Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area

Located in the Eastern Cape, Addo is a conservation success story, home to over 600 elephants and the only park in the world to host the 'Big Seven'...

Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area at a Glance

Location
Eastern Cape Safaris, South Africa, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-33.747616, 26.114900
IUCN Category
V
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
None
Best Time to Visit
Year-round destination. May to October (dry season) is excellent for game viewing as vegetation is sparser and animals congregate at waterholes. June to December is ideal for whale watching in the marine section.

Safari Activities in Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area

  • Self-drive game drives
  • Guided game drives (day and night)
  • Horse riding
  • Hiking trails
  • Bird watching
  • Marine eco-tours (whale and dolphin watching)
  • Picnic and braai facilities
  • 4x4 trails

Getting to Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area

Nearest airport: Schotia Airstrip, 32 km away.

Nearest international airport: Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ), 54 km away.

Big Five in Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area

4 of the Big Five can be found here: Lion, African Buffalo, Leopard Tortoise, White Rhinoceros.

Weather & Climate in Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area

The warmest temperatures in Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area occur in February, averaging 22.2°C (up to 25.8°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 15.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in July with average rainfall of 33.3mm. Average humidity: 62.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 22.2°C (rainfall: 41.7mm)
  • February: 22.2°C (rainfall: 45.1mm)
  • March: 21.6°C (rainfall: 54.3mm)
  • April: 18.9°C (rainfall: 60.0mm)
  • May: 17.8°C (rainfall: 56.1mm)
  • June: 16.7°C (rainfall: 35.1mm)
  • July: 15.3°C (rainfall: 33.3mm)
  • August: 15.6°C (rainfall: 37.1mm)
  • September: 16.4°C (rainfall: 48.4mm)
  • October: 18.0°C (rainfall: 78.5mm)
  • November: 19.2°C (rainfall: 54.0mm)
  • December: 20.8°C (rainfall: 68.5mm)

Best Time to Visit Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area

The best months to visit Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 22.22°C, rainfall 41.7mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 80.4%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.24°C, rainfall 45.1mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 78.9%
  • March: Good, temperature 21.61°C, rainfall 54.3mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 79.9%
  • April: Good, temperature 18.95°C, rainfall 60mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 77.7%
  • May: Good, temperature 17.83°C, rainfall 56.1mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 72.7%
  • June: Good, temperature 16.69°C, rainfall 35.1mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 64.3%
  • July: Good, temperature 15.32°C, rainfall 33.3mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 62.7%
  • August: Good, temperature 15.57°C, rainfall 37.1mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 66.1%
  • September: Good, temperature 16.38°C, rainfall 48.4mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 74.1%
  • October: Good, temperature 18.03°C, rainfall 78.5mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 77.7%
  • November: Good, temperature 19.16°C, rainfall 54mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 78.2%
  • December: Good, temperature 20.75°C, rainfall 68.5mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 79%

Wildlife in Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area

Home to 76 recorded species including 22 iconic birds, 21 waterbirds, 14 birds of prey, 5 big herbivores, 5 antelope & gazelle, 4 big five.

Recommended Packing List for Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area

Based on average temperature of 18.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 74%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 19°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in Eastern Cape Safaris

Visitor Tips - Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area

We love that Addo offers a truly unique safari experience, allowing us to spot the 'Big 7' by combining terrestrial game drives with marine eco-tours. The freedom of self-driving here is unparalleled, making it an incredibly accessible and rewarding malaria-free destination for all.

Gate Times

The main gates at Addo Elephant National Park typically open between 06:00 and 07:00 and close between 18:00 and 19:00, with slight seasonal variations. We always recommend checking the official SANParks website for the most current operating hours before your visit, especially if you plan an early start or a late departure. No special permits are required beyond your daily entry fee or a valid Wild Card.

Tipping

For guided game drives or marine eco-tours, we recommend tipping your guide R150-R250 per person per activity. If you are staying overnight at one of the lodges within the park, a communal tip box for general staff is customary, and we suggest contributing R100-R200 per guest per day. Tipping is always at your discretion, but it is a valued gesture for good service.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for South Africa

Travel advisory for South Africa

Addo Elephant Marine Protected Area FAQs

How realistic is it to spot the 'Big Seven' during a visit to Addo Elephant National Park?

Addo is unique for hosting the Big Seven, but seeing all seven requires both land and marine excursions. While elephants, buffalo, and rhino are frequently sighted on land, spotting lion and leopard can be challenging due to the dense bushveld. To complete the Big Seven, you'll need to book a separate marine eco-tour to search for Great White Sharks and Southern Right Whales.

What's the best way to experience both the land-based safari and the marine activities in Addo?

To fully appreciate Addo's unique 'Big Seven' offering, plan for at least 2-3 days, dedicating time to both game drives within the main park and a marine eco-tour from nearby coastal towns like Port Elizabeth or Colchester. The marine tours specifically target whales (June-Dec) and dolphins, offering a distinct experience from the terrestrial wildlife.

Given Addo's dense bushveld, is self-driving an effective way to spot wildlife, or are guided drives recommended?

Self-driving is a popular and rewarding option in Addo, especially with its well-maintained roads and low crowding levels (2/5). However, for optimal sightings of elusive animals like lion or leopard in the dense bush, a guided game drive, particularly a night drive, significantly increases your chances as guides have expert knowledge and radio communication.

What are the daily entry fees for Addo Elephant National Park, and are there any ways for international visitors to save on costs?

Daily entry fees vary by nationality: International adults pay R376, SADC adults R188, and South African citizens/residents R94. While there isn't a specific discount for international visitors, frequent travelers to South African National Parks might consider purchasing a Wild Card, which offers free entry to Addo and many other parks for a year.

When is the absolute best time to visit Addo Elephant National Park to maximize both land and marine wildlife viewing opportunities?

For the best chance to experience both land-based game viewing and marine wildlife, aim for the period between June and October. This window combines the dry season, excellent for spotting animals congregating at waterholes, with the prime whale watching season for Southern Right Whales in the marine section.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive guide to South Africa including Kruger, Garden Route, Cape Town, and the Drakensberg. Essential for self-drive safari planning.
  • The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony - Incredible true story of saving a herd of rogue elephants in Zululand, South Africa. A massive bestseller that will change how you see elephants forever.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • An Elephant in My Kitchen by Francoise Malby-Anthony - The moving sequel to The Elephant Whisperer, written by Lawrence Anthony's wife. Continues the story of the Thula Thula elephants after his death. A beautiful account of the bond between humans and elephants.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.