South African Country Cuisine

Recipient of the Diners Club Platinum Wine List Award 2005 .

Stylish regional cuisine is served in the distinctive thatched waterside dining room with views of resident herons, cormorants and other South African waterbirds.

The gourmet food is inspired by the flavours of local ingredients and freshly picked vegetables and herbs from our own garden. No effort or expense is spared to provide a fine dining experience bursting forth with South African flavours and textures: Karoo venison, freshly caught East Coast fish, homemade stocks, fresh breads and local cheeses.

Complementing the menu is the private underground cellar, boasting a unique and comprehensive cross section of fine South African wines. Finish off the evening with after dinner cigars under the stars.

Breakfasts are farm-style with gourmet eggs and bacon, homemade breads, pastries, muffins, jams and preserves. Picnic baskets specially packed.

Simple, stylish lunches can be enjoyed on the deck, at the pool, or on your private patio.

ADDO SAFARIS AND GAME VIEWING

Rates are current for 2006/7 season, but may be subject to change. Times given are for the summer months and may change during winter. Transfers not included unless otherwise stated (these can be arranged).

WOODALL SAFARIS AND TOURS

Woodall's luxury open topped land cruiser departs daily on a number of excursions: Our highly experienced and qualified game rangers, with an intimate knowledge of the Addo area, include a bird and tree expert with a MSc Degree in plant sciences; a local historian whose knowledge and experience of the local area is unsurpassed; a wildlife and agricultural conservationist. These rangers offer personalised tours with emphasis being placed on individual interests and comfort. The following highly recommended Safaris and Drives are offered:

Morning Drive: Addo Elephant Park (08h30 - 13h00)
R500 / person including transfers, conservation fee, all drinks and snacks. (6 years +)

Afternoon Drive: Addo Elephant Park (14h30 - 18h00)
R500 / person including transfers, conservation fee, all drinks and snacks. (6 years +)

Addo Citrus Tour: This tour includes a visit to top citrus farms in the area with one of the foremost citrus breeders in the world. Experience first hand knowledge on all aspects of citrus growing, as well as a tour to nearby ostrich and game farms where interesting waterfowl, fish eagle, wildebeest, zebra, eland, kudu and buffalo may be encountered. Rate: R350 / person including drinks and snacks.

ADDO ELEPHANT

Addo is the best place to get up close and personal with the biggest land mammal - the Park is home to the densest population of elephant in the world. Other mammals include lion, hyena, Cape buffalo, and black rhino, as well as zebra, jackal, warthog, suricate and numerous species of antelope. Over 150 bird species have been recorded in Addo and there are around 600 different plant species. Addo is also home to the endangered dung beetle. Whether you experience the park from the comfort of your own vehicle or on a game drive with an experienced guide, the chances are you will have close encounters with the elephant. To make the most of the park be sure to bring binoculars, camera, walking shoes. Wildlife reference books and road maps of the Park are available from the reception at Woodall.

Game viewing from your own vehicle: Explore more than 75 kilometres of road through prime wildlife country. There are a number of lookout points at waterholes in the area. Entrance fee to the park is R80 / person. Gate hours (game area): 07h00 - 18h00 throughout the year. No reservation required. Hop on guides on request - R100 for two hours.

Addo Park Sundowner Drive (18h00 - 20h00) Time subject to change in winter months. R240 / person (excludes transfers) Enjoy a sundowner drink while the sun sets after another exciting day of game viewing in Africa. Children 6 years +

Addo Elephant Park Night Drive: (19h30 - 21h30) R180 / person (excludes transfers ) lion, buffalo and black rhino and a host of nocturnal hunters are often spotted in the lush Addo bush). Time subject to change.

DUNEFIELDS Reserve: (± 1 hours drive from Woodall)
Experience the vastness and breathtaking wonder of untouched nature at its best, in the largest coastal dunefield in the southern hemisphere. Situated on Algoa Bay; 142 square km's of magnificent towering sand dunes, known as the Alexandria dunefields. This 3 hour excursion includes an exhilarating drive in an open landcruiser over sand dunes, which border onto Addo Elephant National Park, down to the sea. Observe a variety of sea birds, dolphins and whales, and hear about the geology of the dunes, as well as the history behind the Strandlopers.

Cost: R500 / adult, R250 / child, under- 6 no charge (includes lunch and local drinks) Time: 9am

AMAKHALA GAME RESERVE (± one an a quarter hours drive from Woodall)
Amakhala means "Aloe', the prolific indigenous plant found in this diverse area of the Eastern Cape. Feel the heartbeat and rhythm of Africa as you become part of a Big 5 Safari Adventure on Amakhala Game Reserve.

Guided by experienced rangers on open Land Rovers Amakhala offers a product aimed at providing visitors with an experience of the diverse wildlife and landscape including: The Big 5, Black Wildebeest, Cheetah, Giraffe, Zebra and numerous other antelope.

The excursion commences from Reed Valley with a welcome drink and a Game drive through the reserve enjoying spectacular views before descending into the Bushman’s River Valley.

This is followed by lunch - authentic African cuisine with a mouth watering buffet served in the true African way before departing on a tranquil 45-minute river cruise. After the river cruise enjoy a further game drive through other parts of the reserve making your way back to Reed Valley. R720 / Person (12h00 – 18h00).

PUMBA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (± one an a quarter hours drive from Woodall) Children 8 yrs +

Pumba Day Safaris offer sightings of the Big 5, against a backdrop of thornveld, grassland, thicket and forest vegetation. Apart from white lion, giraffe, leopard, 22 species of antelope; this is a bird lovers’ paradise with 200 plus bird species. Safaris consist of a 2 hour game drive, meal, drinks then a further one and a half hours game viewing. Cost is: R650 / person including meal and drinks.

TIME: 07h00 and 16h00

KWANTU PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (± one an a quarter hours drive from Woodall)
Kwantu means 'place of gathering', and the sights, sounds, scents and sensations of this green pocket of Africa will embrace you. Visit the oldest Anglican Church in South Africa, before departing on a three hour game drive and encounter rhino, elephant, buffalo, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, zebra and antelope, followed by a visit to the Predator and Educational and Rehabilitation Centre, followed by an Eastern inspired 3-course meal. (Afternoon visit includes a cultural exhibition, where spirited dancers tell stories of other cultures)
Cost: R500 /person   Children 5 - 12 years: R250 / child   Children under 2 years free - includes meal and drinks

TIMES: Morning 08h00 Afternoon: 13h00

SCHOTIA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE:

"Tooth & Claw" Safari: (45 minute drive from Woodall). Schotia is the oldest private game viewing reserve in the Eastern Cape, and offers one of the best chances to see lions in the wild. The Tooth & Claw is a guided drive in open topped vehicles. It begins in the late afternoon, and returns after nightfall (late afternoon and evening game viewing is often the most rewarding time of day for game viewing as this is when animals are at their most active). This is especially the case with lion, which are generally nocturnal hunters. Schotia is also home to white rhino, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, jackal, crocodile, and a large variety of antelope. The drive is followed by a traditional meal served under the stars in a thatched open air lapa. Drive leaves at 15h00 and returns at 20h00 and is then followed by dinner. Cost is R600 / person including dinner.

ADDO ELEPHANT BACK SAFARIS

A unique opportunity to be one in nature with these awe-inspiring gentle giants. Addo Elephant Back Safaris is situated in the pristine valleys of the Zuurberg Mountains within the recently proclaimed Greater Addo Elephant Park. This area is regarded as Africa’s most biologically diverse, supporting 4 of the 7 biomes or eco regions in Southern Africa. During the walk, informative guides will provide information on this unique area. After the walk relax at the boma overlooking the elephant’s favourite water hole.

Walk / Ride with the Elephants: Walk/Ride with the elephants includes walk, ride, drinks and snacks. Elephants can be observed in their natural surroundings. Duration two hours. Times 08h00 and 14h30.
Rates R650 / Person

Walk / Ride with the elephants: Walk/Ride with elephants includes walk, ride and transfers. Duration three hours. Time: 11h00
Rate: R900 / person Lunch optional R100 pp (prior notice required)

Elephant Back Safari Fly in: Includes return flight, lunch in unique bush restaurant, elephant safari, which includes the thrill of riding an African elephant in the wild, guided walk in pristine forest with these gentle giants, rewarding them with their favourite food. Duration: 3 hours (excluding flying time) Times: 07h30, 10h30 and 13h30 Rate: R1595 per person (minimum 2 pax - maximum 6 pax)

Schotia / Elephant Back Safari: includes return flight, three hour game drive, lunch and Elephant Back Safari. Time: Starts at 08h30 and ends at 16h30. Cost: R2245 per person (minimum 2)

HIKING IN THE ADDO AREA

Addo Park Discovery Trail: This unique 2 km trail through typical Addo thicket has been specially designed for disabled visitors and is suitable for wheelchairs.

Zuurberg Nature Trail: (1 hour and 4 hours). These trails wind through fynbos and deep kloofs within unspoiled indigenous forests, home to a wide range of game and birds, as well as various vegetation types including impressive cycad and yellowwood populations. Zuurberg is open from 07h00 - 16h30. Conservation fee is R20 / person.

ADDO HORSE TRAILS

Addo Park: Breathtaking horse trails through Addo & Zuurberg allow you to become one with the African bush. Experienced Riders: 3 hour guided horse trail within the elephant park with rare opportunities of viewing game close up (14h00 - 17h00 - R170 / person) (minimum age 10 years). Novice Riders: 2 hour guided horse trail next to the game fence (08h00 - 10h00 - R110 / person).

Zuurberg Mountain Horse Trails: One hour, 3 and 5 hour routes available. Rate: R70 (1 hour); R90 (2 hours); R110 (3 hours).

Citrus Farms: Trails among beautiful citrus orchards and along the famous Sundays River.

SPECIALISED TOURS

Tailor-made birding and botanical tours in the Addo region can be arranged with highly experienced specialists within these fields.

PENGUIN CRUISES
Discover the marine life of Algoa Bay off Port Elizabeth, one of South Africa’s most diverse bays. Bryde’s whales, bottlenose and humpback dolphins can be seen almost all year round; Southern right whales visit every year to give birth to their calves and mate; and humpback whales pass through during their annual migration. Hundreds of common dolphins often come into the bay to feed. Add to this the Cape fur seal, several species of shark and seabird, as well as a visit to St Croix Island Marine Reserve to see the largest breeding colony of the endangered African Penguins.

Penguin Island Cruise   Duration 3hours. Rate: R500pp
(includes light refreshments during cruise)

Time: 8.30am at Port Elizabeth Harbour
(optional extra - lunch at Algoa Bay Yacht Club at R50 pp)

Sundowner Cruise   Duration 1,5 hours. Rate R250pp Time: 5pm or 6pm (depending on season)

Bird Island Cruise on request

GRAHAMSTOWN FRONTIER COUNTRY TOUR

Grahamstown is approximately 1 hour's drive from Woodall. Join Alan Weyer, a well-known raconteur on a selection of tours through the heart of the Eastern Cape's Frontier Country. The results of the great confluence of human ventures in the region had a significant impact on not only South African history, but also on world history. Alan's insightful historical knowledge coupled with his many truths, tales and legends of the region make for an unforgettable journey through time.

Half Day Frontier Country Tour: R475 / person. Spend the morning in the hills around the City of Grahamstown following the influences of many cultures on the region. Includes a thrilling narration of the Battle of Grahamstown. Refreshments provided.

Full Day Frontier Country Tour: R775 / person. Morning spent as above. Then head into the Great Fish River Valley, the heartland of Big Game Country. Hear gripping tales of the Frontier Wars at the remains of the Fort at Doubledrift Game Reserve. Refreshments and lunch included.

Full Day Frontier Country and the Valley of the Ancient Voices Tour: R650 / person. Spend the morning as per Half-Day Tour, and then join a gentle walking tour of the Valley of the Ancient Voices. Discover the prolific rock art relics artefacts found in this pristine Eastern Cape Valley. Refreshments and lunch included.

TRANSFERS

The following transfers can be arranged:

• Port Elizabeth / Airport
• Pumba
• Kwantu
• Lalibela
• Amakhala
• Schotia
• Addo Elephant Park
• Grahamstown
• East London
  

  About Addo

  Addo lies in the beautiful Sundays River Valley, stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Zuurberg Mountains. This malaria free area enjoys a temperate to warm climate with an annual rainfall of 450 mm occurring evenly throughout the year. Summers are hot and sunshine days are plentiful, with a chill in the valley during wintertime.

  The Sundays River Valley is home to the famous Addo elephants that once roamed the area freely, as well as mile after mile of evergreen citrus trees that bear fruit all winter and fragrance the air with their blossoms in spring. This area is world renowned for its citrus fruit production and is South Africa's largest producer of lemons.

  Close to Port Elizabeth

  Situated just over 45 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth, this magnificently diverse area offers a wide variety of wildlife experiences, natural landscapes, outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. Over a million hectares of land have now been devoted to wildlife and many world famous reserves such as Shamwari and Schotia can also be found here.

  Addo Elephant Park

  Found deep in the shadow of dense valley bushveld, the Addo Elephant Park was proclaimed in the 1930's when only 11 elephants remained. Today it is a finely tuned eco-system which is sanctuary to over 400 elephants, buffalo, black rhino, lion, leopard, hyaena, antelope, small carnivores, over 180 bird species as well as the endangered flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. The Zuurberg Mountains, falling within the park, are home to interesting fauna and flora including three rare cycad and two yellowwood species.

  Future Plans

  Plans to extend the current 125 000 ha park to a 492 000 ha "Greater Addo Park" are already underway with the park having more than doubled in size over the past six years. Unique features of the Park will include the "Big Seven" (elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, lion, great white shark and Southern Right whale) in their natural environment, a 120 000 ha marine reserve with a number of offshore islands as well as five of South Africa's seven biomes (distinct vegetation regions), thus making it one of the most diverse conservation areas in the world.

  Interesting Towns and Cities Nearby:

  The entire area is rich with an array of different landscapes to enjoy.

  Follow the garden route to Jeffrey's Bay (1 hour) on the coast with the world-renowned perfect wave and abundant shells or carry on through to the Tsitsikamma, home to Plettenberg Bay and Knysna (3 hours) where you will find an abundance of natural forests and associated adventure activities.

  Meander the Sunshine Coast and follow the beautiful beaches to Kenton on Sea and Port Alfred (1 hour) the jewel of the sunshine coast. A lush network of lagoons estuaries, and grassy plains perfect for watersports and quality golf courses.

  Ramble through quaint historical sites in the hinterland such as Grahamstown (1 hour), the city of saints where you can trace the early European colonization of the Eastern Cape.

  Travel to Cradock (2 hours), steeped in history as the former frontier town and also home to the rare mountain zebra or visit Graaff Reinet, the gem of the Karoo.