After hundreds of years of careless hunting during the previous millennia – mostly for food and protection, but also for their glorious ivory tusks – elephants in the eastern Cape were so close to being wiped out, that there were only 11 of these beasts left in the area.

In the early 1900’s public opinion started changing and people realised the value of our wildlife and the importance of protecting it from distinction, Addo Elephant Park was proclaimed as a protected area in 1931.

Over many years the Park was expanded little by little to eventually include a part of the Alexandria dunefield, where visitors get the opportunity to see the Southern Right Whale and the Great White Shark in the marine part of the park. These two extraordinary animals are now added to the Big 5, making wildlife viewing in this area unique, because here one can witness the existence of the Big 7. Addo Elephant National Park is now the third largest game reserve in South Africa and is home to more than 600 elephants, more than 400 Cape buffaloes and a wide variety of other game.

The biggest part of South Africa falls in a summer rainfall area, except for the western Cape is where winter rainfall is prevalent. In the eastern Cape, the rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year with peaks in February to Marh and October to November. Winters cool down to freezing and the area is known for strong and continuous winds throughout the year, particularly during the summer months.

The part of Addo originally proclaimed was located in the Sundays River Valley and situated a mere 30 minutes’ drive from Gqeberha, previously known as Port Elizabeth. Expansion took place by adding small pieces of land, which were not all directly connected, but feature various vegetation zones, including fynbos (fine-leaved plants), Albany thicket (dense woodland), forest, Indian Ocean coastal belt and Nama Karoo (dry shrubland). Croix Island and Bird Island, housing the world’s largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and the second largest breeding population of African penguins, have also been incorporated into the Addo National Park.

Many archeological sites were discovered in the Alexandria dunefield, remnants of the lives of the nomadic strandloper or “beach walker” people. Ancient rock art, stone implements and white mussel shells were found in the caves of the Zuurberg mountains, proving that these people travelled and stored food over vast distances.

There is a main camp, featuring a swimming pool, restaurant, flood lit water hole and various accommodation, four other rest camps and four camps run by concessionaires.

Amenities List

• Shop at Addo Rest Camp
• Cattle Baron Grill and Bistro at Addo Rest Camp
• Swimming pool at Addo Rest Camp
• Waterhole for all night wildlife viewing
• Underground hide for close encounters with wildlife
• Addo Indlovu Spa
• Card facilities for payments
• Fuel at Addo Rest Camp and Matyholweni Rest Camp

The most important reason to visit Addo, is to view the massive pachyderms in their natural habitat and witness their distinctive family bonds and intelligent interaction as they move around in groups. Especially during the dryer months, visitors collect at the waterholes where the elephant families congregate on a daily basis.

Self-drive game viewing, guided game drives and 4x4 trails are offered. Shorts walks and longer overnight hikes can be done with knowledgeable guides keeping one safe. Bird watching is enjoyed by birding enthusiasts while relaxing spa treatments are also available.

Activities List

• Game watching at the waterholes
• Self-drive game viewing
• Guided game drives
• 4x4 Trail
• Hikes, walks and trails
• Birdwatching
• Fishing
• Spa treatments
• Picnic and barbecue
• Beach access
• Big 7 Marine eco-tours
• River cruises
• Canoe trails

• Big Seven – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard, southern right whale, great white shark
• Unrivalled natural diversity
• Wide variety of antelope
• Spotted hyena, brown hyena and Burchell’s zebra
• Flightless dung beetle
• 250 Species of birds

• Malaria free area
• Best elephant watching experience at waterholes
• Hop-on-guides available
• Lion and spotted hyena mostly seen in early mornings or evenings
• Tourist map for each vehicle when entering the park, more maps for sale
• Swimming pool is for overnight guests only
• Bring walking shoes and wildlife reference books
• Binoculars and cameras are a must
• As outdoor lighting in camps is limited, a torch/headlamp is required when walking outside at night
• Cool, comfortable clothing for summer
• Warm clothing for winter – especially for night times
• No immunisations needed
• Electrified fence around camps not to be touched
• Don’t shine flashlights into eyes of animals
• Keep cell phones on silent to not disturb animals and other visitors
• Use water sparingly as this is a low rainfall region
• Plastic refuse bags are essential as all rubbish must be removed on departure
• Don’t drive around after specified gate hours
• Driving off indicated routes and outside camping sites is a serious offence. It is harmful to the park and dangerous to the visitor.No pets, generators or outboard motors permitted.
• No quad bikes or motorbikes are allowed inside the Park.
• Picking of plants, removal of seeds, rocks, crystals or driftwood is an offence. Please help us to preserve the park’s wilderness atmosphere.

Please take note of the following:

• Addo Main Camp and Kabouga Entrance Gates are cashless facilities
• Construction is underway in the Addo Main Camp
• Driving in the park at night is not permitted
• Day visitors do not have to make bookings, unless when taking part in organised activities
• The swimming pool is for overnight visitors only
• Day trips can be made to the outlying sections of the park – Zuurberg Mountains, Kabouga, Darlington Dam and Woody Cape
• Documentation required on entry:
  • Driver’s license of driver
  • Valid vehicle’s license disc
  • ID book/card/driver’s license for all South African visitors over 18
  • Passport for international guests

Travelling from:

• Gqeberha: 96 km
• Cape Town: 820 km
• Johannesburg: 996 km
• Durban: 890 km

Distances within the park:

• Main entrance to Addo Camp: 900 m (3 mins)
• Main entrance to Langebos: 102 km (1 hour)
• Main entrance to Matyholweni Rest Camp: 64 km (50 mins)
• Main entrance to Narina Bush Camp: 24 km (34 mins)
• Main entrance to Nyati Rest Camp: 17 km (30 mins)
• Main entrance to Spekboom Tented Rest Camp: 11 km (24 mins)
• Main entrance to Kabouga: 36 km (40 mins)

• Main entrance gate and Addo Reception: 07:00 to 19:00
• Matyholweni gate: 07:00 to 18:30
• Matyholweni reception: 07:00 to 17:00