Jack’s Picnic Site
Jack’s Picnic Site is a beautifully tucked-away, well-equipped picnic and braai area within Addo Elephant National Park’s game area. It lies off the southern access road of the Park, within a 500-hectare botanical reserve. It combines the comfort of sheltered picnic tables and braai spots with the thrill of being immersed in a true African […]
The little five smaller animals
In South Africa, we have so much to offer. With ample wildlife, exquisite birds and natural endowments by the hundreds, it’s no wonder why we’re considered one of the best countries to visit. While on safari, many tourists pursue what is known as the Big Five, which is a collection of large animals. They include […]
Addo’s wetlands and what’s being done to protect them
The Addo Elephant National Park was established 94 years ago to protect the last 11 elephants in the Eastern Cape region. Since then, the reserve has expanded to 155,000 hectares and today it’s home to lions, leopards, rhino, buffalo and more than 600 elephants. It also has 16 rivers and 437 wetlands. Freshwater scientists Nancy […]
Domkrag the tortoise
If you have ever wondered where Donkrag Dam in the Addo Elephant National Park got its name from, scoot closer and listen up. The Domkrag Dam is named after a giant 45-year-old 60kg mountain tortoise which once roamed the park. “Domkrag” is the Afrikaans word for a “jack” (the thing you lift cars with), and […]
Pale Chanting Goshawk
The Addo Elephant National Park has a bird checklist of over 400 species, with about 200 occurring within the main game area. One of these, often seen sitting on top of the spekboom or thorn trees in the park, is the Pale Chanting Goshawk. The Pale Chanting Goshawk, with its grey plumage and bright orange […]
What is a “Dagga Boy”?
What is a “Dagga boy” and where does the term come from? ‘Dagga boys’ is a term used to describe old and usually solitary buffalo bulls who have been forced out of the herd by young virile bulls, or have fallen behind the herd due to their need for softer vegetation. But it’s wise not […]
Hyenas in the Addo Elephant National Park
Did you know that the Addo Elephant National Park has both Brown Hyena and Spotted Hyena? 📸 @sanparks The brown hyena (Parahyaena brunnea), also called the strandwolf, is the only extant species in the genus Parahyaena. It is currently the rarest species of hyena. Brown hyenas are distinguished from other species by their long shaggy […]
How big is the Greater Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Elephant National Park is the third-largest national park in South Africa. It’s not only home to the traditional Big Five (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard) but the Big 7, which includes the Southern right whale and Great white shark in its marine environment. In 1931, the park was started with only 2500 hectares […]
St Croix Island
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 […]
Major Pretorius’ big elephant hunt
One of the saddest chapters in the history of the Addo elephants involved Major Pretorius’ big hunt of 1919/20. After nearly 200 years of being hunted for their ivory, there were only about 140 elephants left in the Addo region by the early 1900s. Growth in agriculture in the region led to conflict with elephants […]