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Elephants in the Addo Elephant National Park force rhinos to eat low quality grass.

In a limited but unique study just published in PLOS ONE there seems to be evidence that when elephants and black rhino live in the same area the rhino loses out in the browsing game and rely on stored body fat and lower quality grasses. This could be important in rhino conservation policy as elephant numbers in South Africa increase.

The study was undertaken at the Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa and the researchers looked at elephant and rhino droppings to see what sort of food competition there was between the two so called megahebivores.

Although the study was in quite a small area the results did show a clear seasonal separation of resource use between the two animals and when there were no elephants the rhinos expanded their browsing habits away from poor quality grasses and back to their more ‘normal’ shrub browsing.

The researchers from the Nelson Mandela University in South Africa and University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia, point out that trying to manage areas with high densities of elephants could impact on other browsers such as the rhino.

Being aware of potential competition issues is import and despite many African countries seeing their elephant population killed off by poachers the elephant population in other countries such as South Africa is growing at a healthy rate. In some parts of Africa the elephant population has even extended beyond the carrying capacity of the local region.

In South Africa, for instance, despite the elephant population hitting a low point of just 120 elephants in 1920 there are now over 12,000 elephants in the country. Many of the local populations are in fenced wildlife reserves and parks which could lead to overcrowding. In the Addo Elephant National Park where the study was undertaken the elephant population is growing at a rate of 5% a year.

Some areas of Addo have had to be fenced off to keep elephants out to help conserve some of the rare plants of the park. Could there be a time when parts of wildlife reserves in Africa are fenced off to elephants in order to help give the extremely rare black rhino a chance of survival?

The researchers make it clear that their study is a small look at competition between elephants and rhino in a small area and much more work needs to be done to confirm the finding. It could though make a difference in future wildlife conservation policy in southern Africa.

External sites:

PLOS One: Shift in Black Rhinoceros Diet in the Presence of Elephant: Evidence for Competition?

 

Playing sports with 100+ children? Really? Some of us definitely felt a bit intimidated by this project visit prospect. Thankfully, as Roger stepped up to bat on the make-shift cricket pitch, Lettie and Lisa were tasked with much less strenuous activities – colouring and reading stories!

 
© 2013 Lettie Irving Wildlife Photography

Wednesday is ‘sports day’ at Isipho Multipurpose Centre; on other weekdays the kids get stuck in with various other educational and recreational after school activities. About 75 children are at Ishipho’s crèche from 8 ’til 4 every day of the week, and we managed to catch one of the two classes mid-nap. We distracted the other class – and gave the teacher a bit of a break – by showing the children photos of themselves.

© 2013 Lisa Scriven | levelle perspectives

The week before our visit, permaculture training had taken place at Isipho’s gardens, so they were busy doing a bit of an overhaul when we were there. Food grown in the garden is supplemented by fresh eggs from the chickens in the adjacent coop, and both provide a hearty meal to the kids who attend the crèche.

© 2013 Lisa Scriven | levelle perspectives

As we were about to climb in the Landy, we realised that the kids and staff at Isipho were assembling to say good-bye. Spirited singing and dancing erupted and kept us entertained for at least another ½ hour – our best farewell yet. Thank you to everyone at the Isipho Multipurpose Centre!

© 2013 Lisa Scriven | levelle perspectives

This photo blog was prepared in support of The EXPEDITION Project 2013.

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We continue with our Big Five series this week looking at Real Africa’s pick of the best places to see elephants while on holiday in Africa.

Introduction

The African elephant is one of the most majestic and beautiful animals in the world and one of the “must see” animals whilst on safari. African elephants live in the southern most regions i.e. sub-Saharan Africa but they can also be found in smaller numbers in the Central and West African rainforests. There are two main types of elephant sub species which is based on where they live. The vast majority of elephants in Africa are savannah elephants. These form the largest elephant subspecies in the world, and they live in the grass plains or savannah and bush in Eastern and Southern Africa. They can be found in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. About a third to a quarter of elephants in Africa are forest elephants, which is a different subspecies altogether. These elephants live in the Congo Basin area, but their population has suffered enormously from poaching and their numbers are rapidly shrinking.

So here we go – our top five places to see elephants in Africa. These are in no particular order just our five favourites.

The Daphne Sheldrick Orphanage, Nairobi, Kenya

This is where the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust bring their orphaned rhinos and elephants to care for. The rhinos and elephants are rescued usually at death’s door as their mother has been killed by poachers. The Wildlife Trust rescues animals and also rehabilitates them so they can return to a normal life back in the wild wherever possible. Visitors can see the keepers feeding and playing with the baby elephants and also make a donation to help with their upkeep and the Trust’s important work.

Addo Elephant Park, South Africa

This is a great place for families to visit as it is an area on the south coast of South Africa that is malaria free. As its name suggests it is also an important wildlife reserve specialising in elephants. There is plenty of accommodation nearby offering a good choice and Addo can be visited as a day trip or as a longer safari destination. It can also be part of a self drive itinerary along the stunningly beautiful Garden Route or combined with a short break to Cape Town.

Amboseli National Park, Kenya

This is a very picturesque national park in Southern Kenya on the border with Tanzania. This place is not as remote as some and can feel busy at times but it is also one of the best places to see elephants in Kenya. Mount Kilimanjaro makes for an awesome backdrop as elephants graze peacefully in the savannahs below. This is one for photographers and elephant fans alike and you are guaranteed to see lots of elephant herds here.

Etosha National Park, Namibia

The Etosha National Park lies in the vast arid space of Northern Namibia.  It offers a different kind of safari and wildlife experience due to its unique landscape. Etosha actually means place of dry water and it is located in a huge, flat pan measuring around5,000kms2. The ‘Pan’ provides a great, parched, silver-white backdrop of shimmering mirages to an area of semi-arid savannah grassland and thorn scrub. The pan itself contains water only after very good rains and sometimes for only a few days each year. Etosha is surprisingly home to many different species including elephants. They are best spotted around the waterholes during the dry months from June to November. It is then that you will see large numbers of elephants congregating in the same place in their search for water.

The Kruger National Park, South Africa

There is a reason why the Kruger National Park is famous and that is because of its sheer abundance of wildlife. It is home to fertile and lush grassland that proves to be a wonderful habitat for many different species of mammals, birds and reptiles as well as a large number of big five game including elephants. You can explore the Kruger National Park yourself on a self drive holiday and drive around the park under your own steam (although you must follow the park rules!). You can also book into a luxury lodge on a private reserve and let them do all the driving on twice daily game drives. Or if you are feeling even lazier you can often just watch elephants visiting the local watering hole whilst you sup your sundowner drinks from your very own viewing deck. Now that experience really is hard to beat!

Posted By Ruth Bolton

 

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Tagged as:
addo elephant park,
amboseli,
daphne sheldrick orphanage,
elephant safaris,
elephant spotting in africa,
elephants,
etosha,
kruger,
sheldrick wildlife trust

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.

These images were captured during my recent visits in June 2013 to the Addo Elephant Park in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Addo Elephant

Click on image to enlarge!

Addo Elephant

Addo Kudu Portrait

Addo Kudu Silhouette

Bush Piggy Portrait

Friendly Warthog

Warthog scrap

Warthog scrap

Zebra Portrait

Zebra

Young Zebra dynamics

Drinking syncronisation

BW Zebra

Early morning low light Hyena

Early morning low light Hyena

Early morning low light Hyena

Droplet Egyptian geese

Male African Shelduck takeoff

Black headed Heron

Black winged Stilt

Lapwing

Lapwing

Lapwing

Pale Screaming Goshhawk

Aloe in Addo

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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♥♥

Article source: http://creativemoments-lynette.blogspot.com/2013/06/fathers-day-in-addo-elephant-park.html

This is a Blog written by Neel Patel…he and his lovely wife Reena spent their Honeymoon at River Bend Lodge earlier this year.

Neel had this to say…and sent us all of these photographs he took while here! Thank you Neel and we hope to see you back, it was great meeting you guys!

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“After an intense two weeks for our wedding ceremonies and an
18hr trip to PE, arriving at the Riverbend Lodge was beyond words. The stresses
of life in London were put to bed as we entered the gates and began an
incredible journey of luxury outback living, welcoming faces and a powerful
insight into some of the wild animals of SA. Our guide Eve was incredible and
her passion for wildlife was contagious, we learned so much from her. The lodge
itself was fantastic, the food (exceptional!) and the people being the
highlight. What stood out most was that the animals are all wild, there is
little tourist aspect to a stay here as you are expected to travel the plains
tracking the animals. With the help of Michael, I now know how to use my SLR
which I wish I would have done sooner. Any guests who are thinking to stay at
the Riverbend Lodge… DO IT!! To the team, we can only thank you for a
magnificent experience. Neel Reena”

Article source: http://riverbendaddo.blogspot.com/2013/07/neel-and-reena-patelhoneymoon-at-river.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.

Enjoy the tranquillity of the African bush on your own terms and agenda,
camping in comfort. Situated within a malaria-free area in the Easter Cape, TiPi
bush camp prides itself on being an environmentally friendly, eco-tourist
destination and offers a unique setting in the Addo Afrique estate game reserve,
bordering the Addo Elephant National Park.

There are several restaurants in the Addo region, including Lenmore and Orange
Elephant.

Two large 6.3 metre diameter TiPi’s, based on the American Indian style can each
accommodate 4 people on a self catering basis. All you need to bring is your
food, toiletries and clothing. Don’t forget your drinks, cameras and binoculars.
Included are bedding, towelling, crockery, cutlery, sink, cleaning equipment,
twin gas cooker, gas fridge, double bed and double “sleeper couch” per TiPi. The
“sleeper couch” separates to two single beds if required.

Neat ablutions in close proximity to the TiPi’s provide glass showers with hot
cold water, wash hand basin, flushing toilets and communal sink. All hot water
and lighting is by solar. There is no electricity on the site.

Each TiPi is secluded and offers beautiful panoramic views over a valley teeming
with game. For the energetic, there are numerous walks within Addo Afrique,
where you may roam un-escorted through a wide variety of non predatory game like
Ostrich, Giraffe, Kudu, Eland, Bushbuck, Nyala, Impala etc.

Fuel and shopping facilities are found at Paterson 8 km to the east and Addo
village 28 km to the west. The main gate to the Addo Elephant National Park is
15 km to the west. All roads are tarmac surfaces. By either of two routes, Port
Elizabeth city centre and airport is 80 km to the South-South-West.

Be lulled to sleep with the sounds of the night bush and the call of the far
away Jackal packs serenading each other. Awake to the frenzied bird life at the
crack of dawn while the morning mist lies low in the valley.

TiPi bush camp is the ideal place to be introduced or re-united with nature and
launch a variety of adventures within the Addo region.

Accommodation type – Self-Catering TiPi.

Includes: bedding, towelling, crockery, cutlery, sink, cleaning
equipment, gas cooker fridge, double bed double sleeper couch separating
into twin beds. Ablutions nearby with glass showers. Solar powered hot water
lighting.

Children – All Ages Welcome

Dining -Self Catering. Restaurants available within 20 minutes drive

In the area – Big Five | Biking | Bird Watching | Boating | Fishing |
Game Viewing | Horse Riding | Quad Bikes | River
  Cruise | Walks

Languages spoken – Afrikaans | English

Parking – Secure Parking

Services – Un-serviced

Setting environment -Bordering Addo Elephant National Park
 

Contact Us
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Private Game Reserve, Self Catering Apartment/ Flat, Self Catering Cottage/ House/ Bungalow, Holiday Resort, Bed Breakfast/ Guest House/ Guest Lodge, Guest Farm, Naturist / Nudist Lodgings, Self Catering Chalet/ Townhouse, Self Catering Flatlet
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View golf courses for Western Region
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View Town Information for Mount Pleasant
 

The Editor visits an exclusive Eastern Cape game reserve and discovers much Addo about Elephants | The Month July 2013

Keen-eyed, strawberry-blonde Eve eases our 6-seater game viewing Land Cruiser to halt on a narrow bridge and points, “There, just to the right of those partially submerged rocks, in the shadows.” The three of us, the only guests at the exclusive five-star private game reserve, River Bend Lodge, peer intently upstream. The lodge itself is situated within a 14000ha concession accessible to guests of the lodge only and managed by its neighbour, the Addo Elephant National Park, and home to the Big 5; so I’m almost as excited as my five-year-old beside me.

I scan the shallow river, mottled by the growing late afternoon shadows in search of a buffalo, one of the old ‘Dagga Boys’ – a term used in reference to aged bulls who no longer add value to their herd but who are too suborn to die. Before our departure Eve had informed us that River Bend guests are almost guaranteed to see lions, rhino, elephant and buffalo on the daily excursions within the concession. There’s a leopard or two
about too, she tells us, but it’s the shy Cape Leopard, so if we see one we’ll probably make it, along with pics of the beast, into the local paper.

“Do you see it?” Eve whispers, “In the branches above the rocks…” My son’s question follows as quickly on her words as the chill that descends, now that the sun has set about painting its canvas sky with every shade of orange imaginable. “A leopard?” he breathes, wide-eyed. Fat chance, I think, a leopard in the thin branches of young Sweet Thorn tree would be crazy, but more likely than a buffalo! And as I let out a chuckle a Burchell’s Coucal launches itself out of the tree and disappears in characteristic ungainly flight. It’s only the second time I’ve ever seen one of the elusive birds – or rather, almost seen it.

Eve fires the Cruiser into life and we’re off, wrapped up in branded River Bend blankets designed to keep the cold air at bay, even on the back of a moving open vehicle. They’re effective, but I ask for a second, just in case. There is little to compare to the icy cold of the Eastern Cape in winter. As she chats easily to the three of us, she points out zebra, warthog, Eland, Red Hartebees and a ‘Dagga Boy’, chomping stoically in a bend of the same river we’d stopped at earlier, but almost half an hour away.

The 14000ha concession was previously home to sheep and dairy cattle and large tracks of the natural veld were cleared in favour of pasture. In some parts the pasture has been returned to nature through the planting of a number of endemic species, but large tracts of open wild grassland still remain. Surveying part of the property from one of the many vantage points Eve takes us to, I’m struck by how African it appears; almost Serengeti-esque. Foreigners must love this, I suggest, and Eve concurs. Almost 80% of their clientele is made up of visitors from Europe and the US.

As she navigates a particularly steep section of road, Eve leans back to suggest I ready my camera, we’re about to see something rather special, she smiles, and then adds “I hope!” Turns out the reserve’s three lions were seen at a kill the previous day and were spotted heading towards and open field they often frequent to loll about. Fitting a telephoto lens I’m geared for the process of scanning the distance in search of the elusive cats. Imagine my surprise and the squeals of absolute delight, from more than just the five-year-old, when two young males literally appear in front of us, catching the last of the afternoon sun, undeterred by our presence and no more than ten metres from the car.

The lions are large and imposing, even from ten meters away, and I’m drawn towards them with much of the same sensation one has when close to the edge of a precipice. “Jump down,” something calls deep within me and I toy briefly with the idea of snuggling up to one of the docile looking beasts before sense prevails and I properly note the size of their massive paws. They’re still juveniles, Eve informs us, and in a year or two should reach maturity. I shudder at the thought and pull the five-year-old a little closer, as the shutter of my camera works overtime. The wife gives me a look that says she’s noted my priorities.

As we head back to the lodge were confirm times for the morning game drive, focussed on seeing some of River Bend’s 150-odd elephants, and Eve suggests that the warthog venison dinner option is sure to impress. I’m a little torn as a family of seven of the aerial-tailed critters cross the road ahead of us as though on cue, and say as much. Eve laughs and nods, “That’s why we don’t give any of them names.”

The lodge itself is graded five-star and as such features seven luxury double suites and private patios, air-con, king-size beds with percale linen, satellite TV and fully-stocked mini bar etc. There is also a fabulous communal library, spacious entertainment room and inviting lounge (where you’ll enjoy the resident chef’s afternoon tea), all with views of the surrounding reserve. There are suites with inter-leading doors for families, a fabulous honeymoon suite and the rather special ‘exclusive-use’ Long Hope Villa about one kilometre from the main lodge with a private chef and guide and perfect for those looking for a longer stay.

As a five-star establishment all the facilities measure up, as you’d expect, and I was particularly impressed with the friendly and attentive service of the small resident team of staff who anticipated many of our requests and balked at none of the more unusual ones that seem to go hand in hand with five-year-olds. Even a late night call to reception for some help on operating the Nespresso machine was greeted with a friendly ‘Hello’ and the kind of efficiency the R5000 daily-rate commands.

Special mention must be made of the food. The small menu changes daily and as the chef is always close at hand deviations from it are easily accommodated. Breakfast overlooking a nearby watering hole is a must, as is a request for a chocolate milkshake – which isn’t on the menu. Canadian-style French Toast and Eggs Benedict, with the best Hollandaise sauce ever, got even the picky five-year-old to sit still and at some point elicited ‘four thumbs up’, with two of those ‘thumbs’ looking a lot like big toes. Thank goodness we had the lodge to ourselves for that demonstration! We enjoyed three fish and two venison dishes and all were exceptional (warthog, by the way, is a lot like pork; which I guess makes sense…). Dessert in front of a roaring fire is bound to be a winner on a cold evening and when it comes without the need to rush off somewhere, is best enjoyed with another bottle of La Motte Shiraz or something stronger from the bar, to aid digestion, of course.

Emerging from the cocoon that is our massive bed, ready for an early-morning trek in search of elephants, I discover that a little animal has crept in between the warm down layers and not keen to be moved. “Perhaps we should ask if we can take the duvet on the drive with us,” suggests the wife, looking at the almost angelic face of the sleeping five-year-old. “Or we could just leave him here,” I offer, as I reach the phone and prepare to dial ‘9’ to ask for a babysitter. At some point I say the word ‘elephants’ and two five-year-old eyes open wide to set off a mouth that doesn’t stop until we’re almost 20 minutes into the morning drive.

As it turns out, the River Bend elephants have found a section of the concession that is inaccessible in the Land Cruiser and Eve heads out of the park and across the road to Addo, where we soon find a number of the gentle giants happy to be studied and photographed. We learn that the Addo elephants are quite different from their Kruger Park cousins, and as they don’t regard people or vehicles as a threat, appear almost tame and come across as surprisingly tolerant of human hangers-on.

There’s dust, stomping, chomping, hugging, snorting, blinking and trumpeting as we observe a number of herds going about their daily grind. ‘Elephants are stoic’ I write in my notebook, next to a reminder that the value of a family can never be underestimated. As the sun creeps higher above the horizon, a flat camera battery serves as a signal for breakfast and one last defiant blast of energy affords me a blurry shot of a grumpy Rhino back in the concession. The running commentary starts up again, but this time the five-year-old has two excited adults to compete with. What an experience!

River Bend Lodge is a special place, made even more so by its exclusivity and the unparalleled accessibility of the unthreatened wildlife of Addo. Whether you’ve seen it all before, or if you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime African experience, but without the need to ‘rough it’, this 14000ha home to the Big 5 is sure to make a lasting impression on all who visit it.

Fast Facts:
Rates: R5000 per person, per night in season.
Location: An hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth.
You’re likely to see: The Big 5, any number of the 3oo resident bird species, giraffes next door, smiling faces.
Great Extras: Babysitting, a resident photographer prepared to share his time and knowledge, some very good wine.

Visit River Bend Lodge online for more info and pictures at: www.RiverBendLodge.co.za

The Editor and his family were accommodated courtesy of the lodge, other expenses were for his own account.

This is a Blog written by Neel Patel…he and his lovely wife Reena spent their Honeymoon at River Bend Lodge earlier this year.

Neel had this to say…and sent us all of these photographs he took while here! Thank you Neel and we hope to see you back, it was great meeting you guys!

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“After an intense two weeks for our wedding ceremonies and an
18hr trip to PE, arriving at the Riverbend Lodge was beyond words. The stresses
of life in London were put to bed as we entered the gates and began an
incredible journey of luxury outback living, welcoming faces and a powerful
insight into some of the wild animals of SA. Our guide Eve was incredible and
her passion for wildlife was contagious, we learned so much from her. The lodge
itself was fantastic, the food (exceptional!) and the people being the
highlight. What stood out most was that the animals are all wild, there is
little tourist aspect to a stay here as you are expected to travel the plains
tracking the animals. With the help of Michael, I now know how to use my SLR
which I wish I would have done sooner. Any guests who are thinking to stay at
the Riverbend Lodge… DO IT!! To the team, we can only thank you for a
magnificent experience. Neel Reena”

Meet Kelly Liggett….our new Executive Head Chef at River Bend.

Kelly joined our team at River Bend earlier this year, and he has had Guests giving him some well deserved compliments and reviews ever since.

A man of few words (he prefers to let his food do the talking), Kelly joined us from The Cellars Hohenort in Constantia, Cape Town after having had previous experience internationally in the US of A and in London.

Kelly has spent considerable time revamping the Menu with considerable care and thought, stamping our Silver Thorns Restaurant with  his very own clean, contemporary fusion style of food preparation and presentation.

When asked who his biggest influences are, he quickly answers that the Chefs he admires most are Marco Pierre White and the Roux Brothers.

Guests at River Bend Lodge will find Kelly remarkably approachable and willing to discuss any personal request with you. His favourite areas of cooking….Game and Desserts!!

Article source: http://riverbendaddo.blogspot.com/2013/06/new-executive-head-chef-at-river-bend.html

Our website is under-construction!

We’ll be up and running soon with our exciting new website.

In the meantime, please visit us at EastCapeTours.com

Meet Kelly Liggett….our new Executive Head Chef at River Bend.

Kelly joined our team at River Bend earlier this year, and he has had Guests giving him some well deserved compliments and reviews ever since.

A man of few words (he prefers to let his food do the talking), Kelly joined us from The Cellars Hohenort in Constantia, Cape Town after having had previous experience internationally in the US of A and in London.

Kelly has spent considerable time revamping the Menu with considerable care and thought, stamping our Silver Thorns Restaurant with  his very own clean, contemporary fusion style of food preparation and presentation.

When asked who his biggest influences are, he quickly answers that the Chefs he admires most are Marco Pierre White and the Roux Brothers.

Guests at River Bend Lodge will find Kelly remarkably approachable and willing to discuss any personal request with you. His favourite areas of cooking….Game and Desserts!!

All the photographs and articles on this site are the property of Jonker Fourie, unless otherwise stated, and may not be used, copied, transmitted, or stored without my permission.

© All Rights Reserved by Jonker Fourie and/or FireflyAfrica so please ask before using it.

E-mail: fireflyafrica@telkomsa.net

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Introduction

We get many requests from families with younger children asking about safaris in areas where there is no need to take malaria medication. So we have put together a list of our five favourite family-friendly safari destinations which are all in the malaria free zones of South Africa. They are listed in no particular order. These are all different in style and budget but they do offer some excellent game viewing in one of the most beautiful countries on earth.

Shamwari Game Reserve

Shamwari is an upmarket 5 star safari experience which offers plenty of luxury for Mum and Dad and plenty of activities for the kids. There are not only child minders but also a special children’s coordinator based at Riverdene Lodge who will discuss activity options with the family taking the family’s size, children’s ages and the weather into consideration. There are other lodges to stay in Shamwari but Riverdene is the best for families. It is provides a colonial African experience in an elegantly restored frontier homestead with beautiful views and a lovely swimming pool.

Kids get an exclusive visit to the Born Free Foundation Big Cat Rescue Centre at Shamwari where activities are focused on promoting the conservation of species and the protection of habitat whilst maintaining a humane and compassionate approach to the welfare of animals. Children also get to visit the Shamwari Animal Rehabilitation Centre where different types of wild animals or raptors that are being cared for at the time, under special supervision by the Shamwari veterinarian team, for release back into the wild. There are also many different kinds of social, sporting, arts and cultural activities for children to do there.

Addo Elephant Park

Now the third largest national park in South Africa, Addo Elephant National Park has expanded over the years to include a massive range of different South African landscapes, fauna and flora. It covers a vast area of almost 500,000 acres which reaches as far north as the desert-like Karoo, crosses the Zuurberg Mountains, and stretches down south through the Sundays River valley right to the coast and includes the Bird and St Croix Islands out to sea.

The original elephant section of the park was set up as a protected area in 1931, when only sixteen elephants remained in the area hence the name of Addo Elephant Park. However these days it is much larger and is home to a vast variety of wildlife and happily a much great number of elephants. Addo is home to over 550 elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species, as well as the unique Addo flightless dung beetle. There are plans for further expansion to include a new marine reserve protecting the world’s largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and the second largest breeding population of African penguins.

Like much of the other nationally run park the accommodation is to be found in the main rest camps, bushveld camps and tented camps across the park. Addo offers a range of accommodation for those on a budget from permanent chalet style accommodation right down to basic tent camping. As it is close to the coast it can also be combined with more luxurious guesthouse and hotel accommodation based in nearby town and villages. It also works well as part of a self drive itinerary along South Africa’s world famous Garden Route.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe is a top notch safari destination with a choice of excellent accommodation to suit those looking for a safari with style. It is a huge private reserve which is home to the Big Five, 66 different mammal species and over 300 bird species. Accommodation at Madikwe is in various different luxury 4 and 5 star private game lodges which offer stunning style in beautiful locations.

The Reserve borders Botswana and is located in North West Province which is about a 4 hour drive from Joburg Airport. It is only 20 kms from Gaborone in Botswana and the reserve lies within a transition region between Lowveld bushveld and the Kalahari thornveld. As a result the region is host to an incredible diversity of species from both ecosystems. The landscape is also a mix of mountains thanks to the volcanic intrusions known as Inselbergs, wide open plains and a riverine environment along the Marico River in the east of the reserve. The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of game and the topography offers ideal game viewing opportunities.

Children of all ages are welcome at Madikwe Safari Lodge’s Lelapa Lodge. Activities include: Family safari drives, bush orientation, bug CSI, dung tracking, track pack with plaster of Paris, baking in the kitchen, making pizzas in the boma, star gazing, games night and much more.

Amakhala Game Reserve

Amakhala Game Reserve is located in the malaria free Eastern Cape of South Africa. The private game park offers guest accommodation in a selection of 11 luxury star rated establishments. These are made up of restored country houses, safari lodges and tented camps located in different parts of the large 18,000 acre safari reserve. Some dwellings are owned and managed by fifth generation frontier settlers families.

There is plenty to do at Amakhala. As well as normal game drives you can enjoy a night game viewing trip with your professional game ranger to accompany you. On game drives you are likely to spot the “Big Five”; lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and cheetah as well as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and plenty of antelope species. Visits to nearby game parks such as the Addo Elephant National Park and Shamwari Game Reserve can be arranged at one’s request. Leeuwenbosch and Hlosi welcome children of all ages (as do some of the other lodges) and these are the two lodges that offer a full children’s activity programme.

Pilanesberg National Park

Among Southern Africa’s gloriously teeming game reserves, Pilanesberg National Park is one of the most accessible. It is situated in the transition zone between the Kalahari and the Lowveld and it offers thrilling big game viewing in a malaria free environment.

Well known for its stunning beauty this park is home to the Mankwe Dam region. The dam is the largest body of water in the game reserve and it is the perfect place to spot a wide variety of animals including water-buck, wildebeest, zebra and impala. For bird lovers, there is a bird hide very close to the water’s edge. You will be able to catch a glimpse of fish eagles, kingfishers and cormorants. Pilanesberg National Park is located in the Bojanala Region in the North West Province and is fairly close to Johannesburg airport making it easily accessible by car. With an area of 550km², it is the fourth largest park in South Africa. The volcano crater in which the park is situated erupted 1300 million years ago and it also shows signs of very early human inhabitation including various Stone Age and Iron Age sites around the reserve.

There are 11 different accommodation options in Pilanesberg providing luxury lodges, luxury safari camps, hotel style resorts with spas and more private smaller individual lodges. Game drives and bush walk are often not suited for young children, but many lodges offer playgrounds or educational activities designed specifically for children. Young safari enthusiasts can learn all about Southern Africa’s amazing fauna and flora in a way that is entertaining and will leave them with a lifelong enthusiasm for Africa and its wonderful wildlife.

Posted by Ruth Bolton

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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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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/

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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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