The 5 Best Ways to Go on a Safari at Addo Elephant Park
La Addo Elephant Park Safari Reserve is away from the crowds of Kruger National Park but it won't disappoint! Here, no traffic jam to see a Lion and the certainty of seeing many wild animals ! Certainly this South African safari park is smaller than the large reserves in the North of the country but it is good less touristy. An African pearl just for you!
Daytrip safari in Addo Elephant Park in South Africa
Contrary to popular belief of wilderness, most of South Africa's reserves are crossed by tarmac roads. This gives you the opportunity to go on a safari insideAddo Elephant Park independently in your rental car if you wish (self-drive). Just show up at the park entrance as soon as possible (because some animals only come out in the morning before the heat rises), take a card from the reserve and start your turn! The autotour is free (except entry ticket to the reserve) and you have the freedom to stop wherever you want. We found it really great. We recommend that you make a loop to maximize your chances of seeing the most animals. If you start at dawn you have plenty of time to do the full turn of the national park on the day. Pay attention to the time, however, because if you leave the park after closing you will have to pay a fine…
Safari in Addo Elephant Park in South Africa on organized tour
You can also decide to benefit from the experience of a guide by booking a organized safari to Addo Elephant in a jeep bus. The two-hour tour with a ranger is nice for learn more about animals and the history of the reserve. Another significant advantage is that you also benefit from their walkie-talkie: as soon as a guide sees a rare animal such as a cheetah for example, he communicates his location to the other guides. Convenient for maximize these chances of seeing all animals !
Safari in Addo Elephant Park in South Africa on foot, in 4 × 4 or on horseback
Addo Elephant animal park offers many activities to visit it in a different way. For those who do not like to follow the beaten track, you can choose to take a safari tour in 4 × 4 and go where other vehicles don't have access. Of 1 or 3 hour hikes are also offered with or without a guide. Finally, you can visit the reserve on horseback and take advantage of the smell of equine animals to get as close as possible to herbivorous animals without frightening them. We tried horseback riding in another national park and really liked the feeling of harmony with nature and calm. We recommend that you do this at least once during your stay!
Save money with the best tips to sleep in Port Elizabeth after your safari
Once the Addo Elephant Safari Reserve is closed at the end of the day, turn around to sleep at Port Elizabeth if you take a flight from its airportt the next day. The city is nothing special and it is better to save money on accommodation here to afford an exceptional night elsewhere… We therefore recommend three correct establishments for spending the night:
Sir Roys At The Sea is ideally located on the seafront, close to restaurants and the hotel is served by the Baz Bus.
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Treetops Guesthouse is close to the airport if your flight is early the next day.
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The hostel Lungile Backpackers offers the lowest prices and is served by Baz Bus.
Check availabilityFor more information, you can read our article: Best hotels, b & bs and hostels in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Tip for sleeping in Addo Elephant Park's most strategic guesthouse in South Africa
If you want to sleep near Addo Elephant Safari Park, we recommend the B&B Zuurberg Mountain Village which is located right at the entrance to the national park. Perched on the hill opposite, it offers a magnificent view of the South African reserve!
Check availabilityHowever, if you want to treat yourself to an exceptional night for a honeymoon or other, then we recommend the prestige of staying directly IN the reserve. Discover our article on our favorite lodges inside Addo Park.
Our tips for a successful trip:
- Book your flight in advance to take advantage of the best prices
Airline ticket prices are cheaper when booked 6 to 3 months in advance. To be sure of getting the best price, we recommend using a flight comparator such as Skyscanner.
- Book your accommodation before departure to have access to the best offers
You will always find a room at the last minute, but the best located accommodations are necessarily those that are always full. That's why it's best to book your accommodations as soon as possible. We recommend going through Agoda which offers the best prices. In addition, this site allows you to be easily reimbursed in the event of cancellation.
- Skip the line to visit the most popular attractions
By booking your excursions in advance on Civitatis, you do not queue on site to get your tickets. Less time waiting = more time enjoying your vacation! Plus, their guided tours ensure you have a knowledgeable guide who speaks your language.
- Use a comparator to find a rental car at the lowest price
Save yourself hours of research with rentalcar.com ou discovercars.com. These comparators are the best for finding rental cars at the lowest prices.
- Don't leave without travel insurance
For us, it is unimaginable to leave without travel insurance. We recommend the one proposed by AXIS. This is the best guaranteed way to leave with peace of mind. However, consider taking out additional specialized insurance for activities not covered (such as skiing or scuba diving).
- Want more information about your destination?
Do not hesitate to complete the information present on this blog with a travel Guide. You can take it in your luggage and refer to it throughout your vacation.
To find out more about South Africa:
The itinéterre team
Itinéterre is a travel blog written by a team of expatriates and locals. They share their experiences so that you can enjoy the best tours in their countries. Their advice will help you plan your vacation easily as if a local is accompanying you!
