Nestled in the heart of the Sundays River Valley, on the doorstep of Addo Elephant Park, and close to Shamwari and Schotia Reserves, Woodall Country House lies tucked away on a peaceful citrus farm where miles of citrus trees bear fruit all winter and scent the air with blossoms in the springtime.
Only 45 minutes form Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape region of Addo, this gem awaits your discovery. Revealing a rich and diverse piece of malaria - free Africa, Woodall guest house offers five star luxury and standards of service, leaving you unwilling to leave and eager to return, whether for an occasion of leisure or business. Honeymooners are specially pampered in an environment of peace and privacy.
Escape the African heat in the full size pool, fringed with palms and a waterfall or take a quiet moment to sit peacefully on the expansive sundowner deck and view rare South African waterfowl. Snacks are served daily at sunset. Other facilities include a lounge with satellite TV and fireplace, small library of books, CD library, curios, internet and fax facilities. Five Star Eastern Cape Guest House Accommodation Woodall offers luxury Boutique Hotel accommodation in South Africa's Eastern Cape. Opening onto beautiful rose or indigenous gardens, alive with the calling of birds, each room boasts swirling ceiling fans, air conditioning, heating, private verandas, en suite bathrooms with separate bath and shower. Most have private outdoor showers for an enlivening experience not to be missed and mosquito nets. Other features include mini-bars, mini hi-fi's, electronic safes, telephones, internet access points, hairdryers, tea / coffee facilities, crisp percale linen, bath robes and electric blankets for chilly winter nights. Twin or King bedded rooms available, we also have two family units. African Lodge in Luxury Country Cottages - "Havens of Tranquility" Luxurious rooms and cottages are private and spacious with an understated elegance and a classical feel. Each room is individually designed and decorated with an air of bygone romance. Suites - "The Luxury of Space" Luxurious suites with a contemporary African feel are airy and furnished using natural materials and raw silks. Light and spacious, completely private with scenic views of a private water sanctuary, each suite offers understated refinement: spacious bedrooms, separate sitting and dressing areas, expansive bathrooms complete with double outdoor showers. Additional features include under-floor heating and extra length beds.
Addo Elephant Park Experience game at close quarters and magnificent scenery at Addo Elephant Park from Woodall's luxury, open game viewing vehicle. Game viewing tours are guided by highly qualified guides whose passion for the area is inherent and infectious. Click HERE for more details about the tours on offer, and the unique spa/game packages available at Woodalls.
Woodall Country House Spa The Spa, a sanctuary for relaxation, personal rejuvenation and serious pampering flows onto a full size pool, fringed with palms and a waterfall. Facilities include a massage and therapy room, steam room, sauna, hydrotherapy bath and spacious double showers. The gym, which is fully equipped, offers cardiovascular and strength training facilities. Various packages are available to suit your needs - click HERE for more details about the spa.
About the area Addo lies in the beautiful Sundays River Valley, stretching from the Indian Ocean to the Zuurberg Mountains. This malaria free area enjoys a temperate to warm climate with an annual rainfall of 450 mm occurring evenly throughout the year. Summers are hot and sunshine days are plentiful, with a chill in the valley during wintertime. The Sundays River Valley is home to the famous Addo elephants that once roamed the area freely, as well as mile after mile of evergreen citrus trees that bear fruit all winter and fragrance the air with their blossoms in spring. This area is world renowned for its citrus fruit production and is South Africa's largest producer of lemons. Situated just over 45 minutes drive from Port Elizabeth, this magnificently diverse area offers a wide variety of wildlife experiences, natural landscapes, outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. Over a million hectares of land have now been devoted to wildlife and many world famous reserves such as Shamwari and Schotia can also be found here.
South African Country Cuisine Stylish regional cuisine is served in the distinctive thatched waterside dining room with views of resident herons, cormorants and other South African waterbirds.
The cuisine is inspired by the flavours of local ingredients and freshly picked vegetables and herbs from our own garden. No effort or expense is spared to provide a culinary experience bursting forth with South African flavours and textures: Karoo venison, freshly caught East Coast fish, homemade stocks, fresh breads and local cheeses. Complementing the menu is the private underground cellar, boasting a unique and comprehensive cross section of fine South African wines for which Woodall received the Diner's Club Platinum Wine List award in 2005.
Finish off the evening with after dinner cigars under the stars. Breakfasts are farm-style with gourmet eggs and bacon, homemade breads, pastries, muffins, jams and preserves. Picnic baskets specially packed. Simple, stylish lunches can be enjoyed on the deck, at the pool, or on your private patio. Interesting Towns and Cities Nearby: The entire area is rich with an array of different landscapes to enjoy. Follow the garden route to Jeffrey's Bay (1 hour) on the coast with the world-renowned perfect wave and abundant shells or carry on through to the Tsitsikamma, home to Plettenberg Bay and Knysna (3 hours) where you will find an abundance of natural forests and associated adventure activities. Meander the Sunshine Coast and follow the beautiful beaches to Kenton on Sea and Port Alfred (1 hour) the jewel of the sunshine coast. A lush network of lagoons estuaries, and grassy plains perfect for watersports and quality golf courses. Ramble through quaint historical sites in the hinterland such as Grahamstown (1 hour), the city of saints where you can trace the early European colonization of the Eastern Cape. Travel to Cradock (2 hours), steeped in history as the former frontier town and also home to the rare mountain zebra or visit Graaff Reinet, the gem of the Karoo.
Room rates May-September 2006:
Room rates September 2006-April 2007
Rates include full breakfast, complimentary drink on arrival, sundowner snacks each evening and unlimited use of gym and sundowner snacks. All rates quoted at per night per person sharing and include vat. Rates are subject to change without prior notice
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Woodall Country House & Spa, Addo
Woodall Country House Spa
Recharge in our tranquil setting and leave feeling pampered, relaxed and rejuvenated. Once you have experienced a wonderful Spa experience, even more awaits you. The rest of our team will treat you to private game drives, stylish lunches and regional gourmet cuisine to round off your stay with us.
A full range of facial and body treatments that leave you feeling pampered, relaxed and rejuvenated are available. All Skincare treatments make use of the extraordinary Dermalogical products with treatments specifically designed to address personal skin needs. Individual skin types are fully analysed, cleansed and exfoliated, followed by massage and application of mask, serum and moisturizer. Our Skincare Treatments will leave you with perfectly hydrated, relaxed and radiant skin.
A wide range of massage therapies are on offer. These include Swedish, Aromatherapy, Reflexology and La Stone Massages, which will melt the tension from each and every muscle. During these treatments you will feel lighter. Your spirit will be lifted and tension released as you dissolve into a dreamy state.
Body exfoliations with Aromatherapy and Mineral Salts that will lift dead skin cells and Hydrotherapy and Sea Mud Packs, which will detoxify, refresh and relax your body, are recommended. Our Jet Lag treatments will alleviate the negative symptoms of jet lag so you can have the full benefits of your stay. Also enjoy our luxury Manicures and Pedicure treatments for perfectly groomed hands and feet.
Facilities
Addo Elephant Park, Safaris and Game Viewing
Addo Safaris and Game Viewing Rates are current for 2006/7 season, but may be subject to change. Times given are for the summer months and may change during winter. Transfers not included unless otherwise stated (these can be arranged). Woodall Safaris and Tours Woodall's luxury open topped land cruiser departs daily on a number of excursions: Our highly experienced and qualified game rangers, with an intimate knowledge of the Addo area, include a bird and tree expert with a M.Sc Degree in plant sciences; a local historian whose knowledge and experience of the local area is unsurpassed; a wildlife and agricultural conservationist. These rangers offer personalised tours with emphasis being placed on individual interests and comfort. The following highly recommended Safaris and Drives are offered: Morning Drive: Addo Elephant Park (08h30 - 13h00) R500 / person including transfers, conservation fee, all drinks and snacks. (6 years +) Afternoon Drive: Addo Elephant Park (14h30 - 18h00) R500 / person including transfers, conservation fee, all drinks and snacks. (6 years +) Addo Citrus Tour: This tour includes a visit to top citrus farms in the area with one of the foremost citrus breeders in the world. Experience first hand knowledge on all aspects of citrus growing, as well as a tour to nearby ostrich and game farms where interesting waterfowl, fish eagle, wildebeest, zebra, eland, kudu and buffalo may be encountered. Rate: R350 / person including drinks and snacks. Addo Elephant Park Addo is the best place to get up close and personal with the biggest land mammal - the Park is home to the densest population of elephant in the world. Other mammals include lion, hyena, Cape buffalo, and black rhino, as well as zebra, jackal, warthog, suricate and numerous species of antelope. Over 150 bird species have been recorded in Addo and there are around 600 different plant species. Addo is also home to the endangered dung beetle. Whether you experience the park from the comfort of your own vehicle or on a game drive with an experienced guide, the chances are you will have close encounters with the elephant. To make the most of the park be sure to bring binoculars, camera, walking shoes. Wildlife reference books and road maps of the Park are available from the reception at Woodall. Game viewing from your own vehicle: Explore more than 75 kilometres of road through prime wildlife country. There are a number of lookout points at waterholes in the area. Entrance fee to the park is R80 / person. Gate hours (game area): 07h00 - 18h00 throughout the year. No reservation required. Hop on guides on request - R100 for two hours Addo Park Sundowner Drive: (18h00 - 20h00): Time subject to change in winter months. R230 / person (excludes transfers) Enjoy a sundowner drink while the sun sets after another exciting day of game viewing in Africa. Children 6 years + Addo Elephant Park Night Drive: (20h00 - 22h00) R170 / person (excludes transfers, lion, buffalo and black rhino and a host of nocturnal hunters are often spotted in the lush Addo bush). Schotia Private Game Reserve: "Tooth & Claw" Safari: (45 minute drive from Woodall). Schotia is the oldest private game viewing reserve in the Eastern Cape, and offers one of the best chances to see lions in the wild. The Tooth & Claw is a guided drive in open topped vehicles. It begins in the late afternoon, and returns after nightfall (late afternoon and evening game viewing is often the most rewarding time of day for game viewing as this is when animals are at their most active). This is especially the case with lion, which are generally nocturnal hunters. Schotia is also home to white rhino, zebra, wildebeest, warthog, jackal, crocodile, and a large variety of antelope. The drive is followed by a traditional meal served under the stars in a thatched open air lapa. Drive leaves at 15h00 and returns at 20h00 and is then followed by dinner. Cost is R500 / person including dinner. From 1 January 2007, cost will increase to R600 /person including dinner. DUNEFIELDS RESERVE (± 1 hours drive from Woodall) Experience the vastness and breathtaking wonder of untouched nature at its best, in the largest coastal dunefield in the southern hemisphere. Situated on Algoa Bay; 142 square km's of magnificent towering sand dunes, known as the Alexandria dunefields. This 3 hour excursion includes an exhilarating drive in an open landcruiser over sand dunes, which border onto Addo Elephant National Park, down to the sea. Observe a variety of sea birds, dolphins and whales, and hear about the geology of the dunes, as well as the history behind the Strandlopers. Cost: R500 / adult, R250 / child, under- 6 no charge (includes lunch and local drinks) Time: 9am
PUMBA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (± one an a quarter hours drive from Woodall) Children 8 yrs + Pumba Day Safaris offer sightings of the big 5, against a backdrop of thornveld, grassland, thicket and forest vegetation. Apart from white lion, giraffe, leopard, 22 species of antelope; this is a bird lovers' paradise with 200 plus bird species. Safaris consist of a 2 hour game drive, meal, drinks then a further one and a half hours game viewing. Cost is: R650 / person including meal and drinks TIME: 10h00 (until end September 06) KWANTU PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (± one an a quarter hours drive from Woodall) Kwantu means 'place of gathering', and the sights, sounds, scents and sensations of this green pocket of Africa will embrace you. Visit the oldest Anglican Church in South Africa, before departing on a three hour game drive and encounter rhino, elephant, buffalo, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, zebra and antelope, followed by a visit to the Predator and Educational and Rehabilitation Centre, followed by an Eastern inspired 3-course meal. (Afternoon visit includes a cultural exhibition, where spirited dancers tell stories of other cultures) Cost: R500 /person Children 5 - 12 years: R250 / child Children under 2 years free - includes meal and drinks TIMES: Morning 08h00 Afternoon: 13h00 LALIBELA GAME RESERVE (± one an a quarter hours drive from Woodall) Home to the Big 5, this 7,500 hectare private reserve spans 5 ecosystems and offers a unique African safari and bush experience. Come face to face with a multitude of game species, ranging from elephant, lion, rhino and buffalo and african wild dog to the tiny blue duiker and rock hyrax. Also home to cheetah, hyena, hippo, giraffe, zebra and numerous antelope. Cost: R650 /person (includes 3 hour drive and lunch) Time: 13h00 AMAKHALA GAME RESERVE (± one and a quarter hours drive from Woodall) Amakhala means "Aloe', the prolific indigenous plant found in this diverse area of the Eastern Cape. Day visit starts at 2pm at Reed Valley Crocodile Centre where you will have a guided tour of man-eating Nile crocodiles then game drive of the surrounding bushveld. Relax on a river cruise with cheese and wine, followed by dinner in the bush lapa. The evening ends with a night drive. Cost: R650 / person (includes snacks and dinner) Time: 2 pm ADDO ELEPHANT BACK SAFARIS A unique opportunity to be one in nature with these awe-inspiring gentle giants. Addo Elephant Back Safaris is situated in the pristine valleys of the Zuurberg Mountains within the recently proclaimed Greater Addo Elephant Park. This area is regarded as Africa's most biologically diverse, supporting 4 of the 7 biomes or eco regions in Southern Africa. During the walk, informative guides will provide information on this unique area. After the walk relax at the boma overlooking the elephant's favourite water hole. Walk / Ride with the Elephants: Walk/Ride with the elephants includes walk, ride, drinks and snacks. Elephants can be observed in their natural surroundings. Duration two hours. Times 09h00 and 14h30. Rates R650 / Person Walk / Ride with the elephants: Walk/Ride with elephants includes walk, ride, lunch and transfers. Duration three hours. Time: 11h00 Rate: R850 / person Hiking in the Addo Area Addo Park Discovery Trail: This unique 2 km trail through typical Addo thicket has been specially designed for disabled visitors and is suitable for wheelchairs. Zuurberg Nature Trail: (1 hour and 4 hours). These trails wind through fynbos and deep kloofs within unspoiled indigenous forests, home to a wide range of game and birds, as well as various vegetation types including impressive cycad and yellowwood populations. Zuurberg is open from 07h00 - 16h30. Conservation fee is R20 / person.
Addo Horse Trails Addo Park: Breathtaking horse trails through Addo & Zuurberg allow you to become one with the African bush. Experienced Riders: 3 hour guided horse trail within the elephant park with rare opportunities of viewing game close up (14h00 - 17h00 - R170 / person) (minimum age 10 years). Novice Riders: 2 hour guided horse trail next to the game fence (08h00 - 10h00 - R110 / person). Zuurberg Mountain Horse Trails: One hour, 3 and 5 hour routes available. Rate: R70 (1 hour); R90 (2 hours); R110 (3 hours). Citrus Farms: Trails among beautiful citrus orchards and along the famous Sundays River. Specialised Tours Tailor-made birding and botanical tours in the Addo region can be arranged with highly experienced specialists within these fields. PENGUIN CRUISES Discover the marine life of Algoa Bay off Port Elizabeth, one of South Africa's most diverse bays. Bryde's whales, bottlenose and humpback dolphins can be seen almost all year round; Southern right whales visit every year to give birth to their calves and mate; and humpback whales pass through during their annual migration. Hundreds of common dolphins often come into the bay to feed. Add to this the Cape fur seal, several species of shark and seabird, as well as a visit to St Croix Island Marine Reserve to see the largest breeding colony of the endangered African Penguins. Penguin Island Cruise: Duration 3hours. Rate: R450pp (includes light refreshments during cruise) Time: 8.30am at Port Elizabeth Harbour (optional extra - lunch at Algoa Bay Yacht Club at R50 pp) Sundowner Cruise: Duration 1,5 hours. Rate R225pp Time: 5pm or 6pm (depending on season) Bird Island Cruise: on request Port Elizabeth City Tour Day tour: (3 hour) taking in the historical and natural sights of Port Elizabeth including the Beachfront, Cape Recife, No. 7 Castle Hill, Fort Frederick, the Campanile, the historical Central area, Horse memorial, Donkin Reserve, Lighthouse, Humewood mosque. Self drive to Port Elizabeth (45 minute drive) for 3 hour tour: R400 / person including drinks and lunch. Departing Woodall and 3 hour guided city tour. R750 / person drinks included (this tour can be combined with the Dolphin Discovery Cruise). Optional tours include Township & Shebeen Tours and Factory Tours through Volkswagen and SA Breweries. Grahamstown Frontier Country Tour Grahamstown is approximately 1 hour's drive from Woodall. Join Alan Weyer, a well-known raconteur on a selection of tours through the heart of the Eastern Cape's Frontier Country. The results of the great confluence of human ventures in the region had a significant impact on not only South African history, but also on world history. Alan's insightful historical knowledge coupled with his many truths, tales and legends of the region make for an unforgettable journey through time. Half Day Frontier Country Tour: R350 / person. Spend the morning in the hills around the City of Grahamstown following the influences of many cultures on the region. Includes a thrilling narration of the Battle of Grahamstown. Refreshments provided. Full Day Frontier Country Tour: R650 / person. Morning spent as above. Then head into the Great Fish River Valley, the heartland of Big Game Country. Hear gripping tales of the Frontier Wars at the remains of the Fort at Doubledrift Game Reserve. Refreshments and lunch included. Full Day Frontier Country and the Valley of the Ancient Voices Tour: R650 / person. Spend the morning as per Half-Day Tour, and then join a gentle walking tour of the Valley of the Ancient Voices. Discover the prolific rock art relics and artefacts found in this pristine Eastern Cape Valley. Refreshments and lunch included. Transfers The following transfers can be arranged: