Elephant House Activities

SAFARIS IN ADDO

Addo Elephant National Park is one of the worlds great conservation success stories and embraces one of the highest concentrations of big game in Africa and thus offers some wonderful elephant viewing opportunities. In addition to elephant there are also lion, buffalo, black rhino, hyena and a variety of antelope species. Of the smaller animals the surricates and the flightless dung beetle are of great interest. Over 150 species of birds have been recorded in the area. 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 (Addos average annual rainfall is 385mm) with a high proportion of succulents much loved by elephants, black rhino and kudu. Per cubic meter, Valley Bushveld is able to support more animals, birds and insects 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

Our in-house field guide, an elephant expert with many years experience with the elephants of Addo conducts 2 game drives through the National Park
in our open Land cruiser daily, both departing and ending at The Elephant House. Drinks and snacks are provided on the game drive.
Morning Drive 9am to 12:30pm
Afternoon Drive 2pm to 6pm
R450pp per drive (includes park entry fees, drinks and snacks)
As from 01 October 2005, rate change to R500pp.

ELEPHANT HOUSE SAFARI CO. VALLEY TOUR

This tour (nicknamed the “wine route tour) is a must; Clive takes one through the famous citrus groves of the Sundays River Valley to a beautiful look out point where pioneer Sir Percy Fitzpatrick is buried. We then move on to Elim Private Game Camp where we have sundowners and snacks in a bird hide overlooking a dam with abundant waterfowl, the trip ends with a visit to the Nomatasanqa township.Departs 4pm and returns in time for a pre-dinner drink.
R350pp (includes all drinks and snacks)

SCHOTIA TOOTH AND CLAW SAFARI

Schotia Private Game Reserve lies adjacent to Addo eastern boundary. This reserve has numerous antelope species as well as lions. The “Tooth and Claw safari runs from 3pm to 7pm followed by a barbeque in their boma. Schotia is a half an hours drive from The Elephant House. Self-drive to Schotia. Transfers can be arranged.
R500pp (including barbeque)

SHAMWARI GAME RESERVE

Shamwari has won numerous international awards for its conservation efforts and this world famous reserve offers a wonderful day trip. It includes lunch, a visit to the Born Free Foundation, a visit to Khaya Lendaba (a cultural village) and a 3hr game drive through the reserve. Shamwari has the Big 5 and is a 40min drive from The Elephant House. Self-drive to Shamwari. Transfers can be arranged. Please enquire at reception for times.
R1 400pp (includes lunch)

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL PARKS ADDO DRIVES

The park guides offer superb morning, afternoon, sunset and night drives of 2hrs each in open vehicles through the Addo National Park. Apart from the nocturnal species, one often encounters black rhino and buffalo on these drives.
Winter Safaris at 7am (R140pp), 9am (R140pp), 12pm (R140pp), 3pm (R140pp), 4pm (R220pp), 6pm (R160pp).
Summer Safaris at 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, 8pm.
Please check rates at reception when booking.

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. Beginners rides at 8am and Advanced rides at 2pm. They also offer horse trails in the Zuurberg Mountains. Please enquire at reception for times & rates.

HELICOPTER TRIP TO BEACH

We are able to arrange a helicopter trip to a beautiful unspoiled beach on the Indian Ocean for a beach picnic and swim. You are picked up and brought back to the front lawn of Elephant House by helicopter. Your flight to the beach lasts about 15 20 minutes and you will see the Addo Elephant Park (although one is not allowed to fly directly over it) from the air. You will probably be the only person on the beach for miles around; this is indeed a very special experience. The chopper takes a maximum of 3 passengers. It is also easy to arrange a second chopper if you have a larger party. You are only charged for actual flying time, in other words one can spend as long as one likes on the beach at no extra expense.
R6 000 nett (including drinks & picnic)

HISTORICAL DAY TOUR OF GRAHAMSTOWN & VALLEY OF THE ANCIENT VOICES

This full day tour into settler country gives one a wonderful insight into the Eastern Cape’s turbulent history while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding area. Allan Weyer is a well-known local raconteur whose knowledge of the Eastern Capes 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 visit the Valley of Ancient Voices if you are interested in the history of the Bushman and enjoy the prolific rock art, relics and artifacts of these ancient people. You can self-drive to Grahamstown – this is a 2hr drive from Elephant House, where you are met and driven by Allan in Grahamstown, return self-drive to Elephant House at R750pp. If you would prefer you can be picked up at the Elephant House by guide and drive to Grahamstown, meet up with Allan, returned to Elephant House via Olifantskop by guide at R1 700pp.
Rates include lunch & refreshments.

WAVERLEY FARMS FLOWERS

A unique and highly recommendable experience is a visit to Waverley Farms in the upper Sundays River Valley. This is the home of the Maske family who produce top quality export citrus fruit and famous roses and lavender, which are sold on world markets under the Africa Everose lable. Enjoy a tour of the rose tunnels and lavender fields and learn about the growing and drying techniques followed by a gracious tea in the lovely gardens of the main homestead with Colleen Maske as your hostess. Pre-bookings essential.
R250pp (3:30pm 5:30pm)

PORT ELIZABETH CITY & ECO TOUR

A day tour to Port Elizabeth where you will visit central Port Elizabeths historical and natural attractions. Optional visits to the Dolphinarium, Intsimbe Beads, Ron Belling Art Gallery, The Horse Memorial 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 our coastline to Schoenmakerskop. There are ideal opportunities for walking in the nature reserve at Schoenmakerskop. The tour departs at 9am and returns to Elephant House at 4pm.
R650pp (including lunch & entrance fees)

BUSHMAN SANDS

Bushman Sands is an exciting new partnership between Shamwari and the Government in which they have revived and created wonderful employment opportunities in the dormant old railway town of Alicedale 40min drive from Elephant House. An 18-hole Gary Player design golf course is under construction for opening October 2004. Morning and afternoon game drives drive through the reserve are offered as well as a sundowner cruise on the New years dam (which has hippo). Self-drive to Alicedale.
Enquire at reception for rates and times.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

We will try to tailor your stay to suit your needs as much as possible in order for you to get the best possible chance to experience all the area has to offer, for example in season we are able to arrange a visit to a citrus farm to watch the picking, a chukka of polo at Addo Polo Club, or even a bush braai please feel free to discuss any special activities that will enhance your stay with us.

NOTES:
All rates include VAT and are subject to change without notice.

The success of most of these tours is dependant on favourable weather, as a result in the event of inclement weather a tour may be cancelled at short notice.

Occasionally we may vary the departure time of a safari to ensure that the guest gets the best possible experience.

 Back | Directions | Rates and Reservations

 Portfolio > Safari Lodges