Not just home to one of Africa’s densest elephant populations, but a rare opportunity to see Africa’s Big Seven in a richly diverse part of South Africa
Almost one hundred years ago, the Addo Elephant National Park was established to protect a small, resilient population of elephants that had escaped devastating hunting and habitat loss. Today, the iconic animals loom large at Addo Elephant Park; not just in size, but in number, too – over 600 in the park comprises one of the densest populations in Africa.
But they are by no means the only reason to visit. The remaining members of Africa’s big five – lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard – also call the park home, along with a variety of antelope species like red hartebeest, eland, kudu, and bushbuck.
Because the park boasts five different biomes, from Forest, Thicket and, Grassland to Fynbos and Nama Karoo, the birdlife is diverse and well established. A birdwatching tour is one of the best ways to spot many of the over 400 recorded species. Depending on what you’d like to tick off your list, from Sunbirds to Sugarbirds and Shrikes, it’s worth doing some research as different areas of the park will offer different sightings. While driving through the park’s grassy plains, keep an eye out for Denham’s and Ludwig’s Bustards, as it’s one of the few places in the world you can spot them both, side by side. Other interesting species include the Goliath Herons, Lesser Flamingos, and Grey-headed Gulls which can be found at Darlington Dam in the northwest section of the park.
Adding to the unique beauty of the area – and of particular interest to plant lovers – is the beautiful range of landscapes. Besides the abundant spekboom (a succulent that’s a favourite food source for the elephant), discover shrubland, forests, fynbos, grasslands and even sand dunes, where you’re able to gaze out into the Indian Ocean and spot elusive whales and sharks.
There are multiple ways to explore Addo Elephant National Park’s expansive 1600 square kilometres, with game drives being the most popular. Drive the park yourself or join a guided tour with a knowledgeable ranger – both options allow for up-close and unforgettable wildlife experiences.
Feel like something more immersive? There are also horseback safaris on offer, as well as guided walks and hikes, including a 2km wheelchair-accessible trail.
Fully equipped and serviced accommodation options include tented camps, lodges, and hotels. Caravan parks are also available.
- Home to Africa’s Big 5, including over 600 elephant
- A staggering variety of birdlife with some unusual once in a lifetime sightings
- A diverse landscape, including forest and fynbos
- Including the Indian Ocean to the south, Addo Elephant National Park is home to Africa’s Big 7: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, southern right whale, and great white shark.
- Be sure to book horseback safaris early
- If you’re self-driving, hire one of the park’s game spotters who will drive with you
- If you want to spot ocean animals like whales and sharks, be sure to go on the Alexandria Hiking Trail
