Addo Elephant National Park : Addo National Park is situated 70 kilometers from Port Elizabeth. The park was gazetted in 1931. It is a home to elephants moving in large herds across the park.
The Addo Elephant National Park has a poignant beginning that traces back to the colonial era. In this period, elephants would often attack individuals in nearby villages, wreaking havoc on their gardens. Therefore, a decision was made to hunt them down.
The government appointed a major known as Major PJ Pretorius, who began the task of tracking and hunting the animals with his designated team. It is important to recognize that the Addo elephants were regarded as the most dangerous elephants globally, leading to various attempts to manage them, including the use of electric fences, hunting, and even burning. In just one year, they had killed more than 120 elephants, which forced the remaining elephants to vacate the area and seek refuge in the bush.
It was in this bush that a fence was constructed to protect the elephants, leading to the establishment of what we now recognize as the Addo Elephant National Park. Initially, the area was slightly restricted, but over the years, it has continued to grow, and today it serves as a habitat for some of the largest animals on the planet.
Attractions in Addo Elephant National Park
Birds
Addo national park is a birder’s haven with over 400 bird species including
The white browed robin chat, The southern Tchagra , The little grebe , The pearl breasted swallow ,The lesser striped swallow ,The cape penduline , The forest canary , The ground woodpecker Cape siskin , African dusky flycatcher , The cape sugarbird , Black bustard , Blue crane African firefinch Cape reed warbler, The black crowned night heron, The capped wheatear ,Grey winged francolin Knysna woodpecker , Denham’s bustard , Long billed crombec, Karoo scrub robin, Southern double collared sunbird ,Pearl breasted swallow ,Orange breasted sunbird among others
Mammals
Addo Elephant National Park is a home to over 600 mammals. These include Elephants, The flightless dung beetle, The greater Kudu, Elands, Hyenas, Leopards, Hippos , Buffalos and Zebras.
Activities in Addo Elephant National Park
Birdwatching in Addo National Park
Addo Elephant National Park boasts an incredible diversity, with over 400 registered bird species, making it a sanctuary for many of the endemic birds found in South Africa. The optimal time for birding in Addo is during the wet season, which runs from November to April. However, you can visit the park for birding year-round, though the variety of bird species may not be as abundant outside of the wet season. Here is a list of bird species to watch for during your visit to Addo Elephant National Park.
Hiking
Hiking in Addo Elephant National Park takes place during the dry season, ensuring that the trails are dry and free from slippery nature. The various hiking routes available in the park are as follows:
The Zuurberg hiking trail
This is the simplest hiking trail route available for tourists exploring Addo Park. Situated a mere twenty minutes from the entrance of Addo National Park, the Zuurberg hike trail comprises two distinct paths: the Doringnek hike and the Cycad trail.
The Doringnek trail presents a bit of a challenge, requiring approximately eight hours to finish.
The Cycad Trail spans three kilometers and typically takes about an hour to complete. Both hikes are simpler than the Alexandria hiking trails.
The Alexandria hiking trail
The Alexandria hiking trail spans two days and, unlike many other hikes, presents a bit of a challenge, yet it stands out as one of the finest in the National Park. It will guide you through the thick vegetation and the dunes before leading you to the beach.
The trail spans 36 kilometers and can be described as a circular route, guiding you around the park while showcasing the diverse features within the National Park. On the initial day, you will complete half of the total kilometers, with the remaining distance finished on the following day.
Game drive excursions
The National Park’s main draw is definitely its powerful population of over 600 large elephants, but it also serves as a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including the renowned big five. Addo National Park is accessible year-round, but the optimal period for wildlife viewing occurs during the dry season, from June to September. At this time, the animals gather around the waterholes, drawn together by the limited availability of water.
Horse riding in Addo Elephant National Park
One of the enjoyable activities available in Addo National Park is horse riding. Typically reserved for individuals aged 16 and older, horse riding offers tourists an excellent opportunity to connect with the animals in the park. A tour guide will accompany you during your horse ride to ensure your safety by navigating through secure paths, and the entire ride will last approximately two hours.
Horse riding takes place in the mornings and afternoons, with each session limited to just five participants. The morning session caters to individuals with limited riding experience, while the afternoon session is designed for those who are more experienced in horse riding.
Best Time to visit Addo Elephant National Park
Addo Park is accessible throughout the year, whether during the wet or dry season, depending on the activities you wish to engage in. The best time to explore the National Park is between May and September, during the dry season, when animals are readily visible as they roam the park in search of pasture and water.
The wet season, occurring from November to April, is an excellent period for bird enthusiasts, as it coincides with the arrival of migratory birds into the country, alongside the resident endemic species. This is also the breeding season, making it the ideal time to observe many of the newborn animals from the various wildlife that inhabits the park.
