Safari in Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Elephant National Park has the greatest density of Elephant per square kilometre in Africa and thus offers some wonderful Elephant viewing opportunities. In addition to Elephant, there are also Buffalo, Black Rhino, Lion and a variety of antelope species.
The vegetation that one encounters in the area is known as 'Valley Bushveld', this is a biome unique to the river valleys of the Eastern Cape.
The plants are tough and drought resistant (Addo's average annual rainfall is 385mm) with a high proportion of succulents much loved by Elephants, Black Rhino and Kudu. Valley Bushveld is able to support more animals, birds and insects per cubic metre, than any other biome on earth. There are various game viewing options available in Addo and the surrounding area.
Elephant Encounters
An Elephant expert with many years of experience with the Elephants of Addo conducts game drives through Addo National Park in an open safari vehicle daily, both departing and ending at Elephant House. Enjoy Elephant interactions and walk with the Elephants.
Valley Tour
This wine route tour is a must. Your tour guide takes you through the famous citrus groves of the Sundays River Valley to a beautiful lookout point where pioneer Sir Percy Fitzpatrick is buried. You then move on to Elim Private Game Camp where you have sundowners and snacks in a bird hide overlooking a dam with abundant waterfowl.
Schotia Safari
Schotia Private Game Reserve lies adjacent to Addo's eastern boundary and can be reached in 30 minutes. The reserve has numerous antelope species and also Lion. The safari adventure is followed by a barbecue in their boma (African grass hut).
Shamwari Game Reserve Day Trip
Shamwari Game Reserve has won numerous international awards for its conservation efforts and this world famous reserve offers a wonderful day trip. Shamwari has the Big Five and is a 40 minute drive from the Elephant House Lodge. This safari begins at 11am and ends at 5pm. It includes lunch, a visit to the Born Free Foundation, a visit to Khaya Lendaba (a cultural village) and a 3 hour game drive through the reserve.
Bukani Tours Addo Night Drive
Bukani Tours offers a superb night drive in open vehicles through the Addo National Park. Apart from the nocturnal species one often encounters Black Rhino and Buffalo on these drives.
Helicopter Trip to the Beach
Elephant House Lodge is able to arrange a helicopter trip taking you to a beautiful unspoilt beach on the Indian Ocean for a beach picnic and a swim.
Historical Day Tours of Grahamstown
This full day tour into settler country gives one a wonderful insight into South African history while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding area.
The morning starts with the Frontier Country Tour, time is spent in and around the hills of the city of Grahamstown following the results and influences that the many cultures had on the region. Allan gives a thrilling account of the Battle of Grahamstown as well as many truths, tales, and legends about the region and its people.
After lunch you can either visit the Valley of Ancient Voices if you are interested in the history of the Bushman (enjoy the prolific rock art, relics and artifacts of ancient people), or alternatively visit the Great Fish River Valley if you are interested in the history of the Englishman.
A Port Elizabeth City and Eco Tour
A day tour to Port Elizabeth where you will visit central Port Elizabeth's historical and natural attractions. Optional visits to the Dolphinarium, Intsimbe Beads, Ron Belling Art Gallery and No. 7 Castle Hill. In the middle of the city you find Settlers Park, a beautiful nature reserve and then take a scenic drive along the coastline to Schoenmakerskop. There are ideal opportunities for walking in the nature reserve at Schoenmakerskop.
Golfing
Golfing facilities are available at nearby Kirkwood Golf Club and Bushman Sands Country Estate. Both are under an hour's drive away.
Activities
- Guided walks
- Horse riding in Addo Elephant National Park
- Boat Cruises
- Canoeing
- Scenic Flight
- Ubumbo Cultural Tours
- Fishing / boat hire
- Wisdom of elephants - de-stress program
