| |
addo elephant national park |
| |
eastern cape, south africa holidays |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
 |
|
|
| |
South Africa's diversity and beauty is a feast for the eyes and soul. Wildlife, cultures, cuisines, scenery... [see all photos] |
 |
|
| |
See South Africa's incredible sights and sounds come alive. Find out what awaits you... [see all videos] |
|
 |
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
 |
| |
|
Addo Elephant National Parkis situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa near the harbour city of Port Elizabeth. This diverse reserve offers safe, family friendly holiday options and is the ideal start or end of a Cape Town and Garden Route safari.
Addo Elephant National Park is split into three distinct regions - Addo (the main wildlife area), Zuurberg (the mountaineous region to the north) and Woody Cape (the coastal area that stretches from the Sundays River al the way the the Bushman's River to the east.
The park stretches from the semi-arid karoo area, over the rugged Zuurberg Mountains, cutting through the vertile Sundays River Valley all the way to the Indian Ocean coast up to the Bushman's River Mouth. This park is around 180 000 hectares in size and one of the only places where the Big 7 occur. This includes the Great White Shark and Southern Right Whale over and above the Big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo).
Addo Elephant National Park offers three
camps in the Addo section fo the park where travelers can base themselves to explore the wildlife:
- Addo Main Camp in the north
- Spekboom Tented Camp in the center
- Matyholweni Camp in the south
We explored Addo on a family safari and wrote about it on our blog. Read the full article here:
|
| |
| |
| A holiday takes on a whole new form when traveling as a family, especially with young kids. Let me start by pointing out that this article is a positive look at family travel! Obviously it's an absolute pleasure to explore Africa with two inquisitive youngsters constantly bombarding you with questions and giving you the run-around when it comes to keeping them entertained... |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
The climate in this part of the Eastern Cape is temperate to hot and temperatures in summer (November to February) may reach over 40 degrees Celsius in some parts (more specifically the Karoo region).
Winters are mild but cold at night with frost occurring at times, so pack accordingly. The average annual rainfall is 450mm and spread throughout the year, although most often in March-April and September-October. |
| |
| |
|
Addo offers some of the best African Elephant viewing in the world! These giants of the African bush are found in small herds across the reserve and a total of around 550 elephant make up the Addo population. There are almost 50 Black Rhino in the park, which plays an important part in conserving this vulnerable species. Another crucial species found here is the Cape Buffalo, but what makes these ones special is that it is one of largest disease-free herds in SA. Lions have been introduced relatively recently (in 2003) and have adapted well. There are now three healthy prides that make Addo their home. Other animals of interest are Spotted Hyena, Black-Backed Jackal, Leopard (but rarely seen), and large herds of antelope such as kudu, red hartebeest, eland and bushbuck.
Burchell's zebra are also found here. Warthogs are found everywhere and make up a fair share of the lion's diet.
The outlying regions of Addo are home to a variety of different animals. The Zuurberg Mountains offer Cape mountain zebra, Mountain reedbuck, Chacma baboons, Blue Duiker, the elusive Aardwolf and Red rock rabbit. Hippos are found in the Sundays River. The arid nama-karoo near Darlington Dam is home to Gemsbok, Black wildebeest, Springbok and Black rhino. The coastal forests of Woody Cape offers possible sightings of Bushbuck, Bushpig, Brown Hyena and the rare Tree dassie.
|
| |
| |
|
| A unique little creature found in this parts of the Eastern Cape is the flightless dung bettle. It is so special that it boasts on roadsigns all over Addo warning motorists to give way to this importnat beetle. |
| |
| |
|
The variety of habitats covered by Addo Elephant NP ensures an excellent opportunity for birding enthusiasts. It ranges from grasslands, rocky kloofs, thick forests and coastal islands as well as karoo vegetation and riverine forests.
Some of the species to look out for are the Bokmakierie, Bar-throated Apalis, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Martial Eagle, Black Harrier, African Crowned Eagle, Denham's Bustard, Olive Bush Shrike, Knysna Turaco, Black Cuckoo, Dark-backed Weaver and the spectacular Narina Trogon, to name but a few.
|
| |
| |
|
Addo Elephant National Park is easily accessible by standard sedan as most of the roads are sealed and dirt roads in god condition. The nearest airport is Port Elizabeth Airport, a mere 30 minutes away fro mthe southern gate.
All trials require a high clearance 4x4 vehicle with low range andyou have to be completely self sufficient for the duration of your stay.
This includes water, food, fuel, vehicle tools and spares, firewood, spare tyres, tyre repair kit and camping equipment. Trailers are not permitted on the trails.
|
| |
| |
|
|
 |
|
Explore the Greater Addo Elephant region with it's beautiful, rugged coastline, incredible wildlife reserves and national parks, quaint towns and many tidal rivers. Discover the amazing scenery and experience the hospitality of the Eastern Cape. The area is filled with interesting places and friendly people. Visit historic sites while enoying the country life to the full. The pace of life forces you to take it slow - enjoy every moment. The Eastern Cape game reserves offer the big 5 and lots more. It's the perfect destination for a self drive holiday!
Suggested Duration: 10 days |
| |
|
| |
|
| Addo Elephant National Park can be booked directly with SANParks at www.sanparks.org. |
 |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Book your accommodation at Addo Elephant National Park with SANParks Online reservation. Check availability and find out more details about the Addo Elephant National Park. Buy a WILDCard to get access to all of South Africa's national parks.
The portfolio of national parks managed by SANParks offers travelers a diversity of adventure, relaxation and outdoor leisure, including game viewing, bush walks, birding, hikes, 4x4 trails as well as insight into South Africa's diverse cultural and historical experiences. Weddings as well as conferences can be organised in many of the parks.
|
|
 |
|
| |
|
 |
| |
|
|
Bushlore lets you experience the ultimate safari vacation in the comfort of a fully equipped 4X4 Safari vehicle or Campervan. You have the choice of Land Rover Defender 4X4s or Toyota Hilux 4X4 campers to enjoy a self drive safari into some of South Africa's most amazing game reserves and wilderness areas. Feel the freedom of a South African safari on a campervan self drive safari.
Bushlore Vehicle Rental operates a fleet of 4x4 vehicles, campers and cars for self drive purposes. A self-drive safari is one of the best options to experience Africa on an economical, exciting way. It gives you the flexibility to explore Africa at your own pace. |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
| |
| |
Find more South Africa Travel Service Providers  |
|
| |
Keeping it fresh: if you find any incorrect or out of date information, please let us know here  |
|
 |
|
africa travel guide 
