Eish in the Addo

Eish in the Addo

Wildlife guide Conrad Cramer was at the Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa when he came across a baby elephant lifting

his head and flaring his ears at a full-grown African Buffalo.

 

 

 

Luckily, the calf walked away with nothing more than damaged pride. And according to Cramer, even the elephant's relatives agreed that the buffalo was in the right.
"The other elephants were in no way disturbed by the chain of events," Cramer said, adding that they viewed the altercation as a "life lesson that the youngster had to learn."

Read the Mail Online for more photos and information. 

Follow Conrad Cramer on Twitter (@skindiboy), Facebook and Instagram (africanmandreaming) for more beautiful animal pictures.

Spekboom

The indigenous and evergreen Spekboom occurs widespread in the Eastern Cape, especially right here in the Sundays River Valley.

There is even a Spekboom Tented Camp in the Addo Elephant National Park!

Addo's Suikerbossie Nursery owner, Stef Pringle, says that spekboom makes a gorgeous garden plant used to add colourful and lush dimension to an indigenous aloe or succulent garden with its sappy green foliage and spectacular display of pink/purple flowers from October/November. This will attract numerous bird species as well as insects *[and elephants ;) ] to your garden. This beautiful indigenous plant is very hardy, requires minimal attention and easy to grow from cuttings. Great  contribution to our environment by cultivation and growing spekboom.  

It can reach heights of about 2.5m to 5m tall 'trees'. Locals use them as hedges to prevent dust from entering the homestead while some farmers are planting  Spekboom  for it's exceptional ability to take big quantities of carbon dioxide out of the air and convert it into oxygen. It has enormous carbon-storing capabilities. Its capacity to offset harmful carbon emissions is compared to that of moist, subtropical forest. This remarkable plant is unique in that it stores solar energy to photosynthesise at night. This makes spekboom thicket 10 times more effective per hectare at carbon fixing than any tropical rain forest. Each hectare of spekboom could capture 4,2 tons of carbon yearly. The makes South Africa very popular on the international carbon dioxide sequestration commercial market.

The stem, which can reach a diameter of 20cm, has a corklike appearance. The bright green fleshy leaves have an egg like shape. As the tree ages the colour turn yellowish.

The English name, Elephant food, originates from the habit of elephants to eat the top shoots of the "trees", causing the plants to grow and spread horizontally.

Want to read more? Spekboom Anthony Mills shares some info in Spekboom The Miracle Plant. Fascinating reading!

Want to buy? 

Go online to The Spekboom Foundation  or call Johan Swart:

Send us a email and we will get into contact with you. We can do any order from 1 plant to 1 000 000 plants.

SPEKBOOM ROOTED PLANTS GROWN IN RECYCLED PLASTIC BOTTLES

Prices:

1-49 Plants R50 each
50-5000 Plants R40 each
5000 or more Plants R30 each

Call Johan Swart

TEL: 042 230 0440
FAX: 042 230 0575
MOBILE: 076 737 3694

Email: karoo@kirkwood.co.za 

Lion shows Tourist why you must Stay Inside your Car

Addo through the lens of Michael Price

Michael Price Photography

“Listen, I’m driving down Grass Ridge from Port Elizabeth towards Addo and I’ve just received a call from River Bend Lodge saying the Elephants are close to the Lodge. Come now! I’ll meet you there!”

Michael Price, a photographer amongst many talents, and I were due to meet at the local Wine Bar at 5pm. The fact that I got this call at all is incredible as I was sipping an afternoon cup of tea with my Addo friend, Stef and her daughter, and her area has virtually no reception. First good sign.

With dust clouds billowing behind me I arrived at the River Bend, which is situated in a conservancy of the Addo Elephant National Park, and jumped on the game viewer, camera in hand. Only to feel like the complete novice that I am next to Michael and his various sizeable pieces of photographic equipment! We bumped along to an area named Mpofu Plain’s and had the most beautiful Addo Elephant viewing. A little guy, trailing behind the herd, came running towards us to catch up to the herd. As we were in his path, he trumpeted, flapped his ears, eyed us without losing any pace and swerved around the vehicle to join his family. Some great shots were captured by Michael. Driving a little further, Michael brought me up to speed on Manual settings, ISO, shutter speeds, angles, fixed focal lenses and patience. The Elephants posed for the camera and were the perfect models.

Michael Price is Addo’s new hot-off-the-press photographer. His venture started in 1981 when he was in Ireland on a stud farm, Coolmore and bought a camera to record his travels. The realisation of a long held dream of becoming a proficient photographer came in the 90’s when his son, James Price, was selected for the St Andrew’s 1st Cricket 11. Michael’s uncle and godfather, John Bridgman, passed away and bequeathed him enough money to invest in his first DSLR - a Canon450D. A fortunate encounter on a Cricket Tour with his son to Johannesburg created an opportunity to try out a Canon 300mm f2.8 lens….and Michael, after becoming very frustrated with kit lenses…found the first key to getting ‘tack sharp’ images! One such image from that Tournament was used on the front cover of SA School Sports magazine. Through extra courses with Pine and Simon Pienaar, a Landscape Photography Course with renowned Hougaard Malan, a Photography Diploma done online with the Photography Institute and just recently a Food Photography Diploma (also the Photograohy Institute) and a Food Photography Course with well known and widely published Samantha Linsell and Russell Wasserfal Michael has increased his technical knowledge. This passion he has for Photography was evident as we sat enthralled by the spectacle of the magnificent Pachyderms around us.

Michael credits Stan Blumberg as his self appointed mentor, and along with Craig Chambers (another local Photographer) and the people mentioned above have been influential in setting him on a course which should hopefully culminate in a unique style! His own words of advice to me, collected from all his mentors, were preparation, planning, patience…and learn your subject. This was evident with the young elephant charging at us earlier!

Michael’s photographs are among my absolute favourite and the title names always intrigue me. Stan Blumberg once said to him that when he is photographing, he never presses the shutter until he has a name.

After showing me some of the photos from the game drive, his final comment was, “And that’s the quick part”. I shall leave him for the editing process and wait with baited breath for the finalised photo, and name.

For more information on Michael Price Photography:

FACEBOOK PAGE:
www.facebook.com/michaelpriceWineServicesandPhotography
WEBSITE: www.michaelpricephotos.co.za

(He is not to be confused with Michael I. Price, from USA. This Michael Price is our very own, from Addo!)

Elephants on Mpofu Plains, River Bend Lodge, in the evening. Experimented creatively (?) into the night.....
Canon 450D
Canon 24-70mm f2.8 IS USM
f2.8
1/250
ISO800

Michael Price, Addo photographer

"African Icon's Eye"
Canon 7D
f2.8
1/640
ISO400
Canon 300mm f2.8 IS USM
Canon 7D

This is taken about 800 metres from where I live and really special in that it conveys such a sense of perspective. The big male in the background is an Elephant Bull that was brought in to our Concession to increase the gene pool. His goes by the name of Konstalin...and is a 'bit of a character. No doubt more of him another time.

Lion Roaring in Early Light

"Love and Protection"....Mazda Wildlife Photography Competition Prizewinner.

Looking towards the village of Kirkwood, across Citrus groves, from the Lookout Restaurant. Kirkwood, Sunday's River Valley, Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Since taking up this 'drug' that is Photography I have been given conflicting advice as to whether to 'stick to one genre' as opposed to 'exploring'. Andrew Aveley...at a recent Canon Presentation in Port Elizabeth gave, what I consider, the best advice (and most commonsensical) I have heard to date..."Explore as many as possible...you will learn from them all" You never know where you will end up!
So every now and then....I explore. Landscape this time.
Canon 7D
Canon 44-70mm f2.8 IS USM
ISO 400 (should have been 100)
f11
1/4

21 Things Locals Love About Addo

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!

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.

http://sanparks.org.za/parks/addo/

http://www.crisscrossadventures.co.za/
http://chrislin.co.za/addo-elephant-park/

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!

www.crisscrossadventures.co.za

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!

https://www.facebook.com/addowildlifesanctuarysa?ref=br_tf

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.

http://www.greateraddo.com/kgc/kgc.html

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.

http://www.crisscrossadventures.co.za/addo-quad-biking/

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.

http://adrenalinaddo.co.za/

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!

http://zuurberg-inn.co.za/

http://www.crisscrossadventures.co.za/addo-mountain-hike/

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!

http://www.greateraddo.com/lo/lo.html

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."

http://permaculturesouthafrica.com/

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! 

http://daniellcheetahproject.com/

http://chrislin.co.za/daniell-cheetah-sanctuary/

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/

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.

http://www.addoelephantbacksafaris.co.za/safaris.html

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. 

http://addoadventure.com/addo-elephant-park/horse-riding/

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!).

http://schotiasafaris.co.za/

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.

http://www.mtbroutes.co.za/zuurberg-pass-mtb-route-closest-city-town-paterson.html

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!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Suikerbossie-Nursery/772607852759767?ref=br_rs

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.

    

http://www.wildsfees.co.za/

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...

http://langbos.co.za/

21. Sleep in an African style Mud Hut 

After a unique African accommodation experience? 

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.

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!

www.chrislin.co.za