Even the most creative travel agent is not going to bring "Shamwari's" prices to acceptable levels. As a middle-income kind of earner here in SA I have a problem with these Hollywood/Disney style of game farms offering an "Out of Africa" experience. They are so absolutely out-of-touch with the citizens of SA it's not funny. I can stay in Paris for R800pppn, in London for R500pppn, in the Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone for R500pppn . . . yet a game farm around the corner from my home asks R5000pppn. We have a lot to offer travellers and photographers here in SA, but overcharging in the tourism industry is resulting in us being seen as a once-off destination, i.e. you come, you see, you wince at the price, and you don't come back.
But on a more positive note . . . yes, Addo Elephant Park is an excellent destination. I've visited it on a number of occasions and have not experienced crowding, but we stay off the main routes, park our car, switch off the engine, and wait. We've had elephants browsing so close to us (with their babies) that we could not see out the rear window! . . . and then of course there's also the buffalo, rhino, kudu, and lion, etc.
Michael . . . where did you stay whilst in Cape Town?
