Woodall Country House
Woodall Country House is tucked in the heart of the Sundays River Valley, on the doorstep of the Addo Elephant National Park. Situated 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 drive from Port Elizabeth, you’ll find the world famous Addo Elephant park and this fantastic Addo accommodation. It is the ideal base from which to explore the Addo Elephant Park, and nearby game reserves. Revealing a rich and diverse piece of malaria – free Africa, Woodall guest house offers five star luxury accommodation and high standards of service, leaving you unwilling to leave and eager to return. Honeymooners are especially pampered at Woodall Country House & Spa in an environment of peace and privacy.
When you visit Woodall Country House you will not only experience world class luxury and accommodation, Addo Elephant Park offers some of the best game viewing in South Africa.
Experience game at close quarters and indulge in magnificent scenery at Addo Elephant Park from Woodall’s comfortable game viewing vehicle. Game viewing tours are guided by highly qualified staff whose passion for the Addo Elephant Park is inherent and infectious.
After a day of game watching under the African sun retreat to our Addo Elephant Park and laze around the full size pool, fringed with palms and a waterfall; or take a moment to sit peacefully on the expansive sun-downer deck and view rare South African waterfowl. Snacks are served daily at sunset. Other facilities include a lounge with satellite TV and fireplace, library, CD library, curios, wi-fi internet and fax facilities.
The establishment was developed from the original farmhouse built in the early 1900’s and the charming ambience and character of yesteryear still permeate the atmosphere of this Addo accommodation. Old world attention to detail blends seamlessly with contemporary African luxury and style as reflected in the raw, earthy magnificence of the architecture. This award-winning Addo elephant park accommodation caters for the discerning traveller by offering five star luxury and standards of service, reflected in attention to detail and spacious accommodation.
Accommodation
Opening on to the fresh sight and scent of lush gardens, the rooms at Woodall Country House are as seeped in luxury as they are in comfort. Each room is spacious, private, and equipped with every convenience from climate control to internet access. Other features include private verandas, en-suite bathrooms, invigorating outdoor showers, mini-bars, sumptuous furnishings, crisp percale linen, bathrobes, telephones, electronic safes and CD players. Each room is individually designed, making use of natural materials, raw silks, and fascinating décor items collected by the South African owners, on their world travels. Some rooms reflect a bygone era of indulgent romance, some echo authentic colonial style, while the more modern suites boast an Afro-chic feel that blends traditional colours and styles with sophisticated contemporary flair.
Luxury Rooms
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.
Luxury Suites
Luxurious suites with a contemporary feel are airy and furnished using natural materials and raw silks. Light and spacious, completely private, each suite offers understated refinement: spacious bedrooms, separate sitting, dressing areas, expansive bathrooms complete with double outdoor showers and private pools. There is one family suite.
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
Eastern Cape’s Health Spa & Gym
Fantastic spa treatments at Woodall Country House & Spa
The Eastern Cape’s Health Spa & Gym, a sanctuary for relaxation, personal rejuvenation and serious pampering flows onto a full size pool, fringed with palms and a waterfall. We pride ourselves on our uncompromising approach to wellness. Our dedicated and professional therapists are on hand to make the spa experience as memorable as possible. The latest techniques of the modern world are meticulously combined with age-old remedies to create an unforgettable African touch, in an exceptional environment where relaxation comes easily.
Enjoy the healing benefits of water in our various hydro therapies. Allow the underwater jets of the hydro bath to invigorate your muscles. Choose from a variety of milks or essential oils to suit your mood and to enhance your hydro experience.
The sauna and steam room will aid in stimulating circulation and preparing the body for massage.
Our indoor wet area features the stunning Vichy and Chromotherapy showers. Relax on a heated marble slab, while the gentle buffing of a Geranium and Pine body polish, smoothes you skins’ surface, and varying pressure in the warm water washes it clean away.
ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK
Excellent guided tours into the Addo National 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, Hyaena, 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 and wildlife reference books
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. Opening hours change according to season. No reservation required.
DAY TRIPS TO PRIVATE GAME RESERVES
ENQUIRE NOWADDO ELEPHANT BACK SAFARIS: (± one hour drive from Woodall)
A unique opportunity to walk/ride with Elephants, and to be at one in nature while in the company of 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 rides, informative guides will provide information on this unique area. After the walk relax at the boma overlooking the elephants’ favourite water hole
Walk / Ride with the Elephants:
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 Trails: (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: R150/person
ADDO HORSE TRAILS
Addo Park:
Breathtaking horse trails through Addo allow you to become one with the African bush. In the Nyathi section for the park – encounters with large game are possible. There are no lions or hyenas in this section. Age 10yrs + only
Zuurberg Mountain Horse Trails:
Conducted in the Zuurberg Mountain section of the park – no encounters with large game, but beautiful scenic views of the mountains
ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK GUIDED MOUNTAIN HIKE
Guests will be driven up the Zuurberg Mountain Pass to a remote, pristine, and lush forest section of the Addo Elephant National Park, deep in the heart of the Zuurberg Mountains. From there they will have a guided hike through the Mountains, where they will learn about some interesting plants, whilst enjoying the beauty of the area, within unspoilt nature. This hike is not recommended for the elderly, but is a great way to get out into the Greater National Park and stretch those legs. Drinks and snacks will be provided throughout the hike, and at the bottom of the hike there’s a lovely mountain pool to have a swim in. At the end of the Hike, guests will be taken for a light lunch at the Zuurberg Mountain inn, before heading back down the mountain. Bring Hat, Sun cream, Sunglasses, Camera, Walking Shoes and Binoculars.
ADDO RIVER SAFARI
Explore a different side of Addo and view game and birds on the riverbanks while you drift down on some of the most scenic parts of the Sunday’s River in a custom designed, comfortable and stable canoe (no paddling experience needed). The popular guided Addo River Safari’s offers guests the best bird watching in the Eastern Cape, where one can find countless water birds, 7 different species of Kingfisher and chance sightings of the elusive African Fish Eagle and magnificent Goliath Heron. (Bring Hat, Sunglasses, Camera and Binoculars) Waterproof buckets provided.
ADDO BEACH SAFARI
Guests will be shuttled to the coast, or have the option of driving their own car. The Sunday’s River Mouth has much to offer and guests will have fishing rods, canoes, and sand boards at their disposal. Experience the true outdoors, relax and take in some of the most scenic views of the surrounding sand dunes or have a stroll on the endless white sand at the edge of the warm Indian Ocean. Enjoy a lovely lunch on the beach. This is an ideal outing for families. Bring hat, sunglasses, camera, walking shoes or flip-flops and binoculars. Skiing and boat rides also available on request at an extra cost.
ADDO FISHING SAFARI
Try your hand at fresh and still water fishing for Bass deep in the Zuurberg Mountains. Learn the art of spinning or fly-fishing from a river bank, canoe and float tube. No experience necessary as your capable guides will make fishing easy and pleasurable. Also a bird watchers paradise. Bring hat, sunglasses, camera, walking shoes or flip-flops and binoculars.
ADDO MOUNTAIN BIKE SAFARI
Guided mountain biking through the beautiful Zuurberg Mountains. Lunch time set up in the mountains. Not too strenuous as most of the track is downhill, but for the more energised guests, more strenuous track are available such as those which meander through beautiful rock pools deep in the mountains
SPECIALISED TOURS
Tailor-made birding and dendrological tours in the Addo region can be arranged with highly experienced specialists within these fields.
PENGUIN CRUISES (Departs Port Elizabeth Harbour)
Penguin Island Cruise
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
Sundowner Cruise
The tour starts with a harbour cruise and a full safety briefing and then takes a leisurely cruise along Port Elizabeth’s beautiful beachfront. The cruise passes the Cape Recife Lighthouse where refreshments are served. Cape Fur Seals and numerous sea birds may be seen and sometimes whales or schools of dolphins are encountered
Fishing Charters
These are either a half or full day charters. We leave as early as possible in the morning and are back by lunchtime for the half day charter. Full day charters are a bit more complicated and run out to the Agulhas Current in search of Yellow fin Tuna. The charters are led by a highly qualified skipper who has fished for South Africa on numerous occasions. The cost of a full day game fishing charter is available on request
TRANSFERS:
The following transfers are available:
Port Elizabeth Airport, Amakhala, Pumba, Kwantu, Schotia, Addo Elephant Park, Grahamstown, East London