Addo Elephant National Park Overview
Addo Elephant National Park Flora and Fauna
The Addo Elephant National Park consists of five of the nine biomes of South Africa, like Albany Thicket in the authentic Addo section, Forest in the Woody Cape area and Zuurberg section, Fynbos in the Zuurberg section, Indian Ocean Coastal Belt along the coastline, and Nama Karoo in the Darlington section. Having a growth of 3.6 meters, the usual forest canopy on the slopes and in the ravines is the fundamental attraction of the park. You will also find massive grasslands in the park and the predominant Spekboom, which is the food source for the elephants of the Addo Elephant National Park. Besides this, you will also find plant species, like Guarri, Fuchsia, Sneezewood, succulents, trees, and different kinds of shrubs.
Must Read: Places to Visit in South Africa
Stretching across an area of 180000 hectares, the Addo Elephant National Park is the third largest national park in South Africa that houses three times the number of elephants found in any other area of Africa. The park is also regarded as one of the unique national parks due to its marine section as it consists of the Big 7, including leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, lion, great white shark, and the southern right whale. Apart from the 600 elephants, the national park also provides shelter to the black rhino, buffalo, lion, eland, spotted hyenas, red hartebeest, and Burchell’s zebra. You will also find a vast variety of antelope species in the park, such as Bushbuck and Kudu, and nocturnal animals, like aardvark, jackal, mongoose, porcupine, bushpig, and caracal.
Also Read: Things to Do in South Africa
Things to Do at Addo Elephant National Park
Going on a game drive is one of the best activities to do in Addo Elephant National Park which gives you an adrenaline boost. There are several kinds of game drive options available for visitors to choose from so they can have the best time of their life and cherish the experience forever. You can either indulge in guided game drives or participate in the hop-on guides in the vehicle type of your choice. The visitors can also enjoy wildlife viewing in their own vehicles through a self-drive game viewing experience in the Addo Elephant National Park.
- Timings: 6 am to 7 pm (summer), 7 am to 6 pm (winter)
- Price: USD 23.91- USD 25
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If you are fond of off-road adventure, you can participate in the thrilling walk on the 4x4 trails from the north of Kirkwood in the Kabouga area through the Darlington Lake. This trail allows you to encounter a variety of wildlife and four different biomes in around six hours. From riverine thinkets to fynbos and Afromontane forests on the peak, the trail will let you cross different kinds of vegetation types in the Darlington area.
- Price: USD 34.08- USD 40
Addo Elephant National Park offers several hiking trails that give a chance to the visitors to go on a hiking expedition with their friends and family. You can choose any of the hiking trails among Alexandria Hiking Trail, Zuurberg Hiking Trails, or PPC Discovery Trail to indulge in the hiking experience in the natural African forest. It is advisable to plan your hiking itinerary on a traditional Sunday Carvery at Zuurberg Mountain Village to enjoy the gourmet experience.
Timings: 7 am to 8 pm
Price: USD 9.35- USD 10
Since Addo Elephant National Park provides shelter to the ‘Big 7’, you can indulge in Marine Eco Sports with your friends and family on your visit to the national park. This tour allows you to witness the great white shark and/or southern right whale. You can click pictures of these marine creatures and cherish the encounter for a lifetime.
The Addo Indlove Spa offers visitors a chance to enjoy the private outdoor massage experience in their gazebo near the Reception at the Main Camp in the Addo Elephant National Park. From foot massages and pedicures to back, shoulder, head, and neck massages, this spa provides innumerable services to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul while relishing the rustic vibe of the national park.
- Location: Eastern Cape, Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa.
Lodges and Camps in Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Rest Camp is one of the renowned fundamental rest camps of the Addo Elephant National Park that provides a vast array of stay options to suit the tastes and preferences of the visitors. These camps also allow you to indulge in different kinds of activities which allow you to enjoy your stay. The highlight of these camps is the waterhole-looking point from where you can see the animals, particularly elephants, who come here to quench their thirst.
- Location: Addo, South Africa.
- Amenities: Communal kitchen, communal ablutions, two single beds, barbecue facilities, fan and heater, and fridge
- Price: Starting from USD 23.72
Also Checkout: Addo Elephant National Park Lodges
Located at the foundation of the magical Zuurberg Mountain range, Nyathi Rest Camp is the latest and exclusive addition to the accommodations of the Addo Elephant National Park. Each unit of the Nyathi Rest Camp has been constructed on stilts that provide awestruck views of the lounges, bedrooms, and even a few bathrooms due to the wide-open glass panels.
- Location: Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa.
- Amenities: Two single beds, en-suite bathroom, well-equipped open-plan kitchenette, barbecue facilities, free parking, and a swimming pool.
- Price: Starting from USD 130.86 per night
Must Checkout: South Africa Safari Lodges
The Spekboom Tented Rest Camp in the Addo Elephant National Park allows visitors to spend a night in the center of the bush while enjoying the melodious tunes of the wilderness of the national park. Through this accommodation, you can even catch a view of the nocturnal animals drinking at a nearby waterhole.
Location: South Africa
Amenities: Two single beds, two extra blankets, an electric lamp, a fully-equipped kitchen, a braai and barbecue with basic grill and tongs, and solar-powered lighting.
Price: Starting from USD 68.79 per night
Nestled in the coastal village of Colchester at the Sundays River Mouth, Matyholweni Rest Camp is a type of accommodation in the bush in the Addo Elephant National Park. This stay option is easily accessible and offers a second getaway into the national park. It also offers different kinds of amenities, like shops, banks, restaurants, and a fuel station in the nearby station.
Location: Kirkwood, South Africa.
Amenities: Shops, restaurants, fuel station, kitchenette, flat-screen TV, ATMs, refrigerator, free WiFi.
Price: Starting from USD 110.79 per night
Addo Elephant National Park Tour Packages
The Full Day Addo Elephant Park Big 5 Safari is a wonderful experience of exploring the Addo Elephant National Park and witnessing a captivating range of marine and land animals of South Africa. It is a rare and unique wildlife adventure that includes relishing the experience of watching large dolphin pods, sharks, whales, seals, and a massive penguin colony.
Inclusions:
- Transportation to and from Port Elizabeth
- Boat trip
- Entrance or conservation fee of the park
- Bottled water
- Light lunch and drink at a park’s restaurant
Price: USD 148.36- USD 160
Through the Full Day Addo Elephant Park Big 7 Safari, you will explore the entire Addo Elephant National Park and Algoa Bay to watch the marine animals. You can also enjoy wildlife adventures through which you can catch the marine beauty of whales, sharks, seals, large dolphin pods, and a giant penguin colony. Moving further, you can spot some humpback whales and southern right whales in whale watching season.
Inclusions:
- Transportation to and from your hotel
- Boat trip
- Entrance or conservation fee of the park
- Bottled water
- Light lunch and drink at a park’s restaurant
Price: USD 234.41- USD 250
The 2 Day Addo Elephant Park Safari is a pocket-friendly and hassle-free way to admire the beauty of African wildlife in the Addo Elephant National Park. A professional guide will take you to the park to see the Big 5, including other animals, like elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalos, zebras, hyenas, and jackals, in a customized safari vehicle. You will also explore the flora and fauna of the park while spending your night in the Addo camps.
Inclusions:
- Transport and fuel
- Professional guide
- Addo entrance or conservation fees
- Levy fees
- Stay in Addo Park
- Meals
- Bottled water
- Price: USD 672.03- USD 700
If you are looking for an affordable safari experience, you can take the 3 Day Addo Elephant Park Safari for wildlife viewing in the unique and enchanting Addo game park. It is one of the remarkable ways to see elephants in South Africa, along with the habitats of the other Big 5 animals, birds, and all kinds of other wildlife across five different biomes. A professional guide will ensure that you get the most out of your safari in a customized game-viewing vehicle.
Inclusions:
- Transport and fuel
- Professional guide
- Addo entrance or conservation fees
- Levy fees
- Stay in Addo Park
- Meals
- Bottled water
Price: USD 1188.23- USD 1200
The 4 Day Addo Elephant Park Safari gives you an extra day to explore and indulge in the activities in the Addo Elephant National Park. This tour allows you to roam around in the park to catch a glimpse of the beautiful animals and plants at your own pace. You can see elephants, zebras, lions, buffaloes, hyenas, and black rhinos on your visit to the national park.
Inclusions:
- Rental vehicle
- Park fees
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Activities
- Transportation
Price: USD 495.68- USD 510
5 Day Addo Park and Amakhala Big 5 Safari is a value-for-money wildlife adventure in the Addo Elephant National Park and Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. In this tour, a professional guide will take you on extensive game drives in the national parks of South Africa. You will also pay a visit to the Amakhala Game Reserve in an open-sided 4x4 safari vehicle to spend some time in an intimate tented camp. It is indeed an unforgettable experience of experiencing wilderness through the Big 5 and all kinds of other wildlife animals and birds.
Inclusions:
- Safari transport and fuel
- Game drives
- Accommodation in Addo and Amakhala
- National park and game reserve entry fees
- Meals
- Conservation levy fees
- Selected house beverages at Amakhala
- Bottled water
Price: USD 1900.56- USD 2000
Plan Your Visit to Addo Elephant National Park
1. How to Reach
By Air- The closest airport to the Addo Elephant National Park is Port Elizabeth. On the contrary, you can take flights from anywhere in the country to Cape Town or Johannesburg and then to Port Elizabeth. After reaching this domestic airport, you can book a car or a cab to the Addo Elephant National Park.
By Road- Buses are very well-connected to the different areas of South Africa to Addo Elephant National Park. You can even book a 4x4 car or a high-clearance vehicle to reach the Narina Bush Camp in Addo Elephant National Park.
2. Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Addo Elephant National Park is between May and September, i.e., during the dry winter winters when the elephants and other animals flock to the man-made waterholes in large numbers to quench their thirst. This way, you can catch a glimpse of these beautiful wildlife creatures during the arid and semi-arid climate.
Camera
Hat
Sunscreen
Long-sleeved tops
Lightweight trousers
Insect repellents
Binoculars
Comfortable shoes with a good grip
Torch or headlight
Do not take your pets to the Addo Elephant National Park.
Carry insect-repellent cream if you are looking forward to camping in the Addo Elephant National Park, especially during the summer season.
Bring your cameras, binoculars, wildlife reference books, and walking shoes with a good grip to go hiking with your friends and family.
Take a torch or a headlight when walking outside the camps at night as there is limited outdoor lighting in camps.
FAQ's of Addo Elephant National Park
What activities can we do at Addo Elephant National Park camps?
Participate in game drives
Walk on the 4x4 trails of the park
Enjoy the bird-watching experience
Take the Marine Eco Tours
Go hiking or strolling on the walking trails
Underground hide
Waterhole view point
How many days do you need in Addo Elephant National Park?
A minimum of two to three days are enough to explore the entire park and indulge in different activities of the Addo Elephant National Park. Within this time frame, you can go hiking and horse riding, walk on the hiking trails, and participate in Marine Eco Sports. You can also pay a visit to the old frontier town of Grahamstown if you have extra time.
What is the best time of year to visit the Addo Elephant National Park?
The best time of the year to visit the Addo Elephant National Park is between May and September, i.e., during the dry winter months. At this time, the elephants flock around the waterholes in large numbers due to an arid and semi-arid climate, thereby giving a beautiful wildlife glimpse to the visitors.
What facilities will I get in Addo Elephant National Park camps?
Fuel stations selling petrol and diesel
Shops selling snacks, trinkets, and basic supplies.
Al-la-carte restaurant
Swimming pool
Picnic and braai area
PPC Discovery Trail
SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide
Credit card payment facility
Public telephone and post box
First National Bank with ATM
Underground viewing wildlife hide
Which are the best places to visit in Addo Elephant National Park?
Parque Nacional dos Elefantes Addo
Alexandria Hiking Trails
CrissCross Adventures
Addo Raptor and Reptile Centre
Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari