With its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant nightlife and plethora of things to see and do, it is no wonder that the iconic city of Cape Town attracts thousands of visitors from around the world each year.

However, if you decide to venture out of the Mother City you’ll see that South Africa has so much more to offer. Addo Elephant National Park multi-day trips from Cape Town provide the ideal safari experience and allow you to see the country from a completely different perspective.

Here's all you need to know about Addo Elephant National Park, one of the most exciting multi-day trips from Cape Town.

How to get to Addo Elephant National Park from Cape Town?

Addo Elephant National Park is one of South Africa's largest national parks and can be found in the Eastern Cape Province, roughly 800 kilometers east of Cape Town.

From Cape Town to Addo Elephant National Park by car

If you decide to drive from Cape Town to Addo Elephant National Park, you have a few different routes to choose from. However, most people prefer to take the coastal route along the N2, so that you can visit places like Knysna and Nature’s Valley along the way.

The travel time in a car should take around 8 to 10 hours depending on traffic and the exact route you take.

From Cape Town to Addo Elephant National Park by plane

If you are short on time, the quickest way to get from Cape Town to Addo Elephant National Park is by plane. You’ll need to fly from Cape Town International Airport to Port Elizabeth International Airport and then take a taxi or hire a car to get to the national park.

The flight from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth is just over an hour, and the drive between Port Elizabeth and Addo Elephant National Park shouldn’t take longer than 1.5 hours.

Guided tour to Addo Elephant National Park from Cape Town

Multi-day Addo Elephant National Park trips from Cape Town offer a convenient and enjoyable way to get out of the city and see more of the South African landscape. A local guide will handle the itinerary and all your travel arrangements, allowing you to relax and enjoy the ride.

Most tours have a duration of five, six or seven days and are inclusive of accommodation.

How much does the entrance ticket to Addo Elephant National Park cost?

When you visit Addo Elephant National Park for the day, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee valid for 24 hours.

South Africans (adult): ZAR94 (US$5)
South Africans (child): ZAR47 (US$2.5)
SADC nationals (adult): ZAR188 (US$10)
SADC nationals (child): ZAR94 (US$5)
International visitors (adult): ZAR376 (US$20)
International visitors (child): ZAR188 (US$10)

What is the typical itinerary?

Get picked up by your professional guide/driver from your hotel in Cape Town as you make your way out of the Mother City and toward the lush Garden Route. On your way to Addo Elephant National Park, you’ll stop at places like Cango Caves and Oudtshoorn.

Most multi-day trips spend at least a day or two at Addo Elephant National Park, where you’ll get the chance to see elephants, rhinos, zebras, lions and many other indigenous animals. You’ll go on game drives and learn about the history of the park.

After an action-packed adventure at Addo Elephant National Park, you’ll start making your way back to Cape Town, stopping at Jeffreys Bay and Knysna along the way.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Addo Elephant National Park?

When looking for an Addo Elephant National Park multi-day trip, you have a few different options available to you, including group tours and private trips, with excursions lasting between five and seven days.

5-Day Addo Elephant National Park and Garden Route tour from Cape Town

5-Day Addo Elephant National Park trips are one of the most popular types of excursions available. Choose between a small-group experience or a completely private tour as you embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

You’ll also get to visit the Garden Route, Oudtshoorn and Jeffreys Bay among other iconic destinations.

6-Day Addo Elephant National Park and Garden Route tour from Cape Town

When you choose a 6-day tour, you get to explore a bit more of the Western Cape before you head toward Addo Elephant National Park. You’ll see Hermanus, Route 62, Cape Agulhas and the Cango Caves as well as destinations on the Garden Route and in the Eastern Cape.

These multi-day tours are typically small-group excursions limited to around 12 people.

7-Day Garden Route, Winelands and Addo Elephant National Park safari from Cape Town

Make the most of your time in South Africa by opting for a 7-day excursion to Addo Elephant National Park. Not only will you get to see African animals at the national park but you’ll also get to visit the Cape Winelands, Oudtshoorn, Mossel Bay, Cape Point, Jeffreys Bay and Knysna.

These week-long excursions are typically offered as shared group experiences.

How much does a multi-day trip to Addo Elephant National Park from Cape Town cost?

Multi-day tours to Addo Elephant National Park range in price depending on the number of days, places visited, the type of tour and the type of accommodation.

5-Day Addo Elephant National Park tours, which also visit several other destinations, typically start from around US$500 per person for a group tour and US$1,500 per person for a private tour, although the cost can fluctuate depending on the number of participants.

6-Day Addo Elephant National Park and Garden Route tours usually start at US$600 per person, while week-long excursions start around US$830 per person.

These tours are all generally inclusive of accommodation, game drives, breakfast and transportation.

What will you see and do?

Addo Elephant National Park is the third-largest national park in South Africa and is home to well over 500 animal species, including birds, mammals and reptiles. First established in 1931 as a sanctuary for just 11 elephants, today the park is home to well over 600 elephants.

In addition to its many beautiful animals, the national park offers stunning natural landscapes made up of rolling hills, sand dunes, and freshwater dams — all backdropped by the Zuurberg Mountains.

While you can drive through the park in your own vehicle, most multi-day trips to the national park are inclusive of a game drive. Game drives are led by professional game rangers who know where to find your favorite animals, including the Big Five.

The park is also home to a lovely restaurant, an interesting information center and a gift shop, perfect for buying souvenirs. Overnight guests are welcome to enjoy the pool and picnic facilities on offer.

There are several hiking trails within the national park, including a short trail within the main camp that is suitable for wheelchair users. With its incredible views and cutting-edge facilities, Addo Elephant National Park offers something for everyone.

What are the opening times?

Addo Elephant National Park’s reception and main gate are open daily between 7 AM and 7 PM. If you arrive after closing time and have accommodation, the rangers will still allow you in.

When is the best time to visit Addo Elephant National Park?

The best time to visit Addo Elephant National Park is in the dry season from May to September. This is when animals congregate around watering holes, making sightings more frequent and predictable. In September, as spring arrives, you'll also see more newborn animals.

What other tours can you do from Cape Town?

Travel tips

Layer your clothing. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, even in summer, while midday can get hot. Use insect repellent, especially in summer, to protect against mosquitoes.
A good pair of binoculars can significantly enhance your game-viewing experience. And don't forget your camera for those unforgettable wildlife shots!
Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times for wildlife viewing, as many animals are most active during these cooler periods.
Always maintain a safe distance from animals, and never feed them. Stay inside your vehicle, especially when viewing predators or elephants. Do not get out of your car except in designated areas.

Addo Elephant National Park: Multi-day Trips and Tours from Cape Town