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Addo Elephant National Park
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Addo Elephant National Park is the third-largest protected area in South Africa, located in the Eastern Cape's Zuurberg mountain range. It was established in 1931 to safeguard the region's last eleven remaining elephants from hunters and farmers. Today, the park is home to over 600 elephants, representing one of the world's most successful conservation stories. Uniquely, it is the only place on Earth where the 'Big Seven' can be found: elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, lions, and leopards on land, and great white sharks and southern right whales in its marine protected area. The landscape varies from dense succulent Karoo thicket to coastal forests and monumental sand dunes along Algoa Bay. The park also provides a sanctuary for the rare, flightless dung beetle, with special road signs warning motorists to protect them. The flora includes over 1,000 plant species adapted to the semi-arid climate. Visitors can enjoy extensive game drives to observe large herds or hike in the scenic Zuurberg mountains. The park's expansion to include marine sections like St. Croix Island protects the world's largest colony of African penguins, making it a critical hub for both terrestrial and marine biodiversity.
- Location: South Africa
- Top sights: Addo Elephant Park (Nyati Section) · Nguni River Lodge Hide
- Nearby: Kariega (55 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 23 | 21 | 19 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 21 |
| Rain mm | 67 | 62 | 66 | 47 | 26 | 23 | 29 | 44 | 35 | 58 | 61 | 56 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The park's main gates are easily accessible via well-maintained paved highways from nearby Port Elizabeth, welcoming both self-driving visitors and organized tour groups with excellent signage.
Best season
Wildlife viewing is particularly rewarding during the drier winter months when the vegetation thins out and animals congregate around established waterholes, though the park is open year-round.
Terrain & paths
The internal landscape consists primarily of dense, thorny thickets, open grassland patches, and gently rolling hills, all navigated via a well-established network of paved and graded gravel roads.
What to bring
Essential items include a camera with a good zoom lens, binoculars for distant game viewing, a sun hat, comfortable casual clothing, and a detailed map of the park's designated driving routes.
Parking
Extensive, secure parking facilities are provided at the main reception area, rest camps, and designated picnic sites scattered throughout the park for the convenience of all visiting guests.
Safety
Strict park rules mandate that visitors must remain inside their vehicles at all times unless at clearly marked, fenced enclosures; always maintain a respectful distance from the large wildlife.
Time needed
While a half-day drive features a decent introduction to the wildlife, allocating a full day or choosing an overnight stay at a camp provides a much more immersive and rewarding safari experience.
Geography
Facts
- Established in 1931 to protect the last 11 surviving elephants.
- Currently home to a population of over 600 African elephants.
- The only park in the world to host the 'Big Seven' wildlife.
- Includes a massive marine protected area in Algoa Bay.
- Protects the world's largest colony of African penguins.
- Provides a sanctuary for the rare flightless dung beetle.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Addo Elephant National Park (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How safe are elephant encounters?
Stay in your car and keep your distance; you are very safe that way.
When is the best time for viewing?
Early morning or late afternoon, the elephants are most active.
Do I need to book?
Not for normal park entry, but for guided tours, booking is advisable.
Is there accommodation there?
Yes, there are great lodges right in the park.
Is the park malaria-free?
Yes, the Addo Elephant Park is a malaria-free area.
Addo Elephant National Park: where is it located?
Addo Elephant National Park is located in South Africa.
Addo Elephant National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Addo Elephant Park (Nyati Section), Nguni River Lodge Hide.
Addo Elephant National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Apr, Dec.
Addo Elephant National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Addo Elephant National Park is the third-largest protected area in South Africa, located in the Eastern Cape's Zuurberg mountain range.
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History & landmarks
Port Elizabeth City Hall
A historic government building featuring a prominent clock tower in the center of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
Addo
World-famous for its Elephant National Park, Addo offers unparalleled wildlife safaris in the malaria-free Eastern Cape.
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Owl House
A fascinating house and sculpture garden created by outsider artist Helen Martins in Nieu-Bethesda.
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Reserve famous for its massive elephant herds.
Addo Citrus Farm
Discover the cultivation of citrus fruits in the Addo region.
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A mountain range in the Addo Elephant National Park area.
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Winterberg
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