Addo Elephant National Park (Malaria Free Safari)
Location
Addo Elephant National Park is set deep within the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, near the town of Addo.
Addo Elephant National Park
The original Elephant section of the Park was proclaimed in 1931, a time when just 11 Elephant roamed the area. Today, however, over 450 Elephant makes the park its home, as well as Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino, a variety of antelope species and the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. Addo National Park is indeed a unique and diverse wildlife sanctuary, and plans to expand and transform Addo is already in motion.
Here you will experience an unrivaled natural diversity, boasting 5 of South Africa's seven major vegetation biomes. Addo is also home to the 'Big 7', namely Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, Whale and the Great White Shark.
The park has several archaeological sites on the coast and in the Zuurberg – also the area where bushman rock art can be seen. Addo’s mega-park status will preserve 120 000 hectares of marine reserve, including islands that are home to the world's largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and second largest breeding population of African penguins.
Accommodation at Addo Elephant National Park Addo Rest Camp
The popular main rest camp of the park has plenty of accommodation and activities. Unique features include the floodlit waterhole lookout point and underground hide.
Accommodation types: Guest Houses (overlooking the waterhole), Family Chalets, Chalets, Cottages, Rondavels (roundhouses), Forest Cabins, Safari Tents, Camping and Caravanning
Kabouga:
This secluded part of the Park is surrounded by rugged mountains and densely fragrant vegetation. Sundays River residents include Hippo and Fish Eagle. There is an old reservoir for swimming, canoes and walking trails. No electricity but solar power, gas and paraffin provided. Only high clearance vehicles can access this area which is not home to Big Five animals.
Accommodation types: Cottage and Campsites
Matyholweni:
A Xhosa word meaning “in the bush”, Matyholweni is situated near the coastal town of Colchester at the Sundays River Mouth, just of the N2 highway. The camp is a second gateway to Addo Elephant National Park and easily accessible. Shops, fuel and meals are available nearby.
Accommodation types: Family Cottages and Cottages
Narina:
The Narina Bush Camp is located in the forested banks of the Wit River at the foot of the Zuurberg Mountains. This magical setting is rustic and secluded and there are no Big Five animals or large wildlife. No electricity provided.
Accommodation types: Safari Tents
Langebos / Woody Cape:
The wooden Langebos cabins provide overnight huts for hikers before starting the Alexandria Hiking Trail or rustic accommodation with gas appliances for those who would like to sleepover in the coastal forest. Visitors can enjoy the haunting calls of the rare Tree Dassie at night and wake to the chorus of birds in the forest canopy. At the end of the first day on the hike, visitors stay in a basic hut on top of the coastal cliffs.
Accommodation Types: Cabins
Facilities
Addo Elephant National Park is well maintained and has a host of facilities at the main Addo Rest Camp:
Lookout platform, floodlights and underground hide at the waterhole
A fuel station
A shop selling curios, snacks and basic supplies
An a la carte restaurant
A swimming pool
Picnic and braai area
The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide overlooking the wetlands
PPC Discovery Trail is accessible to all, also the visually / mobility impaired
Public telephone and post box near reception
Credit cards are accepted
First National Bank / ATM located in the town of Addo, 15km (9 miles) away
Activities
Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape offers numerous wildlife experiences for guests to enjoy during a safari in South Africa.
Self Drive Game Drives:
Addo Elephant National Park has a really good road infrastructure designed for easy access around the park for the public. This makes it ideal for self drive game drives.
Eyethu Hop-on:
Guides can be hired to hop on to your vehicle and guide you through the game area at your own pace during a safari in South Africa. These guides are local community members who have been well trained and are experts in their fields and now run their own business.
Guided Game Drives:
There are a few game drives options available, all of which are conducted by experienced, knowledgeable guides. All game drives are conducted from open top Landrovers or trucks. Game drive options include sunrise, morning, midday, afternoon, sunset and night drives. Please note that bookings are essential.
Horse Trails (Addo and Zuurberg):
The Addo and Zuurberg Horse Trails offer amazing trails suitable for all levels, from the amateur to the professional through a range of habitats. Trails range from one hour out rides to overnight adventures to Narina Bush Camp. This is a great way to discover the wild at close quarters.
Hiking Trails:
Addo offers various hiking options, ranging from one hour trails for novices, to the 4 hour Doringnek Trek to a beautiful natural pool for more experienced hikers. The Alexandria Hiking Trail is a popular 2 day / 1 night hike. It starts in magical coastal forest where Knysna Loeries and ancient Yellowwood trees can be seen before moving across sand dunes to the cliffs above the sea and the overnight hut. This area has fascinating archaeological sites on the coast and also in the Langvlakte Valley where the hike ends the following day.
Bird Watching:
The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide is set near the waterhole in the main rest camp, affording great opportunities to view Red Bishops, Weavers, Herons, Coots and Terrapins. The main rest camp is home to 170 bird species, while the rest of the Park may contain as many as 450 species in a range of habitats.
PPC Discovery Trail:
In the main camp, the PPC Discovery Trail is a short and pleasant walk through the valley thicket, where guests get the chance to learn more about the plant and animal life of the region during a safari in South Africa. The first loop of this walk is suitable for visually impaired and wheelchair bound visitors.
4X4 Trail:
Enjoy breathtaking views and early 20th century history while riding the Bedrogfontein 4X4 trail between Kabouga and Darlington. This area has diverse scenery and rock art can be seen on this route which was the scene of battles between the British and the Afrikaner troops during the Anglo-Boer war.
Accommodation Available at Addo Elephant National Park (Malaria Free Safari)
- a large number of rooms and styles across various camps