Addo Elephant National Park
Home to over 600 elephants and other wildlife, Addo offers a unique opportunity for close encounters.
Overview
Things to Do
Safari Drives: Enjoy guided game drives through the park to spot a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and buffalo.
Self-Drive Safaris: Explore the park at your own pace on the network of self-drive routes, offering the chance to see wildlife up close.
Hiking Trails: Discover the park’s natural beauty on foot with a range of hiking trails, varying in length and difficulty.
Bird Watching: With over 400 bird species, Addo Elephant National Park is a paradise for bird watchers.
Picnicking: Relax and enjoy a picnic at one of the designated spots within the park, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Guided Walks: Join a guided walk with experienced guides to learn about the park’s flora and fauna up close.
What to See
Elephants: As the park’s name suggests, elephants are a major highlight, and you can observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Big Five: Along with elephants, the park is home to lions, leopards, buffalos, and rhinos, offering the chance to see all of Africa’s Big Five.
Zebra and Antelope: Spot a variety of antelope species, including kudu, eland, and red hartebeest, as well as zebra.
Birdlife: Explore the park’s rich birdlife, with species ranging from the iconic African fish eagle to the colorful lilac-breasted roller.
Scenic Lookouts: Take in breathtaking views from scenic lookouts, offering panoramic vistas of the park’s diverse landscapes.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Addo Elephant National Park is during the dry winter months from May to September when wildlife congregates around waterholes, making them easier to spot.
Getting there
By Road: The park is accessible by car from Port Elizabeth, which is approximately a 45-minute drive away.
By Air; The closest airport is Port Elizabeth Airport, from where you can rent a car or arrange a transfer to the park.
Where to Stay
Mid-Range Accommodation
Addo African HomeÂ
Situated near Addo Elephant National Park, Addo African Home offers mid-range accommodations with views of the surrounding countryside. The lodge features comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and a swimming pool.
Addo Bush Palace Private ReserveÂ
Located close to the park, Addo Bush Palace Private Reserve offers mid-range accommodations in a tranquil setting. The lodge features cozy rooms, a restaurant serving African dishes, and guided game drives.
Addo Dung Beetle Guest FarmÂ
Nestled in the countryside near Addo Elephant National Park, Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm offers mid-range accommodations with views of the surrounding hills. The guest farm features comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving homemade meals, and a garden area.
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Luxury Accommodation
Gorah Elephant CampÂ
Located within Addo Elephant National Park, Gorah Elephant Camp offers luxury tented accommodations with views of the surrounding savannah. The camp features elegant tents, a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine, and guided game drives.
Kuzuko LodgeÂ
Situated in a private concession within Addo Elephant National Park, Kuzuko Lodge offers luxurious accommodations with panoramic views of the Karoo Plains. The lodge features spacious rooms, a restaurant serving South African cuisine, and a swimming pool.
Camp FigtreeÂ
Perched on the edge of the Zuurberg Mountains, Camp Figtree offers luxurious accommodations with sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. The lodge features elegant rooms, a restaurant serving gourmet meals, and a spa offering a range of treatments.
Other Attractions in South Africa
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Augrabies Falls National Park
Garden Route National Park
Kruger National Park
Karoo National Park
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
West Coast National Park
Mapungubwe National Park
Table Mountain National Park
Drakensberg Mountains
General Knowledge Base
General information about Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa.
Addo Elephant National Park is located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, near the town of Addo and about 72 kilometers (45 miles) north of Port Elizabeth.
Addo Elephant National Park is known for its large population of elephants and is dedicated to the conservation of these magnificent animals.
What wildlife can be found in Addo Elephant National Park?
While the park is primarily known for its wildlife, there are also historical sites within the park, including old forts and stone-walled settlements.
Yes, the park is home to over 600 elephants, making it one of the densest elephant populations in Africa.
The park is actively involved in conservation efforts to protect its wildlife and habitat, including anti-poaching patrols and community development programs.
Yes, the park offers a range of accommodation options, including campsites, self-catering cottages, and luxury lodges, allowing visitors to experience the park’s beauty and wildlife at all times of the day.
The park can be visited year-round, but the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season from May to September when animals gather around water sources.
