Before you go

Your trip to Addo.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Addo – Cabo Oriental Destination Gqeberha and Addo

How to get there

Aeroporto Internacional Chief Dawid Stuurman (Gqeberha) (PLZ) Gqeberha · 70 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Gqeberha, the arrival city, it’s about 70 km via the R335—about a one-hour drive to the park’s main gate. Gqeberha Airport (PLZ) is roughly 70 km away. There are day safaris departing from Gqeberha.

How many days

A full day of safari in the park, or an overnight stay to catch the morning and late afternoon when animals tend to move more. With two days you can include the Colchester area or a guided night safari.

When to go

The park is open year-round. Winter, from June to August, is dry, with more open bush and animals at the waterholes. Summer is warmer and greener. The region is malaria-free.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

For a self-drive safari, yes: the park roads are paved and well-maintained gravel, and a standard car can be used. Without a car, there are guided safaris in open vehicles departing from the main camp and from Gqeberha.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Addo

Morning
Morning safari
Enter the park at gate opening and drive the roads in the southern section to the waterholes, where elephants often appear.
Afternoon
Main camp
Have lunch at the main camp and sit in the bird hide facing the waterhole.
Late afternoon
Late-afternoon safari
Return to the roads in the late afternoon when animals leave the bush, and exit before the gate closes.
Evening
Illuminated waterhole
If you stay at the camp, view the waterhole illuminated at night.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How many elephants does Addo National Park have?

Hundreds. The park was established in 1931 with 11 elephants, and the population has grown substantially since then.

Can you do a safari in Addo with your own car?

Yes, the roads are good and a standard car can manage. Stay inside the vehicle, respect speed limits and gate opening hours.

Does Addo have the Big Five?

Yes: elephant, buffalo, lion, rhinoceros and leopard live in the park, but lions and leopards are harder to spot. Elephants tend to appear frequently.

How long is it from Addo to Gqeberha?

About 70 km, roughly a one-hour drive.

Back to Addo