Elephant Lover

Five Star Addo Guest House Accommodation

2012-01-04T04:31:00.000-08:00

Woodall Country House was developed from the original farmhouse built in the early 1900’s and the charming ambience and character of yesteryear still permeate the atmosphere of this Addo accommodation. Old world attention to detail blends seamlessly with contemporary African luxury and style as reflected in the raw, earthy magnificence of the architecture. This award-winning Addo elephant park accommodation caters for the discerning traveller by offering five star luxury and standards of service, reflected in attention to detail and spacious accommodation.

Happy Holidays All

2011-12-08T04:42:00.000-08:00

With all the hecticness that Christmas brings i thought i would keep today's post short and sweet. With Cape Towns beautiful summers, tourists from around the globe love to flock this side for Christmas. If you are one of these lucky people my recommendation for this month would be Cape Town’s V and A Waterfront. The V and A Waterfront boasts an impressive selection of accommodation, ranging from budget to five-star luxury, all of which are located in exceptional surroundings. The Waterfront is situated within walking distance of the city centre, and is also in close proximity to Sea Point, Mouille Point and Green Point. Furthermore, it offers easy access to the Western Cape’s other major tourist attractions, as well as the main route to Cape Town International Airport, making it the perfect place to stay for both tourists and the business traveller.

If you are looking for V and A Waterfront hotel accommodation, SafariNow has a selection of hotel accommodation in V and A Waterfront and surrounds. And that's all from me for now. Have a very merry Christmas! xoxo

David's | Bed & Breakfast

2011-09-26T06:31:00.001-07:00

Whether you’ve come to the Mother City to explore its beautiful attractions, indulge in shopping, take care of business or experience the pulsating nightlife, David’s offers that luxurious yet affordable accommodation with all the comforts of home and modern chic style of cosmopolitan Cape Town guest houses. Located in Green Point’s quiet Croxteth Road and just a short distance from some of the city’s major tourist attractions, pristine beaches and shopping centres, you get to experience all the excitement of city life without sacrificing any of the peace and tranquillity associated with bed & breakfast accommodation. Visit the David’s website to discover more about this delightful Cape Town bed & breakfast.

Mudlark - Beauty, Peace & Comfort

2011-08-24T06:55:00.001-07:00

Situated on the lower part of the Breede River Conservancy, on a magnificent 22 hectare property with panoramic views of the spectacular Breede River, majestic Overberg mountains and lush Western Cape fynbos is the Mudlark River Front Lodge. This beautiful mountain retreat exudes warm hospitality with its five individually decorated en suite timber rooms, welcoming entertainment area and comfortable dining areas. Each room offers breathtaking views of the surrounding fynbos and glittering estuary and separate entrances, guaranteeing complete seclusion and privacy. Visit the Mudlark River Front Lodge website to find out more about this remarkable Breede River accommodation.

Touring South Africa with 34 South Tours

2011-07-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

34 South Tours provides accommodation in great South African locations such as Overberg & Whale Coast, Kruger Park, Winelands, KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town and the Garden Route. You are able to enjoy magnificent tours without the hassle of organizing quality accommodation. Visit their website for a detailed overview of the accommodation this Cape Town tours company has on offer.

Helderberg Manor -- It's a lifestyle

2011-07-07T04:43:00.000-07:00

Helderberg Manor Retirement Village in Somerset West is more than just a retirement development. It is a lifestyle community which strives to provide its residents with all of life’s greatest pleasures. From a fully equipped gym and swimming, to restaurant and beauty salon, this retirement village has all the elements of a fabulous retirement village.

Luxury Eastern Cape Boutique Hotel

2010-10-29T04:37:00.000-07:00

Woodall offers luxury Boutique Hotel accommodation in South Africa's Eastern Cape. Opening onto beautiful rose or indigenous gardens, alive with the calling of birds, the rooms at Woodall are as seeped in luxury as they are in comfort. Each room is spacious, private, and equipped with every convenience from climate control to internet access. Other features include private verandas, en-suite bathrooms, mini hi-fi’s, mini-bars, sumptuous furnishings, crisp percale linen, bathrobes, telephones, electronic safes and CD players. All have private outdoor showers for an enlivening experience not to be missed. Twin or King bedded rooms available. There are also two family units.

African Lodge in Luxury Country Cottages
"Havens of Tranquillity"

Luxurious rooms and cottages are private and spacious with an understated elegance and a classical feel. Each room is individually designed and decorated with an air of bygone romance.

Suites
"The Luxury of Space"

Luxurious suites with a contemporary feel are airy and furnished using natural materials and raw silks. Light and spacious, completely private, each suite offers understated refinement: spacious bedrooms, separate sitting, dressing areas, expansive bathrooms complete with double outdoor showers and private pools. There is one family suite.

Source: Woodall-Addo Guest House Accommodation Elephant Park

Addo Guest House Accommodation | Elephant Park Safaris

2010-10-08T06:29:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

Five Star Eastern Cape Guest House Accommodation

The establishment was developed from the original farmhouse built in the early 1900’s and the charming ambience and character of yesteryear still permeate the atmosphere. Old world attention to detail blends seamlessly with contemporary African luxury and style as reflected in the raw, earthy magnificence of the architecture. This award-winning boutique hotel caters for the discerning traveller by offering five star luxury and standards of service, reflected in attention to detail and spacious accommodation.

Source: Addo Guesthouse | Addo Elephant Park | Eastern Cape Accommodation

South African Road trip (2): Addo Elephant National Park

2009-09-01T00:42:00.000-07:00

From Coffee Bay we travelled to Port Elizabeth (PE) to fetch an extra person from the Airport then went further inland to our next accommodation, Orange Elephant Backpackers. Orange Elephant is about 8 km from Addo Elephant National Park. The rooms feel more like a guesthouse. Each little house had two double rooms with a small lounge and bathroom. The main area has a restaurant and bar area. (The food at the restaurant was very good)
We spent the whole of the next day in the National Park and in the evening we sat around the camp fire and listened to a band that was also travelling along the coast.
The park itself:
In the park itself we did see plenty of elephants. Addo has over 450 elephants and has densest population of elephants in the world. We followed the herd for a few kilometres watching them play in waterholes along the way. It was strange seeing elephants without tusks. It made them look I bit like Indian elephants.
One of the highlights of the trip for me was seeing a Caracal (African Lynx) in the wild. They are very shy and nocturnal so seeing one is very lucky especially such a relaxed one. The caracal was lying near the road licking himself clean. He had spots on his chest and stomach which is apparently a sign that he is still young.
Caracals are the largest of Africa's ‘small cats’. The can kill antelope that weigh up to 40kg (about 88 pounds)
Another small predator that we saw was a black-backed Jackal. These jackals are endangered because they are often shot and trapped by farmers for killing sheep. We also saw some yellow mongoose.
We didn't see as many ,er, herbivores as we'd usually do, but we saw some very large buffalo, a few Burchelle's zebra, lots of Red Hartebeest, Kudu and more Warthogs than I've ever seen in one area.
We saw a few interesting bird species like Ostriches and a Pale-Chanting Goshawk.
Driving was very slow going through the park because you have to avoid all the leopard-tortoises and dung beetles on the roads. Flightless dung beetles are only found in Addo. Leopard tortoises are also meant to be endangered but after going to Addo I never would have said so.
The next day we travelled to Plettenberg Bay…

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Eastern Cape Homestays up their game

2009-07-22T04:13:00.000-07:00

WITH the tourism sector accounting for more than 10% of the provincial economy, rural communities have started to realise that their natural surroundings could be used as a source of income and a tourist attraction.

This can be done in the comfort of their own homes, with little or no start-up capital, in the form of what has been termed home stay accommodation.

Home stay accommodation is provided in a private family home with the owner living in the house or on the property. The guests share the public areas with the host family – who expose them to the national and cultural heritage while sharing with them a traditional way of life. Traditional food is served to the guests.

A perfect example of how home stay projects can evolve is Kwam’ eMakana in Grahamstown, a project that saw the home stay initiative evolving from an idea into reality.

One hundred women were shown how to start and manage their rural bed and breakfast facilities by being taught the skills with which to draw tourism to the rural areas and townships.

However, not all of these establishments meet the required quality standards to host guests. The long term plan of the Eastern Cape Tourism Board is to eventually get these home stays to a level where they can be converted into guest houses – enabling them to be graded by 2010.

Community-based travel is the largest untapped market for both domestic and international visitors to the Eastern Cape and the rest of South Africa. It offers unrivalled potential for tourism growth, while providing small businesses with jobs, conserving local cultural and natural heritage.

The ECTB is collating a database of tourism establishments in the EC to include the informal accommodation sector – under which home stays fall – to ensure there is sound information for

development, analysis and interpretation of the sector.

Article Source
Woodall Country House - Addo

Addo Elephant National Park History

2009-06-25T02:49:00.000-07:00

Addo's bush reveals few of its inhabitants to visitors. While sightings of elephant, red hartebeest, black-backed jackal, vervet monkey and ostrich seem fairly common, anything else could be considered a bonus, although the elephants more than make up for this.

Under these circumstances, a walk along the Spekboom Trail is recommended. This trail is set in a botanical reserve from which the elephants, rhinos and other larger mammals have been fenced out. It provides a good opportunity to study Addo's rich plant life and smaller creatures such as insects, butterflies, lizards and birds.

Talking of birds, Addo has a checklist of some 190 species, with a further 60 species occurring in the Zuurberg section. Some of these may be seen from a hide in the rest camp while other good places for twitchers include the park's dams, the Spekboom Lookout and the Spekboom Trail.

Addo has enjoyed considerable success in terms of conserving elephants and the 11 elephants Harold Trollope drove into the new park in 1931 increased to 316 earlier this year. This would not have been possible without more land, and a programme to purchase land and create a corridor between Addo and the adjacent Zuurberg National Park was embarked upon in the late 1980s. In 1995 Zuurberg National Park was amalgamated into the Addo Elephant National Park, increasing its size to more than 54,000ha. The park is still growing.

The beautiful mountainous terrain, grasslands and forested valleys of the Zuurberg support a rich variety of plants, mammals and birds. Many of these do not occur in the Addo section, including three species of cycads, leopards and hippos, the colourful Knysna Lourie and Narina Trogon, and raptors such Black, Longcrested and Crowned eagles and Peregrine Falcon.

Visitors can explore the Zuurberg section on foot, on horseback or by 4x4, with overnight options on the horse and 4x4 trails. River rafting on the Sundays River will soon add to the mix. The only non-trail accommodation is at the six-bedded Kabouga Guest House. However the Zuurberg Mountain Inn - just across the road from the park's entrance gate - provides a comfortable alternative, while Addo's rest camp is little more than 18km away on a good dirt road that incorporates a scenic section of the Zuurberg Pass.

At the very least, you should allow yourself a full day and night in Addo, with an additional morning or afternoon set aside to visit the Zuurberg section. Addo is little more than a two-hour drive from the Mountain Zebra National Park to the north or the Tsitsikamma National Park to the west - both very desirable options - while the city of Port Elizabeth is less than an hour away.

Whatever your itinerary, once you have visited the area you're sure to bless the foresight of the conservationists whose efforts allowed yesterday's "Hunter's Hell" to blossom into today's splendid national park.

David Steele was the founding editor of South Africa's Getaway magazine. He now works freelance.

About Addo's Elephants

A study of elephants in South Africa's Addo Elephant National Park has provided information that increases our knowledge of the African pachyderm. Anna Whitehouse and Anthony Hall-Martin have traced the life history of every one of the (approximately) 370 elephant that have lived in the park since its creation (starting with 11 elephant) in 1931. Using records kept by wardens and rangers, and over 8600 photographs taken between 1934 and 1998, they have built up a picture of each animal's life, the relationships between individuals, including cow-calf bonds, and the composition of family groups.

Individuals were identified by age, sex, body size, tusks, tails and their particularly unique and unchanging characteristic patterns of facial wrinkles and blood vessels on the backs of their ears. Amongst the findings were those showing that, in Addo: the average age of first-time mothers was 13 years; by 16 years of age 95% of the cows had had at least one calf; and nearly every living cow below the age of 49 years was either pregnant or lactating.

The population, currently 280 animals, is healthy. More than 90% of the herd have a life expectancy of over 50 years. The research findings will be most useful if proposals to make the park significantly larger take place.

Anthony Hall-Martin is well known for his extensive work on the ecology, behaviour and management of elephants, particularly in Kruger National Park. He is Director: Conservation Development in the South African National Parks. Anna Whitehouse is currently writing up her PhD thesis. Their study is reported in Oryx, volume 34, No. 1, Jan 2000, pp46-55.

Published in Travel Africa Edition Twelve: Summer 2000 Text is subject to Worldwide Copyright (c)

Comments on the above article:
The article above was written in the year 2000 by Mr. David Steele and since then alot has happened at Addo Elephant National Park. The vision of expanding the Park from the Karoo area down to the coast has materialised. Also, the vision of introducing previously found animals like lions, hyenas and cheetas has been done. The Addo Elephant Park of 2009 is much more than just elephants.

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Woodall Country House

Full steam ahead for rail tourism in Eastern Cape

2009-05-27T02:02:00.000-07:00

Three rail corridors in Eastern Cape full steam ahead
Port Elizabeth, Alicedale and Addo have been identified as the most promising Eastern Cape rail tourism corridors in a study commissioned by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and Department of Roads and Transport.

The study, commissioned in early 2008, also identifies a further four inter-city rail corridors, namely the East London-Bethulie, Cookhouse-Blaney junction, New Brighton-Vondeling and Amabele-Mthatha corridors.

ECDC regional head Ken Bern explains that the intention is that a large proportion of the half-million international visitors are looking for a holiday which offers scenic beauty, excursions offering unique local experiences, high quality scenery, as well as authentic or vintage décor. Currently the total value of the international market’s spend in 2006 was R4.3-billion, an increase from R3.8-billion in 2005.

In addition, the study is also looking to see how it can capture a younger economy, and backpacker segment who favour high speed trains. The study points to a growing rail tourism sector and that the province already enjoys success with the Apple Express, the Port Elizabeth narrow gauge vintage train.

For more information contact Noxolo Mtana or Ken Bern on +27 43 743 5600 or email nmtana@ecdc.co.za
The study assessed the province’s potential by measuring its technical qualities, rail’s operational status and tourism potential. There were 10 criteria used in evaluating the tourism potential, including the scenic quality of the corridor, availability of tourist attractions and resources, priority tourism areas, access to departure/arrival points, accommodation, connectivity, market presence, market proximity, social capital and environment.
And it was according to these criteria that the three railway lines were considered the most promising.

The report points out that the Port Elizabeth-Avontuur line, which is home to the Apple Express, is currently being used to haul timber pulpwood from the Assegaaibosch area to Baakensrivier in Port Elizabeth, and travels to locations which can offer many attractions as well as accommodation in key towns. Furthermore it is supported by motivated and committed local tourism roleplayers and is close to a key source market in Port Elizabeth.

The second line, Alicedale, operates as a daily (except for Sundays) commuter service from Alicedale to Grahamstown and back. The town is home to the Bushman Sands Hotel and the hoteliers believe it can be used to transfer conference groups to and from the hotel from Port Elizabeth. at Alicedale The Addo line, which is used during the fruit season (May to October) when export citrus is hauled from pack houses in the Sundays River Valley to Port Elizabeth’s harbour, offers tourist attractions such as the iconic Addo National Park, which is fast becoming a key tourism node on the Eastern Cape, offering the unique Eastern Cape vegetation, wildlife and country lifestyle. Again, the area is easily accessible from Port Elizabeth and hence very suitable for day and weekend trips.

Bern points to other country examples such as the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and Europe where rail remains a popular means of travel and holidaying with older, wealthier, well-educated, well-travelled, mid to high income tourists.

'Considering the extent of the Eastern Cape’s under-utilised rail network, the potential exists to develop rail based tourism into a viable industry that could generate much needed employment opportunities in impoverished rural areas. The next move for us is to conduct detailed feasibility studies on the three rail corridors as well as for the four inter-city rail corridors,' says Bern.

The report also indicates that some lines such as the Letskraal–Lootsberg section and Grahamstown-Port Alfred and Lady Grey-Barkley-East rural branch lines may be better suited to light-weight rail traffic. Recommendations include the outsourcing of these lines to the private sector.

'It is also possible, in addition to carrying tourists, these services could also be used to transport local communities who would not ordinarily have access to affordable public transportation. Obviously, feasibility studies should evaluate the merits of converting the lines that are suitable for light-weight rail traffic or for conventional trains in terms of return on the capital investment which would be made for each option,' adds Bern. In developing its recommendations, the study considered local and international case studies.

Bern explains: 'Across the board, whether it is the Blue Train, Rovos Rail, trains in Australia, Canada or UK, the number of passengers using rail transport is on the increase. For example, Eurail Group reported a worldwide increase in EurailPasses sales of 24% in 2004 and 18% in 2006.'

However, there are challenges which need to be addressed if rail tourism is to be pursued in the province. These include a shortage of locomotives, the availability of passenger rolling stock, access agreements for private enterprises for rail usage, the uncertain future of state-subsidised rail tourism enterprises and limitations with regard to steam train operations.

In its heyday, the then South African Railways, apart from being the largest freight hauler in the country, provided affordable, safe and reliable public transport to both long-distance travellers and daily commuters.

Enthusiasm for this tourism initiative is also borne out by local rail operators such as Johan Minnaar, William Luckoff and later Charles Kingwill, who established the Karoo Railway Safari 10 years ago, believe their 'sleepy Karoo valley, with its solitude and natural beauty, is a wonderful experience which should be shared!'

Their planned rail-based venture will take tourists from Bethesda Road to Lootsberg (northwards) and Nieu Bethesda, to a farm a few kilometres outside of Graaff-Reinet, an area described by a top railway official as the second most picturesque scenery in South Africa.

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Addo Elephant Park National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa

2009-04-24T03:14:00.000-07:00

Addo Elephant National Park is situated in the dense valley of the Sundays River region. This Eastern Cape game park offers a memorable wildlife experience and is home to the Big 5, namely Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard.

Addo Elephant National Park is set deep within the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The original Elephant section of the Park was proclaimed in 1931, a time when just 11 Elephant roamed the area.

Today, however, over 450 Elephant makes the Park its home, as well as Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino, a variety of antelope species and the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. Addo National Park is indeed a unique and diverse wildlife sanctuary, and plans to expand and transform Addo is already in motion

At this Eastern Cape game park you will experience an unrivaled natural diversity, boasting 5 of South Africa's seven major vegetation biomes. Addo is also home to the 'Big 7', namely Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, Whale and the Great White Shark.

In addition, Addo plans to proclaim 120 000 hectares of marine reserve, that includes islands that are home to the world's largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and second largest breeding population of African penguins.

How to get there:

By Air:
Port Elizabeth Airport is located about 75 kilometres (46.6 miles) from the Park, and is the closest domestic airport. International Airports are situated in Johannesburg and Cape Town, with connecting flights to Port Elizabeth available.

By Road:

Car Hire:
There are various agencies available at the airport in Port Elizabeth or in all major towns of South Africa.

Internal Road Network:
The entrance road and some of the tourist loops in the Park are tarred and in a good condition. Other tourist roads within the Park are of a good gravel standard. Normal sedan cars can be used on all tourist roads. A 4X4 vehicle is needed for guests wanting to take the 4X4 route within the Park.

How to get there:

Directions from Port Elizabeth:

There are 3 alternatives:

1) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown. Take the turnoff to the left signposted 'Motherwell' and 'Addo Elephant National Park'. Turn left at the top of the off ramp and proceed to 'Motherwell'. Follow this road until you see the entrance to the Park on the right. The distance is about 72 kilometres (45 miles) or one hour travelling time.

2) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown and travel straight until the N2 splits off to the left from the N10. Carry straight on, following the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right.

This will be sign posted 'Addo Elephant National Park'. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the Park on your left. The distance is about 120 kilometres (74.6 miles) or one hour and 15 minutes driving time.

3) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown. Pass Coega harbour on your right. Cross the Sundays River Bridge. Turn off to your left at the sign that says 'Camp Matyholweni'.

Follow this road for about 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) until you enter Matyholweni Gate at Camp Matyholweni. Follow the southern access road inside the Park until you get to Addo Main Camp. You will cross over a gravel public road.

Distance is about 40 kilometres (24.9 miles) from PE to Matyholweni and then 36 kilometres (22.4 miles) through the Park (which takes about one and a half hours at the 40km/h speed limit). Please note that this route is not accessible to caravans and buses.

Directions from Grahamstown:
Take the N2 towards PE. Follow this road until you see the turnoff to the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take this turnoff and carry straight on, following the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse.

Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted 'Addo Elephant National Park'. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the Park on your left. The journey covers about 90 kilometres (56 miles) and will take about one hour and 15 minutes driving time.

Directions from Cape Town:
Take the N2 towards PE and then follow the directions given above. The travelling time from Cape Town to the Park by car is about 9 hours.

Directions from Johannesburg:
Take the N1 towards Colesburg. At Colesburg, take the N10 towards Cradock and Paterson. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted 'Addo Elephant National Park'. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the Park on your left. Please note that this journey will take about 12-14 hours by car.

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Woodall Country House and Spa

Find Accommodation In Addo In The Eastern Cape

2009-03-19T06:28:00.000-07:00

Look no further than the beautiful and tranquil Eastern Cape. Addo is positioned along the coast in South Africa's Eastern Cape. It is a stunning destination with peaceful surrounds, wildlife abundance, beautiful warm oceans and so much more.

Here you will also find the world famous elephant parks. The area offers quality guest house accommodation and affordable Addo B&B accommodation. It is located within the Cacadu district in the west part of the Eastern Cape. Just under half a million people inhabit the province with the majority of people speaking isiXhosa. But never fear as English is widely spoken and Addo accommodation hosts are definitely fluent and conversant in the international tongue.

The area is also popular for a range of activities and known for its diversity offering every thing a visitor could want to take in. The beaches offer warm seas and are unspoilt - essentially the most popular reason people visit the Eastern Cape. The areas is also peaceful and suited for living in and around a natural environment with the good life. Interested in history and culture, you will find an array of museums and historical sites to treat your mind and encourage South African learning.

A visit to an area is never complete without trying out their special flavours and Addo in the Eastern Cape is no exception.
Visit the Eastern Cape and you will be able to experience fruit harvesting as well as the playing of polo. Your guest house accommodation and B&B accommodation hosts will be able to guide you with their expertise.

Imagine riding on the back of an elephant – yes, right here in Addo, Eastern Cape you can experience an Addo elephant ride.
I would consider myself an experienced traveler – having tried many adventures to sooth my soul that I have lived and experienced and taken in every moment. But what a treat to know that Southern Africa offers these special elephant adventures in the elephant land of Addo. Experiencing an elephant tour adventure is an awesome experience that certainly gets put to memory bank as one of life’s super moments – where you feel alive.
More so, having that adventure in Addo, you contribute to the elephant conservation programmes as you are inevitably supporting the providers of Addo elephant tours, for which they need the elephants.
Addo, in the Eastern Cape, is considered the elephant capital of the world. So there is no better place to savour an elephant adventure tour in Addo. The conservation parks in Addo have contributed significantly to the conservation and protection of elephants. By offering elephant rides, they embrace their conservation project, attract tourists and generate revenue for additional conservation efforts.
The opportunity is also provided to walk with these glorious animals and feed them. It’s a super opportunity and one to seek. Right up high overseeing the world as you reflect on where you are – on the back of an elephant (in Addo) under the supervision of trained and experienced tour guides.
After your elephant adventure in Addo, head for another exciting tourist attraction nearby – steer for the sea or for more game experiences.

Visit Guest Files to find Addo guest house and Addo B&B as well as all your other Southern African tourism needs

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Currie
Addo Guest House Accommodation

Visit Addo Guest House and Addo B&B Accommodation

2009-03-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

Visit the Addo region in the Eastern Cape. It is world famous for offering a wide array of many differing and exciting opportunities and adventures.

Your local Addo guest house accommodation and Addo B&B accommodation hosts will serve as competent guides in respect of local attractions and the best ways to access these.

The beautiful and aptly named Sunshine Coast offers warm and unspoilt Indian ocean waters, perfectly suited to the discerning traveler, holiday makers, lovers and families alike.

Wildlife is in abundance with several offerings of extensive wild animals, including the famous Big 5. In addition, your animal experience will be extended to enjoying and participating in the wild sea life.

The Eastern Cape houses the traditional South African Xhosa people and you will find the locals both very friendly and extremely helpful.

Your stay will be further improved by not having to take any malaria precautions.
Finding your Addo accommodation - either in an Addo guest house or Addo B&B near the world famous elephant park will make your stay that much more special. You will find yourself in awe at the large gathering of elephants at this park.

It is no wonder the province is considered a whole world in just one province. What more could one want to experience than wildlife in abundance, beautiful warm beaches, friendly people and a local and dynamic special South African culture.

A visit to the Eastern Cape is a must and will leave you a more experienced and worldy person thereafter.

Visit Guest Files to find Addo guest house and Addo B&B as well as all your other Southern African tourism needs
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Currie

Addo Guest House Accommodation

Golf clubs

2009-02-09T02:34:00.000-08:00

Attracted by its year-round sunny climate, glorious scenery, low costs and hospitable clubhouses, more and more British golfers are discovering the delights of playing their favourite game in South Africa. With its 400 golf courses, many of championship standard, the country is fast becoming the latest `in` destination for British golfers seeking `new` places to play.

Golf in South Africa, however, is far from a recent development. The first course was laid out in Wynberg in 1882. Founded by British enthusiasts it later became the Royal Cape Golf Club and staged its first competition in 1886. From this `tee-off` in the Cape the game spread throughout the country, with the Royal Johannesburg course being opened in 1890.

One of the features of golf courses in South Africa are the superb settings. Ancient trees add to the sense of history at the Royal Cape and Royal Johannnesburg, Table Mountain is the backdrop for the Milnerton while vistas of sea and surf are one of the features of the Wild Coast golf links.

There are courses in the bushveld like Sabi, Hans Merensky and Malelane where the wildlife - warthog, antelope and monkeys - may invade the fairways. Bring your camera as well as your clubs - the folks back home might not believe you.

Don`t be put off by the critical eyes of the monkeys at the Gary Player Country Club at the Sun City resort - the course itself is demanding enough. Every year it hosts international stars at the "Million Dollar" tournament.

South Africa as a whole is popular with golfing giants such as Bobby Lock, Herold Henning, Ernie Els - and of course Gary Player himself.

Whether or not you bump into them is a matter of luck. One thing you can be sure of though is the warmth of the welcome you`ll receive from club members - especially if you observe the local rules of etiquette. You should wear knee-high socks with shorts or Bermudas - and be prepared to take a break in the clubhouse at the end of nine-holes before continuing with the game.

It`s also a good idea to hire a caddy. Their services are very reasonable - fees are normally R60 for nine holes, R100 for 18 - while their extensive knowledge of the course will help you have a better game. With green fees as low as R50 (for nine holes) or R100 (for 18), and with drinks at the `19th hole` much cheaper than in the UK, you can afford to splash out.

Most clubs offer international visitors temporary membership, giving them the opportunity to play with local golfers. It is advisable to book starting times in advance, particularly at weekend and on public holidays.

Normally a great session of golf is rounded off by a `braavleis` (barbecue), providing the chance of discussing the finer points of the day`s round over a juicy steak and ice cold beer - while the ochre coloured sun sinks over the sea, the bush or the mountains.

Recommended reading:
South African Golf Courses � A pertrait of the best. (Struik Publishers, ISBN 1 868 25 3384)

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The Big Seven and more at Addo

2009-01-21T04:14:00.000-08:00

Angela Zachariasen

Whether you want to languish in luxury at an upmarket lodge, experience the sights and sounds of the bush from a safari tent or choose from a host of other affordable accommodation facilities - the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park has it all.

The park has proven itself to be one of South Africa's most popular tourism destinations, with occupancy rates at its various accommodation facilities running at about 92% throughout the year.

Added to this, several contractual partners and private concessions within the park have added an upmarket dimension to the park, attracting international tourists as well as having brought about numerous economic benefits to the park and surrounding community.

The park, which was home to just 11 elephant when first proclaimed in 1931, is now sanctuary to more than 450 of these majestic creatures. It is also refuge to the Big Seven - making it one of South Africa's key tourism destinations.

Its 164 233 hectares are inhabited by abundant birdlife and a multitude of wildlife species including lion, black rhino, buffalo, leopard, spotted hyena, zebra, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle. The Great White shark and seasonal Southern Right whale in the marine section complete the Big Seven.

Situated in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, only a short drive away from Port Elizabeth, the park stretches across five biomes from the vast Darlington Lake, Zuurberg Mountains and dense bushveld of the Sundays River Valley to the indigenous forests at Woody Cape.

These forests hug the largest coastal dune fields south of the Namib, overlooking the park's marine area at Bird Island and St Croix Island.

Privately owned concessions

The privately owned concessions - Gorah Elephant Camp and Nguni Lodge - and contractual partners - RiverBend Lodge, Darlington Lake Lodge and Intsomi Lodge - when combined with the park's own facilities, offer the visitor a multitude of choices, both in type of accommodation and price range says South African National Parks (SANParks) Frontier Region communications manager Megan Taplin.

A new - and the biggest - contractual addition to the park, the 14 900 hectare Kuzuko Contractual Area has been stocked with elephant, lion, cheetah, black rhino and buffalo.

Construction of a 48-bed luxury lodge was recently completed, while future concession and contractual opportunities are also possible within the park, with plans including the introduction of a canoe trail that will operate on the Sundays River - home to the park's hippos.

"A concession, usually signed for a period of 50 years or more, is where a private business is given the rights to operate a business, whether it's a lodge or an activity, within a national park. The park still owns the land and infrastructure and receives a percentage of the concessionaire's turnover. Concession opportunities are always put out on public tender to ensure that the process is transparent," Taplin said.

"The advantage to the park is that we can concentrate on our core business, which is biodiversity conservation, while still providing a range of offerings to visitors."

Woodall Country House

Adorable Addo

2008-12-17T05:48:00.000-08:00

Woodall Addo | Addo Accomodation

For an unrivalled elephant experience, and a growing number of additional natural attractions, Addo Elephant National Park plans to take on Kruger National Park as South Africa's ultimate tourist destination.

Imagine relinquishing your accumulated stress in the remote and dense bushveld of the Sundays River, deep within the Eastern Cape's Addo Elephant National Park. Imagine sundowners on your bungalow verandah, sharing the last bright orange-red glow of a glorious day with family and friends… and a procession of stately passing pachyderms, ear-swishing and tails twitching.

As the shadows lengthen and darkness descends a new order emerges in the bush. The call of the black-backed jackal seems ominously louder, the moon appears brighter, the world appears more alive than your city memory recalls… and the legend of Hapoor (Nicked Ear) the legendary irritable elephant that retained a deep hatred for humans after his ear was grazed by a bullet grows more fanciful with each telling.

The restaurant in the Addo Main Camp is the last resting place of Hapoor. If you happen to dine in the restaurant, the majestic elephant head above the fireplace is that of the aggressive bull. His magnificent trunk arches over the dining tables, making Hapoor and his 24-year reign over the elephants in Addo Elephant National Park (from 1944 until he was deposed by a new dominant bull called Lanky in 1968), a natural talking point.

It is told that Hapoor was driven from the heard and became a loner, eventually earning the honour of being the only elephant to escape the park's Armstrong fence - but due to his aggressive nature he was shot before he could enjoy his newfound freedom.

Another legendary character is Domkrag (the Afrikaans word for jack), a giant mountain tortoise that had the unusual habit of walking in behind cars and lifting them like a car jack with its enormous strength. Domkrag's huge shell is still on display in the reception area…the story of his demise is that he fell into an antbear hole and was unable to extricate himself.
The original section of the Addo Elephant National Park was proclaimed in 1931 to protect the last remaining eleven elephant in the area. Conflict between farmers and the elephant had reached a head in the early 1900s when the large herds were all but decimated by the time public opinion began to change.

Since the area was not adequately enclosed, conflicts between elephants and farmers continued even after the proclamation of the 2 000 hectare park. In 1954, Graham Armstrong, (the park manager at the time) developed an elephant-proof fence and fenced in an area of 2270 hectares protecting 22 elephants. This Armstrong fence is still used around the park today, and has only ever been bested by Hapoor.

Safe from relentless persecution in the past, the grey leviathans of the bush now roam in peace. Although the Addo Elephant National Park was originally proclaimed to protect a single species - elephant - priorities have now changed to conserve the rich biological diversity found in the area.

Today, when you wake the francolin's call heralding the dawn, you will see a finely tuned 164 000 hectare ecosystem that is sanctuary to 450 elephants, 400 Cape buffalo, 48 black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.

Less than 50 kilometres from Port Elizabeth, the original Addo National Elephant Park has subsequently been expanded to include the Woody Cape Nature Reserve that extends from the Sundays River mouth towards Alexandria and includes a marine reserve, that incorporates St. Croix Island and Bird Island in Algoa Bay, an important breeding habitat for a large variety of other marine life. Bird Island is home to the world's largest breeding colony of gannets and the second largest breeding colony of African penguins. This forms part of the plan to expand the Addo National Elephant Park into a 360 000 hectare mega park - the Greater Addo Elephant National Park.

With the parks current expansion Addo contains five of South Africa's seven major vegetation zones (known as biomes). It has forest in the Woody Cape area, sub-tropical thicket in the original Addo area (as well as the Kabouga, Colchester and Nyathi sections), grassland and fynbos in the Zuurberg section, and nama-karoo in the Darlington section.

With the reintroduction of lion and spotted hyena to the park in 2003 Addo is also probably one of the only parks in the world to offer the so-called "Big 7" (elephant, black rhinoceros, lion, leopard, buffalo, southern right whales and great white sharks) in their natural habitats.

You can also hope to see red hatrtebeest, eland , kudu, bushbuck, Burchell's zebra and warthogs in abundance. But be warned - it is not the mighty elephant, nor the motor vehicle that rules the roads of Addo - it is the rare flightless dung beetle. Signs warn visitors that this tiny natural recycling machine has right of way.

In the outlying areas you can expect to see different mammals - these include the Cape mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck baboons, duiker and red rock rabbit. The coastal forest is home to buchbuck, bush pig, brown hyena and the rare tree dassie.

Hippos are found in the Sundays River and gemsbok, black wildebeest, and springbok are found in the arid nama-karoo and Darlington Dam. Plans include the reintroduction of cheetah and wild dog into this area.

"Must do" activities at Addo include guided game drives in open vehicles, guided walks and guided horse trails for various levels of ability. There are also 'hop-on' guides who can be hired to travel with you in your vehicle to guide you through the game area.
There is a large variety of accommodation options to choose from - from guest houses and forest cabins to caravan and camping sites - both in and outside the reserve. The rest camp has a swimming pool, a well stocked shop selling gifts and supplies, and an ala carte restaurant. Petrol and diesel is available at the main camp and the Red Bishop Bird Hide and new underground wildlife viewing hide are worth a visit.

For the intrepid adventurer, elephant-back safaris are operated from a farm abutting the northern boundary in the Zuurberg area (042 235 1400 / www.addoelephantbacksafaris.co.za / res@addoelephantbacksafaris.co.za) but expect to pay handsomely for the experience.

GETTING THERE

The most straight forward way of getting to Addo is via the new southern gate. Turn off the N2 at Colchester. The gate is about 5km from the Matyholweni Camp - about 43 kilometres north of Port Elizabeth. To get to Addo's Main Camp you can take a slow drive (expect this to take about an hour) or take the 72km direct route to the main camp along the N2 towards Grahamstown and turn off at Motherwell to follow the sign posts.
There is no public transport to the park, but the park is completely accessible to normal motor vehicles. 4x4 vehicles are only required for specifically for the Bedrogfontein 4x4 trail.
There is a new official 48-page guide book on sale at the park's shop (R35,00) and is highly recommended.
Port Elizabeth to Addo Main Camp 72 km
Main Camp to Paterson 22 km
Main Camp to Kabouga 45 km
Main Camp to Narina 27 km
Main Camp to Woody Cape office 105 km
Main Camp to Matyholweni 39 km
Main Camp to Zuurberg office 17 km

CONTACT

For bookings contact SAN Parks central reservations on 012 428 9111 or book via the website below.
Office hours at Add are from 7am to 7pm. Tel. 042 233 8600. Fax. 042 233 8643.
For emergencies, contact the Hospitality Manager after hours on 042 233 8635.
E-mail: addoenquiries@sanparks.org
Web: www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/

Article Source: http://sharondavis.co.za

About Addo Elephant Park

2008-10-29T00:52:00.000-07:00

Woodall Addo Addo Accomodation

Article Source: http://www.places.co.za/

The more than 450 elephants in the park are the main attraction, but you will also encounter buffalo, black rhino, warthog, eland, kudu and a variety of buck species. The park lies 75 km to the north of Port Elizabeth and is open throughout the year.

Situated in a malaria free area just one hour's drive from Port Elizabeth, this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.

Some of its unique features include:
* Unrivalled natural diversity, with five of South Africa's seven major vegetation zones (biomes).
* The Big 7 (Elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, whales and great white sharks) in their natural habitat.
* Rich heritage of archaeological and historical sites.

This park offers some of the most spectacular elephant viewing in the world. Antelope species abundant in the main game area of the park include red hartebeest, eland, kudu and bushbuck whilst Gemsbok, black wildebeest, springbok, buffalo and black rhino are found in the arid nama-karoo area.

The Burchell’s zebra, Cape mountain zebra, spotted hyenas, mountain reedbuck, baboons, blue duiker, aardwolf and red rock rabbit are some of the other game species found in the Park.

Activities
Guided game drives
There are a number of game drive options of approximately 2 hours in duration, available. Drives are conducted by knowledgeable, qualified guides on open-top landrovers or trucks. Bookings are essential.
- Sunrise drive - 06:00 (summer) or 07:00 (winter)
- Day drives - 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00
- Sunset drives - 16:00 (winter) or 18:00 (summer)
- Night drives - 18:00 (winter) or 20:00 (summer)

Eyethu hop-on
Guides can be hired at affordable rates to get on your vehicle and guide you through the game area. These are local community members who have been trained as guides and now run their own small business.

Addo horse trails
The morning ride (08:00) is for less experienced riders and is two hours long. The afternoon ride (14:00) is for experienced riders and is three hours long. Book and pay for horse trails at the Game Drive Office.

All horse trails are conducted by experienced guides on sure-footed, well-trained horses.Riding hats are available for visitors’ use. No children younger than 16 years may ride on the Addo Trail. Addo horse trails depart from main camp to the Nyati area which is home to elephants, buffalo, black rhino, zebra and antelope.

Zuurberg horse trails
Zuurberg horse trails are suitable for riders of all competencies and wind through fynbos and forest. One-, three- and five-hour trails are available. No children younger than 10 years may ride on the Zuurberg horse trails.

Hiking trails
Various hiking options range from a one-hour trail – suited for those who want a sedate walk – to the 4-hour Doringnek Trail.

Bird watching
The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide is located opposite the waterhole in the main rest camp, offering watchers a view of red bishops, weavers, herons, coots and terrapins. The main game area boasts a list of 170 bird species, while the expanded park may contain as many as 450 species in a diversity of habitats.

PPC Discovery trail
The PPC Discovery Trail is a short walk through the valley thicket where you can learn more about the plants and animals of this region. The first loop is suitable for visually-impaired and wheelchair-bound visitors.

A picnic and braai area is situated near the waterhole in the main camp. The waterhole is floodlit at night.

4x4 Trail
Ride the Bedrogfontein 4 x 4 trail between Kabouga and Darlington and immerse yourself in breathtaking views and early 20th century history. This route was the scene of fierce battles between the British and Afrikaner troops during the Anglo-Boer war.

Facilities
The following facilities are available at the main rest camp:

- A fuel station selling petrol and diesel is available between 07:00 and 17:00.
- A shop selling curios, snacks and basic supplies is open between 08:00 and 18:00 (Please note: times vary according to season, please check with park staff).
- An al-la-carte restaurant is available in the main camp and is open for all meals from 07:00 to 22:00.
- A swimming pool is available for overnight visitors.
- A picnic and braai area is available for day visitors.
- The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide
- The PPC Discovery Trail is accessible to all, including the visually and mobility-impaired.
- There is a public telephone and a post box near the reception. Post is collected for delivery every week day morning at 09:00. A post office is situated in the town of Addo, approximately 15 km from the park.
- A First National Bank with ATM is situated in the town of Addo, 15 km from the park. Other banking facilities are located in the town of Kirkwood, 35 km from the park and Port Elizabeth, 75 km from the park.
- A la Carte restaurant and curio shop available.
- Underground wildlife viewing hide

How to get there See Map
Directions from Port Elizabeth to Addo Main Camp
There are 3 alternatives:
1) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown. Take the turnoff to the left signposted “Motherwell” and “Addo Elephant National Park”. Turn left at the top of the off-ramp and proceed through Motherwell. Follow this road until you see the entrance to the park on the right. Distance: about 72 km or one hour travelling time.
2) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown and carry straight on until the N2 splits off to the left from the N10. Carry straight on, following the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted “Addo Elephant National Park”. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the park on your left. Distance: about 120 km or one hour, 15 minutes travelling time.
3) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown, pass Coega harbour on your right. Cross the Sundays River bridge. Turn off to your left at the sign that says “Camp Matyholweni”. Follow this road for about 3 km until you enter Matyholweni Gate at Camp Matyholweni. Follow the southern access road inside the Park until you get to Addo Main Camp. You will cross over a gravel public road. Distance: about 40 km from PE to Matyholweni and then 36 km through the Park (which takes about one and a half hours at the 40km/h speed limit). NB: this route is not accessible to caravans and buses.

Gate opening and closing times
The entrance gate is open from 07:00 to 19:00 but is staffed by a security guard between 19:00 and 07:00.

Should visitors need to enter or leave before 07:00 or after 19:00, please contact reception to inform staff.

The wildlife viewing area is open between 06:00 – 18:00 in summer and 07:00 – 17:30 in winter. Times vary according to season - please check with Reception.

Health & Climate
The climate is temperate to hot and temperatures in summer (November to February) may reach over 40 degrees Celsius.

Winter days are mild but cold at night with frost occurring at times.

The average annual rainfall is 450 millimetres and is spread throughout the year, although peaks do often occur in March/April and September/October.

Addo Elephant National Park - South African Eastern Cape

2008-09-12T03:10:00.000-07:00

By Gerald Crawford

http://www.woodall-addo.co.za

Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have ... ...
Article Word Count: 491 [View Summary] Comments (0)

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www.be2.co.zaDeep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park. Here, the evenings are punctuated by the strident howl of the black-backed jackal, and the francolin's call heralds each new dawn. Safe from relentless persecution in the past, the grey leviathans of the bush now roam in peace.

The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. But the Addo story has only just begun. Plans to expand the 164 000 ha Addo National Elephant Park into a 360 000 ha mega-park are moving forward at an exciting pace. This expansion is transforming Addo into the ultimate tourism destination.

Some of its unique features already include:

Unrivalled natural diversity, with five of South Africa's seven major vegetation zones (biomes).

The Big 7 (Elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, whales and great white sharks) in their natural habitat.

Rich heritage of archaeological and historical sites.

A wide variety of accommodation and activity options.

In addition, plans include the proposed proclamation of a 120 000 ha (296 500 acre) marine reserve that includes islands that are home to the world's largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and second largest breeding population of African penguins.

5 Things To Seek:

* Elephant

* Black Rhinoceros

* Cape Buffalo (disease free)

* Suricate (Meerkat)

* Flightless Dung Beetle

Climate:

Addo section:

The area is classified as semi-arid to arid, receiving an average rainfall of less than 445 mm per year. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, but there are two peaks, in February-March and October-November. Frost occurs at times in winter.

Temperatures:

Daily max - Jan 32 °C July 18 °C Daily min - Jan 15 °C July 5 °C.

There is no natural water in this section of the park and all waterholes are fed by boreholes. There are a number of small pans in the area but these are dry except in years of exceptional rainfall.

Zuurberg section:

Height above sea level varies from 250 to 970 m. Mean annual rainfall approximately 722 mm. Peaks in rainfall in spring and autumn. Unlike other fynbos areas, the winter months are the driest. Thunderstorms occur in summer months when lightning fires can be caused.

Darlington section:

Climate: average rainfall 255 mm/yr. Max temp in summer reaches 48 C and min temp just above 0 C in winter. Rainfall is mostly in the form of thundershowers and an occasional cold front from the west.

Coastal section (Woody Cape):

The mean annual rainfall varies from 392 mm at Sundays River Mouth to 700 mm near Woody Cape. Boknes to Bushmans River Mouth is the transition zone from all year rainfall to summer rainfall. The dunefield occurs in a rain shadow which receives lower rainfall than both Port Elizabeth and Alexandria. Fog and mist are common, with frost being rare.

Gerald Crawford was born in South Africa, studied electronics, telecommunication, eco-travel and african travel concepts. He taught responsible tourism in South Africa. If you have any questions or comments please e-mail me on. E-mail Address: southafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.za Website Address: http://www.12234455.co.za/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gerald_Crawford

Chinese found with ivory at Kenya airport

2008-07-31T00:36:00.000-07:00

July 16 2008 at 02:59PM www.iol.co.za

Nairobi, Kenya - Kenya's wildlife service says two Chinese women are being questioned at Nairobi's international airport after being found with 36 pieces of ivory.

The women were stopped at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Wednesday morning, said Kentice Tikomo, a spokesperson for the Kenyan Wildlife Service. They were booked on a flight to China, she said.

Kenya's elephant population has grown from around 16 000 to 27 000 since the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species banned the ivory trade in 1989.

But that is far fewer than the estimated 167 000 elephants that lived in Kenya in 1973, before poaching devastated the country's herds. - Sapa-AP