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No JJ, I was blessed by two daughters one at NMMU and the other in Grade 12. Both were Junior HR's and intend becoming HR's again once the studies come to a end.
I am glad that the visitors start using the area, even if they play cricket. Most of my friends and people that I spoke to are not keen to sit and relax.

I am still finding my way around this site, but while searching ADDO Lions I found the posts of MarilizeB and she said the lions were in the new picnic site. Is it still posible for the lions to get in there or did I misunderstood her? I am going to ADDO end September and is looking forward to a braai in the new picnic site, but know I am a bit worried?

AntonA,the picnic site is about 800m from the Spekboom hide and is fenced in and free of cats of the of the biting kind.Lions are often seen in that area,especially at the waterhole at Spekboom.

Hi AntonA,

The picnic site is situated in the botanical reserve which is fenced, but not with electrified fencing. Therefore smaller herbivores and animals such as lions, hyena and leopard can get into and out of the enclosure by climbing through the fence.

The gate through which you drive to get to the picnic site has an electrified grid to prevent elephants, rhino, buffalo etc. getting into the botanical reserve.

There are warning signs in the picnic area stating that you need to be aware of your surroundings so that you can spot any approaching animals. There is also an attendant on duty who needs to keep an eye out for predators. It has happened on occasion that lions have come into the picnic site when visitors are there but it is not an everyday occurence.

If you are uncomfortable with this situation, you could always picnic/braai at the site in Addo main camp next to the waterhole lookout point.

Many thanks! I have an 5 year old some and was just a little bit worried.

The new picnic spot is lovely, but I would keep my 5 year old very close to me! Megan, do you think it is the smell of the food that brings them in, or just curiosity or coincidence? Did they used to go into the botanical reserve before the picnic spot was built?

Probably a stupid question, but would they recognise the smell of cooking meat? After all, they wouldn't usually braai their kudu, would they?

True.

Your holiday is so close, you would probably be able to smell it.

Have fun and be safe!

Thanks, Anton.

After planning it for a year it doesn't seem possible it's almost here. Getting SO excited!

First person to post pictures of the lions inside the picnic spot will be super hero for the day.

Last time I was in Addo the ranger on duty at the picnic spot was sitting inside the "shop" building next to the toilets, when I asked him why he said its not safe outside..

I thought he was joking lol.. haha

I don't think it is anything to do with cooking meat or raw meat or food. The lions did move in and out of the botanical reserve before the picnic site was built and one of the lionesses had her cubs there. Bear in mind the botanical reserve is quite large (about 500 ha) and the picnic site covers only a small area of this.

Thanks, Megan - I thought that was probably the case - so they are not competing for our food!

Dear AntonA

I did not see the lions in the picnic spot. The guy on duty was very scared of them. The lions were outside the picnic spot. ( and I have heard that they can get it. ) Remember: Lions are naturally scared of people.

Every time we go to Addo, we have a braai at the new picnic spot ! No problems. We are just aware of everything.

If you do not go in there, you will regret it. The bathrooms are so clean and everything are just wonderful. It really is a must visit !

Enjoy your stay and I hope you and your family will enjoy it !

guys and girls... next time you hear of the lions in or near the picnic spot, gimme a ring. i am 3 hours away and i WANT to braai woth the lions!

Haupie

I will be there the morning of 14 September and then again on the 16th and 17th of September and promise to shout as loud as I can for you to come running, it will be free of charge as SANPARK is having an open week that week I read this morning so I am just hoping there will not be too many with the same plans.