As the name suggests, this is the perfect place to see elephants, although there is a lot more to it than that. Addo Elephant National Park is also very conveniently situated, as it is only about an hour’s drive away from Port Elizabeth.
More than 500 glorious African elephants live here, in the third biggest South African national park. It was set up in 1931 to save 11 elephants and now contains the likes of zebra, antelope, lions, buffalo, and rhinos as well.
Attractions
At Addo, there are lovely picnic areas, and the guided bush walks and game drives are an exciting way to explore the wilderness and spot the entire park’s magnificent animals, such as black rhino, zebra, and ostrich, spotted hyenas, black backed jackals, buffalo, lion and leopard.
Addo’s many antelope species, like the gemsbok, bush-buck, eland, kudu, wildebeest and springbok, never fail to delight. Furthermore, the unique flightless dung beetle is found almost exclusively in Addo.
Addo is brilliant for a day’s self-drive and on a good day, from the comfort of your own car, you can see 250-300 elephants and the various other animals mentioned.
Activities
Horse Riding
Explore long sandy beaches, lush vineyards or mystic mountains on horseback are an entirely unique experience. Discover the diverse wildlife and many picturesque South African treasures whilst horse riding. Let the horse do the work whilst you relax, breathe in the fresh air and admire the beautiful sights around you.
Wine Tasting
The combination of wine tasting and safari could possibly be the match made in heaven we’ve all been dreaming about. Wine connoisseurs will appreciate the spectacular cellar which collecting the finest South African wines and offering interactive wine tastings.
Boma Dinners
Returning to your camp after a successful evening game drive, you are greeted with the enticing sight of beautifully presented dining tables all encircling a roaring fire. Sitting down next to the crackling fire you are warmed by its dancing heat as the evening.
Bush Dinners
Dinner in the bush is no ordinary experience and visitors are guaranteed to be blown away by the array of delicious meals, all of which are served to you in different locations. Delicious dinners eaten outside under gently lit trees are a wonderful experience loved by all.
Tennis
Away from the main towns, however, at more remote camps, lodges and resorts, tennis courts are relatively uncommon but for sports lovers, a tennis pavilion is offered at Sabi Sands safari lodge. This is the perfect location for a game of tennis, followed by leisurely lunch or dinner.
Astronomy Lecture
With the advent of the night, you have a unique opportunity to listen to a lecture on astronomy in the open air, contemplating the starry sky. These lectures will help you to do fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics and learn new things.
Fishing
There are over 37 species of fish to be caught in the Sand River. Apart from the relaxing aspect of fishing, it is a glorious way to be at one with the bush, listening to the chirping of the various bird species or the sounds of Hippos in the distance.
Tracking
The Sabi Sand Game Reserve is well known for its leopard sightings and you may well spot one of these elusive cats resting after a successful night hunt. In the company of a ranger and tracker team, they will attempt to track your favourite animals.
Yoga
Healthy body; healthy mind. Of course, it means something different to each and every person, but at its core is the common desire to live a good life – physically, mentally and spiritually. Yoga sessions will take place on the yoga deck beside the people both at beginners and intermediate level.
Hot Air Ballooning
Embark on a safari from above, in the comfort of a massive, weaved basket, securely attached to a billowing balloon. It’s a great addition to a safari and offers great and unique views in different game reserves – with the teeming wildlife and beautiful landscapes below.
Mountain Biking
If you’re more comfortable on two wheels than four or even if you’re just looking for a more adventurous way to explore the rugged landscape of the Sabi Sand or Kruger National Park, the ideal answer is a mountain biking trail through the nature reserve.
Golf
A golfing holiday affords you the unique opportunity to combine your favourite sport with the unrivalled game viewing opportunities offered by the Kruger National Park, and with the possibility of looking in your game of golf, you won’t even need to venture far to view some of South Africa’s finest game.
Night Game Drives
As it gets darker your guide hands out some spotlights which you can use to track the animals with. You learn how to slowly scan the trees and shrubs around you and to pick out the shiny white reflections from the light on the animal’s eyes.
Community visits
There’s no better way to get a glimpse into real African life than by visiting one of its rural communities. A trip to one of the villages surrounding the Sabi Sand Game Reserve provides a glimpse into the challenges, hopes, and dreams of this local community in a way that not only educates but also inspires.
Swimming
The best way to end the day is to swim in a pool, with spectacular views of the unspoiled landscape surrounding. The swimming pools are well situated for both bird watching and game viewing, whilst cooling off with a refreshing drink in hand.
Birding
Sabi Sands Game Reserve offers to view different types of birds. Africa’s highest level of endemism in the most accessible setting: 185 bird species are endemic or near endemic to southern Africa. South Africa contains two of Africa’s four biodiversity hotspots as defined by Conservation International.
Junior ranger programme
Mala Mala Game Reserve offers now only professional programs for more experience rangers, but also for the begginers. You will be teached by true profi and will know all the details how to survive in wild nature of South Africa
The accommodation choices here range from luxury lodges to more basic camps as well. While it is close enough to make a day trip seem possible, there is simply too much to see in the park for a one day trip to be the best choice.
Addo rest camp
Mathyolweni Restcamp
Spekboom Tented Rest Camp
Narina Bush Restcamp