Addo Elephant National Park
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South Africa

Addo Elephant National Park

South Africa

Experience Addo Elephant National Park

Established in 1931 to protect the last remaining eleven wild elephants in the area, Addo has grown into a spectacular conservation success story encompassing over 180,000 hectares. The park’s unique geographical layout stretches from the semi-arid Karoo bushveld, through the Zuurberg mountains and the Sundays River valley, all the way to the coast. This extension makes it the only park in the world to host the "Big Seven"—combining the traditional Big Five land mammals with the Southern Right Whale and Great White Shark in its marine protected areas. Addo is highly accessible, entirely malaria-free, and offers a family-friendly environment with self-drive options and well-maintained infrastructure.

Explore on Map

Iconic Highlights

1

Massive Elephant Herds: Home to over 600 elephants, offering some of the closest and most spectacular elephant viewing opportunities in Africa.

2

The Big Seven: A rare ecological convergence of Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Great White Shark, and Southern Right Whale.

3

The Underground Hide: An exceptional photographic hide at the main camp overlooking a bustling waterhole.

4

St Croix Island: Houses one of the largest breeding colonies of endangered African Penguins in the world.

5

Alexandria Dunefields: The largest and least degraded coastal dunefield in the Southern Hemisphere, ideal for hiking.

Wildlife & Nature

Lion

Elephant

Leopard

Buffalo

Cheetah

Giraffe

Zebra

Wildebeest

Hippo

Rhino

Climate & When to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Monthly Averages

MonthTemp HighTemp LowRainfall
Apr25°C--°C-- mm
Aug22°C--°C-- mm
Dec28°C--°C-- mm
Feb29°C--°C-- mm
Jan29°C--°C-- mm
Jul21°C--°C-- mm
Jun21°C--°C-- mm
Mar28°C--°C-- mm
May23°C--°C-- mm
Nov26°C--°C-- mm
Oct24°C--°C-- mm
Sep23°C--°C-- mm

Travel Requirements

  • Passport: Must be valid for at least 30 days past your intended departure date with 2 blank pages.

  • Visa: Follows standard South African immigration rules (many nationalities are visa-exempt for up to 90 days).

  • Health: Addo is completely Malaria-free, making it an ideal choice for families traveling with young children or pregnant women.

  • Conservation Fees: Standard daily conservation fees apply for international visitors, which can be covered if you hold a valid Wild Card.

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I drive my own vehicle inside Addo Elephant National Park?
    Yes. Addo is primarily a self-drive park with a network of well-maintained tar and gravel roads suitable for standard 2WD vehicles, though guided open-vehicle safaris can also be booked through the main camps.
    Why are there signs telling me to avoid driving over dung?
    Addo is home to the unique and endangered Flightless Dung Beetle. They rely heavily on elephant dung to survive and breed, and they have absolute right-of-way on all roads in the park.
    Where is the best place to stay when visiting the park?
    The SANParks-run Addo Main Camp offers a variety of chalets, cottages, and campsites. Alternatively, there are several ultra-luxury private concession lodges located inside the park borders, as well as guest houses in the nearby town of Addo.

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    Dest Type

    National Parks

    Status

    Entry Permits Required

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