Addo Elephant National Park Tours and Activities

Addo Elephant National Park showing landscape views, forests and land animals


Spot majestic South African animals, including one of the world’s largest populations of African elephants, at this sprawling wildlife reserve on the Eastern Cape.

Get up close to graceful African elephants and other members of South Africa’s “big five” at the Addo Elephant National Park. Explore hiking trails, join kayaking trips and enjoy breathtaking scenery. This huge national park spreads from South Africa’s semi-desert Karoo region, across the Zuurberg Mountains and through the Sundays River. It is home to almost 600 African elephants, which is one of the biggest densities in the world.

There are many ways to the explore park, including self-drives, four-wheel drive safaris, hikes and horseback rides. In addition to elephants, you can spot buffalo, lion, rhino, buck, leopard and zebra. Keep your eyes open for 450 different bird species and the flightless dung beetle.

Rent a car and enjoy a self-drive tour. Follow marked routes to waterholes, where herds of elephants come to bathe and drink water. Get within touching distance of the animals in the underground viewing area at Addo Main Camp. Hop-on guides are available for hire to accompany you on your drive and can provide insightful information.

Join a guided four-wheel drive safari and relax as an experienced guide takes you to viewpoints, reveals the local wildlife and explains the park’s history. Choose between sunrise, sunset, night and full day safaris. For a more active visit, explore hiking trails such as the Zuurberg Mountain Trails and the 2-day Alexandria Hiking Trail. Try birdwatching as you ride on horseback through the picturesque landscapes or embark on a kayak tour along the Sundays River.

Stay overnight at the park’s rest camps, which have camping grounds, guesthouses and luxury lodges. Listen to the roar of lions and cackle of hyenas at night before waking up to the sweet sound of birdsong.

Addo Elephant National Park is about a 90-minute drive from Port Elizabeth. Numerous organized tours operate from the nearby village of Addo. The park is open daily. Check the park’s official website for self-drive tour opening times. Road maps are available at Addo Main Gate and Matyholweni Gate. Picnic and barbecue areas, changing facilities, shops and restaurants are open to all visitors.

Popular places to visit


Top Addo Elephant National Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Woodall Country House & Spa
Woodall Country House & Spa
5 out of 5
Jan Smuts Avenue, Addo, Eastern Cape
Woodall Country House & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa's Eastern Cape is a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. The park's diverse landscape ranges from lush valleys and dense forests to arid plains and rolling hills. Visitors can embark on thrilling safaris to spot majestic elephants, lions, and other incredible wildlife. For a truly immersive experience, there are comfortable lodges within the park that offer accommodation with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Addo Elephant National Park is the perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday.

If you're seeking an adventure-themed holiday, Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape of South Africa is the perfect destination. Embark on thrilling safaris to witness majestic elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the park's natural parks and stunning scenery. For a touch of luxury, indulge in spa treatments after an action-packed day. Camping and hunting opportunities are also available for those seeking a more rugged experience. And when it comes to dining, you'll find a range of delicious options to satisfy your taste buds.

  • Blue Crane Route: The Blue Crane Route is a must-visit for adventure seekers. This city offers a unique experience with its safari tours, where you can get up close and personal with Africa's incredible wildlife. After a thrilling safari, unwind at a luxurious spa and take in the breathtaking scenery of the natural parks and mountains. The friendly locals will make you feel right at home while you indulge in delicious dining options. Whether you're a nature lover or looking for a touch of luxury, the Blue Crane Route has it all.
  • Kirkwood: Located just 25.6km away from Addo Elephant National Park, Kirkwood is an adventure lover's paradise. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf at world-class courses surrounded by stunning natural parks. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and spot fascinating wildlife. Kirkwood offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing holiday getaway.
  • Hermiston: If you're seeking a tranquil escape, Hermiston is the place to be. Located 49.2km away from Addo Elephant National Park, this city offers a peaceful atmosphere and is ideal for nature lovers. Explore the natural parks and take in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. Hermiston provides a serene setting for a rejuvenating adventure holiday.

If you're looking for an adventurous holiday experience, Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape of South Africa is the perfect destination. This park offers a range of activities, from thrilling safaris and camping trips to exploring the abundant wildlife and natural parks. For those seeking relaxation, there are also spa facilities available. If you're interested in hunting, Addo Elephant National Park offers guided hunting experiences. The breathtaking scenery and luxurious accommodation options make this park a top choice for nature enthusiasts. Don't miss out on the delicious dining options and the opportunity to witness the majestic elephants in their natural habitat.

When visiting Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, be sure to explore the local food scene. One of the popular restaurants in the neighborhood is Cattle Baron Addo Elephant National Park, known for its moderately rated but highly popular comfort food. Another option is the Addo Main Camp Restaurant, which offers a taste of Africa with a variety of dishes. For an amazing dining experience, try Selborne From R1, located nearby. These restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings and provide a memorable culinary experience during your visit to Addo Elephant National Park.

Looking to avoid the rainy, cloudy, or uncomfortably hot or cold months? Our table below will help you find the perfect time for your holiday in Cacadu and your visit to Addo Elephant National Park. Here you will find a year-round average temperature of 18.8°C, reaching a peak of 22.8°C in February, its warmest month, and dropping to an average low of 16.1°C in September, the coolest month. The annual rainfall averages 70.2mm, with January experiencing the heaviest showers, while August is the driest month.

Monthcalendar iconTemperature (Celcius)temperature iconRainfallrain iconCloud coveragecloud icon
January19.5Light RainMostly Cloudy
February22.8Light RainMostly Sunny
March22.2Light RainMostly Sunny
April20.0Light RainMostly Sunny
May18.8No Rain (Dry)Mostly Sunny
June17.1No Rain (Dry)Sunny
July16.6No Rain (Dry)Sunny
August16.9No Rain (Dry)Mostly Sunny
September16.1No Rain (Dry)Mostly Sunny
October18.4Light RainMostly Sunny
November16.2Light RainMostly Cloudy
December20.9Light RainMostly Cloudy
  • Diverse Landscape: Addo Elephant National Park offers a diverse landscape, with lush valleys, dense forests, arid plains, and rolling hills.
  • Thrilling Safaris: Embark on exciting safaris to spot majestic elephants, lions, and other incredible wildlife.
  • Comfortable Lodges: Stay in comfortable lodges within the park, offering accommodation with stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
  • Adventure Activities: Enjoy a range of adventure activities, including camping, hunting, and exploring the abundant wildlife and natural parks.
  • Relaxation Options: Indulge in spa treatments and unwind after a day of thrilling adventures in the park.
  • Take advantage of package deals on the Expedia website that combine flights, accommodation, and car rentals to save money.
  • Join Expedia's rewards program to collect points and save money on your Addo Elephant National Park trip.
  • Use the search filters on Expedia to find the perfect accommodation within your budget.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (May-July) for more affordable options.
  • Check for any special promotions or discounts on the Expedia website for Addo Elephant National Park.
  • Make sure to book in advance to secure the best deals and availability.