Addo Elephant Park: A Local’s Perspective

Let me introduce you to a place that feels like home to me—Addo Elephant National Park. Nestled in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, it’s a park I’ve visited more times than I can count, and every time is amazing.

I’ll be sharing some of my favorite photos to bring the magic of Addo to life.

More Than Just Elephants

Sure, Addo is famous for its elephants—hundreds of them, roaming the landscape in family herds and doing what elephants do in a spectacle that never gets old. But the park has so much more to offer.

On early morning drives, we have watched kudu moving silently through the thickets, their spiral horns blending into the brush. We have laughed at warthogs trotting around like they own the place, tails stuck straight up like little flags and kneeling on their front legs to feed.

We have spent hours watching a colony of meerkats going about their business and lions lazing by the roadside.

There are the tiny creatures that don’t get the attention they deserve, like the flightless dung beetle—an Addo icon. These little guys are part of what makes the park’s ecosystem unique, and if you ever see one rolling its prized elephant dung across the road, stop and let it pass.

Birdlife You Won’t Want to Miss

If you love birdwatching, Addo is paradise. With over 400 species recorded, we always bring binoculars along. Some of my favorites? The Bokmakierie, with its bright yellow chest and melodic call, and the Knysna Lourie (Knysna Turaco), a striking green and red bird often seen gliding between trees in the dense forested areas. Seeing one flash its crimson wings in flight was always a special moment for us.

Birds of prey are everywhere —Martial Eagles soaring high, scanning for prey, or Pale Chanting Goshawks perched on dead trees, watching over the plains. And then there’s the Secretary Bird, a personal favorite, striding through the grasslands with its long legs, hunting snakes. We watched one kill a snake with deadly kicks and fly off with the snake dangling from its beak.

Special Sightings – The Moments You Never Forget

One of the things we love most about Addo is that no two visits are ever the same. Some of our most unforgettable wildlife encounters have happened when least expected.

There was the time we watched in awe as a group of elephants worked together to rescue a calf stuck in a muddy waterhole. The adults surrounded the little one, using their trunks to nudge and pull until, with a final heave, the calf was free and safely on the bank reunited with its mother.

We saw two magnificent kudu bulls who had locked horns in battle. Their twisted horns had become entangled, and no matter how they struggled, they couldn’t break free. We sat silently, hoping they’d manage to untangle themselves before we had to exit the park - they did not.

We watched a Giant Heron swaying its neck hypnotically before striking at its prey with lightning speed. A perfect display of patience and precision.

The Elephant Encounter That Left Us Speechless

One particular experience still makes us laugh—now. At the time, it was terrifying. We had parked near a waterhole, only to realize too late that we were directly in the path of an approaching elephant herd. As they got closer, the tension in the car skyrocketed. No one dared breathe.

And then, just when it seemed they were charging straight for us, the massive elephants peeled around the car at the last moment, brushing past so close we could feel the ground shake. It was both exhilarating and scary.

Jack’s Picnic Site – A Classic Addo Tradition

For locals, no visit to Addo is complete without a stop at Jack’s Picnic Site. Tucked away in the heart of the park, it’s a welcome pit stop where you can step out of your vehicle, stretch your legs, and take in the fresh air without the worry of predators lurking nearby. It’s one of the few designated spots where you’re allowed to get out the car, making it a favorite for families and friends looking to enjoy a relaxed break in nature.

There’s nothing quite like grilling steak, a sousatie (kebab) or boerewors (traditional sausage) over an open fire, with the sounds of the bush all around. The sizzle of the meat, the smell of wood smoke and an ice-cold beverage —it’s one of those simple joys that make a day memorable.

The Game of First Sightings

Another fun tradition in our car was always the "First Sightings" game. As soon as we entered the park, it was a race to see who would spot the first of each animal species and mark it off on the official park map. "First elephant!" "First zebra!" "First warthog!" It kept us all engaged and was the passport to the food treats.

More Than a Safari—A Way of Life

For us, Addo wasn't just a place to spot wildlife—it’s was a part of our lives. Some of our best memories were made there.

So, if you’re planning a visit, don’t rush through with a checklist of animals to see. Slow down. Watch. Listen. Experience Addo the way the locals do—with a sense of wonder, respect, and a deep appreciation for this wild, beautiful place. I hope this inspires you to see it for yourself.

Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?

We’ve made it easy by rounding up the same trusted tools we use to book flights, stays, insurance, and activities. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Ecuador or relaxing in a cabin, these resources have you covered.

Plan Your Trip with Our Trusted Travel Tools

Compare Flights
→ Kiwi.com
→ Trip.com

Book Budget Stays
→ Hostelworld
→ Agoda

Protect Your Trip
→ Klook (Travel Insurance & eSIM)

Find Rentals
→ Economybookings

Explore Activities
→ Viator
→ GetYourGuide
→ Go City

Arrange Transfers
→ Welcome Pickups

Plan Your Route
→ Tripadvisor

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