Where is addo elephant national park

Hot days at waterholes are best for elephant viewing. Lions and spotted hyenas are most often seen in the early morning or evening to night time. A road map of tourist routes within the park will be given to each vehicle upon entering the Park. Additional maps are for sale at the shop. Various information sheets are available at reception. Tuskless Addo Elllies in the news! Posted by: inyanga 1 12th January Camp: Select Have a question?

Why not ask on the forums? Available Languages French German Italian Portuguese Spanish Park Maps View large View layout maps Subscribe Subscribe to our newsletter Photo Gallery Weather We are currently experiencing technical issue please contact us for more information View 9 day forecast Official Guide on Sale This page full-colour brochure gives the visitor a complete overview of the Park, its fauna and flora, history, new developments, accommodation and activities.

In , The park was founded to offer protection to the last remaining elephants in the herd. The park's square miles protects other vulnerable species, as well, by offering a wide range of habitats—from arid mountains to sand dunes to coastal forest. Here, you can see elephants, buffalo, leopards , lions , and rhinos the " big five ". Addo is considered one of the best self-drive safari options in Southern Africa—not only for its rich biodiversity, but also for its accessibility.

Animal spotting is, predictably, Addo Elephant National Park's key highlight. On hot days, it is possible to see elephant herds numbering well over individuals congregating at the waterholes to drink, play, and bathe. Buffalo are also abundant in Addo, while lions and leopards are easily spotted at dawn and dusk. Rhino are rarely seen, and information about their numbers and whereabouts is kept closely guarded as a defense against poachers.

Self-drive safaris—one of the most popular activities in Addo—allow visitors the freedom to explore by themselves for a fraction of the cost of an organized tour. Guided safaris are also offered, although they must be booked in advance. You can even bring meat and firewood and practice the art of the South African braai. Horseback riding is available within the Nyathi concession area. Morning and afternoon rides depart from Main Camp and last approximately two hours each.

Non-guided hiking trails outside of the Addo Main Game Area take you into the mountains in the Zuurberg Section of the park and along the coast in the Woody Cape Section a long two-day trek. No trails exist in the Addo Main Game Area due to the potential of dangerous encounters with the famed "big five. Guided safaris allow for off-road exploration on routes that are otherwise off-limits to the public. Additionally, they tend to happen before and after park operating hours, giving you a better chance of spotting crepuscular and nocturnal animals, like lions and hyenas.

If you want the expertise of a local guide, without having to pay for an organized safari, you can also hire a ride-along, hop-on guide at the Main Camp. Raptors abound at Addo, from martial eagles and crowned eagles to the beautiful pale chanting goshawk. Keen birders should take advantage of the dedicated bird hide located at the Addo Rest Camp. Marine Eco-Tours , operated by Raggy Charters in nearby Port Elizabeth, offers boat excursions that allow you to spot a wide variety of marine life—including bottlenose and common dolphins—off the coast of Addo Elephant National Park.

African penguins and great white sharks can also be seen on an outing. There are several camping options within the park boundaries, including those located in the Main Game Area, as well as in the outlying mountain region.

This wildlife conservation park lies close to Port Elizabeth in South Africa and is home to Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard, spotted hyena many antelope species and the unique flightless dung beetle found almost exclusively in Addo.

There are over elephants in the Addo Elephant National Park with over 48 endangered black rhino, over Cape buffalo and with the extension down to the sea also the southern right whale and the great white shark off the Algoa bay coast. Several species of rare and endemic plants can be found in this area but it is vulnerable to elephant browsing and is in the process of becoming extinct. The Bedrogfontein 4x4 trail offers breathtaking views and can only be driven one way with many rock art paintings scattered throughout the area.

See Addo Elephant National Park accommodation below.