7 SEE THE BIG 7
The south-eastern tip of South Africa offers something that no other place in the world can. If you stand on the hills of Addo Elephant National Park, near the Indian Ocean, it’s not impossible to see (with binos and some patience): elephants and whales, dolphins and lions, black rhinos and black oystercatchers, Cape buffalo and fur seals. Oh, and if you’re extra lucky, a leopard.
Even though it’s 10 per cent the size of Kruger, Addo packs a serious conservation punch. Within just 1640 square kilometres, the park includes semi-desert, mountains, fynbos, coastal forests and huge dune fields. Offshore lies the Bird Island marineprotected area. The best way to enjoy this remarkable biodiversity hotspot is on a Big 7 tour with Alan Fogarty, a naturalist with 40 years of experience, who pioneered the concept and knows exactly where to find the iconic animals.
The day begins in Port Elizabeth harbour, where you board a 15-metre boat with an upper-viewing deck. You’ll circumnavigate St Croix Island in Algoa Bay, home to the largest population of African penguins in the world, as well as endangered Cape gannets and Cape fur seals. This is also the dolphin capital of SA, with enormous pods of bottlenose dolphins. Bryde’s whales are spotted throughout the year, while humpbacks and southern rights visit during winter. After a harbour-side lunch, you’ll head to Addo’s Main section, where large herds of elephants munch on spekboom thickets, and the rest of the Big Five lurk. – SCOTT RAMSAY
COST R3600 pp, including lunch, entrance and conservation fee, boat tour and guide.
DO IT The tour is a full day, from an 8am pickup at your accommodation. Leopards are the most elusive sighting – you may need to stay a few extra days in Addo to see one. 072-358-4634, alantours.co.za