Africa – Addo

After we left Sabi Sands we flew from Skukuza to Port Elizabeth via “Joburg”. Airlink, the regional SAA carrier did not have a baggage agreement with British Air, which was our second leg. As such, we had to collect and recheck bags in Joburg with an 80 minute connection. A mistake by the wholesaler our safari agent used to book our domestic airfare but it all worked out fine!

We picked up our rental car near dusk in Port Elizabeth. A very harrowing 50 km drive to Addo through Motherwell a poor section where people jaywalk in 60 mph traffic with no lights and dark skin.

We arrived unscathed at Woodall Country House, a beautiful spot about 8 km from Addo National Elephant Park. We had a wonderful dinner and a sound sleep after a long day of travel.

The next day after breakfast we took the car up to the north gate of Addo. We didn’t have high expectations after our safari but remained open minded.

Immediately after entering we saw a watering hole on the left with a solitary elephant and a few Cape Bufffalo. Warthogs were EVERYWHERE!

We cruised to the famous watering hole where the elephants “came out around 11” according to Ruan, the ranger at Woodall. It was called Hapoor Dam and the parking lot was full of cars but no elephants. We cruised to the picnic area and Kadouw lookout which had some amazing vistas (insert photo link) and some zebras sleeping right next to the road.

Back to Hapoor and still no elephants (only warthog families at the “beach”). SO we drove on to the next watering hole: Marion Baree. Jackpot! Two to 3 dozen elephants of all sized enjoying a rather small narrow strip of water.

We saw a solitary elephant after leaving right next to the road. we shut off the engine and he went within 3 feet of us as he went behind the car

Saw some miscellaneous game as we departed the south exit. Disappointed that we had our trunck inspected as people apparently do hunt and kill wildlife within the park.

Onto the N2 and onto Knysna, 3 hours away.