Get up close to graceful African elephants and other members of South Africa’s “big five” at the Addo Elephant National Park. Explore hiking trails, join kayaking trips and enjoy breathtaking scenery. This huge national park spreads from South Africa’s semi-desert Karoo region, across the Zuurberg Mountains and through the Sundays River. It is home to almost 600 African elephants, which is one of the biggest densities in the world.
There are many ways to the explore park, including self-drives, four-wheel drive safaris, hikes and horseback rides. In addition to elephants, you can spot buffalo, lion, rhino, buck, leopard and zebra. Keep your eyes open for 450 different bird species and the flightless dung beetle.
Rent a car and enjoy a self-drive tour. Follow marked routes to waterholes, where herds of elephants come to bathe and drink water. Get within touching distance of the animals in the underground viewing area at Addo Main Camp. Hop-on guides are available for hire to accompany you on your drive and can provide insightful information.
Join a guided four-wheel drive safari and relax as an experienced guide takes you to viewpoints, reveals the local wildlife and explains the park’s history. Choose between sunrise, sunset, night and full day safaris. For a more active visit, explore hiking trails such as the Zuurberg Mountain Trails and the 2-day Alexandria Hiking Trail. Try birdwatching as you ride on horseback through the picturesque landscapes or embark on a kayak tour along the Sundays River.
Stay overnight at the park’s rest camps, which have camping grounds, guesthouses and luxury lodges. Listen to the roar of lions and cackle of hyenas at night before waking up to the sweet sound of birdsong.
Addo Elephant National Park is about a 90-minute drive from Port Elizabeth. Numerous organized tours operate from the nearby village of Addo. The park is open daily. Check the park’s official website for self-drive tour opening times. Road maps are available at Addo Main Gate and Matyholweni Gate. Picnic and barbecue areas, changing facilities, shops and restaurants are open to all visitors.
