Addo

 Tuesday 26/10/21

He has automatic right of way, best to select reverse gear.

We have had a lovely time in Addo and can't believe it is almost time to leave again, we'll definitely be back.

We saw loads of scrub hare in the mornings

It's not all hard work here, there is some lying about in the sun.

Sometimes getting a drink takes effort

We spotted this gigantic earthworm in the middle of the road so moved it to
avoid it getting run over.  It was huge, and squishy!

The drought is still very much in evidence here and game is not very prolific but the sightings we have had have been fantastic.  We have had many close encounters with elephant, either at water holes or driving down the narrow roads.  There are a few old bulls who wander down the roads when the bush is too thick and, if you are in front of them you need to reverse, if you are behind them you follow at their pace, and treat them with respect.  It's a wonderful way to slow down and observe their behaviour. That said, they were all very calm here and we saw no signs of aggression.

We slowly followed this ellie for miles as it refused to budge from the road; the car in front had to reverse, and eventually turned around.

This lot must have walked far, they were so excited to reach the water, they sprinted the last bit.

We did have the misfortune of having our tent raided by vervet monkeys and learned a few lessons.  Don't leave food anywhere, not even in your tent; they have no respect for fly screens.  We lost all our mielies (corn on the cob), apples, rusks and had to throw away dried fruit they had rifled through before being chased off by helpful neighbours.  Very frustrating but we are in their territory, after all.

Monkeys 1 : Tent 0

Little monsters!

At least some of the more 'valuable' food was locked away...

Bonus video:

Elephant arriving at Hapoor dam.