Eastern Cape Port Elizabeth Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park

September 27, 2011

The Addo Elephant National Park is one of the most diverse National Parks within South Africa and covers seven biomes that range from the Zuurberg Mountains through to the Algoa Bay Dune Fields and to Bird Island. It is possible to view African Elephant, Lion, Humpbacked Whales and Dolphins all in one day. This park has some of the most relaxed populations of African Elephant.

Accommodation varies between camping, comfortable self-catering accommodation and luxury guest houses. A fully licensed restaurant is available as is a picnic area and swimming pool for residents. The shop sells curios and basic commodities.

Location

Address

Addo Elephant National Park

Closest Town

Port Elizabeth

Getting There

Situated 60km’s from Port Elizabeth on the N2 towards Grahamstown. Take the Motherwell/Markham R335 turnoff. Follow the R335 for 53km’sand turn off to the right. Alternatively continue on the N2 towards Cookhouse & Cradock. At Paterson turn left on the R342 towards Addo. The Parks entrance is on the left approximately 22 km’s from Paterson.

Photography

Best Time to Photograph

Early mornings and evenings are best for driving around to search for photographic subjects, but it is worth spending the whole day wandering through the camp looking for birds to photograph

Type of Photography

Wildlife General
Birds
Landscape
Marine

Best Time of Year

Winter
Spring

Photographic Tips

Winter months provide the best times for photography as the veld is dry and open. This also means that birds and animals concentrate around the numerous waterholes. The camp gardens provide good opportunities for bird photography with many of the smaller species being well habituated to humans.

Recommended Gear

A solid beanbag is a must for photographing from the vehicle. Telephoto lenses are a priority for bird and animal photography.

Footnotes

Season and Weather

Addo Elephant National Park lies in a malaria free area with unpredictable but largely summer rainfall, where temperatures can reach within the 30 degrees. Winters are mild and temperatures seldom drop below double digits.

Habitats

Sub-Tropical Thicket
Open Grassland
Fynbos
Nama-Karoo
Coastal Dunes
Marine

Other Activities

Bird Watching
Game Viewing
Guided Horseback Trails
4x4 Eco-adventure Trails
Hiking
Marine Trips

Guide/s Available

Eyethu Hop on guide’s are available for hire and are well trained in game viewing and bird watching.

Highlights

Site Highlights

African Elephant herds are extremely relaxed.
Lion hunting during the day.
A walk through the camp provides a wide range of species that inhabit the acacia thickets.
The Discovery Trail within the camp.
The camping site.
Aloe garden within the camp during the aloe flowering season.
Domkrag Dam.
Woodlands & Domkrag Loop.
Gorah Loop.
Algoa Bay dunefields.

Top Species