Module 4: Addo Elephant Park

After George we went to Addo for time at the Addo Elephant Park. We hoped to get a drive in on our first day, but a late start and long distances kept that from happening. Instead, we had dinner at the restaurant next door, Hazel’s. For starters, we had tomato or butternut soup. My tomato soup was amazing and is like the crushed tomato soup I make at home! Then, it was back to The Aardvark Guesthouse for a good night’s sleep. My room reminded me of Kenzie’s Cottage in Moab, Utah, because it was cozy and space efficient.

We woke up early the next morning to hit the park when it opened at 7 AM. We saw a few new animals, including buffalo (one of the Big 5) warthogs, secretary birds, and the black-headed heron, but most everything else we had seen in the Karoo. Some students felt disappointed by “only seeing zebras” and I tried to remind them of how privileged we were to feel that way. We hit the park again that night with the hopes of seeing more. Besides a porcupine and an owl flying away, we didn’t see much. However, we did hear a lion roar, which was pretty neat. Unfortunately, we didn’t find the lion and we left feeling pretty disappointed.

Buffalo

 Zebras

 Black-Headed Heron

The next morning we got up a bit later and went back to the park in search of the elephants. We found a whole herd of elephants at the watering hole and were lucky enough to watch the buffalo join them.

There were also a few warthogs hanging around. Everyone felt pretty good and felt even better after a feast of a lunch at The Cattle Baron. We spent the rest of the day getting stuff done back at The Aardvark. For me, my day was spent reading and reviewing journals. I really enjoy this time. I get a few grumbles from students about having to journal, but it’s really great to read about how they’re interpreting their experience and making meaning of their time in South Africa.

We packed and loaded our trailers the next morning and drove through the park from the north gate to the south exit on our final day in Addo. We didn’t see new animals, and the overcast conditions kept the elephants in hiding, but we got really close to some animals, like the zebras.

The elephants in Addo were a real highlight for me and the students. I also appreciated the signs warning us to drive around dung beetles. It was funny to sit and wait as they crossed the road. Addo was nice and refreshing. Our days were pretty relaxed, we enjoyed our accommodations, and we had some great food, too! I think Addo has a special place in all of our hearts.

After we left Addo, we went to Grahamstown. We’ll be staying at the Conversation Academy until March 5, which is our longest stop of the trip.