Addo Elephant National Park, renowned for its natural beauty, stands as a prominent wildlife sanctuary in South Africa. In the heart of this unique wilderness lies the Addo Elephant Rest Camp, offering comfortable accommodation surrounded by nature. Here’s a detailed guide to the Addo Rest Camp
Addo Elephant Rest Camp: Tranquil Nature Retreat Guide
Referred to as the “Main Camp,” it serves as the central hub of the Park, hosting a majority of activities and accommodations. The Park’s Shop and Cattle Baron Grill and Bistro are also conveniently located here. One distinctive feature is the illuminated waterhole lookout point, offering nighttime wildlife viewing, along with an underground hide for close encounters. Evenings resonate with the calls of lion, spotted hyena, and jackal, while mornings are marked by francolin and bokmakierie sounds. Accommodation units are strategically placed, ensuring easy access to facilities like the swimming pool, restaurant, and shop.
- A swimming pool, located close to the chalets, is accessible for overnight visitors.
- The SASOL Red Bishop Bird Hide offers a view of a small wetland area.
- The PPC Discovery Trail is open to everyone, including those with visual and mobility impairments.
Facilities
- Picnic and barbecue areas are provided for day visitors, offering scenic views of the waterhole within the rest camp.
- ‘Jack’s Picnic Site,’ located within the botanical reserve in the main game area, offers picnic, barbecue, and restroom facilities.
- A store selling souvenirs, snacks, and essential supplies operates from 08:00 to 18:00 (winter) or 08:00 to 19:00 (summer)
- An à la carte restaurant is available for all meals from 07:30 to 22:00. Reservations are recommended, particularly for dinner. Contact them at +27 (0) 42 233 8674 or via email at [email protected].
- A fuel station, offering both petrol and diesel, operates from 07:30 to 16:30.
- Near the reception, there is a public telephone and a post box. Mail is collected for delivery every weekday morning before 07:00. For additional postal services, a post office is located in the town of Addo, approximately 15km from the park.
- Credit cards are accepted for payments related to accommodation, activities (excluding the Alexandria Hiking trail, Zuurberg horse trails, Kabouga accommodation, and the 4×4 trail), shop purchases, fuel, and restaurant meals.
- In Addo town, 15km from the park, there is a First National Bank with an ATM. Additional banking services can be found in Kirkwood, 35km from the park, and Port Elizabeth, which is 75km away from the park.
Air
- The closest domestic airport to the park is in Port Elizabeth, situated 75km away. Various car rental agencies have service depots at the airport for convenience.
- International airports are located in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and there are connecting flights available to Port Elizabeth.
Car hire
Cars are available for rent from various agencies at the Port Elizabeth airport. For contact details, please refer to the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism
Website: www.nmbt.co.za
Coaches
Various coach operators offer organized tours to the park. For contact details, visit the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism
Website: www.nmbt.co.za.
Directions from Port Elizabeth (PE)
To reach the park from Port Elizabeth, take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown. Turn left at the “Motherwell” and “Addo Elephant National Park” signposted exit. Proceed through Motherwell, and continue on the road until you spot the park entrance on the right. The distance from Port Elizabeth to the park is approximately 72km.
Alternative route from Port Elizabeth
To get to the park, take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown and continue until the N2 splits from the N10. Stay on the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. At the intersection with Paterson on your right, take the left turn onto R342, following signs for “Addo Elephant National Park.” Follow this road and watch for the park entrance on your left.
Directions from Grahamstown
To reach the park, take the N2 highway towards Port Elizabeth. Continue until you reach the turnoff to the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take this turn and follow the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. At the intersection with Paterson on your right, take the left turn onto R342, following signs for “Addo Elephant National Park.” Continue on this road, watching for the park entrance on your left.
Office and Gate Hours
Main Camp Reception operates daily from 07:00 to 19:00, and the main gate opens at 07:00 and closes at 19:00.
The main game area of the Park is rich in wildlife, hosting the Big Five along with antelope species like red hartebeest, eland, kudu, common duiker, and grysbok. Other inhabitants include spotted hyena, Burchell’s zebra, warthog, vervet monkey, bushpig, and various small mammals. Additionally, approximately 250 bird species can be found in this part of the Park.
The primary game area of Addo is characterized by Albany Thicket, with patches of grassland remnants from previous farming activities before the land was integrated into the Park.
For additional information, refer to the Fauna & Flora pages of the Park.
The park is home to elephants, lions, spotted and/or brown hyenas, Cape buffalo, and the unique flightless dung beetle, which has the right of way on the roads.
What is Addo Elephant Rest Camp?
Addo Rest Camp is a popular accommodation site nestled within Addo Elephant National Park. Ideal for both campers and caravan enthusiasts, this campsite provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature. The clean air and serene environment make it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle.
Accommodation Options
Addo Rest Camp offers a range of accommodation options. From tent sites where you can pitch your own tent to private caravan sites where you can park your caravan, the campsite caters to various preferences. Additionally, for those seeking a more comfortable stay, there are bungalows and various accommodation units available.
Basic Facilities and Services
Addo Rest Camp provides essential facilities and services to ensure a comfortable experience for guests. Facilities include shower and toilet facilities, clean drinking water, electrical connections, and security services. Moreover, the campsite features services such as restaurants and stores.
Proximity to Natural Attractions
Situated close to the main entrance of Addo Elephant National Park, Addo Rest Camp allows easy access for guests to explore the wildlife. Just a few steps away from the campsite, visitors can observe large herds of elephants, watch various bird species, and appreciate the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Recreation and Activities
Addo Rest Camp offers not only natural beauty but also a variety of recreational and activity options. Guests can engage in activities such as hiking trails, nature walks, bird watching, and night safari tours, providing opportunities to make the most of their time within the park.
Addo Elephant National Park’s Addo Rest Camp is an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. It serves as an ideal spot for those seeking a blend of comfort and immersion in nature. Consider a visit to Addo Rest Camp to create unforgettable memories and explore the natural riches of South Africa.
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