What are you looking for?

Last Updated: 22 May 2025

WATCH: Over 40 Elephants Return to Historic Habitat in Major SANParks Conservation Move

Thaakiera Ackerdien Headshot

Written by  Thaakiera Ackerdien

 • Travel Writer

Part of the South Africa Safari & Big Five Safaris Collections

South African National Parks (SANParks) has successfully translocated 42 elephants from the Main Camp section of Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) to the park’s Kabouga section, approximately 50 km away. The move was carried out between 12 and 15 May as part of a broader plan to restore the ecological balance in the region.

The newly relocated elephants will be carefully monitored in their new environment. In a statement, SANParks explains that these changes will hopefully mark a step forward for conservation efforts in the Eastern Cape.

Park Manager, Roland Januarie, says, “Addo has a proud record of elephant conservation and maintains a healthy and secure population of one of Africa’s most iconic animal species. Translocation between sections of the park have been successfully carried out over many years based on the need to expand their range and to restore original ancient elephant corridors.”

Reintroducing elephants to the Kabouga section will allow them to re-establish their ecological roles by repairing degraded ecosystems through “species-led restoration”.

Veterinarians doing a checkup on one of the elephants being transported
The move is part of a broader plan to restore the ecological balance in the region | Photo: SANParks

“This effort will reactivate the natural systems that elephants help sustain,” said Dr Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of the Global Humane Society, which supported the operation. “It was conducted with precision, care, and a commitment to the elephants’ welfare.”

These giants have an important role to play in stimulating plant diversity, shaping the landscapes they travel through, and supporting other species – hence their title, “ecosystem engineers”. Elephants open thickets, disperse seeds, and even make water access points! Their presence in Kabouga is sure to rejuvenate ecological processes and strengthen the park’s biodiversity.

Addo Elephant National Park, home to over 700 elephants, is situated near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape and is South Africa’s third-largest national park and uniquely features the Big Seven, including marine species like the southern right whale and great white shark.

Thaakiera Ackerdien Headshot

Written by  Thaakiera Ackerdien

 • Travel Writer

Thaakiera is a travel writer who loves bringing Africa’s beauty to life with stories that inspire readers to explore more.

Discover the African Journey that’s Right for You

Discover Africa Through Travellers' Stories

These stories capture the real magic of Africa – where every journey becomes a chapter worth sharing.

The true magic, though, is with the people. They’re not just staff; they’re my friends, my family.

JJ Towler

United States

Matthys Van Aswegen

JJ Towler's journey was crafted with the expertise of Matthys Van Aswegen

I went to Africa to help my parents check a box, but I returned with a new perspective on my own life. Africa is no longer a "someday" destination for me; it’s a "must-return".

Steven

United States

Vihann Van Wyk

Steven's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

We trusted our guide implicitly as we sat mere metres from elephants, lions, and hippos.

Cathy & Debb

Canada

Vihann Van Wyk

Cathy & Debb's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

The Serengeti offered us sights we had never witnessed before, such as the surreal image of lions lounging high in the trees

Cathy & Nat

Canada

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"After a 10-day trip to South Africa with my wife, I'm still raving about the experience Discover Africa put together for us. We worked with Matthys Van Aswegen, who was fantastic from start to finish. He listened to what we wanted, rolled with a few changes..."

Eric Moore, United States•15 Sep 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Safari Bookings review

"Chrizaan was friendly, organized and extremely knowledgeable about lodges and safari options that we were interested in. We booked an 11 night tour through Zimbabwe and Botswana starting in Victoria Falls at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge then going to Botswan..."

Linda, United States•12 Aug 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Booking with Justin at Discover Africa, to plan my safari and Victoria Falls adventure turned out to be the best choice I made. Right from the start, Justin was friendly, responsive, and incredibly thorough—he answered all my questions and provided a detail..."

James, Australia•24 Apr 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We have just returned from the most incredible 2 week trip in Africa, travelling to Kruger National Park, Cape Town and Victoria Falls - it was made all the more special by the incredible guidance, planning and organisation of Discover Africa, specifically ..."

Anita Panikkar, Australia•10 Jan 2026•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Cayleigh put together an 18 day tour of Victoria Falls, Botswana and Namibia that was the best trip we have ever taken! The service was so personal and professional, we were taken care of every single step of the way. When a flight was cancelled for some of..."

Tamara Thompson, United States•17 Dec 2025•

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Cayleigh planned the perfect safari for us! The safari and tour following were exactly what we wanted. Rockfig was an amazing luxury experience that allowed us to see the big 5 and so much more. Our trip with Discover Africa was worth every penny!"

Alan Kane, United States•01 Dec 2025•

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.