The Elephant's Eye

All the times we have visited Addo Elephant National Park, one of our very favourite places, and we have always just gone for the day. This time we thought we would stay overnight actually in the Park, but as the time got nearer we were beginning to wonder just what Gordon had booked.

We had a Rondawel – a round hut with a straw roof! But it was actually rather nice; cosy, but comfortable. And the group of six rondawels overlooked a water hole, so we were right there in the Park and could sit out in the evening and hear the sounds of the veld. The other thing he had done was to book us onto a Sunrise Game Drive – one of those things that seem like a good idea at the time. Then we realised that this was actually a 5.30am start!

But the vehicle park was only a few minutes walk from our hut, so we were up and out and there in time. This was a first as well. We have always just driven round on our own, never taken a guided drive. It was good. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we learnt a lot. We did not see Lions, but we did see a lot of other animals and birds and it was nice to be in the cool and watch animals moving about in the early morning sun.

After some breakfast at the excellent restaurant, we took a drive round on our own and that’s when we saw Elephants – lots and lots of them – wandering through the bush and playing and cooling at the water holes. The number of times we have seen these and we never tire of watching them at close hand. What magnificent creatures they are. I had to blip an elephant close up as that is what we always remember, seeing these wonderful animals so closely. But I have added a few more photos: A young Spotted Hyena in the sunlight, a Black-backed Jackal on the prowl, a view of elephants with reflections and two young elephant bulls having a tussle.   
   
Eventually we left and made our way down to Port Elizabeth and are now in a Radisson Blu Hotel on the seafront. More of a contrast from last night’s accommodation it would be hard to imagine, but last night and early this morning is what we will remember.