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Eastern Cape, South Africa · ZA
Home to the Big Seven, and one of Africa's great elephant conservation stories
History & Heritage
By the early 20th century, conflict between Addo's elephants and Sundays River Valley fruit farmers had turned deadly. Between 1919 and 1920, the Cape government hired a professional hunter to cull the elephants, reducing the population from roughly 130 to just 16 animals. In 1925 the surviving elephants were proclaimed a sanctuary, and Addo Elephant National Park was formally established in 1931.
The park's first manager used shotguns and fire to herd the elephants back inside the reserve's boundaries; by 1954 the population had grown to just 22 animals, and rangers finally built a barrier strong enough to hold them.
The park has since expanded far beyond its original elephant sanctuary. It now incorporates a marine reserve including St Croix Island and Bird Island, making Addo the only park in the world offering all of Africa's 'Big 7': elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, whale and great white shark. Today it is home to over 600 elephants and draws around 115,000 visitors a year.
Key Historical Places
Proclaimed in 1931 to save the roughly 16 elephants left after a government-sanctioned cull.
↑ Start at Main Camp, where the original sanctuary was declared.
A heritage pedestrian bridge over the Sundays River, first opened in 1895 and rebuilt in 1938.
↑ Visit at sunset for the best views across the estuary.
A 70km mountain range with a cave that has yielded stone-age artefacts estimated at 15,000 years old.
↑ Combine a visit with the Cycad Trail.
Timeline
Must-See Attractions
South Africa's third-largest national park, home to 600+ elephants and 48+ black rhino.
1,640 km²
Two marked trails in the mountain section, from an easy 2.4km walk to a moderate 12km hike.
Conservation fee applies
A pedestrian and cyclist-only heritage bridge over the Sundays River estuary.
Opened 1938
Whale Heritage Area with winter whale calving and the world's largest African penguin colony.
Whale Heritage Area since 2016
Accommodation
An 11-room country house and spa on a working citrus farm in Addo, with twice-daily guided game drives into Addo Elephant National Park
Two self-catering cottages on Anglestraat in Kirkwood, at the top of the Sundays River Valley, within 30 minutes of Addo Elephant National Park
Five self-catering units on a private farm on the banks of the Sundays River in Addo, 13 km from Addo Elephant National Park, with a riverside bird hide
Klein Plekkie Self-Catering, Sunland near Addo Exceptional 4.7/5 self catering in Sunland (near Addo), Addo Elephant Park. 3 rooms. From ZAR 2,900/night. Property Details Type: Self Catering Guest Rating: 4.7/5 (LekkeSlaap, 12 reviews) Price Range: ZAR 2,900 per night Check-in: 14:00-16:00 Check-out: 10:00 Rooms: 3 Amenities 3 bedrooms, 4 beds, 2 bathrooms, sleeps 5, Whole-home...
A family-run bed and breakfast on Valentine Road in Addo village, with garden rooms, kitchenettes, a splash pool and caravan and camping sites
A safari lodge near Colchester, 1 km from the southern entrance of Addo Elephant National Park, with air-conditioned tents and its own game drives
SANParks' main rest camp inside Addo Elephant National Park, with a floodlit waterhole, an underground hide and stays from camp sites to guest houses
Restaurants & Dining
A country estate restaurant near the park.
Combines French technique with local, organic Eastern Cape produce; open to non-guests.
A well-reviewed restaurant near the park entrance.
The Addo branch of the popular South African steakhouse chain.
Activities & Experiences
Choose the easy Cycad Trail or the longer Doringnek Trail via Otto's Pool.
Boat-based whale, dolphin, shark and penguin viewing.
A sheltered bush picnic spot inside a botanical reserve.
A pedestrian bridge over the Sundays River estuary, good for birding and photography.
Events & Entertainment
Events guide coming soon.
Book mixed tickets and experiences for your trip to Addo Elephant Park
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