NATIONAL PARK AND ENVIRONS
Situated in a malaria-free area a short drive
north of Port Elizabeth, Addo was created in 1931 to
protect the few shy survivors that constituted Africa’s
most southerly elephant population. These have since
multiplied and today they are very relaxed – indeed,
the elephant viewing here is usually superb – while
the original park is now the centrcpiece of a 17,00 o-
square-kilometer conservation area descending from
the peaks of the Zuurberg to the coastal dunefields
around Port Alfred, and including five of South Africa’s
seven terrestrial biomes.
A series of recent mammal
reintroductions means the core reserve – a great
self-drive destination — protects all the Big Five, with
black rhino and buffalo both conspicuous. And the
surrounding area supports several exclusive private
conservation areas, notably the superb Shamwari and
Kwandwe Game Reserves, which offer a sumptuous
(albeit relatively contrived) Big Five package comparable
to the best of the private reserves bordering Kruger.
Best time to visit: All year
Length of stay: 2-3 nights
Accommodation: Camping and inexpensive chalets at
the national park rest camp, or 5-star luxury at Shamwari
and Kwandwe.
Top tip: The location near Port Elizabeth makes this
cluster of reserves an ideal and uncomplicated add-on
to a self-drive trip from Cape Town along the legendary
Garden Route.