Addo: Full-Day Safari with Pickup & Lunch Included

Summary

See herds of elephants up close on a real Addo day trip from Port Elizabeth

You’ll ride through Addo with a local guide who knows every turn and story, spotting elephants and lions up close on this day trip from Port Elizabeth. Enjoy lunch outdoors and learn about rare wildlife like black rhinos and dung beetles. Expect moments of real silence and wonder—this isn’t something you’ll forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the air changed as we drove into Addo — sort of dusty but sweet, like wild grass after rain. Our guide, Sipho, had this quiet way of pointing things out before you even noticed them. “Look left,” he’d say, and suddenly there’d be a whole family of elephants just standing there, ears flapping. I swear one calf stared right at me through the window. It’s weird how silent it can get when everyone’s holding their breath at once.

We bumped along in the 4x4 for hours, stopping whenever someone spotted movement — sometimes it was just zebra tails flicking in the sun, or those little dung beetles rolling their prize down the track (Sipho called them ‘Addo’s engineers’). Lunch was simple but good; chicken and salad under an acacia tree, with that kind of heat that makes you slow down whether you want to or not. There was a moment when a buffalo wandered past our picnic spot and nobody said anything for a while. You just listen to your own heartbeat then.

I didn’t expect to care so much about seeing a black rhino — but when Sipho quietly pointed one out in the distance, I felt this jolt of luck. He told us how there used to be only eleven elephants here back in 1931; now there are hundreds. That stuck with me more than any photo could. The drive back felt quieter somehow, like everyone was replaying their favorite bit in their head. I still think about that elephant calf sometimes — you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day safari in Addo Elephant Park

• Explore Addo Elephant National Park
• View Big 5 animals and wildlife
• Learn from expert local guide
• Experience malaria-free game viewing

Top questions

How long does the Addo full-day safari last?

The safari lasts a full day, including pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

Is lunch included on the Addo Elephant Park safari?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip experience.

Are children allowed on this safari tour?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; specialized infant seats are available.

What animals can I see at Addo?

You may see elephants, lions, buffalo, leopards, black rhinos, zebras, antelope species, hyenas, and unique dung beetles.

Is hotel pickup included in the Addo safari tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in your booking.

Is Addo Elephant Park malaria-free?

Yes, Addo is located in a malaria-free area.

What type of vehicle is used for the safari?

An air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle is used for transportation during the safari.

How many people are on each tour group?

This is a personalized small group safari experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Port Elizabeth or nearby areas, all national park entry fees covered upfront so you don’t have to worry about tickets, comfortable transport in an air-conditioned 4x4 with plenty of windows for wildlife viewing (and catching breezes), plus lunch served right inside Addo before heading back out to look for more animals together.