Alan Tours

22/04/2025

🐧Port Elizabeth Wildside Shore Excursion and Scenic Day Tour🌊
From R2,200.00 per person sharing (minimum 2 persons required)

Explore the beautiful coastline of Port Elizabeth by booking a guided tour with Alan Tours. Whether you are disembarking your cruise ship for the day or are looking for something fun and educational to do in this "friendly city", we have you covered!

The route will take you along the beachfront to the entrance of Cape Recife, also named the "Cabo do Recife" by early explorers, "Cape of the reefs" in Portuguese. We visit the penguin rehabilitation centre for a guided tour of the facility.

Later, view the Cape Recife Lighthouse, and as an optional extra, climb the third-oldest working lighthouse in the country. Your guide will share with you some interesting history regarding this lighthouse, and lighthouses in general.
After a light lunch at a local restaurant, you will then continue along the rugged and picturesque coastline with spectacular views over the Indian Ocean, stopping to view some of the endless golden beaches, fringed in places by colossal sand dunes.

⭐Tour includes:
✅Professional guided tour
✅Pick up and drop off in Port Elizabeth
✅Guided tour of the marine bird rehabilitation centre
✅Orientation at the Cape Recife Lighthouse
✅Stop at the cannon at Schoemakerskop, which indicates the site of the wreck of the Santissimo Sacramento
✅Entrance fees
✅Bottled water in the tour vehicle

⭐Tour excludes:
✅Lunch
✅Climb to the top of the lighthouse
✅Gratuities

*Kindly note that a minimum of 2 persons are required for the tour to take place, or a single supplement applies. Group rates can be requested.*

Interested? Do not hesitate to contact us for more information:
📧 [email protected]
☎️ +27 41 378 1486
📱 +27 82 483 4193
🌐 www.alantours.co.za/contact-us/
⌨️ Message us directly

14/04/2025

📰The News Corner📰 An Eye Opener for Endangered Sharks


In our conservation-conscious Seaview neighbourhood of Port Elizabeth, we have been noticing bright orange buoys bobbing in the near ocean of our coast, which marks the beginning of kilometres of long lines of shark fishing baited hooks.

It has once again begun where in the early morning, we watch lines of seagulls shadowing the baited long lines, indicating dead sharks under the water, probably being cannibalised by other sharks yet to be caught.

This barbaric practice is probably catching 90% of the sharks of this area, where the flesh from these sharks is then exported to Australia, and the fins are sent to oriental restaurants to feed upmarket diners.

Yet, all hope is not lost! We would love to share with you the success story of Gen, which goes to show that organisations' and foundations' conservation efforts are paying off.

🦈SPREADING HER FINS: Cape Town Aquarium Releases Ragged-Tooth Shark Into the Ocean Waters

Gen, the ragged-tooth shark, was finally set free into the waters at Struisbaai outside Cape Town last month. This forms part of the Two Oceans Aquarium's aim of conserving these sharks, which are categorised as a "vulnerable" species when looking at their conservation status.

There is a team at the aquarium who has been taking care of Gen since June 2017, after a fisherman collected her off the coast of East London. The fisherman who found her had the honour of naming the shark and called her Gen, which is also his wife's name. At the time, Gen weighed only 62 kilograms and measured 238cm in length. Since her stay and rehabilitation at Two Oceans Aquariums, she has grown to weigh 209 kilograms and is now 286cm in length!

Gen was housed in the Save our Seas Foundation at the aquarium, which aims to conserve this threatened species, and she grew to be one of the largest sharks there! In preparation for the release, Gen was first placed in a separate housing to enable veterinarian Dr Ilse Jenkinson to carefully monitor Gen's health by monitoring her blood and vital signs.

Gen was then moved to a secure chamber, accompanied by the aquarium's Curatorial staff members to keep her safe and calm. The team, accompanied by a few onlookers, carried Gen in a specially designed stretcher before releasing an eager shark into the free waters where she could now thrive and live her life as intended.

“In her time at the Two Oceans Aquarium, while playing an important role as an awareness-raising ambassador, Gen grew into a large adult weighing 209kg and measuring 286cm in length. She is now sexually mature, so we would like her to have the opportunity to reproduce and contribute to the wild population,” says Dr Jenkinson.

Alan Tours hopes the release of this beautiful citizen of the deep can avoid these commercial longline fishing boats and that in future when Gen becomes a mother, she and her youngsters will find a safe home away from these dangers.

📸 Gen goes through the releasing process and is let loose in the ocean waters of Struisbaai outside Cape Town
Credit: Justin Blake as on www.facebook.com/TwoOceansAquarium (photos 1 to 4)
sharkangels.org (photo 5)

11/04/2025

🤩Meet Our Guide✨

Today, Alan Tours would like to give our guide, Darrin, some well-deserved credit for his dedication and for sharing his love of nature with our guests during guided safari tours!

Darrin was born and bred in Cape Town and surrounded by all its natural beauty. He has been compelled to the natural environment from an early age.

"After I studied nature conservation, and became a game ranger, I worked for South African National Parks in the Kruger National Park. Thereafter, I worked with the anti-poaching unit in the KwaZulu Natal province's Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve," Darrin says.

In 1997, he moved into the tourism sector and began conducting mobile safaris throughout southern Africa, and eventually landed up running a lodge in the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

Darrin has always been enthralled by all things to do with nature and is an avid birdwatcher, hiker, mountain biker and adventurer.

He has more than 30 years of tour-guiding experience in South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe and has been giving our guests his best since joining the team.


📸Darrin enjoys a catch-and-release fishing excursion in the Panhandle of the Okavango Delta in Botswana

04/04/2025

👀Check this out!

ALAN TOURS presents to you... ✨Eastern Cape Magic✨

In South Africa's Eastern Cape province, you will find the magic of pristine coastlines, wonderous wildlife, diverse marine life, majestic mountains AND indigenous forests! What more could you ask for? The province is also home to the Big 7, diverse cultures and historical landmarks. We can take you there!

Immerse yourself in the wonders of this beautiful part of our country. Welcome home.

Experience the wonders and magic of the Eastern Cape in all its glory. From the Big 7 of Addo Elephant National Park to the diverse cultures and rich heritag...

28/03/2025

🤩Meet Our Guide✨

Today, Alan Tours would like to give our guide, Graeme, a shoutout for his dedication and passion. Graeme has been doing a wide spectrum of intermittent nature guiding after completing a nature conservation diploma in 1995, and we are proud to have him on our team.

We have asked him some questions:

❓What kind of person does it take to excel as a guide?
✅I believe you have to be passionate about the incredible biodiversity found right here in the greater Port Elizabeth region as a starting point. Sharing this knowledge with other interested folk is the most rewarding experience!

❓What experience in your career thus far will you never forget?
✅I have had many unforgettable experiences, from hilarious and frightening encounters to incredible moments. Being charged and kicked by an aggressive male ostrich was one of the scariest moments for me, although most hilarious for those watching from a distance.

❓What do you like most about your job as a guide?
✅I like being able to share our incredible natural biodiversity with people from all over the world.

❓What is your favourite travel destination and why?
✅ The greater Port Elizabeth region with its diverse natural areas and scenery, vegetation and wildlife. Where else can one find five biomes in such close proximity and be able to explore beautiful coastlines, mountains and forests?

❓Why do you have a passion for this industry?
✅I love being able to share my knowledge with people from all over the globe. No guiding experience is ever the same and one continues to learn and be in awe of the incredible biodiversity. I love making a positive difference in someone's life, whether it be a single guest or an entire group!


📸Graeme in action during a guided hike at Nature's Valley in Tsitsikamma

20/03/2025

🐘ELEPHANT ROADBLOCK!🐘

Earlier this month three of our cruise ship guests disembarked the Silver Spirit for a a shore excursion with our guide, Graeme. The destination? Addo Elephant National Park, of course! It was an action-packed day for Colleen, Monica and Rick as they were taken on a guided tour of this unspoiled wilderness.

Colleen left us a sterling review on Trustpilot:

"Wow! What an amazing full-day tour of Addo Elephant National Park with our ranger Graeme. This tour well exceeded our expectations at every level. Graeme met us early at our cruise ship dock and returned us to the dock at the time requested.

"Graeme was a wonderful guide who was excellent in sighting many different animals for us. He patiently explained interesting facts about the animals we observed as well as the plants and vegetation.

"We had the opportunity to observe approximately 200 elephants during our day in the park. We enjoyed watching many families of elephants at the water holes. Observing their mud baths and seeing a very young elephant chase away warthogs was especially entertaining.

"At one point in our tour, we experienced a total elephant "roadblock". It was quite a treat to see elephants up close for an extended period of time as they "napped" in the roadway. We also saw hartebeest, zebra, kudu, warthog, vervet monkey, cape buffalo, leopard tortoise, dung beetle, ostrich, and zebra.

"Outside the Park, we observed a giraffe. Overall, quite an amazing tour. Graeme was the best-very knowledgeable, considerate, and accommodating."

Alan Tours always welcomes the good news from satisfied guests and is proud to have played a role in making our guests' safari dreams come true!

Bitten by the travel bug? Do not hesitate to contact us:
📧 [email protected]
📱 +27 66 223 3197
🌐 www.alantours.co.za/contact-us/
⌨️ Message us directly


📸 Three guests enjoy an exciting safari in Addo Elephant National Park with our guide, Graeme

18/03/2025

📰THE NEWS CORNER: 🐘Addo Elephant National Park Welcomes New Lions

The lions' gene pool is expanding at the renowned SANParks - Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province. Earlier this month, two newly introduced lionesses were released into the Park's Main Camp (Colchester area), with the aim of bringing new genes to add to the genetic variety of the wildlife population.

In December, these two young sister lionesses were brought to Addo Elephant National Park from !Khamab Kalahari Reserve at the south-eastern edge of the Kalahari, and they have been acclimatising to the area in one of the Park’s bomas. They are now roaming the game viewing area at the Park.

"The lionesses are a valuable addition to the lion population in the Park, as they bring with them strong, healthy genes that will add to the genetic variety in the Park. There are five other lions in the game viewing area and a further three in what is known as the Nyathi section," states a press release by South African National Parks (SANParks).

Alan Tours welcomes this good news and is excited to conduct future safaris to Addo Elephant National Park for our guests to perhaps even spot these free-roaming lions, and of course, the mighty elephants that traverse their habitat!


📸 Two lionesses are released into Addo Elephant National Park's Main Camp area
Credit: South African National Parks

14/03/2025

🤩Meet Our Guides✨

Alan Tours always strives to give our guests the best possible experiences while touring with us.

This wouldn't be possible if it weren't for our friendly and knowledgeable guides who show people around many of the most sought-after places in South Africa.

Meet Anthony, a passionate, understanding and humourous guide with a strong zoology background. He started his tour guiding career in 2022 and fell in love with it!

We have asked him some questions:

❓What kind of person does it take to excel as a guide?
✅A guide needs to have a real passion for conducting tours and be able to connect with people.

❓What experience in your career thus far will you never forget?
✅When I was studying, I had the privilege to assist with a sea turtle research project. Our research was conducted at night with no light so as not to disturb the turtles. While walking with my friends, I pointed out a large piece of driftwood sticking out in the sand and warned everyone not to trip. Then, my foot caught that very piece of wood and I promptly pivoted forward and landed with my face in the sand! Thereafter, we passed that same piece of wood every night and I was ever so kindly warned by my friends not to trip over it (again).

❓What do you like most about your job as a guide?
✅The chance to get out into the open spaces to show off and educate guests about our wonderful fauna and flora as well as our beautiful country!

❓What is your favourite travel destination and why?
✅The Kruger National Park. My experience there was amazing. With the vast open spaces, fantastic wildlife sightings and stunning scenery, I couldn't stop smiling.

❓Why do you have a passion for this industry?
✅Nature and wildlife was always a passion of mine and tour guiding gives me the opportunity to share that passion with others. It opens doors for education and conversation. Not only do I share my knowledge but I also gain knowledge through conversations with my guests.


📸Anthony travels around the Western Cape and is holding an Armadillo girdled lizard, a social species living in groups

14/03/2025

🖼️FRAME IT🖼️
📸 At first sight, it appears that these two little egrets are fighting in flight above the cascading ocean waters. However, the slightly bigger egret is actually a parent trying to dissuade the immature egret from being dependent on them for food. It's natural for the parent birds to encourage their offspring to leave their territory and for the young one to make its own way in the world. Alan named this photograph "Angry Angels", which was taken in Seaview during a walk on the beach.
Credit: Alan Fogarty

12/03/2025

04/03/2025

🐘DEEP WITHIN THE AFRICAN BUSH🌳

After Alan Tours' Darrin, Angelika, Alan and their tour group's stay on the banks of the Blyde River, they packed up and travelled to the renowned Big 5 Kruger National Park for a super safari. They excitedly entered the Park's gates to enter the untouched wilderness of the magical Lowveld. They were in for a real treat!

Upon their arrival and check-in at Satara Camp, the Park's third largest camp, which is also known as one of the best areas to spot the big cats, they went for a lovely afternoon game drive. That evening, Alan was appointed the "braai master", and the group enjoyed their traditional South African meals under the stars. The group had a lot of laughs and chatted the evening away before retiring to their rooms for a good night's rest.

The next morning the group travelled southwards towards Lower Sabie for an overnight stay. During their comfort break at Nkuhlu Picnic Site, a Bushbuck family calmly meandered past the group while grazing. Lower Sabie offers brilliant game viewing opportunities and is also popular because of the thirsty wildlife that frequents the Sabie River and several bird species calling the area their home.

The group enjoyed a lovely sunrise game drive before breakfast and another that afternoon. They spotted several wildlife species in the area of Lower Sabie, including a big male giraffe, hippos in a whirlpool in Sabie River, waterbucks drinking from a dam, an African wild dog lying next to the gravel road, and a herd of elephants passing in front of the game drive vehicle on their own time!

Don't forget to stay tuned for more travel and tour adventures proudly hosted by Alan Tours!


📸 Alan Tours and their tour group had the time of their lives during their overnight stays at two of Kruger National Park's top camps

28/02/2025

🤩A SIGHT TO BEHOLD🌄

After a good night's rest, Alan, Angelika and our guide, Darrin-along with the tour group-hit the road and proceeded to Mpumalanga. This South African province is also referred to as "the place where the sun rises". After the start of a beautiful day, the group proceeded to the quaint town of Dullstroom, which is famous for trout and is served at several eateries in the area.

The group had delicious meals at the original Harry's Pancakes in Dullstroom, browsed the interesting curio shops and viewed the old red English telephone box and a postbox. The history of the classic telephone box dates back to the 1920s when English architect, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, won a competition to design a standardized telephone kiosk. It still stands today in mint condition and contributes to the historical feel of Dullstroom.

That evening they stayed at their accommodation, which is situated on the Long Tom Pass, which forms part of the spectacular Panorama Route. The following day the group further explored the Panorama Route, which included stops at some of the best natural vantage points for sightseeing magnificent landscapes like God's Window and the Blyde River Canyon (the third largest canyon in the world), as well as several natural waterfalls.

They descended the escarpment through a narrow passage and winding passes and arrived at the hot tropical Lowveld characterised by tree species such as Marula, Silver-leafed Terminalia, Baobab and various Acacia trees. They had a good night's rest at their accommodation nestled on the banks of the Blyde River, a major contributor to Kruger’s water that flows into the Olifants River.

Can you guess where they're going next? Tell us in the comments!

👀 Keep your eyes peeled for more adventures!


📸 Alan Tours and their tour group explore the beauty of the famous Panorama Route

25/02/2025

🎞️Alan and Angelika of Alan Tours depart from the shores of the lovely Eastern Cape's coast to Kroonstad as part of their Ivory and Gold Safari Tour taking place over the next 10 days!

25/02/2025

👒1, 2, 3 and... Let's hit the road!🛣️

Alan and Angelika of Alan Tours recently departed from Port Elizabeth's outskirts to enjoy an 11-day tour of some of South Africa's best travel destinations with a group of 14 guests from Germany. The tour, known as the Kruger National Park Ivory and Gold Tour, will take them to the famous Big 5 Kruger National Park, the breathtaking Panorama Route, Swaziland and lastly, St. Lucia in the KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa.

This tour comes highly recommended and is the perfect mixture of beautiful landscapes, historical landmarks, wildlife and ocean vibes, a definite all-in-one!

The day of their early-morning departure this past weekend, they departed for Kroonstad, where a somewhat heavy rainfall greeted them. This did not prevent them from the exciting journey that lies ahead. Alan and Angelika also enjoyed the scenery of the Steynsburg in the Great Karoo.

Later, they stopped for a break at the large bridge at the Orange River border between Eastern Cape and Free State to soak in their natural surroundings and beautiful landscapes before proceeding to Johannesburg. On the way to the "City of Gold", they drove past sunflower crops complimenting the slightly cloudy blue sky.

After a day of travelling, Alan and Angelika enjoyed a delicious lunch at their night's accommodation with the rest of the guests before heading to bed in preparation for yet another exciting day of touring.

👀 Keep your eyes on this page to stay updated with Alan and Angelika's adventures in beautiful South Africa!

21/02/2025

🖼️FRAME IT🖼️
📸 Are these lions communicating or is it just a yawn? Two male lions were caught on camera while seemingly having a moment of "togetherness" as they walked next to each other in Addo Elephant National Park just outside Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Credit: Alan Tours

19/02/2025

🎉CELEBRATING 17 YEARS OF UNFORGETTABLE TOURS🎉

February, 17 years ago, Alan Tours began putting South Africa on the map and started offering guided tours around the country, especially in the Addo Elephant National Park, which is right on our doorstep! We will always hold the cultures and the landmarks of the historically rich Eastern Cape close to our hearts.

Want to go seek out the Big 5 in Kruger National Park? No problem. Interested in travelling along the renowned Garden Route? We've got you covered. Do you want to explore the Addo Elephant National Park and view some of the largest populations of majestic elephants? Look no further!

With more than 30 years spent working and touring in the African wilderness, Alan Fogarty embarked on his enterprise 17 years ago. He is a qualified level three F.G.A.S.A. [Field Guides Association of Southern Africa] Tour Guide with a deep interest in the country, its cultural heritage and historical value, not to mention all the wildlife he has seen (and even touched) over the years!

Alan Tours is now proud to offer more than a dozen guided tour categories with several options to locals and international guests alike. We are flexible when it comes to organising tours and can tailor-make itineraries to suit your travel needs and timeframe.

Alan Tours thanks all of our loyal guests who have travelled with us over the years, as well as newer guests who have explored the country with us for the first time!

Do you plan to visit South Africa? Do not hesitate to contact us for more information on our exciting tour options to make your holiday unforgettable!

📧 [email protected]
☎️ +27 41 378 1486
📱 +27 66 223 3197
🌐 www.alantours.co.za/contact-us/
⌨️ Message us directly

15/02/2025

🌀World Pangolin Day🌀

The pangolin, also known as the scaly anteater, is one of the most fascinating creatures on Earth. A mammal unlike any other, the pangolin is covered in dragon-like scales made of keratin. These scales are their main line of defence, as pangolins lack many other defences. When threatened, they curl into a tight ball, exposing their tough, armoured scales to predators while protecting their soft underbelly.

There are eight species of pangolin, found in either Africa or Asia. Along with their unique scales, pangolins have a long, thin snout and an even longer tongue, perfectly suited for feasting on ants and termites. Their claws are large and powerful, ideal for digging and tearing open the tough termite mounds to access those tasty treasures.

Although pangolins are not fast movers, they have an intriguing way of walking: they can move on all fours or balance on their hind legs, using their tails for counterbalance. This posture often resembles a priest or a holy man walking in reverence, hands clasped in front. Solitary and nocturnal, pangolins prefer to keep to themselves, quietly going about their business in the wild.

Sadly, despite their fascinating nature, pangolins hold the disturbing title of the most trafficked animal in the world. All eight species are now listed on the IUCN Red List, with populations rapidly declining. Their scales and claws are sought after for ornaments and traditional medicine, while they are also hunted for bushmeat. Many tribal leaders are stepping up, advocating for pangolin conservation and highlighting their vital role in the ecosystem.

In some cultures, pangolins are even seen as symbols of good luck and rain—things that are highly desired across much of Africa.

As we celebrate World Pangolin Day, let’s spread awareness about these incredible creatures and work together to protect them. Every action counts in the fight to end the illegal trade and ensure these species survive for generations to come.

15/02/2025

Seemingly harmless, several hippos enjoy the waters of Sunset Dam in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Wait until one opens its mouth for an impressive yawn! Hippos' tusks are not only used for consuming their food but also function to protect them from predators.
🎞️ Alan Fogarty