Addo Elephant Paradise: De Old Drift's Unforgettable Stay

De Old Drift Guest Farm Bed and Breakfast Addo South Africa

Addo Elephant Paradise: De Old Drift's Unforgettable Stay

Addo Elephant Paradise: De Old Drift – My Wildly Honest Review (and Why You Need to Go!)

Okay, so I’m back. Back from Addo Elephant Paradise: De Old Drift. And honestly? My brain is still humming with the sounds of the bush, the smell of the evening bonfire, and… well, a slight lingering scent of sunscreen. (Guilty!) This place… it’s something. It's not just a hotel, folks. It’s an experience. And I’m about to spill the (slightly muddy) tea. Buckle up, because this review is going to be as real, raw, and rambling as a herd of elephants on the move.

(First, Let's Get the Boring Stuff Out of the Way (But with a Twist!))

Let’s talk about the stuff. The details. The things you think you care about before you actually get there.

Accessibility: Look, I didn’t personally need a wheelchair-accessible room, but from what I saw, they do cater. And that's a huge plus for the folks who need it. I’m talking ramps, I’m talking… I honestly just saw people moving around easily, and that speaks volumes.

Cleanliness and Safety: This is where De Old Drift absolutely shines. After the pandemic, I was a little weary of going anywhere, but this place? They've got this down pat. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff in masks. Daily disinfection, and I saw them wiping down everything! They even offered the option to opt-out of room sanitation. Which, honestly, I thought was a nice touch, offering a sense of control. Like, I could tell them, “Hey! I’ll do my best not to spread Covid everywhere, thanks!” (Though, let's be real, they probably still took precautions.) They also have a doctor/nurse on call, first aid kits, and even some seriously heavy-duty sanitizing equipment. I felt safe. Really safe.

Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (aka, My Happy Place!): Alright, let's dive into the food, because this is where things get really good. They have multiple restaurants, an AMAZING poolside bar (more on that later!), a coffee shop, and even a snack bar. The buffet breakfast? Forget about it. It was epic. From the classic bacon and eggs to a wonderfully varied selection of Asian dishes. (Yes, Asian! Who knew I'd be craving spring rolls in the middle of the South African bush?) The buffet in the restaurant for dinner… oh, the buffet! Lots of salads, a variety of entrees depending on the day, and a selection of deserts to send you straight to heaven. They also have a dedicated vegetarian restaurant. They have room service, and it's 24 hours. Bless them. And the poolside bar? I’m still dreaming of the cocktails. (Happy hour was a very happy hour indeed.) There were even little touches like essential condiments on tables, alternative meal arrangements for dietary needs - and believe me their menu is huge. You can get everything from Western to Asian cuisine, and let's not forget coffee, tea and snacks in the restaurants.

Services and Conveniences: They’ve got the usual suspects: Concierge, daily housekeeping (thank the heavens!), laundry service (because, bush!), and a gift shop. They also have a currency exchange (which came in handy, since I arrived in a panic and the ATM had decided to be uncooperative). They also have air conditioning in public areas, facilities for disabled guests, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, a terrace, and a business center with the whole shebang - the Xerox/fax.

For the Kids: They have family-friendly facilities including a babysitting service and kids menus.

Getting Around: Airport transfers are offered, and they have on-site parking.

(Now for the Good Stuff! The Real Experience)

Okay, friends, let's get to the juicy bits. The heart and soul of Addo Elephant Paradise.

The Rooms (or, My Little Jungle Sanctuary): My room? Oh, it was gorgeous. Think dark wood, plush fabrics, and those amazing blackout curtains. I slept! After days in the scorching sun, I was out like a light. They have air conditioning, which, in the South African heat, is a Godsend. The bathroom was spacious, with a separate shower and bathtub, and complimentary toiletries. They even have a scale! (Trust me, after the buffet, you want that scale!) And the best part? My own private terrace overlooking… well, the bush. The sounds of nighttime at De Old Drift, the sounds of the baboons in the early morning, and the distant call of the elephants at dawn. It was truly magical. They have rooms with a view!

Things to Do (or, How I Lost Track of Days and Loved Every Second): Okay, so there’s plenty to keep you busy. Forget your phone! The first day, my phone and laptop were dead - and it was the best day of the trip! They have a fitness center, which I visited exactly once (I’m on vacation, people!). They have a spa with body wraps, body scrubs, massages, and a steam room and sauna. And the pool? Oh, the pool.

The Pool with a View: My Personal Paradise

Forget the elephants. Forget the buffet. Forget the spa. For me, the absolute highlight of De Old Drift was the pool. And not just any pool, mind you. This pool had… a view. Picture this: sparkling blue water, perfectly positioned to catch the midday sun, and a panoramic vista of the African bush stretching out before you. I spent hours just floating, soaking up the sun, and watching wildlife wander past. (Seriously, I saw a giraffe!) The poolside bar was close by, serving up delicious cocktails and snacks. I'm not a person who usually lounges by the pool, but at Addo, I lost track of time, and I was perfectly fine. It was pure bliss. It was the perfect way to relax and soak up the sun.

(Quibbles and Quirks – Because Let's Be Real, Nothing's Perfect)

Okay, so no place is perfect. And, to be honest, there were a few minor hiccups. The Wi-Fi, while available and free in the rooms, could be a little spotty at times. They have a car park, and a pretty big one at that, but if you're looking for something super high-tech, maybe look at Tesla. But honestly, these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things.

(Final Verdict (And the Big Recommendation!)

Addo Elephant Paradise: De Old Drift is NOT just a hotel. It's an escape. It's a chance to reconnect with nature, to relax, to refuel, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

But Here's the Real Deal: Why YOU Should Book THIS…RIGHT NOW!

Forget generic hotel stays - this is a truly unique experience. You will be immersed in your surroundings, with a variety of ways to relax and enjoy your time. And they’ve taken every precaution to ensure your safety and well-being.

Here's my Unforgettable Offer: Come Explore, Relax and Enjoy!

• Book Now and Receive:

  • Daily Complimentary Breakfast. Wake to a fresh buffet, made special just for you.
  • 1 Special day of relaxation. Enjoy luxurious spa experience.

  Your Addo Elephant Paradise Adventure Awaits! Don’t miss out on the ultimate escape. Click the link below to book your unforgettable stay!

(Disclaimer: My opinion is my own. I was not paid to write this review (though I wouldn’t have minded!). My experience was a genuine, unfiltered reflection of my time at Addo Elephant Paradise.)

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De Old Drift Guest Farm Bed and Breakfast Addo South Africa

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is real life hitting De Old Drift, and trust me, things are about to get delightfully messy. We're talking Addo, South Africa, and a whole lotta me thrown in for good measure. Consider this less a schedule, more a… well, an adventure.

De Old Drift: Operation "Don't Die of Boredom"

Day 1: The Arrival. (And Praying for Internet)

• Morning (ish): Arrive at Port Elizabeth airport. Okay, smooth sailing… until the car rental counter. Let's just say I had a very strong opinion about that insurance. Lesson learned: next time, book EVERYTHING online. Saves the screaming match. Finally get the car - a surprisingly spiffy little number - and head towards De Old Drift. The drive is gorgeous, honestly. Rolling hills, the smell of… something good (I'm assuming it’s nature, I'm a city slicker, cut me some slack). The anticipation!

• Afternoon: Arrive at De Old Drift. Oh. My. God. Instantly, I'm feeling… zen. The place is stunning. That veranda? I'm calling dibs. Check-in is friendly, the owners seem lovely. They've got a dog. Score. Unpack. Seriously, it took me an hour, I don't know why I bring so much stuff when I'm only going for a few days. Crucial task: find the Wi-Fi password. Apparently, it's a bit of a struggle. Cue nervous twitch. Need to check emails. Need to post a selfie. Need to prove I'm not, in fact, living under a rock.

• Evening: The famous De Old Drift dinner. The aroma… heavenly! This isn't just a meal, it's an experience. Seriously, I couldn't place half of what I was eating, but I ate everything. The conversation was lovely, the other guests were nice, the wine… well, the wine flowed freely. Let's just say someone (me) might have accidentally spilled a little on the tablecloth. Oops. Back to the veranda, glass of wine, and the star-filled sky. I started feeling a little emotional. This is it. Freedom.

Day 2: Safari Shenanigans (And the Great Hippo-Spotting Debacle)

• Early Morning: The dawn. The birds. A sunrise that could make the most cynical person weep. Coffee on the veranda. Prepare for Safari day tour! I'm armed with my camera, my hat, and an unshakeable belief that I'd become the next David Attenborough.
• Morning: Safari park! The anticipation was electric. The guides are so knowledgeable, pointing out all sorts of wildlife. The animals! The elephants were graceful giants, the lions were regal (and, thankfully, a safe distance away), and the zebras… well, the zebras just looked fabulous. We saw everything and everyone was so amazed.
• Afternoon: Lunch. A delicious picnic. I think I ate an entire mountain of chicken. Then we come across a watering hole. The guides whisper, "Hippos." My heart rate spikes. I grip my camera, zoom lens ready. And then… nothing. We see a blurry shape, a distant ripple. "Did you see it?" I ask my fellow safari-goers. "Not really," one laughed. I might have over-exaggerated my hippo sighting in the retelling.
• Evening: Back to De Old Drift. Relaxed on the veranda. The wine. The stars. The deep breaths. I felt truly happy. We have dinner again, and I am completely stuffed myself. The conversation was lovely, and I talked with a couple of the other visitors about their safari experiences. Back to the veranda to enjoy a nice cigar, and I'm thinking about how I will feel when I get back home.

Day 3: The Elephant Whisperer (And My Near-Death Coffee Incident)

• Morning: Coffee on the veranda. This time, no spills! Or so I thought. I was mid-sip, admiring the sunrise, when… disaster. A rogue bird swooped down, knocked my cup, and splattered coffee everywhere. On my face. In my hair. On my pristine white shirt. I swear, it was a personal vendetta.
• Morning: Elephant Back Safari. I'm not going to lie, there was a slight moment of sheer terror as I climbed onto the magnificent creature's back. But once we were moving, it was incredible! The feeling of being so high up, the sway of the elephant… I felt connected to something bigger than myself. We saw elephants, well, up close! The guides were brilliant, sharing stories about their history and personalities. It was moving, and I almost shed a tear. Then I nearly fell off because the elephant turned around to eat something!
• Afternoon: Relaxation time. Swim in the pool. Bask in the sun. Read a book. Attempt to catch up on work (spoiler alert: didn't happen).
• Evening: The last dinner at De Old Drift. Bittersweet. I had spent so much time with the staff, I was beginning to feel like them! It's going to be hard to say goodbye. We do, of course, have another amazing meal. And, of course, lots of wine. More memories made, more stories shared. I will miss it!

Day 4: Departure (And the Secret of the Perfect Breakfast)

• Morning: The best breakfast of the entire trip! I asked the chef to tell me the secret to his amazing breakfast. To my surprise, he answered, "Fresh love and care."
• Morning: Say my goodbyes. I'm going to miss this place. I pack my bags. I get in the car and try not to cry.
• Afternoon: Drive back to Port Elizabeth. One last look at the scenery. One last deep breath of African air.
• Evening: Departure.

Final Thoughts:

De Old Drift. It was a trip. It was imperfect. It was messy. And it was, without a doubt, one of the best things I’ve ever done. I highly recommend it, but be warned: you might return home a changed person… and possibly a little bit tipsy. And definitely, with a story or two to tell. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a safari album to start.

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De Old Drift Guest Farm Bed and Breakfast Addo South AfricaOkay, buckle up. We're diving into Addo Elephant Paradise at De Old Drift. Prepare for a rollercoaster. This isn't your polished brochure, this is *me*, after a few (too many?) sundowners, spilling the truth.

Addo Elephant Paradise: De Old Drift - The Real Deal (Maybe)

1. So, *why* De Old Drift? Why Addo Elephant Paradise over, you know, *anywhere else in the Eastern Cape*? Seriously, what's the hype?

Okay, alright, breathe. Let's start with the *promise*. The promise is elephants, right? Up close and personal. Massive, majestic, trunk-waving giants. And De Old Drift? They *deliver* on that. (Mostly.) They’re actually IN the Addo Elephant National Park, so you're not just peering at distant grey shadows. You’re practically breathing the same air as them. It's that proximity, combined with that old-world charm, that initially hooks you. Look, I'll be honest, I was swayed by the photos. That colonial-era vibe, the swimming pool, the promise of a *real* experience. But the hype is… it’s like any other South African experience, a mix of brilliance and… stuff. We'll get to the "stuff" later. Trust me, your wallet needs to be prepared.

2. The rooms? Are they actually as charming as they look online, or is it all airbrushed and "rustic-chic" bull?

Alright, the rooms… This is where things get a little… *complicated*. Yes, they *are* charming. Old wooden floors, four-poster beds, a general feeling of faded elegance. But… and there's always a "but," isn't there?… this "faded elegance" might also mean a few things aren't *perfectly* modern. Think: the water pressure sometimes gets a bit… adventurous. One time, the shower went from freezing to scalding faster than I could say "Ouch!" Then, the lights were dim. Which is romantic. But also… makes it hard to read at night, and I ALWAYS need a good book. Okay, maybe I’m being nitpicky. They *are* comfortable, and the views from some of the rooms are INSANE. Just… manage your expectations. It's not a five-star city hotel. It's a gorgeous bit of old-school South African hospitality. With a few quirks.

3. Okay, elephants. Spill the tea. How frequently are these majestic beings *actually* seen? And how close? Don’t lie to me, I’ll know.

Alright. The elephants. The whole reason you're going. Okay, here's the deal. You're *in* the park. They. Are. There. Frequently? Yes, *usually*. Close? Sometimes… *very* close. We’re talking twenty feet kind of close. I remember this one time… We were having breakfast on the veranda (gorgeous, by the way) and this massive bull, like, practically strutted past. I could hear him chomping on leaves! I swear, his tusks were as long as my arm. My first reaction? Pure, unadulterated *awe*. Then, a bit of "Oh crap, should we move?" But honestly, it was incredible. So, yes, you *will* see elephants. Guarantee? No. But your odds are ridiculously good. Also, don't be stupid. Respect their space. They’re huge. And they *can* get grumpy.

4. The food. Must-knows? Is it a buffet bonanza, or something a little more… *refined*? Dish recommendations? And that breakfast, is it all it's cracked up to be?

The food… Okay, I'll be honest. It's not Michelin-star level. But it's *good*. It's hearty. It's… you're in the bush, so it’s a bit on the simple side. Breakfast? Definitely the highlight. Think fresh fruit, creamy yogurt (which, side note, I *dream* about), and a full English breakfast. And, if you're lucky they will have the biltong, because oh my goodness. They offer a good range of food, and if you ask in advance, they can accommodate allergies. Dinner is often a three-course affair, and they make a really good effort to accommodate the different diets and dietary needs. It is not bland, but it also won't blow you away. Think about your expectations, be prepared.

5. Activities! What's on offer? Game drives, guided walks? What should you *absolutely* do, and what can you skip?

Game drives are a must, obviously. That’s what you came here for! Do the morning and late afternoon drives, when the wildlife is most active. The guides are knowledgeable, and you'll learn a lot. Guided walks? They're *okay*. Pretty cool to feel like you're actually *in* the bush and learn how to do all the things from the big walks. In my opinion, they're a bit… slow paced. But for beginners, it is a great starting point. Skip the sunset bar, or if you're going, just go there yourself. Unless you have time to kill and really want to make friends.

6. What if I just want to chill? Is there like, a pool, a bar, somewhere to just zone out and enjoy the view?

Oh, yes, my friend. There *is* a pool. And it's lovely. Especially after a hot, dusty game drive. The bar is… well, it's a bar. It has drinks! And, honestly, sometimes the best part of the whole experience is just sitting on the veranda with a gin and tonic (or three), watching the sun set, and listening to the sounds of the bush. Pure bliss. And yeah, plenty of space to just chill out. Read a book, stare at the sky, whatever floats your boat.

7. Customer Service. Any horror stories? Or generally helpful, laid-back South African friendliness?

Generally, the staff are lovely. Laid-back South African friendliness. They will help you while you are there. Sometimes a bit… *relaxed* (translation: slow) with things, but always with a smile. I had one minor issue with a missing bag, and it got sorted out eventually. It was resolved, so no major complaints. Definitely not the slickest, most efficient service you will ever encounter, but it’s genuine, and they try. Just remember to be patient, and embrace the "Africa time" mentality. And tip generously, these people deserve it.

8. The "De Old Drift Experience" - Would you do it again? Is it worth the money? Don't sugarcoat it!

Okay, here's the brutally honest truth. Yes, I would go again. (And yes, I’m already planning my return.) Is it worth the money? That'sComfy Hotel Finder

De Old Drift Guest Farm Bed and Breakfast Addo South Africa

De Old Drift Guest Farm Bed and Breakfast Addo South Africa

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