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Addo Elephant National Park

All-in-One

This page displays all information relevant to this park/camp, except the following:

Deep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park. Here, the evenings are punctuated by the strident howl of the black-backed jackal, and the francolin's call heralds each new dawn. Safe from relentless persecution in the past, the grey leviathans of the bush now roam in peace.

The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. And their Addo has only just begun. with plans to expand the  164 000 ha Addo National Elephant Park into a 360 000 ha mega-park. In addition, plans include the proposed proclamation of a 120 000 ha (296 500 acre) marine reserve that includes islands that are home to the world's largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and second largest breeding population of African penguins.

Vision

Addo Elephant National Park seeks to be fully integrated into the regional landscape, conserves and enhances the characteristic terrestrial and marine biodiversity, ecological processes and cultural, historical and scenic resources representative of the Eastern Cape region for the appreciation, and benefit of present and future generations.

 

Did you know that ...

  • The park conserves no less than five of South Africa's seven biomes?
  • Is also home to one of the densest African elephant populations on earth?
  • It is home to the unique flightless dung beetle?
  • Addo incorporates the largest coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere?
  • The park boasts the Big Seven, (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark)?
  • It also protects the world's largest Cape gannet breeding population on Bird Island?

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Accommodation

General Information

  • For bookings at Addo Elephant National Park contact Central Reservations. For bookings at Kabouga, contact Park Reception (Tel: 042 2338600).
  • Have a look at the park map, as well as information on each camp to locate and check in at the correct place.
  • All accommodation is serviced and equipped with crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, bedding, towels and soap. Each accommodation unit has a braai- area outside.
  • Check in time for accommodation is 13:00 on the day of arrival. Check out time on the day of departure is 10:00 for accommodation and 12:00 for the campsites.
  • Please note that no meals are included in the accommodation rates.
  • All our accommodation units do have plug points available with a 220V electricity supply. Visitors will need to provide their own international adaptors or two-point plug adaptors. The caravan and tent sites also each have a 220v electricity supply point.
  • Accommodation will be serviced daily between 09:00 and 12:00.
  • Sheets will be changed every 2-3 days, and towels will be changed every day. Please do not hesitate to ask our staff for extra soap, towels, blankets, etc.

Accommodation Types

Addo Elephant National Park offers a range of accomodation types. The list below offers a brief description of what the park offers. For more comprehensive information on accommodation types, including photographs of the our facilities and more detail on how units are equipped, please click on the accommodation unit link.

Camps

Addo Rest Camp

The popular main rest camp of the park offers a wide variety of accommodation units to suit all tastes and plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. A unique feature is the waterhole lookout point, floodlit at night, within the camp as well as the underground hide, allowing close encounters with wildlife at the waterhole...

Kabouga

This section of the park is surrounded by rugged moutains and densely fragrant vegetation...

Matyholweni

Matyholweni, which means “in the bush” in Xhosa is located near the coastal town of Colchester at the Sundays River Mouth, 3km off the N2 highway, Matyholweni is easily accessible and provides a second gateway into the Park. Amenities such as shops, restaurants and a fuel station are available in the nearby town...

Narina

For a secluded experience in magical forest, spend some time at Narina Bush Camp at the foot of the Zuurberg Mountains and on the banks of the Wit River...

Woody Cape

Listen for the haunting calls of the rare tree dassie by night and awake to a chorus of birds in flitting through the forest canopy. The Langebos huts are available to hikers on the two-day Alexandria Hiking Trail, as well as those simply wanting an overnight stay in the forest...

Luxury 2Lodges

Who said anything about "roughing it" in the bush when visiting one of our National Parks? "Indulgence" and "comfort" come to mind when viewing the concession lodges and suites that are to be found in a number of SANParks camps and parks. These lodges form part of a suite of products known as SANParks "Golden Kudus", where luxury is the order of the day.

Alternate Options

Should you be unable to get a booking in the park due to high occupancy levels, please have a look at the Greater Addo Route for information on other options.

To view the accommodation prices, refer to Tariffs

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Activities

Guided Game Drives

There are a number of game drive options available:

  • Bookings are essential. It is advisable to book drives in advance, particularly in the high season (October to March). Drives can be booked by Telephone: +27 (0)42 233 8621 or e-mail.
  • Day, sunset and night drives of approximately 2 hours in duration are on offer.
  • Please note that the sunrise, sunset and night drive departure times vary according to season. It's important to check the time when making your booking.
  • Drives are conducted by knowledgeable, qualified guides in open-top landrovers or trucks.
  • Arrive at least 15 minutes before the expected departure time.
  • Children under the age of 6 years not allowed on these drives. Children under 12 years pay half price.
  • No refunds are given.

Type of drive

Time of drive

Min. persons

Maximum persons

Price per person

Sunrise

06h00 (summer)

07h00 (winter)

2

74

R200

Morning

09h00

2

74

R200

Midday

12h00

2

74

R200

Afternoon

15h00

2

74

R200

Sundowner

18h00 (summer)

16h00 (winter)

2

30

R285 including snacks and drinks

Night drive

20h00 (summer)

18h00 (winter)

2

44

R225


Sunrise drive

Departing 06:00 (summer) or 07:00 (winter) - dress warmly and watch the bush come alive for the day. Lions may still be active from the night’s hunting, buffalo may be seen and kudu are plentiful.

Day drives

Departing 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00 – viewing may include herds of elephant, antelope, zebra , warthog and ostrich.

Sunset drive

Departing 16:00 (winter) or 18:00 (summer) – enjoy late afternoon viewing, snacks & drinks as the sun goes down and then some night time viewing – black rhino, buffalo, lions and antelope may be seen.

Night drive

Departing 18:00 (winter) or 20:00 (summer) – dress warmly and discover the secrets of nighttime in the bush: springhares, porcupines, genets

Eyethu Hop-on Guides

Guides can be hired at affordable rates to get on your vehicle and guide you through the game area. These are local community members who have been trained as guides and now run their own small business. Meet the guides at the main game area gate of the Park or book via addoenquiries@sanparks.org

Per 2 hour guided drive with your own vehicle

  • For a car: R120
  • For an 8-seater vehicle (condor): R155
  • For a minibus (kombi): R180
  • For a bus with 18 or less people: R240
  • For a Bus with more than 18 people: R365

Note: Fees are payable directly to the guide

Operating Hours: 08:00 to 17:00

Self-Drive Game Viewing

Visitors may enjoy wildlife viewing in their own vehicles during the opening hours of the park’s game gate. Opening times change according to season.

In this case, the visitor pays only the conservation fee – per day, or per night for overnight visitors.

Horse Trails (Addo and Zuurberg)

Addo Horse Trails

  • The morning ride (08:00) is for less experienced riders and is two hours long. The afternoon ride (14:00) is for experienced riders and is three hours long. Book and pay for horse trails at the Game Drive Office.
  • Please report to stables at least 15 minutes before departure.
  • All horse trails are conducted by experienced guides on sure-footed, well-trained horses.
  • Riding hats are available for visitors’ use.
  • No children younger than 16 years may ride on the Addo Trail.
  • Addo horse trails depart from main camp to the Nyati area which is home to elephants, buffalo, black rhino, zebra and antelope.

In the Nyathi section of the park – encounters with large game are possible. There are no lions or hyenas in this section.

Type of ride

Time of ride

Max. persons

Min. persons

Price per person

Morning: For less experienced riders

08:00 (2 hour duration)

7

1

R200

Afternoon: For experienced riders

14:00 (3 hour duration)

7

1

R270


Zuurberg Horse Trails

In the Zuurberg Mountain section of the park - no encounters with large game, beautiful scenic views of the mountains.

  • Zuurberg horse trails are suitable for riders of all competencies and wind through fynbos and forest.
  • One-, three- and five-hour trails are available.
  • One-hour trails depart at 09:00, 11:00 or 14:00.
  • Three-hour trails depart at 09:00 or 11:00.
  • Five-hour trails depart at 09:00 only.
  • An overnight trail to Narina Bush Camp is an option – departure no later than 11:00.
  • No children younger than 10 years may ride on the Zuurberg horse trails.

Type of ride

Time of ride

Max. persons

Min. persons

Price per person

One-hour trail

09:00 or 11:00 or 14:h00

8

1

R140

Three-hour trail

09:00 or 11:00

8

1

R190

Five-hour trail

09:00 only

8

1

R210

Overnight trail to Narina Bush Camp

09:00 or 11:00

8

2

R180 per horse per day

Please Note:

  • No bookings will be taken less than 1 hour before departure time.
  • No person exceeding 90 kg in weight will be allowed to ride. Only one rider allowed per horse.
  • No children under 10 yrs on the morning ride. No children under 16 years on the afternoon ride.
  • For the Overnight Trail, the Narina Bush Camp must be booked with Central Reservations or with Addo Reception. The Rates given above do not include the rate for accommodation.
  • All Riders take part in Horse Trails at their own risk. The Addo Elephant National Park will not be held responsible for any injuries or losses.
  • Prices are valid from 1 September 2009 until 31 October 2010 and are subject to change without notice.
  • Booking in advance is essential.

    Bookings:

    Tel: +27(0)42 233 8621
    Fax: +27(0)42 233 8622
    E-mail: Addogamedrives@sanparks.org

Alexandria Hiking Trail

The Alexandria Hiking Trail is a 36km, two-day circular trail. The first day is 19.5km and the second day, 16.5km. The Langebos huts are situated at the trail base, providing accommodation for the beginning and/or end of the hike. The Woody Cape hut is situated at the end of the first day’s walk. Hikers must carry their own provisions and equipment and the hike is not guided. The trail is well signposted.

More about the trail

The trail begins in magical coastal forest where ancient yellowwoods and exotic Knysna loeries can be seen, it moves then onto the beach where the stark sandy beach ecosystem and dramatic dune cliffs provide breathtaking scenery. Southern right whales can be seen just off shore in certain months and dolphins are often spotted playing in the waves. Fascinating ancient middens sites, evidence of the strandloper people that wandered these shores can also be seen. On the second day the trail traverses sand dunes in the largest coastal dune field in the Southern Hemisphere, the trail then heads back into coastal forest and then into the Langvlakte valley where a chicory stack can be seen which was built in 1820’s. The trail can accommodate a maximum of 12 persons and a minimum of 3 persons.

The Langebos Huts are the base huts for the trail and it is recommended that hikers stay at the huts the night before leaving for the first day. The two newly built huts are equipped with 6 beds each with mattresses, a fridge, stove, hot water showers, toilets and a braai area.

At the end of the first day walking hikers will find the Woody Cape hut nestled in thick coastal forest on top of the cliffs with a view of Bird Island in the distance. This hut has 12 beds with mattresses and rainwater tanks. No fires are allowed at the Woody Cape hut and the hikers must carry their own cookers. Water is only for drinking and cooking as the hut relies on rainwater.

At least one or more of the hiking group should be able to read a map and compass, and to wear a brightly coloured jacket that can be seen from the air if a search and rescue is launched.

The trail costs (South African Rand) R90 per person per night. Hikers also need to pay the daily conservation (entry) fee.

Bookings for the trail are administered through:

Camp Matyholweni:
Tel: +27 (0)41 468 0916 / 8
Fax: +27 (0)41 468 0949
E-mail: tanyav@sanparks.org

Trail base office:
Woody Cape office of the Addo Elephant National Park
Tel: +27 (0)46 6530601

Zuurberg Hiking Trails

Various options provide a perfect day outing for park visitors, at no extra cost.
Choose between the Cycad Trail, a one-hour trail – suited for those who want a sedate walk – and the Doringnek Trail, a four-hour trail which takes the visitor to a beautiful natural water pool. The routes are clearly signposted and a map is available at the Zuurberg offices. The Zuurberg offices are located 16 km from the main park entrance along a gravel road. No bookings are necessary.

Tree Dassie Trail

The Tree Dassie Trail is named after the rare tree dassie (hyrax) that lives in the Alexandria forest. This arboreal creature is nocturnal and very shy but its shrill call can be heard at dusk. Many bird species such as the Olive woodpecker, Black headed oriole and Crowned Hornbill can be spotted on the trail, making it ideal for bird watchers. The trail starts at the office and follows the grass roads to Langevlakte where the trail meets up and joins the two-day trail leading back to the office. No bookings are necessary and the trail is free of charge (apart from park entrance fees).

The Alexandria Trail and Tree Dassie Trail start at the Woody Cape offices of the park, near the town of Alexandria. Turn right out of the park entrance towards Paterson. At the Paterson intersection, turn right towards Port Elizabeth. Take the R72 to Port Alfred. Just before entering the town of Alexandria, take the gravel road to right, marked with the park signboard. Follow the signs to the park and find the offices where you can get further assistance.

4x4 Trail

The Bedrogfontein 4 x 4 trail between Kabouga and Darlington areas of the park provides breathtaking views and is rich in history. This route was the scene of fierce battles between the British and Afrikaner troops during the Anglo-Boer war. Rock art paintings are found scattered throughout the area. The route travels through a variety of vegetation types, from riverine thicket, to afromontane forest, to fynbos on the peaks and into the arid nama-karoo of the Darlington area.

The route is only suitable for vehicles with 4x4 and low range facilities, both because of terrain and to cause minimum impact on the environment. The route is graded 2-3 but a grade 5 river crossing is an option (river conditions should be checked with the ranger). This 45km route can be easily traveled within six hours.

The route is self-driven and can be followed either from Darlington to Kabouga or from Kabouga to Darlington. Kabouga is situated about 40 km (one hour’s drive) from the main park entrance, near the town of Kirkwood. Darlington is situated about 150km (two hour’s drive) from the main park entrance.

Accommodation is available at Kabouga House or Mvubu campsite (camping only) on the Kabouga side. On the Darlington side, the luxury Darlington Lake Lodge is available.

Cost: R320 per vehicle plus conservation fees per person.

Kabouga Mvubu Camping (max 4 persons per site)

  • R80 for the first 2 persons
  • R22 per additional person

Kabouga Cottage (sleeps 6 people)

  • R320 for the first 2 persons
  • R115 per additional adult
  • R60 per additional child under 12

Darlington Dam

4 bed rustic Fishermans Huts

  • R220 for 1-4 persons per night

Camping

  • R30per person per night

Darlington Lake Lodge

For more information on tariffs, please contact the lodge on tel: (042) 243 3673 or e-mail: darlington@eastcape.net

***Please note***
The 4x4 Trail and Accommodation at Kabouga and Darlington Dam can be booked via Addo Main Camp Reception on tel: (042) 233 8619 or e-mail: addoenquiries@sanparks.org

Bird watching

The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide is located opposite the waterhole in the main rest camp,offering watchers a view of red bishops, weavers, herons, coots and terrapins. The main game area boasts a list of 170 bird species, while the expanded park may contain as many as 450 species in a diversity of habitats.

PPC Discovery Trail

The PPC Discovery Trail is a short walk through the valley thicket where you can learn more about the plants and animals of this region. The first loop is suitable for visually-impaired and wheelchair-bound visitors.

A picnic and braai area is situated near the waterhole in the main camp. The waterhole is floodlit at night.

Other activities at no extra cost (except for conservation fee payable by all visitors)

  • SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide: in the main camp, suitable for wheelchair-users
  • Floodlit waterhole: at main camp
  • Picnic and braai site: at main camp
  • Swimming pool: at main camp, only for overnight guests
  • Restaurant and curio shop: at main camp
  • Holiday programmes for children: during July and December holidays, for children of overnight visitors

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Facilities

The following facilities are available at the main rest camp:

  • A lookout platform and an underground hide provide views over a waterhole which is floodlit at night.
  • A swimming pool is available for overnight visitors, situated near the chalets.
  • A picnic and braai area is available for day visitors overlooking the waterhole in the rest camp.
  • A picnic site situated within the botanical reserve in the Main Game Area provides picnic, braai and ablution facilities.
  • The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide, overlooking a small wetland area.
  • The PPC Discovery Trail for short walks where you can learn about the plants and ecology of thicket vegetation. The first loop is accessible to all, including the visually and mobility-impaired.
  • A shop selling curios, snacks and basic supplies is open between 08:00 and 18:00 (winter) or 08:00 to 19:00 (summer).
  • An al-la-carte restaurant is available in the main camp and is open for all meals from 07:30 to 22:00. Bookings are advisable, especially for dinner. Telephone: +27 (0)42 233 8674 or email: addo@tourrest.co.za
  • A fuel station selling petrol and diesel is available between 07:30 and 16:30.
  • There is a public telephone and a post box near the reception. Post is collected for delivery every week day morning before 07:00. A post office is situated in the town of Addo, approximately 15 km from the park.
  • Credit cards are accepted for payment of accommodation & activities (except for the Alexandria Hiking trail, Zuurberg horse trails, Kabouga accommodation and 4x4 trail), shop purchases and restaurant meals.
  • First National Bank with ATM is situated in the town of Addo, 15 km from the park. Other banking facilities are located in the town of Kirkwood, 35 km from the park and Port Elizabeth, 75 km from the park.
Please note that Camp Matyholweni does not have restaurant, shop or swimming pool facilities situated at the rest camp. Shop and fuel station facilities are available in the nearby town of Colchester.

 

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Natural and Cultural History

In the early centuries, when great herds of wild animals roamed the Addo region, the Khoesan of the Iqua, Damasqua and Gonaqua clans lived in the area. They hunted and kept cattle but tragically were largely wiped out in the 1700s by the smallpox epidemic. Nomadic Xhosa tribes had kraals in the area, including Chief Cungwa of the Gqunukhwebe (near the Sundays River mouth and inland) and Chief Habana of the Dange (near the Wit River).

The Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) was proclaimed in 1931 to protect the remaining 11 Addo elephants. The great herds of elephants and other animal species had been all but decimated over the 1700s and 1800s by hunters. In the late 1800s, farmers began to colonise the area around the park, also taking their toll on the elephant population due to competition for water and crops.

This conflict reached a head in 1919 when farmers called on the government to exterminate the elephants. The government even appointed a Major Pretorius to shoot the remaining elephants. He shot 114 elephants between 1919 and 1920.

Public opinion then changed, leading to the proclamation of the park in 1931. The original size of the park was just over 2 000 hectares. Conflicts between elephants and farmers continued after proclamation as no adequate fence enclosed the park. Finally in 1954, Graham Armstrong (the park manager at the time) developed an elephant-proof fence constructed using tram rails and lift cables and an area of 2270 hectares was fenced in. There were 22 elephants at the time. This Armstrong fence, named after its developer, is still used around the park today. Although the park was originally proclaimed to protect a single species, priorities have now changed to conserve the rich biological diversity found in the area.

Domkrag

The Domkrag Dam in the game viewing section of the park is name after a giant mountain tortoise that once roamed the park. Domkrag is the Afrikaans word for jack, and this tortoise had a peculiar habit of walking in behind cars and lifting them up with enormous strength. Domkrag came to a sad end when he fell into an aardvark hole and couldn't get himself out. His shell is still on display in the reception foyer.

Hapoor

The magnificent Elephant head which is mounted in the restaurant is that of Hapoor, the legendary dominant bull in the park for 24 years. The waterhole in the southwestern section of the game area is named after him. Hap means 'nick' in Afrikaans, while 'oor' means ear and it is believed the distinctive nick in his ear was caused by a hunter's bullet. Hapoor retained a deep hatred of humans throughout his life. On more than one occasion park-staff were forced to flee to safety when Hapoor made his appearance. His dominance stretched from 1944 to 1968. During the second part of the 1960's a few younger bulls reached maturity and challenged Hapoor. These upstarts were unsuccessful until one bull name Lanky finally deposed Hapoor in 1968. Hapoor was driven from the heard and became a loner. Later that year he succeeded in climbing the park's 'Armstrong Fence', which for nearly 20 years had been elephant proof. His freedom was to be short lived as because of his aggressive nature, it was determined he would have to be shot.

The Alexandria dunefield is home to many archeological sites – the middens of the nomadic Strandloper (“beach walker”) people. These middens contain shells and bones of animals eaten by the people as well as fragments of pottery and stone implements. Interestingly, the white mussel shells found in these middens are also found in the caves of the Zuurberg Mountains, proving that these people journeyed over vast distances and stored their food.

The caves in the Zuurberg Mountains also contain rock art and stone implements.

The natural and cultural heritage of the park has been studied by the Albany Museum, recording hundreds of sites of significance. Part of the current Greater Addo World Bank project will be to formulate a policy on conservation of these sites and access to them by interested parties, especially local communities.

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How to get there

Opening and Closing times for Gates:

The following gates have approximate opening times.

NB: Times may vary according to sunrise and sunset. Kindly check times on arrival at the Park.

Main Entrance Gate

07:00 - 19:00

Matyholweni Gate

07:00 - 16:00

Main Game Area Gate

 

September - March

06:00 - 18:30

April - May

06:30 - 18:00

June - August

06:30 - 17:30

September - October

06:30 - 18:00

Southern Gate (Addo Heights Gate)

 

November - March

06:00 -18:00

April - May

06:30 - 17:30

June - August

06:30 - 17:00

September - October

06:30 - 17:30

Addo Heights Gates - these are not park entrance times

 

September - March

exit 18: 30

April - May

exit 18:00

June - August

exit 17: 30

NB: The Addo Heights Gates are NOT entrance gates and may only be used to travel on the Addo Heights Road (thoroughfare) or to exit the Park. Visitors must enter via the Main Gate or Matyholweni Gate. Any visitors found entering the Park through the Addo Heights Gates may be fined.

The gates are staffed by security guards after closing time. Visitors with accommodation bookings can still enter and exit the gate after closing times but before 22:00 provided they inform reception of this. After 22:00, there is no access into the Park as gates are closed.

How to get there

Many visitors to Addo are self-drive visitors as this allows them the freedom to explore the Park at their own leisure. If travelling from further afield, it may be advisable to fly to the Port Elizabeth Airport and then hire a vehicle.

GPS Coordinates

GPS coordinates ranging from camp sites, entrance gates to turn-off points.

Air

• The nearest domestic airport is in Port Elizabeth, 75 km from the park. A number of hire car agencies have depots at the airport.
• International airports are situated at Johannesburg and Cape Town, with connecting flights to Port Elizabeth available.

Car Hire and Coaches

Cars can be hired from various agencies at the airport in Port Elizabeth or from all major towns in South Africa. Please see contact details on the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Website.

A number of coach operators have organized tours to the park. Please see contact details on the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Website.

There are tours and shuttles that run from PE to Addo Elephant National Park.

You can also try one of the following:

Ezethu Tours - Tel: 041 463 2570 or 083 493 8741
Friendly City Tours - Tel: 041 5851801
Bietjie Rus - Tel: 082 7060965
Imperial Chaffeur Drive - Tel: 041 5814214 or 083 3867204
Bay Tourism - Tel: 041 5840622
Inner City Taxi's - Tel: 082 2113874
King Cab - Tel: 041 3685559
Johan Gerber - Tel: 072 2214106
Sorita Spies - Tel: 082 7060965 or 042 234 0336

(Remember to add international dialing code prefixes if you are phoning from overseas).

Internal Road Network

The entrance road and some of the tourist loops in the Park are tarred. Other tourist roads within the Park are of a good gravel standard. All tourist roads are accessible to normal sedan cars. A 4x4 vehicle is only necessary if visitors would like to take the 4x4 route within the Park (see Activities).

Vehicle Restrictions

Buses may access most of the tourist roads within the Park except for the southern access road from Matyholweni to where it joins the road network near Hapoor waterhole and the second part of the Gorah Loop. Turnaround points for buses are provided at these places.

The speed limit on the roads is 40 km/h but a speed of 20-30 km/h is advised for maximum game viewing enjoyment.
There is a height restriction for vehicles on the entrance road to Addo Main Camp of 4.42 metres.

Directions and Distances

Directions from Port Elizabeth (PE) to Addo Main Camp

There are 3 alternatives:
1) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown. Take the turnoff to the left signposted “Motherwell” and “Addo Elephant National Park”. Turn left at the top of the off-ramp and proceed through Motherwell. Follow this road until you see the entrance to the park on the right. Distance: about 72 km or one hour travelling time.

2) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown and carry straight on until the N2 splits off to the left from the N10. Carry straight on, following the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted “Addo Elephant National Park”. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the park on your left. Distance: about 120 km or one hour, 15 minutes travelling time.

3) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown, pass Coega harbour on your right. Cross the Sundays River bridge. Turn off to your left at the sign that says “Camp Matyholweni”. Follow this road for about 3 km until you enter Matyholweni Gate at Camp Matyholweni. Follow the southern access road inside the Park until you get to Addo Main Camp. You will cross over a gravel public road. Distance: about 40 km from PE to Matyholweni and then 36 km through the Park (which takes about one and a half hours at the 40km/h speed limit). NB: this route is not accessible to caravans and buses.

Directions from Grahamstown

Take the N2 towards Port Elizabeth. Follow this road until you see the turnoff to the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take this turnoff and carry straight on, following the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted “Addo Elephant National Park”. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the park on your left. The journey covers about 90 km and will take about 1 hour, 15 minutes.

Directions from Cape Town

Take the N2 towards Port Elizabeth and then follow the directions given above. Note: travelling time from Cape Town to the Park by vehicle is approximately 9 hours.

Directions from Johannesburg

Take the N1 towards Colesburg. At Colesburg, take the N10 towards Cradock and Paterson. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted “Addo Elephant National Park”. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the park on your left. Note: travelling time from Johannesburg to the Park by vehicle is approximately 12-14 hours.

Directions within the Park

Directions to Camp Matyholweni

From Port Elizabeth, take the N2 towards Grahamstown. Just before the town of Colchester and after crossing the bridge over Sundays River, take the sign posted road Left to Camp Matyholweni. Follow the signs for about 3 km to enter Matyholweni Gate and Camp Matyholweni.

Directions from Addo Main Camp to Zuurberg (for horse and hiking trails)

Exit the Main Camp and turn left. About 1 km down the road, turn off towards Zuurberg Mountain Inn. Follow this gravel road (the Zuurberg Pass) for about 15km. Please take care when driving on the Zuurberg Pass as the road is fairly narrow and winding. You will see the Zuurberg Inn/Hotel on your right and the turnoff to the Park offices on your left. Follow this narrow gravel road until you reach the Park offices where you park your vehicle. The trip will take about 30 minutes.

Directions from Addo Main Camp to Narina Bush Camp

Exit the Main Camp and turn left. About 1 km down the road, turn off towards Zuurberg Mountain Inn. Take the first turn to your left, signposted Enon/Slagboom. Follow this road and then take the turn to your right, signposted Slagboom. Follow the road and pass the turnoff to Slagboom police training camp. Carry on along the gravel road, passing through a number of open gates, until you see the turnoff into Narina Bush Camp on your right. Leave your vehicle at this parking lot and walk about 500 metres to the camp across a river bridge and through the forest. This trip is about 27 km and will take about 45 minutes.

Directions from Addo Main Camp to Kabouga

Exit the Main Camp and turn left. Follow the R335 towards the town of Addo. Turn off onto the R336 towards Kirkwood. Follow this road until you reach the town of Kirkwood at a four-way intersection. Carry on straight through the intersection (you would turn left for the Main Street of Kirkwood) and travel over a small bridge. Turn right after the bridge and follow the road, which becomes gravel past a township until you see the turnoff into Kabouga (Park signage) on your left. Follow this road until you get to a boom gate at the ranger’s station where you enter the Park’s property. The trip will take about one hour.

Directions from Addo Main Camp to Woody Cape

Exit the Main Camp and turn right. Follow the R342 to the Paterson intersection with the N10. Turn right onto the N10 and follow this road until the R72 turnoff on your left. Follow the signs towards Port Alfred and Alexandria. You will see the turnoff to Woody Cape just before you enter the town of Alexandria. Just before the town of Alexandria, take a gravel road to the right and follow signposts for Woody Cape Section. You will see the entrance to the Park offices on your right. The trip will take about one hour, 15 minutes and covers about 105 km.

Distances

Note: all distances are approximate.

Port Elizabeth to Addo Main Camp 72km
Main Camp to Paterson 22km
Main Camp to Kabouga 45km
Main Camp to Narina 27km
Main Camp to Woody Cape office 105km
Main Camp to Matyholweni 39km
Main Camp to Zuurberg office 17km

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Park Map

GPS Coordinates

Click on images to view enlarged maps.

Main Camp

Camp Matyholweni

Brochure Map

Full Addo Map (PDF format):

Addo Map in PDF format

4x4 Trail Map:

Trails Map

Addo Main Game Area Tourist Road Map

Game Area

Colchester Section Roads

Colchester Section Roads

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Tariffs

Members of SANParks’ loyalty programme WILD do not pay conservation fees provided that proof of Identity and their WILD card are shown on arrival.

Daily Conservation Fees for 1 September 2009 to 31 October 2010

South African Citizens and Residents (with ID):

R30 per person, per day

SADC Nationals (with passport):

R60 per person, per day
R30 per child, per day

Standard Conservation Fee (Foreign Visitors):

R130 per adult, per day
R65 per child, per day

Wild Card: Year Permits available for all our guests

 

Tariffs for 1 September 2009 to 31 October 2010
Unit type
No. of units
Rate
Base
Max. beds
Add. Adult
Add. Child
Addo Main Rest Camp

Caravan site CK6CP (with powerpoint)

20

R150

1–2

6 people per site

R48

R24

10

R150

1–2

4 people per site

R48

R24

10

R495

1-2

4 single beds

R144

R72

5

R375

1-2

2 single beds

n/a

n/a

6

R810

1-2

2 single beds

n/a

n/a

1

R580

1-2

2 single beds

n/a

n/a

20

R810

1-2

2 single beds and 1 double sleeper couch

R144

R72

Chalet CH2/4Z (unit accessbile to the mobility challenged)

2

R810

1-2

2 single beds and 1 double sleeper couch

R144

R72

6

R810

1-2

2 single beds

n/a

n/a

10

R810

1-2

2 single beds

n/a

n/a

Cottage CO2Z (unit accessbile to the mobility challenged)

3

R810

1-2

2 single beds

n/a

n/a

1

R985

1-4

1 double and 2 single beds and 1 double sleeper couch

n/a

R72

1

R2 315

1-4

6 single beds

R248

R124

1

R2 315

1-4

6 single beds

R248

R124
Matyholweni Rest Camp

7

R750

1-2

2 single beds

n/a

n/a

Cottage CO2Z (accessible to the mobility challenged)

2

R750

1-2

2 single beds

n/a

n/a

Family Cottage FA3

3

R750

1-2

2 single beds and 1 single sleeper couch

R144

R72
Narina Rusic Bush Camp

Bush Camp in Zuurburg Section BCT4 (communal facilties, check in at Addo Main Camp)

1

R780

1-4

4 tents each with 2 single beds

R144

R72
Kabouga and Darlington
Enquiries should be directed to the park This accommodation is associated with the Addo 4x4 Trail
 

Kabouga Mvubu Camping

 

R80

1-2

max 4 persons per site

R22

R22

Kabouga Cottage

 

R320

1-2

sleeps 6 people

R115

R60
Darlington Dam

4 bed rustic Fishermans Hut

 

R220

1-4

sleeps 4 people

n/a

n/a

Camping

 

R30

1

 

R30

R30

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Hapoor Restaurant

Deep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park which is where you’ll find the Hapoor Restaurant. Here, the evenings are punctuated by the strident howl of the black-backed jackal, and the francolin's call heralds each new dawn. Safe from relentless persecution in the past, the grey leviathans of the bush now roam in peace.

Come join us for a delectable breakfast at the Hapoor Restaurant and start your day off right. It really doesn’t matter what time of the day you visit us, as we have a wide variety of meals to suit any occasion from light meals and salads for the nibblers to larger fish, poultry meat & venison options for those with a bigger appetite. Expect anything from Lamb Curry & Surf & Turf to a Venison Hot Pot.

The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.

In addition, plans include the proposed proclamation of a 120 000 ha (296 500 acre) marine reserve that includes islands that are home to the world's largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and second largest breeding population of African penguins.

Reasons to visit not only Addo Elephant National Park but also the Hapoor Restaurant:
  • Mouthwatering venison dishes at the Hapoor Restaurant.
  • Addo is home to one of the densest African elephant populations on earth!
  • The park boasts the Big Seven, (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark).
Trading Hours:

Monday – Sunday: 7:00 – late (Kitchen closes at 20:30)

Contact Details:

Tel: (042) 233 8674
Fax: (042) 233 8675
E-mail: addo@tourrest.co.za

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Scientific Services

Although the park was originally proclaimed to protect the one species - the elephant - conservation priorities changes over the years. In the 1980s, the conservation of five elements took priority: the elephant, the black rhino, the buffalo, the flightless dung beetle and the thicket vegetation. These days a more wholistic approach of conserving biodiversity is the aim. "The mission of the Addo Elephant National Park is to conserve the faunal and floral assemblages and ecological processes that characterise the unique Eastern Cape region, and to actively present this for the appreciation by visitors.

The Conservation Services Office in Port Elizabeth has two divisions:

  1. The Park Planning Division, is staffed with a Head of Park Planning responsible for land consolidation and development of parks nationally, a Coordinator for Park Planning and Development of the Greater Addo project and Garden Route Initiative, a Marine Coordinator for the Greaetr Addo MPA, an Administration & Finance officer Finances and the Project Management Unit responsible for implementation of Greater Addo World Bank project.

  2. Scientific Services is part of the Arid Ecosystems Research Unit (AERU) and is staffed by an Animal Ecologist responsible for the large mammal monitoring and research, a Rehabilitation Ecologist who is assessing habitat threats and rehabilitation requirements and a Landscape Ecologist who interested in spatial processes linking biological and physical aspects across landscapes. AERU as a unit is reponsible for providing the scientific input into park managment through research, monitoring and planning processes. The unit focuses their attention on the following parks; Addo Elephant, Mountain Zebra, Karoo, Namaqua, |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld, Augrabies Falls, Kgalagadi, Vaalbos, Golden Gate and shares responsibility with the Scientific Services teams of Rondevlei and Skukuza for the inputs into Tankwa Karoo, Bontebok, Table Mountain, Agulhas, Marakele and Mapungubwe. AERU has assigned principle scientists to each park responsible for coordinating the ongoing research and monitoring activities both from within SANParks as well as from outside institutions.

Please see here to find out how Scientific Services is staffed.

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Mammals

This park offers some of the most spectacular elephant viewing in the world. Addo’s over 450 elephants will delight visitors with their antics.

The park contributes to the conservation of the endangered black rhino with over 48 of these animals occurring here.

The over 400 Cape buffalo are now being seen more often during the day due to the influence of lion reintroduction. This is one of the largest disease-free herds in South Africa.

Six lions were introduced into the park in late 2003 and have adapted well to their new environment. Lions are most often seen in the early morning or on sunset and night drives.

Spotted hyenas were also reintroduced in 2003, fulfilling the same role as lions in restoring the natural balance to the ecosystems in the park by controlling the numbers of herbivores.

Leopard are very seldom seen, being shy and secretive animals, but do occur in most areas of the expanded park.

Antelope species abundant in the main game area of the park include red hartebeest, eland, kudu and bushbuck.

The Burchell’s zebra, many with the pale rumps reminiscent of the extinct qwagga, occur in the park.

Warthogs are abundant.

The rare flightless dung beetle is king of the road in Addo, with signs warning visitor that this recycling machine has right of way. The beetles are only seen when conditions are not too hot and not too cold and play an important role in recycling nutrients and helping the growth of thicket vegetation.

The outlying areas of the park have very different animals on offer:

  • Zuurberg mountain range is home to the Cape mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, baboons, blue duiker, aardwolf and red rock rabbit.
  • Hippos are found in the Sundays River which flows at the base of these mountains. Endemics such as the red fin minnow and yellowfish are found in the tributaries of the river.

Gemsbok, black wildebeest, springbok, buffalo and black rhino are found in the arid nama-karoo around the Darlington Dam area. Once this area has been consolidated, cheetah and wild dog will be introduced.

The coastal forest is home to bushbuck, bushpig, brown hyena and the rare tree dassie.

Click here for full species list

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Vegetation

The park encompasses five of South Africa’s nine biomes: - Albany Thicket in the original Addo section (also in the Kabouga, Colchester, Nyathi section), Fynbos in the Zuurberg section, Forest in the Woody Cape area and Zuurberg section, Nama Karoo in the Darlington section and Kuzuko Contractual Area of the Park and the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt on the seaward side containing remarkable display of coastal dunes and coastal grassy plains.

Albany Thicket Biome

Fynbos Biome

Forest Biome

Nama-Karoo Biome

Indian Ocean Coastal Belt

References

  • Low, A.B. & Rebelo, A.G. (eds.) 1996. Vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, Pretoria.
  • Mucina, L. & Rutherford, M.C. (eds.) 2006. The vegetation of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Strelitzia 19. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
  • Vlok, J.H.J & Euston-Brown, D.I.W. 2002. Subtropical Thicket Ecosystem Planning Project (STEP). Biological Survey Report (plants and birds). Report, Terrestrial Ecology Research Unit, Univ. of Port Elizabeth.
  • Von Maltitz, G., Mucina, L., Geldenhuys, C.J., Lawes, M., Eeley, H., Adie, H., Vink, D., Fleming, G. & Bailey, C. 2003. Classification system for South African indigenous forests: An objective classification for the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. Report ENV-P-C 2003-017, Environmentek, CSIR, Pretoria.

Information above compiled by: ME Daemane & H Bezuidenhout, CSD, Kimberley, May 2009

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People with disabilities

Wheelchair Access

An in-depth accessibility profile for Addo Elephant National Park has been compiled.

Please see additional information on Wheelchair Accessibility.

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