Addo Elephant Park: Full Day Safari / Shore Excursions

Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Addo Elephant Park, a remarkable conservation haven where the Big 7 thrive. Witness over 700 African elephants roaming diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to sweeping plains. This full-day safari or shore excursion offers a safe, immersive experience led by expert guides. Indulge in a delightful picnic lunch and round-trip transportation, all while adhering to crucial conservation guidelines. With small group sizes, you’ll explore this malaria-free paradise and uncover the wonders that make Addo a must-visit destination. But the real question is, what hidden gems will you discover on your journey?

This experience made our list of the 10 Best Full-Day Tours In Port Elizabeth.

Key Points

• Addo Elephant Park offers full-day safari and shore excursion experiences, with pricing starting at £99.03 per person and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The park is home to the Big 7 (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, great white sharks, and humpback whales) and over 700 African elephants.
• The package includes a 4-hour game drive, 1-hour picnic lunch, and round-trip transportation from various pickup locations in the Eastern Cape region.
• Prohibited items on the tour include weapons, sharp objects, and drones to ensure the safety of participants and wildlife.
• Guests can choose the "reserve now, pay later" option and benefit from a hassle-free cancellation and refund policy.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Activity

Addo Elephant Park offers a full-day safari or shore excursion, providing visitors the opportunity to explore the third largest conservation park in South Africa.

Priced from £99.03 per person, the tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without upfront payment.

With a live English-speaking guide and a small group size limited to 10 participants, the safari experience lasts a full day, featuring a game drive, picnic lunch, and round-trip transportation from various pickup locations.

The park is renowned for its diverse wildlife, including the Big 7, over 700 African elephants, and the largest coastal dunefield in the Southern Hemisphere.

Highlights of the Park

What makes Addo Elephant Park so captivating? As the third-largest conservation park in South Africa, it’s home to the Big 7 – elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, great white sharks, and humpback whales.

The park boasts over 700 African elephants, the Loxodonta Africana species. Visitors can marvel at the largest and least degraded coastal dunefield in the Southern Hemisphere.

Located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, Addo Elephant Park offers a unique and safe wildlife experience. With its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, the park provides an unforgettable safari adventure for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Itinerary and Logistics

The Addo Elephant Park safari offers a comprehensive itinerary that caters to the needs of visitors.

The tour departs from various pickup locations, including Port Elizabeth, Paterson, Addo, and Colchester, with a travel time of 45 minutes to the park.

The guided tour includes a 4-hour game drive, a 1-hour picnic lunch, and a 45-minute return journey, before being dropped off at the original pickup locations.

The tour package includes entry fees, a qualified local guide, drinks, snacks, and lunch, as well as pick-up and drop-off service and gratuities for guides and drivers.

Certain items, such as weapons, sharp objects, and drones, are prohibited during the safari.

Included Services

Included in the Addo Elephant Park safari package are the entry fees to the national park, allowing visitors seamless access.

A qualified local guide accompanies guests throughout the tour, sharing their expertise and insights. Refreshing drinks and snacks are provided, ensuring guests stay hydrated and energized during the adventure.

A picnic lunch is also included, offering a chance to savor local cuisine amidst the stunning natural surroundings.

The package includes pick-up and drop-off service, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Gratuities for the guides and drivers are also covered, allowing guests to focus on seeing the safari experience.

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Important Considerations

Certain guests may find the Addo Elephant Park safari unsuitable, such as pregnant women or wheelchair users, as the terrain and activities may pose challenges.

The safari also prohibits several items, including:

• Weapons and sharp objects
• Drones
• Smoking in the vehicle
• Feeding the animals
• Fireworks and explosive substances
• Touching the animals

These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both the participants and the wildlife.

Travelers should be mindful of these important considerations when booking the Addo Elephant Park safari to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

Pickup and drop-off services are available from several locations, including Port Elizabeth, Paterson, Addo, and Colchester.

The travel time from these pickup points to the Addo Elephant National Park is approximately 45 minutes by car.

During the guided tour, visitors will enjoy a 4-hour game drive, a 1-hour picnic lunch, and the return journey of 45 minutes back to the original pickup locations.

This convenient door-to-door service ensures a seamless and hassle-free experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the wonders of the Addo Elephant Park without the need to worry about transportation.

Prohibited Items

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, there are certain items prohibited within the Addo Elephant National Park.

These include:

• Weapons and sharp objects that could pose a threat to wildlife and other guests
• Drones, which can disturb the animals and disrupt the natural environment
• Smoking inside the vehicle, as this can be a fire hazard and disruptive to others
• Feeding the animals, as it can be harmful to their health and disrupt their natural behaviors

The enforcement of these rules is essential for maintaining the park’s ecological balance and providing a secure setting for both visitors and the protected species that call Addo home.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The Addo Elephant Park Safari tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing customers to receive a full refund if their plans change.

This flexible policy provides peace of mind, as unexpected events can sometimes disrupt travel plans.

Booking with a "reserve now, pay later" option also enables customers to secure their spot without upfront payment, further enhancing the convenience.

With these hassle-free cancellation and payment terms, customers can book the Addo Elephant Park Safari with confidence, knowing they’ve the flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Beverages on the Safari?

Participants are allowed to bring their own food and beverages on the safari. However, it’s recommended to enjoy the provided picnic lunch included in the tour package for a more convenient and enjoyable experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Safari Duration?

Guests can extend the safari duration for an additional fee. Longer safaris allow more time to explore the park and increase the chances of spotting various wildlife. The tour operator can provide details on extended safari options.

Are Photography and Videography Permitted During the Tour?

Photography and videography are generally permitted during the tour, but participants must follow the park’s guidelines. Drones and flash photography are prohibited to avoid disturbing the wildlife. Visitors should be mindful and respectful of the animals and their natural habitat.

How Do I Prepare for the Safari in Terms of Clothing and Essentials?

When preparing for a safari, wear comfortable, lightweight clothing in neutral colors to blend in with the environment. Pack essentials like sun protection, insect repellent, binoculars, and a camera. Bring snacks and water, and dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate in the Safari?

There’s typically no minimum age requirement for the safari, though young children may require special considerations. It’s best to check with the tour operator regarding any age restrictions or recommendations for participation.

The Sum Up

Addo Elephant Park offers an unforgettable wildlife adventure with its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The full-day safari or shore excursion provides a safe and immersive experience, led by expert guides and adhering to conservation guidelines. Explore the Big 7, including over 700 elephants, while enjoying a picnic lunch and round-trip transportation from various locations. This malaria-free paradise is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: