Activities
FUN MEETS SUN
To help make your trip as memorable as possible, we proudly offer various game viewing options in the malaria-free Addo Elephant National Park and the surrounding area, as well as some exceptional cultural encounters and leisure activities.
Addo Game Viewing
Our in-house safari company conducts trips into Addo, but there are alternative options too, one being self-drive.
Other Addo Activities
The park also offers horse-riding for riders of all levels, and a magnificent hike through the Zuurberg mountains.
Private Game Reserves
Four world-class game reserves are an easy drive from us, and each offers a unique safari experience worth exploring.
Adventures in the Area
From cultural tours to river safaris, zip-lining to golf, we have you covered no matter what you’re in the mood for.
Addo Elephant Park
Addo, one of Africa’s great conservation success stories, was proclaimed in 1931 and today is the only park in the world to host all of the “big 7” (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, leopard, whale and great white shark). It is home to over 700 elephants giving visitors some of the best viewings of these magnificent beasts in Africa. In addition, one gets fantastic sightings of various antelope and over 300 bird species.
Elephant House is situated just 8km from the main gate into Addo.
Please note that when entering Addo Elephant National Park (and all other National Parks in South Africa) you will be required to produce some sort of identity document (passport, ID card or driver’s license).
Addo Elephant National Park
Elephant house safari co. drives
Our in-house field guide (with great experience with the elephants of Addo) conducts two safaris into Addo in our open Land Rover daily.
Morning drive – 08:30 to 12:30
Afternoon drive – 14:00 to 17:30
R1450 pp inclusive of park entry and conservation fees, drinks and snacks.
- Please note that children under 6 are not allowed on open safari vehicles.
- These are very popular drives so it is highly recommended to pre-book.
Addo Elephant National Park
self-drive
Visitors are also welcome to self-drive into Addo in their own vehicles. The main artery through the park is tarred and the various loops off it are very good gravel roads.
- No booking is required.
- Pay your park entry and conservation fees at the main gate.
Addo Elephant National Park
south african national parks drives
The park has a “game drive” division that offers 2-hour long safaris – morning, noon, sunset and night drives on open trucks.
- Please note that children under 6 are not allowed on open safari vehicles.
- Check rates and times when booking as these change according to the season.
Addo Elephant National Park
horse trails
A different manner in which to experience the park for riders of all levels.
Beginners go at 08:00 – this ride is along the outside of the fence line from where it’s safe for novices to view big game.
Advanced riders go through the game area from 14:00 to 17:00.
There is also a horse trail in the very scenic Zuurberg Mountain section of the park. No big game in this section but you may startle some antelope!
- Please check rates and confirm times when booking as these change according to the season.
Addo Elephant National Park
zuurberg mountain hike
Addo has a beautiful section (without big game) in the Zuurberg mountains, which is a 20 minute drive from Elephant House.
Here there is a very scenic hiking trail marked out through the valleys and fynbos ridges of the Zuurberg.
Private Game Reserves
The Eastern Cape has some magnificent private game reserves – all are world-class and leaders in conservation. These include, amongst others, Kwandwe, Shamwari, Kariega, Amakhala, Schotia and Pumba. Four of them are an easy drive from Elephant House and offer fantastic game drives. They are different to Addo – complementing it well – so a combination of Addo and a trip to one of these reserves is a great way to round off your safari experience in the area.
Private Game Reserves
Schotia “tooth and claw” safari
Schotia is a 40 minute drive from Elephant House, lying adjacent to Addo’s eastern boundary and is famous for its lion sightings.
This safari commences at 15:00 and ends after sunset at about 19:00, followed by a lovely cooked meal around the fire in Schotia’s boma. Typically guests are back at Elephant House by about 21:30.
R2000 pp including dinner and drinks. Children welcome.
- A very popular safari so pre-booking is highly reccommended.
- Schotia offers a return transfer for R500 pp.
Private Game Reserves
Schotia “tooth and claw” safari
Schotia is a 40 minute drive from Elephant House, lying adjacent to Addo’s eastern boundary and is famous for its lion sightings.
This safari commences at 15:00 and ends after sunset at about 19:00, followed by a lovely cooked meal around the fire in Schotia’s boma. Typically guests are back at Elephant House by about 21:30.
R2000 pp including dinner and drinks. Children welcome.
- A very popular safari so pre-booking is highly reccommended.
- Schotia offers a return transfer for R500 pp.
Private Game Reserves
AMAKHALA GAME RESERVE
This fantastic “big 5”reserve (a 40 minute drive from Elephant House) is home and headquarters to one of the world’s leading conservationists: veterinarian Dr Will Fowlds.
The reserve offers a very good half day safari which includes lunch.
R1400 pp.
- When booking please check times and rates as these vary according to the season.
Private Game Reserves
PUMBA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Another beautiful reserve (just under a one hour drive from Elephant House) which offers a half day safari including a meal. The reserve is famous for its rare white lions.
R1400 pp.
- When booking please check times and rates as these vary according to the season.
Private Game Reserves
BELLVUE RESERVE GIRAFFE WALKS
40kms from Elephant House is Bellvue Reserve which offers guided walks through the bush, one of the highlights being able to get reasonably close to giraffe.
Other Adventures
There is a lot to do in close proximity to Elephant House. Whether you’re looking for thrills and spills or something more sedate, our little piece of the gorgeous Eastern Cape has you covered!
Other Adventures
Elephant house safari co. “valley tour”
This tour is immensely popular and gets one ‘under the skin’ of the area. Starting at Elephant House one is taken in an intimate group (max 4 persons) through the famous citrus groves of the Sundays River Valley, stopping at various points to learn about the history, agriculture and culture of our valley.
One of the stop-off points is at “The Lookout” where Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, pioneer and author of the famous South African book ‘Jock of the Bushveld’ is buried. From here the tour heads to Nonathamsanqa Township to be warmly welcomed by smiling local faces and learn a little about contemporary rural life in a modern Africa.
Departs at 16:00 and back in time for a pre-dinner drink.
R650 pp including drinks and snacks.
- Monday to Friday only and due to its popularity pre-booking is recommended.
Other Adventures
pan african experiences “noma tour”
This is a wonderful cultural encounter where a local guide will take you to the predominately amaXhosa-speaking Nomathamsanqa Township, to meet the people (you may even be invited ito a home, tavern or a hair salon) and experience real life in a modern, vibrant rural township.
Departs at 15:30 and returns at 17:00.
R500 pp.
- Monday to Friday only.
Other Adventures
criss cross adventures river safari
Great for birders! This is a very popular activity where our guests are collected at Elephant House by a local adventure guide and taken for a gentle, scenic paddle down a particularly beautiful stretch of the Sundays River.
Highlights include spotting various kingfisher species, goliath heron and African fish eagle. The custom-designed two man canoes are comfortable and safe (no prior paddling experience is needed).
Morning paddle (recommended) – 08:30 to 11:00.
Afternoon paddle – 14:30 to 18:00.
R650 pp.
Other Adventures
criss cross adventures quad biking
An exhilirating quad biking tour through the beautiful citrus groves and a bit of bush down to the Sundays River with professional adventure guides.
Other Adventures
addo adrenalin zip-lining
A fantastic activity for the energetic “adrenalin junkies”. A short hike up to the edge of the valley gets one to the starting platform of the highest, longest and fastest double zip-line in the country!
Zip for 500m over the valley and finish off with a well-deserved refreshing drink at the very picturesque café next to the river.
R350 pp.
- Addo Adrenalin also hosts a park run every Saturday morning at 8am. Visit www.parkrun.co.za for more information.
Other Adventures
golf
Golf is a very popular game and we are fortunate to be reasonably close to some really exceptional, famous courses, including:
KIRKWOOD
Our beloved local course with a legendary 19th hole!
HUMEWOOD GOLF CLUB
1 hour away in Port Elizabeth, a tough true links with a wonderful traditional clubhouse – many a championship is played here so please book well in advance.
ST FRANCIS LINKS
1,5 hours away, a world-class Jack Nicklaus designed course with fantastic modern facilities – like Humewood it is also advisable to book well in advance.
ROYAL PORT ALFRED
1,5 hours away and another testing links. It is one of only 4 courses in South Africa that is allowed to use the “Royal” prefix.
THE BELMONT
1,25 hours away outside historic Grahamstown – this is indeed a very pretty and challenging course with a splendid modern clubhouse offering good meals.
Please feel free to discuss any special activities that will enhance your stay with us.