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Parks and Activities
Addo Elephant Park
See the Eastern Cape’s famous pachyderms at peace
and at play in the thickets of the unique Addo Valley
Bushveld. Along with a wide variety of other bushveld
game, Addo’s bush provides refuge to these gentle
giants, descendants of the former vast herds of elephants
that once roamed freely in the area.
The Park is sanctuary to some 350 Elephants as well
as buffalo, black rhino, plenty of birds and several
species of antelope. Your tour concentrates on finding
and viewing elephants, your knowledgeable guide will
interpret the behaviour and give you detailed insight
into the private life of elephants.(be on the look out
for dung beetles keeping the park tidy!). Lion were
reintroduced about a year ago and sightings have been
good. After your game drive enjoy a light lunch at the
Addo Elephant Park Restaurant. Return to Kikuyu Lodge
or incorporate the Addo Lion and Croc Ranch on your
tour before heading back to the Lodge
Addo Lion and Croc Ranch
Enjoy a tranquil time in the heart of the Eastern Cape
watching the big cats and other animals roam around.
Be enthralled by the playfulness of the lion cubs and
experience the thrill of hugging a cub. View the feeding
of the crocodiles and view the lions, Bengal Tigers
and other wildcat species. Return to Kikuyu Lodge.
Adventure Safari
Adventure seekers this is for you. Enjoy the African
sun and discover the wild outdoors, canoeing, abseiling,
water rafting, horse rides and lots more along with
a lovely bush lunch.
Alexandria Hiking Trail
2 day Hike – 36.5km’s
Not for the faint hearted but viewing spectacular birdlife,
monkeys, bushbuck, bushpig and duikers up close and
hikes through breathtaking forests, farm areas, pristine
beaches, rocky shores and huge dune fields makes rugged
camping and strenuous hikes worth the endeavour.
1st Day 19.5km – The first half of
the hike takes you through a breathtaking indigenous
and pine forest where you can explore the spectacular
bird life. You then cross over onto farmland for a very
short stretch and then onto the beach. Bunk down for
the night at the Langebos Base hut, with cold and hot
showers and flush toilets. Freshen up and then relax
with sundowners while your guide prepares a “camp
style braai (barbeque)”.
2nd Day 17km – This is the most challenging part
of the hike. You start off by moving through the dune
fields and proceed into the forest. This thrilling trail
ends at the conservation office where you will be transported
back to Kikuyu Lodge.
Bathurst Village and Kowie River
Cruise Safari
Picturesque, rustic and reminiscent of England's Cotswolds,
this town is known for its gracious old buildings and
huge oak trees. In Bathurst you’ll find the world’s
biggest pineapple, the toposcope where you can view
how the land was divided by the 1820 settlers, St John’s
Church, the incredible views at Horse Shoe Lookout and
the old mill. Visit the Bathurst Agricultural Museum
which is a tribute to the 1820 Settlers’ courage
and entrepreneurship. Enjoy a tranquil lunch at the
Pig & Whistle, South Africa’s oldest pub.
From there you travel to Port Alfred. This historic
little town lays on the Indian Ocean and straddles the
glorious Kowie River. Board a river cruise boat for
a scenic sunset journey up the river.
Beachcombers Horse Trails
Situated just outside of Kenton-on-Sea enjoy riding
alongside the dunes and on the beach beside the gentle
Indian Ocean. Be on the lookout for dolphins and whales
that often pass through these waters. Perhaps incorporate
this outing with your Bathurst Village and Kowie River
Safari. This makes a great day’s outing.
The Big 5 and River Safari
Guided by experienced rangers on open Land Rovers this
reserve offers a product aimed at providing you with
an experience of the diverse wildlife and landscape
including, the Big 5, Black Wildebeest, Cheetah, Giraffe,
Zebra and numerous antelope. Start of with welcoming
drinks and orientation at base camp then head out for
a game drive through the reserve enjoying spectacular
views and descending into the Bushman’s River
Valley. Enjoy 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 cruise enjoy a further game drive through other
parts of the reserve making your way back to base camp.
Return to Kikuyu Lodge.
The Big 5 Safari
Visit the oldest private game viewing reserve in the
Eastern Cape, bordering the eastern side of Addo Elephant
National Park.
This malaria free reserve is probably the
most densely stocked reserve in Africa, and with over
40 mammal species and approximately 2000 animals, can
offer consistently good game viewing throughout the
year. It was the first reserve in the Cape Province
to have free roaming lions and they can almost guarantee
sightings of these magnificent animals on every game
drive.
After a rewarding afternoon spent viewing
these magnificent animals relax and reflect on your
day in a huge open air lapa, reputedly among the largest
in South Africa. It has reed and sneezewood walls and
is open to the African skies, except for the outer ring
where a traditionally thatched roof covers the dining
tables and bar area. Inside the lapa there are several
large 'Schotia' trees and a roaring log fire. A short
evening game drive completes the day and returns you
to base camp. Return to Kikuyu Lodge.
Elephant and Big 5 Safari
See the Eastern Cape’s famous pachyderms at peace
and at play in the thickets of the unique Addo Valley
Bushveld. Along with a wide variety of other bushveld
game, Addo’s bush provides refuge to these gentle
giants, descendants of the former vast herds of elephants
that once roamed freely in the area. The Park is sanctuary
to some 350 Elephants as well as buffalo, black rhino,
plenty of birds and several species of antelope. Lion
were reintroduced about a year ago and sightings have
reportedly been good. Spend the morning in search of
game and enjoy a light lunch at the restaurant in the
park before your guide takes you to a magnificent privately
owned reserve in time for an afternoon game drive in
open safari vehicles.
This reserve is abundant with over 15 antelope
species, several smaller African animals, such as warthog,
monkeys, genets, etc. and other larger African animals
such as Hippo, Giraffe and Rhino. It was the first reserve
in the Cape Province to have free roaming lions and
has some of the most beautiful prides of hunting lions
in South Africa, they can almost guarantee sightings
of these magnificent animals on every game drive.
After the drive you enjoy a traditional African buffet
dinner followed by a short evening game drive to complete
the day. Return to Kikuyu Lodge.
Grahamstown Tour
Visit Grahamstown and follow in the footsteps of the
1820 settlers. The broad tree-lined streets and imposing
public buildings are the legacy of a time when Grahamstown
was the Cape’s second most important city. Visit
the oldest official letter box in SA, the Natural Science,
History & Observatory Museum, SA Institute for Aquatic
Biodiversity and the 1820 Setters National Monument.
No tour is complete without a visit to the spectacular
Grahamstown Cathedral. The National Arts Festival held
in July every year celebrates the best in South African
and imported talent and regularly attracts more than
30 000 festinos who come to enjoy more than 500 shows
– everything from opera to jazz and comedy to
drama – as well as a huge diversity of other creative
disciplines.
Kap River Canoe Ride
After breakfast you will depart for the Kap River Nature
Reserve. Here you will take a step back in time on the
pristine Kap River and embark on a gentle canoe trip
followed by a visit to the Great Fish Point Lighthouse
and where you can enjoy the breathtaking views 76m above
sea level followed by a gentle stroll up the pristine
beach alongside the Indian Ocean making your way to
the “3 sisters” Rocks. Lunch is provided
at the Fish River Diner overlooking the Great Fish River.
Kap River Canoe Ride and Horse
Ride
Depart for the Kap River Nature Reserve. Here you will
take a step back in time on the pristine Kap River and
embark on a gentle canoe trip followed by a visit to
the Great Fish Point Lighthouse and where you can enjoy
the breathtaking views 76m above sea level followed
by a lunch at the Fish River Diner overlooking the Great
Fish River. After lunch experience the thrill of riding
a horse along the Indian Ocean shoreline.
Kenton-on- Sea, Port Alfred and
Bathurst
Depart for Kenton-on-Sea (you could choose to incorporate
a horse ride along the beautiful coastline) swim in
the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, take a stroll up
the magnificent beach, then pay a visit to Port Alfred,
this historic little coastal town lays on the Indian
Ocean and straddles the glorious Kowie River an ideal
place to purchase your curios for back home. A short
drive from Port Alfred is Bathurst Village, picturesque,
rustic and reminiscent of England's Cotswolds, this
town is known for its gracious old buildings and huge
oak trees. In Bathurst you’ll find the world’s
biggest pineapple, the toposcope where you can view
how the land was divided by the 1820 settlers, St John’s
Church, the incredible views at Horse Shoe Lookout and
the old mill. Visit the Bathurst Agricultural Museum
which is a tribute to the 1820 Settlers’ courage
and entrepreneurship. Enjoy a tranquil lunch at the
Pig & Whistle, South Africa’s oldest pub.
Return to Kikuyu Lodge
Kikuyu Hiking Trail
Experience our breathtaking views in this nature lover’s
paradise! Set out on an exhilarating hike to Bushman's
cave, along the trail you will experience the spectacular
African bush up close where you can appreciate the prolific
bird life, numerous large and small game, diverse vegetation
and the natural environment. Kikuyu Lodge boasts more
than 200 bird species and promises a rewarding day for
avid bird watchers. A picnic lunch and snacks are provided
for you to enjoy en route.
Meandering River Safari
After breakfast at Kikuyu Lodge you will depart for
a game reserve where a unique experience awaits you.
Begin with a river boat cruise up the Kariega River
Estuary to a tented camp at the water’s edge.
Thereafter, professional guides will escort you on a
3-hour game drive where Bontebok and Oribi, two of the
rarest antelope species in South Africa, and a host
of other animals including Elephant, Rhino, Giraffe,
Buffalo are just a few of the 40 African mammals you
are likely to see. The lush subtropical East Cape Valley
Bushveld, Grasslands and Coastal Forests play host to
one of the highest densities of wildlife on the continent
ensuring one of the best game viewing experiences in
Africa. Breathtaking scenery and the sight of four of
Africa’s "Big Five" viewed against an
Indian Ocean backdrop complete a truly memorable experience.
For the bird lover more than 300 bird species, including
the exceptionally rare Narina Trogan, will deliver hours
of pleasure. Otters and crabs frequent the river banks
while seals and turtles make occasional forays upriver
to the tented camps.
Once you have completed the game drive
you will return to the river camp to freshen up for
drinks on the deck over looking the Kariega River, followed
by a Fine Fireside Fare under a starlit sky. Return
to Kikuyu Lodge.
Port Elizabeth
The Bay of Port Elizabeth is located on the southern-eastern
coast of Africa along the shorelines of Algoa Bay, the
city dates back to arrival by sea of 4 000 British Settlers
in 1820.
Shopping - From “Market style” shopping,
to craft shopping at different flea markets, to upmarket
boutique and mall shopping, you will find exactly what
you need.
Bayworld – Situated on the beachfront you can
sit back and relax and meet the dolphins - Dolly and
Domino - and seal presentations hosted at the Oceanarium.
The Snake Park houses a wide variety of exotic and indigenous
snakes as well as an impressive variety of Eastern Cape
Reptiles. The museum includes natural and cultural history
artefacts – shipwrecks, dinosaurs and much more.
Port Alfred and River Wild Safaris
Embark your leisure boat at the small boat harbour in
Port Alfred for a scenic 10km trip up the Kowie River
to Mansfields Reserve which lies nestled amongst 1000
acres of lush undulating grassland and thornveld plateaus.
Vegetation is typical Eastern Cape sweetveld and bush
with the landscape and kloofs providing ideal habitat
for rare cycads, sneezewoods, yellowoods, Cape milkwoods,
white ironwoods, pearthorn and knobthorns to name but
a few.
Select from either the exhilarating horseback safari
or walking trails and hikes which abound through the
grassland and wooded valleys, follow animal routes and
learn to identify the various spoor (animal footprints),
trees and plants and enjoy pleasant, safe encounters
with our game (no predator or dangerous game has been
allowed). Game drives are also available. Enjoy a buffet
lunch at the Black Rock Boma before boarding your leisure
boat for a relaxing trip back down the Kowie River.
Return to Kikuyu Lodge.
The Dunefields
Safari
Situated on Algoa Bay is 142 square km’s of magnificent
towering sand dunes, known as the Alexandria Dunefields,
these are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. After
being welcomed with coffee and rusks you will depart
on a custom made open Landcruiser for your 3-hour excursion,
which includes an exhilarating drive over the dunes
which border on the Greater Addo National Park, and
then down to the Indian Ocean. Your experienced guide
will give explanations on the geology of the dunes,
as well as the fascinating history behind early man’s
(Strandlopers) inhabitancy and the shell middens they
have left behind. Stops will be made for photography.
Refreshments will be served on the beach, where you
can relax, and observe the numerous sea birds such as
the Black Oystercatcher and Damara Terns, which inhabit
the shoreline. Take a swim or a walk anywhere along
this 50km long stretch of unspoilt beach and be on the
lookout for dolphins and whales. Return by Landcruiser
to a unique tranquil setting, nestled in indigenous
bush surrounds, where a delicious lunch awaits you.
Sit back and relax around the fire while you reflect
on what you have experienced. Your unforgettable day
comes to an end at approximately 14h30 when you will
be transported back to your vehicle for departure back
to Kikuyu Lodge.
The “Msenge” Day Safari
Covering about 6 000 hectares of land, this Private
Game Reserve is home to Africa’s Big 5 and offers
you the chance to experience the wonders of Africa –
from the graceful giraffe to the seldom seen leopard,
22 species of antelope and other small game. Set out
in a custom-made safari vehicle with experienced game
rangers and trackers. Your experience comprises a two
hour game drive then being treated to a gourmet lunch
at “The Msenge” which has been built around
the naturally occurring vegetation, with tree tops peeping
through the magnificent thatch structure followed by
a further game drive to round off the day. Return to
Kikuyu Lodge.
Zuurberg Mountain Horse Trails
National Park consists of an area of 20 780 hectares
and forms part of the Addo Elephant National Park. Zuurberg
consist of 5 different vegetation veld types the Alexandria
forests, subtropical thickets, grass-like fynbos and
grasslands. These veld types are home to number of endangered
plants, the Alexandria forest consists of evergreen
trees with a canopy that varies from 10-14 metres. In
these forests a large variety of bird life is found.
Choose the one, three or five hour
trails and enjoy the exceptional scenic beauty and diverse
vegetation. With abundant game (mountain zebra, klipspringer,
kudu mountain and grey rhebuck to name but a few) and
a myriad of birdlife, you’ll be sure to experience
Africa in a way not easily forgotten The Zuurberg mountain
trail provides you with a unique experience and horse
trails are undertaken on well schooled, very sure-footed
Basuto pony/Boerperd cross-breeds. Your experienced
and well informed guide will be close at hand to answer
all your questions. All the necessary riding gear is
provided.
For further information contact: marlene@kikuyulodge.co.za
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