The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Addo Elephant National Park
Afrikaans name: Addo-Olifant Nasionale Park
Elephants sparring at Addo Elephant National Park
Photo © kinibay20 - Fotolia.com
Eastern Cape
The Addo Elephant National Park is situated in the Eastern Cape near Port Elizabeth. It was founded in 1931 to protect the last Elephants remaining in the area. At the time they numbered 11 and today there are over 450.
Addo has expanded over the years as new pieces of land have been added to it. It now extends all the way to the Indian Ocean and 'houses' not only the Big 5 but the Great White Shark and whales as well! (Read more about whales and whale-watching in South Africa)
Besides the African Elephants the park also houses a wide variety of animal life. Of particular interest is that it is home to the Flightless Dung Beetle. The park houses the largest population of these beetles in the world.
A lot of the original area of the park was covered in thick bush.
Addo Elephant National Park has a number of types of accommodation and it is a popular destination for both local and foreign tourists.
Above - Entrance to Addo
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - Overlooking a waterhole
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - Herd of Elephants
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Above - Addo is covered in thick bush
Photo © Johan van Zyl
Birds of Addo Elephant National Park
A wide variety of birds have been recorded in the park. Here are some of the species that you may see.
Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk
Mammals of Addo Elephant National Park
Please note that this is only a guide and, while we have made every effort to be accurate, we can't be held responsible for any errors.
Aardwolf
Antbear
Bush Pig
Cape Grysbok
Common Duiker
References and further reading
Wild Issue 39 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 70Wild Issue 40 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 8
Wild Issue 47 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 21
Wild Issue 47 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 24
Wild Issue 37 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 12
Wild Issue 21 - Author: - Published: 2012 - Page: 34
Wild Issue 28 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 75
Wild Issue 34 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 35
Wild Issue 35 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 34
Where to Watch Birds in Southern Africa - Author: A. Berruti and J.C. Sinclair - Published: 1983 - Page: 92
Wild Issue 21 - Author: - Published: 2012 - Page: 20
Top Birding Spots in Southern Africa - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 1992 - Page: 343
The National Parks of South Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Rene Gordon and Anthony Bannister - Published: 1987 - Page: 110
Things to do in Moer & Gone Places - Author: Jacques Marais - Published: 2015 - Page: 180
The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 73
Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 318
Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 234
Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southe - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Published: 1991 - Page: 192
Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 132
Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 186
On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 93
go! - Issue 147 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 115
Hit the Road - 2nd Edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2018 - Page: 76
Insiders Guide - Top Wildlife Photography Spots in South Africa - Author: Shem Compion - Published: 2010 - Page: 41
Getaway - Vol 27 No 04 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 10
Getaway - Vol 30 No 06 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 76
Getaway - Vol 30 No 06 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 77
Getaway - Vol 32 No 12 - Author: - Published: 2021 - Page: 70
go! - Issue 135 - Author: - Published: 2017 - Page: 37
Country Life - Issue 212 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 34
Country Life - Issue 212 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 43
Country Life - Issue 175 - Author: - Published: 2011 - Page: 70
Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 140
Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 625 - Author: - Published: 2014 - Page: 16
Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 683 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 56
Chris and Tilde Stuarts Guide to Southern African Game and Nature Reserves - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1989 - Page: 176
Birdwatching around Port Elizabeth - Author: Eastern Cape Wild Bird Society - Published: 1985 - Page: 6
Birding Hotspots - Author: Trevor Hardaker - Published: 2007 - Page: 42
Atlas of National Parks and Reserves of South Africa - Author: Marielle Renssen - Published: 2006 - Page: 50
A - Z of South African National Parks - Author: South African National Parks - Published: 0 - Page: 6