"Addo Elephant Park " a Addo Elephant National Park Travel Page by Kurtdhis

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Deep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park. The park was proclaimed in 1931 and the main attraction of the Addo Elephant National Park is the park’s 350 or so African Elephants.
The Black Rhino and Cape Buffalo are also notable species, but unlike the elephant, these species are easier to see by night. Visitors should also look out for the flightless dung beetle, a species unique to the Addo region and that feeds on the faeces of the large ungulates. There are also many other large herbivores, particularly antelope species such as kudu, eland, red hartebeest and springbok.

The highly adaptable leopard has always managed to survive in the area and with the consolidation of the land during park expansion; lion will be reintroduced to complete the big five. Furthermore, with the park now stretching to the shores of the Indian Ocean, whales and dolphins will swell the viewing opportunities.
Among the smaller mammals to search for are family groups of suricate or meerkat.

Addo’s birding opportunity covers excellent habitat contrast between dense thickets of Spekboom interspersed with open grassy areas and wooded kloofs (particularly in the Zuurberg region)

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Come to this tranquil and evergreen Valley to see the famous Addo elephants as well as mile after mile of verdant citrus trees, bearing fruit all winter and scenting the air with their blossoms in springtime. Visit the Citrus Festival at the end of May and the World Famous ROSE FESTIVAL in October. The Fitzpatrick Lookout at Sunland and the Kirkwood Lookout have stunning views across the valley – great places to stop while enjoying the scenic drives around the area. For the more adventurous, there are 4x4 trails in the Zuurberg mountains. Accommodation from ultra-luxurious to most economical is available. The bush camps (tented or rustic cabins) on the banks of the Sundays River offer fishing, canoeing, abseiling, bird watching, hiking and boating.

Horse riding is available on private farms as well as at the Addo National Park. There are farmhouse B&Bs as well as safari and hunting lodges. Kirkwood boasts an outstanding nine-hole golf course and during winter months polo is played over weekends at the Addo Polo Club.