ADDO DUNG BEETLE GUEST FARM

ADDO DUNG BEETLE GUEST FARM

Description

Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm is nestled on a mountain-top in the heart of the Sundays River Valley overlooking the beautiful Zuurberg Mountains. The five luxury chalets are found on a working citrus farm only 4 km away from the main gate of the Addo Elephant National Park. The climate is hot in summer and winter is mild, with occasional snow on high lying areas. We experience summer rainfall and dry winters, but are a Malaria free area.

Back Ground History of the Area:

In the 1700s, the area already had a reputation for a wide variety of wild life, and ivory hunters would come to hunt elephants. In 1893, this area was known as Swanepoelskraal, and measured 1799 ha. Records show that Khoisan clans who hunted and kept cattle used to live in this area. The clans died out because of the smallpox epidemic. They were followed by the Xhosa tribes who lived close to the Sunday River Mouth, extending to the Wit River.

As years passed, elephants became endangered and in 1931 the Addo Elephant National Park was opened. An historical waterhole that was used from the very beginning by the elephants from Addo Elephant National Park remains on our premises. The park started off with 2000 ha and the last 11 elephants that were left after ivory hunting had taken its toll. 75 years later, the park has grown to

Background

“Miskruier” the name of our working Citrus farm is not only just a name the owner, Mr. HHJ Potgieter, decided upon years ago when he bought the property in 1996.  He already had the idea so save this special flightless dung beetle. After developing the farm into a highly productive commercial citrus farm, exporting 14 varieties to approximately 60 countries world wide.  Mr. Potgieter then decided to build five chalets with a lapa overlooking the Zuurberg Mountains and with this development he wanted to give something back to nature and so built a 50 x 50 m enclosure for the protection of these flightless dung beetles.  Incidentally we also started off with 11 dung beetles on the 19^th July 2006. 150 Cubic meters of soft sand was off loaded into the enclosure to provide the dung beetles with a suitable environment for their activities.  The Conservation Project’s purpose is to breed and re-introduce the dung beetles back into nature.  We also want to create an awareness of Conservation outside a National Park.

Further more, we have a 240ha Succulent Valley Bush Veld (one of the 7 biomes), game viewing area, where some of the dung beetles will also be re-introduced.  Mountain biking, tree trail or sundowners can also be enjoyed.  Various species like: kudu, zebra, impala, nyala, bush pig etc. which occurred here historically will occupy this piece of land along with new species which will be introduced over a period of time, like giraffe and eland.  

We are ideal for couples, parent-breakaways, honeymooners and also for small group of 10 people sharing.  In our Thatched Roof Lapa we prepare traditional South African mouthwatering set meals on the fire while you enjoy a sundowner with us.

We are very fortunate to have our own in-house Tour Guide on the premises and he will take you on the Dung Beetle Tour and Game Drive.   We have a Conservation Project for the Addo Flightless Dung Beetle unique to our area which is perceived to be endangered.

Accomodation:

Chalets are elegantly decorated and equipped with air-conditioners with a heating option. All the bedside tables and headboards are made from a combination of local wood species found in the area, like Yellow Wood, Oak, Sneeze Wood, and Black Wood. The Sneeze Wood chandeliers found throughout the chalets and in the Lapa are made out of old fence posts that were in use a few years ago, and are termite prufe! Bathrooms are en suite and have indoor and outdoor showers to suit your needs. There are also procupine quills lamp shades found in the bathrooms and the lapa which were handmade by the owner.

Chalet décor

All our bedside tables and headboards are made up from a combination of local wood species found in the area. (Yellow woods, Oaks, Sneeze woods, Black Wood)  The Sneeze wood chandeliers found through the Chalets and Lapa were used as fence posts on the farm until a few years ago.

They are termite prufe.  The porcupine quill lamp shades found in the bathrooms and the lapa were hand made by the owner.

Child policy

Children between 4 and 11 years are charged half the adult rates.Children younger than 3 years stay for free and children older than 12 years is full price.Cot is available for children younger than 2 years.

Attractions

Tours are operated in the Eastern Cape - MALARIA FREE -Western Region.
All tours can be customized to suite YOUR needs.
Tour sizes from a minimum of 2 guests up to a maximum of 6 guests.
All packages incl. transfers, guided drives, lunches and complimentary CD (jpeg and power point presentation format)

Activities in the area

In our unique area there is much to see and experience. We can reserve a table for you at one of the highly recommended restaurants near to us. Further we can arrange transport to and from the airport and various venues.

Our activities cater for both the adventure seeker and relaxer and a complete file of all the activities can be viewed at the reception area. We also have a list of tour packages available. For further assistance or queries, please do not hesitate to give us a call. Listed below are just a few activities you can enjoy in the area:

Facilities and Activities in the area:

• Citrus Packhouse Tours
• Trips to Addo Elephant National Park
• Quads bike trips
• 4 x4 Safaris
• Health Spa
• Daniell Cheetah Breeding Camp
• Elephant Back Safaris
• Oceanarium trips to Port Elizabeth
• Volkswagen car tour (from the old forgotten cars to the future )
• Day trip packages to various Private Game Parks

Facilities and Activities on our Premises:

• Addo Dung Beetle Breeding Station
• Game Viewing
• Great cuisine and drinks: enjoy our mouthwatering traditional buffet with us all prepared on the open fire
• Mountain bikes for hire
• Hiking and Tree-trail (list of trees available at reception)
• Bird watching (bird list available at reception)
• Splash Pool
• Citrus Tours
• Curio Shop
• Cirellium Bacchus conservation project
• Bar Facilities and Dining Lapa
• Dining Lapa
• Jaccuzi
• Rock Pool
• Lounge
• Massage Room
• Gym
• Sundowner
• Breakfast Deck

Accolades

:Tourism Council of SA Star Grading

TGCSA Star Grading

Facilities

Chalet Facilities

• En-suite bathroom with in door & out door showers
• Air conditioned (with a heating option)
• Microwave oven
• Bar fridge (snack bars & mineral water)
• TV (SABC 1, 2, 3 & e-tv)
• Room service – drinks only
• Coffee & tea making facilities
• Digital Safe in each chalet
• Hair Dryer in each chalet
• Laundry service

Facilities on-site

• Addo Dung Beetle Breeding Station
• Splash pool
• Curio shop
• Bar facilities & Dining Lapa
• Hiking & Tree trail
• Mountain bike hiring
• Game viewing
• Bird watching
• Citrus tours
• Laundry service
• Jacuzzi
• Gym
• Massage room
• Rock pool
• Upper level lounge and dining room connected by a sunny open deck.

Please note: We have complete additional facilities on our premises that'll add to your comfort

• Jacuzzi
• Gym
• Massage Room
• Rock Pool
• Internet Usage
• Upper level private lounge and dining room connected by a sunny open deck with a beautiful view

Directions

Location