Addo Elephant & Eastern Cape Self Drive Tour  8 day itinerary

Addo Elephant & Eastern Cape Self Drive Tour

• Exterior - Ibhayi Guest Lodge

• Zuurberg Mountain Village - Zuurberg Mountain Village

• Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor - Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor

• Karoopark Guest House - Karoopark Guest House

Day 1 - Port Elizabeth

Arrive in ‘The Friendly City’ of Port Elizabeth and pick up your car rental vehicle.  Experience the vibrant culture of the area with an optional township tour. This ‘Real City Tour’ is Fair Trade accredited and will take you through the city on a journey to unfold history behind significant sights, meet local artists of the informal settlement and walk in the footsteps of those with a different way of life.

Situated in Walmer, a mere 10 minutes outside of the city centre, you will be staying at Ibhayi Lodge. This luxury guest lodge offers an intimate atmosphere; it’s naturally luxurious style stretching to a barbecue (‘braai’) facility, swimming pool and thatched poolside lapa.  The lodge is kitted out with a restaurant, Leo’s Bistro and Lounge, where you can enjoy a delicious meal.

Overnight at Ibhayi Guest Lodge (Luxury Suite) or similar/alternative hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 2-3 - Port Elizabeth - Addo Elephant National Park

After enjoying breakfast, head North from Port Elizabeth to Addo. For these two days you have the opportunity to enjoy optional guided game drives and walking trails.  The main attraction in the area is the Addo Elephant National Park, which is well known for its large elephant population. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife; including lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, antelope and zebra. Included in the package is an Elephant Back Safari in the national park which takes you on a 3 hour exploration of the park. While cruising through the park, look out for Spekboom: this succulent plant is rumoured to be the reason for elephant fertility in the area.

Two nights’ accommodation will be booked at Zuurberg Mountain Villiage. This mountain top resort provides a stunning  view overlooking 160 hectares of Addo. With a restaurant, bar, garden and terrace, the hotel offers quiet luxury nestled in the rugged Zuurberg Mountains.

Overnight at Zuurberg Mountain Village (Zuurberg Village or Zuurberg Manor) or similar/alternative hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner.

Day 4-5 - Addo Elephant National Park - Cradock

Next, your journey will take you into Cradock where you will spend two days exploring the history and wildlife of the area. An optional excursion to the Olive Schreiner Museum can be enjoyed, with the tale of the well-known South African writer, Olive Schreiner’s former home transformed into the museum. Why not take a visit to the Mountain Zebra National Park in the area? SAN Parks established the park to conserve the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra. The effort has worked extremely well, growing the Cape Zebra population from near extinct to approximately 300.

Tuishuise in Cradock, serve as your accommodation for two nights. Lining Market Street, the Tuisehuise foster an elegant Victorian style about them, neatly renovated and providing a classic atmosphere surrounded by the country side. Each house has its own lounge, bathroom and kitchen.

Overnight at Die Tuishuise & Victoria Manor (Manor Room) or similar/alternative hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 6-7 - Cradock - Graaff Reinet

Leaving Cradock, your journey takes you into Graaff Reinet, through the geographical phenomenon of the Valley of Desolation (declared a national monument) through-out which vertical cliffs, stunning scenery, birds, vegetation and mammals are scattered. While in Graaff Reinet, we suggest you take a historic tour of the town, experience a township walkabout tour or visit the eccentrically decorated ‘Owl House’ in Nieu Bethesda. These two days give you an opportunity to unravel a cultural discovery of the Eastern Cape Karoo.

Karoopark Guest House is situated in the heart of Graaff Reinet; offering warm hospitality and a place to kick back, relax and enjoy the historic atmosphere of the area.

Overnight at Karoopark Guest House (Standard Room) or similar/alternative hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast.

Day 8 - Port Elizabeth - Graaff Reinet

Day 8 sees you depart the quiet of the Karoo. Stop to stretch your legs in Uitenhage, known for being the heart of the motor manufacturing of South Africa. The final stretch of road will take you back into the buzz of Port Elizabeth, where your journey began.

Meals included: None.

Addo Elephant & Eastern Cape Self Drive Tour Map