addo self drive safari

Self Drive Safari at Addo Elephant National Park

Going on a safari and spotting wildlife is one of the most impressive experiences in South Africa. We did several guided game drives at Greater Kruger National Park, and a self drive safari at Addo Elephant National Park. Guided safaris are awesome, but we highly recommend doing at least one self guided game drive as well.

Here’s everything you need to know for a self drive safari at Addo Elephant National Park.

Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park, or Addo Elephant Park for short, is the third largest national park in South Africa , popular for both guided and self drive safaris. The Matyholweni Entrance Gate through which we entered the park, is located about 40 km  (~25 miles)  north of Port Elizabeth .

You can spot the Big 5 at Addo Elephant Park, but you probably have to visit other areas than the main game viewing area to achieve that goal. We only spotted a female lion, a bunch of buffalos and plenty of elephants. Leopards are very hard to spot anyway, and according to the SANParks website the black rhino is only found around the Darlington Dam area .

Anyway, a visit to Addo Elephant National Park is very impressive, even if you don’t spot the Big 5. With over 600 elephants in the park , Addo is known for its spectacular elephant sightings. Be warned though, you’re only 1 (or 2) of approximately 160,000 yearly visitors so you’ll need a bit of luck on your side.

Map of Addo Elephant Park

You can pick up a map of Addo Elephant National Park at the office at one of the park entrance gates. That same map is also available on the SANParks website .

On that map you can see that Addo Elephant Park consists of 8 different areas , including the Marine Protected Area where you can spot whales. The different sections offer different activities and accommodation options, but the main game viewing area consists of the Addo Main Camp area and the Colchester area.

Addo Elephant Park Prices

If you wish to do a self drive safari at Addo Elephant National Park, you have to pay a conservation fee , or entrance fee if you wish, upon entering the park. For foreign visitors, this was R272  (~ $19 ~ €17) per adult per day at the time of our visit. Children, South African citizens and residents, and SADC Nationals pay less.

Check out the Addo Elephant Park section on the SANParks website for up-to-date pricing information.

Things you should know before visiting Addo Elephant Park

To protect yourself and the wildlife at Addo Elephant National Park there are some rules and regulations you’re asked to adhere to. You can read up on them on the SANParks website , but here are already some of the most important ones:

• Do not climb out nor hang out of your vehicle in the game viewing area.  (You don’t want to get attacked, right?)
• In designated areas (indicated by signs) you’re allowed to get out of your vehicle, but at your own risk. (There are dangerous animals in the park.)
• Stay on the road and do not enter roads you’re not allowed on. (No brainer, if you ask me.)
• The speed limit is 40 km/h (~ 25 miles/h) throughout the park. (But you’ll probably want to drive even slower as to not miss any wildlife.)
• Do not injure, feed, or disturb any form of wildlife. (That includes dung beetles! So no driving over elephant dung.)
• Do not litter. (Nowhere, ever.)
• The use of drones inside (and over) the park is prohibited. (Too bad right? But that’s to protect the animals from poachers.)

And always keep in mind: leave nothing but car tracks, take nothing but photos, kill nothing but time.

Our Self Drive Safari at Addo Elephant National Park

On the day of our self drive safari at Addo Elephant National Park, we arrived at the  Matyholweni Entrance Gate at 7:00 in the morning, opening time . Before we were allowed in the park, we had to go register at the gate office , by filling in a form and paying the conservation fee. That took about 10 minutes, including a toilet visit.

Make sure you have the following information on you when entering the office, to be able to complete the form: phone number, license plate, passport number.

When you go wildlife spotting, it’s best to start your day as early as possible , as your chances of seeing one of the big cats is bigger. Actually all animals are more active when it’s not that hot yet. That includes us, right? The gate office tends to get busy quickly as well, another reason to be at the park gate at opening time.

We literally drove over every road we were allowed on in the main game viewing area (Addo Main Camp Area and Colchester Area), checking out every lookout point and watering hole for all kinds and sizes of animals. Note that some roads are sealed, and some roads are bumpy gravel roads, all marked on the map.

One of the most memorable sightings (and most beautiful photos) was the herd of 9 elephants and 2 babies at Hapoor Dam , a watering hole. There was a lot of elephant dung, meaning elephants pass there often. We waited for a while when we suddenly saw the herd approach. It was really impressive!

The elephants were the largest animal we spotted, the rare flightless dung beetle the smallest. Keep in mind these tiny workers have right of way in Addo Elephant Park. Spot them pushing around balls of elephant dung, which they use for food and reproduction.

We also saw a lioness resting in the shade of a bush, albeit from afar. Bring binoculars when wildlife spotting! In all honesty, we only found the lioness because her position was marked on the map with wildlife sightings of the day. We pulled over along the road where many other cars and safari vehicles were parked, and had to ask another visitor to point us the lioness. Luckily that was the only time we had to share the view with many other visitors. At all other times, it was just us or 1 or 2 other cars.

These maps with sightings of the day can be found at Addo Main Camp , the  Matyholweni Entrance Gate , and Jacks's Picnic Site .

During our self drive safari at Addo Elephant Park we also saw lots of warthogs , with and without babies, a bunch of kudus and zebras, even a couple elands, ostriches, and a tortoise. There are beautiful birds and tons of antelopes too, just keep your eyes and ears open!

In between wildlife spotting, we pulled over at Cattle Baron Grill & Bistro for a mouth-watering lunch . We didn’t make a reservation, but even though it was very busy, we got a table without too much of a wait.

Brecht really liked the House Salad with baked baby potatoes on the side, and I still can’t get over how yum the Beef Fillet Roulade (filled with bacon, feta, peppadews, and spring onion) was. Including drinks and a tip, this lunch cost us R300 (~ $21 ~ €18).

All in all we spent 9,5 hours in Addo Elephant National Park , driving 150 km, spotting plenty of wildlife, and taking a ton of photos.

A Guided Safari at Addo Elephant Park

If you’re not comfortable doing a game drive on your own, you can book a guided safari at Addo Elephant Park. There are 2 hour tours leaving from Addo Main Camp  and full day tours leaving from Port Elizabeth . You can even book multi-day Garden Route tours that include a guided safari at Addo Elephant National Park. Most of these leave from  Cape Town .

Addo Elephant Park Accommodation

When planning a visit to Addo Elephant Park, whether that’ll be on a guided or a self drive safari, you’ll need a place to spend the night. There are several options, depending on whether you want to stay in or near the park.

Before our self drive safari at Addo Elephant National Park, we stayed at Splash Guest House in Port Elizabeth . We left there at a little after 6:00 in the morning in order to be at the Matyholweni Gate at 7:00. Note that the breakfast wasn’t available yet at that hour.

After our day at Addo Elephant Park, we continued to Tsitsikamma Manor in Stormsriver , about a 2 hour drive from the  Matyholweni Gate . Unfortunately we only had time for 1 night in this lovely guest house with a gorgeous garden, because of our tight schedule for our Garden Route road trip.

Last but not least, you can decide to stay at or around Addo Elephant National Park . Check out the SANParks website for camps and lodges within Addo Elephant Park, or Booking.com for other accommodation in and around the park.

Our self drive safari at Addo Elephant National Park was definitely one of the highlights of the 3 weeks we spent in South Africa. Trying to spot wildlife and then watching them go about their day is just so exciting! Enjoy your visit to Addo Elephant Park and let us know how it was!

A Self Drive Safari at Addo Elephant National Park in short

What?  Third largest National Park in South Africa, known for spectacular elephant sightings When?  Park Entrance Gates open at 7:00 and close at 18:00 How much? Conservation Fee of R275 per adult per day Bring? Binoculars, camera, sunscreen (in summer), info to fill in registration form at gate (phone number, license plate, passport number) More information? Addo Elephant Park section on SANParks website

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The Best Self-Drive Safari At Addo Elephant Park, South Africa

• SOUTH AFRICA

Are you tight on time in South Africa but want to go on a safari? Enjoy a perfect day of game viewing on a self-drive safari at Addo Elephant Park! Take your time, drive slowly, enjoy the views, and keep both eyes on the road! Elephants appear out of nowhere! Besides the exciting game drives, there are picnic sites, restaurants, and viewpoints to enjoy. Find out everything you need to know before your visit from this article!

If you don’t feel like driving yourself, I picked a guided tour with great reviews for you: Addo Elephant Full-Day Safari . You will be picked up from your hotel in Port Elizabeth, Bluewater Bay, or Colchester or at the Matyholweni Entrance of Addo Elephant National Park. Collections from your selected hotels are between 9:00 AM and 9:20 AM. The tour lasts 9 hours.

Also, if you would love to discover the Garden Route with a guide, check out this great tour: Garden Route and Addo Elephant Park in 6 days . This popular tour is an adventurous yet relaxed and affordable way to explore South Africa’s Garden Route and see the elephants in Addo Elephant Park.

Disclosure. *This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.*

Table of Contents

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Useful Things to Know for the Best Self-Drive Safari at Addo Elephant Park 

About addo elephant national park .

Addo Elephant National Park is now the third-largest National Park in South Africa, famous for self-drive safaris or guided tours. The Park offers a wide diversity of game viewing, so if you are lucky, you might spot the Big 5 (lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and buffalo). If not, don’t get discouraged; you can still see many elephants since Addo is home to more than 600.

If time allows, head south to the marine section, another part of the Park, where you can spot dolphins, the great white shark, or the southern right whales.

Addo Elephant Park is close to Port Elisabeth, so it should be on everyone’s itinerary when traveling to this part of the country.

Best time to visit for the perfect Self-Drive Safari at Addo Elephant Park 

The best time to visit the Park is during the year’s driest months, May to September, when wildlife, especially elephants, gather in numbers around the waterholes. However, if you visit the Park during those months, remember that it might get crowded, especially on weekends, when locals come to the Park to stroll around and prepare a delicious braai at the designated picnic areas.

Entrance fees to Addo Elephant Park 

If you decide to self-drive inside the Park, you will have to pay only a Conservation Fee:

• South African Citizens and Residents: R90/adult/ day
• SADC Nationals: R180/adult/day
• Foreigners: R360/ adult/ day

For more info, check the official site here .

Where to stay in Addo Elephant Park  

You have two options for accommodation inside the Park. The first is booking accommodation at a private lodge and the second is booking through SANParks. Remember, if you choose to stay inside the Park, you can take advantage of longer visiting hours.

Addo Main Rest Camp offers various accommodation types, from tents and standard chalets to modern Villas facing the Nyati waterhole. Something for every taste.

Orange Elephant Backpackers is a great budget choice, only 12 minutes away from the main gate.

Where to stay outside Addo Elephant Park 

There are multiple options, and you can book accommodation at reasonable prices. From here, reaching the Mathyolweni Gate in the south only takes half an hour.  

Our early flight to Johannesburg didn’t allow us to stay inside the Park, so we decided to spend two nights in Port Elisabeth. We found a lovely homestay with a beautiful terrace, where we enjoyed some leisure time after our self-drive safari at Addo Elephant Park.

Self-Drive safari or guided tours at Addo Elephant Park? 

The question is highly individual and also has pros and cons. 

You should choose a guided tour if you want to sit, relax, take photos, and enjoy the experience. Book one or go to the Game Drives Reception at Addo Main Gate and select your tour.

If you want to discover every corner of the Park on your own and search for every wildlife roaming around, you should RENT-A-CAR and go on a self-drive safari. In this case, you don’t need to book ahead, and you can spend the whole day in the Park, driving around and waiting for wildlife to show up for as long as you want.

The compromise between those two options? Book a hop-on-guide at the Game Drives Reception office at Addo Main Gate, for R210 for a sedan car, for 2 hours. And for the rest of the day, go on a self-guided safari.

We decided to go on a self-drive safari at Addo Elephant Park, and I encourage you to do so. You decide when to leave, when or where to stop and manage your time properly. And trust me, you will see a lot of wildlife on your self-drive safari.

TIP . Since there are some waterholes inside the Park, find them on the map and drive there. As you make circular loops around the reservoirs, wildlife will appear out of nowhere. You’ll have the chance to spot many elephants, zebras and antelopes congregating around the waterholes, especially in the morning and late afternoon.

Where to enter Addo Elephant Park 

Most visitors enter the park through the main gate, drive around the area, and exit the park in the same way; it’s also where you will encounter more wildlife. We also wanted to discover the southern part, so our route included entering through the Mathyolweni Gate in the south, driving through the park, and exiting through the Addo Main Gate on the west side.

TIP . If you want to stay closer to Mathyolweni Gate, you can book a two-sleeper unit at Mathyolweni Camp, which has great views over the valley.  

Will I see Lions on a self-drive Safari at Addo Elephant Park? 

Addo has a moderately small lion population, but you might spot a lion or even more if you are fortunate. 

At the entrance gate, we met a resident who came to celebrate his birthday inside the Park. He visited Addo Elephant Park countless times before but never spotted a lion. But he felt it was going to be his lucky day! And maybe it was! 

At least it was for us! We knew seeing a lion in our self-drive safari at Addo Elephant Park would take a miracle, but that miracle happened! 

TIP : At Addo Main Camp, check the sighting board to see who saw the lion and where. Drive there, and maybe you’ll also get to spot the lion. But, I am warning you, you’ll have to be patient and sometimes wait more than a couple of hours. After that, it is up to you whether you choose to stay or enjoy the beauty of this park and its residents elsewhere.

Our Self-Drive Safari at Addo Elephant Park 

Our epic Garden Route road trip ended at Port Elisabeth, and since Addo Elephant Park lies north of the city, less than an hour’s drive, we decided to add it to our itinerary. We used Port Elisabeth as our base camp for two nights. Early in the morning, we drove to Addo and spent an entire day inside searching for wildlife! After a beautiful self-guided day trip at Addo Elephant Park, we drove back to Port Elisabeth and spent the last night here before flying to Joburg. We loved our experience so much, so I recommend visiting the Park on your own.

We’ve been on this self-drive safari at Addo Elephant Park in September, and the Park was not overcrowded – that’s what we loved the most! We saw lots of elephants, kudus, black-backed jackals, tortoises, warthogs, zebras, antelopes, ostriches, buffalos, the rare flightless dung beetle, and a lion. And we even recognized some bokmakieries, the red-billed oxpecker, and a few black-headed herons. 

The rare flightless dung beetles are Addo’s smallest and most precious wildlife. The six-leg tiny creatures live in hot and dry habitats. You will spot them pushing around balls of elephant dung, which they use for food and reproduction. Keep in mind these tiny workers have the right of way in Addo Elephant Park.

Port Elisabeth to Mathyolweni Gate 

After having a delicious dinner and a glass of South African red wine, we slept like babies. We woke up early in the morning, knowing we’d have to be at the entrance gate at opening time. The 42 km trip took only 30 minutes, so we soon reached the Mathyolweni Gate. We stopped at the gate, filled out the form, got a map, paid the entrance fees, and by 6 a.m. when the gate opened, we entered the Park.

Colchester Area 

Our first stop was at Ndlovu Lookout Point, so we got out of the car to enjoy the beautiful views over the valley. Next, we made the Mbotyi Loop and the Vikani Loop before reaching the Peasland Waterhole, where we saw lots of kudus. Ngulube Loob took us to Ngulube Waterhole, where we spotted warthogs, and we exited the car again at Algoa Bay Lookout Point.

We drove every road we were allowed on, making every loop, stopping at every lookout point, keeping our eyes open all the time, and taking lots of photos.

From the Mathyolweni Gate ,  we drove 40 kilometers in almost 3 hours until we reached the road dividing the park into two sections. We soon realized the Colchester Area had more vegetation than the Main Area; that’s the main reason for not spotting elephants quickly.

Jack’s Picnic Site Botanical Reserve

We passed Grahams Pan and Marion Baree, where we recognized more wildlife before reaching the picnic area. Jack’s site is enclosed and vast, with many private shaded places, and it is a well-known destination for braai lunch for South Africans. Every place is equipped with individual shaded picnic tables and built-in brick braais. So, if you plan a delicious braai tucked in amongst trees, that’s the place to be.

Since we bought some meals from Spar, one of South Africa’s supermarket chains, we stopped at Jack’s picnic site for a proper picnic bush.

Hapoor Dam 

Are you visiting Addo for elephants? Then, that’s the place you should drive to. We had two highlights on our self-drive safari at Addo Elephant Park. The first was meeting the KING, and the second was encountering countless elephants. I never imagined seeing so many gathered in one place!

TIP. The best waterholes for spotting elephants are Hapoor Dam, Speckboom Hide, Marion Bree, and Woodlands.

Addo Elephant Park Main Area 

Once again, we drove around every loop and every road around the main camp. There is less vegetation, and the plains are open, so wildlife is easier to spot. First, we took a drive to the popular waterhole Carol’s Rest on Gorah Loop, where we saw many animals, then on Nzipondo Loop before reaching the Addo Main Camp.

Addo Elephant Park Main Camp 

Addo Camp includes a shop, a restaurant, restrooms, and a petrol station. Next to the shop, you can book a guided tour from the Game Drive Office. You will find a waterhole where you can sit on a bench and wait for the elephants, antelopes, or zebras to show up. Underneath the waterhole is a hidden blind. Walk in total silence; you are only a few meters from the wildlife.

We waited a while for wildlife to show up, but we spotted only a few elephants for several minutes, so we decided to pamper ourselves with a coffee and ice cream at the restaurant.

Meeting the KING on our first Self-Drive Safari at Addo Elephant Park

After taking a short break at Addo Main Area, we headed to where the lions were last seen, near Janwal Pan. Two lions were sitting in the shadows, but we could only hear them. We waited more than two hours for one to show up, and when all the visitors gave up and left, his majesty came out of the bushes. We could hardly believe it! And we were all by ourselves!

Leaving the Addo Park through the North Gate 

We left Addo Park through the north gate just one minute before closing. We had such a successful self-drive safari, saw so many elephants and diverse wildlife, and had the honor of meeting the King! Our day at Addo Elephant Park couldn’t have been better!

Conclusions for the Best Self-Drive Safari at Addo Elephant Park

#1. The speed limit inside the Park is 40km/h.

#2. All tourist roads are suitable for sedan cars.

#3. You will get a map of the Park at the entrance gate.

#4. Always check the park’s closing times.

#5. Never exit the vehicle except in the designated areas.

#6. Enter the Park as early as possible so you’ll have better chances to spot wildlife.

South Africa Travel Resources

Car rentals.

We always use   DISCOVER CARS when we want to rent a car as it compares local, national and international companies. Renting a car is the easiest way to see all the famous country has to offer. Almost all destinations are easy to access with a rental car, and having your own car is also the smoothest way to travel and discover new places. Check out the best rental deals HERE .

Secure your travel insurance

We never leave home without travel insurance designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong. If you’re still on the lookout for travel insurance for your trip to South Africa, I highly recommend HEYMONDO ,  a trusted insurance provider for leisure and business trips, backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads. Their travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.

Get an eSIM before the trip

Because phones have become our most important devices, it’s necessary to have a data connection as soon as you step foot in a different country. Your home data plan might only work if you paid for a much more expensive package, finding wifi connections in airports or train stations might be tricky, and seeking a local store to buy a SIM card might be exhausting. Forget all of that!

You just purchase an e-SIM, install it on your phone, and activate the plan when you’re ready to use it. Getting out of the plane and instantly connecting to data was a game changer for me. I didn’t have to waste time standing in line to get a local SIM card or finding a wifi connection to book a taxi to reach my hotel.

If you ask me, getting an e-SIM is a quintessential part of traveling. There is no physical installation and no long-term commitments. And the best part is that you can always top up or purchase a new plan through the app. Pretty convenient, right? You can get an e-sim card with  AIRALO . 

Save time and book a tour

For a local experience, I recommend checking out the guided tours on  GET YOUR GUIDE .

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How to have an amazing addo self-drive safari.

Dung beetles may be the kings of the road in the Addo Elephant National Park, but the Addo Hop-on Guides know this place like the back of their hands. The Addo Hop-on Guides are FGASA (Field Guides Association of South Africa) Level 2 trained guides that can be booked to drive with you in your own vehicle through the national park.

Guide, Simnikiwe Nogaya  has shared some awesome tips about how to make the most of your self-drive game viewing experience. With over 10 years of experience and Level 2 training, Simnikiwe is one of Addo’s finest Hop-on Guides.

Kuthiwa inyathi ibuzwa kwabaphambili, apha eAddo ke ngezichap kuthiwa ziHop-on Guides. Ababhuti bayazi goed le national park.

Baneminyaka elishumi nangaphezulu besebenza eAddo Elephant National Park bekhokhela iitourist. Abahambi njee ke, bayifundele lento bazi Level 2 FGASA Guides. Sincokole noSimnikiwe Nogaya wasipha intluva yokwenza iself-drive zethu zibemnandi ngakumbi.

Proper Planning

Addo is close enough for an impromptu visit, and those are great fun. However, when the family has been to Addo a few times and want to see specific animals, it is a good idea to plan ahead to turn the odds in your favour. Simnikiwe says that the first step to planning your Addo self-drive is figuring out what you would like to see. Is it predators, elephants or interesting birds? Check out our birding and wildlife checklists [here] . Have a look at the weather forecast and choose a clear, sunny day if you can. Now that you have an idea of your game drive bucket list, you can guess what time you need to arrive at Addo, what your route will be and when to take a lunch break. 

Enza Amalungiselelo

Kulula ukuvuka ungene endleleni uze eAddo Elephant National Park. Akhonto imnandi njengohambo ulongaplanwangwa mos. Kodwa ke, ukuba ufuna ukubona izilwanyana ezithile ngcono wenze amalungiselelo ukuze ufikelele kwezizinto ufuna ukuzibona. Ungalibali ukujonga imozulu ukhethe eyona mini intle.

Map Your Route

Once registered and signed in at reception will receive your map of the park. Take some time to figure out your route, mark off your stops, and choose the best place to eat lunch. Here’s a suggested route from Simnikiwe, who says he has had the his best sightings of Jack the lion at Domkrag Dam (#2 on the Addo map). This is Jack’s territory and he is most active in the mornings. From Domkrag Dam, quickly make your way to Rooi Dam (#13 on the Addo map) which is a predators paradise and hyenas are often seen in the mornings. If you are sleeping over at one of Addo’s Rest Camps, your pass allows you to enter the park from 05:30. If you are a day visitor, you can arrive as early as 07:00. Who would have guessed that elephants are not early risers? According to Simnikiwe, if your Instagram goals are selfies with elephants playing in the background, you can lie in a little and start your self-drive at around 09:00. During the hotter summer days, you’ll probably find the elephants frolicking at Hapoor Dam (#22 on the Addo map) and the sunlight should be great for photography. Simnikiwe says that when the days are windy or rainy, the elephants are found at different locations, because they have different needs from the environment.

Khetha indlela ozakuyihamba

Xa ubhalisa pha ereception uzokufumana imap ebonisa zonke indlela, amadama, indawo zokutyela kunye nendawo ezifundisayo. Khawuthathe ixesha uyijongisise la-map, ukhethe iindlela ozakuhambha ngazo nendawo ozotyela kuyo ilunch yakho. Ukuba ufuna ukubona izilwanyana ezizngelayo fika kwasekseni eAddo Elephant National Park. Nje ngomntu ongalelanga ngaphakathi epakeni ungangena ngo07:00 wak’sasa uqale pha eDomkrag Dam (2 emephini). Kulapho ke kuthanda ukubonakala iNgonyama enkulu yaseAddo, uJack. Qhubekeka ke ngokukhangela abanye abazingeli pha eRooi Dam, 13 emephini. Ungabona iHyena, zixaphakile kwelacala. Heee! Ubusazi ukuba iindlovu iyavilapha? Ziqala uphuma emathyolweni phaa ngoo9 AM. Ziphuma sezinxaniwe ke ziye straight eHapoor Dam (22 emephini). Umhle ke lambono weza ndlovana zidlala emanzini, ufake nje wena ke ngoku nge selfie stick yakho, uthi ncaa la #softlife kuInstagram wakho. Uyayibona ke ngoku? uSimnikiwe uthi xa kuvunguza umoya okanye kunetha, izilwanyane ziyayitshintsha zingenzi nje ngesiqhelo.

Remember the old rules and the new

Rule #1 – The flightless Addo dung beetle is the king of the roads and always has the right of way. Please stop and let this little guy get to where he needs to be. These beetles are endangered and play a very important role in preserving the environment of the park. Venturing into the territory of wild animals can be both exciting and intimidating. The best way to stay safe and respect the animals, and the environment, is by familiarising yourself with the rules of the park. You can read them [here]. Although a visit to our national park is an outdoor activity, all health and safety protocols must be respected so that the park can keep all visitors safe while we fight COVID19. Please wear your masks at all times. Your Hop-on Guide will have sanitizer with him, and there is sanitizer in all public spaces. South African Government regulations state that you will be asked to fill in a form with COVID19 screening questions for each person in your vehicle, please do this for your safety and that of your guide. Your temperature reading will be taken at the gate, please open the car windows to make it easier for the security guards.

Thobela imiqathango ukuze uzosinda engozini

Oyena mthetho wendlela ubalulekileyo ngaphakathi eAddo Elephant National Park kukuthobela iNkuba Bulongwe. Nceda ujongisise endleleni ungazigili. Zibalulekile ezachap, zidlala indima enkulu ekucocweni kwePark kwaye sezisheke zimbalwa emhlabeni. Shem man, masizilondoloze. Zikhona ke ezinye izinto ekufuneke sizenzile nekufuneke singazenzanga xa siyokubona izilwanyane zasendle. Ungayifumana apha imiqathango yase Addo Elephant National Park. Masikhumbhuleni ukuba sisalwa nalobhubhane uyiCovid19. Kubalulekile ukunxiba imask ngamaxesha onke. Ungaziphathela isantizer kodwa iHop-on guides zinazo, nendawo zonke ezingenwa ngabantu zinanzo isantizer. Nceda uzisebenzise.

Enjoy the comfort and safety of your car while being guided to all the wildlife hotspots and secret nooks in the Addo Elephant National Park. You can book Simnikiwe and other Hop-on Guides by emailing [email protected].

Iza wonwabe!

Ungonwabela ukubuka izilwanyane ungakhange uphume emotweni yakho ube ukhatshwa yingcaphephe yeguide. Cela uSimnikiwe nge email ku [email protected].

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Addo Elephant Park safari: important tips for a self-game Drive

Addo Elephant Park Safari is an unforgettable and impressive experience that offers you a unique opportunity to observe one of Africa’s most iconic species up close. In our opinion, the real royalty “of the jungle”; the elephant! Located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, this national park is known for its diverse wildlife population, with elephants taking centre stage. With over 600 elephants, Addo Elephant Park provides a natural habitat for these majestic creatures as well as other wildlife animals. Whether you are a true nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable safari adventure, an Addo Elephant Park game drive safari is definitely worth it!

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Why is Addo Elephant Park worth a visit?

Get ready for your Addo Elephant Park game drive, fellow adventurers! Grab your binoculars because you will venture into the wilderness of over 600 elephants, lions, zebras and much more. In other words, a place where the majestic giant elephants and other wildlife roam free around you. You can be within a one-meter distance! Prepare yourselves for a rollercoaster ride filled with laughter, elephant encounters, and unforgettable memories!

In General, a South African safari trip is mindblowing! You will enter the day-to-day life of elephants, which are entertaining creatures! We have seen lovely and funny moments during our Addo Elephant Park safari while observing their daily antics. The elephants were playing with each other, rolling in mud baths, splashing around and taking care of their mini baby elephants. At one point we even encountered a more scary moment. All of a sudden, the elephants made their trumpet noises and started running around. Making the ground around us shaky and cloudy sandstorms whirling around.

General information and must-knows about Addo Elephant Park

The remarkable history of addo.

While driving around on your safari, it might be good to keep in mind the history of the park. Just like South Africa in general, Addo Elephant Park holds a rich and fascinating history that spans over a century. Established in 1931, it was initially set up as a sanctuary for the last remaining 11 African elephants in this region. Throughout 1700 and 1800 the elephants were threatened by hunters and farmers who were colonising the area around the park. Sadly, many elephants were killed. By the early 20th century, their population had drastically declined, leaving them on the brink of extinction. In 1931 things turned around with the start of a protected National Park and fence. As a result, the elephant population managed to grow to over 600. You can read more in detail about the history on the website of Sanparks .

Where is Addo Elephant Park located?

Addo is located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The closest big city is Port Elizabeth, and Addo is one of the most famous game reserves near Port Elizabeth. It, therefore, makes the most sense to travel from Port Elizabeth by car to Addo. In General, the distance is about 72KM and it took us around one hour to drive. It is certainly possible to visit Addo for a day if you are staying in Port Elizabeth. Another option is to find accommodation in Addo Park or its close surroundings. Good to know is that Port Elizabeth is a convenient connection to drive to Cape Town via the famous Garden Route. For more routes and updates check the official website of Sanparks .

Tip : Road-tripping in South Africa requires a rental car! Get your best rental car deals here now !

Does Addo have the big 5?

Yes, they do! Addo Elephant Park has elephants, lions, buffalos, leopards and rhinos. However, we might need to burst your bubble a bit as it is often considered very hard to see them in Addo. There might be many elephants, but just a few of the other wildlife like the lion or Leopard. These creatures know their hiding spots very well. In the end, we were able to see the elephants (not that hard! haha), buffalos and lions in Addo. However, the lions were in the far distance and only because a “local ranger” pointed them out to us. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have taken that side road at all.

Addo has so much more to offer than just the big 5! If you are a bird lover, you will be entertained as well. In general, there are so many animals, some that you never even heard of before. Like do you know the Dung Beetle? This unique beetle is the “king of the road”, and you need to be careful when driving around. You will see the warning signs, but we were still surprised when we saw a small black “thing” moving on the road.

See a full list of all animals in Addo here.

How many days do you need in Addo?

Now, let’s address the burning question: How many days do you need in Addo Elephant Park for a safari? Some might say a one-day visit is enough to see everything. And if your goal is to see elephants, we do agree on one full day. We did the same, and no, you do not have to drive cartwheels to see the main part of the park. But for those who prefer taking their time and enjoying every moment, I’d recommend staying at least two to three days in this magnificent park. Especially if you have the time and want to do more activities inside the park. Why rush when there’s so much fun waiting for you?

How much does it cost to enter Addo Elephant Park?

But before we dive into the wild wonders that await us, let’s address an equally important question – how much will this adventure cost us? People often get afraid when thinking of safari costs. Besides driving a car you surely won’t break the bank. It truly is much cheaper than other safari tours & private jeeps. Depending on your nationality, the Addo Elephant Park entrance fee is, for example, between R94 for South African Citizens and R376 per day for international visitors (around 18 to 20 Euro / US dollars). With this day ticket, you can explore from around 6 AM until 18 PM, depending on the season. Always check the opening times of the gates on the planned day.

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Where to stay in Addo?

Addo elephant park accommodation.

We have 3 recommendations if you want to visit Addo and need a place to sleep in the surroundings:

• Stay In Port Elizabeth : if you take a day trip and continue the Garden Route or fly out from Port Elizabeth airport again, it might be easiest to stay in Port Elizabeth itself.
• Stay in Addo village : Stay close to the park and explore more. Places we recommend are AfriCamps Addo , Elephant House , Addo African Home or Africanos Country Estate . All have great reviews, however, above all, we had fantastic service and food in Africanos Country Estate.
• Stay in Addo Elephant Park : Sunparks has several lodges and camps where you can stay. These are available to book through their website.

Addo Elephant Park safari game drives

Can you self-drive in addo elephant park.

We have some exciting news for all you self-proclaimed daredevils out there. Get ready to put your driving skills to the ultimate test because indeed, in Addo Elephant Park you can have a self-drive game safari! Are you brave enough? To put it in another way, do you think you can handle driving amidst unpredictable elephants and mischievous zebras without causing any major traffic jams? Don’t worry and enjoy the ride; it’s not every day that you get to play hide-and-seek with these giants while manoeuvring your vehicle.

Good to know is, that you do not need a 4×4 for Addo Elephant Park. However, if you go for a normal car we do recommend the usual types of “economy” of rental cars to have a little bit more comfort. Not all roads are tarred, many are gravelled. But still accessible to tourists’ cars.

Now, let’s talk about the golden rules of self-driving in Addo Elephant Park:

• Enter the park with a full tank
• Bring food and drinks for the day. You can also have a picnic & toilet break at “Jack’s Picnic site”.
• Do not honk and turn off your engine if you get close to the elephants
• Drive slowly: The speed limit on the roads is 40 km/h but a speed of 20-30 km/h is better
• Ever wondered how fast your heart can race when a curious elephant starts inspecting your car? Well, buckle up and do not make weird movements or start your car
• Give space to the animals. If you see them already in the distance, keep that distance.
• Do not leave trash in the park
• Remain in your vehicle (including your arms with windows open) when you’re in the game area except at designated lookout points 
• Always check for other rules given by the park reception/information.

For a self-drive, you do not need to buy special safari clothing. If you do consider a private jeep safari, it might be worth checking out our: checklist on what to wear for a safari in South Africa.

Addo Elephant Park game drives

If you do prefer to enjoy an arranged game drive, do so! It can take some stress away, have everything structured for you or just in general give you optimal relaxation. Just sit, and enjoy the ride. Sounds perfect right? See below several options for Addo Elephant Park safari game drives:

Addo Elephant Park safari driving route

You do not need to heavily plan your day in advance. However, it is good to start the day early from the Northern side of Addo to the south. Indeed, on the map below you see two main entrances. Firstly, Addo Main Camp in the north and secondly,  Matyholweni Gate in the south. Throughout the day you can follow the numbers on the map and you will see all the beauty during your Addo Elephant Park Safari. You can see the type of roads, where to find waterholes and the distances between points.

In a day we were able to drive all loops and spot the elephants on multiple occasions. Altogether, it took us around 6 hours. Really, you shouldn’t forget to stop in some places and just admire the groups of elephants interacting with each other. In summary, we saw the most elephants in the northern part and the lions between point 28 and the Arizona Dam. On the negative side, we saw nothing spectacular on the 15.9 KM Harvey’s loop. But of course, this all can differ every day! The animals are free to move around, and they surely do.

We hope you will visit Addo Elephant Park for a great safari experience! Please do leave a comment to share your experience!

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21 Oct Our self-drive safari adventure at Addo Elephant National Park

A safari was top of our travel wish-list when we planned our summer trip to South Africa . However, while most people flock to famous Kruger, we decided to stick on the Eastern Cape and tack a visit to Addo Elephant National Park onto our Garden Route itinerary. Here’s the verdict on our self-drive safari experience at Addo Elephant Park South Africa, including which animals we spotted, where to stay and how much it cost.

Why choose to visit Addo Elephant National Park?

Never heard of Addo? Neither had we until we started researching our trip. Turns out, it’s the third-largest national park in South Africa and home to 600 African elephants, which counts as one of the densest populations in the world. The wildlife conservation area was set up in 1931 to save 11 elephants from extinction and has now expanded to include a marine reserve on nearby Bird and St Croix Islands.

One of the key reasons we chose to visit Addo rather than Kruger, which has a more diverse range of wildlife including all of the Big Five, is because we’d already taken a dream safari in Kenya years ago so we were fine with a more low-key experience. That being said, Addo does have some great advantages:

• Unlike Kruger National Park, Addo is set in the malaria-free Sundays River Valley area on the Eastern Cape, so you don’t need to take anti-malarial tablets.
• The animals who live in Addo are protected, whereas some of the private game reserves on the Cape breed animals for horrible trophy hunting purposes.
• It’s the perfect safari option if you’re driving the Garden Route , located just north of Port Elizabeth at the eastern end of the route.
• Addo is a great self-drive safari destination, with easy-to-navigate trails, so you don’t have to take expensive guided safaris or game drives.

Our Addo self-drive experience

First up, if you’re coming from abroad and planning a drive in South Africa, you’ll need to get an International Driver’s Permit and make sure you’re aware of local road rules. There are two entrances to Addo Elephant Park but the central hub is Addo Main Camp in the north. You can buy your conservation pass and organise game drives here, as well as visit the shop, restaurant and fill your car with petrol. We enjoyed looking around the Ulwazi Interpretative Centre, which tells the history of the park and its residents, spent some time watching elephants up-close at the underground hide and walked around the PPC discovery trail, an informative nature path.

We spent two days at Addo and on the first, we woke at 5am to take one of the sunrise Addo game drives, which last for two hours. While it was interesting to hear facts about the park from our guide, the great thing about Addo is that it has well-maintained roads ideal for a self-drive safari. In fact, we saw more animals just driving around the park ourselves than on the guided safari. So, based on our experience, if you have your own transport it’s best to skip game drives unless you want to take an Addo safari at night after the gates close.

You’ll be given a map when you enter Addo that has all the self-drive routes, plus distances between the gates, clearly marked. The map also includes a list of things to do in Addo Elephant Park, which include hiking trails through the spectacular dune fields in Alexandria and forested paths in the Woody Cape. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to tackle any of these but they looked great.

Is a self-drive safari at Addo Elephant Park safe?

You might also be wondering about whether a self-drive safari is safe. Well, it certainly is at Addo so long as you stick to designated paths. The animals are used to cars but there are a few things you need to be careful of though:

• Make sure you don’t drive over piles of elephant dung, which are used by the endangered flightless dung beetle, a protected species in Addo.
• Always keep to the 40mph speed limit and stick to the marked roads.
• Only get out of your car in the designated areas. These include Jack’s Picnic Site, the main camp area and five specified lookout points where you can leave your vehicle at your own risk.

What animals can you see?

So, what kind of Addo wildlife can you expect to see? The park has four of the African Big Five: the lion, buffalo, elephant and leopard, although there are no longer any rhinos living at Addo. The area is also home to a variety of other African animals, from all kinds of birdlife to black-backed jackals, meerkats, spotted hyenas, monkeys and honey badgers.

During our visit in July 2019, there were only nine lions in the park, so spotting one on an Addo self-drive visit was tricky. We saw a couple while on a guided drive, sitting in a large enclosure waiting to be swapped with another National Park in order to diversify the gene pool. Since they’re nocturnal, it’s also rare to spot a leopard (we didn’t) but you may have some luck on a night drive. We did see a few buffalo grazing in the open plain areas in the south of the park though.

If your main aim is to see elephants, then you won’t be disappointed. There are roughly 600 in Addo and we saw plenty while driving around the park. Our first sighting was a large herd of mothers with youngsters grazing by the road, crossing right in front of us. The elephants were completely unfazed by our presence and we were able to sit and observe them for ages.

We also found that the hides and waterholes around the park were great places to watch the elephants. Head to Hapoor Dam, named after one of the park’s most formidable former residents. Once shot by humans, Hapoor never trusted them again and would charge cars whenever they got close. He was a firm leader for many years, yet when he was ousted by a rival, he broke through the ‘elephant-proof’ fence and was sadly killed.

During our two-day Addo Elephant Park self-drive, we saw plenty more amazing animals, from cute warthogs to ostriches, zebras, leopard tortoises and mongeese. Herds of shy buck species grazed throughout Addo, including elands, kudus, duikers and majestic red hartebeests. We were also lucky enough to spot the secretary bird, as well as more common herons, cranes and Egyptian geese.

Our verdict on Addo

We really enjoyed our self-drive safari at Addo and loved being able to go at our own pace, spot so many elephants and stop to watch the animals for as long as we wanted. When we visited in winter, it was pretty quiet so driving around was a peaceful experience. Addo was also super-convenient for us since we were driving the Garden Route.

However, the diversity of wildlife at Addo did pale in comparison to the safari we took in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, where we spotted everything from giraffes to cheetahs, lions, baboons and hyenas. So, if you’re looking for that once in a lifetime, dream African safari I’d recommend spending a bit more to visit one of Africa’s more famous National Parks, like Kruger.

Addo Elephant Park prices

The Addo Elephant Park entrance fee is R307 (about £16 depending on the exchange rate) for non-South African visitors, per day. South African residents pay R77 and it costs R154 per day for SADC nationals. If you want to take a guided Addo Elephant Park safari game drive, that costs R430 (about £22) for a two-hour trip.

Addo National Park accommodation

There’s plenty of affordable accommodation near Addo Elephant Park. You can search Booking.com and Airbnb to find options in nearby Colchester, which is just a five-minute drive to the nearest Addo gate. We stayed at the Sundowner Guesthouse in Colchester, which was a basic B&B, costing £22 per night for two people.

If you prefer to stay in Addo National Park itself, you can book online at sanparks.org for a space at one of their eight different camps:

• Kabouga Cottage
• Narina Bush Camp
• Mvubu Camp Site
• Nyathi Rest Camp
• Addo Main Camp
• Matyholweni Camp

For an ultimate luxury experience (with a much bigger price tag) there are also three private lodges in the park:

• Gorah Elephant Camp
• River Bend Lodge
• Kuzuko Lodge

Addo Elephant National Park location

Addo National Park is located in the Sundays River area of the Eastern Cape, just north of Port Elizabeth. There are two entrances to the park, the Addo gate entrance in the north and Matyholweni Gate in the south, which is just five minutes from Colchester. The gates are open from 07:00 to 18:00.

Mandisa Magqangeni

Hi Hope u r doing good,… I would like 2 know if the Game Reserve is open on Sundays, Bcoz I would like to visit wit my 2 kids nd 1 adult soo basically it’s 4 if us…. The prices nd also the right time to arrive….

Thnks Ms Mandisa Magqangeni

Hi, the best way to find current opening times is through the park’s website – hope you had a great trip and sorry for the late reply.

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Addo Elephant National Park: The Complete Guide

Things to Do

• Best Hikes & Trails

Guided Safaris

Marine adventures, where to camp, where to stay nearby, how to get there, accessibility, tips for your visit.

Jessica Macdonald / DotDash

Located in South Africa’s coastal Eastern Cape province, Addo Elephant National Park is a major conservation success story. In 1919, a large-scale elephant cull was initiated at the request of local farmers, reducing an already decimated population (due to hunting and habitat loss) to just 11 individuals. In 1931, The park was founded to offer protection to the last remaining elephants in the herd. 

Addo’s elephants are now thriving, as the park is home to more than 600 of these large animals. The park's 633 square miles protects other vulnerable species, as well, by offering a wide range of habitats—from arid mountains to sand dunes to coastal forest. Here, you can see elephants, buffalo, leopards , lions , and rhinos (the " big five "). Addo is considered one of the best self-drive safari options in Southern Africa—not only for its rich biodiversity, but also for its accessibility. The park’s southern gate is only 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Port Elizabeth, one of the largest cities in the country. ​

Animal spotting is, predictably, Addo Elephant National Park's key highlight. On hot days, it is possible to see elephant herds numbering well over 100 individuals congregating at the waterholes to drink, play, and bathe. Buffalo are also abundant in Addo, while lions and leopards are easily spotted at dawn and dusk. Rhino are rarely seen, and information about their numbers and whereabouts is kept closely guarded as a defense against poachers.

Self-drive safaris—one of the most popular activities in Addo—allow visitors the freedom to explore by themselves for a fraction of the cost of an organized tour. Detailed route maps are available at each of the park’s gates. Guided safaris are also offered, although they must be booked in advance.

If you plan on spending the whole day at Addo, pack a picnic and make a stop at Jack’s Picnic Site, a fenced-off area in the center of the main park. You can even bring meat and firewood and practice the art of the South African  braai . 

Horseback riding is available within the Nyathi concession area. Morning and afternoon rides depart from Main Camp and last approximately two hours each. Those who would rather keep their feet on the ground should consider tackling Addo’s hiking trails . Take a short day hike in the Zuurberg Section, or walk the Discovery Trail in the Main Camp.

Best Hikes & Trails

Non-guided hiking trails outside of the Addo Main Game Area take you into the mountains in the Zuurberg Section of the park and along the coast in the Woody Cape Section (a long two-day trek). No trails exist in the Addo Main Game Area due to the potential of dangerous encounters with the famed "big five."

• Zuurberg Hiking Trails : The Zuurberg hiking trails traverse a fertile valley filled with wildflowers, like fynbos and proteas, in the Zuurberg Mountain Section of the park. There are two hiking options: the short 3-kilometer (2-mile) Cycad Trail, or the longer 8-kilometer (5-mile) Doringnek Trail. Both trails follow a mountain stream that culminates at the Blougat Pool, a great place for a swim and a snack. Stop at all the overlooks and keep your eyes open for signs of animals—especially the hartebeest—in the plains below.
• Alexandria Hiking Trail : Adventurous hikers can tackle the two-day Alexandria Trail, which starts at the Woody Cape Nature Lodge and makes its way into the Alexandria Forest on a 32-kilometer (20-mile) journey. The first 18.5-kilometer (11.5-mile) section of this trail sneaks its way through dense forest before following the coastline and is best completed during low tide. The second 13.2-kilometer (8-mile) section traverses the dunes before descending into the Alexandria Forest. Signposts along the trail are tall enough to guide hikers, despite the ever-shifting dunes. Start your journey by staying the night at the Woody Creek Nature Lodge, so that you can get a jump on things early in the morning.

Guided safaris allow for off-road exploration on routes that are otherwise off-limits to the public. Additionally, they tend to happen before and after park operating hours, giving you a better chance of spotting crepuscular and nocturnal animals, like lions and hyenas. If you want the expertise of a local guide, without having to pay for an organized safari, you can also hire a ride-along, hop-on guide at the Main Camp.

Addo Elephant National Park is home to an incredible variety of birdlife , boasting more than 400 species within the park’s boundaries. Each of the unique ecosystems found here offers opportunities for different sightings, ranging from grassland species, like the Denham’s bustard, to woodland rarities, like the Narina trogon. Raptors abound at Addo, from martial eagles and crowned eagles to the beautiful pale chanting goshawk. Keen birders should take advantage of the dedicated bird hide located at the Addo Rest Camp . 

Marine Eco-Tours , operated by Raggy Charters in nearby Port Elizabeth, offers boat excursions that allow you to spot a wide variety of marine life—including bottlenose and common dolphins—off the coast of Addo Elephant National Park. African penguins and great white sharks can also be seen on an outing. If you visit between the months of June and October, there’s a good chance you'll see southern right and humpback whales. These ocean giants travel along South Africa’s eastern coastline on their annual migration to warmer breeding and calving grounds off the coast of Mozambique . 

There are several camping options within the park boundaries, including those located in the Main Game Area, as well as in the outlying mountain region. Bring your own RV or tent to Addo Rest Camp, or leave everything behind and opt for a glamping experience at Gorah Elephant Camp, Spekboom Tented Camp, and Narina Bush Camp. During the peak season, accommodations options fill up quickly, so book your reservations early.

• Addo Rest Camp : This main rest camp in Addo Elephant National Park offers campsites, self-catered chalets, and luxurious guest houses, as well as the added excitement of a floodlit bar. The private sites feature a barbecue grill, shade, electrical hookups for RV's, and fresh water. Additional facilities include a restaurant, shop, and swimming pool.
• Gorah Elephant Camp : This popular, five-star glamping experience is located within the Main Game Area of the park and evokes the golden era of safari adventure with a selection of exclusive tented suites.
• Spekboom Tented Camp : This tent camp is a great option for those who wish to experience a magical night of glamping situated in the Main Game Area of the park. Reserve one of five tents, each complete with a deck, camp chairs, and two beds. Additionally, the fenced and gated facility includes communal showers, a communal kitchen, toilets, and a central washbasin.
• Narina Bush Camp : Located in the remote Zuurberg Mountains, the Narina Bush Camp is a popular woodland setting for birders, botanists, and hikers. The facility consists of four tents, each with two single beds, barbeque facilities, a communal kitchen, restrooms, and showers. There is no electricity at this camp and you must arrive two hours before sunset.

There are a number huts, for those who are backpacking or roughing it, a cottage, and several private lodges located inside and just outside the park. Choose to stay in the Main Game Area for a safari-type experience right outside your door, or opt for lodging in an outlying region, where the experience is still remote, but without the threat of dangerous animals.

• Woody Cape Nature Lodge : The Woody Cape Nature Lodge houses backpackers ready to take on the Alexandria Trail. This hostel-style lodge nestled within the dunes can accommodate up to 120 people via campsites, dorms, and private chalets. Dorm-style lodging offers a shared bathroom and shower area with linens, maid service, and free Wi-Fi. An on-site restaurant, bar, and outdoor pool complete your stay at this family-friendly lodge.
• Langebos Huts : The Langebos Huts consists of two rustic, two-bedroom huts, also located at the trailhead of the Alexandria Trail. Each hut has a walkway to a private bathroom and a kitchen, and a communal area includes a fire pit and barbeque.
• Umsintsi Cottage : This two-story cottage in the middle of the Alexandra Forest accommodates two people and comes complete with a full kitchen and dining area, an upstairs bedroom with a view, and an en-suite bathroom. An outdoor barbecue is located underneath an elevated deck and all linens and towels are provided.
• Long Hope Villa : The relaxing Long Hope Villa is a game lodge located within the park on the private Nyati Concession. Offering you an exclusive experience, the house comes complete with three bedrooms, an outdoor pool, a private chef, a personal game vehicle, and a field guide. Choose a pillow from the home's "pillow library" to assure yourself a good night's rest with the sounds of the "big five" just outside your door.
• River Roost : Accommodations at River Roost on the Eastern Cape include bed-and-breakfast-style lodging in the main house and a self-catered cottage. Two bedrooms offer two queen-sized beds and one bedroom offers two single beds; all complete with en-suite bathrooms. The two-bedroom cottage sleeps four and comes with two bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a wooden outdoor deck with views.

Most visitors to Addo Elephant National Park fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. You can arrange with your lodging accommodations or safari outfitter for transport from the airport. Or, you can drive yourself from Cape Town to the Park via the Garden Route , a week-long journey through lush forests and the African bush, and along the coastline.

People of all abilities levels can enjoy the wonders of Addo Elephant National Park. Addo's Main Camp has five accessible campsites, complete with an accessible bathroom, and Matyholweni Camp has two accessible cottages with roll-in showers. The Main Camp's restaurant, shop, and reception area offers ramps and an accessible bathroom. Also, the in-camp Discovery Trail, viewing platform, and underground bird hide are wheelchair accessible. The Ulwazi Interpretive Center is equipped with handicap parking, restrooms, and ramps, and Jack's picnic site in the Main Game Area has ADA-compliant restrooms and barbeque facilities.

• In addition to the "big five," Addo is also home to Southern Africa's largest antelope, the eland, and to the rare flightless dung beetle. Other common sights include Burchell’s zebra, warthog, and kudu.
• In the park’s outlying regions, you can spot regional rarities, like the gemsbok and the Cape Mountain Zebra.
• The only major safari animal missing from Addo’s roster is the giraffe. Giraffes are not naturally found on the Eastern Cape of Africa, and a decision was made not to introduce them. 
• Addo has two main gates: one at Main Camp, and the other at Matyholweni. Main Camp is located on the north side of the park and remains open for day visitors from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Matyholweni, to the south, is open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Visitors to the park are required pay a daily entrance fee, which is different for South African residents and foreign nationals. 
• Addo is considered a malaria-free park, saving visitors to the park the expense of costly prophylactics.
• Most routes within the park are suitable for standard vehicles, although high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles are strongly recommended.
• The dry season (June through August) is considered best for game-viewing at Addo Elephant National Park, as animals are forced to congregate around the waterholes, making them easier to spot.
• The rainy season (December through February) is best for birding, while shoulder seasons often afford the nicest weather. 

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Addo Elephant Park: A Big 7 Safari

Are you looking for a chance to see the big 7 in south africa.

Then Addo Elephant National Park is for you! Addo is one of the few places in the world where you can see the “Big Seven” in their natural habitat.

🐘 Or are you just looking for the best tours to and around Addo? Our pick for the top Multi-Day Tour is this Garden Route and Addo Park Tour . And for a day tour, this one from Port Elizabeth will show you the best of the park’s wildlife and includes a delicious lunchtime braai (bbq).

To check this feat off your bucket list, you have to see an elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, and leopard – the Big Five.

Plus, a southern right whale and great white shark, South Africa’s marine contingent! Contact Raggy Charters for your chance to see these guys!

This opportunity seems reason enough to visit Addo Elephant Park. But there’s even more to this beautiful park, and below we’ll get into why this is a great spot for safari.

Let’s go!

Addo Elephant Park

Addo Elephant National Park is in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, just under 40 km from Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth ). It’s home to a thriving population of African elephants.

The park was originally established to protect these gorgeous giants. It has since expanded its conservation efforts to include other animals like the rare black rhino and different bird species .

Here are a few facts about the park –

1. Malaria-free : It’s great for young kids and anyone who would rather not take prophylaxis.

2. An elephant haven : Addo was established in 1931 to save the area’s last 11 elephants . Hunters had driven them towards extinction. Today, it is home to over 600 elephants. Rhino numbers have also increased significantly.

3. Diverse ecosystems : The park spans over 6,860 km², making it the third largest game reserve in the country. This includes marine areas, coastal dunes, mountains, and the dense bush of the main game area.

4. A birdwatcher’s paradise : Addo is a fantastic place for birdwatching. It has over 400 bird species, including the rare and endangered blue crane and the black-headed heron.

5. Marine section : The park’s marine section includes islands that are home to the world’s largest breeding colonies of Cape gannets. They’re also home to the second-largest breeding colony of African penguins.

6. Visitor facilities : The park has a variety of accommodations and visitor facilities. These include a main camp with a swimming pool, restaurant, and shop, plus more secluded bush camps. All but the pool are open to day visitors .

7. Guided tours : Day trippers and overnight guests can go on game drives. They can take advantage of horse rides and marine eco-tours, too, and see Addo’s variety of wildlife and its incredible ecosystems.

What Does Addo Have to Offer?

Accommodations : Addo has a range of options, from camping sites to luxury lodges. The main camp, Addo Rest Camp, has guesthouses, cottages, chalets, and rondavels.

Or if you’re looking for a more secluded experience, there are bush camps like the Spekboom Tented Camp and the Narina Bush Camp.

Visitor Centers : The main camp has a visitor center with educational displays, a restaurant, a shop where you can buy souvenirs and essential items, and a gas station.

The shop also has snacks, beverages, and basic grocery items.

Picnic Areas : There are several picnic spots, too equipped with braai (bbq) facilities. The best ones are at the main rest camp and Jack’s Picnic Site. They’re great for relaxing and just enjoying the area.

A Restaurant : The Cattle Baron Grill and Bistro, at the Addo Rest Camp, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu ranges from steaks and burgers to vegetarian options and caters to different dietary preferences.

Game Drives : Guided game drives are available both during the day and at night. You get the chance to see the park’s wildlife, including nocturnal animals, which isn’t possible on self-drives.

Self-Drive Safaris : The park has a well-maintained network of roads that allows for self-driven safaris. (Ask about hiring a hop-on guide !)

Horse Rides : These are offered in certain sections of the park, and give you a unique perspective of the environment and wildlife.

Hiking Trails : There are a few short hiking trails in the park. These include the PPC Discovery Trail, which is wheelchair friendly and offers a chance to explore the local plants and animals on foot.

Bird Watching : With over 400 bird species, Addo is a bird watcher’s paradise. The park also features bird hides where enthusiasts can observe birds in their natural habitat.

Wildlife Viewing : There are spots around just for game viewing, for those times in between game drives when you just can’t get enough.

• Hapoor Dam Hide : This is one of the most popular spots in the park. The waterhole at the dam attracts a lot of wildlife, especially in the drier months.
• Spekboom Hide : This hide is inside Spekboom Tented Camp and is an incredible opportunity for overnight stays. You can watch nocturnal animals and birds in a kind of wild immersive experience.
• Bird Hides : Addo has several bird hides, too, strategically placed for optimal bird watching. These are great, especially for seeing water birds around the waterholes.
• Nyathi Area : The Nyathi area of the park is more remote and less accessible. But it has viewing platforms with insane views and excellent game viewing opportunities, particularly of the Big Five.

Addo Park Wildlife

Addo Elephant Park is home to a great variety of animals:

• African Elephant
• Black Rhino
• Cape Buffalo
• Cape Grysbok
• Suricate (Meerkat)
• Spotted Hyena
• Red Hartebeest
• Blue Duiker
• Flightless Dung Beetle
• Southern Right Whale*
• Great White Shark*
• African Penguin*
• Cape Gannet*
• Common Dolphin*
• Bottlenose Dolphin*

* These marine species are part of the marine section of the park. They can be seen around the coastal waters included in the park’s protected area.

Self-Drive Safaris in Addo Elephant Park

Addo is an excellent place for a self-drive safari! It has a well-maintained network of roads that are suitable for regular vehicles. (But you can also find a 4×4 trail between the Kabouga and Darlington areas of the park, just for fun.)

This makes it accessible for just about everybody without the need for a 4×4. Having one, though, can make navigating the more rugged areas in the park a bit easier.

Signage is good in the park, too, with roads that are clearly marked. Plus, maps are available at the entrance and online, so getting around is pretty straightforward.

I like to combine self-drive with organized game drives. This way I get the freedom and flexibility of going where I want when I want.

Plus, I still benefit from the expertise of the guides who know the park well.

Another option is to hire the Hop-On guide – click on this link for more info . He will act as your safari guide from your own vehicle!

Addo Park Safari Tips

Here are some things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your visit:

1. Plan Ahead : Make your accommodation and activity bookings in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

2. Arrive or Head Out Early : Get to the park early in the morning or if you’re staying in the park, start your safari drive as early as you’re able. This is when wildlife is most active and there are fewer people around.

3. Wear Appropriate Clothing : Dress in layers and wear comfortable, neutral-coloured clothing to blend in with the natural surroundings. But “safari-wear” is NOT necessary.

4. Respect Wildlife : Always keep a safe distance from the animals and avoid disturbing them. Use a good pair of binoculars for a closer look.

5. Visit Waterholes : Spend some time at waterholes, where you’re likely to see a variety of animals coming to drink.

6. Bring a Good Camera : Capture your memories with a good camera. Remember to bring extra batteries or a charger, and lots of storage.

7. Explore Different Sections : Addo is more than just elephants. Explore different sections to see a variety of habitats and species.

8. Be Patient : Wildlife viewing can be unpredictable. Patience can lead to amazing sightings.

9. Stay Informed : Check for any park notices or special conditions on the day of your visit to avoid any bumps in your experience.

When to Go to Addo Park

There’s no bad time to visit Addo, but there are better times.

The peak tourist seasons typically coincide with school holidays and national holidays in South Africa, and the summer months when the weather is warm and dry.

December to January and the July to August winter holidays tend to be crowded.

March to April : After the peak summer season and before the winter chill sets in, these months offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and more active wildlife.

This period is after the busy summer holidays and before the Easter rush, so it’s a quieter time for a visit.

September to November : Springtime in Addo is excellent for wildlife viewing. The weather starts to warm up and the park is not crowded yet with the summer holiday visitors.

The plants and trees are less dense, too, which makes the animals easier to spot.

Addo Elephant Park Cost and Hours

The entrance fee (aka. conservation fee) to get into Addo Elephant National Park is:

1 November 2023 – 31 October 2024 ( 2024/2025 Rates )

* If you’ll be spending a lot of time in South African national parks, consider a Wild Card parks pass .

These times are for the main entrance gates, and similar hours apply to other park gates.

Important Notes

• Early Exit and Late Entry : For those staying inside the park, Entrance gates are staffed by security guards after closing times. If you have an accommodation booking, you can still enter and exit the gates after closing times but before 10pm. But you need to inform reception of this in advance.
• Gate Closures : It’s important to exit the gates before closure to avoid fines or being locked in the park overnight. Driving in the park is not allowed after the gates close.

* Always check gate hours when you arrive to be sure you have the most up-to-date info.

If you’re in the Port Elizabeth area, you’ve got to stop at Addo! Epic African wildlife, and the Big Seven!

➵  Best Safari in Kruger National Park: Discover the Ultimate Wildlife Tour ➵  Pilanesberg National Park Safari – Should You or Shouldn’t You? ➵  39 Amazing Facts About Kruger National Park You Never Knew ➵  Sanbona Wildlife Reserve Expert Review: Cape Town Big 5 Safari 2024

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I had been travelling for years before I first went to Africa. Once I had been on my first safari, I was hooked. Now I go back every chance I get. I've lived in Botswana, explored the wild coast of Namibia, toured Southern Africa and so much more.

There's no place that has more to offer a traveller than this enormous and stunning continent. I write about it here to hopefully inspire you to experience it for yourself, and to make your travels easier. It'll be the trip of your life!

And for the last 4 and a half years I've been returning to to Cape Breton, just off the famous Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, Canada. Living here makes it a lot easier to leave Africa. I love sharing this epically beautiful island with you, too! Happy travels!

Addo Elephant National Park Self Drive Tour – Everything You Need to Know

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Home » Addo Elephant National Park Self Drive Tour – Everything You Need to Know

Addo Elephant Park is a total gem in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. While this national game park may not be as popular as others, like the Kruger National Park, it is still definitely worth visiting. The park is very easily accessible, not very crowded, and totally beautiful. Addo national park is a great adventure destination for anyone traveling with children. Your little ones will love driving around nature spotting the different wild animals. This park is not only home to the famous Big 5, but it also extends all the way to the coast – offering a varied landscape.

If you’re considering a self-drive safari trip to Addo park, then be sure to read on for everything you need to know about the trip. 

Getting to Addo Elephant Park

Addo Elephant Park, South Africa,  is only 100km outside of Port Elizabeth. Driving between the park and the city is easy and can be done in about an hour. This means that you could even do a game drive safari here as a day trip. However, it might make more sense to stay closer (or inside the park), for the full experience. 

Addo National Park Game Driving

One of the best things about visiting national parks in South Africa is that you can take yourself on your own game drives. This is the best thing to do in Addo, and it allows for total freedom and flexibility of your schedule.

When you arrive in the park, you will get a free map. This map is incredibly useful for helping navigate your way around Addo.

The map also lists all of the animals that you can see in the park. Addo has created an animal sightseeing game for kids with this, where you get points for animals spotted. Our family had loads of fun playing this while driving around Addo.

Another tip is to check the daily sightseeing map at the entrance. There you will find an indication of where the latest sightings were, which can be so helpful for trying to track down some of your must-see’s.

We loved exploring the park on our own. If you wish to do the same, we highly recommend you rent a 4×4 so that you can have a higher vantage point. It will also be much smoother on the gravel detour roads.

Grabbing some Petrol for our 4×4 at the Fuel Station at the Main Gate

Alternatively, you might have more luck spotting the animals if you book a guided tour. The tour guides do multiple drives in a day and often have insider knowledge on the latest sightings.

Click here to book a half-day tour through Addo if you’d prefer a guided tour.

Animals You Can See

As the name suggests, this is a dedicated African elephant national park. During your game drive, you will certainly see a couple of herds of enormous elephants – stomping through the bushes or even blocking off the roads! Hopefully, you will also get to see a few cute baby elephants as well.

We were lucky to see a whole herd of elephants, as well as a smaller family unit later in our drive. While elephants are the main animals here, Addo also offers a complete list of South African game.

You should definitely expect to see some warthogs and ostrich as well. Some of the impressive bucks found here include kudu and red hartebeest. There are also many wildebeest and zebra around the park. If you are lucky, you could spot some buffalo, hippo, black rhino, lions, leopards, and hyena.

While Addo has the Big 5 , don’t expect to see as many different animals as you would in other larger national parks – like the Kruger. Nonetheless, you will definitely see some amazing African wildlife during your safari here.

Avid birders will also enjoy Addo, as there are many different species to see. Be sure to make full use of the hides if this interests you. Smaller animals, such as tortoise, can be spotted here too. Just beware of dung beetles while you are driving, as these little creatures can often be seen crossing the roads.

Important Park Information

Before visiting Addo, it is important to have a good understanding of how the park works. Here are some things you will need to know before visiting.

Addo Park Gates

Most visitors will enter Addo through the main park gate. This gate is open from 7:00 to 19:00. The gate is close to the park’s main reception area, and is found off the R335/R342.

Matyholweni gate is another popular option, close to a major rest camp. This gate is open from 7:00 to 16:00 daily.

It makes good sense to enter through the one gate and to exit out of the other as you can easily make your way across this park in a day.

Entrance Fees

The entrance fees into Addo are as follows (per day):

• South African citizens and residents – $6 per adult/$3 per child
• SADC nationals – $12 per adult/$6 per child
• Standard conservation fee – $23 per adult/$12 per child

Make sure to have your identified card (ID or Passport) on you as you will be required to show this. You will also need to fill out a form with your identification numbers on it. We loved that the entrance includes a free map of the park.

Toilets can be found at the entrance gates, and at Jack’s Picnic Site in the park. Be sure to plan visits here if you will be taking an extended game drive.

Addo Elephant National Park Accommodation

Want to know where to stay while visiting this South Africa national park? Visitors can choose to either stay inside Addo or at accommodation just outside the park. Here are some top options.

1. River Bend Lodge

A luxurious safari lodge located within the Addo national parks. Guests can enjoy the spa, elegant suites, and delicious restaurant dining at this 5-star resort. Located within nature, this is the ultimate African lodge experience.

Why should you stay here?

• Private game drives and guided walks on offer
• Luxurious accommodation
• Beautiful setting

Check out the current prices for River Bend Lodge here

2. Gorah Elephant Camp

Watch herds of elephants right outside your accommodation at Gorah Elephant Camp. Rooms here consist of luxurious tented suites, complete with a private deck, beautiful views, and plush interiors. The pool and dining room are great additions.

• Experience nature in luxury
• Game drives and nature walks available
• Stunning 5-star accommodation

Check out the current prices for Gorah Elephant Camp here !

3. Avoca River Cabins

Peaceful little cabins along the banks of the Sundays River. This is excellent family-friendly accommodation just outside the national park.

• Set on a peaceful citrus farm
• Has a great deck along the riverside
• Plenty of great facilities

Check out the current prices for Avoca River Cabins here !

Final Thoughts on Addo, South Africa

Addo Elephant Park is an easily accessible destination for a day trip or quick self-guided game drive. Whilst we enjoyed our day in Addo, we definately prefer Kruger National Park above this park.

We found that we drove around for extended periods of time in Addo where we didn’t see a single animals and our kids got bored quickly (but then maybe we just had bad luck that day as it was a pretty hot day). However, if you love elephants, then this is undoubtedly the place to go!  Addo is an ideal South African destination for a road trip, and it is a great place to experience the best of the region’s game reserves.

Tip:  Check out our ultimate guide to Best Places to Visit in South Africa with Kids .

Jolene Ejmont

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Addo Elephant National Park safari | Travel guide

Addo Elephant National Park is South Africa’s third-largest national park, located in the south of the country, some 60 minutes from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

Addo is unique in that it is the only park in the whole world to shelter the Big 7 including the Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Buffalo as well as the southern right whale and great white shark.

The park was founded in the year 1931 and was built for protecting the remaining 11 elephants in the area and now this place holds over 600 elephants and other mammals.

For the accommodation of such amazing species, the Addo Elephant National Park has expanded its quarters from the Sundays River to Alexandria and has also included St Croix and Bird Island which is a marine reserve and an essential ground for penguins and gannets.

Table of Contents

Why visit Addo Elephant National Park?

Addo elephant national park safari.

Addo Elephant National Park is not only known for the famous Addo elephants but also the dense vegetation that surrounds this area and the animals and birds which live here and make this place even more stunning.

The elephants however are to the Addo National Park what the polar bears are to the Arctic. Without them, Addo Park would not be Addo Park and seeing over 600 of these magnificent creatures in the open is an incredible sight to behold.

On an Addo safari, you’ll also see lots of Black Back Jackals, Red Hartebeest, 400 Cape buffaloes and spotted hyenas. Apart from the game park drive, visitors can also go on horse trails, hiking (including a 32km stretch), whale watching, shark cage diving, bird watching and even visit important historical sites.

Addo is also very well set up for a self-drive safari. The main entrance and the two looped roads are sealed and the smaller tracks are gravelled. You can easily explore the park in a 2WD vehicle.

As South African safaris go, elephant lovers are in for a treat as Addo’s top attraction is the elephant population. All of the Big Five are present, and lions are sometimes encountered early in the morning.

The black rhino is very shy and tends to stay in the thickets. Giraffes are absent, as it has never occurred in the area, and hippo are only found in the rarely visited Zuurberg Mountains section of the park.

Some of the more interesting antelope species regularly encountered are greater kudu, red hartebeest and eland. The endemic flightless dung beetle has right-of-way on the roads and plays an important role in recycling nutrients to stimulate vegetation growth.

All the photographers and bird enthusiasts will fall in love with this place as this is an ideal spot for watching the diverse birds living in this national park.

A great number of birds live and breed here some of which are – Fork-tailed Drongo, Cape Robin, Grey Cuckoo Shrike, Martial Eagle, Cape Parrot, Hooded Kingfisher and Cape Gannet. The open grassy areas and coastal islands attract these birds which take shelter in this wonderful park.

Tucked away in the dense valley-bushveld of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park.

The diversity of Addo Elephant Park’s landscapes ranges from dense bushveld and shrubs to a wide range of trees including large numbers of “Spekboom” trees and rocky areas.

Among other plant species are the trees, Fuchsia, Sneezewood, Guarri, succulents and many types of shrub. In the original Addo Elephant National Park section, there was little naturally occurring surface water, hence the authorities have had to sink boreholes, which supply a number of dams.

Other activities at Addo Elephant National Park

Other things to do in South Africa that visitors to Addo Elephant National Park can look forward to on their trip:

• Game drive: Exploring Addo Elephant National Park’s wildlife with spectacular views of large concentrations of elephants.
• Bush walks: Walk with professional guides at a peaceful, relaxed pace through the extraordinary Addo Elephant National Park NP where you can see birds, wildlife and beautiful tree species.
• Hiking: Alexandria hiking trail is the most popular hiking trail in this national park. This two day hiking trip is through the Woody Cape section of this national park in the Eastern Cape. There are many different trails from which you can choose.
• Bedrogfontein 4×4 Trail: Situated between Kabouga and Darlington this trail is 45km long and offers stunning view of the the place where the battle between Afrikaner and British troops was held during the Anglo Boer War.
• Hayterdale Trail: This is a hand built trail which has mountain bike events and has many different trails from which you can choose. The sports are for the adventure-junkies mainly but a new 12 km trail for beginners and flatlands has been added.

How to get to Addo Elephant National Park?

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) is the nearest domestic airport from the park and is just 75 km away from Addo. You can book a cab or a car as there are many car agencies near the airport.

To get to South Africa and indeed Addo, most visitors fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT).  Many people will drive from Cape Town to Addo via the Garden Route, over the course of a week or two.

A South Africa will likely also be required per the latest entry requirements.

Buses are quite accessible in this area and many buses are provided around this park. A 4×4 car is best suited for tourists or a high clearance vehicle if you are interested in travelling to Narina Bush Camp.

Carrying a compact amount of some local South Africa currency , the rand (ZAR) is advised for smaller purchases.

Tariffs & Regulations

Entrance fee.

All Addo Elephant National Park fees are payable at the gate at time of entrance. Park fees are valid for 24 hours.

The entrance fee for international visitors to Addo Elephant National Park is R360 (USD $21) per adult, per day and R180 (USD $11) per child, per day.

Regulations

If you keep to park rules, you can stay with the animals as long as they are not disturbed by your presence.

Accommodation on an Addo Elephant Park safari

Tourists at Addo Elephant National Park can choose from a number of different options when deciding where to sleep with accommodation ranging from luxury safari lodges to lower budget camping.

Gorah Elephant Camp is a colonial house and is the perfect place where you can just watch the Addo elephants roam around while sipping your tea and have the most beautiful experience of your life.

This safari lodge makes your stay in this national park even more memorable. Situated in the heart of Big 5 this place is a combination of colonial style houses and the natural African world.

Another great option is the Addo Elephant Safari Lodge, situated near the Yellow side forest. This is among one of the best Addo lodges and has exquisite sights from the hillside.

It perfectly blends with the surroundings and has a private and exclusive suite from where you can take in all the glory that surrounds this lodge. This environment-friendly lodge is designed using the recycled Brazilian pines and canvas.

Addo Rest Camp offers a wide variety of accommodation units to suit all tastes and plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. A unique feature is the waterhole lookout point, floodlit at night, within the camp as well as the underground hide, allowing close encounters with wildlife at the waterhole.

The evenings are punctuated with the calls of lion, spotted hyena and jackal while francolin and bokmakierie herald each dawn.

Accommodation units are situated within easy walking distance of each other and of facilities such as the swimming pool, restaurant and shop. Bookings are made through central reservations.

Guests on a self-drive safari with a campervan can make significant savings by sleeping in their vehicle.

Bars/restaurants/amenities

Lodges will typically have all meals and drinks included in the lodge package.

Useful information

Addo Elephant National Park is located in the south of the country, 60 minutes from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, an area known for its numerous beaches

Safaris here can be combined with trips to Kruger National Park , Amakhala Game Reserve or Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park .

Addo Elephant National Park receives an average rainfall of less than 450mm/17.7in per year. 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 covers a wide range of altitudes, but the main tourist area is under 250m.

Best time to go

Understanding the ideal time to visit South Africa is important as this will impact accommodation, flight prices, availability and the weather that visitors can expect on their safari vacation. A South Africa visa for entry may also be required.

Wildlife viewing in Addo Elephant National Park is good throughout the year. Because it has an arid to semi-arid climate, animals are attracted to water holes at any time, but more so during the driest winter months (June to September).

The drawback to winter is that nights can become very cold and winter clothing is needed for early morning game drives, especially when using an open vehicle.

Addo is generally considered to be malaria free, and antimalarials aren’t necessary if you don’t intend to visit those other parts of the country where there is a small risk during the wet summer months.

Antimalarials and other vaccines for South Africa are advised, as well as covering up in the evening and using mosquito repellent (those containing DEET are most effective).

It is recommended to visit a travel clinic before coming to South Africa. Several South Africa vaccinations are recommended and usually administered before your departure.

Where is Addo Elephant National Park located?

What animals will visitors see at addo elephant national park.

Visitors to Addo Elephant National Park will see over 600 elephants, all of the Big Five and antelope species including greater kudu, red hartebeest and eland.

How much is the Addo Elephant National Park entrance fee?

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The Best Game Drive I Ever Had A Self-Drive Game Drive Through Addo 

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Addo Elephant Park

Home » Africa » South Africa » Addo Elephant Park

By Vicky · Published Sep. 29th, 2022 · Updated Jan. 8th, 2024

Addo Elephant Park is the closest real safari park to Cape Town, where you’re almost guaranteed to see elephants, and if you’re lucky lions.

Page Contents:

Addo Elephant Park is in the Eastern Cape, near the southern coast of South Africa and roughly halfway between Cape Town and Durban.

Cape Town to Addo Elephant Park

It’s about nine hours drive and 800 km straight from Cape Town to Addo Elephant Park. The two nicest routes are through either the Klein Karoo or along the Garden Route and they both take a similar amount of time. It’s popular to combine a trip along the Garden Route from Cape Town with a stopover at Addo.

A great option is to then return through the arid Klein Karoo, totally different scenery to that seen on the Garden Route. This route from Cape Town, along the Garden Route, to Addo and back through Klein Karoo takes between ten days and two weeks and combines some of the best of South Africa. If you need a good road map for this trip, see our recommendations .

Garden Route to Addo Elephant Park

If coming from along the Garden Route, it’s 2.5-3 hours from Storms River Mouth and almost 4 hours from Knysna. If you are not arriving late, you can enter via the closer Colchester Gate and drive through the main safari area up to the Main Addo Camp.

Port Elizabeth to Addo Elephant Park

From Port Elizabeth (now known as Gqeberha) to Addo Main Camp is about 1 hour’s drive, however it’s only 30 minutes to the Colchester Gate at the southern end of the safari area. You can then drive through the safari area to the Main Camp in a few hours.

Addo Elephant National Park Map

Tips for addo elephant park.

• Addo entrance fees are R90/R45 for South Africans and R360/R180 for foreigners per adult/child per day. If you stay one night in the park, you only pay the entrance fee for one day but get to stay for two. Entrance to Addo is free with a WildCard.
• Check out our guide to the Best Accommodation near Addo Elephant Park .
• Addo Main Camp gate and reception are open from 7am to 7pm every day.
• The gates to the safari area are open from 5:30am to 6:30 pm in summer, 6am to 6pm in winter.
• If you want everything organised for you, you can join a guided safari that picks you up from your hotel *.
• Bring binoculars * and a wildlife guide *.
• If you’re staying inside the park, bring a headlamp * as lighting is limited.
• South African holidays and weekends see many more visitors, while during the week out of season it is fairly quiet.
• For more fun guides and hikes, check our South Africa page .

Things to do in Addo Elephant National Park

What can you do at Addo Elephant Park?

• Go on a Self-drive Safari
• Take a Guided Game Drive
• Explore Addo Main Camp
• Visit the Woody Cape Section
• Traverse the Zuurberg Mountains

There are three main sections to Addo Elephant Park. The main safari section is the most popular part by far. The section itself can be divided from north to south into the Nytahi, Addo Main Camp and Colchester safari sections. All three areas have elephants, buffalos and more, but only the Colchester section has lions. Additionally, the Nyathi section is reserved for guests of Nyathi Rest Camp.

To the north of the main safari area is the Zuurberg Mountains section of the park. There are no large mammals here so you can go hiking in this section. The third part of the park is called Woody Cape and extends to the coastline.

Addo Elephant Park Contact Details

Addo Main Camp Reception : +27 (0)42 233 8621, +27 (0) 42 233 8600 or [email protected]

Addo Game Drives :+27 (0)42 233 8619 or [email protected]

Camp Matyholweni Reception : +27 (0)41 4680916/8 or [email protected]

1. Go on a Self-Drive Safari

The most common activity in Addo Elephant Park is to go on a self-drive safari. Most of the roads are tarred, and the ones that aren’t have a good gravel/dirt surface so can be done in any normal car.

Best Self-Drive Safari Routes in Addo

If you want to have a great morning or afternoon drive, the Addo Northern Drive visits many waterholes, several viewpoints and Jack’s Picnic Site. At Jack’s Picnic Site you can leave your vehicle to stretch your legs. It’s a fenced area and has toilets, picnic tables and braai stands. The Northern Drive is 50 km long and takes several hours. You have a good chance of seeing elephants and are almost certain to see many types of antelope and zebras.

If you want to drive from north to south through the main safari area, the North-South Game Drive focuses on loops in the Colchester section, where you’ll see many elephants and have a chance of seeing the lions. It’s often also less busy in the Colchester section.

Waterholes in Addo Elephant Park

There are no natural rivers or lakes within the park so the animals all visit the waterholes to drink. In the afternoon the buffalos and elephants love to cool down in the wet muddy waters.

Addo Main Camp Waterhole

There’s an underground hide at the waterhole by Addo Elephant rest camp. It’s lit at night so is particularly good to watch in the evening when buffalo and hyenas often visit. In the daytime expect to see antelope and sometimes elephants at the waterhole.

Waterholes near Addo Main Camp

Domkrag Dam Waterhole is a large waterhole not too far from Addo Main Camp. If you’re lucky you’ll see elephants, but make sure to check out the surrounding trees and bushes for birds.

Gwarrie Pan often has a lot of water, and many animals can be seen here, especially in the hot afternoon. It’s not far from Addo Main Camp so you can easily take a quick drive here.

Rooidam Waterhole is a very beautiful waterhole with lovely green scenery in the background. It’s also not so far from Addo Main Camp.

Waterholes further South

Hapoor Dam , in the middle of the park, is a great place to sit and wait for the animals to come to you. It’s a large waterhole and in the afternoon the elephants get hot and come here to cool down.

Carol’s Rest Waterhole is a fenced waterhole on the Gorah Loop on the eastern side of the park. The fence is designed to keep out elephants yet allow other mammals to reach the water. This means you get a lot of antelope and zebra here and it’s a great place to visit any time of day.

Miriam Baree Waterhole is a muddy waterhole where elephants come to bathe in the muddy water. It’s a lovely place for photos.

Grahams Pan is a large grassy area and there’s a little muddle waterhole near the road. This makes it an attractive area for elephants and antelopes.

Waterholes in the Colchester Section

Lismore Waterhole is a nice little waterhole not far from the road at the top of the southern section of the park.

Ngulube Waterhole is a lovely waterhole in a scenic grassy area between two hills. You can often see elephants here.

There are several viewpoints in Addo Elephant Park where you can get out and admire the view. Remember to check for animals before getting out of your car.

Zuurkop Lookout : A great viewpoint on top of a hill with views over the northern section of the park and the Zuurberg Mountains.

Kadouw Lookout : Great views over the western part of the park and beyond.

Algoa Bay Lookout : A lookout point over the park with views all the way to the ocean in Algoa Bay.

Ndlovu Lookout : A lookout point over a beautiful grassy and forested valley.

2. Take a Guided Game Drive

Guided game drives in Addo take place throughout the day, from early morning to night. The game drives organised by the park are quite good value, but if it’s busy, you go in large open trucks, not smaller 4x4s. The trucks are a bit loud and you don’t get very close to the animals, plus the ride is shared with many other people so sometimes you don’t get a good view of the sighting.

It’s best to book game drives in advance in busy seasons but otherwise, you can book at the Main Camp Reception when you arrive. The earliest drives are around 6/7am in the morning, while the night drives start at 6/7pm. The guided night drives are fun because you aren’t allowed to self-drive within Addo when it’s dark, though it’s dark so it’s often hard to see the animals! Rates start from R435 per person and all game drives last roughly 2 hours.

If you want a fully organised tour of Addo Elephant Park, you can go on a guided tour that picks you up from your hotel *.

Hop-on Guide

Alternatively, if you want to go in your own vehicle but have an expert spotter and guide, hop-on guides are available from R290 for two hours. The guides are all from the local community and trained as safari guides. They are very knowledgeable about the animals and will suggest routes to drive, as well as tell you about the history of the park, flora and fauna.

3. Explore Addo Main Camp

Addo Main Camp is where the main park reception is, and it has the largest range of accommodation options. As well as a small shop, petrol station and restaurant, there are several things to do at the camp for both overnight guests and day visitors.

Visit the Ulwazi Interpretive Centre

The Ulwazi Interpretive Centre is at the Main Addo Rest Camp and contains a wealth of information plus interactive exhibits about the park. There are several large elephant skeletons and skulls here, as well as fossils and bones of other animals.

Check for Animals at the Waterhole

The main camp waterhole has an underground hide, so if any animals visit you have a very close-up view. Elephants sometimes appear in the afternoon, and antelope can be seen throughout the day. In the evening buffalo and hyenas are possible visitors.

Walk through the Shrubland

The PPC Discovery Trail (1.7 km, 20 m climb) is a short trail starting from a car park on the way to the gate to the main game area. It’s an easy trail through bushes with several information boards to read along the route. No booking or permit is required.

Jump on a Horse

Addo Horse Trails leave from the Addo Main Camp and head north to the Nyati area where there are elephants, buffalos, rhinos and antelopes but no lions. The 2-hour morning rides are suitable for beginners, while the 3-hour afternoon rides require riding experience. Book in advance with the main camp reception via phone or email.

Go for a Swim

Only overnight guests can use the pool. It’s a great place to cool off during the middle of the day.

4. Visit the Woody Cape Section

It’s a 1hr20 drive from Addo Main Camp to the Woody Cape Section. Head east along the R72 and turn right just before Alexandria to reach the Woody Cape Ranger’s Offices. There’s a short hike and a two-day hike in this region, plus a few accommodation options. These include the Langebos Huts and Umsintsi Cottage within the park, and Woody Cape Nature Lodge * and Ocean View Camping just outside.

Tree Dassie Hiking Trail

The Tree Dassie Trail is 5.6 km with 210 metres of climb. It starts from the rangers office and is free after paying conservation fees. The route heads through woodland and up a few hills. The trail is named after the rare tree dassies which you can see if you’re quiet while hiking this route.

Alexandria Hiking Trail

The Alexandria Hiking Trail is a two-day, 39 km trail in the Woody Cape section of the park. It’s a trail through diverse terrain – woodland, sand dunes and beach – and you overnight in a remote hut by the coast.

The first day is 20 km with 350 m climb and the second day is 19 km with 600 m climb (though you can shorten this by about 4 km if you miss the forest loop near the end). It’s common for hikers to stay at the Langebos Huts by the Woody Cape Ranger’s Offices the night before hiking this trail. There are two huts (with kitchen and bathroom) and they can each sleep six people.

You must book the Alexandria Hiking Trail in advance through Camp Matyholweni Reception. Your group must be between 3 and 12 people, and it costs R170 per person per night plus conservation fees.

Overnight Hut

The overnight hut is basic but has amazing views out over the ocean. The hut has beds with mattresses but no bedding, so you should bring a sleeping bag. There’s no electricity, but there is a 2-plate gas stove and utensils so you don’t have to bring cooking stuff (but do bring food). Outside, there’s a large water tank for drinking water, but no running water within the hut. From the outside deck, you can see many birds, and if you’re lucky you’ll see dolphins and even whales in the ocean.

See the Marine Protected Area Offshore

The marine protected area of Addo Elephant Park covers part of Algoa Bay, the large bay to the east of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). To visit, the main way is to take a boat tour from Port Elizabeth. You can potentially see Southern Right Whales and Great White Sharks here. Guaranteed are views of penguins and gannets breeding in large numbers on St Croix, a tiny island within the bay.

5. Traverse the Zuurberg Mountains

The Zuurberg Mountains are the most scenic part of Addo Elephant Park. Here you can go horseriding, hiking and drive a 4×4 trail. It’s 30-50 minutes drive from Addo Main Camp to the Zuurberg area, but there are also accommodation options within and next to this bit of the park. These include Narina Bush Camp, Mvubu Campsite and Kabouga Cottage within the park, or Zuurberg Mountain Village * and the lovely Camp Figtree * very nearby.

Hike the Zuurberg Mountain Trails

The Zuurberg Mountain Trails are three hiking trails of lengths 2.5 km, 10km and 12.7 km. They all start from the Zuurberg Trails Office, which is open from 7am to 4pm. You have to return from your hike before 5:30pm. The hikes are free after paying general conservation fees.

Cycad Hiking Trail (2.5 km, 110 m climb): A short trail through the arid Zuurberg mountains to see rare cycads (an ancient plant).

10 km hiking trail: (10km, 400 m climb) A 10 km hiking trail to Blougat pool through semi-arid mountains in the Zuurberg section of Addo.

Doringnek Hiking Trail (12.7 km, 400 m climb). A trail via Blougat and Otto’s Pool (where you can swim but it’s not that deep) in the beautiful Zuurgberg Mountains.

If you stay at Narina Bush Camp, you can hike the Doringnek Hiking Trail directly from here. Alternatively, Zuurberg Mountain Village * is a lovely place to stay just outside the park and opposite Zuurberg Trails Office.

Horseriding

The Zuurberg Horse Trails are suitable for all abilities. There are no large animals in the Zuurberg section of the park, so you don’t have to worry about that. Book in advance with the main Addo reception.

Drive the Bedrogfontein 4×4 / Kabouga 4×4 Trail

The 4×4 drive in the Zuurberg Mountains starts at the Kabouga Gate , which leads into the K abouga Section of the park. This drive is known as both the Bedrogfontein 4×4 trail or simply the Kabouga 4×4 Trail. You must book a permit for the trail in advance from Addo reception, either via phone or email. It’s R620 per vehicle, plus conservation fees. You also must have a 4×4 with low range to attempt the trail.

From the Kabouga Gate the trail leads one way to the Darlington Section of the park and Lake Mentz. It’s 45 km, graded 2-3 and takes several hours. Don’t expect to see large game, but it’s a scenic drive and there are great views plus varied vegetation.

Within the Kabouga Section of the park you can stay at Mvubu Campsite or Kabouga Cottage . Both these places are convenient for the Bedrogfontein 4×4 trail, but you can also stay here without doing the trail (though you do need a high-clearance vehicle).

Addo Elephant National Park Information

Animals in Addo Elephant Park

There are of course many elephants in Addo Elephant Park. These are very easy to spot. There are also lions, leopards, hyenas, buffalo and rare rhinos. You might be lucky and see a hyena – these sometimes visit the rest camp waterhole in the evening. The lion pride is also spotted fairly regularly, though seeing a leopard or rhino is much less common. The buffalo are more active at night due to the hunting that took place in the area before the national park was established.

Also watch out for the little and endangered flightless dung beetles, which only live in Addo and have right of way on the roads. Don’t drive through elephant dung but drive around it to avoid squishing the poor little beetles. There are several different types of antelope and two types of zebra – Cape Mountain Zebra and Burchell’s Zebra. Get a Wildlife Guide * so you can tell the difference!

There are lots of birds here too, and these can be seen equally well at the rest camp or lodges within the game reserve. A Bird Guide * and binoculars * make spotting the birds a lot more fun.

In Zuurberg there are breeding African Crown Eagles, which can be found in the sheltered woody ravines within the mountains. In the Alexandria Forest there are rare Tree Dassies and many different types of birds including several cuckoo species.

Does Addo Elephant Park have the Big 5?

Addo Elephant Park does have the Big 5 though some of them are very hard to spot. It’s easiest to see the elephants, followed by the buffalo. If you’re lucky you can see the lions, but you have to be extremely lucky to see a leopard or a rhino.

What makes Addo Elephant Park unique?

Addo Elephant Park is unique because it has the highest concentration of elephants anywhere in Africa. Another unique aspect is the diversity of landscape that the park covers, from the beautifully scenic Zuurberg Mountains in the north to the coastal Woddy Cape area covered in trees to the south.

Addo Elephant Park Versus Kruger

Kruger is definitely the better park for a full safari experience. Addo is much smaller, has fewer animals and you can see surrounding farmland and villages so it loses some of the safari vibes. In Kruger it’s much easier to see lions, leopards and even rhinos. Additionally, in Kruger there are also hippos, crocodiles, cheetahs, wild dogs and many more species, along with prolific birdlife.

The main benefit of Addo is its location closer to Cape Town and at the end of the Garden Route. You can still have a great safari experience in Addo, but you’ll be disappointed if you are expecting something like Kruger. Another often overlooked advantage of Addo Elephant Park is the diverse area it covers, including the Zuurburg Mountains and Woody Cape sections, both of which you can go walking in and are highly scenic.

Best time to visit Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park can be visited all year round and it’s great in any season. The roads are either tarred or good gravel so driving is never a problem, and the park isn’t that big so the animals don’t ever migrate away. It’s hot in summer (Nov – Feb), reaching up to 40 degrees during the day, while in mid-winter it can get cold at night. Rain occurs any time of year, with slightly more in Spring or Autumn. The park is busiest around Christmas from December to January, coinciding with the long summer holidays in South Africa.

Where can you enter Addo Elephant Park?

There are two entrances to the safari section of Addo Elephant Park. There’s the main entrance is near the Main Addo Rest Camp in the north of the main area of the park, north of Addo town along the R342. The other main entrance is the Colchester Entrance at the southern end of the Colchester Section, named after the nearby town.

Best Accommodation in and around Addo Elephant Park

Check out our article on the Best Accommodation near Addo Elephant Park or read on for a brief summary:

Best Accommodation within the Park:

• Budget: Addo Main Camp (SAN Parks)
• Luxury: Gorah Elephant Camp *

Best Accommodation near Addo Town (northern park):

• Budget: Gerald’s Gift Guest House *
• Luxury: Elephant House *

Best Accommodation near Colchester (southern park):

Budget: Addo River-View Lodge *

Comfort: Happy Jackal Guest House *

Best Accommodation in the Zuurberg Mountains:

Budget: Mvubu Campsite (SAN Parks)

Luxury: Camp Figtree *

Best Accommodation near Woody Cape:

Budget: Umsintsi Cottage (SAN Parks)

Luxury: Hopewell Lodge *

Guidebooks to explore more of South Africa

I hope you enjoyed our guide to Addo Elephant Park in South Africa. There are several other great places to explore not so far away along the Garden Route, such as Storms River Rest Camp , Ebb & Flow Rest Camp in Wilderness or de Hoop Nature Reserve . For more hikes and activities, check out our Guide to South Africa .

FAQS: Addo Elephant Park

It costs R90/R45 for South Africans and R360/R180 for foreigners per adult/child per day. If you stay one night in the park, you only pay the entrance fee for one day but get to stay for two. Entrance to Addo is free with a WildCard.

In total the park covers 1,640 km², which is roughly the size of a small island nation. However, the main safari area covers less than half of this area and is roughly 30 km long by 15 km wide.

Addo Elephant Park is a great place to see elephants but it is definitely not a complete safari experience like Kruger. If you’re going to Kruger and don’t have enough time, then you can skip Addo Elephant Park. If you aren’t going to Kruger but are travelling along the Garden route, it’s definitely worth going to Addo.

The gates to the park are open in summer from 5:30am to 6:30pm and in winter from 6am to 6pm. The gate to Addo Main Camp and the reception there are open from 7am to 7pm every day.

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South African Road Trip: Self Drive Safari at Addo National Park

We can’t help but start this post with this stunning picture taken during our self-drive safari at the Addo National Park whilst on our 4,400 k.m. road trip through South Africa. On a trusty little Chevy Spark. Yes, you heard that right :-). In this post, we also talk about a topic after our own heart – responsible tourism and preventing cruelty towards Elephants, for which you can win a fully paid trip to Thailand . Read on to find out more…

Having toured a township in Johannesburg  and undertaken a guided Safari at The Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park , we found ourselves craving something different, something a tad more adventurous. Yep, playing with lions in Johannesburg wasn’t enough 😉

So, against our better judgement, we decided to go on a self drive safari at Addo National Park in our teeny weeny car.To add fuel to fire, we even googled videos of cars being attacked by elephants at the Park. This was going to be fun.

We booked a cosy guesthouse in Addo village and off we went. Addo National Park Park is the third largest national park in South Africa, spanning over a staggering 4,44, 700 acres. It hosts one of the densest populations of African elephants in the world. But it is also home to lions, black rhinos, hyenas, leopards, and zebras, and dung beetles.

On entering the park we were confronted with a carcass and signs telling us to beware of lions. With no ranger or protection offered by formidable 4×4’s, we weren’t exactly rubbing our hands in glee. 

But the stunning landscape all around us eased us into braving a self drive safari at Addo National Park. Then, there was the promise of seeing our favorite safari animals walking around the African bush 🙂

We started small. We spied an ant hill, followed by the tiniest li’l tortoise. What a cutie.

Following the track laid out for self-drive safaris, we drove towards a water hole. Before long, the ground started trembling and a congregation of elephants appeared. We could see dozens of tusks, trunks, and heaving animals right in front of our eyes.  Vid and I sat transfixed to our seats. The joy of chancing upon animals in the wild, without anyone to guide you, is second to none 🙂

We were so busy staring at the magnificent animals on the right that we didn’t realise what we were missing. A rumble alerted us to a tiff brewing between two friends on our left. Here they are, battling it out 😉

As we spun our gaze further, we spotted one lone elephant, observing the herd at the watering hole and the two excitable animals on our left – calm as a monk. That was how Vid and I spent the rest of our day – the sight of the solitary elephant put all our fears to rest and we spent almost 10 hours driving around the Addo National Park, entranced by its natural beauty and all it had to offer.

Self Drive vs Guided Safari?

The big question everybody’s been waiting for – is the self-drive Safari really better than a guided Safari ? We think it depends on your expectations as a tourist.

Even though we saw only 2 of the big five at Addo National Park (African Elephant and Cape Buffalo), the feeling of having the park to ourselves was incomparable. Moreover, there is something very satisfying about looking around and discovering animals in the bush or chancing on a herd of elephants at a waterhole.  If you enjoy independence, then a self-drive Safari is the way to go.

Opt for a guided safari if –

• You are not a confident driver – it’s not easy to drive in a national park. You might need to brake suddenly if an animal crosses your path or steer your vehicle if an animal confronts your party. As Ross would’ve said, one needs to be in a state of  Unagi (constant state of awareness) at all times 😉
• You have limited time – it’s always better to have a 4×4 and a ranger who understands the animals’ routines at hand if you want to see the maximum number of animals in the least amount of time

• The nearest domestic airport is in Port Elizabeth (75km) and International Airport is Cape Town (820 km).
• Addo Elephant National Park is situated in a malaria free zone.
• Most tourist roads are accessible to normal sized cars. A 4×4 vehicle is only necessary if you want to opt for the 4×4 route within the Addo National Park. We rented a tiny Chevy spark through Hertz  and got a good deal.
• The area surrounding the Addo Elephant National Park offers accommodation to suit all budgets – everything from luxury five star lodges to backpacker hostels are available.
• The cost for a self-drive safari in Addo National Park is approximately £11 / R200 per adult at the time of writing. However, if visitors choose guided tours, night tours, or overnight camping tours, the costs are considerably higher.

Planning a trip to South Africa? Have a look at our South Africa ideas and suggestions 

Practise Responsible Tourism and Win A Trip Worth $3,300

As you can tell, we had a great time at the Addo Elephant National Park. Watching the majestic Elephants roam around freely in their natural habitat was a treat to the eyes. Unfortunately, the story in countries like Thailand is quite different – Elephants are brutally domesticated using a breaking process called ‘ phajaan ‘ in order to tame them.  All this so tourists can enjoy a ride on the chained Elephants:

 ( Photo Credit:  Travel Freak )

Compare this saddening photograph with those of elephants in the wild earlier in the post. It is a sad sight and we can all put an end to it by being more responsible when travelling. Savi and I have joined force with other bloggers for the  Travel Blogging Calendar 2014  to raise awareness for the  Save Elephant Foundation  (SEF) that is working tirelessly to protect the Asian Elephants from the torture inflicted upon them by the tourism industry.

Lek, the founder of SEF, has been rescuing Elephants since 1995 with the help of volunteers and donations from people. A small contribution from you will go a long way in helping SEF get on with the mammoth task of putting an end to cruelty towards Elephants in Asia.  For your concern, support, and generosity, you will stand an excellent chance to  win a $3,300 trip to Thailand , sponsored by  Flight Network  and  Where Sidewalks End .

What’s more, whoever donates will get access to an exclusive blog where we highlight different holidays, events, and festivals from around the world. You can make a donation, small or big, on the  Travel Blogging Calendar  website and help an elephant today. For all you know, you might be on the next flight to Thailand for free to meet these beautiful animals 🙂

We leave you with the picture of how it’s supposed to be – Elephants roaming freely in the wild ! Please spread the word and share this post with your friends 🙂

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29 thoughts on “ south african road trip: self drive safari at addo national park ”.

Great article! Being South African, I haven’t been to Addo myself, only to Kruger, but I think I’m going to give Addo a go after reading this. One small error in your article… you spotted a tortoise not a turtle 🙂

Thanks for pointing that out Josey 🙂 Hope you have a great time at Addo

The pictures are stunning so I can’t even begin to imagine what it must have looked in person. WOW! Anthill mud is used in ayurvedic packs here back home. They apply it to firm and tone skin. And that ant hill is huge! The picture of the lone elephant has to be my absolute fav. Looks like something you would see in a calendar. oooh! and cute little tortoise!!

Anthill mud? Really? I had no clue

I love Addo and your pictures do it so much justice – they are beautiful! I went on a night drive there as well as a daytime drive (with a guide, although I would love to do it without one) and was lucky enough to come across some lions that had bedded down for the night. It was my first safari experience so it’s one I’ll definitely remember!

Whoa! That sounds like such fun Lizzie. Glad we’re not the only ones who love Addo 🙂

This is just stunning. Beautiful photos. I long to see elephants in the wild and this has just hugely intensified.

Glad you enjoyed looking at the photos Helen 🙂

Great article – and what a fantastic experience. I would prefer to be driven myself, as I don’t think I could drive and take note of all the stunning scenery. I’m also fairly sure they won’t have adapted vehicles out there lol. Your photos are stunning. Thank you for the vicharious thrill of seeing these beautiful animals up close x

Hey Vicky – you can always stop to absorb the scenery. Do take the plunge and opt for a self-drive safari if you’re ever at Addo – I’m pretty sure you would love it 🙂

I had no idea there were such things as self-guided safaris – what a great idea! Looks like a stunning place.

Sam self-guided safaris are the best. They allow autonomy and you can save a handy bunch of cash too 🙂

These photos are amazing!! I am not one for wildlife but I properly love elephants and your pics of them are beautiful!! 🙂 xx

Thanks Kate – I love elephants too 🙂

Hi Savi/Vid,

This was such a lovely and touching post!

i want to know the lens and gear you used for the pics. Please let me know.

Hey Surabhi – I used a basic Nikon D 80 with a kit lens for these photos. Nothing fancy 🙂

Whoah what adventure! Must be a whole new level of excitement doing to self drive, but I’d like to be driven myself. LAzy and scared I am 🙂 Also, such a great cause to help with at the same time!

It was quite the adventure. But we would do it again in a heartbeat 🙂

Love the picture of the elephants. That’s how they are supposed to be – free and wild. Thanks for sharing.

I agree Dee

i would love to visit a safari the animals in the wild look soo calm and tranquil x

They were stunning- completely majestic and calm

Great blog as usual! Choice of photos also good and very nice. Excellent news about Addo National Park.

Please keep sharing these photos like it. Thanks a …………… LOT

Thanks Vakta. Hope you found everything needed to plan a visit to Addo National Park here 🙂

Do you think self driver is recommended for first timer?

Sorry for the late reply. On a road trip through South Africa, a self-drive is fine. Just be careful when you are in big cities – take the usual precautions (keep car doors locked, don’t flash any valuables etc.) and you’ll be fine. The roads connecting the cities are very well maintained. Drop us an email if you have any specific questions and we’ll be happy to answer 🙂

I am karthik. I am 22 and i am MBA 1ST year student. I love traveling can you help me how to save money to travel the world just like you

Hey Karthik – you read the article titled ‘Who Are Savi and Vid’ to know a bit more about our lifestyle and how we manage to travel the world 🙂

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In Addo National Park on self drive safari

• by Christoph Schulz
• Blog , Travel , Wildlife
• 7 October 2021

The Addo National Park in South Africa is ideal for a Self drive safari where you can see lions, leopards and elephants from a rental car. Thereby you do not influence the natural behavior of the animals and at the same time avoid high costs for expensive safari tours.

In this article I would like to tell you about our self-drive safari in Addo Elephant National Park and give you important tips for your trip through the national park. In addition, you will learn all the important information about the national park itself.

Here is another short Table of contents about the article:

• Addo National Park
• Self drive safari
• Closing words

What is Addo Elephant National Park?

Addo Elephant National Park is located less than an hour's drive east of Port Elizabeth and is the third largest national park in South Africa. The national park was founded in 1931 because the number of elephants had drastically decreased - at that time only 11 elephants existed on an area of 2000 hectares. The aim to save the elephants gave the park its name. Today, the park is home to more than 400 elephants and, as you will see in the course of this article, numerous other animals, on a huge area totaling 165,000 hectares.

At which time of the year to the Addo National Park?

We were on self-drive safari in Addo Elephant National Park in September. There, it is gradually spring in South Africa and a temperature around 19°C. But basically you can go to the national park at any time of the year. However, you should make sure that the animals you really want to see come out of their holes at the chosen time of year.

What are the opening hours and prices of the National Park?

The national park was open from 7am to 6pm in September - but times depend on the season. We recommend that you take full advantage of the opening hours so that you can enjoy the animals both in the morning sun and at sunset in this unique environment. Per adult you pay 232 Rand (about 14 Euro) and per child 116 Rand (about 7 Euro) at the entrances. Prices depend on what time of year you enter the park and whether you have a wild card. The park's restaurant also offers reasonable prices.

Food & Drink in Addo National Park

We recommend you just get your own food & drink in advance. At Jack's Picnic Site in the center of Addo National Park, you can self-cater in a secure area, have lunch in peace and quiet, and even have your Stainless steel drinking bottle fill up and so plastic-free stay. However, the park also has a restaurant at the main entrance (Addo Main Camp) in the north of the park.

Benefits of Addo Elephant National Park

The self-drive safari in Addo Elephant National Park is something very special. Here we would like to give you a short overview about the advantages of the safari in the national park:

• You can get very close to the animals in the park , an elephant stood about 5 meters next to our car - a unique experience.
• The Big Five are among the animals in Addo National Park.
• The park is easily accessible because it is located in the center of the south of South Africa, on the Garden Route. In addition, you can enter the park both in the north and in the south.
• The Prices are fair - at 14€ or 7€ for a whole day in the park you can not complain.
• In addition, the  Diversity of landscapes unique in the national park.
• The Park is clean - completely in the sense of the Zero Waste Lifestyle each park visitor is encouraged not to produce garbage or to take the garbage in the car back out of the park.

As a self-driver in Addo Elephant National Park

The national park has an entrance in the south (Colchester) as well as in the north (Addo Main Camp). As soon as you arrive at the gate there is an entrance fee of 232 Rand per adult and 116 Rand per child. After some valuable advice on how to behave in the Addo National Park and a few completed documents, you can then move freely as a self-driver on the roads shown in the map above. There are some lookout points as well as lots of exciting loops to drive. Each route has its own unique charm. Toilets are very scarce in Addo National Park - only in the center (Jack's Picnic Site Botanical) and in the north (Addo Main Camp) there is a toilet.

We were on self-drive safari with a Ford Fiesta. Even though there were no problems, we recommend an off-road vehicle for safari fans. You sit higher, see more and don't have to be afraid of higher costs for the rental car at every pothole. The maximum speed in the park is 40 km/h - on average you drive about 20 km/h. Based on the kilometers marked on the map, you can roughly estimate how long each loop will take. We were self-driving in the Addo Elephant National Park from 7 am to 6 pm - these are also the opening hours, which depend on the season.

Those who disregard the speed limit or the stated times are subject to heavy fines. In addition, you are only allowed to get out of the car in special zones.

What animals are in Addo National Park?

The diversity in Addo Elephant National Park is breathtaking. Even though the name of the park at first suggests elephants, leopards, lions, warthogs, zebras and ostriches also call the national park their home. While some animals you might see anywhere in the park, lions, for example, have their favorite areas. Below we have compiled a list of the animals that live in Addo National Park:

• Kaffir Buffalo
• Bokmakiri (Bird)
• Secretary (bird)
• Paradise crane (bird)
• Oryx weaver (bird)
• Black-necked heron (bird)
• Red-billed oxpecker (bird)
• Egyptian goose (bird)
• Miombo Sunbird (Bird)
• Gun Lapwing (Bird)
• Shrike (bird)
• Kapb (bird)
• South African hartebeest
• Strepsiceros (Kudu)
• Cape grysbok
• Crown duiker
• Caracal (wild cat)
• Saddleback Jackal
• Fox mongoose
• Honey Badger
• White-throated monitor
• Southern green monkey (monkey)
• Dung beetle
• Panther tortoise

Besonders unter die Vögel können sich auch schon einmal Tiere mischen, die nicht auf dieser Liste der Tiere im Addo Nationalpark zu finden sind. In der unten stehenden Übersicht sind alle genannten Tiere aus der eben gezeigten Übersicht noch einmal mit einem Foto abgebildet. Das Bild entstammt der Rückseite des Parkplans, auf der man spielerisch die gesehenen Tiere markieren kann. Wer das jeweilige Tier aus dem Addo National Park zuerst gesehen hat, kassiert die Punkte. 😉

Tips for Addo Elephant National Park

Find lions in Addo National Park

According to a park ranger, the best chances to see the lions are in the southeast of the Addo National Park in the Nguluge Loop, as well as on the eastern side of the red-marked road that crosses the park centrally. Even though the latter road looks more like a forbidden road on the park overview, it is allowed to drive on it. The prohibition sign only applies to the route to Gorah Elephant Camp.

Should you sleep in the national park or outside?

We rented a great AirBnb accommodation in the south of the park, which cost about 30€ per night and was only 3 minutes away from the south entrance of the national park. You can check out get a 25€ Airbnb credit here when you book accommodation there for the first time. The accommodation in the camps of the national park is usually much more expensive.

What should you take with you to the park?

First of all, you don't have to go to Addo National Park in the fanciest clothes - especially not on self-drive safari - because basically no one sees you anyway. A comfortable pair of sweatpants is recommended, since you are ideally on safari in the national park from 7 am to 6 pm. Depending on the season, we also recommend a fleece sweater and a rain jacket. What we forgot to bring was binoculars - we definitely recommend that! Because this way you can make a strenuous search work a little easier. Sunglasses should also be on your packing list for the self-drive safari in Addo National Park in South Africa. Also take enough to drink with you. Even though you can refill your water bottle at Jack's Picnic Site, for example, it takes time to get there.

Why the trip to Addo Elephant National Park is worth it

The trip to the Addo Elephant National Park is an absolute must. Especially if you are on the road with a rental car on the Garden Route anyway. The variety of animals and landscapes in the park is unique. Especially on self-drive safari you can move pretty freely, which makes the trip something very special.

Do you have questions, recommendations or your own experiences that you would like to share? Then I look forward to your comment under this article.

Have a good trip,

PS.: In the Nature Travel Blog you will get even more cool travel reports and travel tips. Check out for example my Indonesia travelogue and be inspired by islands like Bali or Lombok.

* Links with asterisks are so-called affiliate links . If you click on it and buy something, you automatically and actively support my work with CareElite.de, because I get a small share of the sales revenue - and of course the product price does not change. Thank you for your support and best regards, Christoph!

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Christoph Schulz

I'm Christoph, an environmental scientist and author - and here at CareElite I'm campaigning against plastic waste in the environment, climate change and all the other major environmental problems of our time. Together with other environmentally conscious bloggers, I want to give you tips & tricks for a naturally healthy, sustainable life as well as your personal development.

2 thoughts on “Im Addo National Park auf Selbstfahrer Safari”

I imagine it just beautiful to do safaris in South Africa. This great report confirms that once again.

Hi Sophie! Danke für dein Feedback! Viel Spaß bei deiner nächsten Safari 🙂 Many greetings Christoph

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cincociudades

Novgorod “la grande”, cuna de rusia.

Posted on junio 19, 2015 by oscarnunezcrespo

El Kremlin (ciudadela) de Novgorod

• PRESENTACIÓN

Novgorod, “Ciudad Nueva” (llamada también Veliki Novgorod “Gran Ciudad Nueva”, para diferenciarla de la otra población con un nombre similar, Nizhni Novgorod, que se halla al este de Moscú) es una histórica ciudad rusa, capital del oblast (distrito, región) del mismo nombre, y situada, de Norte a Sur, entre San Petersburgo por un lado y Tver y Moscú por otro, y de Oeste a Este, entre el oblast de Pskov y los países bálticos, de un lado, y el oblast de Vologda y los territorios del Mar Blanco.

• FUENTES DE AGUA DULCE

Por Veliky Novgorod pasa el río Volkhov, justo al poco nacer del cercano lago Ilmen.

• HISTORIA REMOTA

Aunque las crónicas mencionan Novgorod como fundada hacia 862, el resultado de las excavaciones retrasan esta fecha en un siglo, tal vez debido a una interpolación posterior en los textos para dar más solera a la ciudad. Lo que sí existió en la zona fue una fortaleza varenga (vikinga), el Gorodishche , donde el líder varengo Rurik estableció su base de operaciones. La Ciudad propiamente dicha nace en el siglo X.

Novgorod se convirtió en el centro neurálgico de un nuevo grupo étnico, nacido de la asimilación por eslavos (la Urheimat eslava debió estar aproximadamente en Galitzia y Volinia) de pueblos de lengua báltica y de lengua finesa, a los que los escandinavos dieron nombre (Rus, por Rurik) y se convirtieron en su aristocracia.

• ALTA EDAD MEDIA

Catedral de Santa Sofía de Novgorod

En 882, el sucesor de Rurik, Oleg de Novgorod, conquistó Kiev y fundó el estado de la Rusia de Kiev. En torno a la vieja forzaleza, nace el Novgorov urbano y se convierte pronto, por su influencia cultural, política y económica en la segunda ciudad más importante de la Rus de Kiev. De  acuerdo con la costumbre, el hijo mayor del rey de Kiev, el príncipe heredero, era enviado a Novgorod a “entrenarse” gobernando el Principado. Cuando el rey no tenía tal hijo, Novgorod era gobernado por posadniks (alcaldes), como los legendarios Gostomysl, Dobrynya, Konstantin, y Ostromir.

De todos los príncipes, destaca la memoria de Yaroslav el Sabio, quien fue Príncipe de Novgorod de 1010 a 1019, mientras su padre, Vladimir el Grande, era Príncipe de Kiev. Yaroslav promulgó el primer código escrito de leyes entre los eslavos orientales (la  Russkaya Pravda ) y otorgó a la ciudad una serie de fueros (privilegios, libertades). Su hijo, Vladimir, promovió la construcción de la gran Catedral de Santa Sofía que aún se mantiene hasta hoy.

De cara al exterior, Novgorod tuvo importantes relaciones con Noruega (nada menos que 4 reyes noruegos se exiliaron allí huyendo de revueltas en su país). Tras la muerte en 1030 y canonización de uno de ellos , San Olaf de Noruega (quien además era cuñado del ya mencionado príncipe Yaroslav I el Sabio), se erigió en Novgorod la Iglesia de San Olaf, que existió hasta el siglo XIV.

También hubo fluidas relaciones con comerciantes del Norte de Alemania.

• LA REPÚBLICA DE NOVGOROD

En 1136, el príncipe Vsevolod Mstislavich fue destituido por los ciudadanos, hecho que se considera el nacimiento de la república de Novgorod. Al mismo tiempo, los lazos con Kiev se sueltan cada vez más durante el siglo XII. La Ciudad nombró y destituyó a muchos príncipes en los dos siglos siguientes, pues la monarquía no llegó a ser oficialmente abolida (pero tenían poca importancia política). La Ciudad-estado controló buena parte del Noreste de Europa, desde Pskov hasta los montes Urales, siendo uno de los estados más extensos de la Europa de su tiempo, aunque  su densidad de población hacia el Este y el Norte fue escasa.

Una de las figuras más importantes en Novgorod fue el posadnik , o alcalde, un alto cargo elegido por la Asamblea Pública (llamada el Veche ) de entre los miembros locales de los boyardos (la aristocracia). El tysyatsky , o «hombre de los mil», originalmente el jefe de la milicia ciudadana (quien más tarde adquirió funciones judiciales y comerciales), fue también elegido por el Veche. Otro importante alto cargo local fue el Arzobispo de Novgorod, quien compartía poder con los boyardos. Los Arzobispos, a su vez, eran también elegidos por el Veche, aunque a veces lo eran por sorteo, y justo después de su elección el metropolitano los consagraba.

Es poco más lo que se sabe sobre la estructura de gobierno. Los boyardos y el arzobispo gobernaron juntos la Ciudad, pero se ignoran los límites de las competencias de cada uno. El príncipe, aunque su poder fue reducido, era representado por su namestnik , o lugarteniente, y todavía representava importantes funciones como jefe de estado, comandante militar, legislador y jurista.

En el siglo XIII, Novgorod tuvo un importante comercio con la Liga Hanseática, aún sin pertenecer a ella.

Culturalmente, Novgorod prosperó durante el medievo, el hallazgo arqueológico de grandes cantidades de textos escritos por plebeyos (escribiendo en ruso medieval y no en el Eslavo Eclesiástico -lengua arcaizante equivalente al latín dentro de la iglesia ortodoxa rusa-) sobre cortezas de abedul demuestran el alto grado de alfabetización entre los ciudadanos. Asimismo, el Códice de Novgorod , el libro eslavo más antiguo escrito fuera de los Balcanes , y la inscripción más antigua en una lengua finesa fueron desenterrados en Novgorod.

• NOVGOROV SE SALVA DE LA INVASIÓN MONGOL Y RECHAZA ATAQUES OCCIDENTALES

Novgorod se libró de la conquista por los mongoles durante su invasión de Rus. El ejército mongol dio la vuelta a 200 kilómetros de la ciudad, no por su fuerza militar, sinó por temor a quedarse empantanados en las marismas cercanas. Aún así, quedo sometida al tributo que, en nombre del khan mongol, recaudaba el príncipe moscovita Alexander Nevski (actuando como poder colaboracionista local). Un episodio, en el que Nevski arranca la nariz a varios funcionarios de Novgorod que se resistían a pagar tributo al invasor,  generó una fuerte enemistad entre Novgorod (como símbolo de una Rusia 100% europea de ciudadanos libres ) y Moscú (un poder despótico semi-asiático de siervos). Con la decadencia del poder mongol, los moscovitas se van independizando y enfrentándose a sus antiguos amos (batalla de Kulikovo en 1380), pero ésto no cambia lo anterior: Moscú , con ínfulas de ser la tercera Roma y la sucesora de Constantinopla, es en realidad un nuevo khanato y empieza su afán expansionista hacia el Este, pero también contra el Oeste.

Mientras, Novgorod rechaza con éxito los insolidarios  y oportunistas ataques de cruzados suecos, daneses y alemanes, con la excusa de ser cismáticos, de haber roto con Roma, pero son rechazados (los suecos en 1260 y la Orden Teutónica en 1262).

• MOSCOVIA CONQUISTA NOVGOROD A SANGRE Y FUEGO

En los siglos XIV y XV, Novgorod lucha por su supervivencia frente a una Moscovia expansionista que resulta imparable, y su dependencia alimentaria de Moscú empeora las cosas. Tras la decisiva derrota novgorodiana en la Batalla de Shelón (1471), Ivan III anexionó a la fuerza la Ciudad al Gran Ducado de Moscú en 1478. La Veche fue disuelta y una buena parte de la población de la Ciudad fue masacrada o deportada.

Tras la anexión, Novgorod se convirtió en la tercera mayor ciudad de Moscovia  (30.000 habitantes hacia 1550) hasta la hambruna de1560 y la Masacre de 1570, en la que Ivan el Terrible saqueó la ciudad, asesinó a miles de sus habitantes y deportó a su nobleza a Moscú, Yaroslavl y otros lugares. Boris Godunov, el usurpador previo al ascenso de los Romanov, permitió su recuperación.

• HISTORIA POSTERIOR

Durante el Período Tumultuoso (a comienzos del siglo XVII) Novgorod fue ocupada por los suecos en 1611, y devuelta a Moscovia seis años después por el Tratado de Stolbovo. Se empezó a recuperar hacia finales de ese siglo, cuando se construyen la Catedral de la Señal y el monasterio de Vyazhischi.

En 1727, Novgorod se convirtió en el centro administrativo del Gobernorato de  Novgorod del Imperio Ruso. Entre 1927 y 1944, la ciudad formó parte del Oblast de Leningrado, para después ser la capital de su propio Oblast, creado después de esa fecha.

En 1862, Novgorod sale momentáneamente de su tranquilidad provinciana al inaugurar el Zar Alejandro II Romanov el monumento al “Milenario de Rusia”.

Cuadro representando la inaguración

El 15 de Agosto de 1941, durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial, la ciudad fue ocupada por la Wehrmacht, hasta que fue recuperada por el Ejército Rojo el 19 de Enero de 1944. Con frecuencia, los voluntarios españoles de la División Azul, destinados en el sector de Leningrado, visitaban Novgorod durante sus permisos. Durante la guerra, la mayoría de sus monumentos históricos fueron destruidos, pero fueron restaurados aquellos situados en la zona central en la posguerra.

En 1992, los principales monumentos de la Ciudad y sus alrededores fueron declarados Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la Unesco.

• NOMBRE OFICIAL DE LA CIUDAD

Hasta el año 1478 (fecha de la brutal conquista moscovita) la ciudad era llamada Gospodín Veliki Nóvgorod, ‘ Señor Nóvgorod el Grande’ ). Luego, hasta 1999 su nombre oficial era Nóvgorod . En esa fecha, adquirió su nombre actual, que es una reposición parcial del original.

• POBLACIÓN Y GOBIERNO MUNICIPAL

Según el censo de 2010, la ciudad tenía unos  218,717 habitantes en su área municipal de 90 km2 . Su actual alcalde (aunque  en el momento de escribir ésto, está a punto de ser forzado a dimitir) aún es Yuri Bobryshev .

• TRANSPORTE PÚBLICO INTERURBANO
• La autopista federal M10 lleva a Moscú y San Petersburgo
• Conexiones ferroviarias con Moscú, San Petersburgo, Minsk (Belarus) y Murmansk
• Línea de autobuses a San Petersburgo y otras ciudades
• El aeropuerto de Yurievo, que servía a Novgorod, fue cerrado al trafico aéreo en los años 90. Se ha convertido el antiguo aeropuerto militar de Kretschewizy en el nuevo aeropuerto civil de la ciudad (inagurado en 2010). El de Pulkovo en San Petersburgo es el aeropuerto internacional más cercano.
• TRANSPORTE LOCAL

Consiste en una serie de líneas de autobús y en 5 líneas de trolebús. La frecuencia de paso es de un autobús o trolebús cada 5 minutos aproximadamente.

• ECONOMÍA DE SU REGIÓN (OBLAST )

El producto regional bruto de la región de Novgorod es 87.600.000.000 rublos, que es aproximadamente el 0,3 por ciento de producto Interior bruto de toda Rusia . Aproximadamente el 91,8 por ciento se destina a la industria de la transformación, de los cuales 31.1 por ciento en la industria química , el 20,1 por ciento a la producción de alimentos y el 12,3 por ciento a la industria de transformación de la madera . 7.9 por ciento hace que el campo de la energía (electricidad y la producción de gas y distribución de agua) y 0,3 por ciento de la extracción de materias primas (arcilla, piedra caliza, arena de cuarzo, turba). Otras industrias son la ingeniería mecánica , industria de la pulpa y el papel , la metalurgia ferrosa y la industria de combustible . La tasa de desempleo es del 1,2 por ciento , más baja que la media de Rusia (2 por ciento).

Nóvgorod es la sede de uno de los mayores productores de fertilizantes en el mundo, el grupo Akron . La empresa alemana Pfleiderer, que se especializa en la producción de materiales a base de madera, desde 2006 opera una planta en Nóvgorod, adquirida por IKEA (Swedspan) de 2012.

• PARQUES, JARDINES Y PLAYAS
• Parque del Kremlin
• Playa fluvial del Kremlin, en el Volkhov
• VIDA CULTURAL Y OCIO

Novgorod tiene dos salas de cine : la «Novgorod» y el «Kinozentr» con tres salas.

Además, cuenta con tres teatros : el Teatro Dramático Fyodor Dostoyevsky , fundado en 1853, la Ciudad Teatro para Niños y Jóvenes «Malyi», fundada en 1990, y el Teatro Folclórico «Kudesy» , que celebra cada año alrededor de 2.700 conciertos, con más de 400.000 espectadores.

También existe una orquesta filarmónica en la ciudad .

Sede de la Filarmónica

En Novgorod hay una estación de televisión local «Novgorod Oblast Television”

«El Almirante» , es el más importante club nocturno (macrodiscoteca) de Novgorod.

• PUNTOS DE INTERÉS TURÍSTICO

El Kremlin, con la catedral de santa Sofía y otros edificios antiguos dentro de su perímetro

• La Corte de Yaroslav (Dvorishche) es un conjunto arquitectónico construido en los siglos X-XI a las orillas del río Volkhov. Fue una gran barriada formada por casas residenciales, iglesias y una amplia plaza en el centro. En la plaza se reunían los miembros de la Asamblea de ciudadanos de Nóvgorod. Además, aquí se situaba la corte del príncipe, donde posteriormente se construyó la Catedral de San Nicolás (comienzos del siglo XII) .

Actualmente, en el territorio de la Corte de Yaroslav, a parte de esta catedral, se conservan varias iglesias, como la Iglesia de San Juan Bautista , la Iglesia de Mujeres Mirróforas , la Iglesia de Santa Paraskeva, la Iglesia de Procopio, la Iglesia de San Jorge, la Iglesia de la Asunción, y también el conjunto arquitectónico del Mercado y una arcada de piedra blanca. Durante la época soviética, prácticamente todos los edificios de viviendas fueron destruidos, y la mayoría de las iglesias ahora sólo son museo. El único edificio civil conservado hasta nuestros días es el Palacio de Catalina II , construido en el siglo XVIII. Se organizan visitas guiadas por la Corte de Yaroslav, que se conecta con el Kremlin de Nóvgorod en el lado opuesto del río mediante el Puente Peatonal .

El Mercado Antiguo en la Corte de Yaroslav

• Monumento al Milenario de Rusia (monumento erigido en 1862 a instancias del Zar Alejandro II, conmemorando los 1000 años del estado ruso)

Una imagen del monumento

• Catedral de Santa Sofía, dentro del Kremlin y construida en 1065 (con su impresionante campanario de 1439 y su Museo de las Campanas en el interior).

Catedral de Santa Sofía

• Palacio de las Facetas, vestigio del antiguo Palacio del Arzobispo , un raro ejemplo de arquitectura gótica, construida con ladrillo en 1433 en colaboración con los maestros alemanes. También situada intramuros del Kremlin.

• Catedral de Nuestra Señora del Signo , construida entre 1682-1688
• Catedral de San Nicolás
• Iglesia de la Natividad de la Virgen del Monasterio de San Antonio (del siglo XII, erigida sobre un antiguo templo pagano dedicado a Perun). A orillas del lago.
• La Iglesia de la Natividad de la Virgen
• Monasterio de San Jorge (Yuriev)
• Museo de la Torre Kokui (una de las torres del Kremlin, habilitada como Museo)

Torre Kokui

• Museo de Bellas Artes (edificio de estilo neoclásico en el límite de la ciudad nueva con la zona de las murallas del Kremlim)

• Iglesia del Salvador en la colina Nereditsa (siglo XII)
• Iglesia de Teodoro Stratilates sobre el Arroyo (de 1361, conserva pinturas del la época, obra de Teófano el Griego )
• Museo Vitoslavitsy de Arquitectura Popular en Madera (un conjunto de 20 construcciones tradicionales en madera procedentes de toda Rusia y reinstaladas a las afueras de la ciudad)

Uno de los edificios que se pueden ver en el Museo

• Monasterio del Espíritu Santo (siglo XII)
• Gorodishe de Rurik

El Gorodishe de Rurik (residencia de este príncipe vikingo en el siglo IX)

• PARA SABER MÁS

http://visitnovgorod.es/

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• Tourist Attractions
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Veliky Novgorod

The whole city of Veliky Novgorod is a big museum; there are many well-preserved monuments dating back to the 11th century and later centuries.

Veliky Novgorod attractions

Novgorod kremlin, trade side and yaroslav’s courtyard, st. george's monastery, vitoslavlitsy museum of wooden architecture.

Request a private tour, tailor-made for individuals and small groups to meet your needs and preferences.

Discover historical attractions of Veliky Novgorod

• Private trip from St. Petersburg
• Visit Novgorod Kremlin and the Cathedral of St. Sophia
• Explore Yaroslav’s Court with its medieval churches
• Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel

Group of 2: 16000 Rubles/person

• Ask a question

Take a walk through the most ancient Kremlin in Russia

The Novgorod Kremlin, which is also called ‘Detinets’, is located on the left bank of the Volkhov River. The first fortified settlement was set here during the reign of prince Vladimir Yaroslavich, the son of Yaroslav the Wise. During these times, all the state, public and religious life of Novgorod was concentrated here. It was the place where people kept chronicles and copied the texts of books. The Novgorod Kremlin, the most ancient one in Russia, was founded here in the 15th century.

St. Sophia Cathedral (11th century), The Millennium Of Russia Monument, Episcopal Chamber (15th century) and the main exhibition of The State Novgorod Museum-reservation located in a public office building of the 18th century are all situated in the Novgorod Kremlin. The exhibition will tell you about the whole Novgorod history from ancient times to the present day. There are also restoration workshops, a children’s center, a library and a philharmonic inside the Kremlin walls.

Send a letter with the State Novgorod Museum-reservation stamp

While visiting the main building of the Novgorod Kremlin museum, you’ll see a small bureau near the souvenir area. Two more bureaus like that can be found in the Fine Arts Museum and the Museum information centre. This is the Museum Post, the joint project of the State Novgorod Museum-reservation and Russian Post.

The tradition to exchange letters (at that time written on birch bark sheets) dates back to the 11th century so it’s hardly surprising that such a project appeared here. The bureaus are desks and mailboxes at the same time, so you can send your friends a postcard with a view of Novgorod right from the museum.

Find the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin among the figures of The Millennium Of Russia Monument

In 1862, 1000 years after the Varangians were called to Russia, a monument dedicated to this event was launched in Novgorod. To tell the story of Russia’s one thousand years, the sculptor used 129 bronze figures: from state and military leaders to artists and poets.

One of figures portrays Afanasy Ordin-Nashchokin, a politician and reformer who was responsible for Russia’s diplomatic relations in the middle of the 17th century. He is believed to be the father of international and regular mail in Russia. He was also the person who came up with the idea of the first Russian Post official emblem — a post horn and a double-headed eagle.

Cross the Msta River over the first arch bridge in Russia

The steel bridge in Borovichi town that connects two banks of the Msta river was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The project of the bridge was created by Nikolay Belelyubsky, engineer and professor of St. Petersburg State Transport University. This is the first arch bridge in Russia.

In 1995, it was included in the national cultural heritage register. More than 100 bridges across Russia were developed by Belelyubsky, but only this one is named after him.

Cast a virtual bell

When in the Novgorod region, you’ll definitely hear bells ring and learn about the Novgorod Veche Bell. During the siege of the city, tsar Ivan III ordered to remove this bell from the bell tower and send it to Moscow. Legend says that the bell didn’t accept his fate, fell to the ground near the border of the Novgorod region and broke to pieces against the stones.

In the biggest Museum Bell Centre in Russia located in the Valday town, you can see bells from across the world and learn why Novgorod bells are unique. The museum’s collection represents bells from different countries and ages, some of them dating back to the 3rd century BC. You’ll learn about the history of casting and modern bell-making technologies and also play games on a touch table. For example, harness virtual ‘troika’ (three) horses with bells or cast a virtual bell.

Spot the pigeon on the cross of St. Sophia Cathedral

St. Sophia Cathedral was built in Novrogod between 1045 and 1050 by Kievan and Byzantine masters. It was conceived as the main cathedral of the city, and during its first years it was the only stone building in Novgorod. So where does the pigeon on the cross of the cathedral’s biggest dome come from?

Legend says that while tsar Ivan the Terrible and his Oprichniki were cruelly killing peaceful city folk in 1570, a pigeon suddenly sat down to the cross of the city’s main cathedral. It looked down, saw the massacre, and was literally petrified with horror. Since then the pigeon has been considered the defender of the city. People believe that as soon as the pigeon flies away from the cross, Novgorod will come to an end.

Visit a monastery, that was founded by Patriarch Nikon

The Valday Iver Monastery is situated on the island in the middle of the Valday lake. It is considered to be one of the most important and picturesque orthodox shrines.

The monastery was founded in 1653 by the initiative of Nikon who had just been elected Patriarch. Nikon wanted the monastery to look like the Iviron Monastery on Mount Athos, including the architectural style and monk’s clothes. Legend says that Nikon saw the spot for the monastery in a dream.

Check out Fyodor Dostoevsky’s country house

Fyodor Dostoevsky, a famous Russian writer, first visited Staraya Russa town in 1872 during a summer trip with his family. They liked it so much that the next year they rented a house near the Pererytitsa River’s embankment and spent every summer here ever since.

Dostoevsky loved this house, called it ‘his nest’ and considered it the perfect place to work and to be alone. In Staraya Russa he wrote his novels ‘The Adolescent’, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ and ‘Demons’. Today, this place is a museum where you can explore what Dostoevsky’s house looked like and see his family’s personal belongings, photos and letters.

Visit an authentic Russian ‘izba’ (wooden house)

If you want to really enjoy the atmosphere of the old Novgorod, you should come to the Vitoslavlitsy Museum of folk wooden architecture that is located on the Myachino lake not far away from Veliky Novgorod. In this open-air museum you’ll see the best examples of Russian wooden architecture, including authentic old ‘izbas’ (wooden houses), rural chapels and churches.

During the year, the museum hosts fairs of crafts and folklore, christmastides, and even an international bell ringing festival.

Learn what Brick Gothic looks like

The Episcopal Chamber of the Novgorod Kremlin is the only non-religious German Gothic building of the 15th century preserved in Russia. You can have a good look at the facets of the gothic cross-domed vaults inside the chamber. This is why this building is also called ‘Faceted Chamber’ or ‘Chamber of Facets’.

The chamber was part of Vladychny Dvor, the place where all important city events took place: court hearings, gatherings of the Council of Lords of the Novgorod Republic, ambassador’s receptions and feasts. The seals of the city’s lords were kept here. The decree of tsar Ivan III on merging the Novgorod Republic with the Moscow State was first announced in 1478 in Episcopal Chamber. This is when the name of the new state, Russia, was first pronounced.

See the murals by Theophanes the Greek

The Byzantine Empire had a huge impact on the development of the Russian culture. Many works of art and architecture in ancient Russia were created by Byzantine artists and masters. Theophanes the Greek was one of them. He was born in Byzantine and created icons and murals in Constantinople and Caffa (modern Feodosia). After that he moved to Novgorod where he was commissioned to paint the walls of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior on Ilyina Street. You can enjoy his unique and expressive style if you look at the murals inside the dome of the church and the Trinity side chapel.

The most recognizable and the only monumental work of Theophanes the Greek that is preserved today is the chest-high portrait of the Savior the Almighty in the dome of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior.

Take a photo with an ancient Novgorod citizen who is learning how to read and write

In 1951, a letter written on birch bark dating back to the 14–15th centuries was found in Veliky Novgorod. Many decades later, in 2019, a sculpture designed by Novgorod artist and sculptor Sergey Gaev appeared on this exact site.

The sculpture portrays an 8–year old boy sitting on a stool and holding a piece of birch bark. At this age children in Novgorod started to learn how to read and write. During archaeological excavations in Novgorod, scientists often found ancient handwriting practice books and children’s drawings on birch bark sheets.

Feel like an ancient viking or prince Rurik’s guest

Novgorod is one of the waypoints of the famous trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks. The route passed through the Volkhov river. In the 9–10th centuries there was a fortified settlement of the Viking Age here.

Some scientists believe that Novgorod is named after this area which was called ‘Stary Gorod’ (‘Old City’) at that time. Some historians and archeologists consider this place to be the residence of Prince Rurik who was asked to rule the city in 862. That’s why this ancient settlement is called ‘Rurikovo Gorodische’ (‘Ruruk’s Old City’).

Learn more about the Soviet modernist architecture

On the bank of the Volkhov river near the Novgorod Kremlin, there is an incredible building that looks like a spaceship and contrasts strongly with the ancient buildings of the city.

This is the Fyodor Dostoevsky Theater of Dramatic Art that was built in 1987. It is one of the most striking examples of the Soviet modernist architecture. The theater was built for 10 years according to the project of architect Vladimir Somov.

See what an everyday life of Old Believers looks like

The Krestsy town in the Novgorod region has always been considered to be the center of the Novgorod Old Belief community, and it still is. Before the Soviet revolution there were three Old Believers churches here.

The Lyakova village, which is located not far from the town, used to be inhabited completely by Old Believers. You can learn more about their lifestyle in the local interactive museum. You’ll be introduced to Old Believers’ traditional crafts and ceremonies, drink tea with healing herbs and learn how to chop wood and use an old spinning wheel.

Buy a traditional embroidered tablecloth

A unique embroidery style that is now famous all over the world was born in the Staroye Rakhino village in the Novgorod province. By the middle of the 19th century, it had become a folk craft. Since then, linen tablecloths, towels and clothing items decorated with unusual ornaments have been popular not only among the locals, but also travellers.

In 1929, the first cooperative partnership of embroidery masters was created in Kresttsy. Later it turned into a factory that still operates today. The factory has a museum where embroidery traditions are preserved and new ornaments and technologies are created.

Find yourself in the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, Staraya Russa town could be called ‘the salt cellar of Russia’. That’s because salt making was the main trade here up to the 19th century. A few years ago, the old craft was brought back to life, and construction of salt works began. Later, an interactive museum was launched based on the results of archaeological findings.

This museum recreates a typical medieval manor of Staraya Russa of the 12th century with living rooms, a bathhouse, workshops, a livestock pen and traditional peasant household items. In this museum, you can also buy salt which is made in the same way as 1000 years ago.

See the place where Suvorov started his Italian campaign

Alexander Suvorov’s manor in the Konchanskoe village, which has now become the museum of the great commander, was originally the place of his exile. Suvovor openly disagreed with the reform of Russian’s army based on the Prussian model, and Emperor Paul the First didn’t appreciate such behaviour. He first fired Suvorov and then sent him away to his family estate.

However, the exile lasted for only two years. The great commander started the military campaign straight from his house in the Konchanskoe. During this legendary expedition, he crossed the Alps and defeated the French army.

Become a real hiker

If you dream of having a hike in the Novgorod region, but at the same time you are afraid that a tourist’s life may be too hard, you should try the Big Valday trail. This is a five-day 59-kilometer walking route. Its central part goes right through the Valday National Park’s territory.

You won’t have to cope with difficulties and inconveniences of camping life here. The route is marked with signs, and there are camping sites where you can find everything you need for an overnight stay from shelters and places for a fire to toilets. The trail finishes at the Dunayevshchina village where you can take a bus back to Valday. To take the trail, you have to fill out a special form and register on the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation website.

Russian Post has launched a limited series of products dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Novgorod region.

In autumn 2020, Russian Post announced an open contest to create the design for its limited series dedicated to Novgorod region. The project was supported by the Government of the Novgorod region, ‘Russ Novgorodskaya’ (Novgorod Russia) project, the State Novgorod Museum-reservation and Yandex.

Stamps and envelopes are traditionally used to spread information about historic dates and figures and famous landmarks. Now we can also use parcel boxes, packaging tape and postcards. The limited series products will travel around the world, introducing the most popular Russian attractions to six million Russian Post clients daily.

The participants were to create the design for the limited series featuring three iconic attractions of the Novgorod region, the Novgorod Kremlin, the Millennium Of Russia Monument and the Belelyubsky Bridge in Borovichi. Moscow designers and graduates of the Higher School of Economics’ Art and Design School Alena Akmatova and Svetlana Ilyushina won the contest. Their project was chosen via an open vote and by the expert jury.