Journey to Addo – Four Days

Overview

Countries visited: South Africa

This four day Journey to Addo takes in some of the most scenic and romantic parts of South Africa.  The safari winds its way along the world renowned Garden Route and offers a combination of stunning scenery, interesting landscapes with vastly varying vegetation, and bird watching and game viewing. In season (roughly May to November), guests often see Southern Right Whales, who come to these shores to breed.  Addo Elephant Park affords guests plenty of opportunities to see elephants and the Big Five, as well as abundance of other wildlife.

This is a perfect journey for couples, solo travellers, groups of friends, romantic getaways, honeymoons, wildlife and photographic enthusiasts.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town – Agulhas

We depart from Cape Town between 06h30 – 07h30. Today’s route takes us along the Coastal Whale route, through one of the most scenic parts of our country. We stop en-route in the town of Hermanus to have lunch (own expense) and in the hope of spotting the Southern Right whales (seasonal) that visit this coast to breed.

After lunch we head to the exact point where the African continent sinks into the ocean and keep a sharp eye out for the Cape Grysbok in the fynbos or Cape fur seals and Dolphins playing in the surf. We reach our overnight destination in time to appreciate one of the most spectacular sunsets in the world from the patios of our fisherman’s cottages, in sight of the ocean.

Dinner is a two course meal, prepared by your guide and served al fresco outside one of the cottages. Wine is served with dinner but guests are welcome to bring along additional / alternative drinks which should be purchased before entering the park.

Day 2: Agulhas – Tsitsikamma

Today our route takes us through the scenic fruit and wheat producing regions of the Overberg and Langeberg. These rolling grasslands are known to be home to the endangered Blue Crane and we may be fortunate enough to spot some of these beautiful birds. We travel along the world renowned Garden Route, past the picturesque coastal towns nestled in the lake and lagoon region at the foot of the Outeniqua mountains and reach Tsitsikamma, the jewel of the Southern Cape in time for lunch (own expense).

After lunch and checking into our accommodation, there is time to explore the beauty of the rare indigenous forest and impressive coastline on a hike to a waterfall. If we are lucky we might spot the Cape clawless otter hunting in the streams and surf.

Dinner is a two course meal, prepared by your guide and served al fresco outside one of the cabins. Wine is served with dinner but guests are welcome to bring along additional / alternative drinks which can be purchased at the shop.

Day 3: Tsitsikamma – Addo

We rise early for a morning hike in search of the beautiful but elusive Knysna Turaco and depart after breakfast to the world renowned Addo Elephant Park. The drive takes us from forest and plantation through the semi arid region of the Southern Cape with several opportunities to see some of the rare Raptor species that make this area their home.

We arrive at Addo Elephant Park and start exploring the park in our closed tour vehicle. After a short drive, we have lunch (own expense) at the main rest camp and check into our accommodation. This afternoon you head out on an afternoon game drive, conducted by a SANParks ranger, in an open game drive vehicle. This drive generally takes about 3 hours and tends to extend into the early evening, affording guests the possibility of spotting some nocturnal animals.

Dinner is a two course meal, prepared by your guide and served al fresco outside one of the chalets. Wine is served with dinner but guests are welcome to bring along additional / alternative drinks which can be purchased at the shop.

Day 4: Addo – Port Elizabeth

After an early wake-up call (the time varies according to the seasons and park gate opening times) we have tea or coffee & rusks (dried biscuits to be dunked in your coffee or tea). Our morning safari will take approximately 3-4 hours. This park offers a unique eco system and is home to a huge variety of wildlife, including the Big 5 as well as plains game, Black Backed Jackal, Tortoises and Dung Beetles (who have right of way!).

We return to camp for breakfast after which we sadly have to leave the park & head to Port Elizabeth airport where the tour ends around mid-day.

Accommodation

Accommodation is in en-suite chalets with beds, linen, towels and soap. Chalets have a small fridge, air conditioning and mosquito proofing on the doors and windows.

More Info

Departures Daily (with a minimum of 2 passengers required)

Package includes:

Transport for the duration of your safari
Pick up points at the V & A Waterfront or CPT International Airport
Drop off at Port Elizabeth Airport
Professional drivers/guides (FGASA registered – Field Guides Association of Southern Africa)
Meals as specified per itinerary
All game drives in Addo Elephant National Park are conducted in the closed, air-conditioned tour vehicle, with the exception of:
SAN PARKS sunset drive (All guests over 6 years of age)
All entry fees and daily conservation levies
Accommodation in en-suite chalets with beds, linen, towels & soap provided
Bottled mineral water in the vehicle
Wine with dinner

Package excludes:

Meals not specified in itinerary
Guests are welcome to bring their own drinks to dinner, which can be purchased at the Park’s shop or en-route to the parks
Items of a personal nature
Gratuities

On safari, we make use of facilities and accommodation situated inside the National Parks and do not stay outside the Parks, unless forced to do so because of availability.

It is important to note that this is not a private safari and more than likely there will be other guests joining you on the safari.

Please note that sunset game drive times are subject to change and availability on the day. These drives are conducted by SAN Parks, by one of their rangers and in one of their vehicles. There will most likely be other guests on this drive. Children under 6 years of age are not allowed on SAN Parks open game drive vehicles.

Guests flying out of Port Elizabeth Airport on the last day are reminded to not book any flights departing earlier than 13h00 (domestic) in order to give us enough time to get you to the airport. We recommend that you rather stay over in Port Elizabeth if possible. Since we cannot guarantee our arrival time in Port Elizabeth on the last day we will not be held responsible for re-imbursements of flight tickets, should we arrive later than expected.