Picture yourself on a crisp Saturday morning, blue skies above you, on the back of a Safari vehicle, driving through some export quality citrus orchards with some foreign languages filling the air. 

That is exactly how we felt when we joined Crisscross Adventures in Addo for an amazing day filled with activities that makes you want more.  First up was the river safari.  I had a preconceived idea of what this might entail and with my very limited canoeing experience that I obtained as a kid, using some rented canoes on a Sunday morning outing in Wilderness, I was excited to see whether my picture was close to what they had to offer. 

On the way to the drop-off point further up the Sundays river, the guide was sharing his knowledge of the working citrus farm and we made a quick stop at one of the oldest pack houses in the area.  Excitement was starting to build as our group got to know each other a bit.  Soon we found ourselves at the drop-off point.  We all geared up with insect repellent and the necessary protection against the African sun before grabbing a nice ice cold bottle of water and jumped into the canoes.  Some maneuvering here and there and we were on our way, all rowing happily down the river.  The pace was soon slowed down as the adrenaline started to wear off and we found ourselves lazing around on the water, doing some bird watching.  The bird life is incredible here next to the water with species such as the African Darter, Cormorant, King Fisher,  Herons and Bishops.  We occasionally saw a monkey or two jumping from tree to tree. 

As we passed the high banks of the river rises above our heads to a good 3 meters above the water line (the Sunday’s River is the fastest flowing river in South Africa when it is in flood), it was time to make a well deserved pit stop.  We all jumped out, took some refreshments and headed up the trail to learn more about the vegetation in the area.  Our guide had so much knowledge and we were well looked after the whole day.  Our River Safari had to come to an end and 2.5 hours later we found ourselves back in the Safari vehicle, canoes loaded and heading back to Crisscross Adventures HQ.  A morning well spent and highly recommended for all ages, big and small, experienced or not.   

Then came the time to get back onto solid ground and we soon found ourselves on the back of a steel steed.  After fitting some safety gear (helmets and goggles provided), we had a run down on how to operate these machines.  In no time we were off and ready to explore.  In a single file down the public road, we made our way to a safe space where we could play on a course that was set out to enjoy at your own pace.  The course is easy to navigate and does not have any real obstacles.  It is suitable for beginners as well as children.

By now we all felt a bit braver and we were ready to head out to the more advanced trail along the river.  This trail has a bit more challenges in some rocks, stumps and narrower pieces with slopes.  It is here that we had great fun and spent a bit of time playing like children.  Safety is always a priority and even though you do have some free reign to do as you wish as long as you stay on course, the guide is by your side and is keeping a watchful eye on you, knowing where is troops are all the time.

Our session soon came to an end and it was time to head back.  Driving back to Crisscross Adventures HQ, the thought dawned on me that this truly is a hidden gem.  The staff is very friendly, premises are extremely clean and gear is in good condition.  The service you receive is of top quality and it makes your time just so much more pleasant.  With it only being one hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth, this is a welcoming addition to a day out in Addo Elephant National Park. 

Criscross Adventures Tour options:

•  Addo Elephant Park Tour
• Addo River Safari
• Addo ECO Quad Biking
• Addo Mountain Hike
• Addo Fishing Tours
• Sandboarding & Beach Safari

Several other packages are available.

* This article is based on the Addo Adventure Tour Package

*Sponsored post*

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It is not as big as Kruger and as crowded as Kruger, but still give you a wildlife experience like none other.  Here you can not only see the Big Five but also, hyena, warthogs, various buck species, zebra, smaller creatures and birds (more than 417 species have been listed).  Remember that you will see lots and lots of elephants – it is after all Addo Elephant Park – and do not forget the smaller creatures and birds.

The park is within easy reach for a day drive from Port Elizabeth.  Pack a picnic basket and leave early as the gates open at 06:00 during summer and closes at 18:00, but check before you go as times change according to season.   If you do not want to do a self-drive there is also a hop-on facility at reception where an experience guide will share his knowledge with you.  They also offer horse back rides in certain sections of the park.

At the main gate near reception there is an interpretative centre where kids (and adults) can explore all kinds of interesting facts on wild animals.

For me elephants are quite amusing and I can sit and watch them for hours, especially the smaller ones that do not yet have such good control over their trunks and it more or less flip-flop all over the place.   The teenagers on the other hand are very daring and will chase anything that have an element of possible fun.

Most important of all is to respect speed limits and park rules.  Rules are there for everyone, and to the benefit of everyone, to have enjoyable experience.   If you need some tips head over to the post:  At the waterhole.

http://travelbucket.co.za/at-the-waterhole/?hilite=%27waterhole%27  

There is also more than just game viewing to the park.  Along the Woody Cape area you will find the longest untouched sand dunes in the Southern hemisphere and of course whales along the coast.

Bonus tip:  Remember during SANPARKS week in September entry to the park is free

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Situated in the adventure province of the Eastern Cape it is within easy reach of the Friendly City of Port Elizabeth and is a firm favorite for a day escape from hectic city life.  I feel like experimenting as 2017 is drawing to an end and thus decided on an all-out black and white theme.

One of my favorite objects to capture is zebras as they are really patient while you are zooming in and set your focus to snap that perfect moment.  This was another black and white shoot done and dusted.  Did you know that you get three types of zebra?  Burchell’s zebra (the most common one), the mountain zebra (mainly in the Mountain Zebra Park near Cradock) and Grevy’s zebra in the Northern parts of Africa?

The Black-backed jackal (also known as a Silver-backed jackal) is often regarded a problem animal amongst the farmers in the Karoo, because of the damage that they can create in sheep pens.   However today it is a perfect fit for my black and white stheme on my day trip to Addo.

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Let’s start off with some interesting and lesser known facts about the trunk of an elephant:

Feeling the vibe:  Aside from smell, the trunk is sensitive to vibrations; from the ground it can sense the rumble of faraway herds and even far-off thunder.

Mighty muscles:  An elephant’s trunk has eight major muscles on either side and 150,000 muscle bundles in all. It is so strong that it can easily push down trees or roll over a vehicle.

Move it:  Like the human tongue, the trunk is a muscular hydrostat – a boneless muscular structure that allows for its excellent maneuverability.

Phenomenal sense of smell:  So sensitive is an elephant’s trunk that it is more capable than a bloodhound’s nose and is said to be able to smell water, citrus and apples  from several miles away.

How to approach an elephant

• • Slow down as soon as you see and/or approach the elephants.

• • Assess the area for possible escape routes if necessary.

• • Make sure you do not have any citrus with you as they will trample a vehicle to get to it.

• • Take extra care if there are juveniles in the elephant group – keep your distance as the mothers can be extremely unpredictable with small ones around.

• • If you are in an open safari vehicle, do not stand up or make sudden movements on the vehicle or speak loudly.  Although their eyesight is not good an elephant might feel threatened and can cause an aggressive response.

• If an elephant shows threatening behaviour, slowly retreat and give it space.

Some of the most obvious threatening behavior displayed by elephants are

Spreading the ears:  The elephant faces an opponent head-on with ears fully spread (at 90 degrees from the body). They also spread their ears when they are excited, surprised or alarmed.

Mock charging:  The elephant rushes toward you while spreading its ears and just stops short of its target while kicking up dust.   This will also be accompanied with trumpeting.

Bundu bashing:  The elephant causes a commotion to demonstrate strength, tossing its head and tusks back and forth through bushes or other vegetation while making a noise.

Charging:  The elephant rushes toward you with its ears spread and its head raised or lowered while it has the apparent intention of following through. Its trunk may be tightly curved under so that the tusks can make contact first. A real charge is usually silent and extremely dangerous. I think it is time to get away as soon as possible!

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Did you know?  That an elephant’s skeleton makes up 16.5% of its total weight in order to support its heavy mass?

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Hope you enjoyed these facts.   Also read about the bee and elephant project in Kenya. You can follow them on Facebook @ Elephants and Bees Project.

Be responsible and travel safely in the wild!

Love will draw an elephant through a key-hole —– Samuel Richardson

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