Touched by the Wilderness Safari (Code CS04) A 3 day tour
Wilderness Camp and 4 x 4 Section of the Addo Elephant National Park
Port Elizabeth to Wilderness Camp Pick up at place of residence in Port Elizabeth at 08.00 and depart for the nearby mountain wilderness retreat on the border of the Little Karoo. Leaving Port Elizabeth behind we embark on a journey away from the hustle and bustle of city life and the working day into the quiet solitude of the wilderness. On arrival we stop to check in at the farm house before continuing for a short distance through the foothills to the car park at the base of the mountain. Here, at the end of the track we gather our luggage and equipment and with the help of the camp staff, set out to walk the few hundred meters along the path next to the river.
We make our way under ever imposing cliffs while making our way through the thick riverine vegetation. The walk ensures that the tranquillity of this wilderness camp is left undisturbed by the sounds of other people or motor vehicles.
On arriving at the Camp secreted away, hardly visible under the canopy of gnarled riverine trees on the banks of the river we unpack into our comfortable tents set on raised wooden platforms above the rocky terrain. After settling in, we unpack our picnic basket for a light lunch and a well-deserved cup of coffee before heading out on the trail alongside the river. We make our way through the deep canopy of trees as we walk upstream, stopping frequently to take in the sights and sounds of the area and the many birds that call this remote wilderness their home.
Returning to camp in time to make the evening fire around which we will enjoy a quiet drink with your companions. Alan Tours will prepare the evening meal while we sit listening to the sounds of the local troop of Baboons competing for the best sleeping space on the cliffs or nearby trees. The looming cliff face is home to hundreds of Rock Hyrax or Dassies as they are locally known, one might be lucky to see them scurrying across the rocks and hear their chattering like alarm calls as they warn each other of impending danger in the form of a pair of magnificent Black Eagles or even a shy Leopard. We take our simple meal prepared on the coals of the open wood fire on the wide deck listening as the night encloses around the camp deep within the ravine.
We soon turn in to bed in our secure tents where we have a restful night’s sleep under warm duvets on comfortable beds in this lovely retreat. Overnight Wilderness camp, lunch, dinner (braai), bed and breakfast
Day 2, Night 2 Wilderness Camp to Addo Elephant National Park 4 x 4 section We wake early to a steaming cup of coffee and or tea, a rusk, a traditional dried bread roll before putting on your walking shoes. We pack a bottle of water, your camera and binoculars as we head into the mountains. If the weather is warm bring a swimming costume and enjoy a swim in one of the lovely pools to be found in the river. Returning to our tented camp we prepare our breakfast before packing up and carrying our luggage back out of the mountain retreat with the help of the camp staff before loading up the vehicle and heading out to our next destination. Departing from our mountain fastness, we make our way north through expansive game and Angora goat (producing the finest quality mohair) farms set in the sub-tropical thickets, as we head towards a village at the centre of the local citrus growing area at the foot of the Zuurberg Mountains and the northern wilderness of the Addo Elephant National Park.
Mountains. We unpack our luggage into our respective rooms as Alan Tours prepares the fire over which we cook our evening meal. Here we are surrounded by the wildlife of the area. Baboons on the nearby cliff faces will be heard sounding the alarm or simply chatting amongst themselves, We might catch a glimpse of an elegant kudu as she moves silently through the under growth or watch the many species of birds that surround the camp as we go about preparing for the night. There is an old reservoir, fed by the clear waters of a mountain stream in which one can cool off, or simply sit quietly watching as the creatures that live here every day, go about their daily business. Frogs may sit on the edge of the pool, a Monitor lizard is known to make this lazy place its home. Sit quietly and you will see amazing things come slowly to life as they become habituated to your presence.
We enjoy a scrumptious, traditionally cooked meal over the coals of the wood fire. Enjoy a cold beer or glass of South Africa wine before turning into bed and a peaceful nights rest in this remote wilderness area. Overnight Cottage, lunch, dinner (braai), bed and breakfast
Day 3 Addo Elephant National Park 4 x 4 section to Port Elizabeth We wake to the sounds of the bush, the morning chorus of birds, the far off bark of the Baboon or the swishing of the wind as it wraps itself around the cliffs and kranses of these deep, red mountains.
After a refreshing cup of coffee we head out to climb slowly up the nearby hills where we enjoy the breath taking views over this little valley, spotting game and bird life as we go. Here we learn some of the signs of the bush and identify plants and their uses as well as reading tracks and other signs that might tell us a story of what might have happened during the night. Returning to camp we prepare and have our breakfast before packing up, loading and heading out over the stunning 4 x 4 route. Here we climb up steep accents and descend steeper descents through rough, rugged terrain before summiting the Zuurberg Mountains with magnificent views towards the far off Indian Ocean to the south and the endless plains of the Little Karoo to the north; finally we drop down onto the plains of the Little Karoo.
Tour includes:
Tour excludes:
Rates: 2 pax : per person sharing - R 13500.00 3-4 pax : per person sharing - R 7900.00 Minimum 2 persons Maximum 4 persons Rates valid until 31 October 2020 |
Day 1, Night 1
On arrival at the park we check in before making our way into this wilderness area, keeping a keen eye open for some of the wildlife in the area. After traveling progressively deeper into the wilderness we reach our overnight accommodation in a small cottage set deep in the folds of the Zuurberg
These are the sounds of the African bush; nowhere will we hear the sounds of mankind except ourselves as we have this wilderness retreat all to ourselves.
Throughout the journey we keep our eyes searching for the many antelope and other animals that call these rugged mountains their home. We watch for the often colourful bird life, the insects and reptiles that live here and of course the hardy vegetation that feeds and protects the wildlife providing the much needed food and shelter for life in the hills and valleys of this wilderness area.
Once on the plains, we make our way to a large body of water where we stretch our legs before continuing on the final leg, travelling through Karoo farmland dotted with characterful farm cottages before joining the main road on our way back to Port Elizabeth and the end of the tour.
