South African Flag

Write blog articles on Cape Intern by registering as an author

Garden Route Trip (5/7): Addo Elephant Park

  • by benjo,
  • 06 June 2011
  • Posted in Traveling Garden Route

As I already mentioned we decided to spend another night in Stormsriver. Due to the busy frequency at Tsitsikamma Backpackers we had to move other accommodation around the corner. We slept in Tube’n Axe Backpackers which is also the tour operator for Blackwater Tubing in Tsitsikamma. The room was nicely furnished in an African style with a communal shower and toilet. The next morning we could order a breakfast chosen from 2 available meals and start strengthened into the day …

Addo – Not Far Away

When we had finished our breakfast we started off early to arrive in Addo as soon as possible. Addo is just another 2 ½ hours drive further east. We were already so close to the famous Addo Elephant Park – the third largest in South Africa – that we couldn’t leave this opportunity to go there. And we didn’t regret it!

Special Experience – Addo Elephant Park

We reached the park at noon. As we entered the park we informed ourselves regarding guided safari tours for the day. The office lady was very friendly and helpful. She advised us to do a safari tour on our own first. The weather was cloudy at this time so she couldn’t guarantee animal sightings. After our own trip we would still have the opportunity to do a guided tour.

Hence, we started our self-drive safari. It was amazing. The tracks are partly paved and partly gravel. Nonetheless it is easy to get access to all parts of the park even though you are driving a normal car. 4wd vehicles are not necessary!

We did a 4 hours tour filled with so many elephant sightings that is was breathtaking. We drove very slowly and attentively. The nature in the park was also gorgeous. It was green everywhere. Some passages were open country; other passages were thick green bush.

One of the most impressive encounters was the observation of an elephant moving to a waterhole. We followed this animal for at least 10 minutes and it approached closer and closer. Another great experience was the view from one of the viewing points. There we were allowed to leave the car. Normally, you must stay inside the car, because you’ll never know where the next lion is spotting you even though you haven’t seen him yet. From that viewing point we watched a big herd of elephants moving through the bush and crossing the gravel tracks. Big bulls as well as little baby elephants.

Plenty of Animal Sightings

When entering the Park we got a map of the park with all the animals we could have spotted on the reverse side of the map. So we could easily mark and recognize those animals which we saw. We also spotted additional animals, such as:

  • Jackal
  • Kudu
  • Zebra
  • Red Hartebeest
  • Dung Beetle
  • Warthog

If you are lucky you’ll spot all Big 5 which is Leopard (rare), Lion, Buffalo and Rhinoceros as well.

Bad Night, No Breakfast

We spend the night at Orange Elephant Backpackers. Unfortunately, we were not convinced with this accommodation. The room was an old kind of bungalow with holes almost everywhere in the windows and walls. Imagine how cold the night was. We were frozen the next morning. Despite the outside cold inside we were glad to have breakfast at 8 o’clock. We went to the restaurant at just after 8 and waited until half past 8 in front of the closed door. Nobody opened although we ordered breakfast for 8 o’clock the night before and it was offered by them. That’s a NO GO! Never leave your guests hungry after a bad night. All in all this Backpackers is not recommendable!

Further Things to Do

Further things to do in Addo are:

  • Horse Riding in Addo Elephant Park
  • Addo Dung Beetle Breeding Station
  • Addo Market
  • Addo Raptor Reptile Centre

 

If you have also been to Addo Elephant Park or if you are planning to go there please let me know your opinion in the comment section.




Post your thoughts, experience and recommendations here

Name:
Email:

Your email is never shared.
Comment:
Verification:

* please type the number.
 
Loading... please wait.

Nobody has commented here yet.