Addo & Schotia Safari: Big 5 in open 4x4

See the Big 5 twice over in one day

A full-day safari combining Addo Elephant National Park and Schotia Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, driven in an open 4x4 vehicle with a guide. Addo holds close to 700 free-roaming elephants, buffalo, lions, black rhino and leopard, plus antelope, zebra and diverse bird life. Schotia, a private reserve bordering Addo, stocks over 40 mammal species across approximately 2000 animals and offers almost guaranteed lion sightings. Pickup and drop-off are included for in-zone locations. Children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day Big 5 safari experience

• Visit Addo Elephant National Park
• See elephants, buffalo, lions, rhino, leopard
• Observe diverse antelope, zebra, warthog, birds
• Travel to Schotia Game Reserve
• Enjoy game drive in Schotia Reserve
• Spot free-roaming lions and other mammals

The experience

The day splits between two reserves, each built around a different promise. Addo is the third largest national park in South Africa and home to nearly 700 free-roaming elephants: the core of the Big 5 you came to see. The reserve also holds buffalo, lions, black rhino, leopard, herds of antelope, zebra, warthog, and a rich mix of bird and reptile life. You travel through it in an open 4x4 vehicle with a guide, which means unobstructed sightlines and the ability to stop when something moves.

Schotia, the oldest private game reserve in the Eastern Cape, borders Addo's eastern side and operates as a malaria-free zone. It is probably the most densely stocked reserve in Africa, holding over 40 mammal species and approximately 2000 animals, which means consistent game viewing throughout the year. Schotia was the first reserve in the Cape Province to have free-roaming lions, and the operator almost guarantees sightings of them on every drive. The contrast matters: where Addo spreads across a larger landscape, Schotia concentrates the animals, so the second half of your day trades breadth for density.

The full day runs 9 hours from pickup to drop-off. Lunch and one drink are included, and the guide speaks English. The open vehicle means exposure to the elements and a bumpy ride across unpaved terrain, which is how you see everything clearly but also why the experience is not for anyone with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off for in-zone locations.
• entry to Addo Elephant National Park with conservation fees.
• entry to Schotia Game Reserve.
• guided safari in an open 4x4 vehicle.
• lunch and one drink.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (6 to 85 years) · Child (5 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

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

Operated by Zasendle Adventures

Is this one for you?The open 4x4 vehicle and 9-hour day mean full sun exposure and a bumpy ride across unpaved terrain, which is exactly what gives you unobstructed views of the Big 5 and almost guaranteed lion sightings. Book this if you prioritize wildlife sightings over comfort.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 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 actually see at Addo?

Addo Elephant National Park holds close to 700 free-roaming elephants, the largest population you will encounter on this day. They are the reserve's signature animal, and the open 4x4 vehicle gives you an unobstructed view when the herd appears.

Are lions really guaranteed at Schotia?

Schotia was the first reserve in the Cape Province to have free-roaming lions, and the operator states they can almost guarantee sightings on every game drive. The reserve's dense stocking of approximately 2000 animals across over 40 mammal species makes consistent wildlife viewing possible year-round.

What is included in the full-day price?

Pickup and drop-off for in-zone locations, entry to both Addo Elephant National Park and Schotia Game Reserve, the open 4x4 vehicle, a guided safari, lunch, and one drink are all included.

How long is the full day, and when does it start?

The safari runs 9 hours total from pickup to drop-off. Exact start times depend on your hotel location and the operator's schedule, so confirm the departure hour when you book.