The Ultimate Guide to Spotting Elephants in Addo Elephant National Park

Have you ever wondered where the best elephant-spotting route is in Addo Elephant National Park? Well, I’m here to give you the lowdown on the ultimate path to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Join me on a journey through the park as we uncover the secrets of finding and observing these magnificent elephants.

Exploring the Zuurberg Mountains

When it comes to spotting elephants in Addo Elephant National Park, the Zuurberg Mountains are the place to be. As I maneuver my way through the mountainous terrain, I can’t help but marvel at the breathtaking views that surround me. The lush greenery and rugged landscape create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable elephant-spotting adventure.

As I reach one of the popular viewing points, I feel a surge of excitement. Will I be lucky enough to witness a majestic elephant grazing or a playful group bathing in the water? The anticipation builds as I scan the horizon, eagerly searching for any signs of movement.

The Secret Waterholes

Now, let me introduce you to the hidden gems of Addo Elephant National Park – the secret waterholes. These elusive spots are where elephants gather to quench their thirst and cool off in the sweltering African heat. By following the well-worn paths near these watering spots, you increase your chances of encountering these gentle giants up close and personal.

Imagine standing at the edge of a waterhole, listening to the symphony of splashes and trumpets as elephants frolic in the refreshing oasis. It’s a truly magical experience that will leave you in awe of the wonders of nature.

Timing is Everything

When it comes to elephant spotting, timing is everything. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime hours for sightings, as elephants are more active during these cooler periods of the day. The soft morning light casts a golden glow on the landscape, and the gentle evening breeze carries the promise of an unforgettable encounter.

So, set your alarm clock and get ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure. Rise with the sun or wait until it sets, but be sure to seize the moment when the elephants are most likely to grace you with their presence.

Above and Below

As I continue my exploration of the park, I discover that the best vantage points for spotting elephants are both above and below. From the elevated viewpoints, such as the lookout towers, I can survey the vast expanse of the park, searching for any movement that betrays the presence of these gentle giants.

At the same time, exploring the walking trails allows me to get closer to the ground and experience the park from a different perspective. Walking silently through the bush, I can feel the heartbeat of Addo Elephant National Park as I tiptoe in anticipation, hoping for a magical encounter.

A Final Word of Advice

Before you embark on your elephant-spotting adventure, there are a few things to keep in mind. Respect the wildlife and their natural habitat by maintaining a safe distance and observing quietly. Remember, we are guests in their home.

Also, make sure to bring your binoculars, camera, and a sense of wonder. You never know when you might witness an incredible moment – a nurturing mother tending to her calf or a powerful male asserting his dominance. These experiences are priceless and should be cherished.

So, my fellow elephant enthusiasts, I encourage you to embark on this remarkable journey through Addo Elephant National Park. Follow my footsteps through the Zuurberg Mountains, discover the secret waterholes, and immerse yourself in the beauty of these magnificent creatures. The best elephant spotting route awaits you!

Did you know that Addo Elephant National Park is home to more than 600 elephants? That’s right, this incredible park is teeming with these majestic creatures just waiting to be discovered. And the best part? You don’t need a fancy safari vehicle to explore the park – a regular sedan will do just fine!

Wow, check out this amazing herd of elephants! They’re all looking out for their adorable new member. What’s even more fascinating is that some of the female elephants in Addo don’t even have tusks!

When I think about Addo, the first places that come to mind are the Main Game Area and Colchester Section. These areas make up about 24000 hectares of the park, and they’re the best spots to see huge groups of elephants. In the future, some of these elephants will be moved to other parts of the park, making it an even more incredible sight to see.

Addo has so many unique things to offer. For example, have you ever seen elephants without tusks? Well, you can see them here! And let’s not forget about the flightless dung beetles and the caracals. Plus, there’s a bunch of kudu and warthogs roaming around, making Addo truly a wildlife paradise.

So, get this. There’s this super cool lion in Addo with a real majestic black mane, and get this, it was brought all the way from the Kalahari about ten years ago. How crazy is that?

But wait, there’s more! Addo is also home to a bunch of other awesome animals. I’m talking about some seriously handsome lions that were introduced from the Kalahari over a decade ago. And that’s not all! They’ve got herds of Burchell’s zebra, buffalo, spotted hyena, red hartebeest, and eland. Wow, what a lineup!

Now, here’s a fun fact. Most of the action happens around the waterholes. Why? Because this part of Addo doesn’t have any natural running water. Nope, everything is pumped up from the boreholes. So, if you want to see wildlife in Addo, head on over to the waterholes – that’s where it’s all happening.

Have you ever seen the beautifully-lit Burchells zebra on the Nyathi section of Addo? It’s a breathtaking sight.

When I visit Addo, I find it fascinating that the guides don’t carry firearms. That’s because the elephants here are some of the gentlest in the country. They don’t feel threatened by cars, so you don’t have to worry. Even when they are in musth, they pose little threat. Of course, it’s important to remember that tourists should never get too close to the elephants. If you do, it makes them feel threatened. The best thing to do is to give them space and park your car a little away. The amazing thing is that most of the time, the elephants will come to you. There are over 600 of these magnificent creatures in the park!

Guess what? In the park, there are so many kudu that you’ll spot them as easily as you do impala in the kruger!

If you’re super lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a leopard (and I mean super, super lucky – the last time SANParks guide Ryan Mew saw a leopard was in 2008, but camera traps prove they’re still around). The main hub of Addo Main Camp is buzzing with tourists and day visitors. It’s the only spot in the park with a restaurant and a fascinating information center. Plus, you can even take guided game drives from here. On the quieter side, you’ll find the south. This area only has one camp, Matyholweni, which is about 36 kilometers away (not including the various loops you can drive). There are only 15 units here, and no big buses or caravans are allowed on these peaceful, winding roads. The south is more open, giving you great opportunities for game viewing. It’s the perfect place to start your adventure. It’s also where I saw my first lions!

How to spot a lion

In the Colchester area of Addo, I came across a young lioness. She was basking in the warm glow of the morning light. The sight of her immediately captured my attention. It’s as if she was inviting me into her world, giving me a glimpse of her tranquil morning routine.

If you want the best chance of spotting lions in the park, you should have local guide Simnikiwe Nogaya with you in your vehicle (according to SANParks guide Ryan Mew, guides see lions four days out of seven). Simni has been working in the park since 2000 and knows exactly how to find predators. “When I start driving, I like to open the window and listen for jackals and hyenas in the mornings,” she says. “If the jackals bark instead of howling, it could mean that lions are nearby.” Another clue is the presence of crows. Unlike vultures, which cannot nest in the park, crows can sometimes indicate a kill nearby. Simni also suggests keeping an eye on the zebras. If they all start staring in one direction and harrumph like a horse, it means there’s a predator nearby. You can also look for old carcasses or visit Ngulube Waterhole, Hapoor Dam, or the area that leads to Carol’s Rest—these are known hotspots for lion sightings.

Ready to Explore: Interested in discovering the wonders of Addo Elephant National Park? Well, you’re in luck! I’ve got all the insider tips you need to plan your unforgettable trip. So, let’s dive right into it!

Step 1: Getting Started

First things first, you’ll need to book a hop-on guide. It’s an absolute game-changer and the best way to maximize your experience. For just R210, you’ll get a two-hour tour in a comfy sedan. Trust me, it’s worth every penny! To secure your spot, head to the Addo Main Camp or give Simni a call at 0784025888. Easy-peasy!

Step 2: Mapping Out Day One

On day one, your adventure begins with a journey from Port Elizabeth to Matyholweni. Strap in and get ready for an exciting ride! But remember to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way – you never know what surprises Addo has in store for you!

If you want to see something really cool in this part of the park, check out the Addo flightless dung beetle – they’re everywhere after it rains.

Just a quick drive (45km) from Port Elizabeth Airport is Matyholweni Gate. Once you’re checked in, head to Ndlovu Lookout for some awesome views of the valley. Then make your way to Peasland Waterhole and take a break to stretch your legs. After that, keep going and turn right onto the Ngulube Loop. Make sure to stop at Ngulube Waterhole – I spotted two young female lions here. Scan the hills with your binoculars and look for their light-colored fur against the green trees. Keep following the Ngulube Loop and stay left to join the Mbotyi Loop. Be on the lookout for animals – the combination of the ocean and the sand dunes makes for stunning photos if you’re lucky.

Welcome to Matyholweni Rest Camp! I’m perched on a hill, offering breathtaking views of the valley. When you arrive, you’ll find spacious thatched units that feature an open-plan kitchen and a lovely outdoor dining deck with a braai. Just imagine enjoying a delicious meal while taking in the stunning scenery.

If you’re looking for a cozy place for two, our two-sleeper units offer the best views. You won’t be disappointed! And the best part is, pricing starts at R1390 for two people.

Day two: Let’s head to Spekboom!

When you step onto the stoep at Spekboom Camp, you’ll discover a sheltered and secluded spot just for you. It’s a small camp, but it comes with its own private water hole, adding to the sense of exclusivity and tranquility.

Hey there! If you’re planning a trip to the Addo National Park, I’ve got some great tips for you. Let’s dive right in!

First things first, make sure to leave early to make the most of your day. Once you’re on the road, head north and keep an eye out for a very interesting tree. It’s known for being protected by bees against elephants! It’s located about two kilometers into Harvey’s Loop, so keep it in mind.

Your next stop should be Jack’s Picnic Site, where you can take a well-deserved breakfast break. Don’t forget to bring your own rubbish bags, as there are no bins in the visitor areas of the park. We don’t want any surprise visits from rodents!

After breakfast, make your way to Hapoor Dam. This watering hole is quite popular among elephants, so you might just catch a glimpse of these incredible creatures. Take some time to admire them before continuing your journey.

The next stop is Addo Main Camp, where you’ll be spending the night at the cozy Spekboom Tented Camp. Make sure to check-in and settle in before exploring the area. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to visit the Underground Hide and Interpretation Centre. It’s a fascinating place that will give you a deeper understanding of the park’s ecosystem.

For the following morning, I highly recommend booking a hop-on guide. They’ll show you around and help you discover all the hidden gems of Addo National Park. It’s definitely a worthwhile experience!

Now, let’s go on a little drive. Head to Carol’s Rest, another popular waterhole in the park. You might spot some more wildlife enjoying a drink there. Afterward, make your way back to Spekboom to unpack while there’s still daylight. Keep in mind that Spekboom is off the grid, so enjoy the rustic charm!

Lastly, don’t miss out on golden hour at Hapoor Dam. It’s just a short 10-minute drive from Spekboom, and the sunset views are absolutely stunning.

Hope you have an amazing time exploring Addo National Park. Enjoy your adventure!

Stay here: When I stayed at the Spekboom Tented Camp, I was delighted to find five cozy tents spread out at a comfortable distance from each other. These tents were located on elevated decks, and each one was surrounded and separated by a lush spekboom hedge. Out of the five tents, I chose number five, which happened to be the last one. This turned out to be the perfect choice because I could easily walk up to the fence and keep an eye on the waterhole just down to the right. The cost for two people was R870.

Day three: Moving from Spekboom to Nyathi

Have you heard about the newest camp in Addo? It’s called Nyathi Rest Camp, and let me tell you, it’s absolutely amazing.

When you visit Addo Main Camp, I recommend starting your day with an early drive to meet your hop-on guide. The guide is a unique feature of Addo and offers an affordable way to explore the park. Simnikiwe Nogaya is currently the only hop-on guide, but more are being trained by park authorities. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the park and its wildlife.

After your guided experience, you can check into Nyathi Rest Camp at Addo Main Camp. To reach Nyathi, simply drive out of the main gate onto the R342. This section of the park is the most scenic and offers breathtaking views. You’ll truly feel connected to nature.

Stay at Nyathi Rest Camp for an unforgettable experience. Once a concession lodge, it is now run by SANParks. The self-catering cottages are luxurious and offer incredible views of a waterhole where wildlife gathers. Imagine relaxing in the bath and watching animals come to drink!

The cost for two people at Nyathi Rest Camp starts at R1650. It’s a fantastic value for the stunning accommodations and unique location.

Take a tour with this helpful map

Hey there! Looking for a way to navigate this place? Well, you’re in luck! This handy map is the answer to all your directional woes. Let me walk you through how to use it.

First off, take a good look at the map in front of you. See those little symbols? They represent all the important spots you might want to check out. You’ll find everything from restaurants to parking lots marked right here.

Now, when it comes to actually using the map, it’s pretty simple. Just locate where you are right now, and keep your eye out for that bright red dot. That’s you! (Well, not really. But it’s where you are on the map, so close enough).

Next, look for the place you want to go to. See if you can spot its symbol on the map. Once you find it, draw a mental line between you and that spot. Got it? Good! You’re on the right track.

Now that you know where you are and where you’re heading, it’s time to figure out the route. The map is filled with those curvy lines called streets. They’re like rivers leading you to your destination, except without the water. Just follow the streets that connect you to your spot, and you’ll get there in no time.

Oh, and don’t forget to keep an eye on those street names! They’ll tell you which direction you’re going and help you stay on the right path. Just think of them as little guides whispering in your ear, telling you where to go.

And that’s it! With this map in your hands, you’ll be navigating this place like a pro. So go ahead, explore and enjoy!

So, you want to know the best way to see elephants in Addo Elephant Park? I’ve got you covered!

Let me tell you a little story. This one appeared in the May 2017 issue of Getaway magazine.

In our May issue, you’ll find all kinds of inspiration! From the ultimate guide to Addo, to free things to do in your city. We even have a stunning photographic getaway to South Luangwa and tips for getting the most out of Nepal. It’s a jam-packed issue you won’t want to miss!