“Deep within the shadows of the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape lies the Addo Elephant National Park. Here, the evenings are punctuated by the strident howl of the black-backed jackal, and the Francolin's call heralds each new dawn. Safe from relentless persecution in the past, the grey leviathans of the bush now roam in peace. The original Elephant section of the park was proclaimed in 1931, when only eleven elephants remained in the area - today this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 350 elephants, 280 Cape buffalo, black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. But the Addo story has only just begun. Plans to expand the 125 000 ha (309 000 acre) Addo National Elephant Park into a 492 000 ha (1,2 million acre) "Greater Addo" park are moving forward at an exciting pace. This expansion is transforming Addo into the ultimate tourism destination.”
Unique features will include:
- Unrivalled natural diversity, incorporating five of South Africa's seven major vegetation zones (biomes).
- The Big 7 (Elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, whales and great white sharks) in their natural habitat.
- A 120 000 ha (296 500 acre) marine reserve that includes islands that are home to the world's largest breeding populations of Cape gannets and second largest breeding population of African penguins.
- Rich heritage of archaeological and historical sites.
- A wide variety of accommodation and activity options.
Accommodation
The main rest camp is situated near Addo.
61 accommodation units of various types are available to choose from:
All accommodation is serviced and equipped with crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, bedding, towels and soap. Braai-area outside.
*Please note that no meals are included in the accommodation rates.
Narina Bushcamp
Hapoor or Domkrag Guest Houses
Very important: Because of no electricity the guest have to arrive at least 2 hrs before sunset, (no later than 18:00) they still have to carry their food and clothing to the camp, crossing a river and walking 400-500m through the forest.
Please bring your own torch. No shops or restaurants, this is solely for own cooking and for nature lovers. The gate near to the bushcamp closes at 18:00 sharp. (this is the gate approx. 22 km from the Addo main entrance) You reach this camp by car but you can also go down the mountain on horseback.
If you want to go on horseback departure time is no later than 11:00, this is from the top of the Zuurberg Mountain approx. 16 km gravel road from the main restcamp (25 min driving.)
Satellite
A second rest camp, Camp Matyholweni, is located near the town of Colchester on the N2 highway. The camp is accessible by car and is located approximately 45 minutes drive from the main camp.
Matyholweni Rest Camp is situated in the new southern block of park. This area does not contain large animals such as elephants as yet. Access to the main game area of the park is via the N10 to Paterson and the R342.
A new access road is underway which will link Matyholweni to the main game area of the park. This road should be completed in the second half of 2005.
This camp has 12 accommodation units.
Three of these units sleep 3 people. Two units are adapted for wheelchair users. The nearby town of Colchester has the following facilities: fuel station, supply shops, restaurant, ATM machines.
Accommodation is available is the outlying sections of the park –
Darlington Dam
Two self-catering Fisherman’s Cottages sleeping four people each and a camping site. Accessible by car on gravel roads and located approximately two hours drive from the main camp.
Kabouga
One self-catering cottage - Kabouga guesthouse - sleeping six people and a Mvubu camping site on the banks of the Sundays River, with braai sites, toilet and shower. Accessible with high clearance vehicles only and located near the town of Kirkwood, approximately 45 minutes drive from the main camp.
Zuurberg
Narina Bush Camp with four tents sleeping two people each plus a kitchen with gas cooker and fridge, a toilet, shower and braai lapa. Accessible by car, horse trail or hiking trail. The camp is situated next to the Witriver in the Zuurberg Mountains approximately 22 km (gravel road - 40 minutes driving) from the main rest camp. Because of no electricity the guests must arrive at least 2 hours before sunset, (but not later than 19:00) as they still have to carry their food and clothing to the camp, crossing a river and walking 400-500m through the forest. A torch is essential.
There are no shops or restaurants; this is solely for own cooking and for nature lovers. The gate near to the bushcamp closes at exactly 19:00. This camp can be reached by car but you may also go down the mountain on horseback. If you want to go on horseback, departure time is no later than 11:00 - this is from the top of the Zuurberg Mountain, approximately 16 km gravel road from the main rest camp (25 minutes driving).
Concession sites
Gorah Elephant Camp – situated in the main Addo section of the park – a five-star operation with luxury-tented camps.
Riverbend Country House – situated in the Nyathi area of the park – luxury five-star accommodation, eight rooms available.
Darlington Lake Lodge – situated in the Darlington Dam area of the park – five luxury rooms and 7 furnished tents available.
* All information is taken from the relevant source SANP.
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