Addo Elephant National Park

Elephants in the Addo Elephant Park, South africa

The Addo Elephant Park is located in the Eastern Cape Province approximately 70km north of Port Elizabeth near the Zuurberg Range in the Sundays River valley.
The park was originally established in 1931 to protect the huge herds of elephants that once roamed the area. Over the years that park region has been extended and it is now the third largest national park in South Africa.

It is home to over 550 elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species, as well as the unique Addo flightless dung beetle found almost exclusively in Addo.

Addo is malaria free which makes it a good alternative to the Kruger National Park for those travelling with children.

The road conditions within the park are in good order, making it an ideal national park to self-drive around.

The national park is great to visit all year round but the best time for wildlife viewing is when there is least rain from June to September, but it is worth bearing in mind that these are the winter months so it can get fairly cool at nights and in early mornings.

For bird watching the best time is during the raining season between October and April, this is also the time when wildlife gives birth, so there will be plenty of new borns around. However the vegetation is more lush so you may have to search a little harder.

During South African School holidays the park gets very busy and availability of accommodation will be limited.

Addo Elephant Park Trips

Ultimate South Africa in 25 days

Discover South Africa, from the vast Kruger Park in the north to the magnificent Table Mountain in the south. An adventure filled overview of the country's cultural and natural heritage.

25 Days - USD $8,500

There is a main camp, featuring a swimming pool, restaurant, flood lit water hole and various accommodation in the Addo Elephant National Park and numbers other establishment in park and surround area ranging from luxury five star lodges to backpacker facilities.

Accommodation near Addo National Park