The Addo Elephant National Park is the heart of the Addo region and the Eastern Cape. It is South Africa’s third-largest national park and the only Big Seven national park in the world. Encompassing five of South Africa’s eight biomes, and a remarkable array of African wildlife, the park stretches from the Zuurberg Mountains to the coastal dunes of Alexandria. It is a region reborn through conservation – a vast, diverse area that is all yours to explore.
Addo Main Camp is situated between the towns of Addo and Paterson and is the main hub of the park, perfect for first-time visitors, with accommodation, facilities and activities on offer, including the wheelchair friendly PPC Discovery Trail, birding, underground viewing hide, restaurant, picnic area.
Nyathi Rest Camp is an exclusive self-catering option, nestled at the foot of the Zuurberg Mountain range and surrounded by rolling hills, with breathtaking views of the river and game viewing opportunities.
Camp Matyholweni is just 3 km from Colchester Village at Sundays River Mouth, providing access to both the inland and coastal sections of the park. Fishing, canoeing, river cruises and other activities are offered in the area.
Woody Cape is situated within the indigenous Alexandria Forest, about 1 ½ hours from the main camp. It’s a popular choice for hikers and birders, and the coastal dune fields are the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Kabouga is surrounded by the rugged mountains of Zuurberg and densely fragrant vegetation near the town of Kirkwood. Two camps are available: Kabouga is only accessible by 4×4 with no electricity and Mvubu is a campsite on the beautiful banks of the Sundays River. Another excellent choice for birders and nature-lovers.
Darlington is centred around the Darlington Dam offering a remote experience amongst nama-karoo vegetation and wildlife of the Addo Elephant National Park. Activities include camping, fishing in the dam and a 4×4 trail.
Remote Zuurberg is an adventurous choice with hiking and guided horse trails on offer. Day visitors can enjoy two shorter day-hikes. Narine Bushcamp provides a secluded, rustic forest getaway on the banks of a mountain stream at the foot of the Zuurberg Mountains. it is only accessible with a high-clearance vehicle and there is no electricity.
Algoa Bay marine protected area was declared around the Bird Island group to protect important marine resources and, along with the St Croix Island group, joined the national park in 2005. The coastline is home to the largest coastal dune field in the Southern Hemisphere and the ocean is as biodiverse as the land.