#1 Hike in the Addo Elephant National Park
There are two primary trails in Addo to choose from: the Alexandria Hiking Trail and Zuurberg Hiking Trail respectively. As well as the smaller, PPC Discovery Trail, which has one loop suitable for wheelchair users and those with visual impairments.
Alexandria is a 32-kilometre, two-day hike that offers some hut accommodation and a wonderful chance for a minimum of three hikers to enjoy a unique hiking experience.
As for Zuurberg, choose between the 1-hour or 3-hour trails and head into the Zuurberg mountains.
Note: For hiking rates and other information, please see the SANParks website.
Contact: +27 (012) 428 9111
Website: www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/activities/hiking.php
Address: Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#2 Head on a Game Drive
Game drives are, of course, an unmissable experience when visiting Addo. While there are self-driving options, a guided tour might be the best bet for first-time visitors.
Game drives run from sunrise to night and fees vary according to time slot etc. (For example, the sundowner option costs more but includes snacks and drinks to enjoy.)
Game drives last approximately two hours and depart from the main camp.
For more information on booking a game drive experience in Addo, see here: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/activities/drives.php.
Contact: +27 (042) 233 8619, Addogamedrives@sanparks.org
Website: www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/activities/drives.php
Address: Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#3 Pack a Picnic
Guests can also enjoy a lovely bush picnic experience when staying in or visiting Addo.
There are picnic- and braai-sites at the main camp, as well as in the botanical reserve at Jack’s Picnic site (located off the southern access road).
What could be more thrilling than a family picnic in Addo?
Contact: +27 (012) 428 9111
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/activities/default.php
Address: Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#4 Keep Watch from a Hide
With both bird- and viewing-hides in Addo, you can experience nature up close and personal and often, without the wildlife realising.
Some of the park’s viewing attractions include the SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide; underground viewing hide and floodlit waterhole, all of which are wheelchair-friendly and situated within main camp.
Contact: +27 (012) 428 9111
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/activities/default.php
Address: Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#5 Have 4×4 Fun in Addo
For 4×4 trail lovers, the Bedrogfontein 4×4 trail – found between the park’s Darlington and Kabouga areas – is a delight.
This scenic trail offers incredible views and rich South African history, as it covers the scene where the Anglo-Boer war forces clashed. There is also beautiful rock art found in the area.
The route is graded 2-3 and takes roughly six hours to cover. It is a self-driving, one-way route that runs from Kabouga to Darlington. For guests who wish to stay over, there is on-site accommodation at Kabouga.
Contact: +27 (042) 2338619 or addoenquiries@sanparks.org
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/activities/default.php
Address: Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#6 Embark on a Marine Eco Tour
Addo might be famous for its African elephants – but it is also the home of the Big 7, meaning that guests can enjoy seeing everything from lions to great whites here.
Join Raggy Charters for an exciting marine eco-tour and the chance to possibly see some Great White sharks or Southern Right whales.
For more information, please visit the Raggy Charters website directly.
Contact: +27 (073) 152 2277, info@raggycharters.co.za
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/activities/marine_eco_tours.php
Address: Eastern Cape, South Africa
#7 Enjoy a Luxurious Bush Stay in Addo
Of course, Addo also offers a range of incredible accommodation in and around the park.
This is one way for families to enjoy a relaxing, yet exciting stay within Addo itself and make the most of the on-site attractions and facilities in the process.
For a full list of accommodation options, please see here: https://www.afristay.com/a/addo/
Contact: N/A
Website: https://www.afristay.com/a/addo/
Address: Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#8 Experience Main Camp’s On-site Facilities and Attractions
Main camp offers a host of different facilities and on-site attractions to enjoy. While some (like the swimming pool) are reserved for overnight guests, many – like the hides and restaurant, curio shop – are for all to enjoy.
Grab a bite to eat at the restaurant, browse the curio shop or if you are overnight guests, enjoy making a splash in the main camp pool. There is plenty here to keep families entertained, as they enjoy quality time together.
Contact: +27 (012) 428 9111
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/activities/default.php
Address: Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#9 Fun Holiday Programmes for Kiddies
During the extended July and December holidays, Addo Elephant National Park also offers fun holiday programmes especially designed to keep little adventurers entertained.
While the kids are at play, parents or guardians can enjoy some quality time together. Why not book a spa treatment at Addo Indlovu Spa or share an intimate meal for two at the main camp restaurant?
For more information on holiday packages for kids, please contact Addo/SANParks directly.
Contact: +27 (012) 428 9111
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/activities/default.php
Address: Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
#10 Take the Family on a Self-Drive Experience
Last but by no means least, why not take the whole family on a fabulous self-drive experience in Addo?
This experience is free to enjoy (once you have covered the park’s entrance fee) and allows families to go at their own pace and enjoy a thrilling day’s game viewing together.
Self-drive wildlife viewing can be enjoyed in the main game- and Colchester-areas. There is 120 kilometres’ worth of tourist roads; happily, these are suitable for standard sedan vehicles.
Contact: +27 (012) 428 9111
Website: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/tourism/activities/default.php
Address: Addo Elephant National Park, Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa.
These are just ten of the best family activities to enjoy near Addo!