About 30 minutes into the drive, we wondered if we would ever see one of these magnificent creatures. Then, going at a pace as slow as a tortoise in the car, we notice movement up ahead. What could it be? Those trees are just the right size to conceal whatever lurks behind them. Finally, after a few moments, a stump-like leg emerges onto the tar. In an instant, we stopped our car and waited.
We all held our breath. We all sat quietly in the vehicle. How many are there, and where are they heading? After a while, the trunk and tusks appear; it’s a lonely massive bull elephant, and guess what? He is steering directly in our direction. This majestic animal is calm; we try to stay calm, each sitting as motionless as possible. Only our eyes were moving; he casually wandered towards us. Although he seemed unaware that we were there, I followed his gaze, and he looked directly at us, aware we were there.
When he passed, the space between us was a mere few meters, maybe shy of two meters. For a moment, I stopped breathing. He continued down the road without a care in the world, passing the next car too. They were likely feeling exactly the same as we were. I can’t believe what we just experienced. It was a (sur)real treat to see one up close and personal. Although I’m still uncertain how I feel about it, I was simultaneously excited and bloody scared.
Now, if that wasn’t enough to convince you that Addo Elephant Park is the best place to see African elephants in their natural habitat, I don’t know what is.
About Addo Elephant National Park
In 1931, the area was established to protect the remaining elephant; there were only like 11 left. What?
Over the years, the conservation area grew, making it the third-largest national park in South Africa; Kruger being the biggest. More than 600 elephants are roaming around the park today, making the chances of spotting one higher.
The Addo National Park is located just outside Gqeberha (PE), one of South Africa’s 20 national parks. The park includes a marine conservation area. So, in addition to the Big 5, it also has two more animals making it the Big 7. Apart from elephants and the Big 7, there are also cape buffaloes, hyenas, zebras, and hartebeests in the park. (the Big 5 consists of the lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African bush elephant, and the African buffalo. The southern right whale and the great white shark added makes up the big 7)
The elephants
There is no land mammal larger than the African bush elephant. Elephants of this species can have tusks on both males and females, and their ears are triangular in shape, similar to the form of the continent Africa.
Tips for visiting Addo Elephant National Park
Arrive early
As the park is large, we suggest arriving early, as animals tend to be more active in the morning when it’s cooler than in the afternoon. During the day, the park’s main entrance is open from 7 am. It is prohibited to drive in the park after certain times, so make sure you find your way out before that time.
Take a map
Pick up a map from the office where you purchased your ticket. While you are there, check the map up at the office because it indicates where certain animals were sighted in the morning. You can plan your route based on this information. Furthermore, the map you took has a checklist of the animals you can expect to see in the park.
You can use your wild card to enter; otherwise, tickets can be purchased at the gate.
Also see: Exploring the largest cave system in South Africa
Pack a picnic
Despite the park’s size, there is only one restaurant that we found, Cattle Baron, at the main gate, and there aren’t many choices regarding dietary requirements.
There is, however, two picnic areas, one at the main camp, and one in the middle of the park which we stopped at called Jack’s picnic site. It’s ideal for a bush picnic! At the camp we visited, an electric gate is the only means of access to this enclosed area. Likewise, the picnic area is the only place where you are permitted to exit your car. Throughout Jack’s picnic camp, there are 18 semi enclosed braai areas so that you don’t have to worry about other picnickers disturbing you while you enjoy the tranquillity of the bush. Additionally, these tucked-away areas have a picnic table under a cover. (It rained when we visited so that we couldn’t braai, but we could still sit outside and eat lunch under the cover).
You are responsible for bringing your own equipment and whatever you intend to braai.
It’s important to note that the park does not have any bins; they work on a no-bin policy, so all trash must be taken with you, so make sure you are a responsible visitor. Leave nothing; take everything you brought with you. Secondly, there are toilets within the picnic enclosure.
You can picnic in the picnic area between 8 am and 5 pm.
It is also a good idea to pack a snack bag with water and other essentials to keep with you in the front of your car.
Please remember that you are not permitted to leave your car anywhere other than in the designated areas.
Do not leave your car
This is probably the biggest tip, no rule; do not leave your car or hang out the window. Lions roam freely in the park. And, unfortunately, they aren’t your friendly neighbour’s cats or cute animated Simba.
There are only a few designated areas where getting out of your vehicle is permitted (check the paper map), and even then, you do so at your own risk since there are dangerous animals in this park. The lookout points have clear signage stating that Lions roam this park. So guess what, I will stay in the car, thank you.
Additionally, these are large African bush elephants. You will know why if you have read Daleen Mathee’s’ Kringe in die bos’. When you see them, you will be shocked by their sheer size. They can trample you.
What to bring
Of course, you will need food, but you might also want to bring a pair of binoculars and a camera. There will be a lot of fantastic photo opportunities in this Park that you don’t want to miss. GPS or Google map, it does make it easier to navigate.
Cost
*Tariffs are based on publication date; check if it has changed.
Day visitors :
South African with ID – R94 adult, R47 child
SADC national with a passport – R188, R94
International visitor – R376, R188
Addo offers a variety of accommodation options as well, so check out their site for more information.
Which part of Addo to visit?
The Addo Elephant Park is quite large and consists of several areas. In most cases, you’ll be able to see elephants around the main game area, that is where we saw the groups. Colchester gate is closer to the ocean and N2, so we entered through it. And drove up to the main entrance, where we exited. We did see a few on their own, lower down in the park as well.
Did you know that the area up to the ocean and the ocean itself is part of the park? It is a marine protected area. The southern right whale and the great white shark are two more members of the Big 7, which you can see here.
The best way to visit Addo Elephant Park
There are three ways to visit Addo Elephant National Park.
The first one would be to self-drive and view the game. If you drive your car, you can follow the map through the park, which is a little more fun since you have to play spotter yourself. You can book a guided safari car tour to observe the animals as a second option. Lastly, camp sight accommodations are available where you can spend the night.
Also see: The best seafood outdoor restaurant where you eat on the beach
Where is Addo Elephant Park, and how to reach
Addo Elephant National park is located in the Eastern Cape. Gqeberha, or as it was formerly known PE, is easily accessible by plane or part of a Garden route road trip. A 72km drive from Gqeberha (PE) on the R335 leads to Addo Elephant Park’s main gate. The southern entrance at Colchester is a bit closer to the N2.
Best time to visit Addo Elephant Park
The best time to visit is between May and September, which is the dry season. As a result, it is easier to spot animals in the bushes because there isn’t too much lush vegetation. In addition, as the water scares more, the animals are easier to spot around watering holes.
Sitting in a car, pretending you are a game ranger with your binoculars, watching for elephants, is quite an exciting experience. But, even more so, watching a massive bull walk by or a mother running after her baby as she passes your vehicle on the road is nothing short of incredible. These moments will never be forgotten; if you weren’t there, you can’t imagine just how amazing they were. So, add it to your South Africa bucket list!
Save travels!
*Disclosure: As always opinions expressed here are my own, and do always check official site info before going.
Reference:
History. (n.d.). South African National Parks. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/history.php
Tarrifs. (n.d.). South African National Parks. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/tariffs.php
Vital Information. (n.d.). South African National parks. Retrieved November 12, 2022, from https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/general.php
