Overview
Why Go
- Free from malaria
- Home to the 'Big 7'
- Best elephant watching experience
- Unique and diverse wildlife sanctuary
- Well developed infrastructure and excellent facilities
- Wide choice of lodging options with flexible pricing
Wildlife
The National Park is home to more than 600 elephants and is the primary attraction for visitors. The game reserve is also home to black rhinos, Big Five and more than 400 Cape buffalos. Other species include greater kudu, Burchell’s zebra, Meerkat, and red hartebeest. More About the Wildlife
Scenery
Addo game reserve features various vegetation areas that are fynbos (fine-leaved plants), Albany thicket (dense woodland), forest, Indian Ocean coastal belt and Nama Karoo (dry shrubland). The vegetation is the primary source of food for the elephants.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Addo Elephant National Park for people, who avoid crowds, is during the winter, which requires tourists to carry warm clothes, as temperatures can drop to zero degrees. The summer season is usually overcrowded with people and prices increase. More About the Best Time to Visit
Weather & Climate
The summer rainfall is from October to April that often extends to winter months, which are from May to September. More About the Weather and Climate
Reviews
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Wildlife & Animals
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Elephant
Abundant -
Giraffe
None -
Hippo
Rare -
Buffalo
Occasional -
Zebra
Common -
Wildebeest
Common -
White Rhino
None -
Black Rhino
Rare -
Lion
Occasional -
Leopard
Rare -
Cheetah
None -
Hyena
Occasional -
Wild Dog
Rare
Wildlife highlights
Best time for wildlife viewing
Best Time to Visit
Having an arid to semi-arid climate, animals are attracted to the waterholes at any time, but the best time is the driest winter months (June to September). The only drawback is that nights can become very cold and winter clothing is needed for early morning game drives, especially when using an open vehicle.
May to September
Dry Season – Winter
- Wildlife gathers around waterholes as there is little water in the bush
October to April
Wet Season – Summer
- Sunny skies
Weather & Climate
Unlike the summer rainfall pattern covering most of the country, rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, but there are two peaks: in February-March and October-November. It can cool down to freezing in mid-winter. The park ranges from the coast to the Zuurberg Mountains, creating a wide range of altitudes. The main park area is at low altitude (under 250m).
Climate Chart
- -14-901m/-46-2,956ft© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.
Getting There
Addo Elephant National Park is usually accessible via Cape Town International Airport or O.R. Tambo International Airport. For people opting for the self-drive option, they can reach the destination via Garden Route.
Airlines and Tickets
To book your International and local flights, it is best to discuss options with our agents. They will be able to secure best tariffs and match it with your safari dates.
Click on Enquire Now for a free consultation.
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