South Africa Vacation - Eastern Cape National Parks
Addo Elephant National Park - Eastern Cape South Africa
Within the bushveld of the Sundays River valley of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National ParkThe evenings are filled with howls of the black-backed jackal, and the tarentaal (guineafowl). Elephants are safe from persecution, and they can now roam in peace. The original Part of the Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, with only 11 elephants that remained in the area. Today this sanctuary has over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, many antelope species and unique dung beetles. The Park was expanded from the 164 000 ha to a 360 000 ha mega-park. Future plans includes a 120 000 ha (296 500 acre) marine reserve.
The Addo Elephant Park offers some of the best elephant viewing in the world. The Addo's over 450 elephants will take your breath away. The conservation of the endangered 48 black rhino occurring here. More than 400 Cape buffalo are seen, more often during the day because of the lion reintroduction. This is the largest disease-free Cape buffalo herds in South Africa.
Six lions and Spotted hyenas were re-introduced into the park in late 2003 and have adapted well to their new environment. They will restore the natural balance of the ecosystems in the park by controlling the numbers of herbivores.
Antelope species in the park include red hartebeest and eland. The Burchell's zebra are found in the park. Warthogs are abundant. Look out for the flightless dung beetle on the road in the Addo Elephant National Park. The beetles are only seen when it is not too hot and play an important role in recycling elephant dung.
Tips and Hints when visiting Addo Elephant National Park:
Hot days at waterholes are best for elephant viewing, Black rhino are most often spotted at sundown, Lions and hyenas are most often seen in the early morning, No citrus fruit may be taken into the wildlife viewing area.
Mountain Zebra National Park - Eastern Cape South Africa
The proclamation of the park was in 1937 to save these animals of the region from extinction, and currently their zebra population stands at 300. Other mammals are Cape buffalo, black rhino, eland, black wildebeest, red hartebeest and gemsbok. Caracal is the primary predator.
Birding in Mountain Zebra National Park:
Martial Eagle and Jackal Buzzard soar impressively over this mountain habitat. Pale-winged Starling, Ostrich, Secretarybird, Blue Crane and Ludwig's Bustard are of the more visible species. The Grey-winged Francolin, Ground Woodpecker, Eastern Long-billed Lark, Mountain Wheatear and Orange-breasted Rockjumper should also be searched for. The African Rock Pipit is not common.
Tips and Hints when visiting Mountain Zebra National Park:
Warm clothes are essential for the winter months. Visitors can only leave the vehicles at restcamps, picnic spots and certain marked areas. Motorcycles or bicycles are not allowed. Medical, pharmaceutical, vehicle repair and police services are available in Cradock.
Other Advice:
- Remember to bring along a hat, walking shoes, sun block, camera, binoculars and bird and mammal reference books. Hikers on both nature trails and overnight trail must carry sufficient water.
- Bring along binoculars, camera, walking shoes and wildlife reference books.
- Insect repellant is recommended, especially in summer.
- No immunizations are needed for travel to this park. The park is situated in a malaria-free area.
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