Frequently asked Questions

How many elephants are in the park?

Addo is home to a thriving population of over 600 elephants. From its humble beginnings protecting just 11 surviving elephants in 1931, it has grown into one of the most successful conservation stories in Africa.

Yes! Addo is a Big Five reserve, meaning you can find elephants, lions, Cape buffalo, black rhinos, and leopards (though leopards are very rarely seen). It also holds the unique distinction of being a Big Seven park because its protected marine area extends offshore to include great white sharks and southern right whales.

Yes, Addo is completely malaria-free. This makes it a favored safari destination for families traveling with young children, pregnant visitors, or anyone who prefers avoiding malaria prophylaxis medication.

You can do both. Addo is exceptionally well-suited for self-drive safaris, featuring sealed main roads and accessible gravel loops that can be navigated safely in a standard sedan. Alternatively, you can book open-vehicle game drives or hire a park guide to hop into your own car.

  • Winter (May to September): Widely considered the best time for wildlife viewing. The vegetation is sparser, and animals congregate around waterholes, making them much easier to spot.

  • Summer (October to April): Warmer with lush landscapes, newborn animals, and incredible birdwatching, though thicker bush can occasionally make spotting predators a bit more challenging.

Aside from the heavyweights, visitors frequently encounter zebras, warthogs, ostriches, kudu, eland, and red hartebeest. Keep an eye out for the park’s iconic flightless dung beetles, which have right-of-way on the roads—look for warning signs reminding drivers not to crush them!

Most day-trippers spend one full day exploring the main loops and waterholes. However, staying 1 to 2 nights inside the park or at a nearby lodge gives you the flexibility to catch early morning and late afternoon game drives when animals are most active.

Entrance is managed via SANParks conservation fees, which vary depending on whether you are an international visitor, a South African citizen, or an SADC resident. Paying these fees directly supports the park’s anti-poaching and conservation efforts.

The park is located in the Eastern Cape, roughly 30 to 40 kilometers north of Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth). It serves as a seamless, easily accessible wildlife extension for travelers driving along the famous Garden Route.

Yes, safety is strictly enforced:

  • Never exit your vehicle except in designated, fenced-in rest areas or picnic spots.

  • Maintain a respectful distance from elephants and other wildlife, especially females with calves.

  • Stick to the park’s strict speed limits (generally 40 km/h) to protect wildlife and give yourself time to spot smaller creatures.