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 350 elephants, 280 Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. But the Addo story has only just begun. Plans to expand the 125 000 ha (309 000 acre) Addo National Elephant Park into a 492 000 ha (1,2 million acre) "Greater Addo" park are moving forward at an exciting pace. This expansion is transforming Addo into the ultimate tourism destination.

Some of its unique features will include:

• Unrivalled natural diversity, with five of South Africa's seven major vegetation zones (biomes).
• The Big 7 (Elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, whales and great white sharks in their natural habitat. Only lions still have to be reintroduced to the "Greater Addo" area and could be as soon as 2003.
• A 120 000 ha (296 500 acre) marine reserve that includes islands that are home to the world's largest African penguins and gannets.
• Rich heritage of archaeological and historical sites.
• Accommodation and activity options for all tastes.

The park is situated 72 km from Port Elizabeth in the Sundays River Valley and Zuurberg Mountain range. The access road from the main road (4 km) is tarred as far as the restcamp. Roads within the restcamp are tarred – all other internal roads are gravel.

ACCOMMODATION

Addo Rest Camp

• Check In - 13:00 and Check Out - 10:00
• All accommodation is serviced daily and provided with bedding, towels and soap.
• Six-bed guest cottages, each with two bedrooms, bathrooms en suite (one with bath; one with shower), fully equipped kitchen.
• Four-bed cottage, one bedroom, bathroom (bath and shower), open plan partially equipped kitchen.
• Family Chalets each with two single beds, a double sleeper couch, bathroom (bath and shower), basically equipped kitchen.
• Two-bed chalet with bathroom (shower), basically equipped kitchen.
• Two-bed rondavels, each with bathroom (shower), refrigerator, communal kitchen facilities with basic kitchen equipment.
• Two-bed forest cabins, half with bathroom facilities, half without - each equipped with cooking utensils; communal kitchen facilities.

Addo Rest Camp Camping

• Caravan and campsites, communal ablution and kitchen facilities. Caravan sites equipped with 220V power points.
• A maximum of six persons, one caravan with a side tent and one vehicle, or one tent and one vehicle, or one auto villa or one motorised caravan will be permitted per site.

Narina Bushcamp

The Narina bush camp is situated next to the Witriver in the Zuurberg Mountains approximately 22 km (gravel road - 40 minutes driving) from the main rest camp (Addo Reception)

This is a tented camp with 4 tents (and must be booked as one unit).

• Each have 2 single beds with bedding and towels
• There is an open Lapa/braai area
• Kitchen with gas stove, fridge, paraffin lamps, cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils
• One shower with hot and cold water from a paraffin cylinder geyser; and
• One flush toilet.

VERY IMPORTANT:

• Because of no electricity the guests have to arrive at least 2 hours before SUNSET, (BUT NOT LATER THAN 19:00) as they still have to carry their food and clothing to the camp, crossing a river and walking 400-500m through the forest. A torch is ESSENTIAL.
• NO SHOPS OR RESTAURANTS, this is solely for own cooking and for nature lovers.
• THE GATE NEAR TO THE BUSHCAMP CLOSES AT EXACTLY 19:00. (This is the gate approximately 22 km from the Addo Main Entrance)

ACTIVITIES

Addo Rest Camp

• PPC Discovery Trail - accessible to people with disabilities
• Bird Hide
• Game Viewing at Waterhole (Floodlit)
• Horse-riding

Main Elephant Section

• Lookout points at various waterholes within game area
• Game Viewing from own vehicle (daytime only)
• Guided Game Drives (day and night)
• Horse-back Trails (outside fence for inexperienced riders/in park for experienced riders)
• The Spekboom Trail in a fenced off botanic reserve is closed until further notice

Zuurberg Section

• Horse-riding and Horse-back Trails
• Hiking Trails
• 4x4 Trail (Kabouga to Darlington Lake)

Darlington Lake Section

• Game Viewing
• 4x4 Trail (Kabouga to Darlington Lake)
• Visit Rhino Camp

Alexandria Forest Section

• Hiking Trail

Woody Cape Section

• Contact Park for details

Coastal Islands

• Currently visitation to St Croix and Bird Island is restricted. Contact park for more details

GENERAL INFORMATION

Addo Elephant National Park has recently introduced an innovative way for visitors to experience a guided tour of the park in the comfort of their own cars, while also contributing to the upliftment of local people.

The Eyethu Hop-on-Guides initiative utilises local people who have been selected from Addo’s neighbouring communities and trained as tour guides. These registered tour guides provide a highly personalised service and help to make visits to the park interesting and unforgettable as they point out things in the bush that would usually be missed
The Eyethu Guides are trained by the Mayibuye Ndlovu Development Programme. The programme’s mission is to work towards poverty eradication that that will result in a viable local economy that stimulates job creation.

Rates
All rates are self-catering unless specified otherwise.

IMPORTANT: Deposits & payments
For bookings made more than 6 months before arrival a 50% deposit is required within 4 months of making a booking. For bookings made less than 6 months before arrival a 50% deposit is required within 10 days of making a booking. For bookings made within 40 days of arrival, immediate and full payment is required within 24 hours upon confirmation of the booking. Final and full payment for all reservations is due 40 days prior to arrival. Rates are to be used as a guide only - full quotes will be provided upon receipt of an enquiry.