Addo Elephant Park: Our full report

Addo Elephant Park is situated just one hour's drive from Port Elizabeth near the Sundays River Valley on South Africa's Eastern Cape. As the name suggests, the park is home to around 450 elephants. However, when the park opened in 1931, it was home to only 11 elephants, which were successfully protected to allow their numbers to grow to the level of the present day. With a current area of 164km², there are plans to expand the park to 3600km². This will include a 1200km² marine reserve which contains the world's largest breeding population of Cape gannets and the second largest breeding population of African penguins, all of whom live on the islands off the coast of the park.

The park is currently home to a variety of other wildlife including the “Big Five" – elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard. Once the park has been expanded it will be one of the few areas where you can view the “Big Seven" – the “Big Five" plus the southern right whale and the great white shark. Cape buffalo, black rhino, and antelope are also found here as well as the flightless dung beetle, which is found exclusively at Addo Elephant Park, and has right of way on the roads.

There is a huge variety of activities available at the park, including horseback safaris, guided walks, hiking, 4WD ecoadventure trails, and bird watching and hiking trails. Game drives on open-top landrovers and trucks with knowledgeable qualified guides are available at sunrise, during the day, at sunset and at night, when you can hear the howls of the jackals. Elephant back safaris, sunset river cruises, canoeing, are also available, and the park has restaurant facilities and picnic and braai sites. It is also possible to visit the local cheetah breeding project and crocodile farm.

Where to stay in Addo Elephant Park

Accomodation is available in various camp sites, chalets and rondavels, ranging from the luxurious Gorah Elephant Camp, to the more functional Addo Rest Camp.

Gorah Elephant Camp

This luxury tented camp occupies a private concession in Addo Elephant Park and offers a romantic location from which to view the passing elephants. The eleven spacious tents have been furnished to a very high standard, in a colonial style. A veranda with soft sofas allows you to relax as you watch the game gathering at the waterhole in front of the main house. (Read more about Gorah Elephant Camp…)

Matyholweni Rest Camp

This rest camp, which opened in 2004, is conveniently located near the coastal town of Colchester. The camp has 12 self catering twin and family cottages, each with a kitchen and bathroom. The camp has access to the beach at Sunday's River Mouth, and amenities such as shops, a restaurant and a petrol station. (Read more about Matyholweni Rest Camp…)

Addo Rest Camp

Addo Rest Camp is located in the main area of the park and provides a range of different accommodation types, most of which are self catered. Its main attraction is its waterhole which is lit up at night to allow guests to watch the animals coming for a drink. This camp has many facilities including a restaurant, a shop and a swimming pool. Activities offered here include game drives, horse riding, bird watching and overnight hiking trails. (Read more about Addo Rest Camp…)

Elephant House

For those who want a more private option just outside the park's boundaries, why not try Elephant House. (Read more about Elephant House…)

Geographics

Location: Eastern Cape Game Reserves, South Africa