ADDO ELEPHANT PARK

As the name suggests, the park is famous for its large elephant populations. At the time of its establishment in 1931, only 11 elephants were in existence. Today the park is home to about 350 of them. This has led to overcrowding in the park and as a result surrounding land is being acquired to accommodate the growing animal populations.

This will bring rise to the 'greater Addo'. As a matter of fact, the park is home to the largest African elephant populations on earth. Some of the unique features of this park are an unrivalled natural diversity, the big 7- this is the only park in the world with the big 7-, rich heritage of archaeological and historical sites.

HOW TO GET THERE
Situated 72km from Port Elizabeth, the access road from the main road 4km away is tarred. There is an airport at Port Elizabeth where local flights to the park can be obtained.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Elephants are plentiful in this park. This in turn has attracted the flightless dung beetle. These insects are exclusive to Addo and are very important for the ecology of the park. The black- backed jackal is very common with its howls punctuating the parks atmosphere whilst grazing the grounds. Lions and spotted hyenas were recently introduced to the park.

A feature of the park is the Big 7 consisting in addition to the previously mentioned elephant and lion, of rhino, leopard, buffalo, whales and great white sharks in their natural habitat. Within the park is the unique feature that is the island, home to the world's largest breeding colonies of Cape gannets and African Penguins

As the park stretches to the shores of the Indian Ocean, this creates an excellent opportunity to observe whales and dolphins doing their water acrobatics. Birding is a common activity as any other in the park. The various and contrasting habitats in the park enhance this. These birds include martial and crowned eagles, olive bush shrikes, yellow-throated warblers and cape batis.

Vegetation in the park is quite unique to South Africa. The park has five of the country's seven major vegetation zones also known as biomes.

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