A herd of elephants ambles past in single file; the calves, some holding onto their mothers, tails with their trunks, shielded by the potective adults. Reaching the waterhole, a bull elephant indulges in a mud bath. The matriarch, flapping her ears to cool off, waches the antics while munching on a spekboom. Close by a dung beetle busily gets to work. Tucked away in the dense vally-bushveld of the Eastern Cape, lies the Addo National Park, Proclaimed in 1931, when the number of elephants had dwindled to only 11, the park now provides sanctuary to some 400 elephants, as well as buffalo, black rhino, lion, hyena,plenty of birds and several species of antelope. Tyhe endemic flightless dung beetle is treasured and road sings inplore visitors to yield to them. Park expansion has resulted in Addo becoming the third largest park in South Africa, where uniquely five of South Africa's seven habitat biomes are represented. Rains occur throughout the year, some 450 mm annually, and with a temperate to warm climate both the animals and the vegetation thrive.

Facilities and Activities

Addo offers geusts a wide arry of accommodation such as safari tents, forest cabins, rondawels, chalets, and luxury geusthouses. Camp Matyholweni, which will be accesible via the N2, near Colchester, will be available soon. All accommodation is serviced daily and provided with bedding, towels and soap. The park also has a restaurant, shop, swimming pool for residents. Shady caravan and camping sites with communal facilities are available, as wel as day visitors picnic area. A tented camp can also be reserved in the Zuurberg Moutains.
Activities in the park include PPC/Discovery Trail, Which meanders through Addo's vegetation. A 500-meter boardwalk has been incorporated into the trail to accommodate persons with mobility and sensory impairments. Horse trails, day walks, hiking and guided game drives can also be reserved in the park.

Concessions

Privately managed 5-star luxury accommodation within Addo can be reserved at :
Darlington Lake Lodge
Gorah Elephant Camp
Riverbend Country Lodge

How to get there
The park is situated some 72 km from Port Elizabeth, Where an airport, as well as car rental agencies, are located.