June 2024
Since we arrived in the Eastern Cape Province two years ago, the Addo Elephant National Park has been a place we really wanted to visit. We knew a regular weekend would be too short for such a visit, but with a recent long weekend we finally got the opportunity to visit this amazing park.
The Addo Elephant National Park is 250km/156 miles from East London. If you fly from any major city in South Africa to Port Elizabeth (now known as Gqeberha) on the South-Eastern coast, it’s less than half an hour’s drive to the park’s southern gate. So, there is really no excuse not to visit this incredible park when you are staying in or visiting South Africa.
Entrance at the Addo Elephant National Park
We entered the park at the south gate, closest to the small town of Colchester. This is also known as the Matyholweni Gate. Because we arrived at the gate quite late on a Friday afternoon, we booked a chalet at the Matyholweni Camp which was only a few minutes’ drive from the gate.
Our chalet at the Matyholweni Camp
Inside the chalet
Self-catering chalet
Itās important to remember that all the gates close at 18:00 (and 18:30 during the summer months) and that itās not allowed to drive in the park after these hours.
The view from our chaletās deck
After taking our luggage into the chalet, we made a fire to prepare dinner. We also prepared food for the next day to enjoy at the designated picnic area in the park.
A fire to prepare dinner (and lunch for the next day)
- While working on this post, we realised that there are so many photos that we want to share with you. In today’s post we are going to give an overview of the park and facilities – but we couldn’t help but include a couple of photos of the elephants (and other animals) as well. So, sit back and enjoy the beauty of Addo with us.
We couldn’t wait to start exploring the park and were already up before sunrise. I told Berto that I hope we see at least one or two elephants today – little did I know what was in store for us!
Sunrise at Matyholweni Camp
Dense bushes and trees surround the camp
Early morning visitor
Our picnic food for later
Just a 10-minute drive from our chalet, was the first viewpoint, the Ndlovo Lookout. You may only leave your vehicle at designated “Lookout” points (but at your own risk as there are dangerous animals in the park). We got out of our vehicle and Berto quickly took a photo of the valley (while I looked around nervously for any possible danger).
View at Ndlovu Lookout
Although we didn’t see any animals for the first 15 minutes, the area we drove through was truly beautiful.
Inside Addo Elephant National Park
I was very excited when we saw our first herd of Red Hartebeest. And although these antelopes are known for being able to run very fast (up to 65km/h), they stood calmly grazing in the long grass as we drove slowly past them.
Herd of Red Hartebeest
And then, a few minutes later I saw our first elephant! I said to Berto: “Wow, that’s a big animal”. We stopped by the side of the road and watched him as he walked past us ā literally a few meters from our vehicle. While I was holding my breath, Berto softly whispered: “Look, there are two more behind him”.
Our first elephant sighting
Such a big animal
Meters away from us
Two more elephants
It was incredible to see the elephants so close. We saw so many elephants during this weekend, but I will always remember our first encounter as a very special moment.
Lovely tree
Another animal we saw often were warthogs. We always enjoyed these sightings. Sometimes they would stand still while eating grass or digging roots out of the ground and then suddenly start running with their tails up – it was so much fun to watch them!
The entertaining warthog
It was already after 1pm when we pulled into Jack’s Picnic Site. This site is fenced with an electric gate. In this area you can therefore get out of your vehicle and stretch your legs a bit. There are clean bathrooms and lovely picnic sites and we were able to relax here while enjoying lunch.
Picnic site
Cooking water for coffee and lunch
We decided to drive one more “loop” before checking in at the Main Camp. We were rewarded with a herd of Burchell’s Zebras, Kudus and a big herd of elephants at Rooidam (one of the largest waterholes in the park).
Burchellās Zebras
Kudu with spectacular horns
Another lovely tree
Zebra grazing next to the road
Elephant drinking water at Rooidam
Herd of elephants (look at the shenanigans of the little one on the right)
At the Addo Main Camp we received our key for our chalet for the next two days. Apart from reception, there is a curio and small convenient shop as well as a restaurant. You will find a very interesting Interpretive Centre here, as well as and Underground Hide with a waterhole that is lit up at night to see the wild animals when they come to drink water. You can also book guided game drives here (sunrise, morning, midday and afternoon). There is also a fuel station should you need to fill your vehicle with diesel or petrol.
Big tree at Addo Main Camp
Our chalet at the Main Camp
Interpretive Centre
Wall of Horns
Elephant skeleton
Waterhole at Main Camp
While enjoying the soft colours of a beautiful African sunset, we made another fire to prepare dinner. We also opened a bottle of Amarula liqueur. It was quite fitting to drink here in the Addo Elephant National Park, because this liqueur is made from the fruit of the African Marula tree, which is also locally called the elephant tree.
Sunset and fire
Amarula liqueur
On our last full day in the park, an amazing scene unfolded before our eyes. However, we are going to save that for a separate post. In the meantime, here are a few more photos from this day.
Lunch and snacks for the day
The day started a bit misty
Kudu in the mist
Zebra grazing on the wet grass
However, the mist was soon driven away by the hot sun. It was once again wonderful to see a big elephant bull walking slowly through the field.
The mist lifted and the sun came out
Big elephant bull
At another viewpoint, Zuurkop Lookout we stopped and got out of our ābakkieā to take a few photos before quickly returning to the safety of our vehicle (the roar of lions we had heard earlier was still fresh in our minds).
View from Zuurkop Lookout
We also stopped at Jack’s Picnic Site again to enjoy our lunch. There were even volunteers selling food and coffee which was supported well by the visitors.
Our picnic spot
Lunch
Just before we drove back through the gate at the Main Camp, we saw a Red Hartebeest lying in the long grass. We were able to take a photo without causing a disturbance.
Red Hartebeest
While witnessing another spectacular sunset, we again prepared dinner on the fire. This time it was Chicken Potjie (see our Dish of the Week #33) – it was a good meal to celebrate an enjoyable day in the Addo Elephant National Park.
Sunset and dinner
Maybe it’s a good idea to end this post with a few more photos of wild animals. We saw more animals than expected – what an amazing experience.
Female and male kudu
Herd of elephants
Next week we will dedicate a post to just the elephants with a photo album of these magical big animals.
Wat Ʊ pragtige park, Corna! Ek kon sommer aanvoel hoe julle dit geniet het deur net na jou fotos te kyk. Alles is so groen. Ek het om een of ander rede gedink dis Ʊ redelike droƫ omgewing.
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Alhoewel die Addo ‘n semi-droĆ« klimaat het, moet ‘n mens ook onthou dat die park in ‘n somer reĆ«nval streek geleĆ« is en dat dit waarskynlik so mooi groen is juis nadat hulle goeie jaarlikse reĆ«n ontvang het. Ek dink, sonder dat ons dit so beplan het, het ons die park dus op sy mooiste tyd besoek. Ek’s bly jy kan deur ons foto’s sien dat ons dit geniet het … want ons het š!
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Fantastic photos! The elephants are amazing.
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Thank you so much Sheila. The elephants are truly beautiful and it was a wonderful experience to see them up close!
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I shall have to read this again on the computer. We stayed in a rondavel overlooking the floodlit waterhole. I will never forget that weekend. And Amarula is still the drink of my choice. Never without a bottle š
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It must be amazing to stay so close to the waterhole so that you can watch the animals at any time (especially in the evening) – we decided it would be a good idea to book a rondavel there next time. I love Amarula ā there’s usually a bottle in our camp fridge. I agree with you on two things: Definitely a weekend we will never forget and we are never without a bottle of Amarula š!
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We’d get on very well š
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Fabulous, Corna. You know, I donāt think you ever forget your first sighting of elephants in the wild, itās a magical moment and they are magical, majestic creatures. I look forward to reading of the amazing experience you alluded to in this post, especially considering where weāre going on our next adventure!
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It was a wonderful weekend full of so many highlights … and probably just the tip of the iceberg when I think what lies ahead for you guys! The fact that there were no other people near us when we saw the first elephants makes it even more special. Oh my, I can’t wait to read your stories and see pictures of your Africa adventure!
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ššš
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Who doesn’t love an elephant? (or three…) Looks like an amazing experience.
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The elephants have definitely gained new admirers in us! It was a great experience Jo ā seeing the animals up close was fantastic and we can’t wait to get another opportunity like this.
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A wonderful description of one of my favourite parks. Your food makes me hungry! Looking forward to reading (and tasting) more.
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I can now completely understand why this is one of your favourite parks! The food was delicious (as always), but I think this time the beauty of nature and animals won š.
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Such a unique and diverse wildlife sanctuary and so many beautiful photos, Corna, especially the ones with elephants! The view at Ndlovu Lookout is so beautiful and seemingly stretches on forever. I am not one bit surprised why you guys were so eager to set foot in the wonderful park – not only is it filled to the brim with soothing nature but it is also home to the Big 5 providing an opportunity for many wildlife sightings. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day š Aiva xx
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Thank you Aiva š . You are right that the park is diverse. And the fact that you can see the Big Five here actually makes it one of the parks that one should visit when staying in or visiting SA. The lookout points are good places to stop to admire the vistas while the rest of the park is an absolute feast to the eye (in terms of both wild life and scenery). Enjoy your week.
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š„°š„°š„°
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Dit is so pragtig daar! Ek was donkiejare terug daar met my man en 2 klein kindertjies! Die olifante is darem maar ongelooflik groot! Pragtige foto’s Corna!
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Ek wonder hoe die park vir jou sal lyk as jy nou daarheen sou gaan … ek dink die olifante is beslis meer š. Ja, ek wou soms nie hĆŖ Berto moes ry nie … ek wou net sit en kyk en kyk na hierdie groot diere! Baie dankie Aletta, ek’s bly jy het die foto’s geniet.
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Ek is seker dit sal wonderlik wees om weer daar te kom.š
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Amazing escape: nature, scenery, animals, elephants and of course your food š
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It was a wonderfully long weekend Angela. We were very lucky that the weather played along and of course that the wild animals did not hesitate to walk in the open fields so that we could see them! And as you know, we always enjoy our food š.
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How amazing to see so much wildlife, including elephants! Your pictures are amazing. Itās really nice how thereās also a picnic site to enjoy a bite to eat.
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Thank you so much Linda. It was incredible to be able to see all these animals in the park roaming so freely. I agree, the fenced-in picnic area is a lovely place where we could stretch our legs for half an hour and eat something, without animal distractions (it almost felt that an animal appeared from nowhere every time I looked down to open a cookie or sweetie while driving through the park š).
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Wow, if these are just a few of the elephants you saw I can’t wait to see your post dedicated just to them! It sounds lovely to be able to explore such a place in your own vehicle rather than need to do a safari drive (although those are wonderful too) and the chalets look great, especially at Main Camp.
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I can’t believe I was worried that we weren’t going to see elephants (or any other animals)! Yes, it’s nice to be able to explore the park in your own vehicle – it also didn’t feel like we were missing out on any sightings. However, a tour guide is helpful in giving more background on the park and animals that we might not know about. Whichever way you prefer, Addo Elephant National Park will certainly not disappoint! The chalets were great (dare I say it was better than camping … š).
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What a wonderful park, so well organised. The chalets look like the sort of place I could live permanently. It seems there was not a great crowd of visitors (always a plus!) Is it just the time of year? Visitors to our parks are constantly warned to stay away from wildlife but they have to get their photographs and walk right up to bison or elk and then they wonder why they get attacked. Perhaps they would be more respectful of an animal the size of an elephant. In Southern Sudan wildlife there was little wildlife. We saw a single lion and at the river there were hippos which I was happy to avoid. At night we heard hyenas which made me nervous. The only animal we saw often was the warthog which I found very amusing too. I am enjoying taking this trip with you and viewing the animals through your photo gallery. I look forward to the next post.
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You’re right Carolyn, the park is well run and the self-catering chalets had everything one could need (that’s why we didn’t go to the restaurant for meals). Usually the park is very busy over the summer months and school holidays (we were there with the first weekend of the schools’ mid-year holiday). When we left the park, a lot of cars came in … so we were probably just lucky. It was interesting to read about the wildlife in Sudan (and that they also have warthogs – I really enjoyed these funny animals in the Addo). Because you love animals so much, I’m sure you’re going to really enjoy the next few posts.
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It was a treat to read this wonderful introduction to Addo National Elephant Park. The name made me think the park was just for elephants. Wrong! Your chalet was a perfect base for your explorations. Having a fenced area for lunch makes a lot of sense. Surprisingly, they don’t do that in Kenya.
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That’s what we thought too ā lots of elephants and maybe another wild animal here and there. And then that wasn’t the case at all! Many tourists stay outside the park and drive in every day, but I think it’s actually a lot more convenient to stay inside the park. We read in advance about the designated fenced-in picnic area and were able to plan our day accordingly. Because it’s almost in the middle of the park, it was a good place to stop, stretch the legs, visit the bathroom and eat lunch ā really a well-thought-out idea on the park’s side. I’m glad you enjoyed this post John (especially since I know you’ve done quite a few safaris over the years).
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Everything looks fabulous from your chalet, beautiful scenery, loads of animals and photos of them in the misty morning; what an amazing experience Corna! Iām looking forward to seeing your next post on the majestic elephants.
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I’m really glad we made time to visit this park ā it truly offered everything to make this an unforgettable experience. I’m glad you like the animals in the mist – we first wondered how the photos would turn out in this type of weather and were actually surprised with the end result. I’m really looking forward to picking our best elephant photos for next week’s album and am sure you’re going to enjoy them. (I hope you’re doing well Tricia and that if you’ve already had your eye surgery, that everything went well).
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Your photos are truly amazing. Thanks so much Cora; the recovery process takes a few months, but the doctor said it went well. My French was tested greatly yesterday; but I did okay. Thanks again.
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What an incredible experience š.
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We loved every moment of our visit to the Addo Elephant National Park! Seeing these animals in the wild is such an amazing experience.
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So much wildlife, and I love, and am jealous, that you can drive there from your home! Looking forward to the elephant post š Maggie
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Yes, it’s actually a shame that we’ve only just gotten to Addo Elephant National Park … it’s so close to where we’re staying right now. We are spoiled with wildlife nearby that one sometimes takes it for granted. I’m sure you’re going to enjoy the elephant post – we couldn’t get enough of them (especially the little ones).
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What an amazing trip! Were you ever nervous after the first encounters? Has anyone ever been hurt by the animals? The electric fence was a really good idea to enjoy lunch. Lol
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Oh, it was a wonderful weekend ā we’re going to be able to talk about this for a very long time! I was quite startled at the beginning when the elephants walked so close to our vehicle (and I think it’s a good thing to always show respect to these big animals). But they really only mind their own business and don’t pay much attention to the people. I can’t remember ever hearing or reading that there were incidents involving animals in the Addo Park … I think the fact that tourists obey all the rules of the park (by driving slowly, not getting out of their vehicles and not making a noice) helps a lot. I agree – the fenced picnic place was a brilliant idea!
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What a privilege to see all these wonderful animals in the wild! You are lucky to live in such a special country. Mel
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That’s true Mel … a privilege indeed. We forget how lucky we are to be able to see these beautiful animals literally a morning’s drive away from us.
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I went on a wee bushwalk earlier this week and I made sure I paused and just took in all the magnificent scenery. We are both blessed. š
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Wow wow wow!!! I can’t even imagine how amazing it must have been to see all these animals up close. I’m looking forward to the big reveal in your next post as well.
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Pretty amazing … I can tell you that š! I’m sure you’re going to really enjoy the elephant album next week – there were so many elephants that I’m going to have a hard time picking the best photos!
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That sounds like a pretty good problem to have!
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Oh WOW how incredible the park is. Your photos are STUNNING, and I would absolutely love to visit. It just looks wonderful. I wish we had long weekend options like this in the UK and can’t wait to see more š
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It’s an amazing national park and I can understand why people love to go there so much. Thank you so much Hannah, I wish we were better photographers … after our visit we thought we should invest in better cameras (especially to be able to take quality photos in a place like Addo). Oh, I love long weekends – another one is coming up in August š.
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