Addo Elephant National Park

Famous for its dense population of African elephants, Addo also offers the unique 'Big 7' experience, encompassing the Big Five plus the great white shark...

Addo Elephant National Park at a Glance

Location
Eastern Cape Safaris, South Africa, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-33.457344, 25.813290
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
None
Best Time to Visit
Year-round destination. May to September (dry season) for optimal game viewing as vegetation is sparser and animals gather at waterholes. October to April (wet season) offers lush landscapes, excellent birding, and newborn animals. Malaria-free.

Safari Activities in Addo Elephant National Park

  • Self-drive game drives
  • Guided game drives (day and night)
  • Horse riding
  • Hiking trails
  • Bird watching
  • Picnic sites
  • Marine eco-tours (whale/dolphin watching
  • island visits in marine section)
  • 4x4 trails.

Getting to Addo Elephant National Park

Nearest airport: Schotia Airstrip, 12 km away.

Nearest international airport: Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ), 62 km away.

Big Five in Addo Elephant National Park

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

Wildlife in Addo Elephant National Park

Home to 71 recorded species including 23 iconic birds, 20 waterbirds, 13 birds of prey, 4 big herbivores, 4 antelope & gazelle, 3 big five.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Addo Elephant National Park

9 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Eastern Cape Safaris

Visitor Tips - Addo Elephant National Park

Addo is truly special for its incredible density of elephants; we often see hundreds in a single visit, making it an unparalleled experience for pachyderm lovers. The unique 'Addo bush' vegetation and the park's commitment to conservation make it a profoundly rewarding and accessible safari destination, especially for families looking for a malaria-free adventure.

Gate Times

Addo's main gates typically open at 07:00 and close at 18:00, though these times can vary slightly with the seasons. We always recommend checking the official SANParks website for the most current information before your visit, as seasonal adjustments are common. While day visitors generally don't require advance booking for entry, we do strongly advise booking guided activities or accommodation well in advance, especially during South African school holidays or peak season.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in South Africa and a thoughtful way to show appreciation for good service. For guided game drives, we suggest R100-R150 per person per drive for your guide if you felt they provided excellent service and shared valuable insights. If you stay at a lodge within the park or nearby, a communal tip box for general staff is often available, where R50-R100 per guest per day is a good guideline. Always tip discreetly and based on your satisfaction.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for South Africa

Travel advisory for South Africa

Addo Elephant National Park FAQs

How can I best experience Addo Elephant National Park's unique 'Big 7' offering?

To encounter Addo's full 'Big 7,' combine traditional game drives in the terrestrial section for the Big Five with a marine eco-tour from the park's coastal access points. These boat trips specifically target Great White Sharks and Southern Right Whales, especially during their migratory season, offering a truly unique safari experience.

Is Addo Elephant National Park suitable for self-drive safaris, or are guided tours recommended for optimal viewing?

Addo is exceptionally well-suited for self-drive safaris, with well-maintained roads and a high density of elephants making sightings frequent and accessible. However, guided game drives, particularly night drives, offer expert tracking, access to areas restricted to private vehicles, and the chance to spot nocturnal animals you might otherwise miss.

When is the best time to visit Addo Elephant National Park if I'm primarily interested in seeing the marine 'Big 7' (whales and sharks)?

For the best chance of spotting Southern Right Whales, plan your visit between July and November when they migrate to the South African coast for calving. Great White Sharks are present year-round, but marine conditions and specific tour availability can influence sightings, so it's advisable to check with marine eco-tour operators.

What are the typical daily costs for international visitors, and are there ways to save on entry fees at Addo?

International adults pay R376 per day, and children under 12 are R188, which is separate from accommodation and activity costs. While Wild Card holders enjoy free entry, for shorter stays, factor these daily fees into your budget as there aren't typically multi-day discounts for international visitors.

Beyond its famous elephants, what other unique wildlife or activities can visitors expect at Addo Elephant National Park?

Beyond the vast elephant herds, Addo offers diverse wildlife including lion, rhino, buffalo, and leopard, alongside unique species like the flightless dung beetle. You can also enjoy horse riding, hiking trails through varied landscapes, and marine eco-tours for dolphin and whale watching, providing a comprehensive nature experience.

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.