Addo Elephant Park - Game Reserve

Coastal Sections - Woody Cape

The Hiking Trails in Woody Cape section of the park, are a must for nature lovers. The Tree Dassie Trail is a 7km walk through breathtakingly beautiful and lush green indigenous Alexandria Forest, with prolific birdlife and antelope browsing peacefully. The 2-day Alexandria Hiking Trail (approximately 36 km), with the option of 2 to 3 nights stay, is for the serious hiker and nature lover. This 2 day circular route that begins in the magical coastal forest, takes you across magnificent dune fields where you can trail your toes in the surf, and maybe spot dolphins playing in the waves, and back into the forest to an overnight hut, overlooking the ocean. In some months of the year, Southern Right Whales can be seen lingering off shore. After an overnight stay in the Woody Cape Hut, equipped for 12 people, you will return through the lush Alexandria Forest where ancient yellowwood trees and exotic Knysna Loeries can be seen. An unforgettable experience …

Colchester Section

Camp Matyholweni – Xhosa meaning “in the bush”, has its own entrance at Colchester, off the N2 road. Camp Matyholweni is situated close to Sundays River Mouth and the beach, Large game will be relocated to this section soon. Guests staying here have access through the Camp to the Addo Rest Camp and the Game Viewing area.

Climate

The mean annual rainfall varies from 392 mm at Sundays River Mouth to 700mm near Woody Cape. Boknes to Bushmans River Mouth is the transition zone from all year rainfall to summer rainfall. The dunefield occurs in a rain shadow which receives lower rainfall than both Port Elizabeth and Alexandria. Fog and mist are common, with frost being rare.

Addo Section - Kabouga and Zuurberg

4X4 Eco-Adventure Trails. For the more adventurous with their own off-road vehicles, drive the beautiful mountainous grade two Bedrogfontein 4X4 Trail between the Kabouga and Darlington sections of the Addo Elephant National Park and immerse yourself in breathtaking views, game viewing and early 20th century history. This 45km route was the scene of fierce battles between the British and Afrikaner troops during the Anglo-Boer war. Accommodation and camping sites are available at Kabouga. Darlington Lake Lodge provides luxury accommodation for the weary adventurer, including comfortably furnished safari tents.

Climate

The area is classified as semi-arid to arid, receiving an average rainfall of less than 445 mm per year. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, but there are two peaks, in February-March and October-November. Frost occurs at times in winter.

Temperatures: Daily max - Jan 32 °C July 18 °C Daily min - Jan 15 °C July 5 °C
There is no natural water in this section of the park and all waterholes are fed by boreholes. There are a number of small pans in the area but these are dry except in years of exceptional rainfall.

Zuurberg section:

Height above sea level varies from 250 to 970 m. Mean annual rainfall approximately 722 mm. Peaks in rainfall in spring and autumn. Unlike other fynbos areas, the winter months are the driest. Thunderstorms occur in summer months when lightning fires can be caused.

Darlington Section

Darlington Lodge – tranquil luxury on the shores of Darlington Lake, sunset cruises on Darlington Lake, game drives with Black Rhino viewing.

Climate

Climate: average rainfall 255 mm/yr. Max temp in summer reaches 48˚C and min temp just above 0˚C  in winter. Rainfall is mostly in the form of thundershowers and an occasional cold front from the west.