21 Things Locals Love About Greater Addo
1. Addo Elephant National Park
The Addo Elephant National Park is a local lure for a 'Big 5' day out, especially a Sunday drive with the family, a drink or meal at the Cattle Baron, a bird hide wander or braai at the Rest Camp waterhole.
Also at the Rest Camp is an excellent Interpretive Centre with info not only on elephants but the cultural and natural history of the area and the endangered flightless dung beetle - who has the right of way on all roads!
Also at the Rest Camp is an excellent Interpretive Centre with info not only on elephants but the cultural and natural history of the area and the endangered flightless dung beetle - who has the right of way on all roads!
For those who would like the guidance
and experience of a ranger, there are quite a few options. There are 2-hour
game drives with the Addo Park, get a hop-on guide in the comfort of your car
for 2 hours or contact Crisscross Adventures for a 4 hour or full day safari.
They will transport you to and from your accommodation.
2. Crisscross Adventures
Crisscross Adventures were the first Tour & Safari Company to be based in Addo and are committed to ensuring that you receive a safe, fun-filled, affordable tour with highly qualified guides, and that your experience of Addo is truly memorable.
They specialise in Addo Elephant Park Safari's (half and full day tours), Addo River Safari's on the Sundays River, Addo Hiking tours in the Zuurberg, Sand boarding and Beach Safari's in Addo's Marine Section, Fishing, mountain Biking and Addo Bird watching.
And every tour includes return transfers if staying in the Addo Village area!
GO and join for the Ultimate ADDO experience!
3. Addo Wildlife Sanctuary
The Wildlife Sanctuary is one of only a few facilities to conduct educational programs with permanently injured (non-releasable) birds of prey. With approximately 20 birds of over a dozen species, the Addo Wildlife Sanctuary offers visitors an up close view.
Go and learn about care and handling of raptors in a daily show and guided tours. Or maybe come face to face with the venomous African Cape Cobra?
The expert handler will entertain you with interesting stories and facts regarding these often misunderstood creatures and provide answers to the questions you have always wanted to ask!
4. Golf Club, Kirkwood
This beautiful 9 hole golf course is nestled at the bottom of the Zuurberg Mountains, one of Kirkwood's best kept secrets!
No golf clubs? Not to worry, ask Stan for a set of clubs for a minimal cost.
Drinks and snacks can be enjoyed at the bar throughout the day. If you would like a meal, booking is essential.
5. Quad Biking
Looking for something a little more Adventurous to do? Why not try some Addo Quad Biking? See some of Addo's spectacular environment from Valley Bushveld and the magnificent Sundays River, to the beautiful Citrus orchards, whilst following the trails of the original people and the pioneers of our historic Sundays River Valley.
6. Adrenalin Addo
Keen to experience the longest double zip line in Africa?
This exhilarating ride will fly two riders along the 500 metre long twin cables over the Sundays River at speeds of up to 60 km/h. (Don't worry, an automatic breaking system at the end of the zip wire means you do nothing but enjoy the ride!)
If that's not enough, brave the giant swing. It is the first of its kind in South Africa and guarantees to swing you to new heights. After being hoisted up 18 metres, the rest is history as they say. A release into oblivion, the sky your limit, this is the ultimate adrenalin rush!
For those simply photographing the action, settle into the cosy River Song cafe for a coffee or light snack whilst watching friends and family fly around.
7. Hiking and Walking Trails in the Zuurberg Mountains
The historic Zuurberg Pass is almost entirely surrounded by the Greater Addo Elephant National Park. The mountain overlooks the rolling hills of this part of the Eastern Cape, in the heart of valley bushveld & fynbos types unique to this area.
Breathe life into those limbs and search for the important Late Stone Age archaeological site that lies at the Melkhoutboom Cave in these mountains, which has uncovered artefacts dating back some 15 000 years, contributing greatly to our overall picture of the life and times of the prehistoric hunter-gatherers.
Guided day tours are available. Or opt for a delicious meal at the Zuurberg Inn - locals will be found every Sunday relishing the Sunday buffet!
8. Sir Percy Fitzpatrick Lookout
To guarantee the future preservation of a magnificent view of the Sundays
River Valley, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, well-known writer of 'Jock of the
Bushveld', bought this ground and built this Lookout. He and his wife are
buried here. His son and daughter-in-law, Mr and Mrs J.P. Mackie Niven,
have left it to the National Monument Council as a heritage for all.
If you're on the R336 on your way to the Addo Elephant Park, "The Lookout"
view is truly worth a stop. Don't miss the sign at the railway crossing!
River Valley, Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, well-known writer of 'Jock of the
Bushveld', bought this ground and built this Lookout. He and his wife are
buried here. His son and daughter-in-law, Mr and Mrs J.P. Mackie Niven,
have left it to the National Monument Council as a heritage for all.
If you're on the R336 on your way to the Addo Elephant Park, "The Lookout"
view is truly worth a stop. Don't miss the sign at the railway crossing!
9. Hazel's Permaculture Project and Organic Kitchen
I extracted this from 'The Going Homeless Project' to sum up Hazel's:
"Before you think of this as just another spot to grab a scrumptious chow,
ponder this, almost all of what you eat comes from the permaculture garden
next to the restaurant.
So aside from the delicious meals and coffee, you can mine a wealth of
information regarding the history, innovations and current state of
permaculture in South Africa and how it is a vaible solution to sustainability.
Both Hazel and Randy are knowledgeable, warm and super friendly but it's
their passion that is so infectious.
Even better, they run an educational/permaculture school on the side or vice
versa. They offer a 'two day introduction to permaculture course' to set up
your own garden and a design certificate course."
"Before you think of this as just another spot to grab a scrumptious chow,
ponder this, almost all of what you eat comes from the permaculture garden
next to the restaurant.
So aside from the delicious meals and coffee, you can mine a wealth of
information regarding the history, innovations and current state of
permaculture in South Africa and how it is a vaible solution to sustainability.
Both Hazel and Randy are knowledgeable, warm and super friendly but it's
their passion that is so infectious.
Even better, they run an educational/permaculture school on the side or vice
versa. They offer a 'two day introduction to permaculture course' to set up
your own garden and a design certificate course."
10. Daniel Cheetah Project
In 2001, Daniel's Cheetah Farm established itself with just three cats. Today it is fulfilling it's vision of re-establishing pure gene lines, as well as educating the public to the importance of conserving this amazing species.
Why not go and touch a cheetah with an experienced guide, hear their primal purr, marvel at the meerkats, play with lion cubs and meet Caracal, Serval and other small cats?
And end off looking through the Curio shop for that perfect gift to take home!
Why not go and touch a cheetah with an experienced guide, hear their primal purr, marvel at the meerkats, play with lion cubs and meet Caracal, Serval and other small cats?
And end off looking through the Curio shop for that perfect gift to take home!
11. River Safari
The Addo River Safari allows one to explore a different side of Addo and view
game and birds on the riverbank while you drift down some of the most
scenic parts of the Sunday's River in a canoe (no paddling experience
needed!).
This is one of the best bird watching experiences in the Eastern Cape, where
one can find countless water birds, 7 different species of Kingfisher and the
chance of sighting the magnificent Fish Eagle.
The custom made canoes are ultra stable and provide excellent photographic
opportunities.
http://www.crisscrossadventures.co.za/addo-river-safari/o.za/
Chrislin African Lodge B&B is a peaceful haven away from your normal busy life. Escape to this Addo accommodation and make this your prefect base to take advantage of the above mentioned Greater Addo adventures. Our friendly staff would be happy to book and organise your trips.
12. Sir Percy Fitzpatrick Library
Another tribute to Sir Percy Fitzpatrick is the 'Fitzpatrick Library'. Under the keen eye and enthusiasm of Isabel Goosen's team, they attend to the reading needs of not only the local residents but also to the under privileged of the Sundays River Valley. Their mobile libraries can be spotted with eager queues.
Want to find out more information on the area? Pop in and discover archives of articles, photo's, stories and books put together by local 'golden oldies'!
13. Elephant Back Safari's
Ever wondered what the skin of an elephant feels like? Or how much water is in a trunkful?
An opportunity awaits you in the Valley bushveld ravine and forest habitat unique to the Eastern Cape. An Elephant Back Safari!
Experience an informative walk-and-talk at a leisurely pace set by the elephants themselves where you can interact, feed and observe the ellies in their natural habitat.
After the walk, enjoy an exhilarating ride on these magnificent beasts from a lofty seat.
Finally, delight in a close-up view (and possible spray with a trunkful of water!) of the elephants swimming and frolicking in their favoured waterhole from the viewing deck at the boma.
After the walk, enjoy an exhilarating ride on these magnificent beasts from a lofty seat.
Finally, delight in a close-up view (and possible spray with a trunkful of water!) of the elephants swimming and frolicking in their favoured waterhole from the viewing deck at the boma.
14. Horse Riding in the Addo Park
For those horse enthusiasts, Addo Park and the Zuurberg offer horse trails for an array of ages and abilities. From 2 hours to overnight, the option is yours!
Riding in the Home of the Big 5 with trained and experienced guides is a must-do if you have the time.
15. Addo Polo Club
The Addo Polo Club was the first club of this kind to be established in South Africa.
This activity was a priority of the early settlers arriving from England who
wanted to establish a bit of 'old country'.
Polo is still played in the cooler Winter months and cricket in the Summer.
16. Schotia Game Reserve
The Bean Family have owned, managed and run 'hands on' this land since the early 1800's. They are now in their sixth generation and can boast the oldest privately owned game viewing reserve in South Africa.
The reserve is one of the most densely stocked reserves in Africa, with over 40 mammals and 2000 animals. It was the first reserve in the Eastern Cape to have free roaming lions.
Take a famous 'Tooth and Claw' afternoon tour or a full day Addo/Schotia Tour. Both include a delicious South African dinner in the boma after the final night drive (optimal lion viewing time!).
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17. Zuurberg Pass MTB Route
Take part in this exciting ride up the Zuurberg pass. This is a relatively hard ride and will take about two to three hours to finish. The pass comprises of two rather difficult straight inclines that seem endless.
Once you've beaten these, you will then ride past two other passes and get to a crossroad, turn around there and start the descent back down the pass. Ensure your brakes are working properly before doing this ride, as going down that hill is rather nerve wracking!
This is a public road so be aware of cars around you! The route is designed to test your strength and endurance and will have your thighs screaming in no time.
18. Suikerbossie Nursery
Stef Pringle's little Suikerbossie Nursery is budding and blooming! She has a growing indigenous tree population and some smaller shrubs. The focus is on indigenous fauna and flora.
If you are looking for any garden greenery, advice or planning, make an appointment to see her in her happy Suikerbossie Nursery!
19. Kirkwood Wildsfees
Kirkwood's annual Wildsfees (Wildlife) Festival is the fastest growing festival in the Eastern Cape. 2011 hosted over 42 000 people, making it one of South Africa's biggest events.
2015 will be the 14th Wildsfees and provides a real commitment to nature conservation.
Coupled with this is fun, excitement and a possibe sensory overload! You can expect to see performances by some of South Africa's leading music artists, over 300 specialist stalls, a huge beer tent, agricultural and wildlife expos, jazz performances, adrenalin rides, Kids Zone and the Isuzu 4x4 Extreme Challenge, amongst various other expo for each year.
20. Langbos Creche & Care Centre
Langbos Creche & Care Centre, which started in 1994, is a result of Muffy Miller's great concern for this Addo community's dire poverty in shacks without lights and water. Many of the community are HIV positive, suffer from alcoholism and child abuse.
Affectionately known as Thandi (Zulu for 'Beloved'), Muffy took action in helping create a safe haven for educational needs, health issues and crime.
Fundraising and awareness is a constant battle and concern. Why not visit and experience the incredible hospitality and warmth from children who have so little. You will leave humbled...
21. Sleep in an African style Mud Hut
After a unique African accommodation experience?
These traditionally built African style Mud Huts are not without modern comforts, set in a tranquil garden with pool. Sneezewoods restaurant is African in style and essence too. Enjoy delicious South African cuisine, wine and coffee while reminiscing on your Addo action packed day!
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