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The word Addo comes from the Khoisan 'ga-dao'
and points to the bush which is typical for the region.
The farmers started complaining in 1918 that
elephant and buffalo started demolishing their fences and krops Already in those
days, the Eastern Cape was an important exporter of ivory leaving the country
from the Port Elizabeth harbour.
The last lion was shot in 1849, the last
rhino in 1853 and the elephant population reduced to only 300 animals and
according to the farmers, it was 300 too many. In the less memorable year 1918,
a famous tracker was able to shoot most of the elephants, except the last
remaining 16.
The Addo Elephant Park was established in
1931 in an attempt to protect the last 11 elephants alive but the real
protection only came in 1954 when a fence was built around the park. Today, 200
elephants live in the reserve. The Zuurberg National Park, established in 1985,
is since 1996 part of the Addo National Park.
Climate:
Moderate temperatures to warm with a annual
rainfall of 450 mm .
Traveling:
The reserve is situated in the Sundays
River Valley and Zuurberg Mountains, on 72 km from Port Elizabeth. The 4 km
tarred road from the main road leads to the rest camp. Most of the roads within
the reserve are tarred while other roads are gravel.
Opening times:
Addo: 07:00 – 19:00 throughout the year
Zuurberg: 07:30 – 16:30 throughout the year
Facilities:
- Picnic for day visitors
- Swimming pool for guests staying in the
rest camp
- Restaurant, à la carte menu and light
refreshments
- Petrol is available
-
Shops with basic supplies and souvenirs
Adventure and outdoor activities:
- Safari with your own vehicle
- Bird hides
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Night game observations – illuminated
waterholes
- Guided night game drives
- Spekboom daytrip (3 – 4 hours) in the
safe botanical part of the reserve
- Lookouts and several waterholes in the
reserve
- Horse riding in the Zuurberg National
Park (17 km from Addo).
- Two nature walking trails in the Zuurberg
National Park - 1 hour and 5 hours
Useful tips:
- Bring your binoculars, camera, walking
shoes, towel and guide book
-
Road maps and tourist information available at reception
Remarks:
- Pets are not allowed in the National Park
-
Weapons need to be sealed at reception,
seal with be removed on departure
- Citrus fruit is not allowed in the park
- Medical support, garages and police are
available in the Addo Village and sunlands (15 km)
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