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Sunset at the Woody Cape
I’m currently busy camera trapping at the Woody Cape section of the Addo Elephant National Park. This section of the park is separated from the main camp area and thus, unfortunately, isn’t home to any of the elephants found in the main game area. However it is home to plenty of Bushbuck – and based on my camera trapping success thus far not much more. (But I’m hoping that will change over time.)

A male Bushbuck (Bosbok – Tragelaphus sylvaticus) in the Woody Cape thicket
Most of the vegetation of the Woody Cape section of the reserve consists of dense coastal dunes and very dense thickets. This vegetation is generally know as Albany Thicket. In some places the thicket starts to transition into the beginnings of a “true” forest.

This dense habitat is proving tricky to camera trap in. It is very hard for me (and I believe most other animals) to move around in the dense thicket and even the game trails are usually only Bushbuck size or smaller.

Illustrating the vegetation as it changes from coastal dune plants to thicket plants
I also believe that thickets and forests have lower mammal species richness and animal density compared to a similar area of Bushveld, Savannah, etc.

However, camera trapping is at it’s best when faced with a challenge and I’ve got my sight set on unlocking the secrets of the Woody Cape (and its surrounds).

Bushnell Trophy Cam keeping an eye on the prize
The Bushbuck is a very sexually dimorphic species of African antelope with the male and female looking very different, especially down here in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It is the most widely distributed antelope species and is found across most of sub-Saharan Africa, wherever there is suitable habitat.

The female Bushbuck is usually a lighter brown colour than the male, with some white spots and a varying amount of vertical stripes across the body. The females don’t have any horns.

A young female sneaking past the camera
The male is a much darker colour and sports a pair of impressive horns. They are said to put up a fierce fight when hunted, even killing dogs, leopards and people. The males are up to 80 cm high at the shoulders and can weigh 45 kg.

A male checking out my Cuddeback Capture camera trap
Bushbuck are mostly browsers (preferring leaves), but they will also eat some grass. They are mostly active during the night, but can also be seen during the day.

An interesting set of photographs I got showed a female Bushbuck covered in flies. She doesn’t seem to be in particularly bad condition, so I’m not sure why she has such a large amount of flying pestering her.

A female Bushbuck covered in flies
These photographs also show the curious patch of bare skin (or short hair) at the back of the neck. I’ve noticed this spot on other Bushbuck as well. The patch of bare skin seems to be part of a short haired “collar” around the neck. Sadly I couldn’t find any reference to it in any of the field guides, so it remains a mystery…

Clearly showing the patch of bare skin (or short hair) on the back of the neck
It has been a slow start at the Woody Cape, but there’s still plenty to explore, so let’s keep our fingers crossed!

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!– google_ad_client = “pub-8982229653008092″; google_ad_slot = “2158176860″; google_ad_width = 468; google_ad_height = 60; //– I had fun driving around the Addo Elephant National Park, one of the parks belonging to South African National Parks. The zebras provided a brilliant opportunity for some detailed photos. I just love the striking black and white patterns and these […]

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I had fun driving around the Addo Elephant National Park, one of the parks belonging to South African National Parks. The zebras provided a brilliant opportunity for some detailed photos. I just love the striking black and white patterns and these are some of my favorites in the set. Close up of zebra, Addo Elephant […]

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Go to:My Addo

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14 Comments A is for Addo Elephant National Park 24 January 2012   I have joined a group of international bloggers who are taking up the challenge set by blogger, Julie Fox (a British Ex Pat writing about living and travelling in Portugal) to write a personal A-Z of their country.  Each letter of the […]

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Article source: http://lindadoke.blogspot.com/2012/03/addo-elephant-82km-trail-run.html

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Annemarie Hoiting

Monday, November 28, 2011

What else can a student wish besides studying and traveling at the same time? South Africa is the opportunity to see something of the world during your study. The lodge and wildlife module of Stenden offers a journey along the tourism sector in South Africa and especially the Eastern Cape. During this semester the facets of the lodge industry is exposed and many lodges are visited during the module. In this way you are privileged to look inside all most expensive lodges with five star luxury facilities.

The module lodge management offers besides all the lodge visit many guests lectures who are telling their story of the industry from real estate developers to tourism bureaus, from architects to grading specialist. All facets of the industry are covered and come into practice in the module assignment where your own lodge is described. Imagine your own lodge with your own design; swimming pools at each room and luxury restaurants and bars.

Weekends to enjoy the beautiful white beaches of the Wild Coast or shopping in the largest shopping hall of the Eastern Cape at Port Elizabeth. Enjoying a relaxing day on the beach or surfing or going on a hiking tour or mountain biking through the mountains of Hogsback or Tsitsikamma National Park. Or even experience wildlife in Addo Elephant National Park while riding on the back of an Elephant.

Wildlife, a combination of enjoying nature while studying at Madolo’s in the beautiful surrounding of mountain ranges and at the border of the largest game reserve of the area. Having breakfast while giraffes and buffalos are passing by or waking up by the monkey running over the roof of your room. Studying about all the wildlife of South Africa and the environment. In this module you will experience real nature through game drives, an overnight survival, practical and workshops about all facets of life; reptiles, mammals, fish and birds. The module is combined with a community project in Alicedale, you will get to know the people by working together with the kids on the primary school or enjoy the weekly soccer match.

Experience in the holiday or at the end of your journey the beautiful nature of whole South Africa. A trip to Cape Town along the garden route and enjoy the largest bungee jump at the Bloukrans river, see the whales passing by in Plettenberg Bay or climb table mountain and experience Robben island. Or experience real wildlife in the prestigious glory of Kruger National Park and travel through Swaziland, St. Lucia and Drakensberg. South Africa has more glory, history and culture than you can experience in one stay, it is an unforgettable journey and this even while studying. Take this change and come here to experience the beauty of South Africa with your own eyes!

 

14 Comments

A is for Addo Elephant National Park

24 January 2012

 

I have joined a group of international bloggers who are taking up the challenge set by blogger, Julie Fox (a British Ex Pat writing about living and travelling in Portugal) to write a personal A-Z of their country.  Each letter of the alphabet is the basis of the blog and it can be about anything from travel, food, what you hate or love about your country etc.  Bloggers have joined in very enthusiastically from countries like Canada, Portugal, Dominican Republic, Poland, Greece, USA and Australia to name a few – it is turning into something quite exceptional, so, if you have a particular interest in a certain country, look no further, keep an eye on my blog or Facebook page where you will see links to these PERSONAL views.

 

South Africa is all about Adventure and, although other subjects sprang to mind beginning with “A”,  the Addo Elephant National Park  won hands down.   Being a huge fan of elephants coupled with my love of the outdoors and our amazing National Parks also helped.

The original section of the Park was found in 1931 to provide a sanctuary for the eleven remaining elephants in the area.   Today, this finely tuned ecosystem is home to over 500 elephants including buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra as well as the unique flightless dung beetle.

The Addo is the third largest of our 19 National Parks covering about 180 000 hectares (444 700 acres).  Plans are well advanced to expanding the Park into a huge mega- Park to include a marine protected area that is home to the world’s largest breeding population of Cape gannets and endangered African penguins.

The Addo is situated in a malaria free area about an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, a super addition onto any trip to Cape Town and the Garden Route. 

One can stay in the National Park accommodation which ranges from inexpensive huts to lovely cottages, there is great waterhole and a restaurant and you can book game drives with rangers or just drive around in your own vehicle.  For those who want a little more luxury there are a number of excellent lodges and guesthouse both within the Park or just outside the Park.  They range from 3 – 5 star and can include meals, game drives with rangers in open vehicles, guided walks etc.  I have stayed at both the Park accommodation and also at The River Bend Lodge which is situated within the 17 000 hectare Nyati Private Concession of the Addo.   I thoroughly enjoyed both and have plans to return to the Addo in April as have not visited for a couple of years.

View of River Bend Lodge

INTERESTING FACTS

• The Park has no less than five of South Africa’s seven biomes
• It has one of the densest African elephant populations on earth
• It is home to the unique flightless dung beetle
• Addo incorporates the largest coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere
• The Park boasts the Big Seven (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whales and great white sharks)
• It protects the world’s largest Cape gannet breeding population on Bird Island

And, if you are interested in reading some wonderfully interesting information not only on travel but just daily life in different countries, click onto the Global A – Z logo below, sit back and enjoy.

Click here to find the A – Z challenge around the world

 

 

 

 

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Video : An elephant in Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa (un éléphant dans le Parc national des Éléphants d’Addo)   Addo Elephant National Park, a big five reserve, is situated 72km by road from Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape, South Africa). Established in 1931 to save 11 Elephants on the brink of extinction. The park has […]

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82 and 50km 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.whatsuppe.com/2012/eastern-cape-sport/addo-elephant-trail-run/1

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82 and 50km 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.

 

Written by Staff Reporter

The exciting Woody Cape MTB race will take place on May 5 in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA – ONE of the more diverse and exciting Mountain Bike and Trail runs in the Eastern Cape takes place on Saturday, May 5, within the Alexandria Forest region.

The Woody Cape MTB and Trail Challenge is an exciting event for off-road athletes with four simultaneously running events on offer. A tough 55km Mountain Bike event will be paired with an equally exciting but somewhat less strenuous 18km version.

For the trail running enthusiasts organisers Zports have mapped out a spectacular 18km trail run and 5km fun run version.

All events will start and finish at the breath-taking Elephants of Eden, an elephant Sanctuary situated in the heart of the Alexandria forest belt. The farm, owned by Ian and Lisette Withers of the Knysna Elephant Park, is home to over half a dozen African Elephants and other game.

“We are very excited about this event which we believe is one of the most diverse off-road events in the Province,” said event organiser Mike Zoetmulder of Zports. “Participants will be challenged with a variety of terrains and gradients which will be offset by breath-taking views of the largest dune fields south of the equator, indigenous forest, farm lands and a variety of game.”

Other than Elephants of Eden, participants will also pass through neighbouring Kaba Game farm which is home to the International Quest Africa leadership school and a variety of game including giraffe and buffalo. From Kaba participants will tackle a 23km section of the Addo Elephant National Park, the third largest national park in the country, where the Woody Cape region consists of pristine indigenous forest.

“Due to the nature of the events on offer, we will not be taking any late entries for the Woody Cape Mountain Bike and 18km Trail Run events after our online entries close on Thursday May 3.” added Zoetmulder. “This is definitely not an experience which off-roaders will want to miss as it’s not something which they’re able to do on their own.”

The event is held in association with the local Alexandria NG Kerk fete which takes place in Alexandria on the Saturday morning with proceeds of the event going towards the church’s local community projects. Online entries till Thursday May 3 are available on www.woodycapemtb.co.za

Addo Elephant Park Accommodation

Nestled in the heart of the Sundays River Valley, on the doorstep of the Addo Elephant National Park, and close to Shamwari and Schotia Reserves, Woodall Country House lies tucked away on a peaceful citrus farm where miles of citrus trees bear fruit all winter and scent the air with blossoms in the springtime.

Addo Elephant Park Accommodation

Video : An elephant in Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa 
(un éléphant dans le Parc national des Éléphants d’Addo)

 

Addo Elephant National Park, a big five reserve, is situated 72km by road from Port Elizabeth (Eastern Cape, South Africa). Established in 1931 to save 11 Elephants on the brink of extinction. The park has proved to be very successful and currently houses more than 450 elephants and a large number of other mammals (and ostriches as viewed in this video)

Addo Elephant Park, a sanctuary for a wide range of South Africa’s Wildlife, is located in the 120 000 ha of land in the thick bushveld of the Sundays River, in the Eastern Cape.

The park is the third largest one in South Africa.

Le Parc national des Éléphants d’Addo (en : Addo Elephant National Park) est un parc national dédicacé aux éléphants d’Afrique, situé au nord de Port Elizabeth, Cap-Oriental en Afrique du Sud.

Le parc fut fondé en 1931, suite aux efforts de Sydney Skaife, pour offrir un sanctuaire aux 11 éléphants rescapés de la région. Il accueille désormais plus de 450 éléphants, ainsi que de nombreux autres mammifères (et des autruches comme on peut voir dans cette vidéo)

Location (situation géographique) Addo Elephant National Park :

View Larger Map

Written by: Derrick Spies

Every game reserve in South Africa goes through periods of loss and new life and Pumba Private Game Reserve is no exception.

The reserve recently lost a very influential member of the Eastern Cape’s natural history with the passing of Hapoor Junior,  but on a positive note welcomed some new arrivals between October and February this year.

Hapoor Junior (aged 58) was the Eastern Cape’s most famous elephant bull.  He was sired by legendary Hapoor, the dominating bull who reigned over all in the Addo Elephant National Park from 1944 – 1958.

Hapoor Junior was born in the Addo Elephant National Park in 1954. He wasrelocated to Pumba Private Game Reserve in 2005, when the Addo Elephant National Park decided to relocate twelve big bulls to Private Reserves in the Eastern Cape, to diminish the competition and fighting amongst the bulls in Addo.

At the time of relocation, Hapoor Junior had been the dominating bull in Addo for 26 years, during which time he had killed eight other bulls who had challenged his dominance. Hapoor passed away from injuries sustained when he was attacked by his brother Nick, another dominant bull, last month.

Since October last year, three baby Hippopotamus have been conceived bringing the pod’s numbers to nine, filling the air with their characteristic calls which echo through the valleys, a highlight for of many guests’ stays.

The plains are active with an amazing variety of baby Wildebeest, Haartebeest, Eland, Zebra, Impala, Blesbuck, the infamous Warthog and an abundance of antelope.

The White Lioness and her cub have settled down well in their new environment exhibiting extremely good hunting skills, provided many a guest staying at Msenge Bush Lodge, with amazing sightings of them, while hunting Warthog and other plains game.

The Acacia Thickets scattered around the reserve, abound with new Giraffe calves, which are doing extremely well, since the Lions attention has shifted to easier game to prey upon.

The reserve is undoubtedly at its very best at the moment, following the prolonged drought experienced over a period of three years, which was broken just under a year ago. The Thickets and opens plains are full of colour and life, while insects busily go about their work looking for food and assisting in the future procreation of nature. It is truly magical, hardships have passed and new life has begun.

 

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