Sunrise over the Indian Ocean
After a marvelous stay with CouchSurfers in Gonubie…
…I continued my journey west along N2 headed to Addo Elephant National Park.
At the turn off to Addo I stopped for a quick lunch of lamb/mint pie. Like pot-pies, which I’ve never really cared for, only much better.
Made a quick stop in the Visitor Center then with park map beside me cruised the dirt roads in search of wildlife.
The first animals I saw were a couple of warthogs. Not the cutest critters out there. And I wanted to see elephants.
This football-sized tortoise ambled along the road. Check out that tongue. But where are the elephants?
The rolling hills offered some distant views.
Finally I got to see elephants. When at Kruger National Park they were my favorite animal of all.
Then buffalos. Yes, there’s two of them there.
And more elephants.
This elephant was headed my way.
The landscape amazed me, so much diversity.
Had thought about staying in Port Elizabeth and connecting with fellow blogger Jonker but the sight of the city didn’t call me so I continued a little farther west to Seaview where I found another sweet B&B.
Oh wow, I've never been to the Addo Elephant Park. Grant and I were headed that way once but the road off the N2 (from Cape Town) was closed for roadworks. It started to rain and as it was before GPS days, we got hopelessly lost. This all happened on the motorbike so we were not happy. BTW Port Elizabeth is quite a nice city especially if you can stay over with someone you know there. Thanks for the post. (((Hugs))) Jo
I love Elephants they are so majestic and wise. Only seen them in some good zoo's, would love to see them in their natural habitat.
Ahhh! SO cool! I dunno..I think that baby warthog is pretty adorable! And the elephants – so cool! I'm pretty sure I won't be able to control myself when (I say when because I WILL get to Africa someday…) I see elephants. And the tortoise! I love that guy!
I always try to say a prayer for wildlife before I go to sleep. They need lots of help. Your photos are a big reminder of their needs.
That was one big elephant heading your way, Gaelyn. Those warthogs are so homely, they're kinda cute!
THat last elephant photo is excellently composed with the big ears open and the flowers below.
I can see why you love the elephants, but really – don't you think the warthog is at least a little cute?
These are awesome.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
i visited Thailand more than a decade ago to see the elephants.;P of course, i also enjoyed the sights, but to see the elephants were the focus of my trip.:p they're fascinating creatures.
i enjoy your photos…the skies are beautiful, the wildlife, amazing. i have a friend who grew up in S. Africa and from the photos every time he visits his family there, it must be the most beautiful place on earth.
Ah, travel. I saw some Indian elephants, Indian antelopes, several gorgeous birds, and a small variety of other animals on my recent trip. Love seeing them in their natural habitat.
What wonderful pictures of South African wildlife.
Hello Gaelyn, I just came across your blog. Your photos are amazing. I am looking forward to future postings. Greetings from cold and snowy Indiana…Heidi
Not very polite of that tortoise to stick its tongue out at you. It must be amazing to see the elephants in their natural habitat, interacting in a normal way.
Magnificent! I admit I'd be really excited to see the wart hogs. I have no idea why, but they're an animal I've always wanted to see in the wild, maybe to contrast with their domesticated cousins.
You saw a lot of interesting wildlife. I think the warthogs are kind of cute. And the elephants are magnificent.
I really love going to Addo and seeing the elephants (all the animals actually), but I have to admit I don't get there nearly as often as I would like to. I used to visit Addo up to 5 times a week when I started tour guiding 12 years ago and never got tired of it. It was a great pity that we didn't get to meet up, but I'm sure some time in the future we will meet somewhere on this beautiful planet.
Great photos! I love the rolling hills and that great elephant.
I like Elephants too. There is something that endears them to me. I feel happy and sad at the same time. MB
I love elephants. I've seen them in the zoo but not in the wild, of course. You are a lucky lady!