Eastern Cape Provincial Article - South African Vacations

Darlington Dam: The dam is a popular venue for water sport lovers, hikers,
and bird-watchers.
4x4 trails: There are several trails mapped out in the area and in the Greater
Addo Elephant Reserve.
Hiking: There are several hiking trails available in the Zuurberg area and
the Greater Addo Elephant Reserve.
Horse riding: Morning and afternoon safaris on horseback through the Greater
Addo Elephant Park, (accompanied by a ranger) and in the Zuurberg
Mountains, are offered.
Polo: The Addo Polo Club hosts regular polo games.
FAUNA AND FLORA
Addo Crocodile Range: View these water-loving predators as well as other
carnivores, such as lions in their natural habitat.
Greater Addo Elephant National Park: A visit to the Greater Addo Elephant
National Park is a must if you are an admirer of these intelligent and graceful
giants. The reserve was established in 1931 to save the endangered Addo or
Eastern Cape Elephant from extinction. When only 15 elephants remained,
some 5 157 000 ha of land in the Sundays River Valley, 70 km north of
Port Elizabeth, was set aside to ensure their survival. Today, more than 300
Addo elephants thrive in this secure environment. After the recent release of
six Kalahari lions into the park, Addo now has the distinction of being the only
park in the world that is home to the “Big Seven” (elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino,
leopard, southern right whales and great white sharks). The park is also home
to various species of antelope and more than 180 species of birds. A less
well-known inhabitant is the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost
exclusively in Addo, The typical evergreen Addo forest vegetation provides the
four-legged inhabitants of the park with a nutritious diet of vines, creepers and
tree fuchsias. The former Zuurberg Mountain Reserve, with its wooded
mountains and valleys, has been incorporated into the Greater Addo Elephant
National Park.
Scotia Private Game Reserve: This, the oldest reserve of its kind in the
Eastern Cape, borders the Greater Addo Elephant Park. The “tooth and claw”
safari allows visitors views of numerous species of antelopes, as well as lions.
Shamwari Game Reserve: A close neighbour to the Addo Elephant Park, this
10 000-ha reserve offers luxury accommodation, superb African cuisine and
unparalleled game-viewing of the Big Five, both by day and by night. Walking
trails through the reserve will appeal to the hikers and bird watchers. A private
African Rail Safari train runs between Johannesburg and a siding next to the
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