The majority of visitors to the Addo Elephant National Park come just to view the 'main attraction'. The large concentration of elephants in the main game viewing area is so magnificent it will no doubt , justifiably, always remain centre stage. But there is much more to do and see, especially with the massive expansion of the Park and the inclusion of five biomes. Read on and find out why find out more of the activities that can make your visit to Addo absolutely unique.
Guided Game Drives
The most informed and relaxed way to view both the fauna and flora is in our open vehicles on a guided game drive. Whilst you take in all the sights and sounds of the veld, the trained guides will seek out the best viewing opportunities and let you into the secrets of the bush and the animals, birds and insects that live in it. There are sunrise, morning, midday, afternoon, sundowner and night drives. Booking is essential. Each game drive lasts approximately two hours. Tames of departure vary according to season.
The Discovery Trail
Within the main accommodation camp, on the way out to the elephant enclosure, you will find this information trail that is fully accessible to the physically challenged. Boardwalks lead into the bush where, in clearings, large full-colour billboards have detailed information covering a multitude of Park related subjects. The trail is the ongoing responsibility of the honorary rangers.
The Waterhole, Underground hide & & Birdhide
A waterhole , the underground viewing hide in front of the waterhole and a birdhide are within walking distance of the reception area. The floodlit waterhole can be easily viewed from both the grassed picnic site, underground viewing hide and the special seating area. The large birdhide overlooks a reeded wetland where a plethora of waterbirds are always present. This facility is accessible to wheelchair users.
4 x 4 Trail
Ride the Bedrogfontein 4 x 4 trail between Kabouga and Darlington and immerse yourself in breathtaking views and early 20th century history. Imagine the perseverance of the early pioneers who traveled by wagon over these rugged mountains. This route was the scene of fierce battles between the British and Afrikaner troops during the Anglo-Boer war.
Horse Trails
ADDO HORSE TRAILS
Horse trails depart from the main camp to the Nyati area which is home to elephants, buffalo, black rhino, zebra and antelope. Encounters with these animals are possible. There are no lions or hyena in this section.
Two options are available:
ZUURBERG HORSE TRAILS
These horse trails are suitable for riders of all competencies and wind through fynbos and forest, with beautiful scenic views of the mountains. There are no encounters with large game on these trails.
One-, three- and five-hour trails are available. Trails depart at 09h00, 11h00 and 14h00. An overnight trail to Narina Bush Camp is an option - departure no later than 11h00.
All horse trails are conducted by experienced guides on sure-footed, well-trained horses.
Please note:
Alexandria Hiking Trail
Situated: Woody Cape section of the Park, departing from the offices near Alexandria.
Logistics:
for tarifs please use the link to the Addo National park website on the bottom of this page.
Highlights:
The trail begins at the park offices near Alexandria. The two Langebos Huts are the base huts for the trail and it is recommended that hikers stay at these huts the night before leaving for the first day. The huts are newly constructed huts, sleeping 6 people each. They are equipped with hot water showers, toilets, a stove, fridge and braai area.
The first section of the hike travels through magical forest where ancient yellowwoods and spectacular coral trees can be seen. The "Waterboom" or "Lekkerboom" - a gigantic yellowwood named for the reservoir of water held at the base of its trunk - provides an interesting stop. After crossing the open fields of Perdevlei, the trail moves onto the beach where the stark sandy beach ecosystem and dramatic dune cliffs provide breathtaking scenery. Six kilometers of untouched coastline stretches out in front of the hiker. The dramatic cliffs of Woody Cape provide the hiker with two options, either walking along the boulder-strewn base of the cliffs (impassable at high tide) or climbing a log ladder to reach the top leading onto the dune fields Southern right whales can be seen just off shore in certain months and dolphins are often spotted playing in the waves. The wreck of the Nidaros - an old steamer - can be investigated, as well as the fascinating natural debris washed up by the sea.
After a walk through aromatic coastal fynbos, hikers will find the Woody Cape hut nestled in thick coastal forest on top of the cliffs with a view of Bird Island in the distance. This hut has 12 beds with mattresses and rainwater tanks.
On the second day the trail traverses sand dunes of the largest coastal dune field in the Southern Hemisphere. Early morning provides hikers an opportunity to investigate the signs of animals, such as jackals, duikers and the endemic hairy-footed gerbil, left on the dunes from the previous night. Tall posts guide hikers through the shifting dune fields. Fascinating ancient middens sites, evidence of the strandloper people that wandered these shores, can also be seen. The last five kilometers of the trail winds again through indigenous forest, where Knsyna loeries paint the canopy. then into the Langvlakte valley where a chicory stack can be seen which was built in 1820's.
The walk was first opened in 1985 by the Department of Forestry when Woody Cape functioned as the Alexandria State Forest. In 1987, Cape Nature Conservation took over this area as the Woody Cape Nature Reserve. In 2002, South African National Parks assumed management of the area, as part of the expansion of the Addo Elephant National Park.
Contact details :
Page last updated 26 June 2007,
Photo's by courtesy of Addo Elephant National Park
Children 6-12 years pay half price. No children under the age of six years are allowed.
For enquiries an bookings call 027 ( 0 ) 42 233 8623 or e-mail addogamedrives@sanparks.org
The route travels through a variety of vegetation types, from riverine thicket, to afromontane forest, to fynbos on the peaks and into the arid nama-karoo of the Darlington area.
Two species of ancient cycads grace the mountain slopes and towering yellowwood trees pierce the sky.
Numerous historical relics can be viewed along the way, including an old wagon.
4x4ers should carry their own water and no fires may be lit along the route. Maximum number of vehicles on the route is six, while it is strongly recommended that at least two vehicles travel together for safety. The route is only suitable for vehicles with 4x4 and low range facilities, both because of terrain and to cause minimum impact on the environment. A grade 5 river crossing is an option, but river conditions should be checked with the ranger. This 45 km route can be easily traveled within six hours. There is no cell phone reception along the route.
Accommodation is available at Kabouga House or Mvubu campsite (camping only) on the Kabouga side. On the Darlington side the luxury Darlington Lake Lodge is available.
The route is self-driven and can be followed either from Darlington to Kabouga or from Kabouga to Darlington. Kabouga is situated about 40 km (one hour's drive) from the main park entrance, near the town of Kirkwood. Darlington is situated about 150 km (two hour's drive) from the main park entrance.
- a two-hour morning trail suitable for less experienced riders
- a three-hour afternoon trail for very experienced riders only
Riding hats are available for visitors' use.
Horse trails can be booked via the game drive office.
Telephone: +27 (0)42 2338623 or email: Addogamedrives@sanparks.org
- Riders must report to the stables at least 15min before departure.
- No bookings will be taken less than 1hr before departure time.
- No person exceeding 90kg in weight will be allowed to ride.
- Only one rider allowed per horse.
- No children under 10yrs on the Addo morning ride or Zuurberg rides, no children
under 16yrs on the Addo morning ride .
Length: Approx 36 km two day circular route of which the first day is 19.5km and the second day is 16.5 km.
Estimated duration: 2 days
Suitable for: Those who want a challenging walk along the coastline. Hikers carry their own provisions and the hike is not guided.
Keys for the overnight huts are collected at the park offices near Alexandria.
(Tel: +27 (0)46 653 061)
Fees can be paid at Matyholweni rest camp or at the Addo main camp reception. At the Woody Cape hut, no fires are allowed and the hikers must carry their own cookers. Water at the Woody Cape hut is only for drinking and cooking as the hut relies entirely on rainwater.
At least one or more of the hiking group should be able to read a map and compass, and to wear a brightly coloured jacket that can be seen from the air if a search and rescue is launched.
Name : Addo Elephant National Park Contact person : reception Post address : P.O. box 52 Addo 6105 Actual Address : R 336 Addo Tel. : + 27 (0)42 233 8600 Fax. : +27 (0)42 233 8643 e-mail : Addoenquiries@sanparks.org
Website : www.addoelephantpark.com
and : www.sanparks.org
info@greateraddo.com