Gallery » EUROPE/AFRICA/ MIDDLE EAST » Round the World 2018 - South Africa » Addo Elephant National Park 2018
This was our first visit to Addo Elephant National Park. It is located in the southeast corner of South Africa ~72km from the town of Port Elizabeth. The park was founded in 1931 to protect the remaining eleven (yes, only eleven) Addo Elephants (prior to this time, herds of Addo Elephants (so named because of they lived in proximity to the town of Addo) were decimated by hunters in the 1700's and 1800's). In the late 1800's, the area was used for farming, and again, Addo Elephants were being killed. In 1919, farmers called on the government to exterminate the Elephants. Between 1919 and 1920, 114 Elephants were killed. Ultimately, public opinion changed and eventually lead to the opening of the park in 1931. Since its opening, the Park has expanded in size and continues to do so by acquiring nearby lands.
Currently there are more than 600 Elephants in Addo Elephant Park. Since 2003, male Elephants have been transferred from Kruger National Park to widen the genetic pool. Other animals that were once present in the area have also been reintroduced (i.e., Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino, Red Hartebeest and Zebra). Other animals that did not naturally occur in the area (i.e., Giraffe) have not been introduced.
The Park enjoys a beautiful setting running from the sand dunes where the Sunday River reaches the ocean to the 1,000 meter (~3,300 feet) heights of the Zuurburg mountains. It was beautifully green during our visit and the weather was very mild. We enjoyed driving every road within the park. We especially enjoyed driving the six kilometer (~four mile) private road leading to our home, Nyathi Camp. Only guests staying at Nyathi were allowed to use that road and enjoy its exclusive game viewing opportunities.
In summary, we had a terrific visit! Click on an album to see our daily game viewing. If you want to learn more, you can read our detailed diary.
