ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK & GUIDED GAME DRIVES

Deep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park. Here, the evenings are punctuated by the strident howl of the black-backed jackal, and the francolin's call heralds each new dawn. Safe from relentless persecution in the past, the grey leviathans of the bush now roam in peace.

The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.

And their Addo has only just begun. with plans to expand the 164 000 ha Addo National Elephant Park into a 360 000 ha mega-park.

In addition, plans include the proposed proclamation of a 120 000 ha (296 500 acre) marine reserve that includes islands that are home to the world's largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and second largest breeding population of African penguins.

Did you know that ...
• The park conserves no less than five of South Africa's seven biomes?
• Is also home to one of the densest African elephant populations on earth?
• It is home to the unique flightless dung beetle?
• Addo incorporates the largest coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere?
• The park boasts the Big Seven, (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark)?
• It also protects the world's largest Cape gannet breeding population on Bird Island?

ADDO ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI
(Rates on request)

Walk with the Elephants through the diverse valley bushveld, ravine and forest habitat unique to this part of the Eastern Cape. The informative walk-and-talk takes a very leisurely pace set by the elephants themselves and is in no way strenuous. The walk allows you to interact with, feed and observe the elephants in their natural habitat while our trained and qualified handlers share their specialized knowledge and insight into both the elephants and this unique eco-system.

After your Addo elephant back safari, we offer you the exhilarating experience of riding these magnificent animals - revel in the natural beauty of the environs and its wildlife from your lofty seat as these gentle giants amble through the African bush. At the conclusion of the ride enjoy a close-up view of the elephants swimming and frolicking in their favoured waterhole from the viewing deck at the boma - no guarantee that you won’t get sprayed with a trunkful of water !

A once in a lifetime safari adventure - at one with nature,
following in the footsteps of the ancients...

SCHOTIA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - FULL DAY EXPERIENCE
(Rates on request)

This is more for the first time visitor to South Africa with limited time to see as much wildlife in the shortest time possible on their South African holidays.

Schotia and Shamwari pioneered wildlife reserves in the malaria-free Eastern Cape during the last decade. Shamwari closed their doors to day visitors during May 2006. All the other game reserves Addo followed, but Schotia still have what all the other Big 5 Games Reserves do not have and that is: the Addo Elephants and the best pride of free-range lions in the Cape. Guests depart from the Lodge at 09h00 doing Addo Elephant Park in the morning. After lunch, you will depart to Schotia Private Game Reserve. From here you are transferred to open top game-viewers for a proper bush safari. During the afternoon your guide will search for all the animals that you will not see in Addo Elephant Park like Giraffe, White Rhino, Crocodile, Hippo to name a few. You are guaranteed a Lion sighting - if not during the afternoon, definitely on your night drive. After your afternoon safari you retire to the Lapa (outdoor dining area) for a traditional open fire cooked dinner. Departing after dinner with a short night drive to see all the nocturnal animals, birds and cats, before returning to the lodge at about 22h00. This is excellent value for money.

PUMBA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE - FULL DAY EXPERIENCE
(Rates on request)

Pumba is the latest addition to Big 5 Game Reserves in the Eastern Cape. Guests are fetched from the Lodge at 08h30. An hours drive through the Shamwari Reserve takes you to Pumba. Pumba is famous for its white lion pride and spectacular buffalo bulls.

DANIELL CHEETAH BREEDING FARM
(Rates on request)

Daniell Cheetah Breeding project was established in May 2001 and started with just three cats. It has since grown with breeding, purchase and swapping of animals.

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

The cheetah project offers a 'once-in-a-lifetime' experience where visitors do not only get an interesting, personalized tour, but actually get to interact with the animals. Visitors are encouraged to touch the cheetahs and have photographs with some of them. We believe this opens people's eyes to the importance of the Cheetah's conservation.

We are open 7 days a week, and can be found on the R75 national road, 40km from Uitenhage and just 80km from the Port Elizabeth airport.

Daniell Cheetah breeding also has other attractions:
• The Padstal where you can browse for gifts and African Arts at very reasonable prices
• Coffee, Tea and Light meals can be ordered for take-away or sit-down meals
• Feeding the tame Kudu's and Springbuck
• Experiencing the hospitality of the Daniell Family

Visit their website at: www.daniellcheetahbreeding.co.za

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Valley Bushveld Country Lodge | Tel: +27 41 961 5038 | Fax: +27 86 684 7343 | safaris@worldonline.co.za