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Now the third largest national park in South Africa, Addo Elephant 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 Bushmans river mouth, Addo covers about 180 000 hectares (444 700 acres) and includes the Bird and St Croix Island groups.

Situated in a malaria free area just one hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth, this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.

Some of its unique features include:

The park conserves no less than five of South Africa’s seven biomes
It is home to one of the densest African elephant populations on earth
It is home to the unique flightless dung beetle
It incorporates the largest coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere
The park boasts the Big Seven, (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark)
It protects the world’s largest Cape gannet breeding population on Bird Island

This park offers some of the most spectacular elephant viewing in the world. Antelope species abundant in the main game area of the park include red hartebeest, eland, kudu and bushbuck whilst Gemsbok, black wildebeest, springbok, buffalo and black rhino are found in the arid nama-karoo area.

The Burchells zebra, Cape mountain zebra, spotted hyenas, mountain reedbuck, baboons, blue duiker, aardwolf and red rock rabbit are some of the other game species found in the Park.

Important

A form of identification to be provided upon entry:
As from 16 July 2015, Park Managements requests that all visitors 18 years and older entering the Park need to provide a form of identification (driver’s license, passport or ID document) upon arrival. Going forward, all guests’ identity or passport numbers will now also need to be reflected on the Park’s official indemnity forms. Guests’ cooperation in this regard is highly appreciated.

Accommodation

Restcamps :


Addo Main 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…

Camp 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…

Spekboom Tented Camp Spend a night in the middle of the bush, listening to the sounds of the wild around you. You may catch a glimpse of nocturnal animals drinking at the waterhole, gaze at the starry skies and enjoy being away from it all. The Spekboom Tents are located in the fenced area of Spekboom Hide in the Parks Main Game Area.

Narina Bush Camp - 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…

Conservation Fees

Please Note rates do not include daily conservation levies. Please see details of Conservation Fees

Private Lodges

The following private Lodges are located in the Park:

  • Gorah Elephant Camp - situated in the main Addo section of the park a five-star operation with luxury tented camps.
  • River Bend Lodge - situated in the Nyathi area of the park luxury five-star accommodation, eight rooms with conference facilities and wellness centre available.
  • Kuzuko Lodge - situated in the Darlington Dam area of the park 4 chalets, a conference facilities, restaurant, pub, wine cellar, swimming pool, game drives and nightly cosmic safaris.

Surrounding Area

A variety of accommodation options are available in The Greater Addo Area such as:

Private Game Reserves

B&B’s, Guest Houses and Guest Farms

Facilities

The following facilities are available at the main rest camp:

A fuel station selling petrol and diesel is available between 07:00 and 17:00.
A shop selling curios, snacks and basic supplies is open between 08:00 and 18:00 (Please note: times vary according to season, please check with park staff).
An al-la-carte restaurant is available in the main camp and is open for all meals from 07:00 to 22:00.
A swimming pool is available for overnight visitors.
A picnic and braai area is available for day visitors.
The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide
The PPC Discovery Trail is accessible to all, including the visually and mobility-impaired.
There is a public telephone and a post box near the reception. Post is collected for delivery every week day morning at 09:00. A post office is situated in the town of Addo, approximately 15 km from the park.
A 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.
A la Carte restaurant and curio shop available.
Underground wildlife viewing hide

Activities:

Guided game drives
There are a number of game drive options of approximately 2 hours in duration, available. Drives are conducted by knowledgeable, qualified guides on open-top landrovers or trucks. Bookings are essential.
- Sunrise drive - 06:00 (summer) or 07:00 (winter)
- Day drives - 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00
- Sunset drives - 16:00 (winter) or 18:00 (summer)
- Night drives - 18:00 (winter) or 20:00 (summer)

Eyethu hop-on
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.

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.

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.

Zuurberg horse trails
Zuurberg horse trails are suitable for riders of all competencies and wind through fynbos and forest. One-, three- and five-hour trails are available. No children younger than 10 years may ride on the Zuurberg horse trails.

Hiking trails
Various hiking options range from a one-hour trail suited for those who want a sedate walk to the 4-hour Doringnek Trail.

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.

4x4 Trail
Ride the Bedrogfontein 4 x 4 trail between Kabouga and Darlington and immerse yourself in breathtaking views and early 20th century history. This route was the scene of fierce battles between the British and Afrikaner troops during the Anglo-Boer war.

Health and 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.

Rooms and Units Available:

Main Camp - Caravan Site (CK6CP)

Caravan Site (CK6CP): Communal ablutions, Communal kitchen with electricity, hob and sink, Extra vehicles are charged a fee per night, Gravel ground cover, PowerPoint (220v), Visitors must provide their own camping equipment, Visitors must provide their own tent / caravan.

Amount of similar units: 20
Sleeps 6 Adults

Main Camp - Chalet (CH2/4)(CH2/4Z)

Chalet 2bd + Dsc (CH2/4Z): Air-conditioned, Kitchen with stove, fridge, utensils, Lounge with 2 single beds & 1 dbl sleeper couch, No smoking, Not suitable for 2 adults (dbl sleeper couch), Open plan lounge / kitchen area, Unit accessible to the mobility challenged, WC, shower and bath.

Chalet 2bd +dsc (CH2/4): Air-conditioned, Kitchen with stove, fridge, utensils, Lounge with 2 single beds & 1 dbl sleeper couch, No smoking, Not suitable for 2 adults (dbl sleeper couch), Open plan lounge / kitchen area, WC, shower and bath.

Amount of similar units: 22
Sleeps 2 Adults and 2 children

Main Camp - Chalet (CH2S)

Chalet 2bd S-d (CH2S): 2 single beds, Air-conditioned, Hotplate, microwave, fridge, utensils, No additional persons allowed, No smoking, Open plan kitchen, Semi detached, WC and shower.

Amount of similar units: 6
Sleeps 2 Adults

Main Camp - Chalet 2bd (CH2)

Chalet 2bd (CH2): 2 single beds, Air-conditioned, Mini kitchen (stove, fridge, utensils), No smoking, Open plan, Unit number 15, WC and shower.

Sleeps 2 Adults

Main Camp - Chalet Family (FCH4)

Chalet Family (FCH4): 1 bedroom with double bed, Air-conditioned lounge, Double sleeper couch (not suitable for adults), Fan in bedroom, Kitchen, Lounge with 2 single beds & 1 dbl sleeper couch, No smoking, Stove, fridge and utensils, Unit number 16, WC, shower and bath.

Sleeps 4 Adults and 2 children

Main Camp - Cottage (CO2) (CO2Z)

Cottage (CO2Z): 2 single beds, DSTV (limited channels), Fan, Hotplate, microwave, fridge, utensils, No additional persons allowed, No smoking, Open plan kitchen, Unit accessible to the mobility challenged, WC and shower.

Cottage (CO2): 2 single beds, DSTV (limited channels), Fan, Hotplate, microwave, fridge, utensils, No additional persons allowed, No smoking, Open plan kitchen, WC and shower.

Amount of similar units: 13
Sleeps 2 Adults

Main Camp - Domkrag Guest House (GHD6)

Domkrag Guest House (GHD6): 1 en-suite bedroom with 4 single beds, 1 en-suite bedroom with queen size bed, Air-conditioned bedroom, Beds can be pushed together to form three doubles, DSTV (limited channels), Fan in lounge, Lounge, No smoking, Open plan kitchen, Stove, microwave, fridge, utensils, WC and bath, WC and shower.

Sleeps 6 Adults

Main Camp - Forest Cabin (HF4)

Forest Cabin (HF4): 4 single beds with bedding, Communal kitchen with electricity, hob and sink, Fan, Fridge, No additional persons allowed, No smoking, Utensils, WC and shower.

Amount of similar units: 10
Sleeps 4 Adults

Main Camp - Hapoor Guest House (GHH6)

Hapoor Guest House (GHH6): 1 en-suite bedroom with 4 single beds, 1 en-suite bedroom with queen size bed, Air-conditioned bedroom, Beds can be pushed together to form three doubles, DSTV (limited channels), Fan in lounge, Lounge, No smoking, Open plan kitchen, Stove, microwave, fridge, utensils, WC and bath, WC and shower.

Sleeps 6 Adults

Main Camp - Rondavel (HL2)

Rondavel 2bd Ck (HL2): 1 queen size bed, Air-conditioned, Communal equipped kitchen (hob, utensils, sink), Fridge, No additional persons allowed, No smoking, WC and shower.

Amount of similar units: 6
Sleeps 2 Adults

Main Camp - Safari Tent (ST2)

Safari Tent (ST2): 2 single beds, Barbeque facilities, Communal ablutions, Communal equipped kitchen (hob, utensils, sink), Fan & heater, Fridge, No smoking.

Amount of similar units: 5
Sleeps 2 Adults

Main Camp - Tent Site (CK4T)

Tent Site (CK4T): Extra vehicles are charged a fee per night, Maximum of 4 people per site, PowerPoint (220v), Very small sites (3.5 x 4.5m)- only tents allowed, Visitors must provide their own camping equipment, Visitors must provide their own small tent.

Amount of similar units: 10
Sleeps 6 Adults

Matyholweni Camp - Cottage (CO2) (C02Z)

Cottage (CO2): 2 single beds, Barbeque facilities, Camp reached from N2, access rd open to Main Camp, Check-in at Matyholweni itself, not Main Camp, DSTV (limited channels), DSTV (limited channels), Equipped kitchen, Fan, Fridge, Microwave, No additional persons allowed, No smoking, Open plan, WC and shower.

Cottage (CO2Z): 2 single beds, Barbeque facilities, Camp reached from N2, access rd open to Main Camp, Check-in at Matyholweni itself, not Main Camp, DSTV (limited channels), Equipped kitchen, Fan, Fridge, Microwave, No additional persons allowed, No smoking, Open plan, Unit accessible to the mobility challenged, WC and shower.

Amount of similar units: 9
Sleeps 2 Adults

Matyholweni Camp - Family Cottage (FA3)

Family Cottage (FA3): Barbeque facilities, Camp reached from N2, access rd open to Main Camp, Check-in at Matyholweni itself, not Main Camp, Couch not suitable for adults, DSTV (limited channels), Equipped kitchen, Fan, Fridge, Microwave, No additional persons allowed, No smoking, Open plan, Queen size bed, WC and shower.

Amount of similar units: 6
Sleeps 2 Adults and 2 children

Spekboom Tented Camp - Spekboom Tent (TC2)

Spekboom Tent (TC2): 2 single beds, A torch or any battery operated light is essential, Barbeque facilities, Bedding and utensil box supplied, Communal ablutions, Communal gas fridge & stove plates, Communal wash-up facilities, Kettle to use on fire, No access to Addo Main Camp Restaurant for dinner, No access to after hour drives at Addo Main Camp, No kitchen facilities, No smoking, Table & 2 chairs, Tents are only serviced on departure.

Amount of similar units: 5
Sleeps 2 Adults

Facilities & Services available:

Children under 12
Elderly
Honeymoon Couples
Self-Braai / Barbecue
Restaurant
Curio Shop
Afrikaans
English
Swimming Pool
No Pets Allowed

Cancellation Policy:

- No cancellation fee will be incurred for cancellations made after payment of first deposit up to and including 46 days prior to arrival.
- Cancellation fees equal to 50% of the total reservation cost is payable in a case of cancellation made between 45 days and 30 days prior to arrival.
- Cancellation fee equal to 100% of the total reservation cost is payable in a case of a cancellation made between 29 days prior to and date of arrival
- 100% of the total cost for any non-arrival/no-shows

Reservation made within 45 days prior to arrival is payable within 24 hours from the day reservation is made.

- Conservation levy is always excluded from the booking amount and needs to be settled on arrival.

Terms and Conditions

It is your responsibility to check if the reservation is correct. Should the reservation be incorrect, please contact our office immediately.

If the arrival date of the itinerary is postponed prior to or on date of arrival and then cancelled at a later stage, the fees that applied at the time of amendment will be enforced if the amount is greater than the new cancellation fees.

Cancelling or downgrading of a reservation 45 days prior to or on arrival will result in cancellation fees according to a sliding scale (based on the total reservation cost) which varies between 50% and 100%.

Should the reservation not be taken up on the arrival date the accommodation will be held until 09:00 the following day after which the reservation will be cancelled and the deposit, where applicable, forfeited.

Directions:

Directions from Port Elizabeth to Addo Main Camp
There are 3 alternatives:
1) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown. Take the turnoff to the left signposted Motherwell and Addo Elephant National Park. Turn left at the top of the off-ramp and proceed through Motherwell. Follow this road until you see the entrance to the park on the right. Distance: about 72 km or one hour travelling time.

2) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown and carry straight on until the N2 splits off to the left from the N10. Carry straight on, following the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted Addo Elephant National Park. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the park on your left. Distance: about 120 km or one hour, 15 minutes travelling time.

3) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown, pass Coega harbour on your right. Cross the Sundays River bridge. Turn off to your left at the sign that says Camp Matyholweni. Follow this road for about 3 km until you enter Matyholweni Gate at Camp Matyholweni. Follow the southern access road inside the Park until you get to Addo Main Camp. You will cross over a gravel public road. Distance: about 40 km from PE to Matyholweni and then 36 km through the Park (which takes about one and a half hours at the 40km/h speed limit). NB: this route is not accessible to caravans and buses.

Gate opening and closing times
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 before your arrival.

The wildlife viewing area is open between 06:00 18:00 in summer and 07:00 17:30 in winter. Times vary according to season - please check with Reception.

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  • Guests Rating: (1)
  • Accommodation Type: Self-Catering
  • Sleeps: 388
  • Check-in: 2:00 PM
    Check-out: 10:00 AM