiday or weekend break, placing a review or uploading images to share with those who have a special affinity for a grand old lady on the original road to Johannesburg.

Now known as the Zuurberg Mountain Village the accommodation choices include:

  • Zuurberg Manor: The Zuurberg Manor is the original part of the hotel dating back to 1861. It is comprised of 9 spacious rooms, 5 of which are family suites. Each room has a full bathroom with shower and bath, mini-bar and private patio with spectacular views.
  • Zuurberg Village: These are Zuurberg’s Edwardian Village Cottages arranged so that one can enjoy both the spectacular mountains and valley views. Each cottage boasts 2 private patios on the east and west side of the unit, ideal for magical sunrise and sunsets.

Address: Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Web Site: http://www.zuurberg-inn.co.za

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Spoegwolf want visitors howling at the moon

Emerging from their lair in the shadows of a Stellenbosch vineyard, folk-rock band Spoegwolf (Spitting Wolf) will have festinos howling at the moon in the Sundays River Valley this winter. The four-man band will be “howling at the moon” in the Windhoek Kuiergat from a quarter to 11 on Saturday evening, June 30 as part …

Emerging from their lair in the shadows of a Stellenbosch vineyard, folk-rock band Spoegwolf (Spitting Wolf) will have festinos howling at the moon in the Sundays River Valley this winter.

The four-man band will be “howling at the moon” in the Windhoek Kuiergat from a quarter to 11 on Saturday evening, June 30 as part of the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv.

“We wanted to be the first to bring the latest Afrikaans rock sensation to the Eastern Cape,” says Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees director Jenni Honsbein.

Their visual, descriptive lyrics and off-the-wall sense of humour have made them one of the country’s most popular up-and-coming Afrikaans pop rock bands. They have built a loyal fan base by offering three free tracks available for download on their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/spoegwolf).

They also love South Africa and are “proud to share this holy ground with David Kramer, Valiant Swart and Bernoldus Niemand. We are honoured to walk here,” says Spoegwolf.

Spoegwolf is made up of Danie du Toit on lead vocals and guitar, Chris von Wielligh on guitar and vocals, Albert van der Merwe on bass and vocals and Moskou du Toit on drums and vocals.

DJ Superman will be back by popular demand at the Windhoek Kuiergat following the performance by Spoegwolf.

Action on the main Windhoek stage starts at two in the afternoon with Lollos “Oe La La Suid-Afrika”, Pieter Koen, David Fourie, Monique, George Longane, Elvis Blue and Band, Heinz Winckler, Charlize Berg, Ray Dylan, DJ Superman, and Arno Carstens and Band.

The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv takes place from Friday, June 29, to Sunday, July 1.

For more information, go to www.wildsfees.co.za

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The Latest International Mohair Trends

The ABSA Kirkwood Wildsfees will see mohair featured in a way it never has before. With a dedicated mohair exhibition festival-goers will be able to experience the luxury that mohair offers on their doorstep from 29 June – 1 July. The mohair exhibition will feature an array of gorgeous mohair products for sale, a coffee …

The ABSA Kirkwood Wildsfees will see mohair featured in a way it never has before. With a dedicated mohair exhibition festival-goers will be able to experience the luxury that mohair offers on their doorstep from 29 June – 1 July.

The mohair exhibition will feature an array of gorgeous mohair products for sale, a coffee lounge to relax in and an opportunity to touch Angora Goats. Visitors will be delighted with the variety on offer including pop-up knitting groups as well as an interior design corner featuring the latest international mohair trends. Inspiration can be drawn from the fashion design display from The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) and Mode University in Japan’s collaborative projects with MSA.

Anle Marais, Marketing Co-ordinator of MSA says, “The ABSA Kirkwood Wildsfees is the Eastern Cape’s fastest growing festival and we see it as a great opportunity to showcase this internationally sought after fibre to the local consumer. A part of growing the awareness of mohair is to showcase the fibre from source to shelf and this festival is an ideal way to help achieve that”.

Visitors can also expect the other activities that they’ve come to know over the years, such as live performances by top South African artists, adrenaline rides, lifestyle expos, specialist stalls, along with agricultural and wildlife expos and so much more.

The MSA tent will be open every day from 09:00 – 17:00.

Accommodation in the area can still be found at the Zuurberg-inn.

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Prize buffalo bulls for Absa Kirkwood game auction

Two Addo Elephant National Park buffalo bulls with near record horn spans are expected to attract breeders and reserve owners from throughout Southern Africa to the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees auction. The biggest has been nick-named “Bismarck,” and has a horn span of 46 inches, while Hercules has one of 45 inches. Both have been …

Two Addo Elephant National Park buffalo bulls with near record horn spans are expected to attract breeders and reserve owners from throughout Southern Africa to the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees auction.

The biggest has been nick-named “Bismarck,” and has a horn span of 46 inches, while Hercules has one of 45 inches. Both have been captured, and are in a boma at the Addo Elephant National Park, according to auction organiser Johan Swart.

He says new blood and a new date bring a new era to the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees game auction, which is one of the top three wildlife auctions in the country.

For the first 10 years of the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees, brought to you in association with DSTV in 2012, the auction has been hosted on the Saturday of the festival weekend. This has been moved to the Friday to accommodate out of town bidders – many of whom also want to bring their families to enjoy the many attractions at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees, according to auction organiser Johan Swart.

“We have listened to what the industry has told us, and moved the auction a day forward.

“The trend in the industry is to hold auctions on week days.

“This also helps with the movement of the game after it has been bought,” he says.

The auction is one of the few in the country where buyers are able to see the majority of the prize animals, which are kept in bomas for the sale.

This year, around 40 disease-free Add Elephant National Park buffalo will go under the hammer of Brandon Leer of Brandon Leer Auction Services. Leer is widely regarded as one of the best livestock auctioneers in the country, and a specialist in game sales. He will be taking over the hammer from Roy Hayes who handled the auctions for the first 10 years.

“Roy helped put the Kirkwood wildlife auction on the map, and the fact that we could attract an auctioneer with the experience of Brandon is a tribute to the solid foundation Roy built,” says Swart.

Leer was schooled in the Eastern Cape and grew up in the Port Elizabeth area.

Other well-known auctions in which he has been involved include Madikwe, Thaba Tholo, Piet du Toit, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, SANParks auctions in Kimberley and Pretoria, the North West Buffalo Auction at Molemane Eye, the Polokwane Municipality auction, and auctions at the Shamwari and Kwandwe game reserves in the Eastern Cape.

The 2012 Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees runs from June 29 to July 1, and offers a wild weekend for the whole family. Entry fees for the festival on Friday and Sunday are R70 for adults and R35 for children; and R100 for adults and R50 for children on Saturday. Visit www.wildsfess.co.za for more information.

Bufallo Bismarck has a horn span of 46 inches
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Banging Tunes at the 2012 Wildsfees

The entertainment does not stop the whole weekend of the Wildsfees from 29 June to 1 July 2012. Have a look at some of the artists appearing at the 2012 Wildsfees below. Arno Carstens: Eastern Cape fans will be among the first to hear some of Arno Carstens’ latest songs live as he “rocks the …

The entertainment does not stop the whole weekend of the Wildsfees from 29 June to 1 July 2012. Have a look at some of the artists appearing at the 2012 Wildsfees below.

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  • Arno Carstens: Eastern Cape fans will be among the first to hear some of Arno Carstens’ latest songs live as he “rocks the wilds” in the Sundays River Valley in June at the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv. Arno’s latest album “Wonderful Wilds” has been described as “soul food” – a soft rock, acoustic, mature-toned album which reflects Arno’s diverse talent.
  • Charlize Berg: Singer and international model Charlize Berg has promised a “surprise” for fans when she goes on stage at this year’s Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv.
  • Chris Chameleon: Chris Chameleon says he is looking forward to being on stage with his band for their first performance at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees, brought to you in association with DStv. “I am very excited to play at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees. I have never played it before, and doing something for the first time is always that lovely balance between a challenge and a few butterflies,” he says.
  • Elvis Blue: Elvis Blue boasts a creativity that is found only in the most talented of artists. The gifted singer, guitarist and teacher will be performing live at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv on Saturday, June 30.
  • Emo Adams: Everyone’s favourite tall, dark and Afrikaans performer, Emo Adams, will be back to captivate and entertain his audience at this year’s Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees, brought to you in association with DStv.
  • George Longane: Entertainer, musician and actor George Longane will be one of the stars appearing on the Windhoek Stage at this year’s annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv.
  • Karen Zoid: South Africa’s finest female rocker will be going wild in the Eastern Cape this June. Karen Zoid will be performing songs from her latest album “Zoid Afrika” live on stage at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv.
  • Ray Dylan: Singer, guitarist, songwriter and SAMA award-winning entertainer Ray Dylan will be in Kirkwood this June for the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv this year.
  • ROMANZ: Romanz returns to the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv this year. They will be performing songs from their double Platinum album “My Hele Hart” and more recent songs from their latest album “Ek sal getuig.”
  • Snotkop: SA se gewilde, SAMA benoemde kunstenaar, Snotkop gaan optree by die 2012 Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees aangebied in samewerking met DStv.
  • Howl: Emerging from their lair in the shadows of a Stellenbosch vineyard, folk-rock band Spoegwolf (Spitting Wolf) will have festinos howling at the moon in the Sundays River Valley this winter. The four-man band will be “howling at the moon” in the Windhoek Kuiergat from a quarter to 11 on Saturday evening, June 30 as part of the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv.
  • Valiant Swart: His shows will be a blend of “humour and pathos” at the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv, promises Valiant Swart.
  • Afrikaans Langarm: “Langarm” dance comes to the Sundays River Valley this winter.Couples will be able to strut their stuff at a “gooi hom langarm” party, in a special dance area at the front of the main stage at the annual Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv.
  • Jazz, Gourmet food, Wine: This year, visitors to the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv, can enjoy fine wines and delectable gourmet foods whilst relaxing to the sounds of jazz, blues, bluegrass and folk music.
  • Quattro: A taste of Italian cabaret comes to the Eastern Cape this June when Coenie de Villiers brings an all new show to the Sundays River Valley.
  • Ellen Pakkies: A gripping portrayal of a mother who killed her Tik-addicted son will be seen on stage for the first time at the Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees, brought to you in association with DStv.
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Ellen Pakkies on Stage in Eastern Cape for the first time

‘My naam is Ellen Pakkies,’ a true story about a mother who killed her Tik-addicted son is being staged in the Eastern Cape for the first time ever. Ellen Pakkies stars Vinette Ebrahim – also known as Charmaine Meintjies in 7de Laan, while her son is played by another 7de Laan actor Christo Davids (Errol …

‘My naam is Ellen Pakkies,’ a true story about a mother who killed her Tik-addicted son is being staged in the Eastern Cape for the first time ever.

Ellen Pakkies stars Vinette Ebrahim – also known as Charmaine Meintjies in 7de Laan, while her son is played by another 7de Laan actor Christo Davids (Errol Pieterse in the soapie) will be staged at the Kirkwood NG Church hall on Saturday, June 30.

Tickets are R100, and no under 16s are allowed.

Tickets are available from the Kirkwood Festival office, telephone 042 2300066.

The Absa Kirkwood Wildsfees brought to you in association with DStv takes place from Friday, June 29, to Sunday, July 1.

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