MyAddo
Addo and Kirkwood Accommodation
Azonic, on 07 May 2013 – 03:23 , said:
Won’t be going to that side of Addo. More on the Kirkwood/Janselville side.
More marathon style racing.
OK. So it will be your standard “kerk bazaar” gravel road race. Nice training for Transbaviaans guys.
Good marathons have singletrack as well, at least 30%.
Edited by Brian Fantana, Yesterday, 15:55.
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.
Our second game viewing trip, this time from Port Elizabeth to Addo Elephant Park, which came highly recommended by Annie and Ann. And we weren’t disappointed. Unlike Tala, this is a government reserve, so they have strict rules about not importing any animals that aren’t native to this exact habitat, and they don’t allow even 4x4s to drive off road except on designated paths, so we were warned it might be difficult to get close to any wildlife. Plus it’s an area of 200,000 hectares, so plenty of room to hide!
But we were lucky and after about an hour driving around, we came across a solitary elephant, probably thrown out of the herd by the matriarch for bad behaviour, according to the ranger, flanked by a couple of ostriches. There are 500 elephants in the park, as well as various antelope, black rhino, red hartebeests and even 9 lions. We weren’t expecting to see those as they hide somewhere cool in the day, but we did go on to see a small herd of elephants, a mother and her calf, and 3 males, that came right up to the jeep and even blocked our way along the road for a while. So plenty of photo opportunities!
Addo elephants are a sub-species of African elephant, slightly smaller (tho still pretty huge!) and with a reddish brown hide. We felt very safe in our 4×4 but there were a few visitors in small cars who must have felt quite vulnerable when the big bull was passing close by. He looked ready for anything.
So we’ve now seen 3 of the Big Five – rhino, elephants, buffalo, but no lion or leopard. So we’ll have to make another trip!
Not much else to say about Port Elizabeth as we only saw it from the coach, but we did pass a township, the most recently constructed part of which looks ok – brick built by the government – but as you move further to the outskirts you see the ad hoc homes built out of whatever comes to hand – tin sheets, tyres, cardboard. And no facilities or sanitation. But it’s much worse outside bigger cities, especially Johannesburg, and no government building can keep pace with the migration into South Africa. What’s the answer??
Township
Article source: http://carolandsamgetaway.wordpress.com/2013/04/16/april-8th-addo-elephant-park/
Our second game viewing trip, this time from Port Elizabeth to Addo Elephant Park, which came highly recommended by Annie and Ann. And we weren’t disappointed. Unlike Tala, this is a government reserve, so they have strict rules about not importing any animals that aren’t native to this exact habitat, and they don’t allow even 4x4s to drive off road except on designated paths, so we were warned it might be difficult to get close to any wildlife. Plus it’s an area of 200,000 hectares, so plenty of room to hide!
But we were lucky and after about an hour driving around, we came across a solitary elephant, probably thrown out of the herd by the matriarch for bad behaviour, according to the ranger, flanked by a couple of ostriches. There are 500 elephants in the park, as well as various antelope, black rhino, red hartebeests and even 9 lions. We weren’t expecting to see those as they hide somewhere cool in the day, but we did go on to see a small herd of elephants, a mother and her calf, and 3 males, that came right up to the jeep and even blocked our way along the road for a while. So plenty of photo opportunities!
Addo elephants are a sub-species of African elephant, slightly smaller (tho still pretty huge!) and with a reddish brown hide. We felt very safe in our 4×4 but there were a few visitors in small cars who must have felt quite vulnerable when the big bull was passing close by. He looked ready for anything.
So we’ve now seen 3 of the Big Five – rhino, elephants, buffalo, but no lion or leopard. So we’ll have to make another trip!
Not much else to say about Port Elizabeth as we only saw it from the coach, but we did pass a township, the most recently constructed part of which looks ok – brick built by the government – but as you move further to the outskirts you see the ad hoc homes built out of whatever comes to hand – tin sheets, tyres, cardboard. And no facilities or sanitation. But it’s much worse outside bigger cities, especially Johannesburg, and no government building can keep pace with the migration into South Africa. What’s the answer??
Township
On our Blog yesterday I wrote about the behaviour of part of the Elephant herd on Monday evening, and what we thought the reason for this behaviour was. I am pleased to say we guessed correctly. This is a short account of some time spent with some of the herd this afternoon.
At around 2 pm I noticed a herd of Buffalo wandering across an open area near the Lodge and, sensing a photo opportunity, I rushed out. Whilst watching the Buffalo I also noticed a small family group of about 15 Elephants on the plain to the west of the Lodge. There had to be a reason that this group was not with the main herd! Could it be that Monday’s newborn calf still needed to be on less strenuous terrain……? I hoped ….maybe fortune would smile on me and I would get a clear shot of the calf where the grass was short enough and there weren’t too many of the family group around. I’ve tried this before….many times, never with much success. The newborns are always sandwiched between the mother and one of her older calves.
Driving very slowly, I rounded a bend….and this was my first sighting!
Article source: http://riverbendaddo.blogspot.com/2013/04/what-fuss-was-all-about-newborn.html
River Bend Lodge is a mere 55 minutes’ drive from Port Elizabeth and is an ideal malaria-free safari addition to a Garden Route holiday. Personalised game drives are led by enthusiastic and experienced guides, who will ensure you have a truly memorable safari experience.
Article source: http://riverbendaddo.blogspot.com/2013/04/elephant-behaviour-observedat-river.html
76 km and 44km trails to keep you on your toes…
Elephants do not traditionally make good joggers. As far as running is concerned, these beautiful beasts tend to take it easy, with the occasional moment of ferocious sprinting, trumpeting and ear flapping.
Article source: http://www.whatsupsport.co/239/trail-running/eastern-cape-addo-elephant-marathon/
While to the purist, Addo may be viewed as a tourist trap, this in fact works to the visitors benefit as the wildlife is so habituated to the presence of vehicles, that you are guaranteed close encounters with wildlife of the kind that won’t have the family car insurer chewing his knuckles.
While the leopard may still be my technical answer to the question: “what is your favourite animal?”, the animals I most enjoy watching are the world’s biggest land mammal – African Elephants (Loxodonta africana).
Elephants Kiss
Elephant shower
Greeting the dawn
Tourists get excited by the presence of a wild elephant at the Domkrag Dam lookout point
A breeding herd of elephant raise clouds of dust on their approach to a drinking hole
Baby elephants are just too cute
The early morning riser is sure to catch glimpses of Black-backed Jackal heading home after a night out
Kudu seem to be the most common antelope in the park
Although I hate to end this article on a gripe – I do have to warn prospective overnighters to the Park that the campsite is one of the worst of any – SANParks or otherwise – I have visited. Ablution facilities are fine, but the 10 campsites are at the back end of the otherwise spacious caravan area in what can only be described as a cul-de-sac alleyway. Camp spots are tiny – no more than 4×4 meters, have no view, and subject to noise pollution from the nearby trainline, passing vehicles and other park residents – the tented camp on the one side hosting drunken Germans singing ‘Buffalo Soldier’ all night, and I was kept awake by snoring residents of the camp itself on the second night. To round it all off, on attempting to check out the conversation with the receptionist when something like this:
Receptionist “All I need is your key”
AL: “I was camping”
Receptionist “Ah the tented camp…”
AL “No, in my own tent”
Receptionist: Pause to register that they have a campsite. “O, you can just go.”
AL: Thinks “What did I do wrong?!”
There is a lot of secondary tourism that has grown up around the park, and there are accommodation options between Addo and Kirkwood to suit all tastes, as well as a variety of other entertainment and eating options. The only benefit of staying in the park is one is given a 30 minute head start on the opening times at the gate. When the target animals are elephants, this is meaningless, but it does enhance the feeling of being in the wild a bit more in the early morning compared to later on when one has to deal with increasing volumes of vehicle traffic.
After all that you may be tempted to ask if I’ll be going again. The answer is a whole-hearted YES. Watching elephants is exciting, mesmerising, and tonic for the soul. They are the epitomy of the magnificence of the African megafauna. The tuskless females are a reminder of human ruthlessness as we continue to exterminate hundreds for ivory, and at the same time the elephant’s continued presence is a symbol of hope of how humans also care and desire to save and protect the victims of our conquest of the planet. Long may the Elephants of Addo send their rumbles across the plains of Africa.
Article source: http://bluehillescape.blogspot.com/2013/04/awesome-elephants-in-addo-elephant.html
Apr 07
Situated in a malaria free area just one hour’s drive from the South African coastal city of Port Elizabeth, the magnificently diverse Addo Elephant Park offers a wide variety of game viewing, outdoor adventure, accommodation and cultural experiences. You will be amazed at the variety of South Africa Wildlife that can be experienced in one easily accessible destination.
The obvious main attraction of the Addo Elephant Park is the park’s 350 or so African Elephants. The Black Rhino and Cape Buffalo are also notable species, but unlike the elephant, these species are easier to see by night. Visitors should also look out for the flightless dung beetle, a species unique to the Addo region and that feeds on the faeces of the large ungulates. There are also many other large herbivores, particularly antelope species such as kudu, eland, red hartebeest and springbok.
It’s easy to travel around South Africa with several low-cost airlines operating throughout the country and excellent roads which makes it convenient to rent a car.
Take a weekend break anywhere in South Africa with our all inclusive weekend rates.
Please note that the rental must be for two days or more.
Our weekend rates start at:
R205 per day for a group A (ECMR).**
Rates includes super theft and damage waivers, airport surcharge, tourism levy and 100 Kilometres FREE per day
NEW SYSTEM ERADICATING FRAUD IN THE CAR HIRE INDUSTRY
The car hire industry has been a victim of credit card and driver’s license fraud for far too long, resulting in millions of rands worth of lost revenue and assets every year. Yet, with the implementation of the AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences), legislation responsible for the demerit system in South Africa, companies such as Hertz Car Hire enjoy increased protection against fraud leaving their vehicles, and bottom line, intact.
“He was well-dressed and professional, requesting a quotation for the rental of a BMW, thinking nothing of it I scanned his license. The Hilts system immediately showed up with a red screen alerting me that the customer’s driver’s license was not in order. After turning him down, he disappeared without an explanation. I can’t help but believe that it was only due to our new ‘policeman’ that we did not lose a high-level Group F vehicle,” relays one Hertz employee.
The new system implemented by Hertz Car Hire is not only easy to use, portable and low maintenance but is also highly beneficial to Hertz and the industry as a whole.
Reading off the bar-coded driver’s license, the system is able to retrieve the correct information including the date of license issue, expiry date, country it was issued in and the type of vehicle the client is licensed to drive. Should there be any offenses linked to the driver, or if the license has expired, the system immediately displays a red alert warning the organisation that the driver is not fit to rent the vehicle.
If the scanner is unable to read the bar-code at all, the card can be assumed to be fraudulent and the relevant authorities and internal risk department is informed. A further invaluable feature of the system is the display of the original photo of the driver; thereby one is able to immediately identify the driver and is alerted of tampering and fraudulent changes to the license card.
The scanners are definitely working for Hertz! Due to the high-level of security afforded with this simple scanning system, the company enjoys a substantial decrease in the risk of fraud which is not only beneficial to Hertz and the car rental industry – but to the safety of South Africans in general.
Article source: http://car-hire-rental-portelizabeth.co.za/addo-elephant-park/
While to the purist, Addo may be viewed as a tourist trap, this in fact works to the visitors benefit as the wildlife is so habituated to the presence of vehicles, that you are guaranteed close encounters with wildlife of the kind that won’t have the family car insurer chewing his knuckles.
While the leopard may still be my technical answer to the question: “what is your favourite animal?”, the animals I most enjoy watching are the world’s biggest land mammal – African Elephants (Loxodonta africana).
Elephants Kiss
Elephant shower
Greeting the dawn
Tourists get excited by the presence of a wild elephant at the Domkrag Dam lookout point
A breeding herd of elephant raise clouds of dust on their approach to a drinking hole
Baby elephants are just too cute
The early morning riser is sure to catch glimpses of Black-backed Jackal heading home after a night out
Kudu seem to be the most common antelope in the park
Although I hate to end this article on a gripe – I do have to warn prospective overnighters to the Park that the campsite is one of the worst of any – SANParks or otherwise – I have visited. Ablution facilities are fine, but the 10 campsites are at the back end of the otherwise spacious caravan area in what can only be described as a cul-de-sac alleyway. Camp spots are tiny – no more than 4×4 meters, have no view, and subject to noise pollution from the nearby trainline, passing vehicles and other park residents – the tented camp on the one side hosting drunken Germans singing ‘Buffalo Soldier’ all night, and I was kept awake by snoring residents of the camp itself on the second night. To round it all off, on attempting to check out the conversation with the receptionist when something like this:
Receptionist “All I need is your key”
AL: “I was camping”
Receptionist “Ah the tented camp…”
AL “No, in my own tent”
Receptionist: Pause to register that they have a campsite. “O, you can just go.”
AL: Thinks “What did I do wrong?!”
There is a lot of secondary tourism that has grown up around the park, and there are accommodation options between Addo and Kirkwood to suit all tastes, as well as a variety of other entertainment and eating options. The only benefit of staying in the park is one is given a 30 minute head start on the opening times at the gate. When the target animals are elephants, this is meaningless, but it does enhance the feeling of being in the wild a bit more in the early morning compared to later on when one has to deal with increasing volumes of vehicle traffic.
After all that you may be tempted to ask if I’ll be going again. The answer is a whole-hearted YES. Watching elephants is exciting, mesmerising, and tonic for the soul. They are the epitomy of the magnificence of the African megafauna. The tuskless females are a reminder of human ruthlessness as we continue to exterminate hundreds for ivory, and at the same time the elephant’s continued presence is a symbol of hope of how humans also care and desire to save and protect the victims of our conquest of the planet. Long may the Elephants of Addo send their rumbles across the plains of Africa.
River Bend Lodge is a mere 55 minutes’ drive from Port Elizabeth and is an ideal malaria-free safari addition to a Garden Route holiday. Personalised game drives are led by enthusiastic and experienced guides, who will ensure you have a truly memorable safari experience.
On our Blog yesterday I wrote about the behaviour of part of the Elephant herd on Monday evening, and what we thought the reason for this behaviour was. I am pleased to say we guessed correctly. This is a short account of some time spent with some of the herd this afternoon.
At around 2 pm I noticed a herd of Buffalo wandering across an open area near the Lodge and, sensing a photo opportunity, I rushed out. Whilst watching the Buffalo I also noticed a small family group of about 15 Elephants on the plain to the west of the Lodge. There had to be a reason that this group was not with the main herd! Could it be that Monday’s newborn calf still needed to be on less strenuous terrain……? I hoped ….maybe fortune would smile on me and I would get a clear shot of the calf where the grass was short enough and there weren’t too many of the family group around. I’ve tried this before….many times, never with much success. The newborns are always sandwiched between the mother and one of her older calves.
Driving very slowly, I rounded a bend….and this was my first sighting!
Apr 07
Situated in a malaria free area just one hour’s drive from the South African coastal city of Port Elizabeth, the magnificently diverse Addo Elephant Park offers a wide variety of game viewing, outdoor adventure, accommodation and cultural experiences. You will be amazed at the variety of South Africa Wildlife that can be experienced in one easily accessible destination.
The obvious main attraction of the Addo Elephant Park is the park’s 350 or so African Elephants. The Black Rhino and Cape Buffalo are also notable species, but unlike the elephant, these species are easier to see by night. Visitors should also look out for the flightless dung beetle, a species unique to the Addo region and that feeds on the faeces of the large ungulates. There are also many other large herbivores, particularly antelope species such as kudu, eland, red hartebeest and springbok.
It’s easy to travel around South Africa with several low-cost airlines operating throughout the country and excellent roads which makes it convenient to rent a car.
Take a weekend break anywhere in South Africa with our all inclusive weekend rates.
Please note that the rental must be for two days or more.
Our weekend rates start at:
R205 per day for a group A (ECMR).**
Rates includes super theft and damage waivers, airport surcharge, tourism levy and 100 Kilometres FREE per day
NEW SYSTEM ERADICATING FRAUD IN THE CAR HIRE INDUSTRY
The car hire industry has been a victim of credit card and driver’s license fraud for far too long, resulting in millions of rands worth of lost revenue and assets every year. Yet, with the implementation of the AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences), legislation responsible for the demerit system in South Africa, companies such as Hertz Car Hire enjoy increased protection against fraud leaving their vehicles, and bottom line, intact.
“He was well-dressed and professional, requesting a quotation for the rental of a BMW, thinking nothing of it I scanned his license. The Hilts system immediately showed up with a red screen alerting me that the customer’s driver’s license was not in order. After turning him down, he disappeared without an explanation. I can’t help but believe that it was only due to our new ‘policeman’ that we did not lose a high-level Group F vehicle,” relays one Hertz employee.
The new system implemented by Hertz Car Hire is not only easy to use, portable and low maintenance but is also highly beneficial to Hertz and the industry as a whole.
Reading off the bar-coded driver’s license, the system is able to retrieve the correct information including the date of license issue, expiry date, country it was issued in and the type of vehicle the client is licensed to drive. Should there be any offenses linked to the driver, or if the license has expired, the system immediately displays a red alert warning the organisation that the driver is not fit to rent the vehicle.
If the scanner is unable to read the bar-code at all, the card can be assumed to be fraudulent and the relevant authorities and internal risk department is informed. A further invaluable feature of the system is the display of the original photo of the driver; thereby one is able to immediately identify the driver and is alerted of tampering and fraudulent changes to the license card.
The scanners are definitely working for Hertz! Due to the high-level of security afforded with this simple scanning system, the company enjoys a substantial decrease in the risk of fraud which is not only beneficial to Hertz and the car rental industry – but to the safety of South Africans in general.
This adventure filled 7 Day Cape Town, Garden Route Addo Park Safari is a unique scenic journey packed with forest, bush and beach marvels.
The Cape to Addo Safari explores the famous Garden Route area of South Africa, as well as taking you game viewing in the malaria free Addo Elephant National Park in the rugged Eastern Cape.
This memorable journey takes in natural wonders and cultural highlights, such as the Cango Caves and an abundance of spectacular scenery along this dramatic stretch of coast and in the wild mountains.
Highlights on this safe and affordable tour of South Africa, include the Whale Route, Route 62, the Little Karoo, the Garden Route, Jeffrey’s BayAddo Park. The tour price includes a professional guide and driver, as well as several fun activities such as canoeing, caving, soaking in hot springs and game viewing.
The Cape to Garden Route Addo Tour also offers plenty of opportunities to try out exciting optional activities, ranging from ski-boat cruises, zip line rides and bungy jumping, to horse rides, surfing, and elephant back riding.
This Cape, Garden Route Addo Park Safari departs from Cape Town at 8:30 am and from Stellenbosch at 9:30 am on day one. The first day on this tour of South Africa follows a relaxed pace, allowing you to get used to being on the road in our comfortable vehicle and get to know your fellow travellers a bit.
From Cape Town and Stellenbosch we travel to the world-famous whale route, starting with Gordons Bay. Our scenic journey takes us along the beautiful Route 44 via seaside mountain passes offering panoramic views over False Bay. We drive to the lively town of Hermanus, renowned as a top whale watching destination. In coastal Hemanus we stop for a picnic lunch beside the sea, enjoying the views and taking seascape photographs.
Next, our journey takes us to Birkenhead Brewery to sample some of the great beers produced here. Then we continue to Cape Agulhas National Park, where the southernmost tip of Africa is located. We go to the lookout viewpoint at Cape Agulhas for the lovely views and take some photographs, driving on to the harbour from there.
From the hardbour there is the option of taking a thrilling cruise on a ski-boat, in search of dolphins and whales in season (June to November). We then embark on a walk that takes us back to our overnight accommodation, walking along the longest beach in the Southern Hemisphere, called “Die Plaat”.
Today we veer inland driving north to the Langeberg Mountains through undulating wheat fields, and on to the untamed semi-desert area of the Little Karoo. We pass the quaint town of Barrydale on the scenic Route 62, also known as the Mountain Route. The Route 62 is one of the longest wine routes in the world, starting in Montagu and ending in Humansdorp to the east.
Then we stop at Warmwaterberg Spa, not far from Barrydale, for lunch and to de-stress in the natural hot springs with 43-degree waters.
In the afternoon we head to Oudtshoorn, driving via Ladismith and Carlitzdorp. The town of Oudtshoorn is the capital of the Little Karoo, set within a picturesque valley nestled between the beautiful Outeniqua and Swartberg Mountains of the southern Cape. With Oudtshoorn being the ostrich capital of the world you have the option of visiting these prehistoric-looking giant birds on a working farm, and even taking a ride on the back of one. Ostriches are flightless birds with powerful legs making for an exciting yet safe ride.
Alternatively you can embark on a guided tour of the Cango Endangered Wildlife Ranch, where you can see various rare and endangered animal species. Here you can get up close to wild animals, including hand raised cheetah that are tame enough to pet! At the ranch you can also go cage diving with crocodiles!
Our day starts with a 20km drive to the nearby Cango Caves, a a world heritage site and one of the natural wonders of the world.
Reaching Cango Caves we set off on a hour-long guided tour of the underground cave system, a labyrinth of tunnels and interconnected halls of limestone formations. Choose between a standard or adventure tour in this massive subterranean Cango Cave system, filled with ancient stalactites and stalagmites. South Africa’s oldest tourist attraction these extensive caves are millions of years old.
After exploring the magical caves, we make our way out of the Karoo, heading 60km south through the breathtaking Outeniqua Pass to the southern coast. At the town of George we enter the famous Garden Route of South Africa, and drive along the coast at a leisurely pace to our next stop, Knysna. The charming town of Knysna is counted among South Africa’s most beautiful towns and is known for its annual oyster festival.
Once we reach Knysna we take a walk to the natural lagoon, visiting the famous Knysna Heads and lovely surrounds. Later in the afternoon we visit the Bloukrans Bridge, where you get the chance to experience the highest commercial bungee jump in the world! Either admire the views from the highest road bridge in Africa or take the adrenaline pumping leap into the 216m high gorge.
On day four you have the chance to explore Tsitsikamma National Park, on an optional hike or blackwater tubing excursion.
Either hike through the forests, crossing the Storms River Mouth suspension bridge or tube down the narrow ravine. Tubing is a unique, four hour fun adventure, filled with splashing, swimming, rock jumping, kloofing and hiking (seasonal).
Tsitsikamma Park, declared a national park in 1964, covers 80km’s along the coast of the Garden Route, incorporating marine and terrestrial ecosystems.This wilderness area is incredibly beautiful, with its rugged mountains and dramatic coastline. A variety of animals can be spotted in the park, from dolphins offshore to monkeys and small buck, along with the numerous birds found in its indigenous forests and endemic Fynbos vegetation. Unique Fynbos makes up about 30% of the national park’s vegetation, hosting an array of stunning flowers, including the national flower of South Africa, the protea.
From Tsitsikamma Park we travel to the Kruis River where you have the opportunity to slide along a zipline over the ravine and waterfalls below. There are eight cable rides over the river at this exciting “foefie-slide” site.
Leaving the Garden Route we travel eastwards and then inland to our next stop, Addo Elephant National Park.
Our overnight accommodation is located in a beautiful, wild setting within Sundays River Valley on the banks of the river. A canoe trip on the Sundays River is included in the tour price and there is also time to unwind and enjoy the sunshine here. At the end of an adventure-filled day we relax around the campfire taking in the tranquility of this bush setting under starry African skies.
This morning we rise and shine early for our game drive in Addo Park, home to one of the densest elephant populations in the world. Malaria free Addo is the third largest national park in South Africa, covering 145 000 hectares of wilderness, stretching to the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Mornings are an excellent time for game viewing in the bush as this is one of the most active times of the day for wild animals. We explore Addo in search of the variety of wildlife found in this game park, including the Big Seven (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark). Along the way we stop regularly to take photographs and learn more about the animals we spot in the bush.
On our game drive we stop at the main lookout point where we get out of our vehicle to admire the fantastic view over the untamed wilderness. The game drive is followed by lunch at the restaurant inside Addo, before we exit the park driving down to the coast at an easy pace.
Our next port of call is the coastal city of Port Elizabeth, a major port city that is popular with tourists too. Located along the scenic Algoa Bay in the rugged Eastern Cape Province, Port Elizabeth is known as the Friendly City.
We then visit the unspoilt beaches of Jeffrey’s Bay, a world-class surfing destination. In J’Bay we stop to check out the impressive waves at a top surfing spot, called “supertubes”. From the beaches we head into the town to explore and browse the popular factory shops stocking surfing wear by Billabong, Rip Curl, Roxy, Quicksilver and others. There is enough free time in Jeffreys for you to rent a surf board and try out the waves or take a surfing lesson.
Today we continue our journey west, making our way back to Cape Town.
We stop at the Crags Orphaned Elephant Sanctuary for remarkable close-up elephant encounters. At the Elephant Sanctuary you get the chance to walk with the elephants, feed them and even ride on an African elephant under the instruction of a knowledgeable guide.
From the sanctuary we drive along the scenic Garden Route, pausing to take photographs and admire the views of nature.
Our overnight accommodation is set right on Myoli Beach in Sedgefield and offers spectacular views over the ocean. The Swartvlei Lagoon lies nearby, placing a variety of water sports and adventure activities within easy reach. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, exploring Sedgefield or participating in optional activities, before tucking into a delicious dinner.
Enjoy breakfast while looking out over the Indian Ocean in Sedgefield, before we hit the road again. Today we travel through some of the most beautiful scenery in South Africa, on our way back to Cape Town where our Garden Route Tour started.
En route we pass through Albertinia, visiting an Aloe factory, before continuing our scenic drive westwards. We drive via the pretty town of Swellendam and on to the Sir Lowry’s Pass offering panoramic views over Cape Town and the wide ocean.
Early on Saturday afternoon we arrive back in Cape Town, bringing this memorable Cape to Garden Route Addo Safari to a close.
Stay in backpacker dorm accommodation or upgrade to a private room with or without an en suite bathroom. For more details see the full tour pricing.
Green Seats:
You can off set your carbon footprint on the tour by purchasing a “green seat” for only R55!
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76 km and 44km trails to keep you on your toes…
Elephants do not traditionally make good joggers. As far as running is concerned, these beautiful beasts tend to take it easy, with the occasional moment of ferocious sprinting, trumpeting and ear flapping.
We have started doing a Species Identification of Birds which we have identified in and around the garden’s of River Bend and Long Hope Villa. Birds seen outside the fence only count if they have been seen from inside the perimeter fences.
As we record sightings and have photographs we will add to the Blog. Like our Facebook Page, to keep abreast with updates:
https://www.facebook.com/RiverBendLodgeAddo
The first two are photographs of two of the three Sunbird species.
Article source: http://riverbendaddo.blogspot.com/2013/04/birds-seen-in-and-around-gardens-at.html
We recently hosted Karl Klaey, internationally renowned Portrait Photographer at River Bend (he actually stayed at our exclusive use Villa…Long Hope).
We organized for Karl to take some photographs in our local township…Nomathansanqa, near Addo.
All of these Images were taken in natural light…at around 11 o’clock in the morning when the light was certainly not advantageous.
Karl has given us permission to Share some of the Images on our Blog.
For more portraits by Karl Klaey you can follow this Link: Karl Klaey
None
The last stop on our roadtrip was Addo Elephant Park, just outside of Port Elizabeth. I’d been to Addo before, but only as a kid, and I was very excited to be there with Rowan. It was about an hour away from PE, the road wasn’t ideal and you do drive through some areas that look a bit less than ideal – don’t get discouraged, just follow the signs.
We drove into Addo very early in the morning, wanting to make the most of our 1 night there. We arrived at about 9am, and even then it was too hot to set up our tent. We decided to drive into the game park and spot some wildlife. The first hour we drove around the park we saw elephants, zebras, lots of warthogs, a tortoise, many different types of buck and some interesting birds. But no lions, and no buffalo. There are only a few lions in Addo, and because the park is quite large I know they are hard to spot but I was determined to see one (I’ve never seen a lion in the wild before, only in the zoo). On our first day in Addo; Rowan and I drove around the park for about nine hours, in the airconditioned car. Partly because we were determined to spot the lions and partly because we desperately needed the aircon, it was so hot!
We finally gave up on the lions and headed back to the camp for a swim. The pool water was almost too warm, but it was nice. We set up our tent and got changed into some warmer clothes for our night safari drive – we had been warned that it would get quite a bit colder.
We started the night safari drive just before sunset, as we entered the game park everything felt different. Darkness was settling in, and some animals were making interesting sounds. After not seeing a buffalo all day; we saw one in the first five minutes of the night drive, and then another four or so during the drive.
We saw jakkals and hyenas, some right next to the jeep – hyenas look and act just like dogs, kinda cute in a creepy way. The whole park is different at night, we saw so many animals that we would never have seen during the day; spring hares, buffalos and many shining eyes hiding in the bushes. If you’re going to Addo I highly recommend that you book a night drive – the rangers are so experienced and you will definitely see animals that you won’t find yourself during the day.
Unfortunately we didn’t see any lions while we were in Addo, I was prett disappointed but now it just means that I’ll have to organise a trip to Kruger National Park at some point. I loved every second of being at Addo, and the camping facilities were great (and a lot cheaper than the other options). Don’t forget to factor in that you also have a pay a daily fee to enter the game park itself.
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We have started doing a Species Identification of Birds which we have identified in and around the garden’s of River Bend and Long Hope Villa. Birds seen outside the fence only count if they have been seen from inside the perimeter fences.
As we record sightings and have photographs we will add to the Blog. Like our Facebook Page, to keep abreast with updates:
https://www.facebook.com/RiverBendLodgeAddo
The first two are photographs of two of the three Sunbird species.
Ideally located immediately opposite the entrance gates to Addo Elephant National Park Main Camp gates, is the privately run, Five Star, River Bend Lodge. Set in a 14,000 ha private concession within the greater Addo Elephant National Park, from this venue one is able to experience Addo in superb luxury.
The Addo Elephant National Park is South Africa’s 3rd largest National Park – originally proclaimed in 1931, in desperation to save the last remaining cape Elephant, with possibly only 11 of these large pachyderms left in that area. What a success story. There are now in excess of 500 and in order to broaden their genetic diversity, some bulls from the Kruger National Park have relatively recently been introduced. With the decimation of the elephant herds in the 1800’s and early 1900’s, with primarily the larger tuskers being sought after, those remaining genetically produce progeny with smaller tusks whilst some have none. So with these new Kruger Park elephant’s genes, the genetics could in time return to normal. This is the same species Loxodonta africana we all know and love, as the genetics were originally modified by man’s intervention, I believe this to be a sensible and acceptable correction of the malady.
One of the Kruger Park bulls
Other animals have also been brought back to Addo from local extinction, one of the most significant being the African lion – Pantera pardus, thus escalating the Park to Big Five status, almost a prerequisite for international guests. So convenient too, no need now for those wishing to only visit the Cape to have to travel further. The area is slowly getting back to what it must have been like before man’s destruction of the wildlife.
The Park is presently 180,000 ha with plans to enlarge the protected area to 264,000 ha progressing well. This Greater Addo area includes St Croix and Bird Islands, just off the coast, these islands host the largest breeding colony of the Cape Gannet and second largest breeding colony of African Penguin. With this diversity of biomes in the area, with hosting the Big 7, elephant, rhino (both black and white) lion, leopard, buffalo, whales and the great white shark and then a very large diversity of antelope species as well, the Addo area has become a rewarding wildlife destination. Some specials too and some very threatened, such as the Addo flightless dung beetle ! Beyond Addo there are a number of Private Game Parks, many already removing the dividing fences from neighboring properties and creating a vast protected area, a huge plus for biodiversity ..and the area is Malaria free too !!
The breakfast and luncheon veranda venue
At River Bend Lodge all the accommodation is in very comfortable chalets, slightly away from the Main Lodge area, affording privacy,
all the chalets are air conditioned as well as having ceiling fans, each with expansive views out into the reserve.
In the rooms there is a mini bar, satellite TV, loads of space, comfortable chairs with the bathrooms en-suite with separate bath and shower, some also have outdoor showers whilst the Honeymoon Suite has a private plunge pool.
Then the comfort and soaps and… The luxury suites are made up of two adjacent units with inter-leading doors if required, ideal for families.
Set in the grounds of a farmstead of old, there is a beautiful established garden with some large trees which attract a number of diverse bird species.
The Lodge is fenced, entrenching it’s suitability as an ideal venue for children and so easily accessible, being only some 45 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth.
Although Five Star, the Lodge is comfortable and casual, there is a TV lounge “for sport enthusiasts”,
lovely deep verandas where one may sit and relax, watching the passing parade,
more lounges, all with super comfortable couches and chairs,
a lovely loft library
and then a sheltered pool area, again with comfortable recliners. A place to relax between those game drives!
Lana and I entered the concession just before 14h00 (check-in time) and drove the 3,5 kms to the Lodge gates. On the left just before River Bend Lodge is a water-hole right next to the road, as we drove up, a herd of approx 80 elephant were there drinking and doing elephant things. With the herd milling around and our cameras safely ensconced in their cases in the boot, a wonderful photo opportunity missed. As we watched, the matriarch led the herd away and into the bush – we were not to see them again.
A warm welcome from Tariro Chaonwa, a welcome drink, check in, she then took us on a tour to familiarise Lana and I on the Lodge facilities, with easy access to our chalet,we settled into our room, with cameras now ready, a quick nap? lunch is not included on the first day, although Tariro offered to arrange for the kitchens to make somethingg should we be starving – and so instead to the gourmet high tea on the main Lodge veranda before departure on the Game drive.
There is a convenient water-hole just beyond the fence, lovely, tea, cake and delicacies with a view, but unfortunately no visitors today. In the distance one could see some plains game, so with anticipation we prepared for the afternoon game drive. This was to be on the River Bend Lodge concession. Speckboom – Portulacaria afra is relatively abundant amongst dense stands of other low woody shrubs, with the grass component rather poorly developed. The Speckboom has been the saving grace of the area, as it is favored as browse by so many of the resident species from black rhino to kudu to just so many of the thriving populations.
Our guide was determined for us to have a better elephant sighting than the one both parties (ourselves and a Honeymoon couple) on the vehicle, had experienced on the way in, so we spent some of the afternoon searching for this elusive herd that had melted away. There were however some really wonderful opportunities to see some of the general game in reasonable numbers, in good light.
Yellow mongoose
Eland herd
Our game drive and sightings were all in this elongated narrow strip between the fence / R342 and the Zuurberg Mountains which is rather inaccessible in parts and to where the elephant had retreated, returning to their hiding place. We were fortunate to have seen them at the water-hole on arrival. This is not really a problem for the Lodge though, as the game drives can alternatively be conducted inside the main Addo Elephant Park, where normally excellent sightings of elephant may be enjoyed. We did however find a lone elephant bull who obligingly posed for us.
Pale chanting Goshawk
Juvenile Blue Crane
Back to the Lodge and a divine dinner. It is in the culinary department that the Lodge excels.Imagine after a delicious cauliflower soup to have as one of the starter choices; Parma Ham, crispy egg, pea mousse and Truffle dressing. The “Crispy Egg”, was intriguing, this was a ‘boiled’ ? egg cooked with a soft center, with a delicious golden, crispy crunchy coating on the outside. Want the recipe? An early Easter surprise. I have been practicing upping the status of my modest breakfast egg.
What a delicious line up on the Menu for mains. Roast Sirloin, my choice, done to rare perfection and so tender, but there was a Moroccan spiced Line Fish or even a Mushroom Risotto mit trimmings. The dessert was a beautifully presented caramelised Apple Tart, vanilla Struzzel and Creme Anglaise.
There was also a selection of cheeses too. Well considered wines as an accompaniment were suggested, an excellent recommendation. A delicious and beautifully presented meal in a fine convivial dining room, decorated with period furniture and with service of a high standard… then to bed, to the comfortable suite and slumberland.
An early start and we were on a mission, this time to find lion. These felines have recently been introduced and are yet to multiply in this sector of the Park. They will. We did not find them. I am inclined, when visiting our game parks, to appreciate the animals as they are discovered, to sit and watch and appreciate them and then move on.
The lovely early morning light offered some super opportunities, we were fortunate to be able to snatch the odd photograph. Yes, antelope, jackal, baboon, birds and such are rather high on my list of animals to see and photograph – especially in that golden light as the sun peeps over the horizon.
Take each sighting as it is presented, it could well be the most pleasant.
Leopard tortoise
Black backed Jackal
Back to the Lodge for breakfast, a rather delightful affair looking out over the bushveld and beyond. I am sure with more time we would have been able to see more of the species in the area, with a trip to Addo Elephant Park possibly a bonus, from this venue. This Lodge would be an excellent choice for those wanting five star accommodation and superb meals vs staying at the National Park accommodation and driving ones-self. Beautifully appointed with excellent service, guided game drives, well priced, this convenient luxury Lodge is highly recommended.
Photographs : Jeremy and Lana Williamson
“Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”
