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Our Garden Route Roadtrip #4: On Safari in Addo Elephant Park

Written by: louise

Posted on Friday, December 6, 2013

This morning we’re heading back to Africa with the next part of our journey along South Africa’s Garden Route.  It seems all the more poignant after last night’s news of the sad passing of South Africa’s greatest inspiration, Nelson Mandela.  This beautiful county held a very special place in his heart as it does mine, and he was prepared to fight to make it a better place for all. I truly hope that his legacy will be for his ideals, hopes and dreams to live on in peace.

Going on safari is a very special experience for Mr B and I.  We spent many a day exploring the Kruger Park in the first years of our relationship on our regular trips to South Africa, and we spent part of our honeymoon in a nomadic tented camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara.  I could, quite happily live in the bush. We knew, in comparison to previous our safari’s, the River Bend Lodge reserve is small, and located in a fairly developed part of South Africa where we were never far from hints of civilisation – a railway, electricity pylon, or farm.  This time was undoubtedly a different experience, but nonetheless very special.

Over our two-night stay we managed to squeeze in four game drives – two early morning and two late afternoon drives with drinks overlooking the bushveld at sundown.  Our 4×4 was driven by expert game ranger Steve, whose talent was not just his incredible knowledge and passion for the wildlife, but his ability to keep us entertained with his driving skills!  The reserve is home to a large herd of elephants, who the rangers had heard were making their way into the wider park where they are free to roam, so that evening we played a game of hide and seek on our game drive following the herd along the river until eventually we caught up with them grabbing an evening snack in a clearing at the foot of the mountains.  Steve expertly navigated the 4×4 through the herd until we were surrounded on all sides before he announced this would be a great place to jump out and enjoy a drink.  Although we stayed close to the vehicle, being out in the open with this majestic and graceful animals was such a treat. There was one baby in particular who loved showing off in front of the camera!

The next morning we went searching for the shy and solitary rhino.  River Bend is taking part in Addo’s wider conservancy projects and it was great to hear of some great successes in this part of South Africa when in other parts of the country this prehistoric animal is suffering such a dramatic decline.  We got lucky with an incredible rhino sighting out in the open, starting a few 100 metres away he gently strolled past our vehicle with nothing more than a convincing glare.  For such an endangered, and extremely shy animal it was an amazing experience!  Just a few minutes later as we were driving into the mountains, I had my eyes closed enjoying a moment of warm sunshine, when there was an almighty commotion in the car!  I opened my eyes just in time to see this huge black shape dart in front of us and clatter into the scrub below – a startled rhino whose morning nap we must have disturbed!  As we reached the top of the mountain we were treated to breakfast with the most incredible view – this little wooden lookout was the perfect spot!

After a much needed relaxing massage (game drives are bumpy!), that afternoon we headed off in search of another of the Big Five; lion.  The reserve has three lions – two brothers and a sister – who often come together after a kill and we had heard that they had done just that the night before.  It wasn’t the first time I’ve been so close to a lion, but these kings of the bush never cease to amaze.  From sleeping lions, to playful pussy cats, we spent a good while just watching and enjoying as the sun set around us.

For our last morning drive, Steve had a special treat lined up!  After a short drive through the neighbouring citrus groves, we arrived at a private concession where we would get to walk with giraffes!  These are one of my favourite animals, I just love their elegance and cheeky faces!  In the low scrub, you’d think it would be easy to spot these long-necked creatures but it took a while of false sightings – mainly skittish zebra and antelope – before we came across a small herd of mothers and babies.  Parking a safe distance away we walked through the bush, following their lead, perhaps only 10-20 metres away.  It was incredible!

If you’d like to find out more about the Save the Rhino Project click here.  You can also find out about SANParks conservation programs and Unite Against Poaching here.

Join me next week for the penultimate leg of our journey, stopping at the stunning Plettenberg Bay.  Follow our route here.

***

Photography: Louise Andre Beukes for b.loved

Categories: travel honeymoons · Tags: addo elephant park, game drive, garden route, garden route road trip, honeymoon, review, river bend lodge, safari, south africa, sponsored posts, travel

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Article source: http://www.blovedweddings.com/our-garden-route-roadtrip-4-on-safari-in-addo-elephant-park

Our Garden Route Roadtrip #4: On Safari in Addo Elephant Park

Written by: louise

Posted on Friday, December 6, 2013

This morning we’re heading back to Africa with the next part of our journey along South Africa’s Garden Route.  It seems all the more poignant after last night’s news of the sad passing of South Africa’s greatest inspiration, Nelson Mandela.  This beautiful county held a very special place in his heart as it does mine, and he was prepared to fight to make it a better place for all. I truly hope that his legacy will be for his ideals, hopes and dreams to live on in peace.

Going on safari is a very special experience for Mr B and I.  We spent many a day exploring the Kruger Park in the first years of our relationship on our regular trips to South Africa, and we spent part of our honeymoon in a nomadic tented camp in Kenya’s Masai Mara.  I could, quite happily live in the bush. We knew, in comparison to previous our safari’s, the River Bend Lodge reserve is small, and located in a fairly developed part of South Africa where we were never far from hints of civilisation – a railway, electricity pylon, or farm.  This time was undoubtedly a different experience, but nonetheless very special.

Over our two-night stay we managed to squeeze in four game drives – two early morning and two late afternoon drives with drinks overlooking the bushveld at sundown.  Our 4×4 was driven by expert game ranger Steve, whose talent was not just his incredible knowledge and passion for the wildlife, but his ability to keep us entertained with his driving skills!  The reserve is home to a large herd of elephants, who the rangers had heard were making their way into the wider park where they are free to roam, so that evening we played a game of hide and seek on our game drive following the herd along the river until eventually we caught up with them grabbing an evening snack in a clearing at the foot of the mountains.  Steve expertly navigated the 4×4 through the herd until we were surrounded on all sides before he announced this would be a great place to jump out and enjoy a drink.  Although we stayed close to the vehicle, being out in the open with this majestic and graceful animals was such a treat. There was one baby in particular who loved showing off in front of the camera!

The next morning we went searching for the shy and solitary rhino.  River Bend is taking part in Addo’s wider conservancy projects and it was great to hear of some great successes in this part of South Africa when in other parts of the country this prehistoric animal is suffering such a dramatic decline.  We got lucky with an incredible rhino sighting out in the open, starting a few 100 metres away he gently strolled past our vehicle with nothing more than a convincing glare.  For such an endangered, and extremely shy animal it was an amazing experience!  Just a few minutes later as we were driving into the mountains, I had my eyes closed enjoying a moment of warm sunshine, when there was an almighty commotion in the car!  I opened my eyes just in time to see this huge black shape dart in front of us and clatter into the scrub below – a startled rhino whose morning nap we must have disturbed!  As we reached the top of the mountain we were treated to breakfast with the most incredible view – this little wooden lookout was the perfect spot!

After a much needed relaxing massage (game drives are bumpy!), that afternoon we headed off in search of another of the Big Five; lion.  The reserve has three lions – two brothers and a sister – who often come together after a kill and we had heard that they had done just that the night before.  It wasn’t the first time I’ve been so close to a lion, but these kings of the bush never cease to amaze.  From sleeping lions, to playful pussy cats, we spent a good while just watching and enjoying as the sun set around us.

For our last morning drive, Steve had a special treat lined up!  After a short drive through the neighbouring citrus groves, we arrived at a private concession where we would get to walk with giraffes!  These are one of my favourite animals, I just love their elegance and cheeky faces!  In the low scrub, you’d think it would be easy to spot these long-necked creatures but it took a while of false sightings – mainly skittish zebra and antelope – before we came across a small herd of mothers and babies.  Parking a safe distance away we walked through the bush, following their lead, perhaps only 10-20 metres away.  It was incredible!

If you’d like to find out more about the Save the Rhino Project click here.  You can also find out about SANParks conservation programs and Unite Against Poaching here.

Join me next week for the penultimate leg of our journey, stopping at the stunning Plettenberg Bay.  Follow our route here.

***

Photography: Louise Andre Beukes for b.loved

Categories: travel honeymoons · Tags: addo elephant park, game drive, garden route, garden route road trip, honeymoon, review, river bend lodge, safari, south africa, sponsored posts, travel

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On Wednesday, November 20th, we spent the day at Addo Elephant Park, one of the nineteen National Parks existing in South Africa, ranking number three in size, after Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrrontier Park.

As it can be easily inferred by the name, Addo is notorious for the large amount of elephants living in there. We could spot over forty.

Article source: http://cafesocietyxxi.blogspot.com/2013/12/out-of-south-africa-addo-elephant-park.html

On Wednesday, November 20th, we spent the day at Addo Elephant Park, one of the nineteen National Parks existing in South Africa, ranking number three in size, after Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrrontier Park.

As it can be easily inferred by the name, Addo is notorious for the large amount of elephants living in there. We could spot over forty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

My eyes did a double-take when I came across Elsa’s photos from her recent trip to South Africa. She spent the day at Addo Elephant Park, one of 19 national parks in South Africa, and spotted some 40 elephants roaming about.

And can you believe how close she got to this beautiful lion? Such wonderful creatures in the world. You can see more photos from Elsa’s travels here. Anyone want to go on a safari with me? xoxo

P.S. More elephant love.

Article source: http://melissabxoxo.blogspot.com/2013/12/dream-vacation-addo-elephant-park.html

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

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

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

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

Article source: http://www.chickenruby.com/2013/12/addo-elephant-national-park.html

My eyes did a double-take when I came across Elsa’s photos from her recent trip to South Africa. She spent the day at Addo Elephant Park, one of 19 national parks in South Africa, and spotted some 40 elephants roaming about.

And can you believe how close she got to this beautiful lion? Such wonderful creatures in the world. You can see more photos from Elsa’s travels here. Anyone want to go on a safari with me? xoxo

P.S. More elephant love.

Road Trip from Centurion to Cape Town and back via Durban
and Port Elizabeth

 

 

We’ve been to Durban and the surrounding areas and driven
the Garden Route but we’ve never explored the East Coast and have been told
that’s where we find the most spectacular beaches.

It’s a very long journey with an average of 7 hours a day on
the road, but it’s a must. Locals warn you of the dangers on the road, people
and animals. It is constant, from goats wandering across the roads to cattle
delaying the traffic and not just the side roads but the National roads also.

 

I was told in advance about the Xhosa peoples green houses,
today I’m assuming they’ve got a job lot of various shades of green paint, but
originally their houses were decorated by extracting the green from copper in
the mud.



 

We didn’t spend a lot of time in any of the places to
explore but what we saw from our brief stop over in Ramsgate, Coffee Bay, visit
to Port Alfred we really liked it and plan to return another time.

 

Coffee Bay involved a 2 hour, return, drive on an unpaved
road for 75kms. I think they should put signs up to say ‘no pot holes for the
next 100 yards, otherwise they’re everywhere’

 

The trip to Port Alfred took us on a detour off the N2 of
around 40 minutes. We drove through a range of small villages full of bars,
restaurants, craft shops and small cheese and dairy farms, to the coast. It’s
obviously quite windy there judging by the size of the sand dunes and despite
the constant drizzle we’d had for the past 3 days, the air was warm and we took
a walk on the beach collecting shells from the Indian Ocean.

 

ADDO NATIONAL PARK

The South Africa was being blown away. The wind howled constantly, trees bend and we ate dust as the southeasterly winds battered Cape Town.

Back in Cape Town after spending a few days at Addo National Park in South Africa, doing what we love best; being in nature and among the wild life of Africa.  Addo Park is famous for the elephant population of over 550. We had hired a Land Cruiser with a tent but when we got to Cape Town we discovered a mix up and the Cruiser was in Johannesburg.

“Lets book ourselves into a real lodge like normal travelers.” Tom said and we did. We flew to Port Elizabeth picked up a rented car and headed for Kuzuko Lodge located at Addo National Park.

We arrived at Kuzuko just in time for the “night drive.” There was some consolation night drive was in a Land Cruiser over tracks, rutted, across dry sandy riverbeds and rocky narrow paths. We were back off roading and I felt like I was in a tumble dryer as we bounced and rocked down the track. We scanned the dense, night filled bush for signs of life. Addo did not disappoint and experienced the thrill of seeing elephants and wild life.

Tom Doing What He Loves Videotaping Nature

Words cannot do justice to the thrill of seeing wildlife in nature. From the largest animal the elephants who rule the park to the tiny flightless dung beetle whose role is to clean up the elephant’s poop and does so by rolling it into balls. The dung beetle rolls the balls into a hole and lays its larva into the balls as well as partly eats the ball.

Family Life

Male Elephant with large family

African Road Block

As the elephants like to walk on the road a lot of elephant poop is on the roads. The tiny dung beetle has right of way and motorists are to yield to the beetle. There are also rules against driving over the piles of poop as the beetles could be underneath.

Yield to Dung Beetle on Road they have right of way

Flightless Dung Beetle Rolling Elephant Dung

We were lucky and witnessed a cheetah kill shortly after it happened. Cheetahs usually do a kill every third day. On this occasion they had brought down a kudu a large buck.

Cheetah Kill

Resting after Eating

Bottoms up

We spent time watching the lions laze under the trees in the midday sun. In the distance zebra, various antelope and buffalo were grazing the grass.  A lone tortoise crossed the road and birds of all chattered in the bushes

Quick look around before getting out of car

Warthog

African Buffalo

Zebra

We returned to Cape Town and from here I will fly to Italy to see family and Tom will fly to Morocco. For those of you who don’t know Tom is currently working in Morocco so I will join him there for a few weeks after Italy. Our stay in South Africa has been refreshing and a reminder how much we love to travel and experience everything this continent has to offer.

Farewell to Cape Town

 

The exquisite 5 star River Bend Lodge is found on the private Nyati concession area of the Addo Elephant National Park and visitors can be sure that they are going to be in for heaps of fantastic game viewing opportunities. Not only that, on a guided walk or private game drive, you will also glean fascinating information on medicinal values of the bush, do some tracking of animals and see plenty to enthrall you. There is also a professional in-house photographer who will help guests to improve their photography skill to get some amazing pictures.

Whats all on Offer at River Bend Lodge:

• 8 beautiful suites with their own bathroom
• stunning honeymoon suite is the ultimate in luxury and comes with an outdoor shower, plunge pool, garden and private patio
• the Vitality Studio offers a range of pampering and rejuvenating treatments which can also be offered in the privacy of your room
• fireplaces
• bar
• braai facilities
• private verandas
• all suites are air conditioned
• ceiling fans
• electronic safes
• hairdryer
• mini bar
• satellite TV
• decadent cuisine matched with the finest wines
• special menu for children
• safe parking
• swimming pool

Contact Details:

RiverBend Lodge
Addo Elephant National Park
Eastern Cape
South Africa

For more info and bookings CLICK HERE.

Tel: +27 (0)42 233 8000
Fax: +27 (0)42 233 8028
Email: reservations@riverbendlodge.co.za
Website: www.riverbendlodge.co.za

Article source: http://www.knowyourstay.co.za/thecape/easterncape/big-5-safari-lodge-accommodation-river-bend-lodge-addo-elephant-national-park-eastern-cape-south-africa/

Addo Elephant National Park is a diverse wildlife conservation park, close to Port Elizabeth in South Africa. It was originally established as a sanctuary for elephants  and it is now home to almost 500 elephants.

Full information and directions can be found here:

http://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/gps.php

You can drive around the park in a day, and there is a mixture of tar macadam roads and gravel roads. I comfortably drove around the park in a family car!

There is an amazing variety of wildlife in the park in addition to elephants. And you can get really close by stopping the car and let the animals walk right on by.

If you are in Port Elizabeth, Addo is well worth a visit, and is just an hour away by car.

 

Article source: http://wherecanitakethatphoto.com/2013/11/20/addo-elephant-national-park/

The exquisite 5 star River Bend Lodge is found on the private Nyati concession area of the Addo Elephant National Park and visitors can be sure that they are going to be in for heaps of fantastic game viewing opportunities. Not only that, on a guided walk or private game drive, you will also glean fascinating information on medicinal values of the bush, do some tracking of animals and see plenty to enthrall you. There is also a professional in-house photographer who will help guests to improve their photography skill to get some amazing pictures.

Whats all on Offer at River Bend Lodge:

• 8 beautiful suites with their own bathroom
• stunning honeymoon suite is the ultimate in luxury and comes with an outdoor shower, plunge pool, garden and private patio
• the Vitality Studio offers a range of pampering and rejuvenating treatments which can also be offered in the privacy of your room
• fireplaces
• bar
• braai facilities
• private verandas
• all suites are air conditioned
• ceiling fans
• electronic safes
• hairdryer
• mini bar
• satellite TV
• decadent cuisine matched with the finest wines
• special menu for children
• safe parking
• swimming pool

Contact Details:

RiverBend Lodge
Addo Elephant National Park
Eastern Cape
South Africa

For more info and bookings CLICK HERE.

Tel: +27 (0)42 233 8000
Fax: +27 (0)42 233 8028
Email: reservations@riverbendlodge.co.za
Website: www.riverbendlodge.co.za

Addo Elephant National Park is a diverse wildlife conservation park, close to Port Elizabeth in South Africa. It was originally established as a sanctuary for elephants  and it is now home to almost 500 elephants.

Full information and directions can be found here:

http://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/gps.php

You can drive around the park in a day, and there is a mixture of tar macadam roads and gravel roads. I comfortably drove around the park in a family car!

There is an amazing variety of wildlife in the park in addition to elephants. And you can get really close by stopping the car and let the animals walk right on by.

If you are in Port Elizabeth, Addo is well worth a visit, and is just an hour away by car.

 

Related

Cycle tour leaves positive trails in Addo

 

Phil Buys negotiating a section of singletrack at Hayterdale. Photo: Tonie Griffin

Mountain bikers can look forward to riding eco-friendly, hand-cut trails in one of the world’s most biologically diverse areas when they sign up for The Herald VW Cycle Tour in Addo on the 1st of February.

The mountain biking segment of the cycle tour not only exposes riders to some of the area’s natural wonders but also provides pathways to development by creating trail-building jobs for local labourers.

According to race director Brad Jackson of Mountain Events, participants should expect “something new and exciting” from the newly skilled route builders.

“We believe that a good mountain bike race is all about good quality trails,” said Jackson.

“Every year we endeavour to add something different instead of just serving up the same old race routes year after year.”

This approach, he said, had led to various job creation and skills development opportunities.

“In collaboration with local landowners, we have worked on building some of the best dedicated mountain bike single track in the country.

“However as much as we love spending time outdoors building trails, we just don’t have the luxury of doing this on a full-time basis.”

Instead they decided to train and equip a team of local labourers to build and maintain mountain bike trails throughout the year.

At Hayterdale Trails, four labourers are employed on a permanent basis, while the development team expands to as many as eight workers from time to time, as needed.

“Aside from the fact that sustainable jobs have been created, these guys have truly become masters at trail building and have developed the skills to build proper single track while adhering to sound environmental principles.”

Due to the mostly inaccessible nature of the terrain, the majority of the work is done manually without the use of heavy machinery.

Jackson said the head of the trail-building crew, Zolile Pikoli, would showcase his signature trail section – the aptly named Zorr’s Rollercoaster – for the first time in next year’s race.

He said conserving the environment and ensuring it remained unharmed during events such as the cycle tour was extremely important as Addo encompassed five of the country’s seven biomes.

Jackson said riders would have the opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of the region first-hand.

“The cycle tour mountain bike routes start among citrus orchards in the Sundays River Valley and extend to the Zuurberg mountain range and back, traversing a diverse range of vegetation along the way.

“If riders are lucky, they may even spot a herd of Addo elephant where sections of the feature route hugs the Addo Elephant National Park.”

If a brief glimpse from the bike left them wanting more, he said participants were encouraged to stay on and explore the region with families and friends after crossing the finish line.

Leading the host of accommodation options in the area is Zuurberg Mountain Village, which is the official cycle tour accommodation sponsor for the mountain biking events.

General manager Clinton Wild said the tranquil mountain top retreat would host 24 of the cycle tour’s VIPs.

In addition, it will provide special rates to participants who wish to enjoy the establishment’s four-star accommodation and breathtaking views over the Addo Elephant National Park.

About 145 000ha of the park surrounds the Zuurberg Mountain Village, where a wide range of activities from horse riding to hiking trails can be enjoyed amid magnificent wildlife, birdlife and vegetation.

For those riders looking for a budget-friendly option, organisers will turn the fields of the Addo Polo Club, which is next to the start and finish line, into a campground. Campers will have access to a pub, braai facilities, bathrooms, food stalls and a bike lock-up.

The mountain bike events comprise the 80km Extreme, 60km Adventure and 30km Powerade Leisure Challenge. The 5km Kiddies’ Challenge and 500m Toddler’s Dash, also sponsored by Powerade, complete the line-up.

Registration takes place on Friday, January 31, at The Boardwalk, with late registration for the mountain bike events continuing on the Saturday at the Addo Polo Club.

Click here for accommodation and travel packages.

 

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Mountain bikers can look forward to riding eco-friendly, hand-cut trails in one of the world’s most biologically diverse areas when they sign up for The Herald VW Cycle Tour in Addo on February 1.

The mountain biking segment of the cycle tour not only exposes riders to some of the area’s natural wonders but also provides pathways to development by creating trail-building jobs for local labourers.

According to race director Brad Jackson of Mountain Events, participants should expect “something new and exciting” from the newly skilled route builders.

“We believe that a good mountain bike race is all about good quality trails,” said Jackson.

“Every year we endeavour to add something different instead of just serving up the same old race routes year after year.”

This approach, he said, had led to various job creation and skills development opportunities.

“In collaboration with local landowners, we have worked on building some of the best dedicated mountain bike single track in the country.

“However as much as we love spending time outdoors building trails, we just don’t have the luxury of doing this on a full-time basis.”

Instead they decided to train and equip a team of local labourers to build and maintain mountain bike trails throughout the year.

At Hayterdale Trails, four labourers are employed on a permanent basis, while the development team expands to as many as eight workers from time to time, as needed.

“Aside from the fact that sustainable jobs have been created, these guys have truly become masters at trail building and have developed the skills to build proper single track while adhering to sound environmental principles.”

Due to the mostly inaccessible nature of the terrain, the majority of the work is done manually without the use of heavy machinery.

Jackson said the head of the trail-building crew, Zolile Pikoli, would showcase his signature trail section – the aptly named Zorr’s Rollercoaster – for the first time in next year’s race.

He said conserving the environment and ensuring it remained unharmed during events such as the cycle tour was extremely important as Addo encompassed five of the country’s seven biomes.

Jackson said riders would have the opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of the region first-hand.

“The cycle tour mountain bike routes start among citrus orchards in the Sundays River Valley and extend to the Zuurberg mountain range and back, traversing a diverse range of vegetation along the way.

“If riders are lucky, they may even spot a herd of Addo elephant where sections of the feature route hugs the Addo Elephant National Park.”

If a brief glimpse from the bike left them wanting more, he said participants were encouraged to stay on and explore the region with families and friends after crossing the finish line.

Leading the host of accommodation options in the area is Zuurberg Mountain Village, which is the official cycle tour accommodation sponsor for the mountain biking events.

General manager Clinton Wild said the tranquil mountain top retreat would host 24 of the cycle tour’s VIPs.

In addition, it will provide special rates to participants who wish to enjoy the establishment’s four-star accommodation and breathtaking views over the Addo Elephant National Park.

About 145 000ha of the park surrounds the Zuurberg Mountain Village, where a wide range of activities from horse riding to hiking trails can be enjoyed amid magnificent wildlife, birdlife and vegetation.

For those riders looking for a budget-friendly option, organisers will turn the fields of the Addo Polo Club, which is next to the start and finish line, into a campground. Campers will have access to a pub, braai facilities, bathrooms, food stalls and a bike lock-up.

The mountain bike events comprise the 80km Extreme, 60km Adventure and 30km Powerade Leisure Challenge. The 5km Kiddies’ Challenge and 500m Toddler’s Dash, also sponsored by Powerade, complete the line-up.

Registration takes place on Friday, January 31, at The Boardwalk, with late registration for the mountain bike events continuing on the Saturday at the Addo Polo Club.

Trail-building crew (from left) Zolile Pikoli, Happyboy Hina and Bulelo Pikoli look forward to welcoming mountain bikers to The Herald VW Cycle Tour in Addo on February 1. In the background is official accommodation sponsor Zuurberg Mountain Village, which is offering discounted rates to participants. Photo: Brad Jackson

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Article source: http://mype.co.za/new/2013/11/hand-crafted-cycle-tour-trails-in-addo/