Addo Elephant National Park
All-in-One
This page displays all information relevant to this park/camp, except the following:
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 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. And their Addo has only just begun. with plans to expand the  164 000 ha Addo National Elephant Park into a 360 000 ha mega-park. In addition, plans include the proposed proclamation of a 120 000 ha (296 500 acre) marine reserve that includes islands that are home to the world's largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and second largest breeding population of African penguins.
Vision
Addo Elephant National Park seeks to be fully integrated into the regional landscape, conserves and enhances the characteristic terrestrial and marine biodiversity, ecological processes and cultural, historical and scenic resources representative of the Eastern Cape region for the appreciation, and benefit of present and future generations.
Did you know that ...
- The park conserves no less than five of South Africa's seven biomes?
- Is also home to one of the densest African elephant populations on earth?
- It is home to the unique flightless dung beetle?
- Addo incorporates the largest coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere?
- The park boasts the Big Seven, (elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark)?
- It also protects the world's largest Cape gannet breeding population on Bird Island?
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Accommodation
General Information
- For bookings at Addo Elephant National Park contact Central Reservations. For bookings at Kabouga, contact Park Reception (Tel: 042 2338600).
- Have a look at the park map, as well as information on each camp to locate and check in at the correct place.
- All accommodation is serviced and equipped with crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, bedding, towels and soap. Each accommodation unit has a braai- area outside.
- Check in time for accommodation is 13:00 on the day of arrival. Check out time on the day of departure is 10:00 for accommodation and 12:00 for the campsites.
- Please note that no meals are included in the accommodation rates.
- All our accommodation units do have plug points available with a 220V electricity supply. Visitors will need to provide their own international adaptors or two-point plug adaptors. The caravan and tent sites also each have a 220v electricity supply point.
- Accommodation will be serviced daily between 09:00 and 12:00.
- Sheets will be changed every 2-3 days, and towels will be changed every day. Please do not hesitate to ask our staff for extra soap, towels, blankets, etc.
Accommodation Types
Addo Elephant National Park offers a range of accomodation types. The list below offers a brief description of what the park offers. For more comprehensive information on accommodation types, including photographs of the our facilities and more detail on how units are equipped, please click on the accommodation unit link.
Camps
Addo Rest Camp
The popular main rest camp of the park offers a wide variety of accommodation units to suit all tastes and plenty of activities to keep visitors busy. A unique feature is the waterhole lookout point, floodlit at night, within the camp as well as the underground hide, allowing close encounters with wildlife at the waterhole...
Kabouga
This section of the park is surrounded by rugged moutains and densely fragrant vegetation...
Matyholweni
Matyholweni, which means “in the bush” in Xhosa is located near the coastal town of Colchester at the Sundays River Mouth, 3km off the N2 highway, Matyholweni is easily accessible and provides a second gateway into the Park. Amenities such as shops, restaurants and a fuel station are available in the nearby town...
Narina
For a secluded experience in magical forest, spend some time at Narina Bush Camp at the foot of the Zuurberg Mountains and on the banks of the Wit River...
Woody Cape
Listen for the haunting calls of the rare tree dassie by night and awake to a chorus of birds in flitting through the forest canopy. The Langebos huts are available to hikers on the two-day Alexandria Hiking Trail, as well as those simply wanting an overnight stay in the forest...
Luxury 2Lodges
Who said anything about "roughing it" in the bush when visiting one of our National Parks? "Indulgence" and "comfort" come to mind when viewing the concession lodges and suites that are to be found in a number of SANParks camps and parks. These lodges form part of a suite of products known as SANParks "Golden Kudus", where luxury is the order of the day.
Alternate Options
Should you be unable to get a booking in the park due to high occupancy levels, please have a look at the Greater Addo Route for information on other options.
To view the accommodation prices, refer to Tariffs
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Activities
Guided Game Drives
There are a number of game drive options available:
- Bookings are essential. It is advisable to book drives in advance, particularly in the high season (October to March). Drives can be booked by Telephone: +27 (0)42 233 8621 or e-mail.
- Day, sunset and night drives of approximately 2 hours in duration are on offer.
- Please note that the sunrise, sunset and night drive departure times vary according to season. It's important to check the time when making your booking.
- Drives are conducted by knowledgeable, qualified guides in open-top landrovers or trucks.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before the expected departure time.
- Children under the age of 6 years not allowed on these drives. Children under 12 years pay half price.
- No refunds are given.
Type of drive |
Time of drive |
Min. persons |
Maximum persons | Price per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunrise |
06h00 (summer) 07h00 (winter) |
2 |
74 | R190 |
Morning |
09h00 |
2 |
74 | R190 |
Midday |
12h00 |
2 |
74 | R190 |
Afternoon |
15h00 |
2 |
74 | R190 |
Sundowner |
18h00 (summer) 16h00 (winter) |
2 |
30 | R270 including snacks and drinks |
Night drive |
20h00 (summer) 18h00 (winter) |
2 |
44 | R210 |
Sunrise drive
Departing 06:00 (summer) or 07:00 (winter) - dress warmly and watch the bush come alive for the day. Lions may still be active from the night’s hunting, buffalo may be seen and kudu are plentiful.
Day drives
Departing 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00 – viewing may include herds of elephant, antelope, zebra , warthog and ostrich.
Sunset drive
Departing 16:00 (winter) or 18:00 (summer) – enjoy late afternoon viewing, snacks & drinks as the sun goes down and then some night time viewing – black rhino, buffalo, lions and antelope may be seen.
Night drive
Departing 18:00 (winter) or 20:00 (summer) – dress warmly and discover the secrets of nighttime in the bush: springhares, porcupines, genets
Eyethu Hop-on Guides
Guides can be hired at affordable rates to get on your vehicle and guide you through the game area. These are local community members who have been trained as guides and now run their own small business. Hop-on guides can be booked by E-mail.
Per 2 hour guided drive on your own vehicle
- For a car: R110
- For an 8-seater vehicle (condor): R140
- For a minibus (kombi): R165
- For a bus with 18 or less people: R220
- For a bus with more than 18 people: R330
Note: Fees are payable directly to the guide.
Operating Hours: 08h00 to 17h00
Meet the guides at the main entrance gate of the park or book via addoenquiries@sanparks.org
Self-Drive Game Viewing
Visitors may enjoy wildlife viewing in their own vehicles during the opening hours of the park’s game gate. Opening times change according to season.
In this case, the visitor pays only the conservation fee – per day, or per night for overnight visitors.
Horse Trails (Addo and Zuurberg)
Addo Horse Trails
- The morning ride (08:00) is for less experienced riders and is two hours long. The afternoon ride (14:00) is for experienced riders and is three hours long. Book and pay for horse trails at the Game Drive Office.
- Please report to stables at least 15 minutes before departure.
- All horse trails are conducted by experienced guides on sure-footed, well-trained horses.
- Riding hats are available for visitors’ use.
- No children younger than 16 years may ride on the Addo Trail.
- Addo horse trails depart from main camp to the Nyati area which is home to elephants, buffalo, black rhino, zebra and antelope.
In the Nyathi section of the park – encounters with large game are possible. There are no lions or hyenas in this section.
Type of ride |
Time of ride |
Max. persons |
Min. persons |
Price per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Morning: For less experienced riders |
08:00 (2 hour duration) |
7 |
1 |
R190 |
Afternoon: For experienced riders |
14:00 (3 hour duration) |
7 |
1 |
R250 |
Zuurberg Horse Trails
In the Zuurberg Mountain section of the park - no encounters with large game, beautiful scenic views of the mountains.
- Zuurberg horse trails are suitable for riders of all competencies and wind through fynbos and forest.
- One-, three- and five-hour trails are available.
- One-hour trails depart at 09:00, 11:00 or 14:00.
- Three-hour trails depart at 09:00 or 11:00.
- Five-hour trails depart at 09:00 only.
- An overnight trail to Narina Bush Camp is an option – departure no later than 11:00.
- No children younger than 10 years may ride on the Zuurberg horse trails.
Type of ride |
Time of ride |
Max. persons |
Min. persons |
Price per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
One-hour trail |
09:00 or 11:00 or 14:h00 |
8 |
1 |
R130 |
Three-hour trail |
09:00 or 11:00 |
8 |
1 |
R175 |
Five-hour trail |
09:00 only |
8 |
1 |
R200 |
Overnight trail to Narina Bush Camp |
09:00 or 11:00 |
8 |
2 |
R165 per horse per day |
Please Note:
- No bookings will be taken less than 1 hour before departure time.
- No person exceeding 90 kg in weight will be allowed to ride. Only one rider allowed per horse.
- No children under 10 yrs on the morning ride. No children under 16 years on the afternoon ride.
- For the Overnight Trail, the Narina Bush Camp must be booked with Central Reservations or with Addo Reception. The Rates given above do not include the rate for accommodation.
- All Riders take part in Horse Trails at their own risk. The Addo Elephant National Park will not be held responsible for any injuries or losses.
- Prices are valid from 1 November 2006 until 31 October 2007 and are subject to change without notice.
- Booking in advance is essential
Bookings:
Tel: +27(0)42 - 233 8621
Fax: +27(0)42 - 233 8622
E-mail: addogamedrives@sanparks.org
Alexandria Hiking Trail
The Alexandria Hiking Trail is a 36 km, two-day circular trail. The first day is 19.5 km and the second day, 16.5 km. The Langebos huts are situated at the trail base, providing accommodation for the beginning and/or end of the hike. The Woody Cape hut is situated at the end of the first day’s walk. Hikers must carry their own provisions and equipment and the hike is not guided. The trail is well signposted.
More about the trail
The trail begins in magical coastal forest where ancient yellowwoods and exotic Knysna loeries can be seen, it moves then onto the beach where the stark sandy beach ecosystem and dramatic dune cliffs provide breathtaking scenery. Southern right whales can be seen just off shore in certain months and dolphins are often spotted playing in the waves. Fascinating ancient middens sites, evidence of the strandloper people that wandered these shores can also be seen. On the second day the trail traverses sand dunes in the largest coastal dune field in the Southern Hemisphere, the trail then heads back into coastal forest and then into the Langvlakte valley where a chicory stack can be seen which was built in 1820’s. The trail can accommodate a maximum of 12 persons and a minimum of 3 persons.
The Langebos Huts are the base huts for the trail and it is recommended that hikers stay at the huts the night before leaving for the first day. The two newly built huts are equipped with 6 beds each with mattresses, a fridge, stove, hot water showers, toilets and a braai area.
At the end of the first day walking 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. No fires are allowed at the Woody Cape hut and the hikers must carry their own cookers. Water is only for drinking and cooking as the hut relies 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.
NB: The trail costs (South African Rand) R80 per person per night. Hikers also need to pay the daily conservation (entry) fee.
Bookings for the trail are administered through:
Camp Matyholweni:
Tel: +27 (0)41 468 0916 / 8
Fax: +27 (0)41 468 0949
E-mail: matyholweni@sanparks.org
Trail base office:
Woody Cape office of the Addo Elephant National Park
Tel: +27 (0)46 6530601
Zuurberg Hiking Trails
Various options provide a perfect day outing for park visitors, at no extra cost.
Choose between the Cycad Trail, a one-hour trail – suited for those who want a sedate walk – and the Doringnek Trail, a four-hour trail which takes the visitor to a beautiful natural water pool. The routes are clearly signposted and a map is available at the Zuurberg offices. The Zuurberg offices are located 16 km from the main park entrance along a gravel road. No bookings are necessary.
Tree Dassie Trail
The Tree Dassie Trail is named after the rare tree dassie (hyrax) that lives in the Alexandria forest. This arboreal creature is nocturnal and very shy but its shrill call can be heard at dusk. Many bird species such as the Olive woodpecker, Black headed oriole and Crowned Hornbill can be spotted on the trail, making it ideal for bird watchers. The trail starts at the office and follows the grass roads to Langevlakte where the trail meets up and joins the two-day trail leading back to the office. No bookings are necessary and the trail is free of charge (apart from park entrance fees).
The Alexandria Trail and Tree Dassie Trail start at the Woody Cape offices of the park, near the town of Alexandria. Turn right out of the park entrance towards Paterson. At the Paterson intersection, turn right towards Port Elizabeth. Take the R72 to Port Alfred. Just before entering the town of Alexandria, take the gravel road to right, marked with the park signboard. Follow the signs to the park and find the offices where you can get further assistance.
4x4 Trail
The Bedrogfontein 4 x 4 trail between Kabouga and Darlington areas of the park provides breathtaking views and is rich in history. This route was the scene of fierce battles between the British and Afrikaner troops during the Anglo-Boer war. Rock art paintings are found scattered throughout the area. 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.
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. The route is graded 2-3 but a grade 5 river crossing is an option (river conditions should be checked with the ranger). This 45 km route can be easily traveled within six hours.
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.
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.
Cost: R290 per vehicle plus conservation fees per person.
Kabouga Mvubu Camping (max 4 persons per site)
- R70 for the first 2 persons
- R20 per additional person
Kabouga Cottage (sleeps 6 people)
- R290 for the first 2 persons
- R105 per additional adult
- R55 per additional child under 12
Darlington Dam
4 bed rustic Fishermans Huts
- R220 for 1-4 persons per night
Camping
- R25 per person per night
Darlington Lake Lodge
For more information on tariffs, please contact the lodge on tel: (042) 243 3673 or e-mail: darlington@eastcape.net
Please note: The 4x4 Trail and Accommodation at Kabouga and Darlington Dam can be booked via Addo Main Camp Reception on tel: (042) 233 8619 or e-mail: addoenquiries@sanparks.org
Bird watching
The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide is located opposite the waterhole in the main rest camp,offering watchers a view of red bishops, weavers, herons, coots and terrapins. The main game area boasts a list of 170 bird species, while the expanded park may contain as many as 450 species in a diversity of habitats.
PPC Discovery Trail
The PPC Discovery Trail is a short walk through the valley thicket where you can learn more about the plants and animals of this region. The first loop is suitable for visually-impaired and wheelchair-bound visitors.
A picnic and braai area is situated near the waterhole in the main camp. The waterhole is floodlit at night
Other activities at no extra cost (except for conservation fee payable by all visitors)
- SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide: in the main camp, suitable for wheelchair-users
- Floodlit waterhole: at main camp
- Picnic and braai site: at main camp
- Swimming pool: at main camp, only for overnight guests
- Restaurant and curio shop: at main camp
- Holiday programmes for children: during July and December holidays, for children of overnight visitors
- View photos of Addo Elephant 100 Miler Trail Run
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Facilities
The following facilities are available at the main rest camp:
-
A fuel station selling petrol and diesel is available between 07:00 and 17:00.
-
A shop selling curios, snacks and basic supplies is open between 08:00 and 18:00 (Please note: times vary according to season, please check with park staff).
-
An al-la-carte restaurant is available in the main camp and is open for all meals from 07:00 to 22:00. Bookings are advisable, especially for dinner. Telephone: +27 (0)42 233 8674..
-
A swimming pool is available for overnight visitors.
-
A picnic and braai area is available for day visitors.
-
The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide
-
The PPC Discovery Trail is accessible to all, including the visually and mobility-impaired.
-
There is a public telephone and a post box near the reception. Post is collected for delivery every week day morning at 09:00. A post office is situated in the town of Addo, approximately 15 km from the park.
-
Credit cards are accepted for payment of accommodation, activities (except for the Alexandria Hiking trail and the Zuurberg horse trails), shop purchases and restaurant meals.
-
A First National Bank with ATM is situated in the town of Addo, 15 km from the park. Other banking facilities are located in the town of Kirkwood, 35 km from the park and Port Elizabeth, 75 km from the park.
-
A la Carte restaurant and curio shop available.
-
New!! Underground wildlife viewing hide
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Natural and Cultural History
In the early centuries, when great herds of wild animals roamed the Addo region, the Khoesan of the Iqua, Damasqua and Gonaqua clans lived in the area. They hunted and kept cattle but tragically were largely wiped out in the 1700s by the smallpox epidemic. Nomadic Xhosa tribes had kraals in the area, including Chief Cungwa of the Gqunukhwebe (near the Sundays River mouth and inland) and Chief Habana of the Dange (near the Wit River).
The Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) was proclaimed in 1931 to protect the remaining 11 Addo elephants. The great herds of elephants and other animal species had been all but decimated over the 1700s and 1800s by hunters. In the late 1800s, farmers began to colonise the area around the park, also taking their toll on the elephant population due to competition for water and crops.
This conflict reached a head in 1919 when farmers called on the government to exterminate the elephants. The government even appointed a Major Pretorius to shoot the remaining elephants. He shot 114 elephants between 1919 and 1920.
Public opinion then changed, leading to the proclamation of the park in 1931. The original size of the park was just over 2 000 hectares. Conflicts between elephants and farmers continued after proclamation as no adequate fence enclosed the park. Finally in 1954, Graham Armstrong (the park manager at the time) developed an elephant-proof fence constructed using tram rails and lift cables and an area of 2270 hectares was fenced in. There were 22 elephants at the time. This Armstrong fence, named after its developer, is still used around the park today. Although the park was originally proclaimed to protect a single species, priorities have now changed to conserve the rich biological diversity found in the area.
Domkrag
The Domkrag Dam in the game viewing section of the park is name after a giant mountain tortoise that once roamed the park. Domkrag is the Afrikaans word for jack, and this tortoise had a peculiar habit of walking in behind cars and lifting them up with enormous strength. Domkrag came to a sad end when he fell into an aardvark hole and couldn't get himself out. His shell is still on display in the reception foyer.
Hapoor
The magnificent Elephant head which is mounted in the restaurant is that of Hapoor, the legendary dominant bull in the park for 24 years. The waterhole in the southwestern section of the game area is named after him. Hap means 'nick' in Afrikaans, while 'oor' means ear and it is believed the distinctive nick in his ear was caused by a hunter's bullet. Hapoor retained a deep hatred of humans throughout his life. On more than one occasion park-staff were forced to flee to safety when Hapoor made his appearance. His dominance stretched from 1944 to 1968. During the second part of the 1960's a few younger bulls reached maturity and challenged Hapoor. These upstarts were unsuccessful until one bull name Lanky finally deposed Hapoor in 1968. Hapoor was driven from the heard and became a loner. Later that year he succeeded in climbing the park's 'Armstrong Fence', which for nearly 20 years had been elephant proof. His freedom was to be short lived as because of his aggressive nature, it was determined he would have to be shot.
The Alexandria dunefield is home to many archeological sites – the middens of the nomadic Strandloper (“beach walker”) people. These middens contain shells and bones of animals eaten by the people as well as fragments of pottery and stone implements. Interestingly, the white mussel shells found in these middens are also found in the caves of the Zuurberg Mountains, proving that these people journeyed over vast distances and stored their food.
The caves in the Zuurberg Mountains also contain rock art and stone implements.
The natural and cultural heritage of the park has been studied by the Albany Museum, recording hundreds of sites of significance. Part of the current Greater Addo World Bank project will be to formulate a policy on conservation of these sites and access to them by interested parties, especially local communities.
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How to get there
Opening and Closing times for Gates:
The following gates have approximate opening times.
NB: Times may vary according to sunrise and sunset. Kindly check times on arrival at the Park.
Main Entrance Gate |
07:00 - 19:00 |
Matyholweni Gate |
07:00 - 16:00 |
Main Game Area Gate |
|
November - March |
06:00 - 18:30 |
April - May |
06:30 - 18:00 |
June - August |
07:00 - 17:30 |
September - October |
06:30 - 18:00 |
Southern Gate (Addo Heights Gate) |
|
November - March |
06:00 -18:00 |
April - May |
06:30 - 17:30 |
June - August |
06:30 - 17:00 |
September - October |
06:30 - 17:30 |
How to get there
Many visitors to Addo are self-drive visitors as this allows them the freedom to explore the Park at their own leisure. If travelling from further afield, it may be advisable to fly to the Port Elizabeth Airport and then hire a vehicle.
GPS Coordinates
Click here for all your GPS coordinates ranging from camp sites, entrance gates to turn-off points.
Air
• The nearest domestic airport is in Port Elizabeth, 75 km from the park. A number of hire car agencies have depots at the airport.
• International airports are situated at Johannesburg and Cape Town, with connecting flights to Port Elizabeth available.
Car Hire and Coaches
Cars can be hired from various agencies at the airport in Port Elizabeth or from all major towns in South Africa. Please see contact details on the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Website.
A number of coach operators have organized tours to the park. Please see contact details on the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Website.
There are tours and shuttles that run from PE to Addo Elephant National Park.
You can also try one of the following:
Ezethu Tours - Tel: 041 463 3698 or 083 4938741
Friendly City Tours - Tel: 041 5851801
Bietjie Rus - Tel: 082 7060965
Imperial Chaffeur Drive - Tel: 041 5814214 or 083 3867204
Bay Tourism - Tel: 041 5840622
Inner City Taxi's - Tel: 082 2113874
King Cab - Tel: 041 3685559
Johan Gerber - Tel: 072 2214106
Sorita Spies - Tel: 082 7060965 or 042 234 0336
(Remember to add international dialing code prefixes if you are phoning from overseas).
Internal Road Network
The entrance road and some of the tourist loops in the Park are tarred. Other tourist roads within the Park are of a good gravel standard. All tourist roads are accessible to normal sedan cars. A 4x4 vehicle is only necessary if visitors would like to take the 4x4 route within the Park (see Activities).
Vehicle Restrictions
Buses may access most of the tourist roads within the Park except for the southern access road from Matyholweni to where it joins the road network near Hapoor waterhole and the second part of the Gorah Loop. Turnaround points for buses are provided at these places.
The speed limit on the roads is 40 km/h but a speed of 20-30 km/h is advised for maximum game viewing enjoyment.
There is a height restriction for vehicles on the entrance road to Addo Main Camp of 4.42 metres.
Directions and Distances
Directions from Port Elizabeth (PE) to Addo Main Camp
There are 3 alternatives:
1) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown. Take the turnoff to the left signposted “Motherwell” and “Addo Elephant National Park”. Turn left at the top of the off-ramp and proceed through Motherwell. Follow this road until you see the entrance to the park on the right. Distance: about 72 km or one hour travelling time.
2) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown and carry straight on until the N2 splits off to the left from the N10. Carry straight on, following the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted “Addo Elephant National Park”. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the park on your left. Distance: about 120 km or one hour, 15 minutes travelling time.
3) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown, pass Coega harbour on your right. Cross the Sundays River bridge. Turn off to your left at the sign that says “Camp Matyholweni”. Follow this road for about 3 km until you enter Matyholweni Gate at Camp Matyholweni. Follow the southern access road inside the Park until you get to Addo Main Camp. You will cross over a gravel public road. Distance: about 40 km from PE to Matyholweni and then 36 km through the Park (which takes about one and a half hours at the 40km/h speed limit). NB: this route is not accessible to caravans and buses.
Directions from Grahamstown
Take the N2 towards Port Elizabeth. Follow this road until you see the turnoff to the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take this turnoff and carry straight on, following the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted “Addo Elephant National Park”. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the park on your left. The journey covers about 90 km and will take about 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Directions from Cape Town
Take the N2 towards Port Elizabeth and then follow the directions given above. Note: travelling time from Cape Town to the Park by vehicle is approximately 9 hours.
Directions from Johannesburg
Take the N1 towards Colesburg. At Colesburg, take the N10 towards Cradock and Paterson. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted “Addo Elephant National Park”. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the park on your left. Note: travelling time from Johannesburg to the Park by vehicle is approximately 12-14 hours.
Directions within the Park
Directions from Addo Main Camp to Zuurberg (for horse and hiking trails)
Exit the Main Camp and turn left. About 1 km down the road, turn off towards Zuurberg Mountain Inn. Follow this gravel road (the Zuurberg Pass) for about 15km. Please take care when driving on the Zuurberg Pass as the road is fairly narrow and winding. You will see the Zuurberg Inn/Hotel on your right and the turnoff to the Park offices on your left. Follow this narrow gravel road until you reach the Park offices where you park your vehicle. The trip will take about 30 minutes.
Directions from Addo Main Camp to Narina Bush Camp
Exit the Main Camp and turn left. About 1 km down the road, turn off towards Zuurberg Mountain Inn. Take the first turn to your left, signposted Enon/Slagboom. Follow this road and then take the turn to your right, signposted Slagboom. Follow the road and pass the turnoff to Slagboom police training camp. Carry on along the gravel road, passing through a number of open gates, until you see the turnoff into Narina Bush Camp on your right. Leave your vehicle at this parking lot and walk about 500 metres to the camp across a river bridge and through the forest. This trip is about 27 km and will take about 45 minutes.
Directions from Addo Main Camp to Kabouga
Exit the Main Camp and turn left. Follow the R335 towards the town of Addo. Turn off onto the R336 towards Kirkwood. Follow this road until you reach the town of Kirkwood at a four-way intersection. Carry on straight through the intersection (you would turn left for the Main Street of Kirkwood) and travel over a small bridge. Turn right after the bridge and follow the road, which becomes gravel past a township until you see the turnoff into Kabouga (Park signage) on your left. Follow this road until you get to a boom gate at the ranger’s station where you enter the Park’s property. The trip will take about one hour.
Directions from Addo Main Camp to Woody Cape
Exit the Main Camp and turn right. Follow the R342 to the Paterson intersection with the N10. Turn right onto the N10 and follow this road until the R72 turnoff on your left. Follow the signs towards Port Alfred and Alexandria. You will see the turnoff to Woody Cape just before you enter the town of Alexandria. Just before the town of Alexandria, take a gravel road to the right and follow signposts for Woody Cape Section. You will see the entrance to the Park offices on your right. The trip will take about one hour, 15 minutes and covers about 105 km.
Distances
Note: all distances are approximate.
Port Elizabeth to Addo Main Camp 72 km
Main Camp to Paterson 22 km
Main Camp to Kabouga 45 km
Main Camp to Narina 27 km
Main Camp to Woody Cape office 105 km
Main Camp to Matyholweni 39 km
Main Camp to Zuurberg office 17 km
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Park Map
Click on images to view enlarged maps.
Main Camp
Camp Matyholweni
Brochure Map
Full Addo Map (PDF format):
4x4 Trail Map:
Addo Main Game Area Tourist Road Map
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Tariffs
-
2008/2009 Tariffs (word document or pdf document)
Members of SANParks’ loyalty programme WILD do not pay conservation fees provided that proof of Identity and their WILD card are shown on arrival.
Daily Conservation Fees for 1 November 2008 to 31 August 2009 | |
|---|---|
South African Citizens and Residents (with ID): |
R25 per person, per day |
SADC Nationals (with passport): |
R55 per person, per day |
Standard Conservation Fee (Foreign Visitors): |
R110 per adult, per day |
Wild Card: Year Permits available for all our guests |
|
Tariffs for 1 November 2008 to 31 August 2009 |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Unit type |
No. of units |
Rate |
Base |
Max. beds |
Add. Adult |
Add. Child |
Addo Main Rest Camp |
||||||
20 |
R130 |
1–2 |
6 people per site |
R42 |
R21 |
|
| 10 |
R130 |
1–2 |
4 people per site |
R42 |
R21 |
|
| 10 |
R425 |
1-2 |
4 single beds |
R124 |
R62 |
|
| 5 |
R325 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
| 6 |
R700 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
| 1 |
R500 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
| 20 |
R700 |
1-2 |
2 single beds and 1 double sleeper couch |
R124 |
R62 |
|
Chalet CH2/4Z (unit accessbile to the mobility challenged) |
2 |
R700 |
1-2 |
2 single beds and 1 double sleeper couch |
R124 |
R62 |
| 6 |
R700 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
| 10 |
R700 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Cottage CO2Z (unit accessbile to the mobility challenged) |
3 |
R700 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
| 1 |
R850 |
1-4 |
1 double and 2 single beds and 1 double sleeper couch |
n/a |
R62 |
|
| 1 |
R2 000 |
1-4 |
6 single beds |
R216 |
R108 |
|
| 1 |
R2 000 |
1-4 |
6 single beds |
R216 |
R108 |
|
Matholweni Rest Camp |
||||||
| 7 |
R655 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
|
Cottage CO2Z (accessible to the mobility challenged) |
2 |
R655 |
1-2 |
2 single beds |
n/a |
n/a |
3 |
R655 |
1-2 |
2 single beds and 1 single sleeper couch |
R124 |
R62 |
|
Narina Rusic Bush Camp |
||||||
Bush Camp in Zuurburg Section BCT4 (communal facilties, check in at Addo Main Camp) |
1 |
R685 |
1-4 |
4 tents each with 2 single beds |
R124 |
R62 |
Kabouga and DarlingtonEnquiries should be directed to the park This accommodation is associated with the Addo 4x4 Trail |
||||||
Kabouga Mvubu Camping |
|
R70 |
1-2 |
max 4 persons per site |
R20 |
R20 |
Kabouga Cottage |
|
R290 |
1-2 |
sleeps 6 people |
R105 |
R55 |
Darlington Dam |
||||||
4 bed rustic Fishermans Hut |
|
R220 |
1-4 |
sleeps 4 people |
n/a |
n/a |
Camping |
|
R25 |
1 |
|
R25 |
R25 |
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Tips and Hints
- Swimming pool for overnight guests only
- Hot days at waterholes are best for elephant viewing.
- Black rhino are most often sighted in the early evening.
- Lions and spotted hyenas are most often seen in the early morning or evening to night time.
- Pets are not allowed in national parks.
- Firearms are to be declared at reception where they will be sealed. The seal will be broken upon departure.
- No citrus fruits may be taken into the wildlife viewing area.
- What visitors need to take (preparation for the trip)
- Bring along binoculars, camera, walking shoes and wildlife reference books.
- Please note that guests need to provide their own tents and caravans for the camp and caravan sites, as well as their own vehicle for the 4x4 trail.
- Road maps of tourist routes within the park are available at the reception area. Various information sheets are available at reception.
- For summer (September – March), cool comfortable clothing is recommended along with sunhats and sun protection cream.
- For winter and autumn (April – August), warm clothing is recommended for the night times.
- Insect repellant is recommended, especially in summer.
- No immunizations are needed for travel to this park. The park is situated in a malaria-free area.
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Vital Information
Climate
The climate is temperate to hot and temperatures in summer (November to February) may reach over 40 degrees Celsius. Winter days are mild but cold at night with frost occurring at times. The average annual rainfall is 450 millimetres and is spread throughout the year, although peaks do often occur in March/April and September/October. Read more
Day visitors
No booking is required for a day visit, unless the visitor wants to partake in organised activities.
Day visitors can make use of a wide variety of activities, including wildlife viewing from their own vehicle, guided game drives, horse rides, hiking trails, bird hide, the PPC Discovery Trail, picnic and braai site, shop and restaurant.
Please note that the swimming pool is for overnight visitors only.
Day trips can be made to the outlying sections of the park - the Zuurberg Mountains, the Darlington Dam and the coastal section.
Office and Gate hours
Main Camp Reception is open from 07:00 to 19:00 daily
Main gate: Open 07:00 Close: 19:00
Gate Times
Main Game Area Gate
1 Sept to 31 May: 06h00 to 18h00
1 June to 31 August: 06h30 to 17h30
Addo Heights Gate
1 Sept to 31 May: 06h00 to 17h30
1 June to 31 August: 06h30 to 17h00
The gates are staffed by security guards after closing time. Visitors with accommodation bookings can still enter and exit the gate after closing times provided they inform reception of this.
• The entrance gate is open from 07:00 to 19:00 but is staffed by a security guard between 19:00 and 07:00.
• Should visitors need to enter or leave before 07:00 or after 19:00, please contact reception to inform staff.
The wildlife viewing area is open between 06:00 – 18:00 in summer and 07:00 – 17:30 in winter.
Check-in and check-out times
- Check in time is 13:00 for all accommodation.
- Check out time is 10:00 for all accommodation. Check out time for campsites is 12:00.
Emergencies
For emergencies within the park, contact Reception during office hours (07h00 - 19h00) on +27(0)42 2338600.
Contact the Hospitality Manager after hours on +27 (0)42 2338674
The nearest hospital and doctor are in Kirkwood, 35 km from the park.
Hospital Tel (after hours): +27 (0)42 230 0406
Doctor Tel (office hours): + 27 (0)42 230 1082.
The nearest private hospital is in Port Elizabeth, 75 km from the park
Greenacres hospital Tel: +27 (0)41 390 7000.
The nearest police station is in Addo, 15 km from the park
Tel: +27 (0)42 2330314.
Internal Road Network
Two loops of the tourist roads in the park are tarred while the others are graveled. The gravel roads are in good condition and can be accessed with a normal vehicle, but may be closed in very wet weather. The main entrance road into the park is tarred.
A new access road into the park is due to be opened in late 2005. This road will feed off the N2 highway near Colchester, travel through the new southern block of the park and join up with the existing tourist roads in the park.
Vehicle Restrictions
Roads in the park are suitable for all vehicles. Open-top game viewer vehicles are only allowed by special permission of the Park Manager.
While travelling in the wildlife area, visitors must remain inside the vehicle at all times, except at the designated lookout points, where visitors exit their vehicle at their own risk.
Lost and found
For lost items, please contact Reception by telephone: +27 (0)42 233 8600 or E-mail us.
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Scientific Services
Although the park was originally proclaimed to protect the one species - the elephant - conservation priorities changes over the years. In the 1980s, the conservation of five elements took priority: the elephant, the black rhino, the buffalo, the flightless dung beetle and the thicket vegetation. These days a more wholistic approach of conserving biodiversity is the aim. "The mission of the Addo Elephant National Park is to conserve the faunal and floral assemblages and ecological processes that characterise the unique Eastern Cape region, and to actively present this for the appreciation by visitors.
The Conservation Services Office in Port Elizabeth has two divisions:-
The Park Planning Division, is staffed with a Head of Park Planning responsible for land consolidation and development of parks nationally, a Coordinator for Park Planning and Development of the Greater Addo project and Garden Route Initiative, a Marine Coordinator for the Greaetr Addo MPA, an Administration & Finance officer Finances and the Project Management Unit responsible for implementation of Greater Addo World Bank project.
-
Scientific Services is part of the Arid Ecosystems Research Unit (AERU) and is staffed by an Animal Ecologist responsible for the large mammal monitoring and research, a Rehabilitation Ecologist who is assessing habitat threats and rehabilitation requirements and a Landscape Ecologist who interested in spatial processes linking biological and physical aspects across landscapes. AERU as a unit is reponsible for providing the scientific input into park managment through research, monitoring and planning processes. The unit focuses their attention on the following parks; Addo Elephant, Mountain Zebra, Karoo, Namaqua, |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld, Augrabies Falls, Kgalagadi, Vaalbos, Golden Gate and shares responsibility with the Scientific Services teams of Rondevlei and Skukuza for the inputs into Tankwa Karoo, Bontebok, Table Mountain, Agulhas, Marakele and Mapungubwe. AERU has assigned principle scientists to each park responsible for coordinating the ongoing research and monitoring activities both from within SANParks as well as from outside institutions.
Please see here to find out how Scientific Services is staffed.
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Birding in Addo Elephant National Park
Greater Addo's birding opportunity covers excellent habitat contrast between dense thickets of Spekboom interspersed with open grassy areas and wooded kloofs (particularly in the Zuurberg region). And now that the park has expanded to include areas of Nama-Karoo, coastal dune-fields, coastal islands and the Alexandria Forest , a variety of other habitats swell the birding potential of the park.
In and around the Addo rest camp Karoo and Cape Robin , Bokmakierie, Southern Boubou, Southern Tchagra and Cape Bunting are prominent, with Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Fiscal Flycatcher, Fork-tailed Drongo, Malachite and Greater Double-collared Sunbird also easily found. A trip into the game viewing area will not produce a plethora of birds, but Bokmakierie will once more be prominent, and Martial Eagle, Southern Black Korhaan and Secretarybird may well be seen.
In the wooded kloofs of the Zuurberg, Crowned Eagles breed. Forest species typical of the Eastern Cape , such as Olive Bush Shrike, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler and Cape Batis can also be searched for.
Alexandria Forest has many forest species, such as Knysna Turaco, Black Cuckoo (summer only), Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Chorister Robin and the special of the location, Cape Parrot .
The coastal grasslands south of Alexandria Forest are home to exciting species such as Denham’s Bustard (with impressive displaying during summer) and Black-winged Plover.
The coastal islands have impressive breeding colonies of Cape Gannet and African Penguin.
The Karoo vegetation around Darlington Lake is home to many Karoo endemics such as Pririt Batis, Rufous-eared Warbler and Karoo Chat.
(Compiled by Chris Patton)
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Mammals
This park offers some of the most spectacular elephant viewing in the world. Addo’s over 450 elephants will delight visitors with their antics.
The park contributes to the conservation of the endangered black rhino with over 48 of these animals occurring here.
The over 400 Cape buffalo are now being seen more often during the day due to the influence of lion reintroduction. This is one of the largest disease-free herds in South Africa.
Six lions were introduced into the park in late 2003 and have adapted well to their new environment. Lions are most often seen in the early morning or on sunset and night drives.
Spotted hyenas were also reintroduced in 2003, fulfilling the same role as lions in restoring the natural balance to the ecosystems in the park by controlling the numbers of herbivores.
Leopard are very seldom seen, being shy and secretive animals, but do occur in most areas of the expanded park.
Antelope species abundant in the main game area of the park include red hartebeest, eland, kudu and bushbuck.
The Burchell’s zebra, many with the pale rumps reminiscent of the extinct qwagga, occur in the park.
Warthogs are abundant.
The rare flightless dung beetle is king of the road in Addo, with signs warning visitor that this recycling machine has right of way. The beetles are only seen when conditions are not too hot and not too cold and play an important role in recycling nutrients and helping the growth of thicket vegetation.
The outlying areas of the park have very different animals on offer:
- Zuurberg mountain range is home to the Cape mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck, baboons, blue duiker, aardwolf and red rock rabbit.
- Hippos are found in the Sundays River which flows at the base of these mountains. Endemics such as the red fin minnow and yellowfish are found in the tributaries of the river.
Gemsbok, black wildebeest, springbok, buffalo and black rhino are found in the arid nama-karoo around the Darlington Dam area. Once this area has been consolidated, cheetah and wild dog will be introduced.
The coastal forest is home to bushbuck, bushpig, brown hyena and the rare tree dassie.
Click here for full species list
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Vegetation
Addo's vegetation is remarkable because in a relatively small area, five of South Africa's biomes are found. (Much larger parks such as Kruger National have only one biome). Biomes can be defined as the major communities of the world, classified according to their predominant vegetation and characterised by adaptations of organisms to that particular environment. Biomes are characterised by a similar association of species, comparable climates, and consistent soil types.
The original Addo-Elephant area is mainly covered by subtropical thicket (also known as valley bushveld), characterized by impenetrable Spekboom. It was this vegetation that protected the last remaining elephant and buffalo from being wiped out by hunters.
The Zuurberg Mountains harbour deep wooded kloofs and streams. In the exposed higher altitude areas, grassland and fynbos are found. Moving inland over the mountains the area around Darlington Lake turns to succulent Karoo-type (arid semi-desert) vegetation known as Noorsveld. On the seaward side of the original elephant section the Woody Cape section contains a remarkable display of coastal dune-fields and coastal grassy plains. Moving east the Alexandria Forest is an excellent example of pristine temperate forest.
Biomes
The Addo Elephant National Park stretches from Woody Cape (between Bushman's River mouth in the east and Sundays River mouth in the west) in the south, moving northwards across the area originally known as Olifantsplaat and Vetmaakvlakte, across the original elephant enclosure, across to the Nyathi Concession area, encompassing a large part of the Zuurberg mountain range, moving westwards, and then northwards across the Zuurberg to the Darlington Dam area up to the R400 (between Jansenville and Paterson).
The park encompasses five of South Africa's seven biomes: - Forest (Alexandria forest) in the Woody Cape area, - Subtropical Thicket in the original Addo section (also in the Kabouga, Colchester, Nyathi sections), - Grassland in the Zuurberg section, - Fynbos in the Zuurberg section, - Nama Karoo in the Darlington section. Subtropical Thicket is the largest biome in the AENP, covering 69% of the area.
Download Map
Forest covers 10% of the area. Nama Karoo covers 7% of the area. Fynbos and Grassland each cover 5% of the area. (The remaining area is covered by the dunefield). In these 5 biomes, 43 distinct land classes have been mapped. 29 of the 43 land classes (67%) have been identified as experiencing a high level of threat. (Potential threats include grazing, agriculture, alien plant infestation, mining and human settlement disturbances).
Biomes can be defined as the major communities of the world, classified according to their predominant vegetation and characterised by adaptations of organisms to that particular environment. Ecosystems are communities of organisms that inhabit specific physical environments. Biomes are composed of several ecosystems and represent a regional community of organisms named after the dominant vegetation. Ecologists do not always agree on the exact number of ecosystems and biomes, as the number will vary depending upon how the biomes are defined, for instance: according to species or according to the particular climate characteristics that are considered.
South Africa is characterised by a wide diversity of plant life and is ranked as the third most biologically diverse country in the world (mainly due to the richness of plant life). Over 18 000 species of vascular plants occur in South Africa, of which over 80% occur nowhere else. This diversity is caused by variations in climate, geology, soils and landscape forms. However, South Africa also has the highest concentration of threatened plant groups in the world. Approximately 3 435 of South African plant groups are considered to be globally threatened by extinction. A further 204 groups are estimated to be threatened at a local level. BIOME % Biome of Total AENP area* % Biome in AENP
| BIOME | % Biome of Total AENP area* |
% Biome in AENP Planning Domain |
% Biome conserved nationally |
| Forest | 10 | 3.93 | 17.89 |
| Fynbos | 5 | 0.48 | 11.86 |
| Grassland | 5 | 0.01 | 2.24 |
| Nama Karoo | 7 | 0.28 | 0.57 |
| Subtropical Thicket | 69 | 8.73 | 4.52 |
Subtropical Thicket:
was formerly classified as a type of savanna but has since been classified as a separate biome. The large diversity of animals is associated with the rich plant diversity.-Contains 112 different vegetation types and comprised of 1558 plant species. 322 of these species (20%) are endemic and found nowhere else.
- Subtropical Thicket covers an area of 48 000km2 stretching from Riversdale in the Western Cape to the Kei River in the Eastern Cape.
- Each vegetation type contains unique plant species.
Dune Thicket:
occurs along the coastal strip in a narrow band. Thicket occurs in the higher rainfall areas and woody species are dominant, grasses are present and there are less succulents.Valley Thicket:
is found in valleys with a high woody component and more succulents.Arid Thicket:
is found in the interior with succulents being dominant and a small woody component.- Adapted to withstand the valley's temperature variations from 7 °C to over 40 °C and unpredictable rainfall (varies between 200mm - 600mm) occurring at any time of the year.
- Few grasses and few large trees. Vegetation varied in height, most shrubs up to 3-4 metres. Taller plants are euphorbias and aloes. Understorey of dwarf succulents and bulbous plants.
- Adaptations to survive severe environmental conditions include:
- Leaves small/absent/leathery/unpalatable.
- Water stored in succulent stems/leaves.
- Thorns and/or poisonous/bitter sap for protection from browsers.
- Ability to tolerate disturbance by trampling animals - drop, reroot quickly and form new plants.
- Underground storage organs which sprout quickly after rains e.g. bulbs, corms, rootstock.
- Flowering not restricted to specific season but after good rains.
- Pollinated by birds and most fruit dispersed by birds.
- Mosaics of vegetation are created in thicket by geological processes, grazing by megaherbivores and by fire.
- 48 species of medium to large mammals occur in this biome (26 herbivores, 16 carnivores, 4 omnivores and 2 insectivores).
- Little is known about the insect species associated with Subtropical Thicket but for every one plant species, there are between 8 and 35 organisms dependent on this species.
- Thicket is crucial in maintaining life support systems. It holds soil well and it keeps rivers clean by holding the very fine soil found on steep river banks. This is important in riverine and estuarine ecosystems.
- - Lichens and mosses play an important role in this biome, providing good ground cover and breaking the energy of raindrops, allowing them to penetrate the soil effectively.
- - Many thicket species have great horticultural potential. Some have already been widely exploited e.g. the strelitzia - a symbol on SA coins, hailed as the emblem of Las Vegas (while actually endemic to SA!); pelargoniums from which all hybrids are descended are widely exploited in European countries (but originally from SA).
- - The Subtropical Thicket biome faces extreme threat from overgrazing, bushclearing for agriculture and inadequate representation in reserves.
(Reference: Stone R., Malan, C & Loedolff, J. 2000. Valley Thicket pamphlet. Botanical Society of South Africa)
Grassland
Grassland is defined as those areas where grasses dominate the vegetation and where woody plants are absent or rare. They occupy 24,1% of the country's surface area. Most grassland occurs in high-rainfall areas, where thunderstorms and hail are common in summer and frost is common in winter. The grassland biome is regarded as the third-richest area in terms of plant species diversity, with a total number of 3 788 species. The most noteworthy species with a wide distribution is rooigras (Themeda triandra).
Fynbos
Fynbos occupies 5,3 % of South Africa with its complement of at least 8 578 species of flowering plants. It is recognised supporting one of the most diverse and distinctive floras in the world. All in all, 5 832 or 68 % of the plant species are endemic. Many of the fynbos plant species are restricted to extremely small distribution ranges, a fact which has rendered them dangerously susceptible to extinction. Fynbos consists of evergreen heathlands and shrublands in which fine-leafed low shrubs and leafless tufted grasslike plants are typical. Proteas, ericas and restios are typical components of fynbos. Trees are rare and grasses comprise a relatively small part of the biomass. The floristic diversity of the fynbos is not paralleled by an equally rich fauna due to the absence of grass and berry-producing plants. Fire is a very important component in fynbos. Most fynbos is highly flammable due to the common presence of flammable oils. Finely wooded fynbos plants are obligate seeders, which means that the whole plant dies after fire and can only reproduce through seed. This distinguishes fynbos from the other ecosystems where fire is common. Many plant species are dependent for pollination on small mammals or birds such as the Cape sugarbird (Promerops cafer).
Both Grassland and Fynbos are fire-dependent and fire-adapted. Research has shown that isolated patches of fire-prone vegetation can lose up to 75% of their species when fires are prevented from spreading to them for long periods. This has implications on management actions since both Fynbos and Grassland in the AENP are surrounded by relatively non-flammable Subtropical Thicket, Forest and Nama Karoo.
Nama-Karoo
The Nama-Karoo covers most of the vast central plateau region of the Western and Northern Cape Provinces. The area forms an ecotone or transition between the Cape flora to the south, and the tropical savanna in the north. Many of the plant species of the Nama-Karoo also occur in the savanna, grassland, succulent Karoo and fynbos biomes. Species that occur in the Nama-Karoo include the sweet-thorn (Acacia karroo), stone plant (Lithops ruschiorum) and blue Karoo daisy (Felicia australis). A rich variety of rodents and reptiles occur in the Nama-Karoo.
Forest
The forests of South Africa include the indigenous evergreen and semi-deciduous closed forests of the coastal lowlands and escarpment slopes and cover only about 0.25% of the land area. With a few exceptions such as the forests of the Knysna area and the KwaZulu-Natal coastal dune systems, forests are small, usually occupying less than 1 000 ha. These forests amount to little more than patches scattered through the higher rainfall areas. The total area of forests in South Africa is probably less than 2 000 km². The forest structure results in reduced light levels in the area beneath the canopy where species such as tree ferns are common. Typical mammals include the bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and bush pig (Potamochoerus porcus) and typical birds include the Knysna lourie (Tauraco corythaix). Despite the small land surface area that they occupy, forests have relatively high species richness. Only fynbos exceeds the species richness found in forests.
Alexandria forest (Acocks Veld Type No. 2) or Indian Ocean forest can be distinguished from other forest types by the relatively low percentage of shade-loving trees in the species composition, and is thus phytogeographically distinct from forests in other regions. This veld type is highly threatened with only about 5 % of the original extent of the veld type presently conserved under formal conservation. Woody Cape Nature Reserve represents more than 90% of the Alexandria forest veld type conserved. The Alexandria forest receives the highest rainfall in the AENP, about 600-700 mm per year.
Afro-montane forest
is found in the ravines and valleys in several sections of the park
Wetlands
The term "wetlands" groups together a wide range of inland and coastal habitats - from mountain sponges and midland marshes to swamp forests and estuaries - linked by rivers and streams. These wetlands share common and important functions in river catchments by providing a regular water supply, by filtering the water naturally, by reducing the effects of floods and droughts, and by providing a vital wildlife habitat and superb recreational areas for people.
Most wetlands are characterised by a high water table, water-carrying soil and hydrophytes (water-loving plants), but in semi-arid Southern Africa there are numerous pans that support few if any hydrophytes and that may contain shallow water only once in five or more years.
Wetlands play an important role in maintaining biodiversity since they support an extraordinary variety of plant and birdlife e.g. the red bishop (Euplectes orix), the South African shelduck (Tadorna cana), insects, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, e.g. the striped stream frog (Strongylopus fasciatus), fish and invertebrate species. Wetland plants such as the bulrush (Typha capensis), play an important role in the healthy functioning of a wetland ecosystem by generating organic matter, the primary element for any foodweb. They also provide the soil and water with oxygen, prevent erosion and serve as a filter that purifies the water. These plants provide food, shelter and breeding sites for many birds and aquatic animals such as the hippopotamus.
(Reference: Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism website:
www.environment.gov.za/enviro-info/)
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People with disabilities
Summary of accessibility for people with mobility impairment:
Wheelchair Access
At Addo's main camp there are 2 chalets and 2 cottages adapted for use by people with physical impairment.
The chalets have ablutions that offer a choice between bath and roll-in shower with fold-down seat for transfer. However these units have particularly steep access paths where frailer persons may require assistance.
The cottages are new (March 2003) and have no gradient issue and are very comfortable inside. It only has a roll-in shower and no bath. The 2 guest cottages, while without specific adaptations to ablutions (grab-rails and elbow taps), have access ramps and may be an option.
There are access ramps and paths into reception, the shop, the public toilets and down to the viewing site overlooking the floodlit waterhole. However the highlight of the Addo Rest Camp is the PPC Discovery Trail which was built by the parks Honorary Rangers .
It is a trail designed for all people, regardless of physical and sensory impairments, the opportunity to explore the succulent thicket habitat characteristic of Addo. Wheelchair users may park at the trail's start. The trail has a boardwalk surface enabling easy movement for wheelchair users and other mobility impaired people. There is a guide rope for length of the trail, to assist the visually impaired.
There are several information boards over the length of the trail explaining various aspects of the Addo Ecosystem. There are also a few resting points with benches where people can relax and enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the thicket vegetation. Two spacious unisex toilets compliment the trail.
There is also an accessible toilet at the reception/shop/restaurant complex and there are ramps to the waterhole lookout and the SASOL Red Bishop bird-hide (also built by the honorary rangers).
There is additional accessible accommodation at Matyholweni Camp near Colchester . 2 of the cottages are suitable for people with mobility difficulties, with ablutions with roll-in showers and grab rails. Accommodation elsewhere in the park is either at privately run concession sites (some of these may be fully or partially accessible), or in rustic camps where no adaptations have been made.
(Please see additional information on Wheelchair Accessibility)
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