Flying South Barometer - Eastern Cape

Big 5 6

General Game 8

Smaller things 9

Beauty 10

Family Friendly 10

Birding experience 9

Exclusivity 9

Romantic 9

Safari on the Garden Route – Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape is Malaria free and offers some exceptional game viewing. There are various privately owned reserves that offer a “big 5” experience. We do however believe that there are so many smaller things out there often overlooked that the focus should not merely be on the big five.

The Addo Elephant National Park is home to one of the densest populations of Elephant in Africa. These elephants almost disappeared completely from the area due to farming and large scale ivory hunting at the turn of the 20^th century. Fortunately the last remaining elephants were protected and the Addo Elephant National Park was formed in 1931 to protect the last 11 elephant. Today the park has over 550 of these magnificent animals and because they have been protected for such a long period of time, they have become very relaxed and the Addo now offers some of the best elephant viewing in Africa. The scenery of the Nyathi concession of the park is unrivalled in the region and we recommend a stay at RiverBend Lodge, they have highly skilled rangers, the food is exceptional and the lodge is very comfortable with good service and loads of attention to detail.

Route 62

Route 62 offers a refreshing alternative to the Garden route. Should you plan to drive from Cape Town to Addo and you have experienced the Garden Route, your journey is not complete unless you travel via Route 62. If you have the time and you enjoy driving, take Route 62 back to Cape Town instead of flying.

This route takes you through the Karoo and some of the old frontier towns along the way. Driving through little towns such as Steytlerville will show you wide double roads leading both ways, build wide enough to allow the old ox wagons sufficient space to turn around. Outside of Steytlerville is the Karoo Hotel, worth a visit but fairly close to Addo. Travel through some really remote Karoo landscapes on to Oudtshoorn. The Cango caves are certainly worth a visit, especially if you have children with you. If you do not suffer from Claustrophobia, you are able to crawl through some really tight spaces into some spectacular caves. Oudtshoorn is also the Ostrich capital of South Africa and if you dare, go have an “ostrich ride” at one of the farms. Ostrich meat is approved by the Heart Foundation and is very lean, be sure to try some!

From Oudtshoorn you will travel through Calitzdorp, Port Country! If you are travelling further, don’t taste too much of the good stuff, it has a tendency to alter your travel plans and you might find yourself staying a little longer than planned! Barrydale has become a famous little town has undergone a make over the last decade or so and has become a must visit place. After Barrydale, you have the option to get back onto the N2 through the Tradouw mountain pass, spectacularly beautiful! Alternatively, Route 62 will lead you through Montague and on to Worcester where you can get onto the N1 towards Cape Town.