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Deep
within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays
River region of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National
Park. Situated in a malaria free area
just one hour's drive from Port Elizabeth, this finely tuned ecosystem
is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, a variety of
antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle,
found almost exclusively in Addo. Addo's birding opportunity covers
excellent habitat contrast between dense thickets of Spekboom
interspersed with open grassy areas and wooded kloofs (particularly
in the Zuurberg region). And now that the park has expanded to
include Darlington Lake, Woody Cape, the coastal islands and the
Alexandria Forest, a variety of other habitats swell the birding
potential of the park. The park offers a wide variety of game
viewing, outdoor adventure, accommodation and cultural experiences.
You will be amazed at the variety of natural landscapes and wildlife
species that can be experienced in one easily accessible destination.
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.
Darlington
Lake Lodge:- Rising out of the
Karoo like an oasis, Darlington Lake Lodge is a quiet haunt nestled
on the shores of the Darlington Lake and silhouetted against the
backdrop of the Zuurberg Mountains. The Lodge, which is situated
in the Addo Elephant National Park, boasts unique and exquisite
fauna and flora of the region, including the rare Karoo Noors
Cactus which is found nowhere else in the world. In an area that
boasts among the most sunshine days in South Africa, Darlington
Lake Lodge is a unique and worthwhile retreat.
Addo
Main Camp:- The main Rest Camp in The Addo Elephant
Park is situated near Addo and close to entrance gate. Roads within
the Rest Camp are tarred whereas all other roads in the park are
gravel but well maintained none the less. There are 61 accommodation
units of various types, style and size available for rental in
Addo's Rest Camp.
Mathyolweni
Rest Camp:- Hidden away in the thick bushveld of
the Park, one can find Mathyolweni Rest camp, a satellite camp
located in the new southern wedge near the small town of Colchester.
Mathyolweni Rest camp derives it’s name from the Xhosa word which
means "in the bush", offering peace and tranquility
far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This area does
not have elephants yet, but there are plans to re-introduce elephants,
buffalo, eland, red hartebeest and possibly black rhino from May
2007.
Narina
Bush Camp:- Hidden next to the Witriver in the Zuurberg
Mountains about 22 km from the main rest camp you will find the
authentic rustic Narina Bush Camp. Here, the magnificent African
Sunset is interrupted only by the boisterous howl of the black-backed
jackal, and the francolin's call announces each new dawn. Narina
Bush Camp is a tented camp that incorporates 4 tents and must
be booked as one unit & due to the true rustic nature of the
camp, there is no electricity or shops provided. For the very
adventurous guests, Narina Bush Camp can be reached by horseback
down the mountains.
Gorah
Elephant Camp:- The first private
concession in a National Park, is a premier lodge set in the heart
of the malaria-free, Big 5 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.
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