We have been in lock-down for ninety-five days already – despite having moved to Level Three (‘advanced’ Level Three nogal!) that allows more businesses to open, we still cannot visit family and friends nor can we cross provincial borders without a permit – and you require a very good reason to get one of those. National Parks are now open for day visitors, yet the above-mentioned restrictions make visiting the Kruger National Park out of the question. In the spirit of the photograph below, I will look back to share some of the delights of the Addo Elephant National Park which we hope to visit again before much longer.
Naturally, one goes to the Addo Elephant National Park to see elephants – they seldom disappoint. We have seen herds of over a hundred individuals congregating around the Hapoor waterhole; been surprised by single elephants right next to the road; and have enjoyed watching small groups – such as the one these two are part of – at the Domkrag waterhole. Here we are able to get out of our vehicle and look down at these magnificent animals as they go about their daily life.
You might be fortunate enough to come across a Secretary Bird striding through the grasslands. They occur singly and in pairs – it is always worth scanning the veld to see if you can spot another one.
Zebras grace the landscape in Addo – they might occur in small groups or in much larger ones that stretch across the side of a grassy slope. They are always a delight to observe.
I am always pleased to come across the large Mountain tortoises that lumber through the grass or patiently cross rocky areas. This one was taking advantage of a puddle in the road after rain.
Then there are the beautiful Cape Glossy Starlings that brighten the landscape.
By keeping an eye open for more than just animals, you get to enjoy some of the many butterflies too.
I do hope you will be able to get out there again soon. Your comment about the secretary bird reminds me of deer crossing the road. If you are too slow to catch the first there will always be another following
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In the case of a Secretary Bird, you get double enjoyment; in the case of the deer, it pays to be cautious.
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🙂
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What wonderful creatures you have there! I’m wondering about the Secretary Birds and the name?
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One of several explanations for its common name is the crest of quill-like feathers that give the appearance of an old-fashioned secretary with quill pens tucked behind his/her ears.
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Dit is so mooi, Anne! Ek verlang na die natuur… moeg om ingeperk te wees. Dankie vir jou pragtige foto’s!
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Ek het ‘n diep verlange om weer buite in die natuur te wees.
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I hope that you are able to visit Addo again before too long.Nice to look back at photos from previous trips …
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Thank you: they do bring to the fore memories of a happier time.
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I don’t think I’ve ever seen a photo of a Secretary Bird before. What a treat!
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They are very interesting birds – I shall have to do a feature on them sometime so that you can appreciate them even more.
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Die olifant is my favorite favorite…
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Olifante is baie interessante diere en hulle familie-stelsel kan vir ons baie leer.
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Ek hoor sommer jou verlange na vryheid in jou skrywe. Anne, ons moet net vasbyt.❤
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Vasbyt! Jy is reg – die einde MOET kom.
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I can see why you’d miss this park – it is a wonderful menagerie of beautiful wildlife.
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It is – I have scratched the surface. There are flowers and trees, grass and insects, waterholes and rocks …
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I hope that the prolonged lockdown proves worthwhile. It would be a pity if it doesn’t lead to a big reduction in infections.
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We all hope so, yet the infections continue to rise.
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I think a breakaway to Addo, even if just for the day, would be just what the doctor ordered, Anne!
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Thank you Dr. Dries.
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😀
Can I fax or e-mail the prescription to you?
😀
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It’s blowing in the wind!
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🤗
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En mens wonder of daar hiern geld gaan wees om die plekke in stand te hou.
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Ek hoop so!
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I think they loose lots of money.
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Once the accommodation is open and visitors can enter more freely, the situation should pick up.
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I do hope so. But when?
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I visited the Park once only, way back in 1980, and didn’t see a single elephant. We must have been in the wrong places at the wrong time, but that was a rather eerie (non-)experience. We did see many huge tortoises, to the delight of my two little boys – they didn’t give a hoot about elephants. Beautiful pics, as usual, Anne.
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That has happened to us as well, although there are now MANY more elephants around than there were in 1980!
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It is the same here. Shops and establishments are open, but we cannot move between states/districts freely.
I enjoyed your post and the pictures. 🙂
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I am pleased that you did – enjoy your rain.
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I can imagine your wish to return to this wonderful place. I hope you get to do so before too long.
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Me too!
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