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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Woodbury Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

Woodbury Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

4 out of 5
per person
Sep 24 - Sep 29
found 21 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Toronto (YTO) to Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
10/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
The highlight of our holiday to South Africa! A beautiful lodge with comfortable air con and tranquility (and yes a few necessary spiders) but providing the most incredible authentic experience of the wildlife, animals, birds, flora and fauna of this game reserve. Food and wine were excellent and plentiful, the service was superb, including gin and tonics during our afternoon game drive! We had an excellent guide, Greg, with such a knowledge and passion for his work as a guide, and he led us to observe over 60 species over the course of 2 days and 4 game drives, starting with a wake up call at 5.30am for the pre-dawn game drive til 9.30am, then a second at 4pm lasting til nearly 8pm. He drove us through a fantastic storm, thunder and lightning and an impressive downpour which had us soaked but we saw so much! Listening to him explaining the habits of turtles, giraffes, buffalo and rhinos was an education, and will stay with us for life.The memories of elephants, cheetahs, giraffes, lions, ostriches fighting a jackal, a spotted eagle owl capturing a frog at night, secretary birds stalking their prey, a brown hyena and a family of bat-eared foxes… and the white rhinos and hippo, it was all simply wonderful! Many many thanks for the best experience ever. We hope very much to return one day.

Reviewed on Mar. 25, 2025

Bukela Game Lodge Amakhala Game Reserve

Bukela Game Lodge Amakhala Game Reserve

5 out of 5
per person
Sep 24 - Sep 29
found 21 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Toronto (YTO) to Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
8.6/10 Excellent! (19 reviews)
A luxury all- inclusive game lodge experience. The 8km drive from the main road is dirt and gravel so a little challenging for our tiny hire car. A warm welcome on arrival and our room was very spacious and comfortable ( the bed was quite hard but perhaps the mattress was new). An indoor and outdoor shower meant you could wash under the incredible stars in the night sky if so inclined. Lodge was comfortable and well decorated if slightly lacking in atmosphere. Not sure if the pools were for swimming in but they looked attractive. Meals were all delicious with generous portions. The highlight of course was the game drives - you are assigned one ranger for your stay and get two drives per night stay. Our driver Edisonnwas completely brilliant and made sure we saw Lions, Elephant, Giraffe and Rhino as well as numerous species of antelope, baboons and birds. We managed three drives but opted on our last morning to relax at the lodge instead. There are more luxurious lodges out there but this is at the high end of the less expensive lodges on Amakhala.

Reviewed on Jul. 6, 2022

Safari Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

Safari Lodge - Amakhala Game Reserve

5 out of 5
per person
Sep 24 - Sep 29
found 21 hours ago
Roundtrip flight included
Toronto (YTO) to Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (21 reviews)
Lodging, staff and services were all amazing. The guides were simply outstanding. Wonderfyl ex

Reviewed on Mar. 20, 2025

Popular places to visit

Kirkwood Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Kirkwood at Kirkwood Golf Course. Wander the gardens and riverfront while you're in the area.

Kirkwood Golf Course

Sir Percy Fitzpatrick Lookout

Learn about the local history of Addo when you take a trip to Sir Percy Fitzpatrick Lookout. You can seek out the safari tours while in the area.

Sir Percy Fitzpatrick Lookout

Ulwazi Interpretive Centre

You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at Ulwazi Interpretive Centre in Addo. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Ulwazi Interpretive Centre

Botanical Reserve

You can take time to visit Botanical Reserve during your travels to Addo. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Botanical Reserve

Addo Elephant Park - Nyati Section

You can take time to visit Addo Elephant Park - Nyati Section during your travels to Addo. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Addo Elephant Park - Nyati Section

Bucks Kloof Hiking Trail

You can take time to visit Bucks Kloof Hiking Trail during your travels to Addo. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Bucks Kloof Hiking Trail

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
Barefoot Addo Elephant Lodge

Barefoot Addo Elephant Lodge

4 out of 5
1B Mountainvale Farm, Addo, Eastern Cape
Barefoot Addo Elephant Lodge
RiverBend Lodge

RiverBend Lodge

5 out of 5
River Bend Lodge, Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape
RiverBend 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
Africanos Country Estate

Africanos Country Estate

5 out of 5
Corner of Zuurberg Road and R336, Addo, Eastern Cape
Africanos Country Estate
See all 371 properties in Addo Elephant National Park
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.