Everything about Addo Elephant Park
| March 26, 2021 | It is called the elephant park because in 1931, the park was founded on the basis of a sanctuary offering exile to 11 elephants who had survived poaching in the region. Today there are a little more than 500 to sail freely in the 180,000 hectares of wilderness of the Eastern Cape. Successful mission for elephant conservation. South African opens the doors to this iconic national park of South Africa, also called in English Addo Elephant National Park. Follow the leader !
It is called the elephant park because in 1931, the park was founded on the basis of a sanctuary offering exile to 11 elephants who had survived poaching in the region. Today there are a little more than 500 to sail freely in the 180,000 hectares of wilderness of the Eastern Cape. Successful mission for elephant conservation. South African opens the doors to this iconic national park of South Africa, also called in English Addo Elephant National Park. Follow the leader !
Addo Elephant Park in a few figures:
- Founding date : 1931
- Area : 180,000 hectares of wild nature
- Its more : extends to the coast allowing the observation of whales, sharks and dolphins.
Addo Elephant National Park: where is it?
At the end of the African continent is South Africa, the country from which we are writing to you today. The Addo Elephant National Park is located in the south-east of the country in the Eastern Cape province, only about thirty minutes from the capital of the province known as Port Elizabeth.
The park is named after the majestic elephant but it is also home to the other Big 5!
Why choose Addo Elephant Park?
For a safari without the hassle of malaria
Ah the Eastern Cape…. This region of South Africa which brings together all the advantages of the country has definitely won our hearts. Not only is it the natural habitat of wild animals and therefore you will find lions, rhinos and elephants living together, but it is also a malaria-free area, which means: a safari without the hassle of malaria. And that is priceless.
For a family safari with the little ones:
No malaria means green light for families and younger children. Addo Elephant Park and the reserves in the Eastern Cape in general are favorite destinations for families who would like to go on safari with the little ones without having to take medication.
To complete the Garden Route with a safari:
The Garden Route is this Panoramic Route that takes you from the city of Cape Town to the city of Port-Elizabeth, passing through a multitude of stopover towns, including Hermanus and his whales, but also the green reserves of Tsitsikamma. The Advantage of Addo Elephant National Park is that it is located at the end of the Garden Route, ideal to end your trip in style with a family safari. For those who would like to take the Garden Route starting with Port-Elizabeth from Cape Town, it is also possible. Contact us to help you organize your trip, we will explain everything to you.
For its landscapes between land and sea:
The diversity of its landscapes between desert and coast of the Indian Ocean its hectares of wild nature extend from the Darlington dam in the Karoo to the north (desert area) to the coast.
For the observation of the Big 7:
With its opening on the coast, Addo National Park promises you to admire not only the Big 5 but the Big 7 including the whale and the great white shark which is added to the unmistakable lion, leopard, rhinoceros. , elephant and buffalo at the base of the classification. What else?
A Big 5 safari with a whale in the Grand Final?
A safari in Addo: alone or with a guide?
Self-drive
Addo Elephant Park is a national park, so you can explore it with your own vehicle in total autonomy as long as you leave its enclosure before nightfall and the entrance doors close. The opening hours change according to the seasons. In this case you only have to pay the conservation fee per day at the entrance to the park.
With a private guide
It is also possible to visit the park with “Hop-on Guides” who are guides from the communities neighboring the park. Experts in the region and its wildlife, they will guide you to every nook and cranny of Addo aboard your vehicle (rental car, mini-van for groups, etc.). They operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find them at the entrance to the national park.
Game Drivé framed
Game Drives starting from the main camp are organized with departures at dawn at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m. and at night at 7 p.m. Game drives last approximately 2 hours. Children under 6 are not accepted on board vehicles, but children under 12 pay half price. It is important to get to the starting point 15 minutes before the departure of the vehicle.
Alone, with a guide or aboard a park safari vehicle: you are spoiled for choice.
How to get there ?
Are you convinced? Now the real question is: how to get there. Follow the guide and don’t hesitate to contact us so that we can organize your dream safari now.
From Port Elizabeth:
Most often the starting point of a safari in Addo National Park will be in the city of Port-Elizabeth, capital of the Eastern Cape. From there it is possible to hire a vehicle at the airport and drive (allow about 40 minutes for the journey only) to the gates of the South African National Park. The plus: the roads in this region of South Africa are perfectly maintained, driving there is safe.
From Cape Town via the Garden Route:
Cape Town is the jewel of South Africa between sea and mountain – and also the place where our offices are based. It is a must-see on a trip to this side of the world. It is also the starting point of the Route des Jardins in the top of the most beautiful panoramic routes in the world. Crisscross the coast starting from Cape Town up to the city of Port-Elizabeth. Without failing to stop at Addo National Park.
The Garden Route, on the way to Addo, is the ideal destination for a family vacation.
When to go
Throughout the year. Yes, yes, it’s true. The Eastern Cape region has this advantage of a mild climate throughout the year.
In summer (November to April) the temperatures are warm and the weather sunny. The animals gather at the water points to hydrate, allowing you to find a strategic observation point!
In winter (from May to November), temperatures drop. You will need to cover up in the morning and in the evening during the sunrise and sunset safari trips. In the middle of the day, temperatures can quickly rise. This season is ideal for observing animals that come out when it is a little cooler to hunt.
Are you ready ? Contact our team of consultants for trips organized by our field experts.
See you soon on this side of the world!
Madder
