Addo Elephant National Park

Overview

Addo Elephant National Park has become the third largest game reserve in the country after its recent expansion. The South African game reserve is famous among tourist for its large elephant herds that graze on the vegetation and parade in a calm manner. You can witness these marvelous creatures by simply traveling to one of the waterholes, which is a hot spot for elephants. The game reserve is also famous for viewing the Big 5. Visitors can visit Algoa Bay for an opportunity to witness southern right whales and white sharks.

Why Go:

  • Free from malaria
  • Home to the 'Big 7'
  • Best elephant watching experience
  • Unique and diverse wildlife sanctuary
  • Well developed infrastructure and excellent facilities
  • Wide choice of lodging options with flexible pricing

Wildlife

The National Park is home to more than 600 elephants and is the primary attraction for visitors. The game reserve is also home to black rhinos, Big Five and more than 400 Cape buffalos. Other species include greater kudu, Burchell’s zebra, Meerkat, and red hartebeest.

More About the Wildlife

Scenery

Addo game reserve features various vegetation areas that are fynbos (fine-leaved plants), Albany thicket (dense woodland), forest, Indian Ocean coastal belt and Nama Karoo (dry shrubland). The vegetation is the primary source of food for the elephants.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Addo Elephant National Park for people, who avoid crowds, is during the winter, which requires tourists to carry warm clothes, as temperatures can drop to zero degrees. The summer season is usually overcrowded with people and prices increase.

More About the Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

The summer rainfall is from October to April that often extends to winter months, which are from May to September.

More About the Weather and Climate

Wildlife & Animals

The game reserve is renowned for its elephant population along with the big five. Visitors can witness lions roaming the landscape early in the morning. Black rhinos are also present in the region, but due to their shy nature, they tend to stay in their thickets.
Abundant Common Occasional Rare None
  • Elephant

    Elephant

    Abundant
  • Giraffe

    Giraffe

    None
  • Hippo

    Hippo

    Rare
  • Buffalo

    Buffalo

    Occasional
  • Zebra

    Zebra

    Common
  • Wildebeest

    Wildebeest

    Common
  • White Rhino

    White Rhino

    None
  • Black Rhino

    Black Rhino

    Rare
  • Lion

    Lion

    Occasional
  • Leopard

    Leopard

    Rare
  • Cheetah

    Cheetah

    None
  • Hyena

    Hyena

    Occasional
  • Wild Dog

    Wild Dog

    Rare

Best Time to Visit

Having an arid to semi-arid climate, animals are attracted to the waterholes at any time, but the best time is the driest winter months (June to September). The only drawback is that nights can become very cold and winter clothing is needed for early morning game drives, especially when using an open vehicle.
  • Best Time to GoMay to September
    (Dry season)
  • High SeasonOctober to March
    (The park gets crowded)
  • June - September

    Little rain

  • October - March

    The park gets crowded during school holidays

  • April - September

    Excellent time for game viewing

  • September - April

    Warmer nights and mornings

  • June - August

    Cold nights

May to September
- Dry Season – Winter
  • Wildlife gathers around waterholes as there is little water in the bush
October to April
- Wet Season – Summer
  • Sunny skies

Weather & Climate

Unlike the summer rainfall pattern covering most of the country, rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, but there are two peaks: in February-March and October-November. It can cool down to freezing in mid-winter. The park ranges from the coast to the Zuurberg Mountains, creating a wide range of altitudes. The main park area is at low altitude (under 250m).
Climate Chart
- -14-901m/-46-2,956ft
Averages based on 50 years of monthly climate data, taken from 1km² (0.39mi²) interpolated climate surfaces.
© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.

Getting There

Addo Elephant National Park is usually accessible via Cape Town International Airport or O.R. Tambo International Airport. For people opting for the self-drive option, they can reach the destination via Garden Route.

Airlines and Tickets

To book your International and local flights, it is best to discuss options with our agents. They will be able to secure best tariffs and match it with your safari dates.

Click on Enquire Now for a free consultation.

 

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