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Welcome to Addo Elephant National Park

Deep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park. Here, the evenings are punctuated by the strident howl of the black-backed jackal, and the francolin's call heralds each new dawn. Safe from relentless persecution in the past, the grey leviathans of the bush now roam in peace.

The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 420 elephants, 450 Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.

For the first time in over 100 years, lion and spotted hyena were reintroduced to the park last year. But the Addo story has only just begun. Plans to expand the 148 000 hectare Addo National Elephant Park into a 360 000 hectare "Greater Addo" park are moving forward at an exciting pace. This expansion is transforming Addo into the ultimate tourism destination.

Some of its unique features include:
  - unrivalled natural diversity, with five of South Africa's seven major
    vegetation zones (biomes)
  - the Big 7 (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, whales and great white sharks) in their natural habitat
  - the future proclamation of a 120 000 hectare (296 500 acre) marine
    protected area that includes islands that are home to the world's largest breeding colonies of Cape gannets and African penguins.
  - rich heritage of archaeological and historical sites.
  - accommodation and activity options for all tastes.

The Addo Elephant National Park is one of 20 national parks run by South Africa National Parks (SANParks).

OFFICE HOURS

Reception is open from 07h00 to 19h00 daily

GATE OPENING & CLOSING TIMES

The entrance gate is open from 07h00 to 19h00 but is staffed by a security guard between 19h00 and 07h00. Should visitors need to enter or leave before 07h00 or after 19h00, please contact reception to inform staff.
The wildlife viewing area is open between 06h00 - 18h00 in summer and 07h00 - 17h30 in winter. Times vary according to season - please check with reception.
 

Phone Office Hours 09:00 - 17:00
 (042) 296 2563
After Hours Mobile 0722 377 422