Addo Elephant Park Safari: Game Drive & Walking Tour

Walk among giraffes and elephants on a rare, close-up African bush safari

This full-day safari combines a guided game drive through Addo Elephant National Park (home to one of Africa's densest elephant populations) with a walking safari at a private game reserve where you track giraffes on foot. The tour includes park admission, a farm stall lunch with biltong and juice, and pickup from your hotel or cruise ship terminal. A live English-speaking guide leads both the vehicle and walking portions, making this a rare chance to experience African wildlife from two perspectives in a single day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Addo Elephant Park and Giraffe Walk Safari

• Guided game drive in Addo Elephant Park
• Lunch at Nanaga farm stall
• Giraffe walk at private game reserve

The experience

Addo Elephant National Park sits as the third-largest national park in South Africa, spanning 176,000 hectares and home to roughly 800 elephants alongside buffalo, lions, rhinos, leopards and antelope. The morning game drive takes you through the park in an air-conditioned vehicle with binoculars provided, letting you watch elephants and other wildlife from the road. The park is malaria-free, which sets it apart from many African reserves. At midday you stop at Nanaga farm stall for lunch: a rosterkoek or homemade pie, biltong (South African air-dried cured meat), and a choice of drinks including homemade pineapple juice.

The afternoon shifts to something less common: a walking safari at a private game reserve where you track giraffes on foot along game paths. Being on foot in big game country adds a dimension that vehicle-based viewing alone cannot reach. This is not a standard activity on most safari trips, and the operator notes it remains a rare opportunity. The walk requires at least moderate physical fitness and is not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. Children from age 5 are welcome on the full tour.

The entire day runs 9 to 10 hours from pickup to drop-off. Hotel pickups and cruise ship terminal pickups are both available and timed to your schedule. Cruise liner guests receive direct harbor pickup and drop-off tailored to ship departure times. Bottled water is provided throughout, and the guide speaks English and leads both portions of the day.

What’s included

• Hotel or cruise ship terminal pickup and drop-off.
• admission to Addo Elephant National Park.
• guided game drive in an air-conditioned vehicle with binoculars.
• lunch at Nanaga farm stall including a rosterkoek or homemade pie, biltong and a drink.
• admission to the private game reserve giraffe walk.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Carlin's Tours

Is this one for you?This tour suits small groups and families with children from age 5 who want to experience African wildlife from both a vehicle and on foot in a single day. The fixed itinerary (game drive in the morning, walking safari in the afternoon) fits the schedule of cruise ship guests, with pickup and drop-off timed to your ship's departure.

Traveler reviews

4.73★★★★★★★★★★

15 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

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

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How many elephants will I see in Addo Elephant National Park?

Addo is home to approximately 800 elephants, making it one of the densest elephant populations in the world. The park spans 176,000 hectares and also holds buffalo, lions, rhinos, leopards and antelope, all visible from the game drive vehicle.

What is included in the lunch stop?

Lunch at Nanaga farm stall includes a rosterkoek or homemade pie, biltong (air-dried cured South African meat), and a drink of your choice: homemade pineapple juice is noted as a popular option. The lunch and drink are included in the tour price.

Is walking with giraffes safe, and what does the giraffe walk involve?

The giraffe walk takes place at a private game reserve and follows game paths on foot, allowing you to track giraffes up close. The operator emphasizes that the walk is conducted safely in big game country, though it requires at least moderate physical fitness and is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Can I book this tour if I'm arriving by cruise ship?

Yes, cruise liner guests are welcome and receive direct pickup and drop-off at the harbor, with timing tailored to your ship's schedule. This ensures you return in time for departure.

How long is the full tour, and what time does it start?

The tour runs 9 to 10 hours total from hotel or cruise ship pickup to drop-off. Your guide will confirm the exact start time when you book, coordinating with your arrival or ship schedule.