Addo Elephant Park Safari Full-Day Tours from Port Elizabeth

Addo Elephant National Park  Safari Full-DayTour Itinerary

Duration: 8 Hours
Language: English
Guide: Addo Expert
Start Time: Between 8:30 - 9:00 AM (adjustable)

What to Expect: A full day packed with exhilarating wildlife encounters, educational insights from an expert guide, and tranquil moments exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Addo Elephant National Park, and a light lunch and refreshments at the park's resturant. 

1. Pickup and Check-in

Time: 9:00 AM - 9:35 AM

Convenient Pickup: Your adventure begins with a comfortable pickup from your Port Elizabeth accommodation or the harbour.
Scenic Drive: Enjoy the picturesque drive to Addo Elephant National Park, heading to the Mathyolweni Gate.
Effortless Check-in: Your knowledgeable guide will handle the check-in and brief you on the day’s activities.

2. Morning Game Drive

Start Your Safari: Embark on an exciting game drive in an air-conditioned minivan, immersing yourself in the park's diverse environments.
Close Encounters: Spot herds of elephants and a variety of other wildlife such as lions, buffaloes, zebras, and warthogs up close.
Diverse Landscapes: Traverse different habitats, from expansive grassy plains to dense thickets.
Expert Insights: Gain fascinating insights about the park’s ecosystems and animal behaviors from your guide.
Photo Stops: Enjoy stopping for wildlife photos and at scenic viewpoints to capture stunning photos and panoramic views.

3. Lunch Break

Time:  from:12:30 PM - 1:30 PM (adjustable)

Relax and Refuel: Savor a delicious lunch at a park restaurant, featuring a mix of local and international cuisine. (Vegeterian options avaible).
Curio Shopping: Explore the curio store for unique souvenirs and locally crafted items.
Educational Visit: If time allows, visit the Interpretation Centre to learn more about the park’s conservation efforts and the wildlife that inhabit it.

4. Afternoon Game Drive

Original Section Discovery: Continue your safari into the park’s older, wildlife-rich areas.
Scenic Safari: Enjoy the tranquility of the park's landscapes, from rolling hills of the Zuurburg Mountains to riverine forests, while looking for more animals.
Personal Stories: Listen to engaging tales and local lore shared by your guide, adding a personal touch to your safari experience.
Relaxed Exploration: Take in the serene beauty and diverse habitats as you meander through the park.

5. Departure

Reflective Return: Travel back to Port Elizabeth, reflecting on the day's thrilling encounters and beautiful vistas.
Drop-off: Your guide will drop you off at your accommodation or the harbour, concluding your unforgettable safari adventure.

End of Tour

Morning game drive

Embark on a thrilling morning game drive in the comfort of a closed vehicle.
Traverse the park's diverse landscapes with your knowledgeable guide, an Addo expert.
Marvel at the expansive vistas of grassy plains, dense thickets, and ancient forests.
Keep your senses alert to the sounds of nature - the trumpeting of elephants, the roars of lions, and the chirping of birds.

Wildlife Immersion 

Spot majestic African elephants in their natural habitat, one of the park's signature species.
Observe the grandeur of lions, the kings of the savannah, as they go about their daily routines.
Encounter imposing buffaloes, known for their resilience and strength.
Delight in the antics of zebras and warthogs, the playful characters of the park.
Discover a world of avian diversity with a multitude of bird species.
Your closed vehicle offers safety and a clear view of these magnificent animals, providing an immersive wildlife experience.

Guided Insights (Throughout the Day):

Your guide shares in-depth knowledge about the park's flora, fauna, history, and culture.
Learn about the behaviours of the diverse species you encounter, from the gentle giants to the fierce predators.
Understand the conservation efforts dedicated to protecting these animals and their habitats.
Ask questions and engage in lively discussions about Addo's remarkable biodiversity.

Curio Shop and Interpretative Centre:

Enjoy a light lunch and if time allows explore the curio shop at Addo's Main Camp, where you can find unique souvenirs, local crafts, and treasures.

Interpretive Centre:

Visit the Interpretive Centre at Addo's Main Camp.
Delve into the world of nature, from early fossils to prehistoric and modern elephants, animal sounds, insects, and more.
Gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and its intricate ecosystems.
Don't miss the centre's highlights, including the webcam installed at the watering hole for real-time wildlife viewing, which can be accessed here. 

This part of the tour offers not only a chance to relax and enjoy a delicious lunch but also an opportunity to enhance your knowledge of the park's rich ecosystem and history, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching experience during your visit to Addo Elephant National Park.

Afternoon & Final Game Drives:

Afternoon Game Drive: As your adventure continues into the afternoon, you'll explore the northern section of Addo Elephant National Park. This area boasts rolling hills, valleys with extensive grasslands, and dense thickets. The vegetation here is dominated by succulent shrubs, aloes, and spekboom, which provide a habitat for various small animals, including meerkats and tortoises.The northern region is also dotted with numerous waterholes, such as Ngulube and Nyati waterholes, which are known to attract large herds of elephants, antelopes, and other animals. You'll also be able to spot a wide range of bird species, as Addo Elephant National Park is home to over 400 recorded bird species, including the magnificent martial eagle, ostriches, and various water birds like the African fish eagle and the African darter. 

Final Game Drive: Conclude your day with a final game drive, departing from the northern section to exit at the south section, making the most of your wildlife encounters. Capture photographs of the stunning landscapes painted in the hues of the setting sun. Listen to your guide's stories about the park's nocturnal creatures, from elusive leopards to the smaller inhabitants of the dark.

End of the Journey: Exit the park through the South Gate, reflecting on the incredible experiences you've had. Your guide will accompany you back to Port Elizabeth, continuing to share insights, recounting the day's highlights, and addressing any lingering questions.

This day promises a perfect balance of fun, excitement, and education, allowing you to witness the remarkable wildlife and landscapes that define Addo Elephant National Park.