Addo Tourism Brochure

Discover an ever-changing landscape and an enchanting variety of wildlife when on safari in Addo. In addition to the diverse national park, Addo is home to several world-class game reserves, offering an immersive African safari experience.

An immersive and unique African safari experience.

Respond to the call of the wild… Addo is ready to welcome you on an authentic, incomparable and unforgettable journey. Journey encountering Africa’s magnificent Big Seven amongst the mountains, coastline and bush of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. It’s a journey for the senses that includes citrus-scented golden air, the rush of extreme adventure, panoramic views and the sheer awe of viewing South African flora and wildlife.

The only national park in the world to boast the African Big Seven.

The Greater Addo region encompasses the Addo National Park, the third largest in South Africa, and the park is serviced by the charming gateway villages of Addo, Kirkwood, Paterson, Sunland and Colchester. Addo is the only national park in the world to boast the African Big Seven (lion, rhinoceros, buffalo, elephant, leopard, great white shark and southern right whale). The wilderness is calling and all you need to do is answer.

Where the wild things are.

The national park was founded with only 11 elephants on 2000 hectares in 1931; today, it is home to over 600 elephants, many other species and covers 164 000 hectares. Settle into a bird hide, sit in awe of the endangered rhino, search for the elusive leopard, marvel at herds of antelope, listen to the night-time roar of lions and learn the true size of the African elephant. Slow down to the rhythmic tread of the African scones. Addo is a region reborn through conservation and Big Five, the Big Seven, are waiting for you.

DRINK THE WILD AIR

Make your holiday unforgettable with a selection of experiences that range from calm and refreshing to downright jaw-dropping. Addo is a place of unique adventures where spa treatments are enjoyed in the open air, where birdwatching can be combined with paddling, horseback riding or hiking. Watch the sun rise from the Alexandria dune sea (the largest, least-degraded coastal dune field in the Southern Hemisphere), glory in the sun sparking off the meandering Sundays River, feel the rush of our wild air as you fly along Africa’s highest and longest double zipline. This is just a taste of what’s available.

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

Follow in the footsteps of the Khoisan and clans, nomadic Xhosa tribes and huge herds of animals by exploring Addo at a slower pace. From the panoramic views of the Zuurberg Mountains and the towering dunes of Colchester to the maze-like citrus orchards of the valley and the infinite dirt roads of the park, there are almost endless options for sightseeing: walk or hike, bike, e-bike or quadbike, 4×4, horseback or canoe – you never know what might be around the next bend. The outdoors is the great equaliser, making Addo a destination for all.

IT’S IN OUR NATURE

Biodiversity – five of South Africa’s nine biomes. The most of any conservation area in South Africa.

When you encounter the vast expanses of bushveld, vistas of the blue Indian Ocean and citrus orchards of the valley, don’t forget to breathe. Addo’s natural splendour is boundless and represents five of South Africa’s nine biomes – the most of any conservation area in the country. Pass from Albany Thicket to the indigenous forest of Woody Cape and Nama-Karoo, from endemic fynbos in the Zuurberg Mountains to Indian Ocean coastal belt – each home to unique species of flora and fauna. The coastal section of Addo is a marine protected area, offering fatigued species a chance to recuperate and visitors an opportunity to encounter whales, marine birds, dolphins, penguins and more.

A TASTE OF FARM LIFE

In addition to marvelous wildlife and epic adventures, Addo is also known for its citrus produce, much of which is exported throughout the world. An 11-month production cycle of oranges, lemons, grapefruits and naartjies sweetly scents the air of the Sundays River Valley. The villages of the valley have a rich and varied cultural history just waiting to be explored. Many farms in the valley offer an authentic and refreshing farm stay experience, making them an excellent base from which to explore the addo region. Linger awhile during one of Addo’s two annual festivals: a rose fayre and a wildlife festival. Enjoy farm-style cuisine, colonial farmhouses, delicate gardens and the warmest Eastern Cape hospitality.

Copywriting by Janet Middleton for Addo Tourism