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One of South Africa’s largest parks, Addo is famous for its massive elephant population and diverse ecosystems. Not only is this national park home to the Big Five, but also the Big Seven! Along with lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos on land, the two remaining species are in the ocean: the southern right whale and great white shark.
Must-Visit Areas in Addo Elephant Park
Have the opportunity for close-up wildlife viewings and take on epic hiking trails for superb vistas:
Main Rest Camp: A Hub of Activity
This is where the majority of activities take place in the park and where most of the accommodations are located.
Spend some time at the waterhole lookout point here, which is floodlit at night – this attracts an array of wildlife. There is also an underground hide that will allow you to get closer to animal viewings.
Zuurberg Mountain Trails: Incredible Scenery
There are two hiking trails here for those who want to get some exercise outdoors and be wowed by stunning panoramic views while on a South Africa safari.
The Cycad Trail is just one hour long, making it perfect for an introductory hike in the area; the Doringnek Trail is five hours for a more in-depth exploration of nature.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Addo Elephant Park?
Addo is considered a year-round destination, offering incredible wildlife sightings whenever you choose to go on a South African safari.
High season is from October to March, so expect to share the park with large crowds. For a more intimate safari, opt for the low season, from May to September. This is also a great time for concentrated wildlife sightings and cooler weather.
Wildlife Found in Addo Elephant Park
As the name suggests, the highlight of Addo is their over 600 elephants, so you’ll see herds of these gentle giants while exploring the park. Cape buffaloes can also be found, and lions are often seen in the early mornings and evenings.
Antelope species regularly encountered are the greater kudu, red hartebeest, bushbuck, and eland. Burchell’s zebras are also seen galloping about, with hyenas a key part of controlling herbivore numbers. Look out for the rare flightless dung beetle – they have the right of way on Addo’s roads.
How to Get to Addo Elephant Park
Fly into Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha. From there, Addo is just a 30- to 40-minute drive via lodge transfer.
