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Whilst the area
once was heavily populated by elephants, hunting - for the
protection of farm land, virtually destroyed them all. A last ditch
effort was made to contain them in a small park; this was made
easier by the development of a fence created from steel cable and
railway lines. |
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| Today numbers
have grown to several hundreds, and the park has been expanded by
the acquisition of surrounding farm land. It is the most
accessible place in Southern Africa to see elephants in their
natural habitat, being only some 45 minutes drive from Port
Elizabeth and well sign-posted. |
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In 1999 plans were shown to dramatically
increase the park, add others animals
- including the big five. (there are no big cats here at
present). When completed Addo will be around one third the
size of Wales - and have greater bio-diversity than any other park
in the world - from the Indian Ocean to the desert Karroo. |
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Hoopoe |
But
don't think that Addo today is only
elephants, many other animals -
buffalo, black rhino, and various antelope inhabit the prickly East
Cape bush. Dry-land birds abound and there are numerous smaller
animals - make sure you take night ride. |
Eland |
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| There are many
organised tours that your travel agent can arrange, but it is easy
drive yourself, even if you are not experienced with parks.
Accommodation is excellent with a tidy campsite, rondavels and
luxury bungalows. . .
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. . .
. . . and you won't be on your own! These
small dung beetles are essential to the whole system, and are even
being exported to Australia to help with their fly problem.
Keep an eye open for them on the roads. |
Bookings for
accommodation can be made other through you travel agent or from
South African National Parks.
Tel No: Pretoria (012) 343-0905
Cape Town (021) 445-8100 |
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You can email SA National Parks
on:
reservations@parks-sa.co.za
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