Deep
within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region
of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park. Here,
the evenings are punctuated by the strident howl of the black-backed jackal,
and the francolin's call heralds each new dawn. Safe from relentless persecution
in the past, the grey leviathans of the bush now roam in peace. The original
Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants
remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to
over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species,
as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively
in Addo. But the Addo story has only just begun. Plans to expand the
164 000 ha Addo National Elephant Park into a 360 000 ha mega-park are
moving forward at an exciting pace. This expansion is transforming Addo
into the ultimate tourism destination. Some of its unique features already
include:
Unrivalled natural diversity,
with five of South Africa's seven major vegetation zones (biomes).
The Big 7 (Elephant, rhino,
lion, buffalo, leopard, whales and great white sharks) in their natural
habitat.
Rich heritage of archaeological
and historical sites.
A wide variety of accommodation
and activity options.
In addition, plans include the
proposed proclamation of a 120 000 ha (296 500 acre) marine reserve that
includes islands that are home to the world's largest breeding populations
of Cape gannets and second largest breeding population of African penguins.
Addo
Olifantskop Lodge, Bed and Breakfast, GREATER ADDO - 34 kms from Addo
Elephant Park Olifantskop Lodge is situated
among the foothills of the Zuurberg Mountain Range. The Lodge is set in
a beautiful garden setting and offers excellent bird watching. Its rustic
charm will keep you coming back year after year. Olifantskop Lodge
is an ideal base from which to explore the neighbouring towns of Alicedale,
Paterson and Addo including the many game parks with their spectacular
scenery and rich vegetation. These parks are a haven to the Big Five as
well as a large variety of other wildlife. The list of Game Parks
are the famous Addo National Park, Amakhala Game Reserve, Schotia Safaris
and Bushman Sands just outside Alicedale.
Cosmos
Cuisine, Bed and Breakfast, GREATER ADDO - 15 kms from Addo Elephant
Park Experience warm hospitality
in a relaxing and comfortable owner managed environment. In house Guests
are spoiled in the renowned restaurant, where food is presented with flair.
Indulge your senses throughout the five-course meal with a selection of
South African estate wines. Voted one of the Top 30 restaurants in South
Africa. Bedrooms offer private entrances, air-conditioning, telephone,
television fully stocked bar fridges etc. Relax around the rock pool or
read and unwind in the lush garden with their Koi dams. Personalised game
drives, packages and tours with the in house qualified guide to nearby
Addo, Schotia, Pumba big 5 game reserve and Bushman Sands offered.
Geelhoutboom
B & B, GREATER ADDO
- 30 kms from Addo Elephant Park Kirkwood is situated in
the magnificent Sunday's River Valley, only 45 min drive from Port Elizabeth.
The Sunday's River Valley is the main Citrus producing area, not only in
the Eastern Cape, but also in South Africa. It borders the Addo Elephant
Park as well as several other private Game Reserves. Geelhoutboom B&B
offers excellent accomodation. Our rooms are tastefully furnished..
Halstead
Farm, Bed & Breakfast, GREATER ADDO - 5 kms from Addo Elephant
Park Halstead Farm is a double
storey 'Province' style farmhouse built just before the turn of the 20th
century when this valley came into prominence as a citrus growing region.
The central position of Halstead has proved to be a useful springboard
to explore the valley. The Sundays River Valley is typical of many farming
communities with carious farmstalls, polo club, library etc. A mere
10 minutes from Halstead is the entrance to the Addo Elephant National
Park. Our guests have many game viewing options. Horseback safaris have
proved to be extremely popular for the more experienced of horsemen. For
those who want to enjoy the opportunity of seeing lions, we can arrange
excursions on the 'Tooth and Claw Safari's' with Scotia Safaris.
Sandflats
B & B, Bed & Breakfast, Self-catering, GREATER ADDO
- 22 kms from Addo Elephant Park Far from the madding crowd
you will find the tranquil country village of Paterson, (close to Addo
National Elephant Park) where the only sounds disturbing you are the sounds
of nature. Here you will find the Sandflats Hotel, where your hosts,
Rudy and Denise Wilhelmi, are looking forward to make your stay as pleasant
as possible. The Sandflats Hotel is ideally situated for the visitor
to make it a base from which to experience the best that the beautiful
and diverse Eastern Cape has to offer. You can soak up the early
morning sun on one of the many safe beaches around Port Elizabeth, spend
the day in historical Grahamstown in the heart of South Africa's Settler
country and enjoy an evening game drive at the Schotia Game reserve.
The
Green Tree, Bed & Breakfast with Self catering Unit, GREATER ADDO
- 26 kms from Addo Elephant Park In close vicinity of the
Greater Addo Elephant Park and the Sunshine Coast, The Green Tree Cottage
welcomes you! The Green Tree Cottage is situated on a working dairy farm,
Wycombevale, where your host & hostess, Datie & Lezl van Niekerk,
will make your stay a most memorable one. Enjoy staying in four luxuriously
decorated air-conditioned cottages, dine in our private dining room, and
experience Game viewing in the malaria free Eastern Cape. If the sun, beautiful
beaches and nature are what you are looking for - look no further! We have
it all within a short drive from the Green Tree Guest Cottage.
Valleyview
Bed & Breakfast, GREATER ADDO
- 12 kms from Addo Elephant Park Valleyview - for hospitality,
tranquility and real home cooking. Come and enjoy the peaceful country
atmosphere only 12kms from the Addo Elephant National Park. Here you can
enjoy one of the best views of the Sundays River from the doorstep of your
comfortable and tastefully decorated en-suite double room high above the
river bank. Spend time in our bird-hide to enjoy the abundant birdlife,
or just unwind at the poolside, for the more adventurous take a quad bike
ride nearby and get dirty. Discover the other attractions of the
Sundays River Valley, which is famous for its citrus estates, it's beautiful
roses, nearby game farms and hikes in the Zuurberg mountains. Port Elizabeth,
the 'Friendly City' is only half an hour's drive away.
ADDO
ELEPHANT PARK & VICINITY - GAME & SAFARI LODGES
Nguni
River Lodge, Luxury Game Lodge, Nyathi Concession, Addo Elephant Park Spectacular
views over a pristine floodplain and the Zuurberg Mountain as backdrop
are the picture perfect image that welcomes every Nguni River Lodge guest.
Situated in the malaria free Addo Elephant National Park, only an hour’s
drive from the coastal city of Port Elizabeth, Nguni River Lodge offers
a wide variety of game viewing, outdoor adventure and luxurious accommodation.
Eclectic selections of shapes, textures and colours offers the guest at
Nguni River Lodge luxurious accommodation in seven double guest suites
and one King suite. Each suite boasts private plunge pools and balconies
overlooking the river and floodplain below. The romantic bathrooms with
its huge stone bath and outdoor shower share the same views and sightings
of animals can be seen from the privacy and comfort of your own room.
Amakhala
Game Reserve, Lodge, AMAKHALA GAME RESERVE
- 30 minutes from Addo Elephant Park Amakhala
is named after the Xhosa word meaning Aloes, the prolific indigenous plant
found in this uniquely diverse province. Steeped in history and beauty,
this 5000-hectare game reserve creates an ideal environment for an unforgettable
safari and an intimate experience of the varied landscape, including breathtaking
views of the Bushman's River. A range of SABS accredited accommodation
is available, from bush lodges to charming farm cottages and elegant country
houses. Surrounding attractions include the Shamwari Game Reserve (5 min),
Addo Elephant National Park (30 min), Grahamstown (40 min), the Sunshine
Coast with its stunning beaches (45 min), and historical Settler villages
such as Sidbury and Salem.
Bukela
Game Lodge, AMAKHALA GAME RESERVE
- 30 minutes from Addo Elephant Park Bukela Lodge is situated
in the malaria free, 6000 hectare Amakhala Game reserve just 40 minutes
drive from Port Elizabeth. The Owners, Deon & Elsa Truter, have for
many years dreamed and envisioned such a place, where one could relax and
partake of the splendor of the African bush whilst still enjoying quality
service and comfort. Having both explored most of the South African reserves
extensively, they chose “this place of great admiration” in order to realize
their dream, not only for its magnificence but also because it would offer
their guests an opportunity of discovering the Eastern Cape which is of
significant cultural and historical importance. In addition, the proximity
of the coast to Bukela Lodge offers guests the opportunity of enjoying
the bush and discovering the pristine beaches of the Eastern Cape.
Camp
Figtree, Private Lodge, GREATER ADDO
- 15 kms from Addo Elephant Park Camp Figtree is an intimate
Private Lodge set high in the Zuurberg Moutains overlooking the Addo Elephant
National Park. Built in traditional Colonial Style, Camp Figtree
offers 270 degree jaw dropping views of the Addo National Park. Come
and enjoy the stars, elephant walks, horse back safaris or the Big 5 on
your door-step. For the food and wine lovers, let us delight you
will our gourmet meals. With only six rooms we can cater to your
every need in a relaxed atmosphere. A perfect place for a soft safari!
Elephant
House, Lodge, GREATER ADDO - 8 kms from Addo
Elephant Park The Elephant House is a
small exclusive lodge only minutes away from the Addo Elephant Park.
Situated on a beautiful race horse stud and surrounded by rolling lawns
and indigenous trees this is the perfect place to return to after a hot
day in the bush. The lodge, with its thatched roof, wide verandas and exceptional
service is reminiscent of the old colonial safari experience. The
antiques, superior fabrics and the owner's private collection of Africana
art gives on the feeling of cosseted luxury. The eight luxury rooms
are all individually decorated and guarantee that the guest has a truly
relaxing experience. Four rooms are twin bedded and four rooms are queen
bedded. Every evening the drinks tray is brought out for sundowners
and dinner is a sumptuous candle lit affair.
Gorah
Elephant Camp, Lodge, ADDO ELEPHANT PARK Discover a sense of place
and time in tune with the authentic African safari of centuries past. This
is Gorah. The first private concession in a National Park, is a premier
lodge set in the heart of the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park,
home to the densest elephant population on earth. The Gorah House
- Restored to it's 19th century colonial splendour and period furnished,
the main house reflects a noble opulence and delivers the meticulous service
and attention to detail that characterises Hunter's properties. Member
of 'Relais & Chateaux'. The romantic atmosphere of the eleven
spacious and luxurious tented suites, recalls the golden era of safari
in the early 1900's; yet with the comfort and excellence associated with
Africa's finest game lodges.
Hitgeheim
Country Lodge, GREATER ADDO
- 19 kms from Addo Elephant Park An exclusive thatched lodge
only minutes from Addo Elephant Park, situated on a working citrus, buffalo
breeding farm and eco-reserve. Guests are warmly welcomed into this
special place of peace and tranquility. The private and stylishly appointed
chalets with private wooden leisure decks, each providing spectacular views
over the valley below, ensure that the rest of the world goes by unnoticed,
while you relax in a luxury bath or outdoor shower. Experience the
fresh air when strolling through the natural surroundings, coming face
to face with the indigenous species roaming their natural habitat.
Take a farm tour or arrange an exhilarating Elephant Back Safari or personalised
game drive at Addo Elephant. Afterwards, indulge in a refreshing swim or
sundowners on the verandah.
Lalibela
Game Reserve, Lodge, GREATER ADDO
- 65 kms from Addo Elephant Park This private game reserve's
location in the Eastern Cape means it is not only malaria free, but spans
5 ecosystems (valley bushveld, savannah grassland, fynbos, riverine forest
and acacia woodland), resulting in a breath-taking diversity of plants,
animals and birds. Lalibela brings you the charm of authentic Africa
and is a perfect blend of the formal and informal. Lalibela has 3 lodges
- Lentaba Lodge, Mark's Camp and Tree Tops - all offering decor that is
infused with the essence of Africa, as well as warm and friendly service
and unforgettable game viewing. At Lalibela food is true safari cuisine
with an emphasis on local specialties, ranging from centuries-old recipes
to exciting contempory African dishes. Accommodation rates at Lalibela
are fully inclusive of all meals, game drives as well as all drinks (excluding
premium wines).
Hopefield
Country House & Guest Farm, GREATER ADDO - 15 kms
from Addo Elephant Park Situated
in the heart of the Sundays River Valley, close to Port Elizabeth and a
stones throw from the world famous Addo Elephant National Park you’ll find
a haven of comfort and luxury. Offering superiour service with unashamed
flair, Hopefield Country House & Guest Farm is the ideal spot for a
quiet weekend away, family holiday or as your home base when you explore
the natural beauty of the Eastern Cape. Slightly elevated above the
green orchards of the farm, Hopefield Country House offers unobtrusive
views of the natural beauty of the Sundays River Valley. The magnificent
lawns with blue swimming pool are flanked by colourful flowerbeds frequented
by various species of birds. The homestead offers spacious areas in which
to relax whilst listening to the sounds of everyday country living or maybe
even a favourite classical music piece on CD from our vast collection.
Kronenhoff
Guesthouse, ADDO - 30 kms from Addo Elephant Park Kronenhoff
Guest House is set in the picturesque Sundays River Valley bordering the
Addo National Elephant Park. The magnificent Cape Dutch, luscious gardens,
spacious and luxurious rooms, first class restaurant combined with the
warmth and hospitality of the caring staff, makes Kronenhoff the ideal
retreat. Kronenhoff is situated in Kirkwood, only 75km from Port
Elizabeth. The Addo National Elephant Park is fast becoming one of the
major tourist attractions in South Africa. Day and Night drives can be
arranged. The Darlington 4x4 Route through the Zuurberg mountains offers
a great experience for 4x4 enthusiates.
