If you’ve ever dreamed of getting up close with one of Africa’s most majestic creatures, Addo Elephant National Park is where you need to be. Located in the Eastern Cape, just a short drive from Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha), this reserve is home to over 600 elephants—one of the densest populations on the continent—and offers a variety of immersive ways to experience them. But Addo isn’t just about the elephants. It’s a thriving Big Seven park, meaning it also includes the marine giants: whales and great white sharks. With options ranging from guided game drives to horseback trails and eco-conscious lodges, Addo makes for a soulful, scenic, and slow travel experience that suits both first-timers and seasoned safari-goers.
The classic way to explore Addo is by vehicle, and the park caters well to both self-drive visitors and those who prefer a guided safari. The self-drive option is popular among locals and road-trippers, especially those exploring the Garden Route. The park’s roads are well maintained, and with a bit of patience, you’re likely to spot more than just elephants. Look out for lions lounging in the shade, buffalo grazing along the road, and shy kudu hiding among the spekboom thickets. But if you really want to make the most of your time and learn about the flora, fauna, and park history, a SANParks-guided drive is the way to go. Their rangers are passionate, knowledgeable, and often know just where the action is happening.
For something more adventurous, horseback safaris in Addo’s Zuurberg section offer a completely different perspective. Riding quietly through the bush allows you to experience the park with a heightened sense of calm and connection. You’ll often get closer to plains game like zebra, hartebeest, and eland, and there’s something special about being on the ground—still part of the wilderness, but in a slower, more mindful way. These rides are suitable for various levels of experience, and safety is always a priority. It’s a quiet kind of magic that leaves a lasting impression.
Eco-conscious travellers will be glad to know that Addo is deeply invested in conservation and sustainability. The park’s success story is well known—it was founded in 1931 to protect just 11 elephants, and today it’s a sanctuary for many more species. If you’re staying over, there are several accommodation options that reflect this ethos. Gorah Elephant Camp is a five-star tented lodge inside the park that blends luxury with old-world charm. Think colonial-style furnishings, gourmet meals, and uninterrupted views over the savannah—perfect for watching elephants roam past at dusk. For a more rustic experience, Nyathi Rest Camp offers elevated units with solar power and minimal environmental impact, giving guests a more off-grid but still comfortable stay.
Just outside the main gate, you’ll find a cluster of charming guesthouses and eco-lodges that serve as excellent bases for your Addo adventure. Addo African Home is a good example—a restored farm that now operates as an eco-lodge, complete with an organic garden and a slow-food restaurant that prioritises local ingredients. Their French-South African fusion menu is a delightful surprise in the middle of the bush, with options like kudu steak, homemade breads, and garden-fresh vegetable dishes.
For those who like their adventure paired with wellness, Woodall Country House & Spa offers a boutique-style stay with spa treatments that use indigenous botanicals, private game drives, and a fine-dining restaurant that caters to both meat lovers and vegetarians. You’ll eat like royalty and leave feeling rejuvenated—mind, body, and soul.
While Mhondoro Safari Lodge is located further afield in the Waterberg region, it’s worth mentioning for travellers who might be planning a longer multi-stop trip through South Africa’s wilderness. Mhondoro’s focus on eco-luxury, wellness, and wildlife immersion aligns beautifully with the ethos of Addo and offers a compelling comparison for those who fall in love with the idea of sustainable safaris. Their underground waterhole hide and commitment to low-impact tourism are memorable highlights for travellers looking to tread lightly and travel deeply.
If you’re travelling with kids, Addo is an excellent destination. It’s malaria-free, the roads are easy to navigate, and many lodges cater to families. The park’s picnic spots are well-maintained, and there’s nothing quite like packing a few padkos treats and enjoying a peaceful lunch while watching elephants splash in a nearby dam. Just remember to bring your camera and a pair of binoculars—Addo has an abundance of birdlife, and twitchers will be in their element spotting everything from Secretarybirds to Narina Trogons.
A stop at the Addo Elephant Park Main Camp Restaurant is a must if you’re not staying overnight. Their deck overlooks a waterhole, and you can sip on a cold cider or dig into a hearty breakfast while the wildlife does its thing just a few metres away. For something more local, try Lenmore’s Farm Stall on the outskirts of the park. They do great pies, fresh bakes, and sell local produce like prickly pear jam and biltong that make for great souvenirs or road snacks.
Whether you choose to drive, ride, walk, or simply sit and observe, Addo offers the kind of safari experience that isn’t about ticking animals off a list. It’s about watching an elephant herd interact, understanding the delicate balance of the ecosystem, and letting nature set the pace of your day. It’s an invitation to disconnect from the digital and reconnect with the real.