Pit Stop

Next time you head to Addo Elephant National Park, pull over at Marley’s for breakfast on the stoep. Owner Mareli Meyer grew up in the area and jumped at the opportunity to open a restaurant next to the Orange Elephant backpackers hostel. “We’re a breakfast option for the people who stay at the backpackers and for anyone who drives by,” she says. The menu certainly adheres to the backpacker ethos and offers good value for money: Keep it simple with the Early Bird (bacon, eggs and toast for R30) or an omelette (two eggs R15; from R5 per filling) or go big with the Farmhouse breakfast (bacon, eggs, boerewors, chips, tomato and toast for R70). In summer they also serve smoothies and fruit with yoghurt. Start your day with a good breakfast and you’ll have more than enough energy to look for ellies in the park. Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday from 7.30 am to 11 am (September to April); 8 am to 11 am (May to August). Where? Next to the R335 (the Patterson road) about 2,5 km north of the R336 junction. From Marley’s, it’s 8,5 km to the main gate into Addo. Contact: 082 870 0322 (Mareli); marleys.cafe@outlook.com