How to Get to Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park is 72 kilometres from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) — approximately one hour by road from the airport. It is one of the most accessible national parks in South Africa: no domestic flight required, no long overland transfer, no complicated logistics. You land at Gqeberha, collect a rental car, and drive north on the N2 and R335 directly to the park gate.

By Air — Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) Airport

Gqeberha Airport (IATA: PLZ) is the primary gateway for Addo. Direct domestic flights operate from Johannesburg OR Tambo (1h15, multiple daily), Cape Town CPT (1h45, multiple daily), and Durban King Shaka (1h30). All major South African domestic carriers serve the route.

International travellers: connect through Johannesburg OR Tambo on intercontinental services, then domestic connection to Gqeberha. A morning international arrival at OR Tambo connects to a midday domestic PLZ flight, with arrival at Addo in the early afternoon — in time for a late afternoon game drive on arrival day.

By Road from Gqeberha

From Gqeberha Airport or the city centre, take the N2 highway north toward Grahamstown. After approximately 60km, take the Addo/Paterson exit (well-signposted) onto the R335. Continue 12km to the park’s main entrance gate. Total drive: approximately 60–75 minutes.

A standard rental car handles all park access roads without difficulty. No 4×4 is required. All major car rental companies operate at Gqeberha Airport.

From Cape Town — Garden Route Self-Drive

Cape Town to Gqeberha on the N2 Garden Route is approximately 750km — a 7–8 hour drive through the Overberg, Garden Route, and Tsitsikamma. Breaking the drive over two days (overnight in Knysna or Plettenberg Bay) adds the Garden Route to the itinerary. Arriving in Gqeberha from the west and continuing north to Addo creates a complete Eastern Cape road trip that covers beach, coast, and wildlife in one self-drive itinerary.

Gates and GPS

• Main Entrance Gate: GPS: 33°28’36″S, 25°45’12″E. Standard entry for most visitors. Gives access to Main Camp, Hapoor Dam, and the core game drive roads.
• Matyholweni Gate: GPS: 33°33’28″S, 25°48’55″E. Southern entry, accessible from the N2 Colchester exit. For visitors arriving from the Garden Route direction.

Transfers from Gqeberha

Private transfer services operate from Gqeberha Airport to Addo Main Camp and private lodges. Transfer time is approximately one hour. Most private lodges (Gorah Elephant Camp, Kuzuko Lodge) can arrange or recommend transfers at time of booking. SANParks rest camp guests typically self-drive; transfers are available but not standard.