Addo Tourism

05/03/2025

Enjoy your stay with the scent of citrus blossoms, fresh orange juice, the sound of oranges being picked or even getting the chance of picking your own. All depending on the season.

Broadlands four-star Country House is a beautifully renovated stylish farmhouse that is both authentic and unique, located on a working citrus farm in the Sunland area of the Sundays River Valley near Addo Elephant National Park.

The Guest House offers guests accommodation in five spacious en-suite rooms, exclusively centered in a unique African oasis, overlooking the dam, swimming pool and endless gardens. Accommodation is on a Bed and Breakfast basis with a dinner option.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/broadlands-country-house/

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

04/03/2025

NEW LION GENES INTRODUCED INTO ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK

Two newly introduced lionesses that were released into the Main Camp/Colchester area on Monday 3 March 2025 are roaming the game viewing area of Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape. The two-and-a-half year-old sisters were brought in from the !Khamab Kalahari Reserve on the south-eastern edge of the Kalahari over December and have been acclimatising to the area in one of the Park’s bomas.

The lionesses are a valuable addition to the lion population in the Park, as they bring with them strong, healthy genes that will add to the genetic variety in the Park. There are five other lions in the game viewing area and a further three in what is known as the Nyathi section.

The two lionesses are both collared for ease of monitoring so that rangers and researchers can observe what habitats they use, their proximity to the males and other predators and which species they prey on. The collars will also enable management to reach a fine balance of managing the lion population carefully in relation to the size of the Park and their impact on prey species. Their management forms part of a larger initiative to mimic natural processes that regulate lion social behaviour and population growth, which includes swapping individuals between parks to ensure constant introduction of new genes.

03/03/2025

A view of the Colchester sand dunes and Sundays River that not many get to see often.

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Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

28/02/2025

Barefoot Addo Elephant Lodge is a boutique safari camp on the boundary of the Addo Elephant National Park, situated in the Greater Addo region and only two hours drive from Port Elizabeth.

The fully fenced game reserve offers tranquility to those wanting the experience of an intimate, exclusive lodge, promising a wonderful safari holiday for the whole family.

Relax in their remarkably spacious, sophisticated, environmentally friendly suites, set against the tranquil backdrop of the Africa bush. The private and exclusive units, built on elevated wooden decks, are designed to blend discreetly into the natural environment. Some nestle in the Yellowwood Forest, others are set on the hillside, offering breath-taking views of the reserve.

Barefoot Addo also recently unveiled their newly built lodge entertainment area. The thatched lodge with signature stone cladded walls offers all the comforts of a luxury lodge and is an undisturbed retreat where you can regenerate your soul and tune into the sounds of nature. The view from the lounge / dining area is of the waterhole where monkeys come to play and our elephants come to quench their thirst.

The lodge sets the stage for unforgettable African sunsets followed by evenings enjoying bush inspired cuisine and celebrating all that is ‘safari’.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/barefoot-addo-elephant-lodge/

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

26/02/2025

One of the saddest chapters in the history of the Addo elephants involved Major Pretorius' big hunt of 1919/1920.

After nearly 200 years of being hunted for their ivory, there were only about 140 elephants left in the Addo region by the early 1900s. Growth in agriculture in the region led to conflict with elephants as they damaged crops and competed with farmers’ needs for water. Local farmers put pressure on the government to exterminate the Addo elephants and on 25 November 1919 the Cape Provincial Administration entered into a contractual agreement with the noted big-game hunter and celebrated war hero, Major P J Pretorius, to cull the herd. Major Pretorius set up his camp in Kinkelbos and used various methods while hunting. This included wearing a full leather outfit and taking a ladder along on his hunt to see over the thick Addo bush.

Pretorius and his .475 cordite Express Rifle shot 114 elephants between 1919 and 1920. His activities generated publicity and sympathy for the elephants, prompting the halt of the killing when only 16 Addo Elephants remained. This then led to the creation of the Addo Elephant National Park in 1931.

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

24/02/2025

Experience the essence of Addo’s wildlife charm at The Addo Wildlife Lodge, where they cater to every traveller, whether you’re a family seeking the thrill of a safari, a couple yearning for a romantic escape, or a group of friends craving an adventure in the wilderness.

Nestled in the heart of Addo’s breathtaking landscapes, their lodge beckons with a range of accommodations tailored to your desires. From intimate rooms to expansive suites, each space is crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring a stay that exceeds expectations.

Whether it’s a scrumptious breakfast, a light snack at lunch, a wholesome dinner with the family or relaxing with a cocktail around the pool, the Tangelo Restaurant at Addo Wildlife will satisfy your hunger. The in-house Restaurant offers a delightful dining experience in an inviting atmosphere, combined with a touch of African charm. The à la carte menu showcases the freshest, seasonal ingredients sourced from local suppliers, ensuring a dining experience that is fresh and flavourful.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/addo-wildlife-lodge/

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

21/02/2025

Did you know that the Addo Elephant National Park has a live we**am set up the Main Rest Camp's waterhole? The still we**am images are refreshed on a 15 second basis allowing you to watch for animals visiting the waterhole from all across the world.

The Addo we**am is one of seven located in National Parks in South Africa with five of them in Kruger and the other one at Boulders Beach in Cape Town.

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

Addo Elephant National Park offers some of the most spectacular elephant viewing in the world. Addo’s over 600 elephants will delight visitors with their antics.

19/02/2025

Looking for a country escape? A rustic retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life? Do you enjoy looking out over the water while your fire is going? Like to paddle and enjoy nature all around? Then look no further than Klein Plekkie Self Catering. This is the ideal place for you! Relax and enjoy the country surroundings on a working citrus farm located in Sunland in the beautiful Sundays River Valley close to Addo Elephant National Park and just an hour's drive from Port Elizabeth.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/klein-plekkie-self-catering/

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

17/02/2025

Kirkwood is the picturesque and bustling commercial hub of the Sundays River Valley.

Situated in the shadow of the Rietberg mountain and on the border of the Addo Elephant National Park, it is home to the country’s biggest festival in the smallest town – the annual SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees, which is hosted towards the end of June.

Kirkwood’s colonial history started when the governor of the Cape Colony, Sir John Francis Cradock, gave farms in the Sundays River Valley to the leaders of the burger commandos for their role in the border war of 1811 to 1812 (the Fourth Xhosa War or Frontier War).
It was the first war fought between the Xhosa and the British after the British took over control of the Cape in 1806.
Magistrate Jacob Cuyler of Uitenhage was granted the freehold of Geelhoutboom (later Dunbrody); Commandant Ignatius Muller Klaaskraal (Klaas' Corral, situated just outside Kirkwood) and Field Cornet J.S. van Niekerk, who received Gouwernements Belooning (Government's Reward).

It is on the latter farm that Kirkwood would be established in 1912.
Its founding history starts with Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) auctioneer James Kirkwood, who had travelled to the valley in 1877 to auction Gouwernements Belooning.
A flooded Sundays River prevented Kirkwood from reaching this farm so he climbed a nearby hill (known today as The Lookout) instead.
From there he had a view of the entire valley and had a vision of the valley – which was covered with indigenous vegetation and bushes at the time – being transformed into irrigated fields with fruit trees.

Barges on the Sundays river would be used to deliver produce to the then Port Elizabeth.
Kirkwood purchased "Goewernements Belooning" as well as some other farms in the valley.
The town of Kirkwood was later built on Goewernements Belooning.

Kirkwood founded the Sundays River Land and Irrigation Company as well as the village of Bayville.
Kirkwood started to prepare the land for irrigation, but despite a very positive prospectus and good publicity, there were no investors, and his company went bankrupt.
Kirkwood died in 1889, a financially and spiritually broken man.

Others later saw the vision and today the Sundays River Valley is home to the largest grower, packer and exporter of South African citrus, the Sundays River Citrus Company.
The breakthrough came with the building of the Sundays River Irrigation Project in the early 1920s to supply water to British settlers farming smallholdings.

Water supply was greatly increased through the building of the Orange River Project, which feeds water to the Sundays River Valley and the Nelson Mandela Bay metro from the Gariep Dam.

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities.

14/02/2025

Looking for fun activities to do in Addo? Adrenalin Addo has it all! Situated in the heart of the Sundays River Valley, Adrenalin Addo is an outdoor adventure park that embraces the motto ‘life is for living’.

Whether you are looking for some heart pumping action on their zipline or superman zipline, or some stomach-losing madness on the giant swing, Adrenalin Addo’s activities are all about trying new things and above all else, surrendering to boundless fun. The zipline is the highest, longest and fastest double zip line in South Africa. Twin cables – each 500 metres long.

Rated as the number one attraction in Greater Addo, Adrenalin Addo is the ideal getaway for families and friends, and the premier adventure venue for corporate groups and school camps.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/adrenalin-addo-adventure-park/

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

12/02/2025

One of the places you're most likely to find elephants when visiting Addo Elephant National Park is Hapoor Dam. Now you may be wondering who is Hapoor and what the dam has got to do with the magnificent elephant head mounted in the park's Interpretive Centre.

Hapoor was a legend in the park and Addo's dominant bull for 24 years. ‘Hap’ means ‘nick’ or 'hole' in Afrikaans, while ‘oor’ means ‘ear’ and it is believed the distinctive nick in his ear was caused by a hunter’s bullet. Hapoor retained a deep hatred of humans throughout his life. On more than one occasion park staff were forced to flee to safety when Hapoor made his appearance.

His dominance stretched from 1944 to 1968. During the latter part of the 1960’s a few younger bulls reached maturity and challenged Hapoor. These upstarts were unsuccessful until one bull named Lanky finally deposed Hapoor in 1968. Hapoor was driven from the heard and became a loner. Later that year he succeeded in climbing the park’s ‘Armstrong Fence’, which for nearly 20 years had been elephant-proof. His freedom was to be short lived as due to his aggressive nature, it was determined he would have to be shot.

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

10/02/2025

Located in the beautiful citrus and rose growing area of the Sundays River Valley, 20 minutes from the Addo Elephant Park, you will find Avoca River Cabins. Avoca, which means 'The meeting of the waters' is ideal for nature lovers, families and bird watchers. The Orchard Room and The Riverside Deck are their two venues which are used for weddings, special functions and conferencing.

On this beautiful citrus farm in the Sundays River valley, Dave & Judy have established self-catering accommodation. A wide range of accommodation options are on offer in their Riverside Semi-Detached Units, Riverside Chalets, Mud Huts, Bush Camp cottages, Gymnogene, Castle, Uncle Townies, Tracey’s Room and the well known Tree Tops cottage. This is a place where families can relax and children are expected to play and have fun. Honeymoon couples can find a quiet hide away.

Breakfast is served daily & supper can be arranged in advance.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/avoca-river-cabins/

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

07/02/2025

Did you know that in 2002, the coastline between Sundays River and Bushmans River was incorporated into the Addo Elephant National Park, further enhancing the park’s conservation reach and, in 2019, the Addo Elephant National Park was officially declared a marine protected area incorporating the St Croix and Bird Island groups. These islands are the home to one of the world’s biggest African penguin colonies and 250 000 Cape gannets (the largest breeding colony in the world). South Africa has five major coastal types that need protection: rocky shore, sandy shores, offshore, soft sediment and estuaries. All of these are represented in the Addo Elephant National Park Marine Protected Area.

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

05/02/2025

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, unique experience, gourmet feast or just a family stay, Africanos Country Estate has something to suit all tastes and occasions. A place of relaxation, splendour and elegance, authentic cuisine and accommodation of distinction. From the time you arrive, to the time you leave, you’ll be immersed in the lap of luxury, at one of Addo’s leading hotels.

Africanos is the perfect spot to spoil your loved one this Valentine's weekend. Check out their special offers.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/africanos-country-estate/

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

03/02/2025

The Addo Elephant National Park and the surrounding Sundays River Valley truly is a premier holiday and tourist destination with very few issues. Unfortunately the shortest route to the park goes through the Motherwell township outside Port Elizabeth and there has been several incidents on the route leading us to urge visitors to the area to rather use the alternative routes available.

Addo Tourism would like to recommend that visitors rather enter the park through the Matyholweni Gate at Colchester or drive to the Main gate via Paterson, thus avoiding the hotspot area.

On the way around to main gate you will get to see the Sundays River flowing past the magnificent Colchester sand dunes, stop for one of Nanaga's legendary pies and before it's finished you've turned at Paterson and coming around the back you may even spot elephants before you even reach the gate.

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

31/01/2025

Welcome to AfriCamps Addo, the first AfriCamps Boutique Glamping location in the Eastern Cape. Nestled among thickets of indigenous fynbos, overlooking forested hills and gorges, eight fully equipped boutique glamping tents offer the perfect base for adventure, wildlife, and relaxation.

Located on the beautiful Hayterdale Trails property on the foothills of the Zuurberg Mountains, the camp offers easy access to 50 km of scenic mountain biking, trail running, and hiking routes through Yellowwood forests and over rolling hills of valley bushveld dotted with ancient cycads. Spot over 160 bird species, and even catch a glimpse of sable and nyala in the property’s conservancy. For an authentic Big 5 safari experience, visit the Addo Elephant National Park, just 10 km away.

To take full advantage of the stunning views at AfriCamps Addo, the tents sport a brand-new design! A spacious L-shaped deck and five canvas panels offer guests an immersive outdoor experience with unparalleled views of the natural surroundings along with AfriCamps classics like an indoor fireplace, comfy beds, outdoor braai, and of course, the private outdoor wood-fired hot tub.

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

29/01/2025

When most people hear the word Addo they only think of elephants and bush accommodation. The Addo and Sundays River Valley is one of the biggest citrus producing regions in South Africa and there is a lot of accommodation available on and around citrus farms.

📸 Hitgeheim Country Lodge - Wake up to views that’ll make you say, ‘Am I still dreaming?'

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities

27/01/2025

Addo River-View Lodge, nestled in the village of Colchester on the banks of the Sundays River, is a paradise for watersport and nature lovers alike.

The establishment has quick and easy access to the majority of attractions around Addo Elephant National Park and is the perfect gateway to the Garden Route and Sunshine Coast. Recognized as a top holiday destination, the Greater Addo area offers premium game viewing, fishing, beach trails, boating and kayaking. With beautiful views of the Sunday River, you and your family will certainly feel at home at Addo River – View Lodge.

The top floor has 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (1 of which is an en-suite bathroom), an open-plan kitchen, a dining area and lounge that opens onto a sundeck with beautiful views of the Sundays River while the ground floor has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. There's also a separate one bedroom flat with a fully equipped kitchen.

Addo River-View Lodge can be hired out as just the house or the flat or both together.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/addo-river-view-lodge/

Planning a visit to the Greater Addo region?
Visit the Addo Tourism website at www.addotourism.co.za for more information on accommodation, restaurants and activities