"Addo Elephant Park, Accessible and Nice" Addo Elephant National Park by Waxbag

Addo Elephant National Park Travel Guide: 101 reviews and 184 photos

Elephant Baby Plays - Addo Elephant National Park

Many people who travel to South Africa miss the game parks. This blows my mind, but I guess it is not for everyone. Many stay on the south and visit the Garden Route, the Eastern Cape, and the Wild Coast and don't make it up north where the really nice game reserves are. There is a great option for those who do want to see a game reserve but not go all the way up north and that’s Addo Elephant National Park.

The park protects the last of the remaining elephants that roamed the Eastern Cape. They are actually making a nice comeback and the population has grown to about 360 elephant. The park has many cape buffalo as well as kudu, impala, red hartebeest, cape grysbok, zebra, eland, warthog, black rhino, black backed jackal as well as lion and hyena that have just been reintroduced. Birds are profuse here too at about 160 species. So you have the big five here and much more.

Elephant Butts

The park is located on a beautiful mountain has is very green (sometimes making game viewing difficult). The park includes seven major biomes. However the elephants are easily spotted and are very used to vehicles making photography easy. The government keeps expanding the park with plans to make it the third super park of South Africa. The park offers many game drives from the main camp if you do not have your own vehicle. Other activities such as horseback riding are also available. The park includes a marine reserve but access to this seems difficult.

The park offers some excellent accomodation including camping.

Cost is R80 per person per day. The cheapest park with the big 5.

Elephant Tail

The park is 72 km north of Port Elizabeth in the Sundays River Valley. You can reach it from the N2 and follow the signs. The park is located on the R75 around many farms including orange groves. That must drive the elephants mad!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Good opportunities for close photography of animals, good facilities
Cons:Not very wild
In a nutshell:Easily Accessible Park in the Eastern Cape

Last visit to Addo Elephant National Park: Jul 2004
Intro Updated Aug 16, 2007
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Reviews (6)

Malachite Sunbird at Addo - Addo Elephant National Park

Good Birding Things to Do (3)

There are plenty of interesting birds here at Addo, especially around the flowering plants near the park head quarters.... more travel advice

Botanical Garden Off The Beaten Path (1)

The Botanical Reserve in the southern part of the park is a nice place to get out of your car and see up close some of... more travel advice

Elephants at Hapoor - Addo Elephant National Park

Hapoor Watering Hole Things to Do (3)

Hapoor watering hole is one of the best spots for watching the herds drink. It is located on an open area that has... more travel advice

Dung Beetle Sign - Addo Elephant National Park

Caution, Beetles Have the Right Of Way Warnings and Dangers (1)

No this is not that famous english rock band from the 60s and 70s. These insects carrying balls of poop may be crossing... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
A great camp Site, Addo Elephant NP

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Comments (3)

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Joemidwest Dec 5, 2004 at 6:10 PM

We liked "their" tents too, but unless you feel lucky you should reserve.Thanks for the pics.
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kazander Sep 3, 2004 at 11:16 AM

These are wonderful photos! Thank You for sharing them:)
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ukirsari Sep 3, 2004 at 11:12 AM

i love this baby [elephant] dancing. she's sooooooo sweet. seems can bring her home :) thanks for the picture, john!!!!!!