Addo Elephant National Park Travel Guide

  Holding an African bullfrog is an...
by CatherineReichardt
 
  • Holding an African bullfrog is an acquired taste!
      Holding an African bullfrog is an...
    by CatherineReichardt
  • Eagle owl
      Eagle owl
    by CatherineReichardt
  • Elephant rather too close for comfort!
      Elephant rather too close for comfort!
    by CatherineReichardt
  • The dung beetles are the real stars of Addo!
      The dung beetles are the real stars of...
    by CatherineReichardt
  • Elephants, elephants everywhere you look
      Elephants, elephants everywhere you look
    by CatherineReichardt
 

Pro

Jenniflower profile photo

  Lots to see and do ~ animals easily accessible 


Con

Travelchili profile photo

  Didn't find any! 


In a nutshell

Myndo profile photo

  a very nice Park 

 

Explore Addo Elephant National Park

Things to Do  

Lots of elephant, but somewhat underwhelming

Lots of elephant, but somewhat underwhelming, Addo Elephant National Park

 CatherineReichardt Says:  We love game viewing and national parks, but I am sad to confess that Addo left us underwhelmed.We saw huge numbers of elephant - which are certainly the main attraction - and were 'marooned' when a group of about 40 appeared from the dense bushes on the side of the road,... 

Go into raptures at the Raptor and Reptile Centre

Go into raptures at the Raptor and Reptile Centre, Addo Elephant National Park

 CatherineReichardt Says:  This is a good educational centre close to the Addo entrance, which is small but worth a couple of hours.The centre concentrates on reptiles and raptors (formerly known as birds of prey): most of the animals have either been brought in injured or confiscated from... 

Addo Water Holes , A Great Place to Photo Elephant

Addo Water Holes , A Great Place to Photo Elephant, Addo Elephant National Park

 Waxbag Says:  Here at Addo in the Eastern Cape you can find plenty of opportunities to photograph Elephants up close. The elephants here are quite laid back and aren't too bothered by vehicles like some are in Kruger. There are plenty of baby elephants to watch. The one I photographed on... 

ELEPHANTS FOOTPRINTS LODGE

ELEPHANTS FOOTPRINTS LODGE, Addo Elephant National Park

 PEE-WEE Says:  The Addo Elephant park is a diverse and an exciting adventure of wildlife and nature, as never experienced before. The Eastern Cape of South Africa is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world. It is host to the Addo and many other private game reserves.... 

Look Ma, I can do it by myself

Look Ma, I can do it by myself, Addo Elephant National Park

 mvtouring Says:  There were a number of little one's in the park and this little one did not even look like it was steady on its feet yet. Amazing how the big one's were keeping an eye on it and helping when it could not get out again. 

The lovely view

The lovely view, Addo Elephant National Park

 mvtouring Says:  As far as your eyes can wander, you see the Addo park. They have added some great area's to the park which runs right down to the coast. That is why they can offer the great 7. Lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard, shark and whale. 

Buffalo

Buffalo, Addo Elephant National Park

 mvtouring Says:  There are not that many buffalo in the park, so we were extremely lucky to have spotted these two. Unfortunately they were a bit camera shy and did not want to turn around so that I could take them from the front. Be careful, they are dangerous animals and will storm your... 

Flora

Flora, Addo Elephant National Park

 PierreZA Says:  There is a massive diversity of vegetation in the Park. You will see many aloes, which is very well known in the Eastern Cape. If you go towards Zuurberg, you might come across cycads and other interesting species.Many different biomes are represented in the Park. 

Hiking, horseback safaris etc

Hiking, horseback safaris etc, Addo Elephant National Park

 PierreZA Says:  Although I did not have the chance to do these yet, it sounds great. The following is available: Guided game drives Guided horse-back safaris Walking and hiking tours 4 x 4 Eco-adventure trailFor more info – see website:www.places.co.za/html/344.html 

Other Animals

Other Animals, Addo Elephant National Park

 PierreZA Says:  The Park now has lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino, which is known as the Big Five. There are many different antelope and also zebra.Within a few hours, you will be able to spot many of these animals. 

Transportation  

Directions

Directions, Addo Elephant National Park

 nora_south_africa Says:  How to get thereDirections from Port Elizabeth (PE): Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown. Take the turnoff to the left signposted “Motherwell” and “Addo Elephant National Park”. Turn left at the top of the off-ramp and proceed through Motherwell. Follow this road until... 

Self-driving in Addo

Self-driving in Addo, Addo Elephant National Park

 Jenniflower Says:  You need to have your own car here. Walking is naturally prohibited in most areas of the park, and you wont get to see much sans a vehicle.They do have tours (we did a guided night tour), but you really do need your own vehicle to get around and to view the animals properly.... 

Shopping  

Curio Shop: Shopping

Curio Shop: Shopping, Addo Elephant National Park

 PierreZA Says:  There is a curio shop, which sells lots of African souvenirs, and also T-shirts of the Park etc etc. You will also be able to buy essential items here (cold drinks, some fresh produce etc)It is one of the better curio shops I’ve seen at a National Park in SA. Curios and... 

Warnings Or Dangers  

No off road driving allowed in game reserves

No off road driving allowed in game reserves, Addo Elephant National Park

 CatherineReichardt Says:  (work in progress)Vistors are not allowed to drive off road is allowed in any of South Africa's national or provincial game reserves. In private reserves, game rangers may take vehicles off road - for example, to view animal kills - but this is the exception rather than the... 

Dangerous Animals

Dangerous Animals, Addo Elephant National Park

 Kurtdhis Says:  Although most wildlife look and seem placid, they are still WILD animals.Therefore it is advisable to stay in your vehicle while travelling through Addo Elephant Park. To enjoy the natural beauty and the thrill of being up close and personal with these animals, it is... 

It is wild animals

It is wild animals, Addo Elephant National Park

 PierreZA Says:  Do remember that these animals are not tame, although they might be use to vehicles. Elephants are very protective about their young, so be a bit more carefull if there are youngsters in a group crossing etc.Only get out of your vehicle at designated areas! 

What to Pack  

What to pack

What to pack, Addo Elephant National Park

 PierreZA Says:   It gets very hot during the summer months (November - February), so do pack shorts, light cotton shirts etc. Addo is a malaria -FREE zone, but there are mosquitoes, although they will not call illness, they can be irritating. So bring some insect repellent.Sunscreen A... 

Prpare for the heat and the chill of the night!

Prpare for the heat and the chill of the night!, Addo Elephant National Park

 Jenniflower Says:  Luggage with wheels is always a good idea, wherever you are travelling. If you are doing a night hike, bring a backpack and a water bottle. Some ideas: Light coloured clothing that doesnt absorb the sun as much as dark clothing. If you're going on safari, pack comfortable... 

Favorites  

Buy a Wildcard

Buy a Wildcard, Addo Elephant National Park

 nora_south_africa Says:  WILD members will get benefits when presenting their card at more than 2000 Infinity partners countrywide, entitling them to cash back rewards for holidays, accommodation, tours, attractions, airlines, car hire, shopping, leisure and entertainment. Members will be... 

Where are the animals?

Where are the animals?, Addo Elephant National Park

 PierreZA Says:  At the main reception area, you will find a map of the Park, where sightings are shown for each day. Although it is not a guarantee that you would find them in exactly the same spot, it does help. It is the same as you would find in other parks like the Kruger National Park. 

The Place

Plan a Addo Elephant National Park vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Addo Elephant National Park locals

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The People

 
Our Members Say
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 The roads in the rest camp are tarred, but the roads in the park are sand and gravel. We have been to quite a few game parks, and we found some of the roads... 

 

Questions and Answers

Sunshine64 profile photo

Q:  We are taking a day trip to Addo. The park offers 3 elephant back safaris each day, but we likely wouldn't get there in time for... 

lynnehamman profile photo

A: When we visited Addo Elephant Park some years ago- the afternoons were always lovely. Its cooler, animals come out to drink, and the birdlife is more lively. I don't... 

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Top Addo Elephant National Park Writers

1

Addo Elephant National Park

Travelchili profile photo

 ********************************************************************************************************************************************* When the Addo Elephant National Park was established in... 

2

Addo Elephant Park

mvtouring profile photo

 I often wonder, why do we not visit places that is right on our doorstep? 20 years ago I used to live in Port Elizabeth, but do you think that I ever visited this lovely park? No, because there is... 

3

Addo Elephant Park

PierreZA profile photo

 The Addo Elephant Park is one of the National Parks of South Africa. It was initially proclaimed in 1913 to secure the survival of the elephants of this area. These elephants are a bit smaller than...... 

4

Addo Elephant Park

nora_south_africa profile photo

 There are more than 450 elephants in this park...The park lies 75 km to the north of Port Elizabeth and is open throughout the year. The park is Situated in a malaria free area. The park's... 

5

How many Elephants do you want to see?

Myndo profile photo

 If you have not seen enough Elephants, or if these grey Giants interest you, this is the place to go. Addo Elephant Park has over 300 Elephants. Number growing. Also it has Rhinoceros, Antelopes,...... 

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