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Full
Members of PHASA |
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East
Cape Game Management Association
South Africa |
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Tel: (041) 922 7618
Fax: (041) 922 7618
ecgma@global.co.za |
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All the pictures on this web site were taken by clients
visiting the game parks while staying with us. This gives you an idea
what you can experience on the tours that we can plan for you. We do
all the planning and supply full details & maps. All you need to
do is to arrive at Valley Bushveld Country Lodge.
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select from the Game Parks & Activities listed below: |
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ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL
PARK
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| HISTORY
OF THE PARK
The Addo Elephant National Park was proclaimed in 1931 to
protect the remaining 11 Addo elephants. The great herds of
elephants and other animal species had been all but decimated
over the 1700s and 1800s by hunters. In the late 1800s, farmers
began to colonise the area around the park, also taking their
toll on the elephant population due to competition for water
and crops.
This conflict reached a head in 1919 when farmers called on
the government to exterminate the elephants. The government
even appointed a Major Pretorius to shoot the remaining elephants.
He shot 114 elephants between 1919 and 1920.
Public opinion then changed, leading to the proclamation of
the park in 1931. The original size of the park was just over
2 000 hectares. Conflicts between elephants and farmers continued
after proclamation as no adequate fence enclosed the park.
Finally in 1954, Graham Armstrong (the park manager at the
time) developed an elephant-proof fence constructed using
tram rails and lift cables and an area of 2270 hectares was
fenced in. There were 22 elephants at the time. This Armstrong
fence, named after its developer, is still used around the
park today. Although the park was originally proclaimed to
protect a single species, priorities have now changed to conserve
the rich biological diversity found in the area.
Domkrag
The Domkrag Dam in the game viewing section of the park is
named after a giant mountain tortoise that once roamed the
park. Domkrag is the Afrikaans word for jack, and this tortoise
had a peculiar habit of walking in behind cars and lifting
them up with enormous strength. Domkrag came to a sad end
when he fell into an aardvark hole and couldn't get himself
out. His shell is still on display in the reception foyer.
Hapoor
The magnificent Elephant head which is mounted in the restaurant
is that of Hapoor, the legendary dominant bull in the park
for 24 years. The waterhole in the southwestern section of
the game area is named after him. Hap means 'nick' in Afrikaans,
while 'oor' means ear and it is believed the distinctive nick
in his ear was caused by a hunter's bullet. Hapoor retained
a deep hatred of humans throughout his life. On more than
one occasion park-staff were forced to flee to safety when
Hapoor made his appearance. His dominance stretched from 1944
to 1968. During the second part of the 1960's a few younger
bulls reached maturity and challenged Hapoor. These upstarts
were unsuccessful until one bull name Lanky finally deposed
Hapoor in 1968. Hapoor was driven from the heard and became
a loner. Later that year he succeeded in climbing the park's
'Armstrong Fence', which for nearly 20 years had been elephant
proof. His freedom was to be short lived as because of his
aggressive nature, it was determined he would have to be shot. |
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ANIMALS
This park offers some of the most spectacular elephant viewing
in the world. Addo’s over 450 elephants, over 400
Cape buffalo, 48 black rhino, a variety of antelope species,
as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost
exclusively in Addo. The buffalo is one of the largest disease-free
herds in South Africa.
Expansion at 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.
Six lions were introduced into the park in late 2003 and
have adapted well to their new environment. Lions are most
often seen in the early morning or on sunset and night drives.
Spotted hyenas were also reintroduced in 2003, fulfilling
the same role as lions in restoring the natural balance
to the ecosystems in the park by controlling the numbers
of herbivores. Leopard are very seldom seen, being shy and
secretive animals, but do occur in most areas of the expanded
park.
Antelope species abundant in the main game area of the park
include red hartebeest, eland, kudu, Warthog and bushbuck.
The Burchell’s zebra, many with the pale rumps reminiscent
of the extinct qwagga, occur in the park.
The rare flightless dung beetle is king of the road in Addo,
with signs warning visitor that this recycling machine has
right of way. The beetles are only seen when conditions
are not too hot and not too cold and play an important role
in recycling nutrients and helping the growth of thicket
vegetation.
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? |
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| FACILITIES
IN THE PARK
• A fuel station which provides petrol and diesel between
the hours of 7 AM and 5 PM.
• A curio shop which also sells snacks and basic supplies
open from 8 AM to 6 PM (times are subject to seasonal change).
• An a la carte restaurant in the main camp, serving
meals throughout the day (7 AM to 10 PM ). Bookings are advised.
GAME
VIEWING IN THE PARK
You can view all the animals in Addo from the comfort of your
own vehicle and explore the more than 75 kilometres of road
looking for animals. Making use of a guide can just make it
easier as we know all the favourite spots they hang out. After
visting the park for more than 30 years it is now 2nd nature
to us.
OTHER OPTIONS below are also available which can be booked
in the park if you wish not to use your own vehicle but a
open top Safari vehicle.
Day drives
Departing 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00 – viewing may include
herds of elephant, antelope, zebra , warthog and ostrich.
Sunset drive
Departing 16:00 (winter) or 18:00 (summer) – enjoy late
afternoon viewing, snacks & drinks as the sun goes down
and then some night time viewing – black rhino, buffalo,
lions and antelope may be seen.
Night drive
Departing 18:00 (winter) or 20:00 (summer) – dress warmly
and discover the secrets of night time in the bush: springhares,
porcupines, genets |
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PRIVATE LION &
GAME RESERVE
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This is the ultimate for a first time visitor
to South Africa with limited time to see as much wildlife in the
shortest time possible on their South African holidays. Here you
will have the best photo opportunities that you will not find
in any other reserve. The reserve is the oldest private game viewing
reserve in the Eastern Cape, bordering the eastern side of Addo
Elephant National Park.
This malaria free reserve is probably the
most densely stocked reserve in Africa, and with over 40 mammal
species and approximately 2000 animals, can offer consistently
good game viewing throughout the year. It was the first reserve
in the Cape Province to have free roaming lions and we can almost
guarantee sightings of these magnificent animals on every game
drive. This is a four hour guided game drive in an open Land Rover
with a short refreshments and toilet break at the halfway point.
It is a private game reserve and the guide can take the guests
as close as possible to get the best viewing of rhino, hippo,
giraffe and the king of the beasts, lion! The guide try to show
the guests as much as possible on a drive and concentrate on the
popular sightings rather than 'the birds and the bees'.
The reserve has a huge open air lapa, reputedly
among the largest in South Africa. Inside the lapa there are several
large trees and a roaring log fire. Dinner is usually a mix of
safari cuisine and traditional South African cooking; the exact
menu depends on what is available on the day.
After dinner a short, spotlit nightdrive
providing the possibility of more nocturnal animals completes
your experience as we return to our reception area.
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CHEETAH BREEDING
FARM
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The 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 these 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.
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ADDO ELEPHANT BACK
SAFARI
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Addo Elephant Back Safaris is situated
in the pristine valleys of the Zuurberg Mountains within the
recently proclaimed Greater Addo Elephant Park.
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 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 favored waterhole from the
viewing deck at the boma - no guarantee that you won’t
get sprayed with a trunkful of water!
We offer three encounters daily, starting
at 08h00, 11h00 and 15h30. The encounter lasts for approximately
2 1/2 hours.
A once in a lifetime safari adventure
- at one with nature, following in the footsteps of the ancients...
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| TREE
TOP CANOPY TOURS |
The
Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour© is a unique eco-wilderness
adventure that takes place in the magnificent Tsitsikamma
indigenous rainforest.
The first of its kind in Africa,
the canopy tour involves traversing from one platform to
another along a steel cable suspended up to 30 meters above
the forest floor...
Most platforms are located
in giant Outeniqua Yellowwood trees. The scenery and bird
life is spectacular and professional guides provide interesting
facts about the forest ecology during the 2½ to 3
hours.
The concept of guiding people
through the upper canopy of a rainforest originated in Costa
Rica, where adventurous biologists devised new methods for
accessing the forest canopy in order to conduct research
on the undiscovered canopy ecosystem. The idea soon developed
into a breathtaking form of eco-tourism which allowed people
to enter and experience a previously inaccessible natural
environment.
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Construction of the Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour©
has been done in accordance with strict civil engineering standards.
The system was designed and created by an adventurous civil engineer
who constructed a similar canopy tour in Costa Rica. The safety
standards have been significantly enhanced and the Tsitsikamma
Canopy Tour© uses state of the art equipment and has been
rated as the most sophisticated of it's kind in the world. Concept
to completion took fourteen and a half months.
The tour begins with a detailed safety
briefing followed by a 'kitting up' session where full body harness,
pulleys and climbing equipment is issued and checked. A short
drive into the Tsitsikamma forest and it is time to monkey around!
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From
the start on the launch platform a new world unfolds as one gently
glides on a steel cable to the first tree platform. All groups are
escorted through the forest canopy by a lead guide and a follow
guide to ensure your safety as you slide from tree to tree. The
platforms, built high up in the giant Outeniqua Yellowwoods, provide
an unbelievable view of this enchanting new world - any fear of
heights is soon lost as you gather in your new surroundings...
Spend a couple of minutes
relaxing while your guides enthusiastically explain the ecology
of the forest - pointing out different trees and the magnificent
giant ferns way below. The bird life is incredible. Knysna Loeries,
sightings of the elusive Narina Trogon and the Vervet monkey are
not uncommon.
The Tsistikamma Canopy Tour©
consists of 10 platforms and 10 'fufi' slides, the longest of which
is 100m! About three hours later you exit the forest, having undertaken
the journey of a lifetime. You have contributed to the creation
of new jobs and are helping the forest regeneration project. |
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BLOUKRANS
BUNGEE JUMPING |
The concrete and steel
bridge spans the gorge 216 exhilarating metres above the Bloukrans
River. It is the longest singlespan bridge in Africa, but that’s
not its main attraction. What people gather to see is not the
view or the bridge, impressive though each may be. They come to
share in the breathtaking experience of falling off!
Technically, it’s a 216 m jump, but in
reality the jumpers simply lean forward out over that enormous
emptiness and drop away, head first. The carefully calculated
length of cord is attached to the ankles, and, of course, to the
bridge. The gentle yo-yo effect is part of the experience in which
the adrenaline-pumping free fall lasts no more than a few of the
most memorable seconds of anyone’s life!
Once the motion has been
reduced to a gentle arc, an operator is lowered to help the jumper
get the right way up again, ready to be hauled back up to the
roadside. For those who simply want to watch, there is a viewing
platform with a spectacular view at the side of the Bloukrans
Bridge.
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