Private Addo Elephant Safari from Port Elizabeth: Full Day

700 elephants and the Big 5 in a private vehicle, eight hours in the park.

A private full-day safari in Addo Elephant National Park departing from Port Elizabeth, with an experienced local guide, closed air-conditioned vehicle, park entry, and lunch at Main Camp. The tour explores both the South and North sections of the park, stopping at scenic lookout points to spot the Big 5, around 700 elephants, antelope and bird species. Hotel pickup and drop-off, binoculars, bottled water, and a professional guide in English are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day Addo Elephant Park safari

• Depart from Port Elizabeth
• Enter park via South Gate Mathyolweni
• Explore South Section of park
• Drive to Main Camp for lunch
• Visit visitor centre and curio shop
• Re-enter park via Main Camp
• Explore North Section and scenic lookouts
• Return to Port Elizabeth

The experience

You leave Port Elizabeth and reach the South Gate Mathyolweni entrance in 30 minutes. The park itself spans 176,000 hectares and holds one of the world's densest elephant populations, roughly 700 animals, alongside lions, leopards, buffalo, rhino and plenty of antelope and birds. Your guide drives a closed, air-conditioned vehicle, which means you stay comfortable while scanning the landscape for movement. The morning focuses on the South Section, where the terrain and water sources concentrate wildlife.

Around midday you arrive at Main Camp for lunch (a burger, chips or salad with a soft drink, or a vegetarian option if you prefer), and time to visit the visitor centre and curio shop. After eating, you head back into the park through the Main Camp entrance and spend the afternoon exploring the North Section. The guide stops at scenic lookout points where the sightlines open up, giving you chances to spot animals moving across the grassland and through the acacia. Biltong, juice and biscuits travel with you, along with binoculars so you can watch from a distance without startling anything.

The full day runs eight to nine hours from pickup to drop-off at your hotel. Malaria is not present in Addo, which removes one planning worry. The vehicle is wheelchair accessible, and infants or small children can travel in a pram or stroller. Public transport options exist nearby if you prefer to meet the guide at the park entrance instead of arranging hotel pickup.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Port Elizabeth.
• professional guide in English.
• closed air-conditioned vehicle.
• admission to Addo Elephant National Park.
• use of binoculars.
• lunch (burger, chips or salad with soft drink, or vegetarian option).
• biltong, juice and biscuits.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 5 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Carlin's Tours

Is this one for you?A private vehicle means your group travels alone with the guide, setting the pace and stopping where wildlife appears, rather than coordinating with other visitors. This suits travelers who want flexibility and don't want to share the experience, or families with children who need the comfort of a closed vehicle and the freedom to move at their own rhythm.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

How many elephants will I see on this safari?

Addo Elephant National Park is home to approximately 700 elephants, one of the densest populations in the world. You'll spend the full day driving through both the South and North sections where they congregate, but sightings depend on where the animals are on any given day. Your guide will use knowledge of the park to find them.

What animals besides elephants live in Addo?

The park is home to the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant) plus many antelope species and a wide range of birds. The closed vehicle lets you move through the park safely while watching for any of them.

How long does the drive from Port Elizabeth to the park take?

The South Gate Mathyolweni entrance is only 30 minutes from Port Elizabeth, so you spend minimal time in transit and maximum time inside the park itself.

Is malaria a concern in Addo Elephant National Park?

No. Addo is malaria-free, which means you don't need antimalarial medication or precautions for this trip.

What's included in the lunch at Main Camp?

Lunch is a burger, chips or salad with a soft drink. Vegetarian options are available. You also get biltong (air-dried cured meat), juice and biscuits during the day, plus bottled water throughout.

Can I book this tour if I'm staying on a cruise ship in Port Elizabeth?

This private tour is not available for cruise liner guests. The operator offers a separate group tour option designed for cruise passengers with timing that fits port schedules.