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By Raggy Charters

While on a recent cruise, I spotted one of the many cruise liners we have been entertaining, steaming into Algoa Bay past Cape Recife. I thought it would be a good idea to welcome them into our stunning bay. While cruising alongside them, our head guide, Purity Khosa, shouted from the roof of “My Bru” that there was a feeding frenzy going on on the other side of the liner. We called the liner up on the marine radio and told them to inform their guests of the turmoil that was unfolding 100 metres off their starboard bow. We followed the action for as much time as our permit conditions allowed and were treated to some amazing spectacles, wow! At one stage while they were on the move, the school was 3000 strong.

As their name implies, these dolphins are relatively abundant and have a worldwide distribution in tropical and temperate waters. As usual, with geographically isolated populations, there is uncertainty about the number of species, sub-species and forms that exist. At least 20 different species have been proposed over the years. Local forms could have evolved independently in different locations from nearby oceanic populations.

They are easily identified by the hourglass or figure of eight pattern on their flanks, which is orange brown at the front and yellowish grey at the back. Their appearance in the bay is usually given away by the clouds of following Cape gannets and other seabirds. When they approach closer, your breath gets taken away by their sheer energy in motion and the noise this creates. Generally further than four km from shore, we have on occasions seen them feeding in shallow water just off Summerstrand. They travel in close proximity to one another at speeds of up to 35km/h for extended periods, many animals breaching simultaneously. More than any other species, they will actively follow and interact with our boats for long distances, even if this means leaving the rest of the school for a while. Once you have been in a large school of common dolphins you will take the experience to your grave! They average between one and three thousand although while filming with the BBC far south of Bird Island, we came across an estimated 10 000 individuals.

They are smaller than our other dolphin species. Males are slightly larger than females and can attain two and a half metres and weigh 110kg. Distribution is from St Helena Bay all the way to Richard’s Bay. Although that are present through the year, large numbers start arriving in Algoa Bay in April which is when vast schools of pelagic bait fish start moving past. They will also follow the “sardine run” as it moves up the coast towards Transkei and KZN.

Besides African penguins, these are the only other predators in our area that manage to get the bait balls stationary and closer to the surface. This allows many others species to feed including Bryde’s and Minke whales, SA fur seals, Cape gannets, Cape cormorants and other seabirds, sharks and game fish. Besides sardines they also feed on anchovies, mackerel, saury, elf and bottom dwelling hake. In Algoa Bay squid that comes here to breed forms a major part of their diet.

The calving season is spread over several months but reaches a peak in summer. Calves are born at a metre after a gestation of 11 months. They are suckled for six months at which time they are around 1, 5 metres. The mothers use the highly nutritious fish associated with the sardine run to wean their calves. We know this as stranded animals have had both fish and breast milk in their stomachs. Both sexes can live for 40 years.

They are very vocal animals and quite easy to record and film even off a moving vessel. A wide repertoire of squeaks, whistles and clicks are produced. While travelling they seem to coordinate these short duration sounds with breathing and breaching.

These schools seldom mix with other species of dolphin which is probably due to the continuous high speed at which they move. We have however often seen solitary individuals in the company of slower moving bottlenose dolphins. This is not a once off sighting and these individuals stay with their adopted schools for up to ten years.

This species is susceptible to mass strandings and a few have been observed on the sandy beach between Sunday’s River and Woody Cape. In excess of 2000 have been caught in the shark nets of KZN since the 1960s. They are also caught in fishing gear and especially purse seine nets. Luckily the population is healthy and in excess of 20 000. They are preyed upon by large sharks and killer whales. They accumulate high concentrations of industrial and agricultural pollutants which are passed onto calves by their mothers and may lead to death, especially in the first born.

Read more about the Algoa Bay Marine Protected Area in Addo Elephant National Park here.

The post Tales from the bay: Long-beaked common dolphins steal the show in Algoa Bay appeared first on Addo Tourism.

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White Southern Right Whale calf born in Algoa Bay by Raggy Charters.

After seeing calves of humpback, southern right and Bryde’s whales recently, it was great to observe a new-born white southern right calf with it’s mother in Addo’s Marine Protected Area, Algoa Bay. This is the fifth white calf they have recorded since I started Raggy Charters 25 years ago. The pair were observed in shallow water close inshore between Hougham Park and St Croix Island.

Early whalers in Algoa Bay referred to southern rights as “black whales” as this is their normal colour. While their backs are black, most animals have a white blaze on their belly around the naval. Variously sized white blazes are also found on the backs of 5% of adults of both sexes. Some animals also display grey markings on their backs which are irregular and chevron shaped, pointing towards the head. These markings are almost white at birth and difficult to distinguish from blazes, except that unlike blazes they darken with age. These marks are only present on females on about 10% of the population.

Around 3,5% of all southern right calves born are white, except for a black collar and black patterns just behind the head. According to Dr. Simon Elwin, “That rough skin on the baby is thought to play a role in initial thermoregulation (it’s a little thicker than normal skin) and appears to be shed within about a week of birth through a process known as ‘post-natal ecdysis’ “. Like the grey markings in the female, they gradually darken with age and become what is referred to as “brindled”. About 94% of these brindled animals are male. A female can only be brindled if she is the offspring of a brindled male and a female with grey markings. These markings have not been recorded in their Northern Hemisphere cousins, the northern right whales. Last year, Raggy Charters observed a “brindled” adult southern right whale in exactly the same place as they saw this calf. It is not unlikely that this whale is in fact the father of this new-born calf, as the gestation period is one year. Wouldn’t that just be a great coincidence for our beautiful Algoa Bay?

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Source: Addotourism.co.za.

The question comes up more often than you’d think…Did you know that there is an entrance to the Addo Elephant National Park at Colchester?

Yes, that’s right! Colchester lies just 40 minutes from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) on the banks of the wide, meandering Sundays River and the Southern Gate (Matyholweni Gate) of Addo Elephant Park is just a sho’t left off the national road (the N2). It’s not a secret, it’s just that many people don’t realise the enormous size of the Addo Elephant National Park – from the Zuurberg Mountains to the Alexandria Dune Fields at the coast. It’s a veritable feast of biodiversity and game viewing opportunities!

However, Colchester offers visitors much more than access to the Matyholweni Gate, it’s a coastal and adventure paradise with long stretches of beach, enormous dunes for sandboarding, the Sundays River for fishing, cruising, paddling, birding, and swimming and a wonderful, laid-back coastal vibe that will have you relaxed and unwinding in no time at all.

Friendly residents and hosts will welcome you to the riverbank with easy grace, making the village feel homely and relaxed. Birders are in for a treat as the riverbanks, mudflats and dunes attract a fantastic mix of bush birds and waders for birdwatching. Greater Addo has over 400 different bird species and sightings in Colchester include African green pigeon, southern black tits, black-headed oriole, Knysna woodpeckers, herons, duck, and up to four types of kingfisher.
With a 100 000-year-old dune field and the coastline on one side, and a river and national park running a protective arm around the town, we think you may want to stay awhile, so we’ve rounded up some comfortable and convenient accommodation options to spend some fun days at Sundays.

Pearson Park Resort

It’s possible that Pearson Park resort offers an almost perfect slice of Addo for outdoor enthusiasts, campers and family travellers. Situated on the banks of the Sundays River, this unspoilt slice of Eastern Cape wilderness offers easy access to the beach (and Addo’s marine protected area), the river and its many activities and a short trip to the entrance of the national park. It’s quite possible to enjoy an early morning game drive, an afternoon on the beach and an evening casting a fishing line and toasting the setting sun. Guests will find a fully stocked supermarket, petrol station and fully licenced restaurant on their doorstep for convenience while fun and adventure await in the forms of boating, kayaking, fishing, sandboarding, birding, game viewing and beach trails. Pearson Park is a paradise for camping and caravanning enthusiasts offering 150 very spacious, grassed and shady sites and a few self-catering huts.

Settle Inn

For all of the attractions of Colchester and Camp Matyholweni in addition to indulgent comforts and complete serenity, Settle Inn offers self-catering accommodation in the Sundays River village of Colchester, just 40km east of Port Elizabeth. It’s just 3km from the gate of the national park while still on the banks of the Sundays River – what more could you want in self-catering convenience? Whether you’re travelling with the family, taking a girls’ weekend or meeting up with friends, this is a fantastic choice with five modern units to choose from and all of Colchester’s many charms: surf or river fishing, sandboarding, relaxing on the jetty, paddling or taking a river cruise. Additionally, the new Settle Inn Beauty & Massage service offers an extra layer of indulgence for those needing a bit of rejuvenation and pampering.

Sundune Guesthouse

If you’re looking for a warm Eastern Cape welcome then look no further, you’ve found your perfect stay in Colchester at Sundune Guesthouse where they “receive guests as guests, but our guests leave as our friends.” Comfortably nestled on the banks of the Sundays River, Sundune offers five well-appointed and neat guest rooms with a communal lounge for the social traveller. A scrumptious breakfast can be expected every morning to set you on your way to exploring the region and, in addition to tranquil settings and great hospitality, guests are a short distance from Colchester’s adventures and natural attractions, and the Camp Matyholweni Gate.

Addo Accommodation Colchester

If you’re looking for a convenient variety of self-catering options, then Addo Accommodation Colchester should have something to suit your needs. Properties offer options catering from 1-2 people and up to 12, so whether you’re travelling solo or having a little family get-together, you’re spoilt for choice in Colchester. The Adventure Addo House sleeps up to ten people and is perfect for a family getaway close to the action with a small pool and entertainment area. Other properties include luxurious cottages and smaller flats with the most popular the Addo Park View Vista Cottages bordering the national park where it’s sometimes possible to spot elephants and other wildlife from the 360° balcony.

Addo Riverview Lodge

If turning some boerewors on the braai, with a beer in your hand after a day of fishing or game viewing is your idea of heaven, then we’d recommend giving Addo Riverview Lodge a try. Nestled on the banks of the meandering Sundays River, Riverview Lodge offers both self-catering and en-suite options so you can stay for a night or set up for a week of comfortable holiday time in Colchester. You’re encouraged to make use of the facilities and feel right at home and, with the river on your doorstep, the beach down the road and the entrance to Addo Elephant National Park a little further along, you’re going to want to stay awhile.

A place where we receive guests as guests, but our guests leave as our friends.

Maggie May

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a unique overnight stay, hop onto the houseboat, Maggie May. You’ll fall asleep the sounds of the river and wake up to the sounds of the gulls – there’s nothing like spending a night on the water. Maggie May is moored on the Sundays River with a beautiful restaurant and adventure bookings just a short distance away and can sleep up to six people (two in a double bed, two on a sleeper couch and two in the tent on the upper deck – can you imagine waking up to views of the 100 000-year old Colchester dunes? Maggie May is a rustic and charming way to really get in touch with the natural wonders of the river and its wildlife.

Things to do in Colchester

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There was great celebration this March as Addo Tourism launched a revamped attraction, the beloved Sir Percy Fitzpatrick Lookout greater Addo region. With funding from Sarah Baartman District Municipality, the Addo Tourism Association were able to revitalise the flailing Lookout area and Fitzpatrick family graves.

Sir Percy Fitzpatrick is best known for writing the beloved South African novel, Jock of the Bushveld. A well-travelled politician, mining financier and a pioneer in the fruit industry, Fitzpatrick chose the Sundays River Valley and the greater Addo region to make his home. After arriving in the valley, he established the Sundays River Settlement Company, which encouraged people to settle in this area and played a vital role in the establishment of irrigation schemes enabling agriculture to flourish and providing employment for many people in a thriving citrus economy.

At the launch in March, Duma Magxwalisa, Sarah Baartman District Municipality acting director for  Planning & Economic Development praised the project as a public–private partnership example that could stimulate the recovery of tourism in the region.  

“Covid-19 dealt us all a blow and we have very limited resources with which to recover, so it is only right to acknowledge the team that handled this project, they were able to put the space created by our existing and natural resources to good use” said Magxwalisa.

The Lookout venue came into being after Sir Percy Fitzpatrick bought a piece of land next to the river and built a platform from which his friends and guests could enjoy a panoramic view of the valley below. It is now fondly known as “The Lookout” where visitors and residents of the region can still go to marvel at the view. His daughter, Cecily, donated the land to the Sundays River Valley community and it was declared a national monument in 1953.

Offering one of the most spectacular views of the valley and orchards, the Lookout Deck has been a popular sundowner and picnic spot for many decades but had recently fallen into disrepair. Spearheading the project were Addo Tourism committee members, Julie Puttergill  of Chicane Bed & Breakfast and Tracey Stratford of Avoca River Cabins, both of whom frequent the Lookout with guests, family and friends.  

Judy Puttergill took on the project when funding was secured and said the following: “Addo Tourism identified the Lookout as an important attraction for both travellers and tourists alike. Sadly, it had become very neglected; the once-pristine indigenous bush surrounding the platform was overrun with alien plants. While COVID delayed the project for some time, it kicked off in earnest towards the end of 2021.”  

During the project all goods and labour were sourced from within the local community. Once the news got out, individuals and businesses came to the party – the old walkway gate was lovingly restored to its original beauty at no charge and a reinforced security door, made to specification at no cost and free of charge, was installed to secure “the cave” – a small room below the actual Lookout.  This area will be developed into a showcase depicting the history of the valley in a collaborative manner. 

Puttergill said that the objective behind the renovation was not just to turn the site into a must-see attraction but also to create a space that the community can enjoy, providing them with an opportunity to take ownership of and be proud of what the area has to offer. 

Tracey Stratford, responding as Addo Tourism’s vice chair said: “Not only were we able to restore the Lookout to its former glory, but we created an additional drawcard by documenting and marking the indigenous fauna and flora along the walkway.  It therefore now adds an interesting and educational aspect to the site, and we hope that the schools in the area will make use of it to provide the learners with an opportunity to get hands-on experience as part of their curriculum”.

The indigenous plants and trees were identified by Lloyd Edwards of Raggy Charters, fellow Addo Tourism committee member and chair of the Eastern Cape Dendrological Society.  Each plant or tree is now identifiable by a specially designed plaque.  He has also enlisted the help of local farmers to eradicate any existing alien plants still on the site.

ABOUT THE GREATER ADDO REGION

The Greater Addo region encompasses the Addo Elephant National Park, the third largest in South Africa, and the park is serviced by the charming gateway villages of Addo, Kirkwood, Paterson, and Colchester. Addo is the only national park in the world to boast the African Big Seven (lion, rhinoceros, buffalo, elephant, leopard, great white shark and southern right whale). 

The post Addo Tourism launches revamped tourist attraction in the Sundays River Valley appeared first on Addo Tourism.

Choose your Addo Experience:

• Top 5 Cheapest Addo Accommodation Choices.
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Source: Addotourism.co.za.