Hi, Iโm Molly OโHagan Ward from Addo in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Addo IS BEST KNOWN FOR The Addo Elephant National Park which offers a wide variety of game viewing, outdoor adventure, accommodation and cultural experiences.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Zuurkop in the Addo Elephant National Park overlooking the Zuurberg Mountains and the Addo Plains.
THE BEST wildlife PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN while undertaking a private safari with my husband Conor, a registered guide, who will give you an outstanding experience in the 160,000 hectare wilderness area of the Addo Elephant National Park.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS can be taken in the Zuurberg Mountains which is near the route of the original Zuurberg Pass offering visitors breathtaking scenery.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO do a game drive. These can be done either as a private drive with Conor or with the Addo Elephant National Park. Here you are more than likely to see African Elephants as this is the main attraction, but you will also spot Cape Buffalo and Black Rhino during a night drive. Donโt forget to look out for a dungbeetle and the large number of antelope including springbok, eland, kudu and red hartebeest.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO The Daniell Cheetah Farm near Kirkwood. This project was established in 2001 with only three cats and has now evolved into a breeding sanctuary for these special creatures. When you visit you can either take a one hour tour or if youโre brave enough a cheetah walk!
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS all year around, BECAUSE the weather is always pleasantโฆa little hot in summer but with lots of wonderful sunshine for the international visitors who are tired of the winter cold.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Woodall Country House, in the dining room overlooking their dam which abounds with birdlife, or at Hitgeheim Country Lodge where you can sit on the verandah and take in the wonderful views over the Sundays River Valley.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST The Lookout Restaurant just outside Kirkwood on the R336 from Addo, where the view again from the Sundays River to the far distant Zuurberg Mountains, is superb. The restaurant is open Wednesday to Sunday from 09h00 (Wed to Sat) and 08h00 (Sun) and offers a variety of dishes for all tastes.
MY TWO FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS ARE Lenmore and The Wine Bar, TRY THE springbok or ostrich Carpaccio.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM Lenmore which stays open late.
MY FAVOURITE browsing SPOT IS the Nanaga Farm Stall, which makes a great 45 minute drive from Addo. Their homemade confectionary preserves, ice-cream and pies are delicious.
FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Port Elizabeth but it is 65 kms away so why not stay in the valley for a more local experience like an afternoon or evening trip to Schotia Private Game Reserve where you will enjoy game drives and a bush dinner.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO the Orange Elephant Backpackers or do a township tour.
Addoโs BEST KEPT SECRET IS the Percy Fitzpatrick Memorial Lookout, which overlooks the Sundays River Valley from a vantage point.
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS explore the Woody Cape section of the Addo Park near Alexandria.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO have a facial or a massage with Natasha or at Woodall Spa or Casa Mia Spa.
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY riding an elephant at The Elephant Back Safaris or visit The Addo Reptile and Raptor Park (open Tuesday to Sunday 09h00 to 18h00) or take a canoe trip down the Sundays River with Chris from Crisscross Tours.
MY FAVOURITE WALK IS is in The Bushveld Flower Reserve with the farmer, Charles Marais, whose knowledge of the flora for all sorts of purposes e.g. medicinal uses, are amazing.
MY FAVOURITE deli and curiosity SHOP IS Ikhaya Linen just outside Kirkwood. Spoil yourself with one of their light lunches and buy some homemade linen. It is beautiful.
MY FAVOURITE elephant WATCHING SPOT IS Harpoor Dam in the Addo Elephant National Park.
IF YOU’RE HERE IN October, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the internationally acclaimed Addo Rose Day where you will be overwhelmed by the variety of floral displays, and you can also enjoy the many local stalls, trying all the locally produced goods and fresh produce.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS original Zuurberg Mountain Inn, which used to be a stage coach relay station in the early days of Addo. It is at the pinnacle of the mountains, a 16 km drive from the R 342 to Paterson.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS to The Daniell Cheetah Farm where they can stroke a cheetah and cuddle a lion cub.
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS to the beach in Port Elizabeth 65kms away or to the beautiful beach at Kenton-on-Sea, which is an hourโs drive away.
WHEN MONEY’S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO do a day trip to Schotia, Pumba, Amakhala or Kariega private reserves.
THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS the Flightless Dung Beetle rolling a ball of elephant dung. This insect occurs only in the Addo area.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS to the Baviaanskloof a three hour drive away, where the scenery is amazing.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I I donate funds to the Fitzpatrick Library where they do amazing work in the community with mobile libraries, teaching the local children to appreciate the value of books.
The Sundays River Valley is the home of the largest citrus producing area in the country. Many bed and breakfasts and guesthouses are situated on these farms and a stroll around the orchards is a must. The fruit is harvested between April and October and 80% of the crop is exported overseas.
I Love Addo because it is a special place in which to make some unforgettable memories.
Useful Addo Links:
- Addo Attractions
- Addo Accommodation
- Things to Do in Addo
- Eastern Cape Game Reserves
- Eastern Cape Hotels
- Eastern Cape Accommodation
Desirable Digits
Daniell Cheetah Breeding Farm: +27 (0)42 232-0539
Stables Wine Bar & Cafรฉ: +27 (0)42 233-2462
Nanaga Farm Stall: +27 (0)41 468-0353
Orange Elephant Backpackers: +27 (0)42 233-0023
Casa Mia Spa: +27 (0)42 233-0075
The Elephant Back Safaris: +27 (0)86 123-3672
The Addo Reptile and Raptor Park: +27 (0)82 332-3499
iKhaya Linen & Delicatessen: +27 (0)42 2301394