While Addo elephants are accustomed to safari vehicles, there is nothing more thrilling than a close encounter with a curious elephant – tusks raised and trunk sniffing around, while your heart races with sheer delight.
However, it is tracking lions or other carnivores, which usually spend most of their day sleeping, which offers the best thrill – even more satisfying if you happen to chance upon them on the hunt.
The chance for a totally unexpected encounter with animals in their wild habitat is what keeps me returning to 4-Star Addo Elephant Lodge and Safaris (AELS), a private game reserve, situated in the Greater Addo Region.
Addo Elephant Lodge and Safaris offers their guests a remarkable safari experience, and guided day trips into the Addo Elephant National Park.
Guests are invited to sit back, relax and enjoy the magnificent surroundings the Addo Elephant National Park has to offer. Who wouldn’t want to spend an afternoon exploring and learning about the region’s flora and fauna before topping it off with a traditional braai as the sun sets over the hills?
Your excursion to Addo Elephant National Park will most likely include sightings of warthogs, zebras, cape buffalo, lions, spotted hyenas, eland, kudu and bushbuck, as well as elephants from as close as 10 metres away.
For your accommodation, you have a choice of ten unique and spacious luxury private units constructed out of a combination of canvas and wood. These are built on elevated wooden decks to blend discreetly into the natural hillside environment with breath-taking views of the reserve.
To keep you energised, you can indulge in hearty meals while enjoying the lush tranquil backdrop of the Greater Addo area at the Lodge’s rustic African-styled dining area and bar, which have a viewing deck over a waterhole. Guests are treated to tasty meals from their seasonal menu while the Bar offers from bottled water, non-alcoholic beverages, beers, and spirits to fine local wines.
The Lodge is geared for total relaxation – mobile phones work intermittently and there are no TVs in the rooms. However, there is Wi-Fi access in the dining and lounge area.
Unveiled this year, the Old Oak Farmstead is an affordable self-catering facility comprising of three comfortable farm-style bedrooms, each with its own clean en-suite bathroom, a large living area, kitchen and a spacious patio leading onto a pool and braai area.
I have been on several sunset game drives at Addo Elephant Lodge and Safaris and have built up an enviable library of photos and videos, but the beauty that this game reserve offers never ceases to amaze me. Guests can also enjoy mountain biking, walking / running trails, guided walks and bird watching. There is also a curio shop for something special to take home with you.
To book a stay for your family or group, call 083 283 2359 or visit: www.addoelephantlodgeandsafaris.co.za.
To make a booking at this fantastic ocean-side destination, call 071 620 7587 or email stewart@65oncliff.co.za, or visit 65oncliff.com.
For great savings on life’s little pleasures visit Bargain Buys! Know somebody who is getting married, Wedding and Function can assist. Have kids, then you need to visit Kids Connection.
Enjoy reading this article? For more articles like this click here
Looking for factual news? Click here for Eastern Cape and Here for Western Cape news.
