Addo Elephant National Park Rondawels

Now the third largest national park in South Africa, Addo Elephant National Park has expanded to conserve a wide diversity of biodiversity, landscapes, fauna and flora. Stretching from the semi-arid karoo area in the north around Darlington Dam, over the rugged Zuurberg Mountains, through the Sundays River valley and south to the coast between Sundays River mouth and Bushman’s river mouth, Addo covers about 180 000 hectares (444 700 acres) and includes the Bird and St Croix Island groups.

The original elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only sixteen elephants remained in the area. Today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 550 elephants, lions, buffalo, black rhino, spotted hyena, leopard, a variety of antelope and zebra species, as well as the unique Addo flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. And their Addo has only just begun, with plans to expand the Park into a 264 000 hectare (652 300 acre) mega-park. In addition, plans include the proposed proclamation of a 120 000 hectare (296 500 acre) marine protected area that includes islands that are home to the world's largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and largest breeding population of endangered African penguins.

In addition, plans include the proposed proclamation of a 120 000 ha (296 500 acre) marine reserve that includes islands that are home to the world's largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and second largest breeding population of African penguins.

Addo Elephant National Park seeks to be fully integrated into the regional landscape, conserves and enhances the characteristic terrestrial and marine biodiversity, ecological processes and cultural, historical and scenic resources representative of the Eastern Cape region for the appreciation, and benefit of present and future generations.

Attractions

Guided Game Drives:
There are a few game drives options available, all of which are conducted by experienced, knowledgeable guides. All game drives are conducted from open top Landrovers or trucks. Game drive options include day, sunset and night drives. Please note that bookings are essential.

Eyethu Hop-on:
Guides can be hired to hop on to your vehicle and guide you through the game area at your own pace during a safari in South Africa. These guides are local community members who have been well trained and are experts in their fields and now run their own business.

Horse Trails (Addo and Zuurberg):
The Addo and Zuurberg Horse Trails offer amazing trails suitable for all levels, from the amateur to the professional through a range of habitats. This is a great way to discover the wild at close quarters.

Hiking Trails:
Addo offers various hiking options, ranging from one hour trails for novice, to the 4 hour Doringnek Trek for more experienced hikers.

Bird Watching:
The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide is set near the waterhole in the main rest camp, affording great opportunities to view Red Bishops, Weavers, Herons, Coots and Terrapins. The main rest camp is home to 170 bird species, while the rest of the Park may contain as many as 450 species in a range of habitats.

PPC Discovery Trail:
The PPC Discovery Trail is a short and pleasant walk through the valley thicket, where guests get the chance to learn more about the plant and animal life of the region during a safari in South Africa. The first loop of this walk is suitable for visually impaired and wheelchair bound visitors.

4X4 Trail:
Enjoy breathtaking views and early 20th century history while riding the Bedrogfontein 4X4 trail between Kabouga and Darlington. This route was the scene of the battles between the British and the Afrikaner troops during the Anglo-Boer war.

Facilities

A fuel station

A shop selling curios, snacks and basic supplies

An a la carte restaurant

A swimming pool

Picnic and braai area

The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide

The PPC Discovery Trail is accessible to all, including the visually and mobility impaired

Public telephone and post box near reception

Credit cards are accepted

A First National Bank with ATM is situated in the town of Addo, 15 kilometres from the Park

A new underground wildlife viewing hide

Addo Elephant National Park Rondawels