David’s | Bed & Breakfast

September 26, 2011 at 1:37 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

Set against a breathtaking backdrop of mesmerising azure ocean and towering mountain views, in the shadows of Cape Town’s iconic Signal Hill, and ideally positioned between some of the city’s major tourist attractions, beaches and social hubs, David’s is undoubtedly one of the most exquisite guest houses in Cape Town. Boasting contemporary elegance, supreme comfort and unparalleled style and charm, David’s combines all the elements of world class accommodation. Explore this stylish Cape Town bed & breakfast and its wonderful facilities on the David’s website.

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Mudlark River Front Lodge

August 24, 2011 at 1:59 pm · Filed under Uncategorized

Mudlark River Front Lodge offers guests an opportunity to escape the fast paced city and enjoy extreme seclusion and the remarkable beauty of the Overberg area. Located on the lower part of the Breede River Conservancy, on a magnificent 22 hectare property overlooking the breathtaking Breede River, this Witsand accommodation boasts beauty, peace and comfort in one spectacular river front package. Guests are able to relax in a remote mountain setting while still enjoying comfort and home comforts such as satellite television, fireplace and outstanding cuisine. Visit the Mudlark River Front Lodge website and explore their wonderful facilities.

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A pact trip – Kruger Park Safaris

February 23, 2010 at 11:21 am · Filed under Uncategorized

A pact trip – Kruger Park Safaris

On our way to Mpumalanga for a well deserved break, Bronwyn, Ryno and I decided that we were going on a road trip. We wanted to experience a Kruger Park safari. We were headed from Cape Town to the Kruger National Park where we were going to stay for three nights at the Phumulani lodge. Now some might say that we were absolutely crazy, but that’s what we’ve always done: unplanned road trips and outings that never go according to plan, but somehow always worked out and worth every minute.

Getting there

The drive from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park was not only chaotic but a true test of our friendship. We got completely lost in Johannesburg city centre, and believe me, it’s not the place you want to get lost in. Taxis and pedestrians everywhere are there to confuse the situation even more, because somehow, the three of us managed to take the wrong turn-off and instead of driving away from Johannesburg, ended smack in the middle of it.

So eventually, after much debate, we found the right turn off that took us all the way through to Mpumalanga and to the Kruger National Park.

Checking in

We eventually arrived at the Phumulani lodge and we weren’t a pretty sight. To say it was hot in the Kruger National Park is an understatement; it was more like walking into an open-air sauna. Now although it’s nothing unusual, this weather was the exception. We struck it lucky, or rather unlucky, because most of South Africa was hit by a heat wave that was lasting way too long. Hot and irritated from the drive, we decided that we needed some refreshing. We decided to go for a swim and soon enough the air of irritation was gone and in its place, an atmosphere of adventure.

This was going to be three days of spending some time in Africa’s wilderness, but more importantly catching up with old friends. Bronwyn has been living in the UK for the last three years now, and since then we’ve decided make a pact that whenever the three of us are together we would spend it going on our usual road trip or simply just going away together for a few days.

After we cooled down from the swim, we headed to the Lodge for lunch, followed by a quick power nap and then just enough time to get ready for our first game drive. Although there was a game drive just after lunch, Ryno refused to sit in an open 4×4 in the midst of the hot weather, so we opted for the drive at dusk.  I didn’t blame him, because although I couldn’t wait to go into the bushveld for some game-viewing, dusk has always been my favourite time of day and the weather was taking some time getting used to.

A bumpy ride …

As we got on the back of the 4×4 Bronwyn told us about this interesting National Geographic programme she watched about the African Hyena. Apparently they’re not as thick as I thought. Personally the Hyena has always been least of my favourites in the animal kingdom. I’ve always thought them to be weird looking animals with a laughing cry that is absolutely dreadful, but after listening to everything Bronwyn had to say I almost felt bad for disliking the Hyena so much. According to her, they have an impeccable social structure where a female is the matriarch. But before she could finish continue telling us all about the life of a hyena, we spotted a heard of buffalos.

They were in the open field grazing. My first thought was whether we’ll be seeing any horrid hunting, but before I could mention it the game ranger pointed out lions hiding in on the outskirts of the open field. This was it! The big moment any tourist either dreads or hopes to witness. But after sitting there for an hour the lions decided that we seemed much more interesting than any tender buffalo. Ryno was not really impressed with this attention. It’s not that he doesn’t like animals, but in his whole life he’s only ever owned one dog. Whereas Bronwyn and I both have cats and I have two dogs. Watching Ryno’s facial expressions was absolutely priceless. It was a combination of fear and being not quite sure how to handle the situation. But soon enough they moved on and we were on our way again.

Heading back

In the next few days we saw more wildlife and then of course made a lot of jokes between the three of us. We’ve always been a tightly knit group of friends; very different in personality but still had a connection that others found difficult to understand. After our roundtrip through the Kruger National Park and a bit of sight-seeing in Mpumalanga we were on our way back to Cape Town.

Woodall country house in Addo offers luxury guest house Eastern Cape Addo Accommodation bordering the Addo Elephant Park in South Africa.

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Positive Reasons To Find Addo Accommodation

September 1, 2009 at 7:21 am · Filed under Uncategorized

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ADDO SAFARIS AND GAME VIEWING

July 22, 2009 at 11:01 am · Filed under Uncategorized

Rates may be subject to change. Times are subject to change according to the seasons. Transfers not included unless otherwise stated (these can be arranged). CANCELLATION POLICIES APPLY WHERE RELEVANT.

WOODALL COUNTRY HOUSE SAFARIS AND TOURS

Woodall’s luxury open topped land cruiser departs daily on a number of excursions: Our highly experienced and qualified game rangers, with an intimate knowledge of the Addo area, include a bird and tree expert with a MSc Degree in plant sciences; a local historian whose knowledge and experience of the local area is unsurpassed; a wildlife and agricultural conservationist. These rangers offer personalised tours with emphasis being placed on individual interests and comfort. The following highly recommended Safaris and Drives are offered:

Woodall Morning Drive: Addo Elephant Park Summer (08h30 – 13h00) / Winter (09h00-13h30)

Afternoon Drive: Addo Elephant Park Summer (14h30 -18h30) / Winter (14h00-18h00))

Rate: R600/person including transfers, conservation fee, all drinks and snacks (6 years +) (R650/person from 01 Oct 09)

ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK

Addo is the best place to get up close and personal with the biggest land mammal – the Park is home to the densest population of elephant in the world. Other mammals include lion, hyena, Cape buffalo, and black rhino, as well as zebra, jackal, warthog, suricate and numerous species of antelope. Over 150 bird species have been recorded in Addo and there are around 600 different plant species. Addo is also home to the endangered dung beetle. Whether you experience the park from the comfort of your own vehicle or on a game drive with an experienced guide, the chances are you will have close encounters with the elephant. To make the most of the park be sure to bring binoculars, camera, walking shoes. Wildlife reference books and road maps of the Park are available from the reception at Woodall.

Game viewing from your own vehicle: Explore more than 75 kilometres of road through prime wildlife country. There are a number of lookout points at waterholes in the area. Entrance fee to the park is R110/adult and R55/child under 12yrs. (From 01 Sep 09 R130/adult and R65/child). Opening hours change according to season. No reservation required. Hop on guides on request – From R120 for two hours.

Addo Elephant Park Sundowner Drive:Departs from Addo Elephant Park Reception. Cost: R270/ person (excludes transfers). Summer months (Nov – March) (18:00 – 20:00), April – Oct (starting time changes according to season.) Please check with reception for current times. Enjoy a sundowner drink while the sun sets after another exciting day of game viewing in Africa. Children 6+ years allowed on drives – pay half price. (From 01 Sep 09 R285/person)

Addo Elephant Park Night Drive: Departs from Addo Elephant Park Reception. Cost: R210 / person (excludes transfers). Summer (Nov – March: 20h00 – 22h00). Winter (April – Oct: 18h00 – 20h00).  Please confirm with reception for current times. Lion, buffalo and black rhino and a host of nocturnal animals may be encountered. Children 6+ years allowed on drives – pay half price. (From 01 Sep ‘09 R225/person)

The following Addo Park Drives are also available: Rate: R190/person (Duration: 2 hours). Children 6+ years allowed on drives – pay half price. (From 01 Sep ‘09 R200/person)   .

Sunrise (Summer: 06h00-08h00; Winter: 07h00); Morning (09h00-11h00); Midday (12h00-14h00); Afternoon (15h00–.

Woodall Country House – Addo

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Addo Elephant National Park History

June 25, 2009 at 9:41 am · Filed under Uncategorized

From a somewhat tumultuous beginning, Addo has grown to become one of South Africa’s favourite National Parks. It is home to the continent’s southern-most elephants and a diversity of scenery and birdlife that has prompted moves to develop it to create the Greater Addo National Park.
If this comes into being, it would stretch from the coast to the Karoo, expanding on what is already a very rewarding destination. David Steele takes a closer look at the appeal of Addo.

It was practically impossible to count the elephants. New arrivals emerged from the thick bush as soon as others faded back into it. They played in the larger dam and then drank from a smaller waterhole close to the visitors’ vehicles. As the breeding herds approached the water the calves were unable to contain themselves and, losing all dignity, ran the last few steps before sliding into the muddy water. Getting out was not so easy, but there was always a helping trunk for those in real trouble.

Without any sign of aggression a small herd passed within a metre of a motorhome. Did the visitors realise they were witnessing one of Africa’s most spectacular and intimate wildlife scenes? Did they realise how different things might have been?

From about 1830 to 1917 the situation at Addo was much the same as elsewhere in Africa. Settlers were moving in and natural habitats were disappearing. Clashes were inevitable. An irrigation scheme launched in 1917 brought things to a head and, within a year, the Administrator of the Cape agreed to the extermination of the elephants. Several hunters, including FC Selous, were consulted, but they all considered the dense Addo bush into which the elephants had retreated a death trap. This view was shared by the renowned elephant hunter, Major PJ Pretorius, who described the Addo bush as a “Hunter’s Hell” and a jumble of undergrowth consisting of thorns and spikes of every description.

Pretorius, nevertheless, was persuaded to accept the assignment and in less than a year, he reported having shot 90 elephants (a figure contradicted by his biography, which mentions 120). Whatever the number, 16 elephant remained. These survivors, representing the most intelligent and dangerous of the original herd, retreated into Addo’s densest bush.

Although a reserve was established for the elephants soon after Pretorius’s departure in 1920 the situation did not improve. In 1929 a visitor found the ranger farming cattle on the land set aside for the elephants and reported that none of the elephants had been seen on the reserve for some years.

During this critical period the elephants found refuge on the land of two long-suffering farmers, Jack and Natt Harvey. The brothers must have been highly relieved when the reserve was proclaimed a national park in 1931, although they would have realised enormous problems lay ahead, most notably those of driving the elephants back into the national park and keeping them there.

The park’s first warden, Harold Trollope, successfully herded the elephants back, while Graham Armstrong, appointed warden in 1943, was responsible for the ingenious elephant-proof fence (made from old tram lines and lift cables) completed in 1954. The fence remained elephant-proof until 1968 when Hapoor, Addo’s legendary bull elephant – who had sired most of the park’s calves between 1944 and 1968 – succeeded in partly flattening and climbing over it.

Like many other game sanctuaries, Addo Elephant National Park was proclaimed specifically to conserve a single species but achieved far more than originally intended. The “Hunter’s Hell” into which the elephants retreated was one of South Africa’s most productive habitats in terms of biomass (i.e. the mass of animal and plant life a particular area can support). Elsewhere this habitat, known as Valley Bushveld, is disappearing.

Many other creatures, ranging from a herd of rare disease-free buffalo to the endangered flightless dung beetle, have benefited from Addo’s national park status. In all, some 69 different mammal species have been recorded in Addo, including eight species that occur only in the mountainous Zuurberg section.

Addo’s bush reveals few of its inhabitants to visitors. While sightings of elephant, red hartebeest, black-backed jackal, vervet monkey and ostrich seem fairly common, anything else could be considered a bonus, although the elephants more than make up for this.

Under these circumstances, a walk along the Spekboom Trail is recommended. This trail is set in a botanical reserve from which the elephants, rhinos and other larger mammals have been fenced out. It provides a good opportunity to study Addo’s rich plant life and smaller creatures such as insects, butterflies, lizards and birds.

Talking of birds, Addo has a checklist of some 190 species, with a further 60 species occurring in the Zuurberg section. Some of these may be seen from a hide in the rest camp while other good places for twitchers include the park’s dams, the Spekboom Lookout and the Spekboom Trail.

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Woodall Country House

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