addo elephant park safari from port elizabeth with lunch

Summary

Full day addo elephant park safari with local guide and lunch

You’ll ride from Port Elizabeth into Addo Elephant National Park with a local guide who knows every turn and story along the way. Watch elephants up close, try spotting lions or zebras across open plains, enjoy a simple lunch at the main camp, and spend time in an underground hide by a watering hole — moments you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment when you first spot an elephant at Addo — not just a glimpse, but really see one, close enough to count the wrinkles around its eyes. I was still rubbing sleep out of mine when our guide, Sipho, pointed quietly to the left. The bush was all soft golds and greens after last night’s rain, and then suddenly there she was: massive, calm, ears flicking like she owned the place (which, honestly, she probably does). I didn’t expect to feel so small in the best way.

The drive from Port Elizabeth is quick — maybe 40 minutes? — but it’s enough time for Sipho to share stories about the park and how Addo became home to over 600 elephants. He knows every twist of that road. We entered through the southern gate just as the sun started warming up. The air smelled faintly of dust and something sweet I couldn’t name. We saw zebra grazing with their heads down, warthogs trotting past like they had somewhere important to be. At one point I tried (and failed) to spot a lion before anyone else; no luck, but someone in another jeep waved at us with a grin.

Lunch was at the main rest camp up north — nothing fancy, but sitting outside with a sandwich and watching birds dart around felt right. There’s this underground hide by the watering hole where you can sit almost eye-level with whatever comes by. It was quiet except for some distant chatter and the sound of hooves on mud. I still think about that silence — kind of rare these days.

After lunch we zigzagged back through Addo Elephant National Park toward the south gate again. The afternoon light made everything look softer somehow. We talked about buffalo and hyenas (didn’t see any rhino this time), but honestly I kept looking out for more elephants. You start to notice their personalities if you watch long enough. On the way back to Port Elizabeth I realized my shoes were dusty and my phone full of blurry photos — which feels about right for a day like this.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Addo Elephant National Park Safari

• Drive from Port Elizabeth to Addo Park
• Explore Addo Elephant National Park and wildlife viewing
• Lunch at Main Rest Camp and visit underground hide
• Return drive to Port Elizabeth

Top questions

How long is the Addo Elephant National Park tour?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Is hotel pickup included from Port Elizabeth?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from your accommodation, airport, or harbor in Port Elizabeth.

What animals can I see at Addo Elephant National Park?

You may see elephants, buffalo, lions, spotted hyena, black rhino, zebra, warthog, antelope species, and many birds.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, a light lunch is included at the main rest camp inside Addo Elephant National Park.

Are guides professionally registered?

Yes, your nature guide is professionally registered for this tour.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes; infants can use prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is Addo Elephant National Park malaria-free?

Yes; Addo Elephant National Park is malaria-free.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes; transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from your Port Elizabeth accommodation or arrival point, all entry fees for Addo Elephant National Park itself, guidance from a professionally registered nature guide throughout your wildlife search in various park areas, bottled water along the way to keep you refreshed under African skies, plus a light lunch at the main rest camp before heading back in comfort at day’s end.