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A thicket paradise for pachyderms
Addo Elephant National Park
Jumbo calf, Addo Elephant National Park
© Chris Marais
Did you know?
Addo Elephant National Park boasts the largest coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere.
Just 75 years after its proclamation to protect the 11 elephants that remained in the area, the Addo Elephant National Park is now a world-famous mega park. Elephant numbers have swelled to over 450, one of the densest elephant populations in Africa.
The park is also home to buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino and, with great white sharks and southern right whales in the marine section of the park, South Africa’s Addo is one of the few reserves in the world that boasts the Big 7!
From just 2 500ha in size at proclamation, Addo Elephant National Park is now 164 000ha in size, with plans to expand to a massive 360 000ha. Already traversing 5 of the 7 biomes found in South Africa, this expansion will further enhance its diversity.
In Addo, you will find 1 000 year-old cycads, hillsides adorned with pastel-coloured proteas, primeval impenetrable thicket, bizarre-looking spiny noorsveld, and wide-open plains where antelope graze. Lion and spotted hyena have been reintroduced into the park and there are kudu, red hartebeest and eland too.
The rare flightless dung beetles of Addo are a more unusual attraction. Always busy rolling perfect balls from elephant dung, the park is full of signs warning visitors to avoid harming these unique creatures.
The marine section of the park includes the world’s largest breeding colony of Cape gannets on Bird Island and the second largest colony of African penguins. Rare Roseate terns come to Bird Island to breed in winter, Siberian falcons breed in the coastal dunes nearby and Caspian and Arctic terns stop off on the island on long-haul flights.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Telephone: +27 (0) 42 233 8600
Email: addoenquiries@sanparks.org
Web: www.addoelephant.com
How to get here
The park is about an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth, easily accessible by road and air. From the city, follow the N2 highway towards Grahamstown and take the Addo Elephant National Park turn-off.
Around the area
Port Elizabeth is only an hour's drive away and this delightful coastal city boasts some fine beaches, excellent dining and shopping, and some exquisite architecture.
Tours to do
There is a 4x4 eco-trail over the Zuurberg mountains, crossing 5 biomes in 6 hours. You can also enjoy various guided horse trails through the park.
Get around
Self-drive is best though various tour companies also operate in the area. All roads are accessible to normal sedan cars. A 4x4 vehicle is only necessary if visitors are taking the 4x4 route within the park.
Length of stay
Addo Elephant National Park can be enjoyed on a day trip, but it is advisable to spend 2 or 3 nights in the park for the full experience.
Where to stay
The park offers a wide range of accommodation, from camping and self-catering chalets to luxury lodges. There are also many private game lodges in the greater Addo area.
