Addo was created to protect the last elephants of the Eastern Cape and has since expanded to cover habitats from thicket to coast. Managed by South African National Parks, it is one of the most accessible Big Five areas in the south of the country.
- Country
- South Africa
- Type
- National park
- Best time
- October to March
- Suggested stay
- 1–3 days
- Main gateway airport
- Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha) (PLZ)
- Big Five
- Present
- Malaria
- None
Why go to Addo
- Large elephant herds that are easy to see
- Malaria-free
- Combines easily with the Garden Route
- Self-drive possible
- Marine section with seasonal whales
Best time to visit Addo
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Addo is October to March.
In the hotter months elephants gather at waterholes around midday, making them easy to see.
Rainfall is spread through most of the year and winter is relatively mild near the coast.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17–26 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| February | 17–27 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| March | 16–26 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| April | 13–24 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| May | 11–23 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 8–22 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 8–22 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| August | 9–21 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| September | 10–21 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| October | 13–22 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| November | 14–24 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| December | 16–25 | some rain | ★★★★★ | peak season |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Addo includes elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, black rhino, zebras, kudu, eland, hyenas, ostriches, whales and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
About 70 km north of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape, reached by car from the airport.
Trips to Addo
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Addo for families
- Addo for a honeymoon
- Addo for photographers
- Addo for a first safari
- Addo on a budget
- Addo for luxury travel
Compare with
Travelling to Addo from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Addo?
Generally October to March. In the hotter months elephants gather at waterholes around midday, making them easy to see.
How many days do I need in Addo?
Most visitors spend 1 to 3 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Addo?
About 70 km north of Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape, reached by car from the airport.
Sources: SANParks - Addo Elephant National Park · South African Tourism - Addo Elephant National Park · Climates to Travel (1991-2020 normals) - Port Elizabeth
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.