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The Addo Elephant National Park, with its core in the Sundays River Valley, stretching from the nor
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10/01/2025

Did you know that Sir Percy FitzPatrick, (24 July 1862 – 24 January 1931), the writer of the book Jock of the Bushveld played a big role in the early development of the Sundays River Valley?

FitzPatrick owned a piece of land next to the river near Sunland from where his guests could enjoy the stunning view of the surrounding valley. Visitors can visit The Lookout for one of the most stunning views in the valley.

It is here that Sir Percy was buried after his death. His wife is buried alongside him while his children are also all buried on the site.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/blog/11461/

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

08/01/2025

Right next to the famous Addo Elephant National Park you'll find, ᗩᗪᗪO ᗩᖴᖇIᑕᗩᑎ ᕼOᗰE, an exclusive eco lodge, owned by Molo Lolo Collection.

This is the ideal getaway for families, nature lovers and adventurers. There is plenty to keep you entertained during your stay, both within the property grounds and in the local area. Addo African Home is where the beauty of nature meets engagements for fair trade tourism and heritage sharing.

Accommodation is available in The Rondavels and The Lodge.

The rondavels are traditional Xhosa huts equipped with all modern comfort. They overlook the garden and have a little outside terrace. All units feature an en-suite bathroom and separated toilets.

The Lodge is located in a genuine farmhouse, nicely renovated with a mix of African and French style, and features 3 rooms, one double and two family. The Lodge rooms are just a few steps from the natural pool and the restaurant.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/addo-african-home/

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

06/01/2025

The Meerkat is one of the more peculiar inhabitants of the Addo Elephant National Park. So much so that the Honorary Rangers dedicated one of their Field Notes handouts to them in the late 90s.

Did you know that there will always be one individual acting as a sentry on the lookout for predators, especially birds of prey?

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

03/01/2025

Explore and experience the Sundays River Valley and Greater Addo region. The region covers the area from Colchester and the Sundays River Mouth through Addo to Kirkwood further north. This magnificent valley of citrus trees is in full bloom in October and bears fruit all winter.

The world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park proudly conserves the Big 7 in their natural environment within its borders. The reserve stretches from the rugged plains of the Karoo and the Darlington Dam to the untamed coastline that includes the largest coastal dune reserve in the southern hemisphere. Between Addo and the surrounding private game reserves, the area offers unparalleled malaria-free Big 5 game viewing options ranging from self-drive to guided tours on safari vehicles.

Activities range from river cruises, ocean cruises and canoeing to sand sledding and ziplining to quad biking, hiking and walking safaris.

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

01/01/2025

New is the year, new are the hopes, new is the resolution, new are the spirits, and new are my warm wishes just for you. Have a promising and fulfilling New Year!

📸 Terri Pickels of Crisscross Adventures-Addo

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

30/12/2024

Field Notes of the Flightless Dung Beetle is another vintage Honorary Ranger handout from the late 1990s.

Did you know that the vulnerable flightless dung beetle (Circellium bacchus) is endemic to a few areas of South Africa, including the Addo Elephant National Park? They mostly roll their brood ball of and feed on elephant or buffalo faeces.

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

27/12/2024

Indulge your palate at ‘A Taste of Africa,’ an authentic Eastern Cape restaurant and coffee shop close to the Sundays River. It's conveniently located just outside the Southern gate of Addo National Park and a mere 30-minute drive from Nelson Mandela Bay.

Whether you’re a road-trip enthusiast, a day-tripper exploring Addo National Park, or a guest in the charming Sundays River area, they're there to serve you. The menu boasts a selection of hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, delectable dinners, and tempting snacks, all infused with the rich flavors of South Africa. You can even savor the experience of a traditional ‘braai’ meal, all while enjoying our renowned Eastern Cape hospitality – available seven days a week.

https://www.addotourism.co.za/listings/a-taste-of-africa-restaurant-coffee-shop/

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

25/12/2024

Addo Tourism wishes you a Blessed and Merry Christmas, from Kirkwood to Colchester all along the Sundays River, encompassing elephants and oranges, over sand dunes and orchards.

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

19/12/2024

One of the best view sites in the Sundays River Valley is from The Look Out. It's located near Sunland on land that used to belong to Sir Percy FitzPatrick and overlooks the Sundays River and surrounding citrus orchards.

After his death, Sr Percy was buried here. In 1953 his daughter and son-in-law donated the Lookout and surrounding land as a public space and the site was declared a National Monument.

A lot of the locals have fond memories of spending time up at the Lookout or Percy’s Place as they call it, in their younger years.

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

16/12/2024

The Sundays River is said to be the fastest-flowing river in South Africa when in flood. The Khoisan people originally named this river Nukakamma (Grassy Water) because the river’s banks are always green and grassy despite the arid terrain that it runs through.

The source of the 250-kilometer-long Sundays River is in the Sneeuberge near Nieu-Bethesda. The river flows in a general south / southeasterly direction, passing Graaff-Reinet and through the Karoo before making its way through the Zuurberg Mountains and into the fertile Sundays River Valley around Kirkwood and Addo. After flowing past the villages of Cannonville and Colchester, it empties into the Indian Ocean at Algoa Bay.

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

11/12/2024

Did you know that there are about 60,000 muscles in an elephant's trunk?

During the late 1990s, the Addo Elephant National Park Honorary Rangers published a set of "field notes" for the elephant, buffalo, black rhino, flightless dung beetle and meerkat. Well, guess what? We got our hands on a set.

Here are some field notes about the elephant for your next visit to the 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

25/11/2024

As photographer says in his post on Instagram: "When the harsh realities of nature intertwine with the serene beauty of life, witnessing the gentle giants at the waterhole transforms the harsh landscape into a lush oasis of vitality.

In these moments, as an elephant gracefully quenches its thirst, we truly come to appreciate the profound love and interconnectedness of all living beings.

Each sip reflects the delicate balance of life, reminding us of the beauty that exists in harmony with nature."

24/11/2024

The wonders of living in the bush! Kudu Ridge Game Lodge says of these zebras visiting: "We get the occasional nighttime visitor here at Kudu Ridge, and sometimes we get multiple visitors! The perks of life in the bushveld are endless 🦓" Coulnd't agree more.
www.addotourism.co.za

23/11/2024

Birders will find endless wonders to be found in the biodiverse Addo Elephant National Park and surrounding farmlands, game farms and wilderness. Our birding list comfortably passes 400. What a superb photo captured by Steven Lang of a common buzzard taken in the park.

Address

Off R335
Addo
6105

Opening Hours

Monday	08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 17:00
Thursday	08:00 - 17:00
Friday	08:00 - 17:00

Website

http://www.addotourism.co.za/

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Videos

Explore and experience the Sundays River Valley and Greater Addo region. The region covers the area from Colchester and the Sundays River Mouth through Addo to Kirkwood further north. This magnificent valley of citrus trees is in full bloom in October and bears fruit all winter. The world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park proudly conserves the Big 7 in their natural environment within its borders. The reserve stretches from the rugged plains of the Karoo and the Darlington Dam to the untamed coastline that includes the largest coastal dune reserve in the southern hemisphere. Between Addo and the surrounding private game reserves, the area offers unparalleled malaria-free Big 5 game viewing options ranging from self-drive to guided tours on safari vehicles. Activities range from river cruises, ocean cruises and canoeing to sand sledding and ziplining to quad biking, hiking and walking safaris. 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

The Addo Tourism AGM took place at the new Longhill Reserve Bush Boma. It was great to get everybody together to relax a bit before peak season kicks in. 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 #addotourism #amazingaddo #sundaysrivervalley #easterncape #encountereastcape

What.... Just happened? 😲😲😲 Incredible action filmed at Schotia Safaris private game reserve #amazingaddo

Our #AmazingAddo | Warning: Graphic Content | What an incredible wild moment captured by Crisscross Adventures-Addo in the national park. Wild animals just doing what they do. Remarkable - thank you for sharing, CrissCross! ☀️🦁🐘

Leaders in Life and Sundays River Citrus Company

More of this, please! Leaders In Life-School and Sports Camps & Sundays River Citrus Company creating conservationists as these young campers visit Addo Elephant National Park for the first time 🐘🐘🐘

You may not know this but, in addition to exceptional wildlife and biodiversity, Addo is known as quite the adventure destination! During the holidays, school camps join Leaders In Life-School and Sports Camps for unforgettable adventure weekends filled with paddling, ziplining, hiking and much more. Children outdoors, playing and learning! Adrenalin Addo #AmazingAddo

Congratulations to Longhill Lodge on the introduction of their first cheetah onto the reserve. Named uFikile - which means "I have arrived" in isiXhosa - this beautiful boy was relocated to Longhill from Kuzuko Lodge. Born to a rewilded mother at Kuzuko, uFikile has taken quite a journey. Learn more in the short below. #amazingaddo

Explore some highlights of our Amazing Addo

Sunday funday 😎🐘☀️ The logo may be retro but the experiences are as real today as when they were shot. This promo video provides an inspiring slice of life in Addo: immersive experiences, unparalleled wildlife encounters, sun-kissed adventures. Honestly, isn't Addo simply amazing? #AmazingAddo www.addotourism.co.za

Congratulations to Hitgeheim Country Lodge

Congratulations to Hitgeheim Country Lodge for winning the Traveller Review Award 2024 from Booking.com! #AmazingAddo #Addo

Addo Elephant leopard crawls below electric fence, South Africa

You know, and we know, that African elephants are not fond of being told where they can and can't go. Here's another brilliant example! Source: Whatsapp 🐘🐘🐘 This electrified fence in in the park; the lowest strand of wire is about 2 metres off the ground, with more strands above that. It surrounds a water-hole. It allows smaller animals, buffalo, kudu etc to pass underneath to get to the water, and has been effective in keeping most of the elephants out- they trash the area. But then this bull worked out how to beat the system! Leopard crawl? 😂 Addo elephants for the win! #AmazingAddo #Addo

History of the elephants at Schotia Safaris

A history of the elephants at Schotia Safaris private game reserve shared with us by Peter Bean, The elephants - originally six - have quite a history. The dominant bull (male) was known for breaking fences and gates. As those in the wildlife industry know, once an elephant starts to break through barriers, it can be a real problem. But, Peter had faith in the bull, and the herd. 🐘🐘 They originally arrived at Shamwari Private Game Reserve from Kapama Game Reserve. They were taken to Bushman Sands, but broke back into Shamwari. Again, they were returned to Bushman Sands and from there were sent to Schotia. By that stage, the herd was quite scared of helicopters and needles. In 12 years at Schotia, they have thrived and bred up from six to 14 elephants. There was only one adult cow (female) in the original six and, on her first night at Schotia, she gave birth to their first calf. Peter explained that it's incredible how they have opened the bush up and the Panicum grass can grow in the newly opened spaces. They are apparently loving Schotia's new Buffelshoek section and have made it a frequent haunt. As you can see in the video below, guests are treated to incredible sightings in our Amazing Addo!

"My favourite watering hole at Gorah Elephant Camp was like National Geographic Live." - @chief_wandering_officer Ron Mckenzie And it really is! 😎🐘🦁 #amazingaddo

Shortcuts

ADDO TOURISM. EASTERN CAPE. SOUTH AFRICA

The Addo Elephant National Park, with its core situated in the Sundays River Valley and stretching from the karoo region north of the Zuurberg Mountain Range to the coast and islands of Algoa Bay of South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, is the heartbeat of the GREATER ADDO ROUTE.

Proclaimed in 1931 to protect eleven surviving Eastern Cape elephants, this amazing park consolidates the unique combination of land and seascapes. It is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world, lying across five of the country’s seven biomes. It has one of most densely populated elephant herds in the world and is home to the locally endemic flightless dung beetle (Circellum bacchus) and the endangered black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis bicornis)

The famous Alexandria dune fields in the South, are the longest and widest coastal dunes in the southern hemisphere, and it is here where the park inherits the whale and shark, making the park one of the rare Big 7 destinations internationally. Here among the dunes are the less well known species such as the endemic dune grasshopper Acrotylus hirsutus, the pygmy hairy-footed gerbil Gerbillus paeba exilis, the Damara tern and the African black oystercatcher as well as many more.

The Greater Addo Route circles this unique South African Destination and includes the villages of Addo, Colchester, Canonville, Kirkwood and Paterson. Quality graded accommodation in the form of luxury lodges, guesthouses, B&B’s, self catering and camping facilities are available throughout the route. The visitor can opt for relaxed home stays, luxury spas, comfortable colonial country houses or basic backpacker accommodation complimented by guided tours and safaris, ferry rides, horse trails, hiking trails, 4 x 4 and off road / adventure facilities with visits to conservation and community projects also offered.