Addo Elephant Park & Cape Recife tour from Port Elizabeth

Lighthouse, penguins, and 700 elephants in one morning

A half-day tour from Port Elizabeth starts on the coast at Cape Recife Lighthouse and the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre, then moves inland to Addo Elephant National Park for a guided game drive. The route includes Marine Drive, a farm stall lunch with soft drink, entry to both reserves, bottled water, binoculars, hotel or cruise terminal pickup, and a professional English-speaking guide. The tour runs 9 hours and suits cruise passengers and families with children from age 5.

Step-by-step itinerary

Addo Elephant Park and Coastal Tour

• Drive along Marine Drive
• Visit Shark Rock Pier
• Visit Cape Recife Lighthouse
• Tour SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre
• Lunch at Nanaga Farm Stall
• Game drive in Addo Elephant Park

The experience

The tour opens on Port Elizabeth's coastline, driving Marine Drive to reach Shark Rock Pier and Cape Recife, where the historic lighthouse sits on the southernmost tip of the city. At the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre, a guided tour introduces the critically endangered African Penguins and other marine birds. The centre's work is the focus here, not a quick stop. From there the route turns inland toward Addo Elephant National Park, stopping at Nanaga Farm Stall for lunch and local produce.

Addo is the third-largest national park in South Africa, spanning 176,000 hectares and home to roughly 700 elephants. The game drive takes you through the park with a professional guide looking for the Big 5 and the abundance of antelope, zebras, and birds the reserve holds. The park is malaria-free. Binoculars are provided, and the vehicle is air-conditioned. Hotel pickup and drop-off (or cruise ship terminal pickup and return) are included, along with biltong, juice and biscuits to start the day.

What’s included

• Hotel or cruise terminal pickup and drop-off.
• entry to Cape Recife and the SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre.
• guided tour through Addo Elephant National Park with a professional English-speaking guide.
• game drive through the reserve.
• lunch at Nanaga Farm Stall with a soft drink.
• biltong, juice and biscuits.
• bottled water.
• use of binoculars.
• air-conditioned vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Carlin's Tours

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary and wildlife spotting without translation. This suits anyone booking from an English-speaking country or cruise ship, and families with children from age 5 who want the route explained as it unfolds.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What animals will I see on the game drive at Addo?

Addo Elephant National Park is home to roughly 700 elephants and the Big 5. The game drive also passes antelope, zebras, and numerous bird species across the 176,000-hectare reserve.

What happens at the penguin centre?

The SANCCOB Penguin Rehabilitation Centre offers a guided tour where you learn about critically endangered African Penguins and other marine birds being cared for at the facility.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is at Nanaga Farm Stall with local produce, a soft drink, and is included in the tour price. Biltong, juice and biscuits are also provided at the start of the day.

Can cruise passengers book this tour?

Yes, cruise liner guests are welcome. Pickup and return to the cruise ship terminal are included, and the 9-hour duration fits a port day.