Addo Elephant National Park Tours and Activities

Addo Elephant National Park showing landscape views, mountains and land animals
Addo Elephant National Park showing land animals, tranquil scenes and landscape views
Addo Elephant National Park showing animals and tranquil scenes
Addo Elephant National Park showing landscape views
Addo Elephant National Park which includes a garden and a pool


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.

Plan a trip to see Addo Elephant National Park

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Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve by NEWMARK

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Addo Elephant National Park

Camp Figtree

Camp Figtree

4 out of 5
Zuurberg Pass, Addo, Eastern Cape
Camp Figtree
Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm

Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm

3 out of 5
Off the R335, Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape
Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm
Kuzuko Lodge

Kuzuko Lodge

5 out of 5
Greater Addo Region, Olivenfonteins Farm Kommadagga, Blue Crane Route, Eastern Cape
Kuzuko Lodge
Hitgeheim Country Lodge & Eco Reserve

Hitgeheim Country Lodge & Eco Reserve

5 out of 5
Off R336 Addo, Outside Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape
Hitgeheim Country Lodge & Eco Reserve
RiverBend Lodge

RiverBend Lodge

5 out of 5
River Bend Lodge, Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape
RiverBend Lodge
Barefoot Addo Elephant Lodge

Barefoot Addo Elephant Lodge

4 out of 5
1B Mountainvale Farm, Addo, Eastern Cape
Barefoot Addo Elephant Lodge
Zuurberg Mountain Village

Zuurberg Mountain Village

4 out of 5
R335 Zuuberg Mountain Pass, Addo, Eastern Cape
Zuurberg Mountain Village
Gerald's Gift Guest House

Gerald's Gift Guest House

4 out of 5
R336 to Kirkwood, Addo, Eastern Cape
Gerald's Gift Guest House
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.

Things to do near Addo Elephant National Park

At Addo Elephant National Park, visitors can enjoy thrilling safari adventures, immersive elephant encounters, and various lodge activities. Experience guided elephant walks and unique interactions at the Gorah Elephant Camp, where you can connect with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Camping amidst the stunning wildlife adds to the unforgettable experience, making your trip to this beautiful park truly memorable.

Recreation

At Kirkwood Golf Course, located 25.7km from Addo Elephant National Park, you can enjoy a rejuvenating day of golf amidst picturesque landscapes. The outdoor vibes and fresh air provide a perfect backdrop for relaxation and recreation, making it an ideal spot for wellness enthusiasts.

Find the best attractions near Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape of South Africa offers a range of attractions for all types of visitors, including scenic lookouts, nature reserves, and visitor centres. Whether you're seeking adventure, romance, or a chance to immerse yourself in nature, this destination has something for everyone. Consider exploring the park's lodges and engaging with its diverse wildlife, particularly the iconic elephants, to make your visit truly memorable.

  • Sir Percy Fitzpatrick Lookout: Experience breathtaking views from this scenic lookout, located 40.2km from Addo Elephant National Park. Ideal for romance and adventure, it offers stunning landscapes and a perfect spot for a picnic or sunset watching.
  • Ulwazi Interpretive Centre: Just 48.3km away, this visitor centre is perfect for families and adventurers alike. Engage with interactive exhibits that showcase the region’s wildlife and cultural heritage, making it an educational outing for all ages.
  • Botanical Reserve: Located 49.9km from Addo, this eco-friendly nature reserve invites you to explore diverse plant species while enjoying outdoor adventures. Ideal for nature lovers, it’s a peaceful retreat for hiking and birdwatching.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Addo Elephant National Park

To save money on your trip to Addo Elephant National Park, consider visiting between May and July, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check for last-minute deals on Expedia. Thursdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Sundays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s filters to find eco-friendly options and sort by price for the best deals. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to significant savings. Public transport options may also reduce your travel costs while exploring the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Addo Elephant National Park are May to July, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Addo Elephant National Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Addo Elephant National Park is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Addo Elephant National Park is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase environmentally friendly and sustainable hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Addo Elephant National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.