Addo Elephant National Park is a renowned wildlife reserve located near Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The park was established in 1931 to protect the last remaining 11 African elephants in the area. Today, it is home to over 600 elephants as well as other wildlife species.
The Addo Elephant National Park spans across an area of approximately 1,640 square kilometers and is situated about 72 kilometers north of Port Elizabeth. The park encompasses a variety of landscapes including dense forests, rolling hills, and open savannah, providing a diverse habitat for its wildlife inhabitants.
The park is open daily from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm.
The entry fee for international visitors is R328 per adult and R164 per child. South African citizens pay R76 per adult and R38 per child.
Aside from elephants, Addo Elephant National Park is home to a wide array of wildlife including lion, buffalo, rhinoceros, leopard, and various antelope species. The park also boasts diverse flora such as spekboom, euphorbias, and a variety of indigenous trees and shrubs.
Visitors to the park can enjoy activities such as guided game drives, self-drive safaris, bird watching, hiking trails, and horseback safaris. The park also offers accommodation options for overnight stays.
Jeep safari charges vary depending on the type of safari experience chosen. Prices typically range from R600 to R1200 per person for a guided safari.
Children under the age of 2 enter the park for free. The entry fee for children aged 2-11 is R82 for international visitors and R41 for South African citizens. For visitors aged 12 and above, the adult entry fee applies.
Senior citizens are eligible for discounted entry fees. South African citizens over the age of 60 can enjoy reduced rates upon presentation of a valid ID.
The best time to visit Addo Elephant National Park is during the dry winter months from May to September when wildlife congregates around waterholes, making for excellent game viewing opportunities.
Some nearby attractions to Addo Elephant National Park include the Zuurberg Mountain Village, the Daniell Cheetah Project, and the town of Kirkwood known for its citrus orchards.
The park offers designated parking areas for visitors at various points within the park. Parking is free of charge.
Visitors are required to follow certain rules and regulations while inside the park such as maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, refraining from feeding the animals, and adhering to speed limits on the roads.
Addo Elephant National Park is accessible by car from Port Elizabeth via the N2 highway. The park is approximately a one-hour drive from Port Elizabeth. Alternatively, guided tours and shuttle services are available for visitors without their own transportation.