Today we left Jubilee Farm and headed to Addo Elephant Park. Their camping was fully booked so we had to find accommodation outside The Park. Our intention was to stay at the south end near Colchester. However, we heard on the radio that there was rioting on the N2 and in the village. Rocks and burning objects were being thrown around so we thought it best to stay out of the troubled zone. News 24 Report
The other end of the park was not affected so we booked into The Homestead just 10 minutes away from the Addo Rest Camp entrance. By 2:30 we were set up and ready to go adventuring.

There were lots of black-headed heron around
After enjoying a variety of zebra, red hartebeest, kudu and millions of warthogs we stopped at Carol’s Rest where one male elephant was hogging the water hole while another two were fooling around and a fourth made a later appearance. A thirsty zebra was too nervous to drink while Jumbo was taking up most of the space

Please can I join you for a drink?

Clearly you’re not sharing with me!

The cheeky warthogs had no fear and joined right in

Still the zebra was not too sure

A jackal decided to make do with a muddy puddle further away

Thirst drove the zebra to take a few steps closer


Brave boy – you did it!

Aaah that’s better
The zebra got his drink then what the camera missed was hilarious. The elephant squirted him with his trunk! We nearly fell out of the car laughing and the zebra leaped out of the pond!

I think he’s telling his friend all about it

These two entertained us with their interaction

They twisted their trunks together

And seemed to really like each other
We spent ages just watching these wonderful creatures interact, push, pull, chase and scratch each others ears with their tusks – it was amazing.
But as we had to leave the park by six we made our way back to the gate and out again. On our way home we stopped at Lenmore to shop for fresh veggies at their deli. We also decided to go to their restaurant for supper. What a great decision as their lamb shank was to die for. It was served with delicious veggies too – green beans, cauliflower cheese, creamed spinach, glazed carrots and roasted baby potatoes.

A fabulous ending to a perfect day
I love elephants. Thank you for a lovely story. Pity you missed the squirting 🙂
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It’s the second time I’ve seen an elephant squirt zebras. The first time I managed to get a brief video but not with both in the frame – just the squirt and the zebras leaping away!
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Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! It is a pity you could not be accommodated inside the park – the camping area is full every time we go there, so I imagine one has to book far in advance these days. I have enjoyed being at Carol’s Rest with you.
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Yes Anne – we couldn’t get 3 consecutive nights so decided to just stay outside the park. Would never do that for Kruger but here it’s only a short drive to the gate and we don’t need to be in at 6 on the dot. Today we only went in at 8!
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Ai dis te pragtig…ek het dit nou so geniet!
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Dankie perdebytjie 🙂
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Sounds wonderful and what watching the Ellis. I get very scared if they are so close. Lovely
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The Addo Elephants are very docile, Mary 🙂
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