An incredible experience... - Geraldine Eliot. Date of travel: Dec 2006
The Addo Valley Retreat was the cheapest accommodation we could find close to the Elephant park as the park itself was fully booked for the New Year's weekend (once there we discovered there is a backpackers close to the park, but was not on the internet that we could find, nor in the Coast to Coast backpackers guide). This was a bit of a case of colourful advertising - the 'jacuzzi' was a strange, rather murky pool in the middle of the lounge/bar; the 'rustic' wooden cabins were more like shacks done with a cheap budget; the 'gym' was a couple of exercise machines, (behind which was an odd collection of hats and the owners' laundry) and the conference centre was a couple of tables and chairs in a room. Less rustic, more cheap! Definitely a case of farmers cashing in on proximity to the park. That said, the room (although with paper thin walls and plenty of bugs and an odd bathroom with starlings in the roof) was clean and the beds were comfortable. There was a kettle and coffee and tea, as well as a TV and mosquito net on the bed. Breakfast was 'continental' - cereals, a fruit basket, pre-poured small bowl of yoghurt and toast. We were the only ones there for 2 out of 3 nights, so they obviously save better stuff for more visitors as when a large group arrived, there was fruit salad, biscuits etc. Not complaining as I dont need a huge breakfast, but considering the price, expected a little more. All in all, we were in the park all the time anyway, so just slept there really, but a little more effort could be made to spruce up the place - the pics on the net are deceiving, as is the description. The large and somewhat aggressive dogs are also a bit off-putting! A decent enough place to stay if not spending alot of time there. We ate twice at a neary restaurant (Lenmore) which was fantastic and excellent value for money. Dont expect a town, though, as Addo itself is nothing more than a police station, garage and a takeaway place. Stock up in Port Elizabeth if going self-catering.