addo elephant park day trip

16 Tips and FAQs for a Addo Elephant Park Self-Drive Day Visit

When it comes to wildlife encounters, South Africa's Addo Elephant Park is no ordinary destination. Nestled within the heart of the Eastern Cape, close to the famous Garden Route , this remarkable park is a sanctuary for a variety of creatures, with its star residents being the majestic elephants. But don't be fooled by its name —Addo offers much more than just elephants. Like dung beetles. Don’t lol, they are kind of a big deal around here!

My initial expectations of Addo were quickly shattered as I realized it was no mere Kruger National Park "little brother". Addo Elephant Park stands strong in its own right, offering unique activities and close encounters that are simply unforgettable. And yes, it's true, you'll find elephants aplenty—more than you could imagine, and even some you’d like to forget—but there's so much more that Addo Elephant Park day visitors get to experience.

I’ll answer all your burning questions so you can plan your Addo Elephant Park trip. You’ll get the details, the secrets, and the activities that make Addo Elephant Park a perfect self-driving day trip. We ventured out there from Port Elizabeth’s epic Nova Boutique Hotel , which is the perfect spot to end your Garden Route itinerary.  Visiting Addo Elephant Park at the end of the Garden Route is a no-brainer. It’s not part of the official Garden Route, but it’s so close you have to include it.

1. The thriller-like history of Addo Elephant Park

The legendary elephant boss Hapoor (recreated scene)!

From its humble beginnings as a refuge for a handful of elephants , Addo Elephant Park has grown into a sprawling, multi-species haven for Africa's diverse wildlife. Today, it's not just about elephants (though they’re still the stars of the show).

We can’t talk about Addo’s history without first mentioning Hapoor, the legendary elephant boss that gave name to one of the park’s watering holes:

Hapoor reigned over the elephant herd for 24 long years, and bore a lifelong grudge against humans . You can’t blame him, elephants have a great memory and humans in the area sucked. He even had a gunshot wound in his ear. Hapoor's aggressive nature had park staff on their toes, but he was the boss and was respected .

When a younger elephant finally took over the leadership role in 1968 (after many had previously failed), Hapoor got the boot from the elephant crew. But old Hapoor wasn't ready to be just another retiree . He pulled off a true Houdini move and managed to give the supposedly "elephant-proof" fence a run for its money. He broke free like a rebellious teenager . The taste of freedom must have been sweet, but unfortunately for Hapoor, his feisty attitude towards humans was deemed too dangerous, and he was shot.

You can pay your respects to Hapoor in Addo Elephant Park’s interpretation center. He’s the guy whose head is on the wall .

Another character in Addo’s history is Domkrag , the giant mountain tortoise who liked to use his supertortoise strength to lift up vehicles like a car jack for fun ("car jack” is the meaning of his name in Afrikaans). Domkrag Dam is named after him, and you can see his shell displayed in the Addo interpretation center. 

So, how did Addo Elephant Park even start out?

Long before tourists with cameras flocked to Addo Elephant Park, the land was home to the Khoesan people, and then, after the smallpox epidemic wiped most of them out, the nomadic Xhosa tribes. Over hundreds of years, these hunters decimated elephant herds and other animal species in the area. In the 1800s, when farmers settled in the area, they took not only land, but also water and crops, further driving the elephant numbers down. In the end, the mere 11 elephants that were left over were a nuisance to the farmers, and they asked the government to get rid of them. The Addo region was at a crossroads—to shoot or not to shoot?

The 11 survivors that started the Addo National Park (I’m still just pretending here)!

In a plot twist that could rival a movie blockbuster, the Addo Elephant National Park was born in 1931 , spanning a modest 2,000 hectares, to protect those 11 survivors. Unfortunately, the park didn’t have sufficient fencing, so the elephants and farmers were still at it until a guy named Graham Armstrong, Addo’s manager at the time, created an elephant-proof fence (the kind that they still use in Addo to this day ).

In the end, the herd multiplied, the park expanded , and conservation efforts were divided between elephants and the many other species that needed attention. The rest is history.

2. Things to do in Addo Elephant Park

Driving through Addo was really fun!

Addo Elephant Park is a safari—the main thing you should expect to do is drive around spotting animals. But that’s not all. Here’s a full list of activities in Addo:

• Self-drive on Addo’s 120 km (75 mi) of tourist roads, which is what we did
• Take a guided tour to tour Addo and spot wildlife
• Overnight in the park’s camps or lodges and embark on a night safari
• Take a Marine Eco Tour or go shark cage diving in the Addo Elephant National Park Marine Protected Area (I didn’t go this time, but here’s my experience with the sharks from my previous South Africa trip)
• Go hiking —Sorry, no adrenaline hikes where you try not to get eaten by the lions, but there are several hiking trails from 2 km (1.2 mi) to 8 km (5 mi), and one that even takes you out on an ocean trail
• Have a picnic —there are several picnic spots near the main camp, all include a grill and a fence so that you aren’t surprised by wildlife trying to share your steak.
• Get a massage at the spa right inside the park  

3. How do I get to Addo Elephant Park?

Port Elizabeth City Hall—base yourself here to visit Addo Elephant Park

There are two entrance gates to get inside Addo Elephant Park–South Gate (near Matyholweni Camp), or the Main Gate further up north.

From Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), I recommend using the South Gate as it’s just a 30-minute drive along the N2. For the Main Gate that gets you to where most of the safari’s facilities are, it’s approximately 72 km (about 45 mi), or about an hour’s drive. If you want to take this gate, make sure to drive around through Paterson for safety reasons. Hey, I know that there are regular folks living in townships as well, but the bad guys have to live somewhere too , you know? And it’s usually in townships, which is a great reason to avoid them.

As you can see, the gates are very close to Port Elizabeth and it makes for the perfect overnight spot for an Addo Elephant Park day visit. It’s an accessible and convenient destination for your wildlife adventure. The park is situated in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the renowned Garden Route .

4. How much time do I need to visit Addo? 

Say cheese, big guy!

One day in Addo Elephant Park seemed like the perfect amount to me! It has great infrastructure, making it easy to explore in a day (unlike Kruger National Park). Drive in in the early morning right as they crack the gates open (which is when the animals are most active) and be back at your comfy hotel ( N ova Boutique Hotel guys, I’m telling you, it was my favorite hotel in all of South Africa!) by 8 pm at the latest.

Of course, there are people staying inside the park at the lodges or camps that get another day or two out of it, but for me, that’s excessive. There’s only so many hours you want to be staring at animals at watering holes , hiding from the sun near bushes, or walking in the distance. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an amazing experience ( my girlfriend’s favorite out of our entire South Africa trip!), but it’s... repetitive.

The only time it makes sense to overnight at the park is if you’re dead set on doing a night safari in Addo Elephant Park. Those go after gate closing hours, so anybody not shacked up inside the park isn’t eligible.

Addo’s gates open at 7 am and close at 7 pm (Main Gate) and 6:30 pm (South Gate). It’s a good idea to check the closing times when you enter, because times are subject to change based on season.

5. How much does it cost to enter Addo Elephant Park?

If you are self-driving Addo Elephant Park and make it a day trip, you’ll just pay the “conservation fee” at the gate, which is ZAR 376 (USD 20), and you’re good to go and enjoy the elephants (and the bazillion other animals that were left out of the name).

Guided tours cost an extra ZAR 450, a guide that drives with you in your car costs ZAR 290. More on these options below.

6. Can I self-drive in Addo Elephant park?

Watching the elephants from a safe and comfortable car—what else could you wish for?

Self-driving is what most people do when they visit Addo Elephant Park. Or maybe it’s just what I think most people do because that’s what I do, so who knows. What’s not to love? You can take your time (or not), take as many photos of elephants as your heart desires, and spend time at viewing areas even if a guide would say those elephants seem to be looking at you funny and you should probably head back into your vehicle.

I found it entertaining that they checked the trunk of my car when you are going through the gate. Like, what are they looking for? Do people smuggle in their pet cheetahs in to give them a better life or something? Apart from this, the entry procedure was smooth and fast (unlike the sloth-speed one in Etosha National Park in Namibia ).

The roads are mostly gravel and well-maintained. You don’t need a 4x4 to drive in the Addo safari.

7. What animals should I expect in Addo Elephant Park? 

Don’t forget that you are in Africa—in Addo there is so much more of wildlife than “just” elephants

Addo Elephant Park is not just an elephant safari—there's a full lineup of wildlife waiting to steal the spotlight. But yeah, expect to see tons of elephants .

Apart from those, picture this: sassy Cape buffaloes strutting their stuff, lions making dramatic entrances for sunrise and sunset shows, and even spotted hyenas joining the cast to restore nature's balance, like the eco-friendly villains they are. Shy and secretive (I say “human-hating”) leopards make rare guest appearances, while antelopes like red hartebeest, eland, and kudu are abundant. Zebras with a fashion sense aplenty, warthogs showing off their tusks all over the place., and let's not forget the hippos at Sundays River or the black rhino and wildebeest at Darlington Dam, and the dozens of different snake species . See? Addo’s not just a place to see elephants!

Addo Elephant Park isn't just a one-act wonder —it's a full-fledged wildlife safari extravaganza!

Not in the park per se, but Addo Elephant National Park Marine Protected Area can be visited near Port Elizabeth, allowing you to see precious sea mammals like right whales, humpback whales , orcas, dolphins, and oh, great white sharks , too.

I’m sorry , I forgot to mention one “animal” that gets special treatment : the rare dung beetle that reigns supreme on the roads—yes, you read that right. Because of this clever recycling fella, you’re not allowed to squash elephant dung with your mighty car tires—you have to leave dung intact for the dunch beetles. They can’t fly, so this dung beetle has the right of way and the right of poop on the roads! If you see people staring at a pile of shit, they probably aren’t weird, they’re just hoping for a dung beetle sighting.

8. How many elephants are there in Addo Elephant Park?

A lot of elephants!

According to my calculations and the feeling we got at the watering holes, I’d say about a million elephants. Officially, there are 600 of them .

For my girlfriend, Addo was her top favorite spot in South Africa, and it’s all thanks to the elephants, or rather our perception of the sheer number of them. It was the first safari she ever visited and there were so many elephants in one spot taking a dip and a sip at the watering hole, it was incredible! Even I, a safari veteran, didn’t even dream of seeing so many elephants in one spot! Remarkable. Although, I’d be fine with seeing less elephant sex. What has been seen cannot be unseen .

Tip: You can see elephants throughout the day in Addo, but the mid-afternoons are prime elephant watering hole times.

9. How to see the animals in Addo Elephant Park?

And even more animals to see in Addo!

Besides self-driving in Addo Elephant Park, there are guided tours on offer as well . And perhaps surprisingly for those that are aware of my guided tour allergy, I recommend you take one. But there’s a twist—you can actually get a guide to go with you in your own vehicle . The best of both worlds! The price of ZAR 290 gets you 2 hours of the guide’s time.

You can obviously also take the park’s trucks and be guided in a very regular safari way . These depart about 4 times a day and last 2 hours. 

The guides will help you find and spot animals that you would otherwise completely miss. Since you’re in Addo to see wildlife, I’d say that’s a huge bonus worth paying extra for.

You’ll be driving on 120 km (75 mi) of mostly gravel roads, with the option to stop at one of the 5 viewing areas. These are the only spots where you are allowed out of the vehicle . But you still do so at your own risk, so keep an eye out for sneaky wildlife.

If you are interested in birds, tortoises, and maybe even some snakes , you can set out on the hiking trails in Addo, or hang out at the bird hide.

And if you’re keen on seeing the last two of the Big 7, the great white shark and southern right whale, you’ll be happy to learn that you can go out on boat tours and cage diving tours from Port Elizabeth into Addo Elephant National Park Marine Protected Area . Addo recommends Raggy Charters on their website.

10. Does Addo Elephant Park have the Big 5?

The big 4 that we saw in Addo Elephant Park (I’ll get you next time, leopard)

Nope... they have the Big 7! We’ve established that there are elephants, but Addo Elephant Park safari wouldn’t be such a great safari if there weren’t other animals as well. And oh boy, are there! Let me explain:

The big 5 is the Cape buffalo, African elephant, leopard, lion, and rhino. It was my first time ever seeing the Cape buffalo at Addo (there’s 400 of them there), so I could check off 4/5 of the Big 5 only missing a leopard. Leopards are next to impossible to spot (unless you’re on a special sunrise tour or something), especially during the day. I’d change the Big 5 anyway, adding hippos or cobras instead.

What’s with this Big 7 business ? Well, if you add the southern right whale and great white shark to the Big 5, that’s what you get. And the Addo Elephant National Park Marine Protected Area is where you can see them, as well as many other magnificent sea creatures.

In summary, yes, you can see the Big 5 in Addo Elephant Park. But you probably won’t.

11. Are there lions in Addo?

Yes. There are 17 lions in the main Addo Elephant Park, and some more in the private game reserves that are part of the park.

12. Are there rhinos in Addo?

Rhinos—check!

Yes. Black rhinos can mainly be spotted in the outlying Darlington Dam area of the park. So, it’s not like you’ll be stumbling over rhinos everywhere you go, but you can see them if you put in some effort.

13. Are there hippos in Addo?

Hippos—check!

Yes, they like to hang out in the Sundays River at the base of the Zuurberg Mountains.

As the animal that kills the most humans in Africa every year, please don’t be fooled by their natural body shape. Hippos are fast, and those teeth are razor sharp and HUGE. Though, I learned a hippo never attacks without giving a warning, so if you’re a human that ignores the warning and proceeds to get impaled by a hippo , you probably deserved it. Natural selection at its finest.

14. Addo Elephant Park safari rules

These animals are beautiful but can be dangerous so stay cautious and don’t leave your car!

Remember that the animals are the locals here and you are a mere visitor. Play by the rules and everyone will be safe.

• Keep your need for speed in check. The roads have a 40 km/h limit, but even that is too fast if you really want to see anything. There’s no hurry, slow and steady wins the (animal-spotting) race!
• Stay on the roads , no offroading or chasing animals at your whim.
• Stay in the car at all times. You can only leave your vehicle in the designated viewing areas if you really need a closer look at our four-legged friends, but remember, it's an at-your-own-risk situation.
• Lock those doors! Lions have apparently taken up locksmithing as a side hustle and can pop those doors open quicker than you can say "King of the Jungle."
• Don’t feed the animals.
• Keep your limbs inside the car. Again, don’t feed the animals. And don't even think about offering a high-five to a curious trunk.
• Keep your decibel levels in check . Animals have their own conversations going on and you just need to sit back and not be in the spotlight for a while.
• The rangers are the kings and queens of this jungle. Listen to their royal commands for a smooth safari sailing.
• Give animals their space. You're not auditioning for a National Geographic documentary.  

15. Is Addo Elephant Park worth visiting?

It’s soooo worth it!

Do penguins love tuxedos? No doubt about it, Addo Elephant Park is worth a visit, and it might even become your favorite memory of your South Africa vacation! It’s remarkable to see so many animals in such a compact park. When you see dozens and dozens of elephants hanging out together in one spot, you’ll know why. It’s just not something you see every day , and it’ll be a treasured memory for even the toughest dude.

Addo Elephant Park is located conveniently close to the Garden Route , which I’m assuming you’ll be driving through (you have to—it’s another top place in South Africa that I absolutely loved). So you don’t even have the excuse of complicated logistics. Just go, Addo Elephant Park is worth at least a day trip , hands down.

16. When to visit Addo Elephant Park?

Alright, let's dive into the timing of your Addo adventure, shall we?

We went in April and I think the weather was perfect. It wasn’t scorching hot, but mornings were still nice and warm still, there was no rain, and the animals were out and about. And we saw about a million elephants at the watering holes.

Generally, in the summer months , from November to March, the temperatures range from a cozy 15°C to a scorching 45°C (that's 59°F to 113°F for my Fahrenheit peeps). As winter approaches , things cool down, dropping to a chiller 5°C to 18°C (or 41°F to 64°F) in July. Frosty mornings? Absolutely.

Rain's a bit of a renegade here, deciding to sprinkle some fun all year round. But if it has a peak season, it's in February–March and then a rerun in October–November.

So, when's the prime time for a Addo Elephant Park safari? There is a consensus that May to September is the best because it’s the driest. It’s when water becomes the hottest (or rather, the coolest) commodity, and guess what that means? Animals of all shapes and sizes gather around the waterholes like it's a wildlife water cooler hangout. But, let's not forget those sweltering summer days. When temps spike, even the elephants ditch their dignified stance and indulge in a splash-fest at the watering holes. I say April strikes the perfect balance between the two.

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So, you're thinking of skipping the usual touristy spots this year and you fancy a bit of real adventure, huh? Look to South Africa! It's that one destination where you won't feel like you've seen it all before.

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How to Visit Addo National Park: A Complete Self-Drive Safari Guide

February 22, 2017 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on October 2, 2022 by Lauren Melnick

What’s the closest NATURAL encounter you’ve had with a wild animal? Petting, walking or riding doesn’t count. I’m talking about an encounter that happens so unexpectedly; you forget to breathe.

This is what happened to me during my first trip to Addo National Park in Port Elizabeth. The city was a pit stop during my month-long backpacking trip down the coast of South Africa, and luckily for me, Anje from Going Somewhere Slowly carved out some time from her busy schedule to show me around her home city.

With my Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Pass in hand, we headed off for a day trip to Addo National Park. Just a short 20-minute drive out of the city, the 180 000 hectare park is now the third largest in South Africa and boasts a wide range of biodiversity, fauna and flora.

One of the things that surprised me most is the fact that Addo is home to Africa’s Big 7.

Addo is the only national park in the world where visitors have the opportunity to spot lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino, the Southern right whale and the great white shark!

If that doesn’t make you want to get into your car and experience this ultimate safari experience, there are also more than 500 elephants roaming this park! And for visitors with interest in the smallest critters, the flightless dung beetle even has it’s own crossing traffic signs. S’CUTE!

Table of Contents

Entrance Fees for Addo National Park

How to get a nelson mandela bay tourism pass, exploring addo national park, flying high with addo adrenaline.

Here are the current Addo National Park prices:

• South Africa citizens and residents (with ID): R62 per adult; R31 per child
• SADC Nationals (with passport): R124 per adult; R62 per child
• Other Foreign Visitors: R248 per adult; R124 per child

If you have a wildcard permit or a Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Card like I did – you get in for FREE!

If you are looking to save big on sightseeing around Nelson Mandela Bay, the tourism pass is a must. It gives you free admission or discounted access to 53 attractions and activities in the area.

While there are a number of different packages to choose from , I decided to take the 5 in 1 Pass. This option lets me choose five attractions or activities and either get in for free or enjoy some great discounts.

The 53 pass attractions include museums, game reserves, scuba diving, canopy tours, historical sites and more.

If you are interested in ordering one for your next trip to PE, you can order your pass online and either pick it up in person at the tourism offices or receive an electronic version.

The first animal we saw as Anje and I entered the park was a warthog. This little mammal would soon become a frequent sighting during our trip, but it didn’t stop being adorable.

As we came down a bend, I spotted my first couple of elephants!

Then came a treat that I hadn’t expected to see at all. Anje and I saw not one, but two lionesses! Unfortunately, they weren’t in the mood for a photo shoot and had their backs turned to the crowd that ensembled to watch them lounge about in the shade.

We then made our way down to one of the biggest watering holes and were rewarded with scores of elephants, zebra and buffalo.

The sheer amount of activity made it hard to focus, but one elephant in particular quickly grabbed my attention.

I never really understood just how big elephants were until this moment. The elephant had broken away from the main herd and was foraging for food in the ground. I couldn’t conceal my excitement. I was getting amazing up close photos of this incredible animal, and I didn’t even need my zoom lens.

But the elephant kept on getting closer and closer to the car. I started to hold my breath. A few times it felt like I had forgotten to breathe at all. Through the excitement, I began to feel the familiar anxiety and panic settle in.

The elephant was now right in front of the window. Close enough for me to touch if I just reached out and close enough for him to stick this trunk inside the car.

While many people might be overjoyed if that happened, I would have died inside. As a little girl, my parents took me to the Lion Park in Johannesburg, and I had my photo taken with a lion cub. However, it bit me and ever since then I have had a massive aversion to touching or being touched by any animal that isn’t a cat or dog.

Luckily, I think the elephant sensed my panic because after staring at me for a few more moments, it carried on with its foraging journey and crossed the road.

After that adrenaline pumping moment, we made a few more pit stops. Saw some incredible landscapes, even more elephants and this impressive skeleton that looked like something out of the Lion King when the hyenas start dancing around with the bones.

Before leaving the park, we stopped for lunch and then headed to Adrenaline Addo.

My Nelson Mandela Bay Pass entitled me to a free zip line ride – the longest one in Africa!

Psst…Want some more South Africa travel inspiration? Check out my other posts below:

• Backpacking South Africa Alone: The Perfect One Month Itinerary
• 6 Romantic Places in South Africa for Adventurous Couples 
• Trekking Cheetahs on Foot at Samara Game Reserve
• 16 Most Instagrammable Places in Cape Town
• Babanango Game Reserve: Where Conservation & Community Meet
• Nkala Lodge: An Exclusive Luxury Safari Getaway in Pilanesberg

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

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Addo Elephant National Park: The Complete Guide

Jessica Macdonald / DotDash

Things to Do

• Best Hikes & Trails

Guided Safaris

Marine adventures, where to camp, where to stay nearby, how to get there, accessibility, tips for your visit, addo elephant national park.

Located in South Africa’s coastal Eastern Cape province, Addo Elephant National Park is a major conservation success story. In 1919, a large-scale elephant cull was initiated at the request of local farmers, reducing an already decimated population (due to hunting and habitat loss) to just 11 individuals. In 1931, The park was founded to offer protection to the last remaining elephants in the herd. 

Addo’s elephants are now thriving, as the park is home to more than 600 of these large animals. The park's 633 square miles protects other vulnerable species, as well, by offering a wide range of habitats—from arid mountains to sand dunes to coastal forest. Here, you can see elephants, buffalo, leopards , lions , and rhinos (the " big five "). Addo is considered one of the best self-drive safari options in Southern Africa—not only for its rich biodiversity, but also for its accessibility. The park’s southern gate is only 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Port Elizabeth, one of the largest cities in the country. ​

Animal spotting is, predictably, Addo Elephant National Park's key highlight. On hot days, it is possible to see elephant herds numbering well over 100 individuals congregating at the waterholes to drink, play, and bathe. Buffalo are also abundant in Addo, while lions and leopards are easily spotted at dawn and dusk. Rhino are rarely seen, and information about their numbers and whereabouts is kept closely guarded as a defense against poachers.

Self-drive safaris—one of the most popular activities in Addo—allow visitors the freedom to explore by themselves for a fraction of the cost of an organized tour. Detailed route maps are available at each of the park’s gates. Guided safaris are also offered, although they must be booked in advance.

If you plan on spending the whole day at Addo, pack a picnic and make a stop at Jack’s Picnic Site, a fenced-off area in the center of the main park. You can even bring meat and firewood and practice the art of the South African  braai . 

Horseback riding is available within the Nyathi concession area. Morning and afternoon rides depart from Main Camp and last approximately two hours each. Those who would rather keep their feet on the ground should consider tackling Addo’s hiking trails . Take a short day hike in the Zuurberg Section, or walk the Discovery Trail in the Main Camp.

Best Hikes & Trails

Non-guided hiking trails outside of the Addo Main Game Area take you into the mountains in the Zuurberg Section of the park and along the coast in the Woody Cape Section (a long two-day trek). No trails exist in the Addo Main Game Area due to the potential of dangerous encounters with the famed "big five."

• Zuurberg Hiking Trails : The Zuurberg hiking trails traverse a fertile valley filled with wildflowers, like fynbos and proteas, in the Zuurberg Mountain Section of the park. There are two hiking options: the short 3-kilometer (2-mile) Cycad Trail, or the longer 8-kilometer (5-mile) Doringnek Trail. Both trails follow a mountain stream that culminates at the Blougat Pool, a great place for a swim and a snack. Stop at all the overlooks and keep your eyes open for signs of animals—especially the hartebeest—in the plains below.
• Alexandria Hiking Trail : Adventurous hikers can tackle the two-day Alexandria Trail, which starts at the Woody Cape Nature Lodge and makes its way into the Alexandria Forest on a 32-kilometer (20-mile) journey. The first 18.5-kilometer (11.5-mile) section of this trail sneaks its way through dense forest before following the coastline and is best completed during low tide. The second 13.2-kilometer (8-mile) section traverses the dunes before descending into the Alexandria Forest. Signposts along the trail are tall enough to guide hikers, despite the ever-shifting dunes. Start your journey by staying the night at the Woody Creek Nature Lodge, so that you can get a jump on things early in the morning.

Guided safaris allow for off-road exploration on routes that are otherwise off-limits to the public. Additionally, they tend to happen before and after park operating hours, giving you a better chance of spotting crepuscular and nocturnal animals, like lions and hyenas. If you want the expertise of a local guide, without having to pay for an organized safari, you can also hire a ride-along, hop-on guide at the Main Camp.

Addo Elephant National Park is home to an incredible variety of birdlife , boasting more than 400 species within the park’s boundaries. Each of the unique ecosystems found here offers opportunities for different sightings, ranging from grassland species, like the Denham’s bustard, to woodland rarities, like the Narina trogon. Raptors abound at Addo, from martial eagles and crowned eagles to the beautiful pale chanting goshawk. Keen birders should take advantage of the dedicated bird hide located at the Addo Rest Camp . 

Marine Eco-Tours , operated by Raggy Charters in nearby Port Elizabeth, offers boat excursions that allow you to spot a wide variety of marine life—including bottlenose and common dolphins—off the coast of Addo Elephant National Park. African penguins and great white sharks can also be seen on an outing. If you visit between the months of June and October, there’s a good chance you'll see southern right and humpback whales. These ocean giants travel along South Africa’s eastern coastline on their annual migration to warmer breeding and calving grounds off the coast of Mozambique . 

There are several camping options within the park boundaries, including those located in the Main Game Area, as well as in the outlying mountain region. Bring your own RV or tent to Addo Rest Camp, or leave everything behind and opt for a glamping experience at Gorah Elephant Camp, Spekboom Tented Camp, and Narina Bush Camp. During the peak season, accommodations options fill up quickly, so book your reservations early.

• Addo Rest Camp : This main rest camp in Addo Elephant National Park offers campsites, self-catered chalets, and luxurious guest houses, as well as the added excitement of a floodlit bar. The private sites feature a barbecue grill, shade, electrical hookups for RV's, and fresh water. Additional facilities include a restaurant, shop, and swimming pool.
• Gorah Elephant Camp : This popular, five-star glamping experience is located within the Main Game Area of the park and evokes the golden era of safari adventure with a selection of exclusive tented suites.
• Spekboom Tented Camp : This tent camp is a great option for those who wish to experience a magical night of glamping situated in the Main Game Area of the park. Reserve one of five tents, each complete with a deck, camp chairs, and two beds. Additionally, the fenced and gated facility includes communal showers, a communal kitchen, toilets, and a central washbasin.
• Narina Bush Camp : Located in the remote Zuurberg Mountains, the Narina Bush Camp is a popular woodland setting for birders, botanists, and hikers. The facility consists of four tents, each with two single beds, barbeque facilities, a communal kitchen, restrooms, and showers. There is no electricity at this camp and you must arrive two hours before sunset.

There are a number huts, for those who are backpacking or roughing it, a cottage, and several private lodges located inside and just outside the park. Choose to stay in the Main Game Area for a safari-type experience right outside your door, or opt for lodging in an outlying region, where the experience is still remote, but without the threat of dangerous animals.

• Woody Cape Nature Lodge : The Woody Cape Nature Lodge houses backpackers ready to take on the Alexandria Trail. This hostel-style lodge nestled within the dunes can accommodate up to 120 people via campsites, dorms, and private chalets. Dorm-style lodging offers a shared bathroom and shower area with linens, maid service, and free Wi-Fi. An on-site restaurant, bar, and outdoor pool complete your stay at this family-friendly lodge.
• Langebos Huts : The Langebos Huts consists of two rustic, two-bedroom huts, also located at the trailhead of the Alexandria Trail. Each hut has a walkway to a private bathroom and a kitchen, and a communal area includes a fire pit and barbeque.
• Umsintsi Cottage : This two-story cottage in the middle of the Alexandra Forest accommodates two people and comes complete with a full kitchen and dining area, an upstairs bedroom with a view, and an en-suite bathroom. An outdoor barbecue is located underneath an elevated deck and all linens and towels are provided.
• Long Hope Villa : The relaxing Long Hope Villa is a game lodge located within the park on the private Nyati Concession. Offering you an exclusive experience, the house comes complete with three bedrooms, an outdoor pool, a private chef, a personal game vehicle, and a field guide. Choose a pillow from the home's "pillow library" to assure yourself a good night's rest with the sounds of the "big five" just outside your door.
• River Roost : Accommodations at River Roost on the Eastern Cape include bed-and-breakfast-style lodging in the main house and a self-catered cottage. Two bedrooms offer two queen-sized beds and one bedroom offers two single beds; all complete with en-suite bathrooms. The two-bedroom cottage sleeps four and comes with two bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a wooden outdoor deck with views.

Most visitors to Addo Elephant National Park fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. You can arrange with your lodging accommodations or safari outfitter for transport from the airport. Or, you can drive yourself from Cape Town to the Park via the Garden Route , a week-long journey through lush forests and the African bush, and along the coastline.

People of all abilities levels can enjoy the wonders of Addo Elephant National Park. Addo's Main Camp has five accessible campsites, complete with an accessible bathroom, and Matyholweni Camp has two accessible cottages with roll-in showers. The Main Camp's restaurant, shop, and reception area offers ramps and an accessible bathroom. Also, the in-camp Discovery Trail, viewing platform, and underground bird hide are wheelchair accessible. The Ulwazi Interpretive Center is equipped with handicap parking, restrooms, and ramps, and Jack's picnic site in the Main Game Area has ADA-compliant restrooms and barbeque facilities.

• In addition to the "big five," Addo is also home to Southern Africa's largest antelope, the eland, and to the rare flightless dung beetle. Other common sights include Burchell’s zebra, warthog, and kudu.
• In the park’s outlying regions, you can spot regional rarities, like the gemsbok and the Cape Mountain Zebra.
• The only major safari animal missing from Addo’s roster is the giraffe. Giraffes are not naturally found on the Eastern Cape of Africa, and a decision was made not to introduce them. 
• Addo has two main gates: one at Main Camp, and the other at Matyholweni. Main Camp is located on the north side of the park and remains open for day visitors from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Matyholweni, to the south, is open from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• Visitors to the park are required pay a daily entrance fee, which is different for South African residents and foreign nationals. 
• Addo is considered a malaria-free park, saving visitors to the park the expense of costly prophylactics.
• Most routes within the park are suitable for standard vehicles, although high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles are strongly recommended.
• The dry season (June through August) is considered best for game-viewing at Addo Elephant National Park, as animals are forced to congregate around the waterholes, making them easier to spot.
• The rainy season (December through February) is best for birding, while shoulder seasons often afford the nicest weather. 

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THE 5 BEST Day Trips from Addo Elephant National Park

Day trips from addo elephant national park.

• Addo Elephant National Park to Alexandria
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Addo Elephant National Park All Inclusive Full-Day Safari

2. Private Full-Day Addo Elephant Park & Giraffe Walk Safari

3. Schotia Big 5 Safari Port Elizabeth (optional accommodation)

4. Private Full-Day Addo Elephant National Park Safari

5. Full Day Addo Elephant National Park Safari wit BBQ:Thentic Tours

6. Addo Elephant Park Day visit followed by a 4x4 Night drive with a Park Ranger

7. Addo Elephant Park Tour

8. Addo Elephant Park Day Visit Plus 2 Hours in Open Vehicle with Park Ranger

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Addo Elephant 5 hour Morning Safari.

Addo Elephant Park All-Inclusive Day Safari from Port Elizabeth

Full day Private Addo elephant safari min 2 pax max 6 pax

Full day big 5 Addo elephant park and Schotia combo package

Port Elizabeth Wildside Scenic Drive - FD17

Full-Day Baviaanskloof Reserve Safari

Full-Day Garden Route Safari from Port Elizabeth

Full-Day Port Elizabeth & Kragga Kamma Reserve Safari

Half-Day Port Elizabeth & Kragga Kamma Reserve Safari

What travellers are saying.

• Addo Elephant National Park Full Day Safari
• Addo Elephant National Park All Inclusive Full-Day Safari
• Schotia Big 5 Safari Port Elizabeth (optional accommodation)
• Addo Elephant National Park and Kragga Kamma Game Park.
• Addo Elephant Park & Giraffe Walk Private Full-Day Safari

Self Drive Safari at Addo Elephant National Park

Going on a safari and spotting wildlife is one of the most impressive experiences in South Africa. We did several guided game drives at Greater Kruger National Park, and a self drive safari at Addo Elephant National Park. Guided safaris are awesome, but we highly recommend doing at least one self guided game drive as well.

Here’s everything you need to know for a self drive safari at Addo Elephant National Park.

Addo Elephant National Park

Addo Elephant National Park, or Addo Elephant Park for short, is the third largest national park in South Africa , popular for both guided and self drive safaris. The Matyholweni Entrance Gate through which we entered the park, is located about 40 km  (~25 miles)  north of Port Elizabeth .

You can spot the Big 5 at Addo Elephant Park, but you probably have to visit other areas than the main game viewing area to achieve that goal. We only spotted a female lion, a bunch of buffalos and plenty of elephants. Leopards are very hard to spot anyway, and according to the SANParks website the black rhino is only found around the Darlington Dam area .

Anyway, a visit to Addo Elephant National Park is very impressive, even if you don’t spot the Big 5. With over 600 elephants in the park , Addo is known for its spectacular elephant sightings. Be warned though, you’re only 1 (or 2) of approximately 160,000 yearly visitors so you’ll need a bit of luck on your side.

Map of Addo Elephant Park

You can pick up a map of Addo Elephant National Park at the office at one of the park entrance gates. That same map is also available on the SANParks website .

On that map you can see that Addo Elephant Park consists of 8 different areas , including the Marine Protected Area where you can spot whales. The different sections offer different activities and accommodation options, but the main game viewing area consists of the Addo Main Camp area and the Colchester area.

Addo Elephant Park Prices

If you wish to do a self drive safari at Addo Elephant National Park, you have to pay a conservation fee , or entrance fee if you wish, upon entering the park. For foreign visitors, this was R272  (~ $19 ~ €17) per adult per day at the time of our visit. Children, South African citizens and residents, and SADC Nationals pay less.

Check out the Addo Elephant Park section on the SANParks website for up-to-date pricing information.

Things you should know before visiting Addo Elephant Park

To protect yourself and the wildlife at Addo Elephant National Park there are some rules and regulations you’re asked to adhere to. You can read up on them on the SANParks website , but here are already some of the most important ones:

• Do not climb out nor hang out of your vehicle in the game viewing area.  (You don’t want to get attacked, right?)
• In designated areas (indicated by signs) you’re allowed to get out of your vehicle, but at your own risk. (There are dangerous animals in the park.)
• Stay on the road and do not enter roads you’re not allowed on. (No brainer, if you ask me.)
• The speed limit is 40 km/h (~ 25 miles/h) throughout the park. (But you’ll probably want to drive even slower as to not miss any wildlife.)
• Do not injure, feed, or disturb any form of wildlife. (That includes dung beetles! So no driving over elephant dung.)
• Do not litter. (Nowhere, ever.)
• The use of drones inside (and over) the park is prohibited. (Too bad right? But that’s to protect the animals from poachers.)

And always keep in mind: leave nothing but car tracks, take nothing but photos, kill nothing but time.

Our Self Drive Safari at Addo Elephant National Park

On the day of our self drive safari at Addo Elephant National Park, we arrived at the  Matyholweni Entrance Gate at 7:00 in the morning, opening time . Before we were allowed in the park, we had to go register at the gate office , by filling in a form and paying the conservation fee. That took about 10 minutes, including a toilet visit.

Make sure you have the following information on you when entering the office, to be able to complete the form: phone number, license plate, passport number.

When you go wildlife spotting, it’s best to start your day as early as possible , as your chances of seeing one of the big cats is bigger. Actually all animals are more active when it’s not that hot yet. That includes us, right? The gate office tends to get busy quickly as well, another reason to be at the park gate at opening time.

We literally drove over every road we were allowed on in the main game viewing area (Addo Main Camp Area and Colchester Area), checking out every lookout point and watering hole for all kinds and sizes of animals. Note that some roads are sealed, and some roads are bumpy gravel roads, all marked on the map.

One of the most memorable sightings (and most beautiful photos) was the herd of 9 elephants and 2 babies at Hapoor Dam , a watering hole. There was a lot of elephant dung, meaning elephants pass there often. We waited for a while when we suddenly saw the herd approach. It was really impressive!

The elephants were the largest animal we spotted, the rare flightless dung beetle the smallest. Keep in mind these tiny workers have right of way in Addo Elephant Park. Spot them pushing around balls of elephant dung, which they use for food and reproduction.

We also saw a lioness resting in the shade of a bush, albeit from afar. Bring binoculars when wildlife spotting! In all honesty, we only found the lioness because her position was marked on the map with wildlife sightings of the day. We pulled over along the road where many other cars and safari vehicles were parked, and had to ask another visitor to point us the lioness. Luckily that was the only time we had to share the view with many other visitors. At all other times, it was just us or 1 or 2 other cars.

These maps with sightings of the day can be found at Addo Main Camp , the  Matyholweni Entrance Gate , and Jacks's Picnic Site .

During our self drive safari at Addo Elephant Park we also saw lots of warthogs , with and without babies, a bunch of kudus and zebras, even a couple elands, ostriches, and a tortoise. There are beautiful birds and tons of antelopes too, just keep your eyes and ears open!

In between wildlife spotting, we pulled over at Cattle Baron Grill & Bistro for a mouth-watering lunch . We didn’t make a reservation, but even though it was very busy, we got a table without too much of a wait.

Brecht really liked the House Salad with baked baby potatoes on the side, and I still can’t get over how yum the Beef Fillet Roulade (filled with bacon, feta, peppadews, and spring onion) was. Including drinks and a tip, this lunch cost us R300 (~ $21 ~ €18).

All in all we spent 9,5 hours in Addo Elephant National Park , driving 150 km, spotting plenty of wildlife, and taking a ton of photos.

A Guided Safari at Addo Elephant Park

If you’re not comfortable doing a game drive on your own, you can book a guided safari at Addo Elephant Park. There are 2 hour tours leaving from Addo Main Camp  and full day tours leaving from Port Elizabeth . You can even book multi-day Garden Route tours that include a guided safari at Addo Elephant National Park. Most of these leave from  Cape Town .

Addo Elephant Park Accommodation

When planning a visit to Addo Elephant Park, whether that’ll be on a guided or a self drive safari, you’ll need a place to spend the night. There are several options, depending on whether you want to stay in or near the park.

Before our self drive safari at Addo Elephant National Park, we stayed at Splash Guest House in Port Elizabeth . We left there at a little after 6:00 in the morning in order to be at the Matyholweni Gate at 7:00. Note that the breakfast wasn’t available yet at that hour.

After our day at Addo Elephant Park, we continued to Tsitsikamma Manor in Stormsriver , about a 2 hour drive from the  Matyholweni Gate . Unfortunately we only had time for 1 night in this lovely guest house with a gorgeous garden, because of our tight schedule for our Garden Route road trip.

Last but not least, you can decide to stay at or around Addo Elephant National Park . Check out the SANParks website for camps and lodges within Addo Elephant Park, or Booking.com for other accommodation in and around the park.

Our self drive safari at Addo Elephant National Park was definitely one of the highlights of the 3 weeks we spent in South Africa. Trying to spot wildlife and then watching them go about their day is just so exciting! Enjoy your visit to Addo Elephant Park and let us know how it was!

A Self Drive Safari at Addo Elephant National Park in short

What?  Third largest National Park in South Africa, known for spectacular elephant sightings When?  Park Entrance Gates open at 7:00 and close at 18:00 How much? Conservation Fee of R275 per adult per day Bring? Binoculars, camera, sunscreen (in summer), info to fill in registration form at gate (phone number, license plate, passport number) More information? Addo Elephant Park section on SANParks website

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A day trip to addo elephant national park, eastern cape.

On my most recent day trip to Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape , I used the Matyholweni Gate and drove through the newer part of the park. Fences from the main park have dropped and many of the animals are enjoying the new feeding grounds with the ocean as a background in the distance.

There are two things that always fascinate me when I visit Addo:

(1) the flightless dung beetles (2) the tuskless elephants

Dung beetles are integral to the ecology of game reserves in particular, as they recycle dung, cleaning up in a small way. The Addo Flightless Dung Beetle is no exception. It only has vestigal wings which can’t support them in flight, so they walk from droppings to droppings hence there are signs all over Addo cautioning you not to drive over the beetles and that they have right of way.

The population of Addo elephants is small (starting with 22 ellies in 1954 and reaching +400 in 2008) and the original females were tuskless. The gene pool remained small and the incidence of tuskless females has endured. Only 5% of the Park’s female ellies have tusks, some having only 1 tusk. The relatively recent introduction of bulls from Kruger National Park is expected to change this trait over time as they father new offspring.

A Field Guide to the Addo Elephants by Anna Whitehouse and Pat Irwin has drawings of the ears and tusks of some of individuals of the various ellie families in the park. This provides loads of fun in trying to identify which family you are spending time with.

We spent some time with the “P family” whose matriarch is a 60year old called “Afslurpie” which, directly translated from Afrikaans, means ‘Off Trunk’. Apparently she lost the tip of her trunk at the age of five when the park’s elephant-proof fence was constructed. It is suspected she was investigating the new fence when the accident occurred. Afslurpie had no problem leading her family down the tarred road to their preferred waterhole to drink, terrifying cars of tourists.

After enjoying a light lunch in the park restaurant, we exited at the main gate and made the 45-minute drive back to Port Elizabeth .  

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Addo Elephant Tours

Eastern Cape Safaris · Transfers · City Tours · Garden Route Tours

Private Tours to Addo Elephant National Park

Enjoy your visit to Port Elizabeth with a private tour to the third largest national park in South Africa. With over 600 elephants roaming, you will find yourself quickly immersed in wildlife experience. Also available are tours to Kragga Kamma Game Park as well as Port Elizabeth city tours. BOOK YOUR TOUR WITH US

Have you enjoyed your tour with us? Review us on Trip Advisor - click HERE

About Addo Elephant National Park

Just a half an hour from PE's airport or harbour, the park offers exceptional wildlife viewing including both fauna and flora. Your private tour is a tailored excursion allowing you to sit back, relax and enjoy the viewing.

The Addo Experience

Your experienced guide, Mike Andrews, prefers a private experience away from the large crowds or an impersonal offering. Instead, your small group (max four passengers) will enjoy a boutique outing without the hustle and bustle that often follows a larger group occasion. Click on the link below to view our Instagram page.

What to expect

Addo Elephant National Park is home to elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, red hartebeest, eland, kudu and bushbuck as well as many bird species. While nothing is guaranteed in nature, you will enjoy a comfortable drive, calm surroundings and a five star personalised experience.

Book Your Trip to Addo

Meet Mike: Your Addo Guide

After a long career in the financial services industry, Mike combined his passion for travelling and meeting new people with his love of wildlife and nature. Originally from Cape Town, his career took him to many cities and towns along the coast before settling in Port Elizabeth nearly three decades ago. Mike is an associate of SA Guided Tours and has access to three experienced guiding colleagues to call on if needed. When not showing off the beautiful scenes that Addo and other tourist attractions in the area, you will find him looking for birdies at his local golf course.

Words from recent guests

"It was a great experience for us to have seen so many animals. We were lucky to have such an experienced and nice guide like you for this trip. Thank you for all the information, the entertaining conversations and the surprising and very tasty picnic. The day ended far too early. We wish you, dear Mike, and your family all the best, many tours with nice guests and beautiful days on the golf course!" - Juergen, Germany

"We have enjoyed today’s guided tour through the Kragga Kamma Game Park. Thank you for trying so hard to bring us to the spots where the animals were located. Our favorite animal? Definitely the beautiful cheetah." - Ben, USA

"Just wanted to say an enormous thank you for yesterday. It was the best day ever thanks to you! We all had such a wonderful day-seeing so many animals, the delicious picnic and you! It was good of you to show us Port Elizabeth too. I bet you were glad to get home! Thank you again. It’s a day we won’t forget!" - Carol, England

"Wow! What an amazing day we had, perfect in every way - weather, animals and best of all, our guide Mike Andrews. I found Mike on the internet and from the beginning he made me feel confident about booking a tour with him. He always answered my queries immediately and I did have several! We arrived by cruise ship at Port Elizabeth and Mike was there at the port gates to meet us at 8.30am. We set off for the Addo Elephant Park chatting all the way. We learnt a lot about South Africa and the games parks. Mike drove us around the park stopping at various locations to watch the crowds of elephants as well as zebras, water buffalo, warthogs and hartebeest. At lunch time Mike took us to a beautiful picnic area where he set out a delicious picnic (made by his wife). After lunch we set off for the Kragga Kamma game park. This is another wonderful place where the animals live freely without predators. We were so fortunate to see giraffes, rhinos, ostriches up close and we took some super photos. After refreshments we set off for Port Elizabeth for Mike to show us the town-good and bad! We arrived back at our ship at 6.30. We had a very full and memorable day. Three of us shared this day with Mike and we all felt it was the most memorable day ever! Mike is a brilliant guide, knowledgeable and very friendly. I would recommend him as a guide to anyone. Truly 5 star!" - Jean, England

© Addo Elephant Tours. All rights reserved. Mike Andrews is a registered Tour Guide - EC1709.

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Addo Elephant Park Tours, Safaris, Game Drives

Experience the Greater Addo Elephant National Park Area

Four customised game drives and safaris to addo elephant national park in specially designed safari vehicles..

Please Note:

• The prices should be used as a guide line only. Please use the Book Online to get the most up to date rates before booking.
• Dry snacks and liquid refreshments on board are included in the price.
• Conservation for the Addo Elephant National Park is included.
• We supply binoculars to our guests for a better experience.

Addo Game Drive Options

OPTION 1  - ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK HALF DAY TOUR   -    R1650 . Min 2 Pax - Approx. 5 hrs. The Game Drive - Leaves from the Dungbeetle River Lodge at 9.00 a.m. returns 14.00. Includes Conservation Fee, use of binoculars, soft drinks and dry snacks

Book this tour online

OPTION 2 -  ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK AFTERNOON TOUR - R1800   Min 2 Pax -  The Game Drive Starts at Dungbeetle River Lodge at 13.30. Approx. 5 hours. Until park closes. Includes Conservation Fee, Binoculars Soft Drinks and Dry Snacks

OPTION 3  - ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK EARLY MORNING TOUR -   R2020  Min 2 Pax -  The Game Drive   Starts at Dungbeetle River Lodge at 7.00a.m. Returns 12.00 Approx. 5 hours. Includes Conservation Fee, Picnic Breakfast, use of Binoculars, soft drinks and dry snacks

OPTION 4  - ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK FULL DAY TOUR   - R2450  Min 2 Pax -  The Game Drive Starts at Dungbeetle River Lodge at 10.00a.m. Returns 18.00 Approx.8 hours. Includes Conservation Fee, Picnic Lunch with wine or beer. Use of binoculars, soft drinks, dry snacks

*FOR COLLECTION OUTSIDE COLCHESTER ADD R200 PER PERSON AND ½ HOUR ADDED TO DEPARTURE TIME.

*PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE IN PLACE.

Dungbeetle River Lodge

Addo River Cottage

The owners of Dungbeetle Tours/Dungbeetle River Lodge are qualified nature guides.

Tours into the Addo Elephant National Park will be covered by their insurance.

The other tours are from 3rd parties and although the best in their fields and come highly recommended, Dungbeetle Tours and Dungbeetle River Lodge will not be liable for any theft, injury, loss or damage of whatever nature arising from these operators, whether from default, negligence or otherwise.

Contact Details

© Copyright Dungbeetle Tours 2016 | All Rights Reserved | Addo Elephant Park Tours, Safaris, Game Drives Resources

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Dear Fellow Travellers

We're thinking of visiting Suzdal on a one-day trip from Moscow this mid-August. We did our homework, and found the best way is to go to Vladimir by train and take a bus to Suzdal. We also checked the fare/timetable with Russian National Railway's official website ( http://pass.rzd.ru ) , then started wondering whether it is worth to book trains in advance. Yes, it's a busy season and we feel safe, but none in our group speaks Russian, and if something happens, we cannot catch the train we booked, all the money will be wasted. So, would we be better off not to book any train and go with the 'suburban' train that does not take booking (incidentally RZD site does not tell us how much it costs - maybe because it is a different operator and we cannot buy the ticket on their site?) Or would you recommend booking trains in advance?

Also, we've been trying to find a bus timetable between Vladimir and Suzdal, but so far we couldn't.

Could anybody help?

Thanks in advance, Ken.

There are not many suburban trains to Vladimir, and they are usually packed, as any suburban trains to other regions. You trip is going to be very uncomfortable (I know, I've tried if once 'cause experss tickets were sold out). Suggestion: for trip to Vladimir, book a # 7082 train: https://rasp.yandex.ru/thread/7082_0_2000001_g19_4 (or a # 728 train if tickets are not too expensive). For return trip, maybe train # 709.

> RZD site does not tell us how much it costs - maybe because it is a different operator

:))) There is no 'other operator'. RR site just does not sell commuter train tickets.

> bus timetable between Vladimir and Suzdal

https://rasp.yandex.ru/all-transport/vladimir--suzdal . In short , every 30 minutes.

And the last: if possible, allocate 2 days to Suzdal and Vladimir.

The train you can book on rzd.ru, fast train to Nozhniy Novgorod via Vladimir is nice, comfortable and surely needs to be booked in advance. You can leave early in the morning, and reach Vladimir in under 2 hrs; as opposed to 3+ hrs by a suburban train. It costs like R350-400, (do not remember easily), but fast train is wirth effort.

As for getting the train - station has signs in English, board is in English and even these trains are annonced in English. You can visit the station the day before for orientation... Many people have done that before.

As for going to Suzdal from Vladimir, tgere are plenty of buses, right from train station sq. in Vladimir, but taxi would be faster and easier, esp.for several people, just use Yandex/Gett app.

Thanks a lot, Dmitri and Vasily! You guys are really great - we will definitely book fast trains. One thing which is not urgent - is it cheaper to buy return tickets from Moscow to Vladimir, or the two single/one-way tickets are the same price? In Britain, they are completely different: returns are often cheaper but sometimes two singles are cheaper - very confusing. We hope Russian system is more straightforward. Thanks again, Ken.

You can buy a return ticket only for suburban trains, and it will cost as 2 one-way tickets anyway. For everything else, you just buy 2 singles one by one - simple as it can be :).

Thanks a lot, Dmitri. Glad to know Russian rail system is not so complicated. Cheers, Ken.

And some more thoughts on the matter :).

1. If you don't feel confident, arrive at the station somewhat earlier, like 30 minutes in advance (not 10 like I did). I know half an hour is a bit overkill... just for the peace of mind :).

2. Vladimir trains depart from the Gorky direction dead end platforms (highlited here: http://yandex.ru/maps/213/moscow/?ll=37.662677%2C55.755958&mode=poi&poi%5Bpoint%5D=37.661626%2C55.756222&poi%5Buri%5D=ymapsbm1%3A%2F%2Forg%3Foid%3D188728336151&z=18 ). Do not enter main building, you don't need it.

3. I tend to agree with Vasili's advice about taxi. Suzdal bus staiton is on the outskirts of the town, you'll have either walk to the center (as I did - but I had 2 days instead of one) or wait for the local bus. Taxi will take you straight to the town centre.

I specify that high-speed trains to Vladimir leave from the first high platform. It is in the opposite part of the Kursk railway station than dead-end platforms. Common local trains to Vladimir depart from dead-end platforms.

Thanks everyone. I'm sure we'll have a super time in Suzdal. Cheers, Ken

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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