Addo Tourism

23/04/2025

Elephant facts with Addo Tourism.
Fact #4

A bull elephant can weigh in the region of 6 tons while a female weighs about 4.5 tons. A baby can weigh up to 90kg at birth.

The largest African elephants stand over 4 meters at the shoulder, while the average height is around 3.2 meters. Their trunk extends up to 2.1 meters in length, enabling them to access vegetation situated high in trees, rivalling even the access of giraffes to these lofty food sources.

To maintain their impressive physique, they need to consume between 150 and 300kg of food a day. Due to their relatively inefficient digestive systems, elephants need to feed for 18 hours a day to maintain their mass.

Elephants not only possess enormous bodies but also impressive organs. They have the largest brain of any land mammal, weighing between 4.5 to 5.5 kg, while their hearts range from 12 to 21 kilograms.

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

21/04/2025

Kromriver Farm Stays is situated an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth on the N10 to Cradock. They border on the Addo Elephant National Park in the beautiful Kromrivier Valley. Here you will be able to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature that is ideal for hiking and mountain biking (bring your own) as well as bird viewing of which we have plenty. Binoculars is a must!

The guesthouse has a long and rich history and has recently been renovated. The house is furnished with everything you might need for your self-catering stay while meals and braai packs can be provided from the Main House with prior arrangements and at an extra cost.

Kromriver Farm Stays is a working farm with cattle, sheep, free-range chickens and geese. So if you wake up to the sound of a tractor or cattle, relax, it’s only the owners passing by doing their daily work that they do with love for the cattle and the land. Should you wish to see the farm activities, herding sheep, working cattle or even milk a cow, you can make arrangements with Management upon arrival.

Break away from electronics and watching TV and enjoy nature, silence at night and the call of a jackal. Watch the Impala while you having your first cup of coffee in the morning. They supply filter coffee as well as all the various types of tea and fresh water, to be enjoyed during your stay.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/kromrivier-farm-stays/

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

18/04/2025

Winter is approaching and with that the citrus season in the Sundays River Valley.

The history of citrus in the valley started back in the 1880s with the first experimental planting of citrus taking place in the area.

Mr. J.W. Babcock was the first to start planting citrus in commercial quantities in 1908 and was also the first exporter of citrus fruit to England.

In 1913 the Korhaans Drift irrigation scheme was completed and 4176h was brought under irrigation which led to further large-scale citrus production.

By 1922 the Darlington Dam was completed, but due to drought the dam only filled up in 1928.

The Sundays River Citrus Co-operative Company was established in 1924 and the first packhouse in Addo was built in 1926.

In 1975 the Orange-Fish Tunnel was completed which meant continuous water available in the valley all year round.

In 2004 the 160 producers of the Sundays River Citrus Company owned 4,3 million trees on 7,300 ha. Over 1,3 million were Navels, while later varieties such as Valencias, Deltas and Midnights made up about 1,4 million. Almost 911,000 are lemon trees (the valley produces 50% of the South African lemon crop), and the rest are given over to Grapefruit, Tangelos, Satsumas, Clementines and Novas. In 2003 the Valley produced 10 million 15 kg cartons for export which were picked and packed by almost 4,000 people and amounted to nearly 43, 000 tons of produce worth R170 million.

The valley’s current total irrigated area now incorporates approximately 50,000 acres.

📸 heingerber3

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

16/04/2025

ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕪 𝕃𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕤 𝔹&𝔹 is a family-run treasure situated in the heart of the Addo Valley. It is a place where nature, wildlife and relaxation truly meet and guests can have the ultimate Addo holiday.

The farm-style accommodation is situated on a working citrus farm where guests can enjoy freshly squeezed orange juice in season. After spending a night in one of the 9 private units, enjoy a hearty farmstyle breakfast on the verandah while taking in the view over the lush gardens. Allow yourself to drift away in enjoyment after experiencing Nita’s homemade jams, marmalade and preserves. Follow breakfast with a stroll around the gardens and share Nita’s history of the Addo area.

Pre-arrange dinner to be enjoyed on your private patio.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/happy-lands/

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

14/04/2025

The lower Sundays River around the villages of Colchester and Cannonville down past the sand dunes to the river mouth is a popular leisure destination, especially on weekends. That's when you'll find lots of boats on the water fishing, water skiing or just cruising down to the dunes. The dunes truly are one of the natural wonders of our region.

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

11/04/2025

It is day 3 of World Travel Market Africa in the Cape Town ICC and it's been a buzz of note. If you are at the show, please stop by Stand S07 for a chat.

11/04/2025

Only Crisscross Adventures can provide you with the ultimate Addo experience. This passionate owner-managed company, which started in 2005, will go out of its way to ensure your Addo experience is memorable with safe, fun-filled tours run by qualified and experienced guides.

Do not miss their Addo Full Day Tours, with its delicious BBQ lunch and viewing of both the north and south sections of the Addo Elephant National Park. Join them for a river safari and see a different side of Addo, viewing game and birds on the riverbanks while you drift past in a custom-designed, comfortable and stable canoe. Looking for something a little more adventurous? They offer clients the opportunity to see some of Addo’s spectacular environment on automatic quad bikes, from the magnificent Sundays River and the beautiful citrus orchards, all the while following the trails of the original peoples and the pioneers of our historic valley. Down towards the Sundays River Mouth you can join Crisscross on a river cruise before sandboarding on some of the highest coastal dunes in South Africa.

With their range of different activities, including open vehicle safaris for their in house guests and closed vehicle safaris for the public in the Addo Elephant National Park, river safaris, quad biking, sandboarding, hiking, bird watching, fishing, and more, Crisscross Adventures aims to highlight the diversity of this amazing area.

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

09/04/2025

Elephant facts with Addo Tourism.
Fact #3

Elephants are the largest land mammals in the world, so it’s perhaps not surprising that they have the longest pregnancy of any living mammal: African elephants have a gestation period of 22 months.

On average, newborn calves stand about 1m high and weigh 120kg at birth.

The newborn is helped to its feet by its mother and other females. Calves can stand on their own within minutes of birth.

The mother and other females help guide the calf to nurse almost immediately. The trunk of the calf is still short, so it uses its mouth to nurse.

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

08/04/2025

World Travel Market Africa is taking place at the ICC in Cape Town this week. The exhibition brings together tourism buyers and key players from around the world, allowing tourism products to showcase their offerings.

Addo Tourism will also be attending and exhibiting on the Seven Wonders stand - Hall 1, S07. If you are attending the show, please drop by for a chat.

07/04/2025

The tranquil setting nestled on the banks of the Sundays River, in the village of Colchester, Sundune Guest House is a paradise for watersport and nature lovers alike.

Sundune Guest House allows for quick and easy access to the majority of activities and attractions in and around Addo Elephant National Park and is the perfect gateway to the Garden Route and Sunshine Coast. Recognized as a top holiday destination, the Greater Addo area offers premium game viewing, fishing, beach trails, boating and kayaking.

Sundune has 5 well-appointed rooms with en-suite bathrooms (some have a kitchenette) and a separate communal lounge. The banks of the Sunday River, where you can enjoy a range of various bird species, are only a 100m walk away.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/sundune-guesthouse/

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

04/04/2025

Some visitors go to the Addo Elephant National Park with the expectation of seeing loads of elephants and sometimes leave very disappointed. Others go with the same expectation, but even if the ele sightings are bad, get their fill with everything else they get to see. Like this magnificent kudu bull.

Kudu (/kuːduː/ koo-DOO), or koodoo, is the Khoikhoi name for this antelope.
"Tragelaphus strepsiceros": Trag- (Greek) denotes a goat and elaphos (Greek) a deer. Strepho (Greek) means 'twist', and strepsis is 'twisting'. Keras (Greek) refers to the horn of the animal.

The bulls have large horns with two and a half twists, which, were they to be straightened, would reach an average length of 120 cm, with the record being 187.64 cm. They diverge slightly as they slant back from the head. The horns do not begin to grow until the bull is between the ages of 6 to 12 months. The horns form the first spiral rotation at around 2 years of age, and do not reach the full two and a half rotations until they are 6 years old; occasionally they may even have 3 full turns.

📸

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

02/04/2025

The Daniell Cheetah Project on the R75 between the two Kirkwood turnoffs was established in May 2001 and has since grown with breeding, purchase and swapping of animals.

The aim of the project is to play a part in the conservation of the Cheetah (Acinonyx jabatus), the re-establishment of pure gene lines, and educating people on the importance of conserving this amazing species.

The cheetah project offers a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience where visitors get an interesting personalized Educational. During our 1 hour educational tour guest get to see and learn more about 6 of South Africa’s 7 wild cat species, as well as Meerkat and Spotted Hyenas.

The Daniel Padstal offers coffee, tea and light meals for take-away or sit-down meals while you can browse for gifts and African Arts in the gift shop.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/daniell-cheetah-project/

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

31/03/2025

St. Croix Island is the largest of the three islands on the western side of Algoa Bay. It is located within 8 kilometres of the Port of Nqgura and 4km from the nearest land. The islands are of critical importance to sea bird populations, including the endangered African penguin.

The island covers about 12 ha (30 acres) and is only 58 m above sea level at the highest point. It runs 700 m at its longest and 360 m at its broadest.

Bartholomeu Diaz was the first European to sail into Algoa Bay in 1488 on his quest to find the new sea route to the east. They landed on an island which they named Ilheu da Cruz, today known as St Croix. Here they celebrated Mass and erected a wooden cross. A replica of the cross was erected in 1988 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of his voyage. The two smaller islets near St. Croix were named Jahleel and Brenton after the British Vice Admiral at the Cape who was stationed there from 1815 until 1821.

Ever since the arrival of the 1820 British Settlers the natural resources of the bay and islands have been ruthlessly exploited. Prior to the settlers, ships from various nations supplemented their rations with eggs and birds from the islands.

In 1891, a Canadian Brig sailed into the bay with a load of passengers, some of whom had the dreaded smallpox disease. They were quarantined on St Croix for three months and hence its alternative name of Hospital Island.

St Croix falls within the Addo Elephant National Park Marine Protected Area (MPA). It used to be home to the biggest population of African Penguins in the world. The population's modern history peaked in 1993, when 63,000 penguins lived there. Today there is an estimate of 1,350 breeding pairs left.

Boat trips out of Port Elizabeth take tourists to see the island and these birds.

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

28/03/2025

Chrislin African Lodge delivers a unique experience in bed and breakfast accommodation in traditionally African built huts. The well-appointed en-suite rooms, each with their own separate entrances are equipped with numerous practical and personal touches that make guests feel at home. The huts feature either queen-sized/king-sized beds or two single beds and exude an authentic brand of African charm.

All their suites have been designed for maximum comfort based on two persons sharing. Orchard Huts can accommodate one child in the same room as the parents.

Travelling with couples/as a family? The Sunset Huts are for you! With an inter-leading door between 2 large, ensuite units; you have your own privacy but share a verandah with beautiful Addo sunset views.

Chrislin offers delicious 3-course South African meals for guests in their in-house dining restaurant, Sneezewoods.

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

27/03/2025

SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees on the move

The Annual SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees has a new home under the Karoo sky.

From this year it will be hosted in a purpose-built venue at the Mayogi bomas on the R75 between the two Kirkwood turnoffs.

To mark the occasion and the 100th anniversary of Afrikaans being accepted as an official language, a free concert will be hosted on Thursday, June 26.

The Kirkwood Wildsfees will be held from Friday, June 27 to Sunday, June 29.

For the past 22 years the festival has been held at the Kirkwood High School, but had to be moved after the Eastern Cape Education Department banned the sale of liquor on school grounds.

“Everyone is very excited about the new venue as we were also bursting at the seams,” says festival director Jenni Honsbein.
“We have the support of our sponsors and the stallholders."

“The Kirkwood Wildsfees service providers, most of which have been with us for many years, have pulled out all the stops and are confident that we will stage a festival to remember,” she adds.

There is already a historical link with the site, as it is where the bomas for the annual Kirkwood Wildsfees Wildlife Auction have been built.

Shuttles are planned to take festival goers from the town of Kirkwood to the new home of the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees.

26/03/2025

URGENT NOTICE RECEIVED FROM SANPARKS:

"Please be advised that Matyholweni Reception no longer accepts cash payments. The same applies to all the Park's other gates.
While we strive to maintain uninterrupted services, especially Matyholweni occasionally experiences network outages. However, we are working on this with our IT team. In the event of a network outage at this gate on the day of a guest's visit, they will be requested to complete their payment at Main Camp before exiting the Park.
To minimize delays and streamline their check-in process, we strongly encourage all guests to book and pay for their day visits online in advance - https://bit.ly/3QP2xgn While this website displays as bookings for "Addo Rest Camp", payment through any of the Park's gates can be made here.
This convenient option allows guests to complete administrative tasks online, saving them time and effort upon arrival."

A world class system of sustainable national parks reconnecting and inspiring society.

26/03/2025

Elephant facts with Addo Tourism.
Fact #2

Elephants may feed for up to 16 hours a day so they do a lot of chewing in their lives. In their lifetime, elephants work their way through six sets of molars. As one set wears out, another moves up from the back of the mouth to replace it until the final set wears out and the elephant dies of starvation, no longer able to chew up plants.

At any given time, both upper and lower jaws usually have one molar tooth in place on each side, and possibly part of another molar. The last set of elephant molar teeth usually begins to erupt by the age of 30, and these teeth may last for as many years as the preceding five sets of teeth, with elephants usually living to just over 60 years old in the wild.

Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

24/03/2025

Experience the adventure and romantic mystique of the authentic African safari of centuries past. Gorah Elephant Camp is a luxurious tented camp, with a gracious manor house overlooking a waterhole teaming with game in the heart of the Addo National Park.

The thrill of quietly watching a herd of elephants stroll by, while sipping tea on the veranda of a stately colonial manor house is the unforgettable stuff of dreams. This exclusive safari lodge recaptures the romantic mystique of authentic safaris from centuries past.

Experience the breathtaking natural world of Africa merged with period nostalgia and modern sophistication to deliver an unforgettably unique 5-star adventure. Gorah is the only private concession and Camp situated in the middle of the famous Addo Elephant National Park, home to the densest population of elephants on earth. The park is malaria-free and has the Big 5.

11 stylish tented suites entice you to stay sheltered under thatched canopies with private decks, the magnificent en suite tents are spacious and luxurious, recalling the golden era of safari in the early 1900s. Each is enhanced with the fine comforts and excellence associated with Hunter Hotels.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/gorah-elephant-camp/

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities