January 2020. Addo. Tours. Hiking. Shore Excursions.
Peter Giddy Guided Tours -- Shore Excursions -- Addo Elephant and other Wildlife Reserves -- Garden Route. Flowers of Namaqualand --
0027 (0) 82 55 03 714 Whatsup
peter.giddy@gmail.com
- Addo Elephant Park Day Visit and Night drive.
- Kragga Kamma Wildlife Reserve
- Daniel Cheetah Project
- Pumba; Shamwari; Amakhala; Kariega -- Day trips Private Reserves.
- Three day tour of Mountain Zebra Park. Graaff Reinet, Nieu Bethesda and Addo.
- City Historical and Cultural Tours,
- Horse riding for both experienced and inexperienced riders
- Hikes and Walks around Port Elizabeth (2 hour Nature and Coastal walks)
- Garden Route Adventure Tours (Zip Lines; Segway in the Forest; Adventure Quad Biking; Bridge Walks; Bungy Jump; Knysna Elephant Park; Monkey Land and Birds of Eden; Big Cats Sanctuary; Oudtshoorn Cango Caves and Ostrich farms)
- Shore Excursions from Passengers ships
- Transfers. Airport; Hotel and Wildlife Reserve.
- Flowers of Namaqualand. Seven days of adventure and exploring places and sights you never even knew existed. History and natural beauty of the South West of South Africa
- Karoo to Garden Route. Six days of fun and activities. Prince Albert; Swartberg Pass; Die Hell; Oudtshoorn; Prince Alfred pass; Plett and Tsitsikamma.
Website -- petergiddyguidedtours.wordpress.com
For tours and bookings.. email me at. peter.giddy@gmail.com
Contact me on Whatsup.... 0027 082 550 3174
Join me for a Safari Tour and you too could have a pic of this beautiful animal. In Addo Elephant Park the animals are wild and move around freely within the reserve of over 300sq km.
Our year begins in Israel where we spent 12 days with Jacqui and her family.
Christmas day was with Yurom; Ronit; Gili and his wife. Two children.
We returned home on Friday 3rd January 4th.
Saturday 4th.
I pick up Jorn who booked with me early in 2019. Funnily enough I received confirmation of a Tour for March 2021 during this tour. I pick them up at Africanos. In the group is Jorn; Jurg; Jurg (who calls himself George); Heike and Horsten. Jurg sits in front and is considered to be the English translator.
We start our day in Kragga Kamma where we see the baby girl Rhino which was born this week. A reasonably good morning as we see the Lions in their enclosure on the prowl after the Giraffe as they pass by.
We continue on to Addo Elephant park where our first sighting is a family of three Elephants near to the South Gate. Then we spot a Boomslang which has killed a Lizard. It slithers away as we approach. Then we see two crows attacking a Jackal Buzzard. Now I feel I am back in Africa.
Our day continues to be successful with sightings of four of the Big Five this morning.
Sunday 5th. I start the day at Humewood Golf Course with a 5km My Run. In the group of Runners is Philip and Rose who I have met here before. Bruce; Jeni and Beenzie Gault. Beenzie is working at the Camp America as a Life Guard and coach.
Result from today's My Run. Position 9th. Time 34.38. 7 minutes a kay.
Barbara and I buy a mini fridge for one of the guest rooms and Brenda gives Barbara a canoe which we fetch for her to use on the Krom River where Karen's in-laws have a house.
Monday 6th. Walking 5km. Cannot keep up with the group so I leave them and walk on my own. Meet up with Colette Molenaar who, with Maarten lives at Grey Hostel. Then I meet up with Owen for the last kay.
I pick up Alena and Simon From Harmony Game Lodge on the R75 -- on the way to Kirkwood; for an Addo Safari Tour. We have a stunning day. They are staying at the Harmony Bush Lodge on the R75. Mike is the owner.
Tuesday 7th January
I pick up Remy and Michel for a half day Addo Tour. A good day starting with the three Lionesses and then a great morning of animal sightings. They are from the Netherlands. Staying at Singa Lodge.
This afternoon I visit the Eurologist; Hannes Muller. He gives me an all clear and makes a follow up appointment for 19th July 2021.
Wednesday 8th. I go for my morning walk / jog. I am still nursing a sore calf so when the only person who is there is John and he is going to run hard; I decide to walk. I meet up with Philip and walk with him to his house in Burton rd. (Opp Peter Joseph). His wife is Sandra who is ill with Imphasema and he has a married daughter, Yvette who is a sister at the St Georges ICU. His other daughter is Carla who works at Pentravel and lives at their home.
Meanwhile I phoned his wife Gail who sent their son Gareth to assist. Ally went on ahead. But as this was her first time on this walk, she became disorientated. Fortunately by the time Ian was able to continue; we met up with Ally who was retracing her steps after reaching a gate which was completely unfamiliar and some nasty looking cows on the trail. At that stage Gareth found us after asking about Ian from some of the others who were having tea at the start point. Gareth was smart enough to have brought some cold water and energade.
Barbara had to be at hospital for a procedure and we had to get her there so we left Gareth and Ian and went on ahead. Dave came back to find us and assisted Ian over the last bit. I was lucky enough to meet up with Clint, a resident, who gave me access to the road. I took the Combi up to meet Ian but by now Ian was recovering and stubborn not wanting to get into the car.
So we left and later found out that Ian was okay after plenty of fluids and an afternoon sleep.
Quite a little drama this morning.
Ally joins me for the Wednesday Walk. We are at Stukens which is the top of Lovemore Heights.
On thgee hike today... Robin; Di and Jimmy; Jim; Julian; Keith; Des... an old Clarendon Park Teacher from Ally;s time. Mo and Errol; Marjorie and daughter Jeanette; Eugene; Dave and his wife Heather with two grandchildren; Jenny with Grandson; Iva and Susan; Steve; Magriet; Dave; Cecelia; Jurgen; Ralf; Dave; Ally and myself. About 30 in total.
After the walk I drop Barbara at the hospital for a procedure. And fetch her at 5pm. She is a little groggy but seems okay later as she has something to eat and drink.
Thursday 9th.
Hiking from the Canon at Schoenmakerskop. We walk the Upper Reathas trail. Ally is with her friend, Matthew.
In our group today -- Matthwe; Ally; Karin; Helene (Pronounced He lay na) and Ernest and Carol who are new comers and who battled a bit.
The hike was well received by our group. It was a trail that I have done before but none of the others had done. So I persuaded the group to let me lead. I was a bit mixed up and lost at times. Nothing serious. We found our way each time.
I think that the Thursday Group will add this to their list of options for trails.
This afternoon I pick up Ian and Tracey from the Radisson. They have come to watch SA Play England. They are part of the Barmy Army. SA won the first test and England the test at Newlands which they were watching. We do a City Tour.
Friday morning I meet Megan and we swim for the first time in a very long while. I manage 1200m and feel very good after that. The rest of the day is admin and trying to make sure that we dont drop any balls over the next weekend.
Saturday 11th. A big day for SAGT. I have a group of 7. Mike takes a group of 5. Alan has 8 and Frank has a group of 12 people that I have arranged. Total 32 plus Alan takes two and Peter takes 4. Total 38 people from the Aida Mira passenger ship today.
| 4 | Ally | Giddy | Female | ADULT | 00:32:51 | 9.13 km/H | 06:34.200 min/km |
| 5 | Peter | Giddy | Male | ADULT | 00:32:53 | 9.12 km/H | 06:34.600 min/km |
Sunday morning. Oceania Nautica. Our team of Alan and Frank have full vehicles today. I have 4 Australians and a Dutch couple who made a booking.
Monday 13th. I have an early start with pick up at Chrislin in Addo village. James and Richard.
We start the day with Kragga Kamma and then do the Addo Safari. Both are successful.
Tuesday 14th. I start the morning with a walk run with Stefany. In the group are Mike; Liesl; Gaye; Chris and Mitch. By 8am my phone tells me I have walked / run 8km.
This morning I had started the day with an 8k walk run. Then picked up 6 cricket fans with PJ who also had 6 in his vehicle. We took them to Salem for a day's entertainment.
Peter Joseph and I had such fun playing cricket. I was okay with playing wicket Keeper and only allowed one ball past. But I was a really rotten bowler with only one or two being playable. And then the batting was what I really enjoyed. The sensation of seeing the ball come to the bat and then striking it was a wonderful feeling.
Thursday 16th. My third 8k walk / run for the week. I feel that the calf muscle could be starting to heal. I seem to have less pain now than I did just a few weeks ago. This morning Jenna joins Mike and I. It is a long time since she ran with us. She is now taking part in Triathlon and did her first Olympic distance last weekend.
I start to walk with the Thursday walkers but get called out for a City tour with four Brazilians staying at the Boardwalk hotel. They seem to really enjoy the outing to SANCCOB and City Center.
In colour it is greyish to yellowish brown or olive-brown, with 3-4 rows of dark, rhombus-shaped spots along its back, which may merge to form a zig-zag pattern. The colour and patterning may be quite variable. Its underside is yellowish-white, with the top of the head being uniform brownish.
Occurring from sea-level to mountain tops, it is a fast-moving diurnal snake and an active predator on small frogs, lizards and mammals. Its common name, meaning 'sheep stabber' or 'sheep stinger', is misleading as its small teeth are set so far back in the jaw and its neurotoxic venom is so mild, that it is incapable of killing any large animal. It has a gentle disposition, being reluctant to bite even when provoked.
Friday morning I pick up a family of six from Millbrury. Kyle is the person who made the booking.
Kyle and Silas (Zealus); His parents are Susanna and Bernd who had a miserable cough; this family has clothing stores on a North Sea German Island. It serves the tourist community which comes in their summer. So they close the business for three months in winter and travel. The uncle and aunt is Tom and Gabby. We have a good day .... a little overcast; so no big herds of elephants.
Saturday 19th .. I pick up Jette and Rebera for Addo. -- recent school leavers now on a long holiday to SA; Thailand; Australia and NZ. In addition to this Kudu we see a Bushbuck and a Brown Hyena. It rains for most of the day in Addo. Making it a little more difficult to find animals.
Barbara and I start the morning with a beach walk. We see the Azamara approaching the harbour.
This morning I have five guests for an Addo / Kragga Kamma combo tour. It turns out successful even though we dont see elephants up close.
Monday I have a day off and start the day with a 1500m swim with Megan. I often wish that I could get myself motivated to go to swimming on my own. But I need that additional push that meeting another person does for me.
Cathy explains and describes her job as follows:
Cathy manages New Zealand sales and business for World Challenge. They send young students all around the world on amazing expeditions. Some are milder and more curriculum based. Others are super intense where the youngsters have to pitch their own tents; hike and make it through some pretty awesome experiences.
It is about exposing the youngsters to a world away from parents and very much an extension of their schooling.
There are branches around the world. Cathy works from home and quite independently. She reports to Australia which is their head office. She must travel to Australia 5 times a year. Cathy must also travel around New Zealand to meet with teachers and parents as they navigate the planning of their trips.
World Challenge employs special ops men who manage the team more remotely and monitor them as they travel. The youngsters move through some challenging places. It is likened to a proper military situation where the Operations team is.
The men who oversee the operation were previously Special Forces military. It is a seriously and impressive operation.
Tuesday I do a 10k run with the walking group. Mike; Chris; Gaye; Liesl; Stephanie and Antionette. I run ahead and then go back to fetch. This is good for me as I get the distance without pushing the pace.
I pick up Jeremy; Richard; (both here to watch cricket) Carmen and Caroline (Graphic Designers) are Italians living in South Tyrol in northern Italy and speak German. This section of Italy was given to Italy by Austria in the Versailles Treaty after WW1. We have a fun and great day of touring in Addo Elephant Park.
Wednesday 22nd. Start the day with an 8km run with Gaye; Stefany and Antionette. They walk and I run ahead.
Thursday 23rd. Kelly's friends arrange a special thing for today. They bring a tutu and fairy wings which she has to run in. We run 8km. I run with Natasha as she is the slowest and the only person with whom I can keep up.
I pick up Martin and Judith; Alan and Laura; David and Penny from the Azamara Quest for a Hike and an Addo Tour. The hike works out well. We walk the Upper Retha's trail (The Heritage Trail established 2019) and then back along the traditional Rethas Trail (Established 2007). We do this slowly and it takes about an hour. The Addo tour works well and we are lucky enough to have Elephants as well as all kinds of other animals up close.
Meanwhile Barbara takes a couple (Bennie; Christina and baby Leni) to Daniell Cheetah and gets lost; Then to Kragga Kamma for the day. She uses Brenda's car
Friday 24th. A set of circumstances led to the Aida Mira being in PE for two days. They had to miss Durban due to bad weather. So we had an unexpected group for Daniell Cheetah ; City Tour, Lunch and Kragga Kamma. I took 12 people in a Quantum. It turned out to be a hot day and five of the guests were unhappy about the whole tour. And 7 of the guests decided to cancel the tour for the following day. Nevertheless those who remained positive enjoyed the day. Brenda took a family of four in her car. We had 42 guests in total. With five vehicles. Peter Joseph in my combi; Ken and Alan had hired vehicles.
Saturday 25th. Another busy day for us in guiding. Frank is on a Garden Route Tour. Alan and Peter have people from the Cruise Ship Aida Mira and I have a group of 6 friends also from the Aida.
We have a wonderful day of sightings. Mainly on Vukani loop and the Serengetti / Peasland loop. All over a great day with some fun people.
| 2 | Peter | Giddy | Male | ADULT | 00:31:21 |
Sunday 26th. I start the day with a Myrun at Humewood Golf Course. This is a fun event of 5k which is perfect to get me motivated to get up on days when I do not have tours.
Monday 27th. Ally and I drive to Cape Town. Leaving at about 5.45 we take nearly nine hours. We have two stops -- Mossel Bay and Wocester. But what holds us up are three roadworks Stop and Go between Swellendam and Ashton. And then on the N1 we encounter Roadworks again.
This evening Werner makes a delicious Chicken Braai while Ally out does herself with a salad.
Tuesday 28th. Morning run with Nicky before flying home to PE.
I arrive home and immediately have work to do: Dole stuff; Water for Barbara; Ally's glasses and some presents from Jacqui to be sent off Post Net. Pick up supplies for tomorrows tour. Sort out more tours for Wednesday as they come in. A hectic day of various work assignments that only ends at 7pm.
Wednesday 29th. Running 9k with Gaye; Antoinette; Liesl; Stefany and Susan. As usual I run ahead and fetch just to have some company. I am too slow for the fast group.
Wednesday 29th . I pick up Sigi; Theo; Albrecht; Ati; Carola and ... from the Aida Aura for Addo. A reasonably successful day.
Thursday and Friday -- I have my car in for repairs and fit four new tyres. Big expenses for me. Lots of running around to do. Dole stuff; Buy a new Boom Box to use in the car when I have guests sitting in the back row.
A successful touring month. Extremely busy with ship and other tours.
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