30 December 2020
Today was our last day in the Addo Elephant National Park, and that meant it was also the last day we had to enjoy with Joubert’s maternal grandparents and we all felt a little melancholy. It was a very windy day and most of the animals were hiding away from the gusts, so we decided to do an extended morning drive to the Ngulube and Harvey’s loop in the southern section of the Park, again taking a break at Jack’s Picnic Spot, and then spend the afternoon hours together in camp.
We enjoyed a wonderful final sunset over Addo, the clouds glowing red in the last rays of sunshine coming over the horizon. This is Joubert’s photo. The next morning there would be sad goodbyes as we left for Mountain Zebra National Park while Marilize’s parents returned home to Jeffreys Bay.
While we were enjoying our meal on the stoep that evening this Small-spotted Genet, picked up by our small camera trap, was (unsuccessfully) looking for leftovers of our braai (barbeque) just outside the little circle of light around our chalet.
If you’d like to learn more about the Addo Elephant National Park’s history and all it has to offer visitors, why not have a read through this post we compiled after our previous visit? And to follow along on our travels through Addo, you might find this map (from the SANParks website) most handy.
Addo map from https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/map.php
Lovely once again – particularly of the Terrestrial Brownbul.
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The confidence of otherwise very secretive birds, like the brownbul, is defnitely one of the best reasons to spend some time at Jack’s picnic spot!
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That is true – we were charmed by all the birds when we visited there.
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Gorgeous sunset photo, Joubert. 👏🏻 How wonderful that the grandparents could spend time with you all.
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It really was a blessing to spend some time together after having been apart, and not by choice, for so long.
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Those warthogs look to be mean-tempered and not to be trifled with. I imagine their personality matches their look.
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For the most part they’re not threatening to humans, though you do get the odd one that’s very temperamental (Aletta earlier told about her repeat experiences with one that just charged whenever it saw her) and getting between a sow and her piglets would be very ill advise. The other wild pig occurring in South Africa, the mostly nocturnal bush pig, has a much more savage disposition.
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Interesting! Of course, mommas gonna protect their young ‘uns.
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And with formidable weaponry like this it is going to have nasty consequences!
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That sunset – wow!
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Joubert will be glad to know you liked his photo so much, Kathy – thank you!
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What a magnificent sunset! A fitting end to a good trip to Addo. I am looking forward to the Mountain Zebra National Park next 🙂
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Thank you, Anne. I know both AENP and MZNP holds a special place in your heart too.
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The Addo Elephant National Park has been very revealing, when it comes to animal relationships and behavior. Liked your three parts, very much. Dankie my vriend 🙂
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Dankie, H.J!
Addo is a very special place. It really is a must-see for anyone visiting our country.
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Some wonderful birds in this post. Their expressions are terrific. And the warthog. When we went to Kenya with our two kids many years ago our son, who was 12 , loved the warthogs. They were his favorites. Thanks for taking us on this excellent journey with you!
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We’re grateful that we could have you along with us, Anne
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What a delightful trip it’s been! Joubert, love the sunset photo. What’s next in our travel plans? 🙂
janet
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Glad to know you enjoyed our trip together through Addo Elephant National Park so, Janet! Next we’re headed to the Mountain Zebra National Park – please come along?
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Sounds great. I can’t wait.
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Rooster duty–I hear it loud and clear!! What a great snap!
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Thank you very much, Lois!
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