Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park

Description

Deep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park. Here, the evenings are punctuated by the strident howl of the black-backed jackal, and the francolin's call heralds each new dawn. Safe from relentless persecution in the past, the grey leviathans of the bush now roam in peace. The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. And their Addo has only just begun. with plans to expand the  164 000 ha Addo National Elephant Park into a 360 000 ha mega-park. 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.

Accommodation

Accommodation Types

Addo Elephant National Park offers a range of accomodation types. The list below offers a brief description of what the park offers. For more comprehensive information on accommodation types, including photographs of the our facilities and more detail on how units are equipped, please click on the accommodation unit link.

Camps

Addo Rest Camp

The popular main rest camp of the park 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...

Kabouga

This section of the park is surrounded by rugged moutains and densely fragrant vegetation...

Matyholweni

Matyholweni, which means “in the bush” in Xhosa is located near the coastal town of Colchester at the Sundays River Mouth, 3km off the N2 highway, Matyholweni is easily accessible and provides a second gateway into the Park. Amenities such as shops, restaurants and a fuel station are available in the nearby town...

Narina

For a secluded experience in magical forest, spend some time at Narina Bush Camp at the foot of the Zuurberg Mountains and on the banks of the Wit River...

Woody Cape

Listen for the haunting calls of the rare tree dassie by night and awake to a chorus of birds in flitting through the forest canopy. The Langebos huts are available to hikers on the two-day Alexandria Hiking Trail, as well as those simply wanting an overnight stay in the forest...

Luxury 2Lodges

Who said anything about "roughing it" in the bush when visiting one of our National Parks? "Indulgence" and "comfort" come to mind when viewing the concession lodges and suites that are to be found in a number of SANParks camps and parks. These lodges form part of a suite of products known as SANParks "Golden Kudus", where luxury is the order of the day.

Concession Lodges

• Gorah Elephant Camp: +27 (0)44 501 1111: It is situated in the main Addo section of the park – a five-star operation with luxury tented camps.Visit the website: www.gorah.com

• RiverBend Lodge: +27 (0)42 233 8000: situated in the Nyathi area of the park – luxury five-star accommodation, eight rooms available and Private Safari Villa accommodating 6 guests. A Wellness Centre is also available. Children of all ages are welcome. Visit the website: www.riverbendlodge.co.za

• Darlington Lake Lodge: +27 (0)42 243 3673: situated in the Darlington Dam area of the park – five luxury rooms and 7 furnished tents available. Conference facilities available. E-mail: darlington@eastcape.net

• Nguni River Lodge: +27(0)42 2351022: The five-star Nguni River Lodge, opened in 2006, is set within the Nyathi concession of the Park. The 9 suites form part of an experience which is about a blend of traditional Africa with Manhattan. Part of the Three Cities Group

• Kuzuko Lodge: +27 (0) 79521 7490: Managed by Legacy Hotels and Resorts International, Kuzuko Lodge which opened in 2007 is situated in a private section of the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park, a mere two hours drive north of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. The lodge offers 24 chalets (3 are wheelchair accessible), a conference facilities for up to 30 delegates, restaurant, pub, wine cellar, swimming pool, game drives and nightly cosmic safaris. All facilities in the main lodge and game vehicles are wheelchair accessible.

These exclusive private lodges, with a unique style and atmosphere form part of a suite of products known as SANParks "Golden Kudus", where luxury is the order of the day.

CLIMATE

Addo section:

The area is classified as semi-arid to arid, receiving an average rainfall of less than 445 mm per year. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, but there are two peaks, in February-March and October-November. Frost occurs at times in winter.

Temperatures:
Daily max - Jan 32 °C July 18 °C Daily min - Jan 15 °C July 5 °C
There is no natural water in this section of the park and all waterholes are fed by boreholes. There are a number of small pans in the area but these are dry except in years of exceptional rainfall.

Zuurberg section:

Height above sea level varies from 250 to 970 m. Mean annual rainfall approximately 722 mm. Peaks in rainfall in spring and autumn. Unlike other fynbos areas, the winter months are the driest. Thunderstorms occur in summer months when lightning fires can be caused.

Darlington section:

Climate: average rainfall 255 mm/yr. Max temp in summer reaches 48 �C and min temp just above 0 �C in winter. Rainfall is mostly in the form of thundershowers and an occasional cold front from the west.

Coastal section (Woody Cape):

The mean annual rainfall varies from 392 mm at Sundays River Mouth to 700mm near Woody Cape. Boknes to Bushmans River Mouth is the transition zone from all year rainfall to summer rainfall. The dunefield occurs in a rain shadow which receives lower rainfall than both Port Elizabeth and Alexandria. Fog and mist are common, with frost being rare.

Vital Information

Climate

The climate is temperate to hot and temperatures in summer (November to February) may reach over 40 degrees Celsius. Winter days are mild but cold at night with frost occurring at times. The average annual rainfall is 450 millimetres and is spread throughout the year, although peaks do often occur in March/April and September/October. Read more

Day visitors

• No booking is required for a day visit, unless the visitor wants to partake in organised activities.
• Day visitors can make use of a wide variety of activities, including wildlife viewing from their own vehicle, guided game drives, horse rides, hiking trails, bird hide, the PPC Discovery Trail, picnic and braai site, shop and restaurant.
• ***Please note that the swimming pool is for overnight visitors only.***
• Day trips can be made to the outlying sections of the park - the Zuurberg Mountains, the Darlington Dam and the coastal section.

Office and Gate hours

Main Camp Reception is open from 07:00 to 19:00 daily
Main gate: Open 07:00 Close: 19:00

The gates are staffed by security guards after closing time. Visitors with accommodation bookings can still enter and exit the gate after closing times provided they inform reception of this.

• The entrance gate is open from 07:00 to 19:00 but is staffed by a security guard between 19:00 and 07:00. Should visitors need to enter or leave before 07:00 or after 19:00, please contact reception to inform staff.
• The wildlife viewing area is open between 06:00 – 18:00 in summer and 07:00 – 17:30 in winter.

Check-in and check-out times

• Check in time is 13:00 for all accommodation.
• Check out time is 10:00 for all accommodation. Check out time for campsites is 12:00.

Tips & Hints

• Swimming pool for overnight guests only.
• Hot days at waterholes are best for elephant viewing.
• Black rhino are most often sighted in the early evening.
• Lions and spotted hyenas are most often seen in the early morning or evening to night time.
• Pets are not allowed in national parks.
• Vehicle fuel is available in all parks (or is available on the park periphery) - South African legislation stipulates that fuel stations will accept legitimate petrol/fuel/garage/credit/debit cards or cash as a form of payment for any fuel purchase.
• Firearms are to be declared at reception where they will be sealed. The seal will be broken upon departure.
• No citrus fruits may be taken into the wildlife viewing area.
• What visitors need to take (preparation for the trip)
  • Bring along binoculars, camera, walking shoes and wildlife reference books.
  • Please note that guests need to provide their own tents and caravans for the camp and caravan sites, as well as their own vehicle for the 4x4 trail.
• Road maps of tourist routes within the park are available at the reception area. Various information sheets are available at reception.
• For summer (September – March), cool comfortable clothing is recommended along with sunhats and sun protection cream.
• For winter and autumn (April – August), warm clothing is recommended for the night times.
• Insect repellant is recommended, especially in summer.
• No immunisations are needed for travel to this park. The park is situated in a malaria-free area.

Emergencies

For emergencies within the park, contact Reception during office hours (07:00 - 19:00) on +27 (0) 42 233 8600 or the Manager on duty at any time (including after hours) on 082 471 0267.

The nearest hospital and doctor are in Kirkwood, 35km from the park.
Hospital Tel (after hours): +27 (0) 42 230 0406
Doctor Tel (office hours): + 27 (0) 42 230 1082

The nearest private hospital is in Port Elizabeth, 75km from the park
Greenacres hospital Tel: +27 (0) 41 390 7000

The nearest police station is in Addo, 15km from the park
Tel: +27 (0) 42 233 0314

Internal Road Network

Two loops of the tourist roads in the park are tarred while the others are graveled. The gravel roads are in good condition and can be accessed with a normal vehicle, but may be closed in very wet weather. The main entrance road into the park is tarred.

The southern access road links to Addo Main Camp to Camp Matyholweni. Please note that the gate linking these two sections of the Park closes at 5:30pm and there is no access after this time. The distance from Camp Matyholweni to Addo Main Camp through the Park is 39km. The southern access road is not accessible to buses and caravans.

Vehicle Restrictions

Roads in the park are suitable for all vehicles. Open-top game viewer vehicles are only allowed by special permission of the Park Manager.

While travelling in the wildlife area, visitors must remain inside the vehicle at all times, except at the designated lookout points, where visitors exit their vehicle at their own risk.

Contact Details Bontebok National Park +27 (0) 27 341-2366 +27 (0) 27 341-1815 Enquire now View Rates View Directions

Attractions

Activities

• Guided Game Drives
• Eyethu Hop-on Guides
• Self-Drive Game Viewing
• Horse Trails
• Alexandria Hiking Trail
• Zuurberg Hiking Trails
• Tree Dassie Trail
• 4x4 Trail
• Bird Watching
• PPC Discovery Trail

Guided Game Drives

There are a number of game drive options available:

• Bookings are essential. It is advisable to book drives in advance, particularly in the high season (October to March). Drives can be booked by Telephone: +27 (0)42 233 8621 or e-mail.
• Day, sunset and night drives of approximately 2 hours in duration are on offer.
• Please note that the sunrise, sunset and night drive departure times vary according to season. It's important to check the time when making your booking.
• Drives are conducted by knowledgeable, qualified guides in open-top landrovers or trucks.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before the expected departure time.
• Children under the age of 6 years not allowed on these drives. Children under 12 years pay half price.
• No refunds are given.

Please note: Rates serve as a guideline only and are subject to change without notice.

Sunrise drive

Departing 06:00 (summer) or 07:00 (winter) - dress warmly and watch the bush come alive for the day. Lions may still be active from the night’s hunting, buffalo may be seen and kudu are plentiful.

Day drives

Departing 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00 – viewing may include herds of elephant, antelope, zebra , warthog and ostrich.

Sunset drive

Departing 16:00 (winter) or 18:00 (summer) – enjoy late afternoon viewing, snacks & drinks as the sun goes down and then some night time viewing – black rhino, buffalo, lions and antelope may be seen.

Night drive

Departing 18:00 (winter) or 20:00 (summer) – dress warmly and discover the secrets of nighttime in the bush: springhares, porcupines, genets

Eyethu Hop-on Guides

Guides can be hired at affordable rates to get on your vehicle and guide you through the game area. These are local community members who have been trained as guides and now run their own small business. Meet the guides at the main game area gate of the Park or book via addoenquiries@sanparks.org

Per 2 hour guided drive with your own vehicle

• For a car: R120
• For an 8-seater vehicle (condor): R155
• For a minibus (kombi): R180
• For a bus with 18 or less people: R240
• For a Bus with more than 18 people: R365

Note: Fees are payable directly to the guide

Operating Hours: 08:00 to 17:00

Self-Drive Game Viewing

Visitors may enjoy wildlife viewing in their own vehicles during the opening hours of the park’s game gate. Opening times change according to season.

In this case, the visitor pays only the conservation fee – per day, or per night for overnight visitors.

Horse Trails (Addo and Zuurberg)

Addo Horse Trails

• The morning ride (08:00) is for less experienced riders and is two hours long. The afternoon ride (14:00) is for experienced riders and is three hours long. Book and pay for horse trails at the Game Drive Office.
• Please report to stables at least 15 minutes before departure.
• All horse trails are conducted by experienced guides on sure-footed, well-trained horses.
• Riding hats are available for visitors’ use.
• No children younger than 16 years may ride on the Addo Trail.
• Addo horse trails depart from main camp to the Nyati area which is home to elephants, buffalo, black rhino, zebra and antelope.

In the Nyathi section of the park – encounters with large game are possible. There are no lions or hyenas in this section.

Zuurberg Horse Trails

In the Zuurberg Mountain section of the park - no encounters with large game, beautiful scenic views of the mountains.

• Zuurberg horse trails are suitable for riders of all competencies and wind through fynbos and forest.
• One-, three- and five-hour trails are available.
• One-hour trails depart at 09:00, 11:00 or 14:00.
• Three-hour trails depart at 09:00 or 11:00.
• Five-hour trails depart at 09:00 only.
• An overnight trail to Narina Bush Camp is an option – departure no later than 11:00.
• No children younger than 10 years may ride on the Zuurberg horse trails.

Please Note:

• No bookings will be taken less than 1 hour before departure time.
• No person exceeding 90 kg in weight will be allowed to ride. Only one rider allowed per horse.
• No children under 10 yrs on the morning ride. No children under 16 years on the afternoon ride.
• For the Overnight Trail, the Narina Bush Camp must be booked with Central Reservations or with Addo Reception. The Rates given above do not include the rate for accommodation.
• All Riders take part in Horse Trails at their own risk. The Addo Elephant National Park will not be held responsible for any injuries or losses.
• Prices are valid from 1 September 2009 until 31 October 2010 and are subject to change without notice.
• Booking in advance is essential.

  Bookings:

  Tel: +27(0)42 233 8621
  Fax: +27(0)42 233 8622
  E-mail: Addogamedrives@sanparks.org

Alexandria Hiking Trail

The Alexandria Hiking Trail is a 36km, two-day circular trail. The first day is 19.5km and the second day, 16.5km. The Langebos huts are situated at the trail base, providing accommodation for the beginning and/or end of the hike. The Woody Cape hut is situated at the end of the first day’s walk. Hikers must carry their own provisions and equipment and the hike is not guided. The trail is well signposted.

More about the trail

The trail begins in magical coastal forest where ancient yellowwoods and exotic Knysna loeries can be seen, it moves then onto the beach where the stark sandy beach ecosystem and dramatic dune cliffs provide breathtaking scenery. Southern right whales can be seen just off shore in certain months and dolphins are often spotted playing in the waves. Fascinating ancient middens sites, evidence of the strandloper people that wandered these shores can also be seen. On the second day the trail traverses sand dunes in the largest coastal dune field in the Southern Hemisphere, the trail then heads back into coastal forest and then into the Langvlakte valley where a chicory stack can be seen which was built in 1820’s. The trail can accommodate a maximum of 12 persons and a minimum of 3 persons.

The Langebos Huts are the base huts for the trail and it is recommended that hikers stay at the huts the night before leaving for the first day. The two newly built huts are equipped with 6 beds each with mattresses, a fridge, stove, hot water showers, toilets and a braai area.

At the end of the first day walking hikers will find the Woody Cape hut nestled in thick coastal forest on top of the cliffs with a view of Bird Island in the distance. This hut has 12 beds with mattresses and rainwater tanks. No fires are allowed at the Woody Cape hut and the hikers must carry their own cookers. Water is only for drinking and cooking as the hut relies on rainwater.

At least one or more of the hiking group should be able to read a map and compass, and to wear a brightly coloured jacket that can be seen from the air if a search and rescue is launched.

The trail costs (South African Rand) R90 per person per night. Hikers also need to pay the daily conservation (entry) fee.

Bookings for the trail are administered through:

Camp Matyholweni:
Tel: +27 (0)41 468 0916 / 8
Fax: +27 (0)41 468 0949
E-mail: vernoreneg@sanparks.org

Trail base office:
Woody Cape office of the Addo Elephant National Park
Tel: +27 (0)46 6530601

Zuurberg Hiking Trails

Various options provide a perfect day outing for park visitors, at no extra cost.
Choose between the Cycad Trail, a one-hour trail – suited for those who want a sedate walk – and the Doringnek Trail, a four-hour trail which takes the visitor to a beautiful natural water pool. The routes are clearly signposted and a map is available at the Zuurberg offices. The Zuurberg offices are located 16 km from the main park entrance along a gravel road. No bookings are necessary.

Tree Dassie Trail

The Tree Dassie Trail is named after the rare tree dassie (hyrax) that lives in the Alexandria forest. This arboreal creature is nocturnal and very shy but its shrill call can be heard at dusk. Many bird species such as the Olive woodpecker, Black headed oriole and Crowned Hornbill can be spotted on the trail, making it ideal for bird watchers. The trail starts at the office and follows the grass roads to Langevlakte where the trail meets up and joins the two-day trail leading back to the office. No bookings are necessary and the trail is free of charge (apart from park entrance fees).

The Alexandria Trail and Tree Dassie Trail start at the Woody Cape offices of the park, near the town of Alexandria. Turn right out of the park entrance towards Paterson. At the Paterson intersection, turn right towards Port Elizabeth. Take the R72 to Port Alfred. Just before entering the town of Alexandria, take the gravel road to right, marked with the park signboard. Follow the signs to the park and find the offices where you can get further assistance.

4x4 Trail

The Bedrogfontein 4 x 4 trail between Kabouga and Darlington areas of the park provides breathtaking views and is rich in history. This route was the scene of fierce battles between the British and Afrikaner troops during the Anglo-Boer war. Rock art paintings are found scattered throughout the area. The route travels through a variety of vegetation types, from riverine thicket, to afromontane forest, to fynbos on the peaks and into the arid nama-karoo of the Darlington area.

The route is only suitable for vehicles with 4x4 and low range facilities, both because of terrain and to cause minimum impact on the environment. The route is graded 2-3 but a grade 5 river crossing is an option (river conditions should be checked with the ranger). This 45km route can be easily traveled within six hours.

The route is self-driven and can be followed either from Darlington to Kabouga or from Kabouga to Darlington. Kabouga is situated about 40 km (one hour’s drive) from the main park entrance, near the town of Kirkwood. Darlington is situated about 150km (two hour’s drive) from the main park entrance.

Accommodation is available at Kabouga House or Mvubu campsite (camping only) on the Kabouga side. On the Darlington side, the luxury Darlington Lake Lodge is available.

Cost: R320 per vehicle plus conservation fees per person.

Kabouga Mvubu Camping (max 4 persons per site)

• R80 for the first 2 persons
• R22 per additional person

Kabouga Cottage (sleeps 6 people)

• R320 for the first 2 persons
• R115 per additional adult
• R60 per additional child under 12

Darlington Dam

4 bed rustic Fishermans Huts

• R220 for 1-4 persons per night

Camping

• R30per person per night

Darlington Lake Lodge

For more information on tariffs, please contact the lodge on tel: (042) 243 3673 or e-mail: darlington@eastcape.net

***Please note***
The 4x4 Trail and Accommodation at Kabouga and Darlington Dam can be booked via Addo Main Camp Reception on tel: (042) 233 8619 or e-mail: addoenquiries@sanparks.org

Bird watching

The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide is located opposite the waterhole in the main rest camp,offering watchers a view of red bishops, weavers, herons, coots and terrapins. The main game area boasts a list of 170 bird species, while the expanded park may contain as many as 450 species in a diversity of habitats.

PPC Discovery Trail

The PPC Discovery Trail is a short walk through the valley thicket where you can learn more about the plants and animals of this region. The first loop is suitable for visually-impaired and wheelchair-bound visitors.

A picnic and braai area is situated near the waterhole in the main camp. The waterhole is floodlit at night.

Other activities at no extra cost (except for conservation fee payable by all visitors)

• SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide: in the main camp, suitable for wheelchair-users
• Floodlit waterhole: at main camp
• Picnic and braai site: at main camp
• Swimming pool: at main camp, only for overnight guests
• Restaurant and curio shop: at main camp
• Holiday programmes for children: during July and December holidays, for children of overnight visitors

Facilities

The following facilities are available at the main rest camp:

• A lookout platform and an underground hide provide views over a waterhole which is floodlit at night.
• A swimming pool is available for overnight visitors, situated near the chalets.
• A picnic and braai area is available for day visitors overlooking the waterhole in the rest camp.
• A picnic site situated within the botanical reserve in the Main Game Area provides picnic, braai and ablution facilities.
• The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide, overlooking a small wetland area.
• The PPC Discovery Trail for short walks where you can learn about the plants and ecology of thicket vegetation. The first loop is accessible to all, including the visually and mobility-impaired.
• A shop selling curios, snacks and basic supplies is open between 08:00 and 18:00 (winter) or 08:00 to 19:00 (summer).
• An al-la-carte restaurant is available in the main camp and is open for all meals from 07:30 to 22:00. Bookings are advisable, especially for dinner. Telephone: +27 (0)42 233 8674 or email: addo@tourrest.co.za
• A fuel station selling petrol and diesel is available between 07:00 and 17:00.
• There is a public telephone and a post box near the reception. Post is collected for delivery every week day morning before 07:00. A post office is situated in the town of Addo, approximately 15 km from the park.
• Credit cards are accepted for payment of accommodation & activities (except for the Alexandria Hiking trail, Zuurberg horse trails, Kabouga accommodation and 4x4 trail), shop purchases and restaurant meals.
• First National Bank with ATM is situated in the town of Addo, 15 km from the park. Other banking facilities are located in the town of Kirkwood, 35 km from the park and Port Elizabeth, 75 km from the park.

Please note that Camp Matyholweni does not have restaurant, shop or swimming pool facilities situated at the rest camp. Shop and fuel station facilities are available in the nearby town of Colchester.

Directions