De old Drift Guest House - Addo Elephant National Park - Colchester Section

De old Drift Guest House is a guesthouse near Addo Elephant National Park - Colchester Section.

Location
Addo Elephant National Park - Colchester Section, Eastern Cape Safaris, South Africa, Southern Africa
Type
luxury_lodge
Coordinates
-33.572544, 25.669792
Elevation
26m
Price range
luxury
Phone
+27420070334
Email
[email protected]
Website
http://www.deolddrift.co.za/
Activities
Game Drive, Bird Watching, Canoe Safari, Horse Riding, Spa, Wellnes, Massage
Amenities
Swimming Pool, Pool, Spa, Massage, Wellness, Bar, Library

PlnrScore: 62/100

Community

indigenous

Wildlife Near This Lodge

1876 species observed within 20 km, 68 mammals, 286 birds.

  • African Savanna Elephant (Mammalia, 1162 observations)
  • Plains Zebra (Mammalia, 689 observations)
  • Common Warthog (Mammalia, 621 observations)
  • Greater Kudu (Mammalia, 584 observations)
  • Hartebeest (Mammalia, 482 observations)
  • African Buffalo (Mammalia, 379 observations)
  • Elephant bush (Plantae, 377 observations)
  • Karoo Boerbean (Plantae, 370 observations)
  • Cape Flightless Dung Beetle (Insecta, 345 observations)
  • Pale Chanting-Goshawk (Aves, 312 observations)

Monthly Climate

MonthHighLowRain
Jan30.2C18.3C27.7mm
Feb30C17.7C35.3mm
Mar29.5C16.8C34.7mm
Apr25.7C13.4C42.8mm
May24.2C10.7C32.7mm
Jun21.8C9C24.2mm
Jul21.1C7.2C14.6mm
Aug21.9C7.4C16.3mm
Sep23.5C10C32.2mm
Oct24.7C12.5C60.7mm
Nov26.3C14C34.1mm
Dec28.1C16.3C53.3mm

Best Time to Visit De old Drift Guest House

The best months to visit De old Drift Guest House are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 22.65°C, rainfall 38mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 72%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.45°C, rainfall 41.2mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 70.8%
  • March: Great, temperature 21.59°C, rainfall 39.6mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 72.6%
  • April: Good, temperature 18.42°C, rainfall 51.2mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 72.2%
  • May: Good, temperature 16.55°C, rainfall 38.2mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 69.5%
  • June: Good, temperature 15.12°C, rainfall 33.8mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 63.2%
  • July: Good, temperature 13.65°C, rainfall 17.9mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 62.1%
  • August: Good, temperature 14.13°C, rainfall 21.7mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 64.9%
  • September: Good, temperature 15.5°C, rainfall 40.3mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 71%
  • October: Good, temperature 17.61°C, rainfall 75.2mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 73.3%
  • November: Great, temperature 18.97°C, rainfall 43.3mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 72%
  • December: Good, temperature 20.73°C, rainfall 65.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 72.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

We're planning a trip to Addo Elephant National Park and are considering De Old Drift Guest House. What makes it stand out from other luxury options near the Colchester section?

We love De Old Drift for its intimate feel and direct access to the park's quieter Colchester entrance. While other lodges offer luxury, De Old Drift feels like a sophisticated country estate, and the personalized service is exceptional. The sunsets over the valley from their veranda are simply sensational.

What kind of wildlife can we realistically expect to see on a game drive starting from De Old Drift Guest House?

Given its proximity to the Colchester section, you'll have excellent chances of spotting elephants, of course, but also buffalo, various antelope species like kudu and springbok, and if you're lucky, even lions. We also highly recommend the bird watching opportunities; the birdlife around the Sundays River is prolific and quite different from the main Addo sections.

We're interested in the canoe safari activity offered at De Old Drift. Can you tell us more about what that experience is like?

The canoe safari on the Sundays River is a truly unique experience we highly recommend. It's a peaceful way to explore the riverine environment, offering a different perspective on the landscape and a chance to see hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife up close. It feels incredibly serene, a world away from the dust of the game drives.

What is the best time of year to visit De Old Drift Guest House for optimal safari experiences and pleasant weather?

We find that the shoulder seasons, typically April to June and September to November, offer the best balance. The weather is generally mild and pleasant for game drives and outdoor activities, and the vegetation is less dense, improving visibility. Plus, you often avoid the peak summer heat and crowds.

Considering De Old Drift is a luxury lodge, what should we budget for a typical stay, including activities?

As a luxury lodge, expect rates to reflect the high level of service and accommodation. While exact pricing fluctuates, a rough estimate for a 2-night stay with meals and a standard game drive could range from $800 to $1200 per person. Activities like spa treatments or horse riding will be additional, but we feel they are well worth the splurge for the experience.

Other Safari Lodges in Addo Elephant National Park - Colchester Section

Parks in Eastern Cape Safaris

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for South Africa

Travel advisory for South Africa