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Boasting a plethora of fine beaches, world famous game reserves, fabulous mountains, and a world of other tourist trappings, South Africa makes for a terrific holiday destination. Being a globally popular holiday getaway, South Africa is full of different accommodation facilities. Get introduced to five popular hotels from different parts of South Africa.

Protea Hotel Parktonian, Johannesburg

The four-star Protea Hotel Parktonian, is an excellent accommodation to consider while spending some time in Johannesburg during one’s South Africa holidays. Guests can take their pick from about 300 guest rooms. While the rooms are equipped with sofa beds, desks, and beds with select comfort mattresses, the kitchenettes furnished with refrigerator are available too. A huge area has also been dedicated for exhibitions, conference rooms, and banquet halls. A restaurant cum bar serves gourmet meals, while an outdoor pool and gymnasium keep fitness freaks gleefully occupied. The hotel stands in the well connected business district and is within convenient proximity of major crowd magnets like Johannesburg Zoo, Carlton Centre, and Ferreira’s Mine.

Olaf’s Guest House, Cape Town

Old world charm dribbles at this quaint small guesthouse. Playing host to numerous repeat guests, this facility has grown into a very popular home away from home for many travellers visiting Cape Town as part of their holidays to South Africa. Despite a homely appeal, the services are very professional. Olaf’s Guest House also has ample feed for bookworms. In fact, many visitors take books for a beach outing. The sitting room walls are done up in warm yellow tones, while the sofas have stunning leopard prints. Those looking for some tipsy moments can help themselves to the generously placed complementary ports and Sherries. The property also has a beautiful garden as well as reclining lounges around a small plunge pool.

1 Cora Terrace, Port Elizabeth

Full of character, this Georgian home turned hostel is actually a national monument and was built more than a hundred years back as a place of shelters for soldiers manning the port of Port Elizabeth. This triple storied structure has a pool with an overlooking balcony and a spacious TV lounge area. 1 Cora Terrace is within walking distance to major attractions like St. Georges botanical gardens, the Donkin Memorial, and Old Fort. Similarly, sports freaks can visit nearby places like new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and Georges cricket stadium. Facilities are available for self catering as well.

Tropicana Hotel, Durban

The Tropicana Hotel has earned its share of fame amongst the different hotels in South Africa.The hotel is close by to some of the ravishing beaches in Durban such as Dairy Beach, South Beach, and Addington Beach as well as Sahara Stadium Kingsmead and uShaka Marine World. There are two restaurants dishing out fine meals for avid foodies. The staff is proficient in different languages to make foreign guests feel at home. Availability of wireless Internet takes care of communication requirements. Irons and ironing boards are available on request. Premium satellite channels can be seen on televisions. This three star hotel has about 168 guestrooms with facilities like safes, coffee/tea makers, clock radios, and beds with down blankets and comforters.

SugarshackBackpackers, East London

Although not one of the well known of South Africa Addo national park Accommodation and guest house Port Elizabeth, the SugarshackBackpackers makes for a wonderful place to put up at, Night animals can dance the night away at the Buccaneers pub next door. There are dormitories as well as wooden garden cottages here. The place even has a whale watching platform and one can spy upon magnificent whales and dolphins from the kitchen as well. Guests can also go on surfing tours as well as exhilarating day trips from the SugarshackBackpackers. Some of the most popular activities include sandboarding, waterskiing, and horse riding.

I have been travelling in Africa for over three decades. In that time, I have been on countless safaris; by Land Rover, on foot, by canoe and horseback, up and down mountains and valleys. The sense of wonder and appreciation of natural beauty has never left me. There are of course, certain animals which I prefer above all others. Some are large, very large and some small but all, for some reason or other, have endeared themselves towards me. I will start with the very large.

The African elephant is the poster boy for safaris. Huge and gracious, gentle and ferocious. I know he causes huge devastation wherever he goes. To eat one leaf on a branch, he will knock over and crush a century old tree. And he eats a lot. On average, an adult will consume 150 kilos a day of vegetation. I have come close to these animals in the bush; sometimes steering too close and having to beat a hasty retreat. A recent invitation to Addo Elephant Back Safari Lodge near Addo National Park in the Eastern Cape was a chance to satiate my decades long desire to touch and feel one in a natural setting.

Often in nature conservancy, there are moral debates. In this case, is this experience of going to ride on the back of an elephant little more than a circus outing by animals trained as performers? These arguments can never be won with each adversary tenaciously standing their ground. All I can say and write is that it was a wonderfully satisfying experience with no evidence that the elephants were stressed or distressed or were unhappy in any way. They roamed the natural, mountainous bush setting with a couple of flyweights on their backs, eating at will. There was no saddle and the handlers were mines of information about everything you ever wanted to know about elephants. Infact, that was one of the most satisfying aspects of the visit. The evident enthusiasm and love, yes, love, for their charges. We learnt a mine of information. An elephants trunk has 50000 muscles and can hold 17 litres of water. Ears act as vast fans to cool themselves down. The exterior of their skin was a very hard leather but the underside of their ears felt as soft as silk.

It is a difficult road to reach the lodge climbing the rocky Zuurberg Pass but that also is part of Africa; it should be never too easy. On arrival in this miniature Eden it is another story. The rooms are made out of canvas and wood perched on stilts with wide decks maximising the mountainous and bush views. Every comfort is catered for with spa baths and Hemingway safari inspired decoration. The public rooms and mess areas overlook a vast watering hole or communal bath for elephants if you prefer. No, this is no hardship and that is the other side of Africa; you are here to enjoy certain romantic comforts!

Driving back down the pass, you can take a more conventional if equally appealing safari in the Addo National Park, originally designed to conserve a heavily poached elephant population but for the sheer sensual pleasure of being up close and personal to these magnificent creatures, I could not recommend this experience strongly enough.

Addo Elephant Back Safari by Nicolas Edwards

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Article source: http://www.uyaphi.com/blog/addo-elephant-back-safari/

Article source: http://www.myaddo.co.za/addo-elephant-back-safari/

 

Addo Elephant National Park Car Rental. Book a car hire, coach, minibus, limousine, wedding luxury cars or VIP chauffeur drive services from in and around Addo Elephant National Park, car rental of your own choice according to your needs and budget. Book a minibus hire, mini van, coach hire, limousine, wedding luxury cars or a VIP chauffeur drive services, and for all your transportation needs, for any function or matric dance farewell. Reserve shuttle services, dinner or airport transfers or door to door transport for individual travellers and small or large groups now, whether for a party or conference delegates in a 3 seater sedans and a luxury minivans with seater of 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 and luxury coaches with seater of 21, 23, 28, 38, 40, 44, 48, 52, 59, 70 and a 60 seater semi luxury coaches.

Addo Elephant National Park car rentals are well equipped to serve your every need in the form of a brand new Mercedes, BMW or even an Audi as well as the usual cars for all your travel needs, and make your business or leisure trip simple and quick, or for self-drive to visit most of renown attraction sights, including a visit to game reserves or national parks across South Africa for you to discover the Big 5 and many more wildlife animals. Feel free to contact us for dinner or airport transfers, shuttle services and door to door transport for individual travellers and small or large groups, whether for party or a conference delegates in a 3 seater sedans and a luxury minivans with seater of 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 and luxury coaches with seater of 21, 23, 28, 38, 40, 44, 48, 52, 59, 70 and a 60 seater semi luxury coaches.

We have a great choice of car rental for all your needs, whether for compact and economy models for buzzing and explore places of interest. We are fully aware that you need a good service, a quick and easy process and high quality vehicles from bus hire provider, that is why our free delivery and collection service makes hiring a car or bus from us, quick and simple. If you are looking to celebrate, entertain someone or travel in style then car rentals can fulfil your dreams. A transport services will be provided for any function, or dinner a airport transfers, shuttles services and door to door trips, day and night for individual travellers and small or large groups, whether for a matric dance farewell, party or conference delegates. If you require transportation for any of the other cars, we will gladly accommodate your every need. Long and short term Addo Elephant National Park car rentals are available. All companies offer unlimited kilometre offers and fixed weekly, daily or weekend rates as well as monthly.

Extras include satellite phones, 3G internet cards, mobile phone handsets and sim cards so you can keep in touch with your relatives and friends. Baby seats will be provided and fitted with absolute pleasure. Cars can be dropped off and picked up anywhere in South Africa. Cross border authorisation can be arranged if you want to visit our neighbouring countries. Addo Elephant National Park Car Rentals has everything to meet your every need, catering for the fast paced business person to the relaxed holiday maker.

We offer car rental throughout South Africa at rates which suit your budget. We are a dedicated car hire provider; we offer brilliant value for money and reliable, personal service with every requirement. We ensure that you have a wonderful and stress free trip by providing you with everything you need for your car hire or any other Car Rental in South Africa. Feel free to contact us regarding special requests such as mobile phone rental or baby seats and a GPS system to help you navigate your way in and around, and many more. We will meet all your car hire requirements.

We ensure your business and leisure needs are met at all times by offering you a country wide Network of Branches and a selection of the best car hire vehicles, coaches, limousines, minibuses and VIP luxury cars at the cheapest prices possible. Whether you’re planning a holiday, a self-drive adventure, a wedding, a minibus or coach for conference delegates or going on a business trip, we will provide you a first-rate vehicle at a competitive and very affordable price. We are experts in finding any vehicle that suits your requirements quickly and cheaply and making sure that  every vehicle is perfectly suited to meet your every need. Minibuses traditionally come in 16 seater but have been known to come as 9, 12, 15 and 19 seater. So you can get a bus, which matches your group or party when you book with us for any function.

We offer cheap coach hire to all types of events. Whether you are looking for coaches to travel to a conference, or organising a wedding and require a large coach for any event or matric dance farewell, we have them all. Please contact us now for a quote. For group activities, try transport services in  Addo Elephant National Park which saves on parking and location finding. Whatever the size of your group for whatever event, we are here to be of assistance to you and meet your every need. We offer up to date and safe luxury coaches, limousines, VIP cars with a widest range of comfort facilities to make your business or leisure trip a complete pleasure. Coach hire, minibus, limousine along with BMW, Mercedes and other luxury cars can be hired with drivers, you will be collected from any address of your choice; self drive cars can be delivered at your hotel, home or address of your choice at no extra charge.

Article source: http://www.terence.co.za/addo-elephant-national-park-ca-rental/

Article source: http://www.myaddo.co.za/addo-elephant-national-park-ca-rental/

I have been travelling in Africa for over three decades. In that time, I have been on countless safaris; by Land Rover, on foot, by canoe and horseback, up and down mountains and valleys. The sense of wonder and appreciation of natural beauty has never left me. There are of course, certain animals which I prefer above all others. Some are large, very large and some small but all, for some reason or other, have endeared themselves towards me. I will start with the very large.

The African elephant is the poster boy for safaris. Huge and gracious, gentle and ferocious. I know he causes huge devastation wherever he goes. To eat one leaf on a branch, he will knock over and crush a century old tree. And he eats a lot. On average, an adult will consume 150 kilos a day of vegetation. I have come close to these animals in the bush; sometimes steering too close and having to beat a hasty retreat. A recent invitation to Addo Elephant Back Safari Lodge near Addo National Park in the Eastern Cape was a chance to satiate my decades long desire to touch and feel one in a natural setting.

Often in nature conservancy, there are moral debates. In this case, is this experience of going to ride on the back of an elephant little more than a circus outing by animals trained as performers? These arguments can never be won with each adversary tenaciously standing their ground. All I can say and write is that it was a wonderfully satisfying experience with no evidence that the elephants were stressed or distressed or were unhappy in any way. They roamed the natural, mountainous bush setting with a couple of flyweights on their backs, eating at will. There was no saddle and the handlers were mines of information about everything you ever wanted to know about elephants. Infact, that was one of the most satisfying aspects of the visit. The evident enthusiasm and love, yes, love, for their charges. We learnt a mine of information. An elephants trunk has 50000 muscles and can hold 17 litres of water. Ears act as vast fans to cool themselves down. The exterior of their skin was a very hard leather but the underside of their ears felt as soft as silk.

It is a difficult road to reach the lodge climbing the rocky Zuurberg Pass but that also is part of Africa; it should be never too easy. On arrival in this miniature Eden it is another story. The rooms are made out of canvas and wood perched on stilts with wide decks maximising the mountainous and bush views. Every comfort is catered for with spa baths and Hemingway safari inspired decoration. The public rooms and mess areas overlook a vast watering hole or communal bath for elephants if you prefer. No, this is no hardship and that is the other side of Africa; you are here to enjoy certain romantic comforts!

Driving back down the pass, you can take a more conventional if equally appealing safari in the Addo National Park, originally designed to conserve a heavily poached elephant population but for the sheer sensual pleasure of being up close and personal to these magnificent creatures, I could not recommend this experience strongly enough.

Addo Elephant Back Safari by Nicolas Edwards

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Article source: http://www.uyaphi.com/blog/addo-elephant-back-safari/

 

Addo Elephant National Park Car Rental. Book a car hire, coach, minibus, limousine, wedding luxury cars or VIP chauffeur drive services from in and around Addo Elephant National Park, car rental of your own choice according to your needs and budget. Book a minibus hire, mini van, coach hire, limousine, wedding luxury cars or a VIP chauffeur drive services, and for all your transportation needs, for any function or matric dance farewell. Reserve shuttle services, dinner or airport transfers or door to door transport for individual travellers and small or large groups now, whether for a party or conference delegates in a 3 seater sedans and a luxury minivans with seater of 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 and luxury coaches with seater of 21, 23, 28, 38, 40, 44, 48, 52, 59, 70 and a 60 seater semi luxury coaches.

Addo Elephant National Park car rentals are well equipped to serve your every need in the form of a brand new Mercedes, BMW or even an Audi as well as the usual cars for all your travel needs, and make your business or leisure trip simple and quick, or for self-drive to visit most of renown attraction sights, including a visit to game reserves or national parks across South Africa for you to discover the Big 5 and many more wildlife animals. Feel free to contact us for dinner or airport transfers, shuttle services and door to door transport for individual travellers and small or large groups, whether for party or a conference delegates in a 3 seater sedans and a luxury minivans with seater of 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 and luxury coaches with seater of 21, 23, 28, 38, 40, 44, 48, 52, 59, 70 and a 60 seater semi luxury coaches.

We have a great choice of car rental for all your needs, whether for compact and economy models for buzzing and explore places of interest. We are fully aware that you need a good service, a quick and easy process and high quality vehicles from bus hire provider, that is why our free delivery and collection service makes hiring a car or bus from us, quick and simple. If you are looking to celebrate, entertain someone or travel in style then car rentals can fulfil your dreams. A transport services will be provided for any function, or dinner a airport transfers, shuttles services and door to door trips, day and night for individual travellers and small or large groups, whether for a matric dance farewell, party or conference delegates. If you require transportation for any of the other cars, we will gladly accommodate your every need. Long and short term Addo Elephant National Park car rentals are available. All companies offer unlimited kilometre offers and fixed weekly, daily or weekend rates as well as monthly.

Extras include satellite phones, 3G internet cards, mobile phone handsets and sim cards so you can keep in touch with your relatives and friends. Baby seats will be provided and fitted with absolute pleasure. Cars can be dropped off and picked up anywhere in South Africa. Cross border authorisation can be arranged if you want to visit our neighbouring countries. Addo Elephant National Park Car Rentals has everything to meet your every need, catering for the fast paced business person to the relaxed holiday maker.

We offer car rental throughout South Africa at rates which suit your budget. We are a dedicated car hire provider; we offer brilliant value for money and reliable, personal service with every requirement. We ensure that you have a wonderful and stress free trip by providing you with everything you need for your car hire or any other Car Rental in South Africa. Feel free to contact us regarding special requests such as mobile phone rental or baby seats and a GPS system to help you navigate your way in and around, and many more. We will meet all your car hire requirements.

We ensure your business and leisure needs are met at all times by offering you a country wide Network of Branches and a selection of the best car hire vehicles, coaches, limousines, minibuses and VIP luxury cars at the cheapest prices possible. Whether you’re planning a holiday, a self-drive adventure, a wedding, a minibus or coach for conference delegates or going on a business trip, we will provide you a first-rate vehicle at a competitive and very affordable price. We are experts in finding any vehicle that suits your requirements quickly and cheaply and making sure that  every vehicle is perfectly suited to meet your every need. Minibuses traditionally come in 16 seater but have been known to come as 9, 12, 15 and 19 seater. So you can get a bus, which matches your group or party when you book with us for any function.

We offer cheap coach hire to all types of events. Whether you are looking for coaches to travel to a conference, or organising a wedding and require a large coach for any event or matric dance farewell, we have them all. Please contact us now for a quote. For group activities, try transport services in  Addo Elephant National Park which saves on parking and location finding. Whatever the size of your group for whatever event, we are here to be of assistance to you and meet your every need. We offer up to date and safe luxury coaches, limousines, VIP cars with a widest range of comfort facilities to make your business or leisure trip a complete pleasure. Coach hire, minibus, limousine along with BMW, Mercedes and other luxury cars can be hired with drivers, you will be collected from any address of your choice; self drive cars can be delivered at your hotel, home or address of your choice at no extra charge.

Article source: http://www.terence.co.za/addo-elephant-national-park-ca-rental/

 
I do hope that you all made this day very special for the “Dad’s” in your life.  Wynand and Nadia packed a picnic basket and picked us up early this morning to visit the Addo Elephant park.  We were very fortunate to see quite a number of elephants.  This photo was taken at the Hapoor water hole.

Pumba….up close and personal. (thanks to my Sigma zoom lens)

Lukie obviously spent the whole drive on his Oupa’s lap…and I love this clever photo that K took :-)

These two young bulls got a bit aggro with each other and it was so close to our car that I got a bit nervous.

I was amazed to see how they eat the thorny branches…thorns and all.

Nadia captured this photo…I love how clearly you can see the water dripping out of it’s mouth.

We came across a number of the huge African buffalo’s.

Lukie…looking very cool with his shades.

 The love of my life…the best daddy and Oupa that I know.

 This handsome youngest son of mine takes after his Daddy in the Best Dad department.  Love him to bits.

We had a lovely picnic at Jack’s picnic spot in the park.

 As I mentioned before…these two are inseparable.  He was not however going to smile for another photo.

So Oupa forced him….aren’t they too cute♥♥

I have been travelling in Africa for over three decades. In that time, I have been on countless safaris; by Land Rover, on foot, by canoe and horseback, up and down mountains and valleys. The sense of wonder and appreciation of natural beauty has never left me. There are of course, certain animals which I prefer above all others. Some are large, very large and some small but all, for some reason or other, have endeared themselves towards me. I will start with the very large.

The African elephant is the poster boy for safaris. Huge and gracious, gentle and ferocious. I know he causes huge devastation wherever he goes. To eat one leaf on a branch, he will knock over and crush a century old tree. And he eats a lot. On average, an adult will consume 150 kilos a day of vegetation. I have come close to these animals in the bush; sometimes steering too close and having to beat a hasty retreat. A recent invitation to Addo Elephant Back Safari Lodge near Addo National Park in the Eastern Cape was a chance to satiate my decades long desire to touch and feel one in a natural setting.

Often in nature conservancy, there are moral debates. In this case, is this experience of going to ride on the back of an elephant little more than a circus outing by animals trained as performers? These arguments can never be won with each adversary tenaciously standing their ground. All I can say and write is that it was a wonderfully satisfying experience with no evidence that the elephants were stressed or distressed or were unhappy in any way. They roamed the natural, mountainous bush setting with a couple of flyweights on their backs, eating at will. There was no saddle and the handlers were mines of information about everything you ever wanted to know about elephants. Infact, that was one of the most satisfying aspects of the visit. The evident enthusiasm and love, yes, love, for their charges. We learnt a mine of information. An elephants trunk has 50000 muscles and can hold 17 litres of water. Ears act as vast fans to cool themselves down. The exterior of their skin was a very hard leather but the underside of their ears felt as soft as silk.

It is a difficult road to reach the lodge climbing the rocky Zuurberg Pass but that also is part of Africa; it should be never too easy. On arrival in this miniature Eden it is another story. The rooms are made out of canvas and wood perched on stilts with wide decks maximising the mountainous and bush views. Every comfort is catered for with spa baths and Hemingway safari inspired decoration. The public rooms and mess areas overlook a vast watering hole or communal bath for elephants if you prefer. No, this is no hardship and that is the other side of Africa; you are here to enjoy certain romantic comforts!

Driving back down the pass, you can take a more conventional if equally appealing safari in the Addo National Park, originally designed to conserve a heavily poached elephant population but for the sheer sensual pleasure of being up close and personal to these magnificent creatures, I could not recommend this experience strongly enough.

Addo Elephant Back Safari by Nicolas Edwards

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Addo Elephant National Park Car Rental. Book a car hire, coach, minibus, limousine, wedding luxury cars or VIP chauffeur drive services from in and around Addo Elephant National Park, car rental of your own choice according to your needs and budget. Book a minibus hire, mini van, coach hire, limousine, wedding luxury cars or a VIP chauffeur drive services, and for all your transportation needs, for any function or matric dance farewell. Reserve shuttle services, dinner or airport transfers or door to door transport for individual travellers and small or large groups now, whether for a party or conference delegates in a 3 seater sedans and a luxury minivans with seater of 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 and luxury coaches with seater of 21, 23, 28, 38, 40, 44, 48, 52, 59, 70 and a 60 seater semi luxury coaches.

Addo Elephant National Park car rentals are well equipped to serve your every need in the form of a brand new Mercedes, BMW or even an Audi as well as the usual cars for all your travel needs, and make your business or leisure trip simple and quick, or for self-drive to visit most of renown attraction sights, including a visit to game reserves or national parks across South Africa for you to discover the Big 5 and many more wildlife animals. Feel free to contact us for dinner or airport transfers, shuttle services and door to door transport for individual travellers and small or large groups, whether for party or a conference delegates in a 3 seater sedans and a luxury minivans with seater of 7, 10, 13, 16, 19 and luxury coaches with seater of 21, 23, 28, 38, 40, 44, 48, 52, 59, 70 and a 60 seater semi luxury coaches.

We have a great choice of car rental for all your needs, whether for compact and economy models for buzzing and explore places of interest. We are fully aware that you need a good service, a quick and easy process and high quality vehicles from bus hire provider, that is why our free delivery and collection service makes hiring a car or bus from us, quick and simple. If you are looking to celebrate, entertain someone or travel in style then car rentals can fulfil your dreams. A transport services will be provided for any function, or dinner a airport transfers, shuttles services and door to door trips, day and night for individual travellers and small or large groups, whether for a matric dance farewell, party or conference delegates. If you require transportation for any of the other cars, we will gladly accommodate your every need. Long and short term Addo Elephant National Park car rentals are available. All companies offer unlimited kilometre offers and fixed weekly, daily or weekend rates as well as monthly.

Extras include satellite phones, 3G internet cards, mobile phone handsets and sim cards so you can keep in touch with your relatives and friends. Baby seats will be provided and fitted with absolute pleasure. Cars can be dropped off and picked up anywhere in South Africa. Cross border authorisation can be arranged if you want to visit our neighbouring countries. Addo Elephant National Park Car Rentals has everything to meet your every need, catering for the fast paced business person to the relaxed holiday maker.

We offer car rental throughout South Africa at rates which suit your budget. We are a dedicated car hire provider; we offer brilliant value for money and reliable, personal service with every requirement. We ensure that you have a wonderful and stress free trip by providing you with everything you need for your car hire or any other Car Rental in South Africa. Feel free to contact us regarding special requests such as mobile phone rental or baby seats and a GPS system to help you navigate your way in and around, and many more. We will meet all your car hire requirements.

We ensure your business and leisure needs are met at all times by offering you a country wide Network of Branches and a selection of the best car hire vehicles, coaches, limousines, minibuses and VIP luxury cars at the cheapest prices possible. Whether you’re planning a holiday, a self-drive adventure, a wedding, a minibus or coach for conference delegates or going on a business trip, we will provide you a first-rate vehicle at a competitive and very affordable price. We are experts in finding any vehicle that suits your requirements quickly and cheaply and making sure that  every vehicle is perfectly suited to meet your every need. Minibuses traditionally come in 16 seater but have been known to come as 9, 12, 15 and 19 seater. So you can get a bus, which matches your group or party when you book with us for any function.

We offer cheap coach hire to all types of events. Whether you are looking for coaches to travel to a conference, or organising a wedding and require a large coach for any event or matric dance farewell, we have them all. Please contact us now for a quote. For group activities, try transport services in  Addo Elephant National Park which saves on parking and location finding. Whatever the size of your group for whatever event, we are here to be of assistance to you and meet your every need. We offer up to date and safe luxury coaches, limousines, VIP cars with a widest range of comfort facilities to make your business or leisure trip a complete pleasure. Coach hire, minibus, limousine along with BMW, Mercedes and other luxury cars can be hired with drivers, you will be collected from any address of your choice; self drive cars can be delivered at your hotel, home or address of your choice at no extra charge.

On the 4th April 2012 we posted a Blog which referred to the extensive poaching of Rhino’s in Southern Africa.

Since then the numbers and statistics have become even worse…and 394 Rhino’s have been poached already in 2013!!

The announcement that Rhino’s are now considered extinct in Mozambique is something that has shocked us all.

To read more about this serious problem have a look at this Link:

www.uniteagainstpoaching.co.za

You can help spread the word as well….Share the image on this Link on Facebook, open the Link and click Like to register your Vote. This evocative image was taken by our resident photographer.

RAISE RHINO POACHING AWARENESS (Just Click on this…it will take you to the Image)

I have been travelling in Africa for over three decades. In that time, I have been on countless safaris; by Land Rover, on foot, by canoe and horseback, up and down mountains and valleys. The sense of wonder and appreciation of natural beauty has never left me. There are of course, certain animals which I prefer above all others. Some are large, very large and some small but all, for some reason or other, have endeared themselves towards me. I will start with the very large.

The African elephant is the poster boy for safaris. Huge and gracious, gentle and ferocious. I know he causes huge devastation wherever he goes. To eat one leaf on a branch, he will knock over and crush a century old tree. And he eats a lot. On average, an adult will consume 150 kilos a day of vegetation. I have come close to these animals in the bush; sometimes steering too close and having to beat a hasty retreat. A recent invitation to Addo Elephant Back Safari Lodge near Addo National Park in the Eastern Cape was a chance to satiate my decades long desire to touch and feel one in a natural setting.

Often in nature conservancy, there are moral debates. In this case, is this experience of going to ride on the back of an elephant little more than a circus outing by animals trained as performers? These arguments can never be won with each adversary tenaciously standing their ground. All I can say and write is that it was a wonderfully satisfying experience with no evidence that the elephants were stressed or distressed or were unhappy in any way. They roamed the natural, mountainous bush setting with a couple of flyweights on their backs, eating at will. There was no saddle and the handlers were mines of information about everything you ever wanted to know about elephants. Infact, that was one of the most satisfying aspects of the visit. The evident enthusiasm and love, yes, love, for their charges. We learnt a mine of information. An elephants trunk has 50000 muscles and can hold 17 litres of water. Ears act as vast fans to cool themselves down. The exterior of their skin was a very hard leather but the underside of their ears felt as soft as silk.

It is a difficult road to reach the lodge climbing the rocky Zuurberg Pass but that also is part of Africa; it should be never too easy. On arrival in this miniature Eden it is another story. The rooms are made out of canvas and wood perched on stilts with wide decks maximising the mountainous and bush views. Every comfort is catered for with spa baths and Hemingway safari inspired decoration. The public rooms and mess areas overlook a vast watering hole or communal bath for elephants if you prefer. No, this is no hardship and that is the other side of Africa; you are here to enjoy certain romantic comforts!

Driving back down the pass, you can take a more conventional if equally appealing safari in the Addo National Park, originally designed to conserve a heavily poached elephant population but for the sheer sensual pleasure of being up close and personal to these magnificent creatures, I could not recommend this experience strongly enough.

Addo Elephant Back Safari by Nicolas Edwards

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Article source: http://www.uyaphi.com/blog/addo-elephant-back-safari/

Day 200 – 201, February 17 – 18, 2013

After checking out of the Antlers Lodge, we continued heading east on the Garden Route, periodically stopping for pictures along the way.  Our destination was the Aardvark Guest House, located 73 km north of Port Elizabeth.   We were excited about this upcoming stay as we were meeting up with friends of ours from Jacksonville.  Don, Beth, Alex, and Taylor had just moved to South Africa a few weeks ago.  Feeling called to serve as volunteers in this part of the world, they gave up their lives in Jacksonville for a radically different one in East London, South Africa, working with the people of the Mzamomhle township.  We plan to stay with the Chins for a few days in East London, but we’ve decided to meet up here at Addo and explore the reserve together.  They drove in from East London and arrived shortly after us.  We had a lot of fun sitting in the back yard of the guesthouse catching up.  In the morning we headed to our scheduled game drive in the park.  Although it is called Addo Elephant Park, they actually have many species of animals here, including the Big 5 (rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, and buffalo).

We saw a great number of animals while on the drive, but the most impressive were, indeed, the elephants.  Parked near a water hole, we watched dozens of elephants come in for a drink, bath, or playful swim.  Many of the elephants had babies and the herd was quite protective of the little ones.  Our guide pointed out a jackal near the herd who seemed to be eating the afterbirth of a recently born elephant.  The guide then spotted the newborn and drove us around off the road and behind the tree where we were able to watch this baby, probably no more than an hour old, nursing from his mother for the first time.  It was a truly awesome experience.

After the guided tour, we decided to drive our own cars through the park before hitting the road for East London.  We asked a guide if there had been any lion sightings, and he told us a location where some had been spotted early in the day.  We drove around and spotted several animals.  When we reached the location that the guide had mentioned, sure enough, there were some lions lying under a tree, very close to the road –  a proud, strong lioness and a male with a glorious mane.  What a sight!

I have been travelling in Africa for over three decades. In that time, I have been on countless safaris; by Land Rover, on foot, by canoe and horseback, up and down mountains and valleys. The sense of wonder and appreciation of natural beauty has never left me. There are of course, certain animals which I prefer above all others. Some are large, very large and some small but all, for some reason or other, have endeared themselves towards me. I will start with the very large.

The African elephant is the poster boy for safaris. Huge and gracious, gentle and ferocious. I know he causes huge devastation wherever he goes. To eat one leaf on a branch, he will knock over and crush a century old tree. And he eats a lot. On average, an adult will consume 150 kilos a day of vegetation. I have come close to these animals in the bush; sometimes steering too close and having to beat a hasty retreat. A recent invitation to Addo Elephant Back Safari Lodge near Addo National Park in the Eastern Cape was a chance to satiate my decades long desire to touch and feel one in a natural setting.

Often in nature conservancy, there are moral debates. In this case, is this experience of going to ride on the back of an elephant little more than a circus outing by animals trained as performers? These arguments can never be won with each adversary tenaciously standing their ground. All I can say and write is that it was a wonderfully satisfying experience with no evidence that the elephants were stressed or distressed or were unhappy in any way. They roamed the natural, mountainous bush setting with a couple of flyweights on their backs, eating at will. There was no saddle and the handlers were mines of information about everything you ever wanted to know about elephants. Infact, that was one of the most satisfying aspects of the visit. The evident enthusiasm and love, yes, love, for their charges. We learnt a mine of information. An elephants trunk has 50000 muscles and can hold 17 litres of water. Ears act as vast fans to cool themselves down. The exterior of their skin was a very hard leather but the underside of their ears felt as soft as silk.

It is a difficult road to reach the lodge climbing the rocky Zuurberg Pass but that also is part of Africa; it should be never too easy. On arrival in this miniature Eden it is another story. The rooms are made out of canvas and wood perched on stilts with wide decks maximising the mountainous and bush views. Every comfort is catered for with spa baths and Hemingway safari inspired decoration. The public rooms and mess areas overlook a vast watering hole or communal bath for elephants if you prefer. No, this is no hardship and that is the other side of Africa; you are here to enjoy certain romantic comforts!

Driving back down the pass, you can take a more conventional if equally appealing safari in the Addo National Park, originally designed to conserve a heavily poached elephant population but for the sheer sensual pleasure of being up close and personal to these magnificent creatures, I could not recommend this experience strongly enough.

Addo Elephant Back Safari by Nicolas Edwards

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I absolutely love Addo Elephant Park – one of the best places in South Africa to see beautiful elephants. Sometimes you have to be patient, but believe me it is worth a trip to this amazing park. Travis Caulfield

Article source: http://traviscaulfield2.wordpress.com/2013/05/15/addo-elephant-park-travis-caulfield/

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Video footage of an inebriated tourist lunging out of his car and charging a wild elephant at South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park caused an uproar on Monday.

The footage, posted on wildlife site Latest Sightings (www.latestsightings.com), showed the unidentified man charging towards the startled animal.

With friends cheering and encouraging him, the man runs towards the elephant, falls to the ground but gets up again and bolts in the direction of the animal.

“Run at him right now, run,” a voice of a fellow tourist is heard over the footage, which appeared to have been filmed by his colleagues.

The elephant initially swings its trunk towards the man, but soon makes its escape.

The man returns to his cheering friends.

Latest Sightings said on its Facebook page that it received the video at the weekend but it was unclear when the incident occurred.

Wild animals in the two-million-hectare park sometimes attack visitors and elephants have been known to overturn the cars of sightseers.

The park’s officials were not immediately reachable for comment, although wildlife advocates called for charges to be levelled against the tourist.

Copyright (2013) AFP. All rights reserved.

This article was distributed through the NewsCred Smartwire.
Original article © Agence France Presse 2013

I absolutely love Addo Elephant Park – one of the best places in South Africa to see beautiful elephants. Sometimes you have to be patient, but believe me it is worth a trip to this amazing park. Travis Caulfield

We have said it before, and no doubt we will say it again, but one of the things which makes our Guides job such a pleasure is when the younger generation come and stay at River Bend with their parents….and bring with them their unbridled and boundless enthusiasm.

We experienced this again last week when the Hamiltons, from Franschhoek in the Western Cape came to stay. Nick and Anna Hamilton brought along their 3 boys, Jamie, Sam and Luc. Mikey Mouton, their Guide was amazed at their enthusiastic participation and interest in all he had to show them. Perhaps I am a little biased but I was also blown away by the passion of 11 year old Jamie’s for Photography.

The boys returned excitedly from each drive with a list of animals that they saw, and Jamie has very kindly allowed me to share some of the Photographs he took whilst out on Drive…and one in the Lodge garden!

Warthog, Lions, Elephants, Kudu, Ostrich, Waterbuck, Red Hartebeest, Zebra, Duiker, Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Scrub Hare, Giraffe, Buffalo, Caracal, Porcupine, Spotted Genet et al

Article source: http://riverbendaddo.blogspot.com/2013/05/some-more-of-what-we-love-at-river-bend.html

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Today we visited the Addo National park which is full of wonderful animals in their natural habitat. We saw about 100 elephants in all! A really fun day out. This trip is included in the price of our Jeffrey’s Bay surfing holiday. Article source: http://globalsurfadventures.co.uk/2013/05/amazing-addo-elephant-park/ Article source: http://www.myaddo.co.za/amazing-addo-elephant-park/

Port Elizabeth Budget Accommodation

Go to:My Addo

We have said it before, and no doubt we will say it again, but one of the things which makes our Guides job such a pleasure is when the younger generation come and stay at River Bend with their parents….and bring with them their unbridled and boundless enthusiasm.

We experienced this again last week when the Hamiltons, from Franschhoek in the Western Cape came to stay. Nick and Anna Hamilton brought along their 3 boys, Jamie, Sam and Luc. Mikey Mouton, their Guide was amazed at their enthusiastic participation and interest in all he had to show them. Perhaps I am a little biased but I was also blown away by the passion of 11 year old Jamie’s for Photography.

The boys returned excitedly from each drive with a list of animals that they saw, and Jamie has very kindly allowed me to share some of the Photographs he took whilst out on Drive…and one in the Lodge garden!

Warthog, Lions, Elephants, Kudu, Ostrich, Waterbuck, Red Hartebeest, Zebra, Duiker, Baboons, Vervet Monkeys, Scrub Hare, Giraffe, Buffalo, Caracal, Porcupine, Spotted Genet et al

The sky shone with a crisp dawn as we made our way out of camp at 6am. We were heading south, to a watering hole where we’d seen a lioness sleeping the day before. When we got there, sadly there were no lions in sight. Instead there was something even more special: A small herd of elephant with a tiny calf in their midst. It couldn’t have been very old, as it was still a little wobbly and playfully discombobulated in its movements.

At first the herd eye’d us wearily and ushered the little one into their midst. The mother drank quietly glancing at us occasionally, while the two older babysitters stood guard. We kept our distance and parked the car on the side of the road, switching off the engine. This was too good a sighting to move on, and as we were the only vehicle, there was no reason not to sit back and enjoy.

Eventually the baby elephant wriggled out from the centre and the rest of the herd relaxed at our presence. What followed next was a wonderful insight into how these majestic pachyderms operate as a family unit. The older elephants raised their trunks and the calf mimicked as if playing a game of Simon says. It was almost as though the calf was discovering its trunk for the first time. In no time it was madly flinging it’s trunk around in circles as if to say: “Wheeee! Let’s see what this thing can do!” I could imagine the teenage elephants rolling their eyes “Kids!!” Yet they patiently played along.  Perhaps they too remembered what it was like to be discovering new things for the first time.

Seemingly bored of the game the calf moved back to its mother where it watched and then perfectly copied bringing up slurpfull’s of water to its mouth.  It was incredible to watch the lessons being patiently taught by the elders. The matriarch then moved off and in perfect obedience the baby elephant calf and rest of the herd followed. We were sad to see them go, but what a magical start to the day.

Article source: http://www.firecloudadventures.com/2013/01/addo-elephant-dawn-sighting/

The sky shone with a crisp dawn as we made our way out of camp at 6am. We were heading south, to a watering hole where we’d seen a lioness sleeping the day before. When we got there, sadly there were no lions in sight. Instead there was something even more special: A small herd of elephant with a tiny calf in their midst. It couldn’t have been very old, as it was still a little wobbly and playfully discombobulated in its movements.

At first the herd eye’d us wearily and ushered the little one into their midst. The mother drank quietly glancing at us occasionally, while the two older babysitters stood guard. We kept our distance and parked the car on the side of the road, switching off the engine. This was too good a sighting to move on, and as we were the only vehicle, there was no reason not to sit back and enjoy.

Eventually the baby elephant wriggled out from the centre and the rest of the herd relaxed at our presence. What followed next was a wonderful insight into how these majestic pachyderms operate as a family unit. The older elephants raised their trunks and the calf mimicked as if playing a game of Simon says. It was almost as though the calf was discovering its trunk for the first time. In no time it was madly flinging it’s trunk around in circles as if to say: “Wheeee! Let’s see what this thing can do!” I could imagine the teenage elephants rolling their eyes “Kids!!” Yet they patiently played along.  Perhaps they too remembered what it was like to be discovering new things for the first time.

Seemingly bored of the game the calf moved back to its mother where it watched and then perfectly copied bringing up slurpfull’s of water to its mouth.  It was incredible to watch the lessons being patiently taught by the elders. The matriarch then moved off and in perfect obedience the baby elephant calf and rest of the herd followed. We were sad to see them go, but what a magical start to the day.

We were in Addo about a month back and we loved it! The only disappointing part was that we didn’t stay in the actual park… because we booked too late and the elephant park is that popular that you have to book way in advance to get a spot… so we lucked out, BUT we did stay in the lovely Avoca River Cabins and enjoyed every minute of it.

We drove up to the Addo Elephant park early one morning (20 min from our guesthouse) and spent hours driving around looking at all the amazing wildlife, It was quite something actually.

Check out who crossed our path along the way….

We will be going back, and it will be soon and we will stay in the Addo Elephant Park… in a cabin that overlooks the watering hole

See you again soon Addo
xxx

Addo, about half an hours drive from Port Elizabeth (in South Africa’s Eastern Cape), is a spectacular place to spend a few days.  We chose to stay in the main camp, which has different self-catering units and provided everything we could need.  There was even a bit of peaceful buffalo snoring at night to remind us exactly where we were.  There is super game viewing, beautiful scenery and, if you get up early enough, the opportunity to find wonderful secluded spots.  The relatively basic self-catering option is a great alternative to the more expensive private reserves of the area. 

 

Today we visited the Addo National park which is full of wonderful animals in their natural habitat. We saw about 100 elephants in all! A really fun day out. This trip is included in the price of our Jeffrey’s Bay surfing holiday.

Article source: http://globalsurfadventures.co.uk/2013/05/amazing-addo-elephant-park/