Addo Elephant National Park

South Africa, Africa

Addo Elephant National Park is a must-visit destination in South Africa, famed for its large population of elephants—a sanctuary for over 600 of these gentle giants. Beyond elephants, the park also hosts the Big Seven: elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, southern right whales, and great white sharks. Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks, and birdwatching amidst diverse landscapes ranging from dense bush to rolling hills. With its stunning scenery and vibrant wildlife, Addo offers an unforgettable adventure in nature.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-3 days

Type

Nature Reserve

Vibe

Active

Airport

Port Elizabeth

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Addo Elephant National Park

1

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Go on a game drive

Experience wildlife up close on guided tours.

Booking required
2

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Elephant Sanctuary

Learn about and interact with rescued elephants.

Booking required
3

Est. 4 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the Zuurberg Mountain Range

Hike stunning trails with breathtaking views.

No booking required
4

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Take a night drive

Experience the park's wildlife under the stars.

Booking required
5

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Addo Elephant Park Interpretive Centre

Discover the park's history and ecosystems.

No booking required
6

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Go birdwatching

Spot diverse bird species in their natural habitat.

No booking required
7

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Enjoy a picnic at Addo

Relax in nature with views of wildlife.

No booking required
8

Est. 5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the nearby Tsitsikamma National Park

Explore lush forests and stunning coastlines.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Low

LGBTQ+ safety score

5 (#38 globally)

Cost

Standard

Currency

Rand

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Zulu

(20-50% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Bobotie

Spiced minced meat baked with egg. (National dish)

Biltong

Cured, dried meat, often beef or game.

Braai/Shisa Nyama

Barbecued meat, often served with sides.

Bunny Chow

Curry in a hollowed-out bread loaf.

Potjiekos

Slow-cooked stew in a cast-iron pot.

Phrases to learn

English

Zulu

Hello

Sawubona

(Sah-woo-boh-nah)

Yes/No

Yebo / Cha

(Yeh-boh / Chah)

Thank you

Ngiyabonga

(Ngee-ah-bon-gah)

Excuse me

Uxolo

(Oo-ksoh-loh)

How much?

Malini?

(Mah-lee-nee)