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.

Of the smaller animals the surricates and the flightless dung beetle are of great interest. 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 House Safari Co. Addo Elephant Drives

An in-house field guide, an Elephant expert with many years of experience with the Elephants of Addo, conducts game drives through Addo National Park in an open Land Cruiser daily, both departing and ending at Elephant House Lodge. Drinks and snacks are provided on the game drive. The cost per person includes park entry fees, drinks and snacks.

Elephant House Safari Co. - Wine Route Tour

This tour is a must. Clive 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.

Wildebeest, Zebra and Impala may also be encountered. The tour departs at 16:30pm and returns in time for a pre-dinner drink. The cost per person includes all drinks and snacks.

Golfing

Golfing facilities are available at nearby Kirkwood Golf Club and Bushman Sands Country Estate. Both are under an hour's drive away.

Piet's Bush Braai's

Enjoy a wonderful evening under the stars in the African bush with Piet Otto - the in-house ranger. Piet Otto has vast experience in conservation in East and Southern Africa - having been involved in Buffalo and Rhino breeding projects, game capture, translocation, hunting and guiding. Spend an evening listening to the anecdotes of one South Africa's most colorful rangers.

Leave the Elephant House Lodge at 7.00pm and drive to Piet's boma (African grass hut) in the heart of the bush. Sit around the camp fire surrounded by the sounds of the African night and chat to Piet over a drink, while he prepares a delicious, barbeque (braai) for you. This is a perfect opportunity to get the answers to all the questions you have on African wildlife. It is essential to pre-book this activity, maximum 8 people. Tour rates include dinner and drinks.

Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari

Schotia Private Game Reserve lies adjacent to Addo's eastern boundary - this reserve has numerous antelope species and also Lion. The Tooth and Claw safari runs from 3pm to 7pm and is followed by a barbecue in their boma (African grass hut). Schotia is half an hour's drive from Elephant House Lodge. Rates are per person and including a barbecue (braai).

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.

Addo Elephant National Park Horse Trails

The Addo National Park offers morning and afternoon safaris on horseback through the reserve accompanied by a ranger. One often has the opportunity of viewing game close-up on the trail through the Elephant area. Elephant House Lodge also offers horse trails in the Zuurberg Mountains.

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. You are picked up and brought back to the front lawn.

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. Allan Weyer is a well-known local raconteur whose knowledge of the Eastern Cape's frontier country is unsurpassed.

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. You can self-drive to Grahamstown - this is a 2 hour drive from Elephant House, where you are met and driven by Allan Weyer in Grahamstown, return self-drive to Elephant House.

If you would prefer you can be picked up at the Elephant House by guide and driven to Grahamstown, meet up with Alan Weyer, returned to Elephant House via Olifantskop by guide. Prices include lunch and refreshments.

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. The tour departs at 09:00am and returns to Elephant House at 04:00pm. The price includes lunch and entrance fees.

Activities

• Guided walks
• Boat Cruises
• Wellness Center
• Canoeing
• Scenic Flight
• Ubumbo Cultural Tours
• Fishing / boat hire
• Wisdom of elephants - de-stress program