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Addo Elephant Park

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National Parks South Africa

Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa

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 300 elephants in the park are the main attraction, but you will also encounter buffalo, black rhino, warthog, eland, kudu and a variety of buck species. The park lies 75 km to the north of Port Elizabeth and is open throughout the year.

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). And now that the park has expanded to include Darlington Lake, Woody Cape, the coastal islands and the Alexandria Forest, a variety of other habitats swell the birding potential of the park. Situated in a malaria free area just one hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth, this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 350 elephants, Cape buffalo, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.

The park offers a wide variety of game viewing, outdoor adventure, accommodation and cultural experiences. You will be amazed at the variety of natural landscapes and wildlife species that can be experienced in one easily accessible destination.

The evenings are punctuated by the strident howl of the black-backed jackal, and the francolin’s call heralds each new dawn. Safe from relentless persecution in the past, the grey leviathans of the bush now roam in peace.

Accommodation

Main Restcamp
All of the cottages and chalets are close to the main waterhole which is illuminated at night, affording a memorable window into the real nightlife of Africa!

There is a privately-run, licensed a la carte restaurant and shop in the restcamp while for those who wish to self-cater, all units are fully equipped or have communal facilities. There is a lapa which is used for spitbraais and potjies.

Guest houses: These luxury units each consist of two bedrooms with bathrooms en-suite (one with bath; one with shower), a living room with fan and a fully equipped kitchen. The guest houses have air conditioning and each can sleep up to six people.

Family chalets: This type of accommodation can sleep either two adults and two children, or three adults. Each unit has two single beds, a double sleeper couch, full bathroom (bath and shower), air conditioning and a fully equipped kitchen.

Rondavels: These huts have two single beds, shower, toilet, hand basin, air conditioning and fridge. A communal kitchen with a four plate electric stove, cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils is shared by the other rondavels.

Forest cabins: The cabins consist of an open plan area with four beds and a table with seating for four. Each cabin has a shower, toilet and basin, as well as braai facilities and a fridge.

All of the restcamp accommodation is serviced daily and provided with bedding, towels and soap.
Check-in is at 13h00 and check-out is at 10h00.

Narina Bush Camp
The camp is located in the Zuurberg section of the Park. This is a beautiful section of the park. Most of the section is set aside as a wilderness area with very little human activity-taking place.

It is a tented bush camp overlooking crystal clear natural pools on the Witriver. The camp is very rustic, accommodating eight people at any one time. Every need is catered for in a very primitive manner.

Four dome tents cater for the overnight sleeping arrangements. These tents are provided with linen. No food or drinks are provided for and it is up to the guests to provide for themselves. Firewood is available for campfires at night.

Paraffin lanterns are available for overnight use. This camp can be reached by vehicle, walking trail or on horseback.

Activities in Addo Elephant Park

Game Drives:
Game viewing from own vehicle: Explore 75 kilometres of road through prime wildlife country. There are a number of lookout points at waterholes in the area.

Guided game drives in open vehicles—by day, at sunset or by night, which is the time when buffalo and black rhino are most often spotted.

Hiking:
Guided walking trail in the heart of elephant country in the company of a knowledgeable guide.

Guided rhino trekking expeditions

Discovery Trail: This unique 2km trail through typical Addo thicket has been specially designed for disabled visitors and is suitable for people in wheelchairs.

Zuurberg Nature Trails (1 hour and 4 hours) that wind through fynbos and deep kloofs of unspoiled indigenous forest which is home to leopard, bushpig and a wide variety of bird

Horse Trails

Addo horse trails: Morning 2-hour guided ride for less experienced riders. Afternoon 3-hour guided ride for experienced riders.

Zuurberg mountain horse trails: One hour trail for inexperienced riders and 3 and 5-hour routes for experienced riders.

Other:
Watch game at night at the illuminated waterhole in the main restcamp
Bird Watching from hide in restcamp
Swimming pool (residents only)
Picnic area for day visitors

How to get there:
The park is situated 72 km from Port Elizabeth on the road to Paterson.

Gate Hours: 07:00 – 19:00 throughout the year.

National Parks in South Africa:

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