Port Elizabeth: Addo Elephant Park & Sunset River Cruise
Sunday's River Valley, Eastern Cape
Enjoy an exciting Big 5 safari in the Addo Elephant National Park, followed by a sunset cruise on the Sundays River with abundant birdlife, towering sand dunes and breathtaking Eastern Cape scenery.
Overview
This full-day guided safari tour operates from Port Elizabeth to the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park and Sundays River estuary, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
Highlights
- Spot elephants, lions, buffalo, and other wildlife in their natural habitat
- Enjoy a peaceful cruise on the Sundays River, known for diverse birdlife
- View the largest dune field in the Southern Hemisphere from the coast
- Learn about Addo Elephant National Park’s varied wildlife and ecosystems
- Climb shifting sand dunes overlooking Algoa Bay and St Croix Island
Description
Your tour begins with a pickup from your accommodation in Port Elizabeth. Travel to Addo Elephant National Park, home to nearly 700 African elephants, buffalo herds, lions, leopards, and various herbivores including antelope, zebra, and warthog.
After park entry and check-in, start game viewing across open plains and dense thickets, guided by expert commentary on the surrounding habitats. Midday, there is time for a light lunch at the camp’s restaurant near a waterhole (lunch not included).
In the afternoon, resume the game drive to spot elephants, eland, red hartebeest, and kudu. Then exit the park to reach the ferry at Sundays River, an estuary bordering the park. Board the ferry for a calm cruise along reed-lined banks, ideal for birdwatching and spotting smaller wildlife species.
Continue to the coast to see the wind-shaped sand dunes that form part of the largest dune field in the Southern Hemisphere. Pause to climb the dunes for expansive views of Algoa Bay, St Croix Island (home to Africa’s largest African penguin colony), and seasonal whale sightings.
After sunset, return to Port Elizabeth reflecting on the day’s experiences.
Note: The boat cruise requires a minimum of four participants and is weather-dependent. If the cruise cannot operate, the experience will be replaced by a full-day safari within Addo Elephant National Park.
Includes
- Professional guided tour
- Addo Elephant National Park entrance and conservation fees
- Game viewing and transportation in a tour vehicle
- Boat cruise on Sundays River
- One bottle of water per person in the tour vehicle
Excludes
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Important Information
- Minimum of 2 persons required to operate the tour
- Minimum of 4 persons required by the boat operator
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking Tips
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and binoculars for wildlife and birdwatching. The best time to visit is during the dry season for optimal game viewing and pleasant river cruises.
