Addo Elephant Park National Park, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Addo Elephant National Park is situated in the dense valley of the Sundays River region. This Eastern Cape game park offers a memorable wildlife experience and is home to the Big 5, namely Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard.

Addo Elephant National Park is set deep within the dense valley bushveld of the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The original Elephant section of the Park was proclaimed in 1931, a time when just 11 Elephant roamed the area.

Today, however, over 450 Elephant makes the Park its home, as well as Cape Buffalo, Black Rhino, a variety of antelope species and the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo. Addo National Park is indeed a unique and diverse wildlife sanctuary, and plans to expand and transform Addo is already in motion

At this Eastern Cape game park you will experience an unrivaled natural diversity, boasting 5 of South Africa's seven major vegetation biomes. Addo is also home to the 'Big 7', namely Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, Whale and the Great White Shark.

In addition, Addo plans to proclaim 120 000 hectares of 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.

How to get there:

By Air:
Port Elizabeth Airport is located about 75 kilometres (46.6 miles) from the Park, and is the closest domestic airport. International Airports are situated in Johannesburg and Cape Town, with connecting flights to Port Elizabeth available.

By Road:

Car Hire:
There are various agencies available at the airport in Port Elizabeth or in all major towns of South Africa.

Internal Road Network:
The entrance road and some of the tourist loops in the Park are tarred and in a good condition. Other tourist roads within the Park are of a good gravel standard. Normal sedan cars can be used on all tourist roads. A 4X4 vehicle is needed for guests wanting to take the 4X4 route within the Park.

How to get there:

Directions from Port Elizabeth:

There are 3 alternatives:

1) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown. Take the turnoff to the left signposted 'Motherwell' and 'Addo Elephant National Park'. Turn left at the top of the off ramp and proceed to 'Motherwell'. Follow this road until you see the entrance to the Park on the right. The distance is about 72 kilometres (45 miles) or one hour travelling time.

2) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown and travel straight until the N2 splits off to the left from the N10. Carry straight on, following the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right.

This will be sign posted 'Addo Elephant National Park'. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the Park on your left. The distance is about 120 kilometres (74.6 miles) or one hour and 15 minutes driving time.

3) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown. Pass Coega harbour on your right. Cross the Sundays River Bridge. Turn off to your left at the sign that says 'Camp Matyholweni'.

Follow this road for about 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) until you enter Matyholweni Gate at Camp Matyholweni. Follow the southern access road inside the Park until you get to Addo Main Camp. You will cross over a gravel public road.

Distance is about 40 kilometres (24.9 miles) from PE to Matyholweni and then 36 kilometres (22.4 miles) through the Park (which takes about one and a half hours at the 40km/h speed limit). Please note that this route is not accessible to caravans and buses.

Directions from Grahamstown:
Take the N2 towards PE. Follow this road until you see the turnoff to the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take this turnoff and carry straight on, following the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse.

Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted 'Addo Elephant National Park'. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the Park on your left. The journey covers about 90 kilometres (56 miles) and will take about one hour and 15 minutes driving time.

Directions from Cape Town:
Take the N2 towards PE and then follow the directions given above. The travelling time from Cape Town to the Park by car is about 9 hours.

Directions from Johannesburg:
Take the N1 towards Colesburg. At Colesburg, take the N10 towards Cradock and Paterson. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted 'Addo Elephant National Park'. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the Park on your left. Please note that this journey will take about 12-14 hours by car.

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Find Accommodation In Addo In The Eastern Cape

Look no further than the beautiful and tranquil Eastern Cape. Addo is positioned along the coast in South Africa's Eastern Cape. It is a stunning destination with peaceful surrounds, wildlife abundance, beautiful warm oceans and so much more.

Here you will also find the world famous elephant parks. The area offers quality guest house accommodation and affordable Addo B&B accommodation. It is located within the Cacadu district in the west part of the Eastern Cape. Just under half a million people inhabit the province with the majority of people speaking isiXhosa. But never fear as English is widely spoken and Addo accommodation hosts are definitely fluent and conversant in the international tongue.

The area is also popular for a range of activities and known for its diversity offering every thing a visitor could want to take in. The beaches offer warm seas and are unspoilt - essentially the most popular reason people visit the Eastern Cape. The areas is also peaceful and suited for living in and around a natural environment with the good life. Interested in history and culture, you will find an array of museums and historical sites to treat your mind and encourage South African learning.

A visit to an area is never complete without trying out their special flavours and Addo in the Eastern Cape is no exception.
Visit the Eastern Cape and you will be able to experience fruit harvesting as well as the playing of polo. Your guest house accommodation and B&B accommodation hosts will be able to guide you with their expertise.

Imagine riding on the back of an elephant – yes, right here in Addo, Eastern Cape you can experience an Addo elephant ride.
I would consider myself an experienced traveler – having tried many adventures to sooth my soul that I have lived and experienced and taken in every moment. But what a treat to know that Southern Africa offers these special elephant adventures in the elephant land of Addo. Experiencing an elephant tour adventure is an awesome experience that certainly gets put to memory bank as one of life’s super moments – where you feel alive.
More so, having that adventure in Addo, you contribute to the elephant conservation programmes as you are inevitably supporting the providers of Addo elephant tours, for which they need the elephants.
Addo, in the Eastern Cape, is considered the elephant capital of the world. So there is no better place to savour an elephant adventure tour in Addo. The conservation parks in Addo have contributed significantly to the conservation and protection of elephants. By offering elephant rides, they embrace their conservation project, attract tourists and generate revenue for additional conservation efforts.
The opportunity is also provided to walk with these glorious animals and feed them. It’s a super opportunity and one to seek. Right up high overseeing the world as you reflect on where you are – on the back of an elephant (in Addo) under the supervision of trained and experienced tour guides.
After your elephant adventure in Addo, head for another exciting tourist attraction nearby – steer for the sea or for more game experiences.

Visit Guest Files to find Addo guest house and Addo B&B as well as all your other Southern African tourism needs

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Addo Guest House Accommodation

Visit Addo Guest House and Addo B&B Accommodation

Visit the Addo region in the Eastern Cape. It is world famous for offering a wide array of many differing and exciting opportunities and adventures.

Your local Addo guest house accommodation and Addo B&B accommodation hosts will serve as competent guides in respect of local attractions and the best ways to access these.

The beautiful and aptly named Sunshine Coast offers warm and unspoilt Indian ocean waters, perfectly suited to the discerning traveler, holiday makers, lovers and families alike.

Wildlife is in abundance with several offerings of extensive wild animals, including the famous Big 5. In addition, your animal experience will be extended to enjoying and participating in the wild sea life.

The Eastern Cape houses the traditional South African Xhosa people and you will find the locals both very friendly and extremely helpful.

Your stay will be further improved by not having to take any malaria precautions.
Finding your Addo accommodation - either in an Addo guest house or Addo B&B near the world famous elephant park will make your stay that much more special. You will find yourself in awe at the large gathering of elephants at this park.

It is no wonder the province is considered a whole world in just one province. What more could one want to experience than wildlife in abundance, beautiful warm beaches, friendly people and a local and dynamic special South African culture.

A visit to the Eastern Cape is a must and will leave you a more experienced and worldy person thereafter.

Visit Guest Files to find Addo guest house and Addo B&B as well as all your other Southern African tourism needs
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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Currie

Addo Guest House Accommodation

Golf clubs

Attracted by its year-round sunny climate, glorious scenery, low costs and hospitable clubhouses, more and more British golfers are discovering the delights of playing their favourite game in South Africa. With its 400 golf courses, many of championship standard, the country is fast becoming the latest `in` destination for British golfers seeking `new` places to play.

Golf in South Africa, however, is far from a recent development. The first course was laid out in Wynberg in 1882. Founded by British enthusiasts it later became the Royal Cape Golf Club and staged its first competition in 1886. From this `tee-off` in the Cape the game spread throughout the country, with the Royal Johannesburg course being opened in 1890.

One of the features of golf courses in South Africa are the superb settings. Ancient trees add to the sense of history at the Royal Cape and Royal Johannnesburg, Table Mountain is the backdrop for the Milnerton while vistas of sea and surf are one of the features of the Wild Coast golf links.

There are courses in the bushveld like Sabi, Hans Merensky and Malelane where the wildlife - warthog, antelope and monkeys - may invade the fairways. Bring your camera as well as your clubs - the folks back home might not believe you.

Don`t be put off by the critical eyes of the monkeys at the Gary Player Country Club at the Sun City resort - the course itself is demanding enough. Every year it hosts international stars at the "Million Dollar" tournament.

South Africa as a whole is popular with golfing giants such as Bobby Lock, Herold Henning, Ernie Els - and of course Gary Player himself.

Whether or not you bump into them is a matter of luck. One thing you can be sure of though is the warmth of the welcome you`ll receive from club members - especially if you observe the local rules of etiquette. You should wear knee-high socks with shorts or Bermudas - and be prepared to take a break in the clubhouse at the end of nine-holes before continuing with the game.

It`s also a good idea to hire a caddy. Their services are very reasonable - fees are normally R60 for nine holes, R100 for 18 - while their extensive knowledge of the course will help you have a better game. With green fees as low as R50 (for nine holes) or R100 (for 18), and with drinks at the `19th hole` much cheaper than in the UK, you can afford to splash out.

Most clubs offer international visitors temporary membership, giving them the opportunity to play with local golfers. It is advisable to book starting times in advance, particularly at weekend and on public holidays.

Normally a great session of golf is rounded off by a `braavleis` (barbecue), providing the chance of discussing the finer points of the day`s round over a juicy steak and ice cold beer - while the ochre coloured sun sinks over the sea, the bush or the mountains.

Recommended reading:
South African Golf Courses � A pertrait of the best. (Struik Publishers, ISBN 1 868 25 3384)

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The Big Seven and more at Addo

Angela Zachariasen

Whether you want to languish in luxury at an upmarket lodge, experience the sights and sounds of the bush from a safari tent or choose from a host of other affordable accommodation facilities - the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park has it all.

The park has proven itself to be one of South Africa's most popular tourism destinations, with occupancy rates at its various accommodation facilities running at about 92% throughout the year.

Added to this, several contractual partners and private concessions within the park have added an upmarket dimension to the park, attracting international tourists as well as having brought about numerous economic benefits to the park and surrounding community.

The park, which was home to just 11 elephant when first proclaimed in 1931, is now sanctuary to more than 450 of these majestic creatures. It is also refuge to the Big Seven - making it one of South Africa's key tourism destinations.

Its 164 233 hectares are inhabited by abundant birdlife and a multitude of wildlife species including lion, black rhino, buffalo, leopard, spotted hyena, zebra, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle. The Great White shark and seasonal Southern Right whale in the marine section complete the Big Seven.

Situated in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, only a short drive away from Port Elizabeth, the park stretches across five biomes from the vast Darlington Lake, Zuurberg Mountains and dense bushveld of the Sundays River Valley to the indigenous forests at Woody Cape.

These forests hug the largest coastal dune fields south of the Namib, overlooking the park's marine area at Bird Island and St Croix Island.

Privately owned concessions

The privately owned concessions - Gorah Elephant Camp and Nguni Lodge - and contractual partners - RiverBend Lodge, Darlington Lake Lodge and Intsomi Lodge - when combined with the park's own facilities, offer the visitor a multitude of choices, both in type of accommodation and price range says South African National Parks (SANParks) Frontier Region communications manager Megan Taplin.

A new - and the biggest - contractual addition to the park, the 14 900 hectare Kuzuko Contractual Area has been stocked with elephant, lion, cheetah, black rhino and buffalo.

Construction of a 48-bed luxury lodge was recently completed, while future concession and contractual opportunities are also possible within the park, with plans including the introduction of a canoe trail that will operate on the Sundays River - home to the park's hippos.

"A concession, usually signed for a period of 50 years or more, is where a private business is given the rights to operate a business, whether it's a lodge or an activity, within a national park. The park still owns the land and infrastructure and receives a percentage of the concessionaire's turnover. Concession opportunities are always put out on public tender to ensure that the process is transparent," Taplin said.

"The advantage to the park is that we can concentrate on our core business, which is biodiversity conservation, while still providing a range of offerings to visitors."

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Woodall Country House

Adorable Addo

Woodall Addo | Addo Accomodation

For an unrivalled elephant experience, and a growing number of additional natural attractions, Addo Elephant National Park plans to take on Kruger National Park as South Africa's ultimate tourist destination.

Imagine relinquishing your accumulated stress in the remote and dense bushveld of the Sundays River, deep within the Eastern Cape's Addo Elephant National Park. Imagine sundowners on your bungalow verandah, sharing the last bright orange-red glow of a glorious day with family and friends… and a procession of stately passing pachyderms, ear-swishing and tails twitching.

As the shadows lengthen and darkness descends a new order emerges in the bush. The call of the black-backed jackal seems ominously louder, the moon appears brighter, the world appears more alive than your city memory recalls… and the legend of Hapoor (Nicked Ear) the legendary irritable elephant that retained a deep hatred for humans after his ear was grazed by a bullet grows more fanciful with each telling.

The restaurant in the Addo Main Camp is the last resting place of Hapoor. If you happen to dine in the restaurant, the majestic elephant head above the fireplace is that of the aggressive bull. His magnificent trunk arches over the dining tables, making Hapoor and his 24-year reign over the elephants in Addo Elephant National Park (from 1944 until he was deposed by a new dominant bull called Lanky in 1968), a natural talking point.

It is told that Hapoor was driven from the heard and became a loner, eventually earning the honour of being the only elephant to escape the park's Armstrong fence - but due to his aggressive nature he was shot before he could enjoy his newfound freedom.

Another legendary character is Domkrag (the Afrikaans word for jack), a giant mountain tortoise that had the unusual habit of walking in behind cars and lifting them like a car jack with its enormous strength. Domkrag's huge shell is still on display in the reception area…the story of his demise is that he fell into an antbear hole and was unable to extricate himself.
The original section of the Addo Elephant National Park was proclaimed in 1931 to protect the last remaining eleven elephant in the area. Conflict between farmers and the elephant had reached a head in the early 1900s when the large herds were all but decimated by the time public opinion began to change.

Since the area was not adequately enclosed, conflicts between elephants and farmers continued even after the proclamation of the 2 000 hectare park. In 1954, Graham Armstrong, (the park manager at the time) developed an elephant-proof fence and fenced in an area of 2270 hectares protecting 22 elephants. This Armstrong fence is still used around the park today, and has only ever been bested by Hapoor.

Safe from relentless persecution in the past, the grey leviathans of the bush now roam in peace. Although the Addo Elephant National Park was originally proclaimed to protect a single species - elephant - priorities have now changed to conserve the rich biological diversity found in the area.

Today, when you wake the francolin's call heralding the dawn, you will see a finely tuned 164 000 hectare ecosystem that is sanctuary to 450 elephants, 400 Cape buffalo, 48 black rhino, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.

Less than 50 kilometres from Port Elizabeth, the original Addo National Elephant Park has subsequently been expanded to include the Woody Cape Nature Reserve that extends from the Sundays River mouth towards Alexandria and includes a marine reserve, that incorporates St. Croix Island and Bird Island in Algoa Bay, an important breeding habitat for a large variety of other marine life. Bird Island is home to the world's largest breeding colony of gannets and the second largest breeding colony of African penguins. This forms part of the plan to expand the Addo National Elephant Park into a 360 000 hectare mega park - the Greater Addo Elephant National Park.

With the parks current expansion Addo contains five of South Africa's seven major vegetation zones (known as biomes). It has forest in the Woody Cape area, sub-tropical thicket in the original Addo area (as well as the Kabouga, Colchester and Nyathi sections), grassland and fynbos in the Zuurberg section, and nama-karoo in the Darlington section.

With the reintroduction of lion and spotted hyena to the park in 2003 Addo is also probably one of the only parks in the world to offer the so-called "Big 7" (elephant, black rhinoceros, lion, leopard, buffalo, southern right whales and great white sharks) in their natural habitats.

You can also hope to see red hatrtebeest, eland , kudu, bushbuck, Burchell's zebra and warthogs in abundance. But be warned - it is not the mighty elephant, nor the motor vehicle that rules the roads of Addo - it is the rare flightless dung beetle. Signs warn visitors that this tiny natural recycling machine has right of way.

In the outlying areas you can expect to see different mammals - these include the Cape mountain zebra, mountain reedbuck baboons, duiker and red rock rabbit. The coastal forest is home to buchbuck, bush pig, brown hyena and the rare tree dassie.

Hippos are found in the Sundays River and gemsbok, black wildebeest, and springbok are found in the arid nama-karoo and Darlington Dam. Plans include the reintroduction of cheetah and wild dog into this area.

"Must do" activities at Addo include guided game drives in open vehicles, guided walks and guided horse trails for various levels of ability. There are also 'hop-on' guides who can be hired to travel with you in your vehicle to guide you through the game area.
There is a large variety of accommodation options to choose from - from guest houses and forest cabins to caravan and camping sites - both in and outside the reserve. The rest camp has a swimming pool, a well stocked shop selling gifts and supplies, and an ala carte restaurant. Petrol and diesel is available at the main camp and the Red Bishop Bird Hide and new underground wildlife viewing hide are worth a visit.

For the intrepid adventurer, elephant-back safaris are operated from a farm abutting the northern boundary in the Zuurberg area (042 235 1400 / www.addoelephantbacksafaris.co.za / res@addoelephantbacksafaris.co.za) but expect to pay handsomely for the experience.

GETTING THERE

The most straight forward way of getting to Addo is via the new southern gate. Turn off the N2 at Colchester. The gate is about 5km from the Matyholweni Camp - about 43 kilometres north of Port Elizabeth. To get to Addo's Main Camp you can take a slow drive (expect this to take about an hour) or take the 72km direct route to the main camp along the N2 towards Grahamstown and turn off at Motherwell to follow the sign posts.
There is no public transport to the park, but the park is completely accessible to normal motor vehicles. 4x4 vehicles are only required for specifically for the Bedrogfontein 4x4 trail.
There is a new official 48-page guide book on sale at the park's shop (R35,00) and is highly recommended.
Port Elizabeth to Addo Main Camp 72 km
Main Camp to Paterson 22 km
Main Camp to Kabouga 45 km
Main Camp to Narina 27 km
Main Camp to Woody Cape office 105 km
Main Camp to Matyholweni 39 km
Main Camp to Zuurberg office 17 km

CONTACT

• For bookings contact SAN Parks central reservations on 012 428 9111 or book via the website below.
• Office hours at Add are from 7am to 7pm. Tel. 042 233 8600. Fax. 042 233 8643.
• For emergencies, contact the Hospitality Manager after hours on 042 233 8635.
• E-mail: addoenquiries@sanparks.org
• Web: www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/
  

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About Addo Elephant Park

Woodall Addo Addo Accomodation

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The more than 450 elephants in the park are the main attraction, but you will also encounter buffalo, black rhino, warthog, eland, kudu and a variety of buck species. The park lies 75 km to the north of Port Elizabeth and is open throughout the year.

Situated in a malaria free area just one hour's drive from Port Elizabeth, this finely tuned ecosystem is sanctuary to over 450 elephants, Cape buffalo, a variety of antelope species, as well as the unique flightless dung beetle, found almost exclusively in Addo.

Some of its unique features include:
* Unrivalled natural diversity, with 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.
* Rich heritage of archaeological and historical sites.

This park offers some of the most spectacular elephant viewing in the world. Antelope species abundant in the main game area of the park include red hartebeest, eland, kudu and bushbuck whilst Gemsbok, black wildebeest, springbok, buffalo and black rhino are found in the arid nama-karoo area.

The Burchell’s zebra, Cape mountain zebra, spotted hyenas, mountain reedbuck, baboons, blue duiker, aardwolf and red rock rabbit are some of the other game species found in the Park.

Activities Guided game drives There are a number of game drive options of approximately 2 hours in duration, available. Drives are conducted by knowledgeable, qualified guides on open-top landrovers or trucks. Bookings are essential. - Sunrise drive - 06:00 (summer) or 07:00 (winter) - Day drives - 09:00, 12:00 and 15:00 - Sunset drives - 16:00 (winter) or 18:00 (summer) - Night drives - 18:00 (winter) or 20:00 (summer) Eyethu hop-on Guides can be hired at affordable rates to get on your vehicle and guide you through the game area. These are local community members who have been trained as guides and now run their own small business. Addo horse trails The morning ride (08:00) is for less experienced riders and is two hours long. The afternoon ride (14:00) is for experienced riders and is three hours long. Book and pay for horse trails at the Game Drive Office. All horse trails are conducted by experienced guides on sure-footed, well-trained horses.Riding hats are available for visitors’ use. No children younger than 16 years may ride on the Addo Trail. Addo horse trails depart from main camp to the Nyati area which is home to elephants, buffalo, black rhino, zebra and antelope. Zuurberg horse trails Zuurberg horse trails are suitable for riders of all competencies and wind through fynbos and forest. One-, three- and five-hour trails are available. No children younger than 10 years may ride on the Zuurberg horse trails. Hiking trails Various hiking options range from a one-hour trail – suited for those who want a sedate walk – to the 4-hour Doringnek Trail. Bird watching The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide is located opposite the waterhole in the main rest camp, offering watchers a view of red bishops, weavers, herons, coots and terrapins. The main game area boasts a list of 170 bird species, while the expanded park may contain as many as 450 species in a diversity of habitats. PPC Discovery trail The PPC Discovery Trail is a short walk through the valley thicket where you can learn more about the plants and animals of this region. The first loop is suitable for visually-impaired and wheelchair-bound visitors. A picnic and braai area is situated near the waterhole in the main camp. The waterhole is floodlit at night. 4x4 Trail Ride the Bedrogfontein 4 x 4 trail between Kabouga and Darlington and immerse yourself in breathtaking views and early 20th century history. This route was the scene of fierce battles between the British and Afrikaner troops during the Anglo-Boer war. Facilities The following facilities are available at the main rest camp: - A fuel station selling petrol and diesel is available between 07:00 and 17:00. - A shop selling curios, snacks and basic supplies is open between 08:00 and 18:00 (Please note: times vary according to season, please check with park staff). - An al-la-carte restaurant is available in the main camp and is open for all meals from 07:00 to 22:00. - A swimming pool is available for overnight visitors. - A picnic and braai area is available for day visitors. - The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide - The PPC Discovery Trail is accessible to all, including the visually and mobility-impaired. - There is a public telephone and a post box near the reception. Post is collected for delivery every week day morning at 09:00. A post office is situated in the town of Addo, approximately 15 km from the park. - A First National Bank with ATM is situated in the town of Addo, 15 km from the park. Other banking facilities are located in the town of Kirkwood, 35 km from the park and Port Elizabeth, 75 km from the park. - A la Carte restaurant and curio shop available. - Underground wildlife viewing hide How to get there See Map Directions from Port Elizabeth to Addo Main Camp There are 3 alternatives: 1) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown. Take the turnoff to the left signposted “Motherwell” and “Addo Elephant National Park”. Turn left at the top of the off-ramp and proceed through Motherwell. Follow this road until you see the entrance to the park on the right. Distance: about 72 km or one hour travelling time. 2) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown and carry straight on until the N2 splits off to the left from the N10. Carry straight on, following the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted “Addo Elephant National Park”. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the park on your left. Distance: about 120 km or one hour, 15 minutes travelling time. 3) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown, pass Coega harbour on your right. Cross the Sundays River bridge. Turn off to your left at the sign that says “Camp Matyholweni”. Follow this road for about 3 km until you enter Matyholweni Gate at Camp Matyholweni. Follow the southern access road inside the Park until you get to Addo Main Camp. You will cross over a gravel public road. Distance: about 40 km from PE to Matyholweni and then 36 km through the Park (which takes about one and a half hours at the 40km/h speed limit). NB: this route is not accessible to caravans and buses. Gate opening and closing times The entrance gate is open from 07:00 to 19:00 but is staffed by a security guard between 19:00 and 07:00. Should visitors need to enter or leave before 07:00 or after 19:00, please contact reception to inform staff. The wildlife viewing area is open between 06:00 – 18:00 in summer and 07:00 – 17:30 in winter. Times vary according to season - please check with Reception. Health & Climate The climate is temperate to hot and temperatures in summer (November to February) may reach over 40 degrees Celsius. Winter days are mild but cold at night with frost occurring at times. The average annual rainfall is 450 millimetres and is spread throughout the year, although peaks do often occur in March/April and September/October.