Addo Elephant National Park

No visit to the Garden Route and Eastern Cape would be complete without a trip to the Addo Elephant National Park. Deep within the shadows of the dense bush of the Sundays River area of South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Addo Elephant National Park is a great place to embark on that safari trip of life time and spot a wide range of African wildlife. A trip to Addo Elephant National Park is most definitely a highlight of any trip to the Garden Route and Eastern Cape and whether you spend only one day here or decide to take advantage of some of the many Addo accommodation options, you are bound to spot a great selection of African animals, including Africa’s grey leviathan, the elephant.

The original Elephant park was established in 1931, with just eleven elephants remaining in the area. Today Addo Elephant National Park is home to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, which is found almost exclusively at Addo National Elephant Park. Plans of expansion at Addo Elephant National Park mean that the park will include a 120 000 ha (296 500 acre) marine reserve with islands that are home to some of the world's largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and African penguins. This will make it the only park in Africa where you can spot the ‘Big 7’: The elephant, the lion, the buffalo, the leopard, the rhino, the whale and the great white shark. If you are looking for a great day out for all the family or a longer safari adventure whilst visiting the Garden Route and Eastern Cape, Addo Elephant National Park is not to be missed.

One Day Addo Safaris

Safari prices vary depending on the tour operator but generally include a fully guided expert tour, conservation fee and a light lunch. Addo Elephant National Park day safaris do offer a great way to see the best of African wildlife.

A range of accommodation, overnight packages and longer safaris are also available at Addo Elephant National Park and in the Addo region through a range of local tour operators.

A visit to Addo Elephant National Park really is the ultimate addition to your Garden Route or Eastern Cape holiday.