Sprawling Landscapes
Addo Elephant National Park is a great self drive destination in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This is an excellent way to discover the many wonders of the bush at your own pace.
Addo Elephant Park is situated near Addo, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Many visitors to Addo are on self-drive holidays, which are highly recommended as it allows guests freedom to explore the park at their own leisure. However, if you are travelling from further afield, it is advisable to fly to Port Elizabeth Airport and rent a car from there.
How to get there
By Air
Port Elizabeth Airport is located about 75 kilometres (46.6 miles) from the park, and is the closest domestic airport. International Airports are situated in Johannesburg and Cape Town, with connecting flights to Port Elizabeth available.
By Road
Car Hire
There are various agencies available at the airport in Port Elizabeth or in all major towns of South Africa.
Internal Road Network
The entrance road and some of the tourist loops in the reserveare tarred and in a good condition. Other tourist roads within Addo Elephant National Park are of a good gravel standard. Normal sedan cars can be used on all tourist roads. A 4X4 vehicle is needed for guests wanting to take the 4X4 route within the reserve.
Driving directions for Addo Elephant National Park
Guests with reservations for accommodation can obtain detailed directions to the individual camps once the reservations are confirmed.
Directions from Port Elizabeth - 3 alternatives
1) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown. Take the turnoff to the left signposted 'Motherwell' and 'Addo Elephant National Park'. Turn left at the top of the off ramp and proceed to 'Motherwell'. Follow this road until you see the entrance to the park on the right. The distance is about 72 kilometres (45 miles) or one hour travelling time.
2) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown and travel straight until the N2 splits off to the left from the N10. Carry straight on, following the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted 'Addo Elephant National Park'. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the park on your left. The distance is about 120 kilometres (74.6 miles) or one hour and 15 minutes driving time.
3) Take the N2 highway towards Grahamstown. Pass Coega harbour on your right. Cross the Sundays River Bridge. Turn off to your left at the sign that says 'Camp Matyholweni'. Follow this road for about 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) until you enter Matyholweni Gate at Camp Matyholweni. Follow the southern access road inside the reserve until you get to Addo Main Camp. You will cross over a gravel public road. Distance is about 40 kilometres (24.9 miles) from PE to Matyholweni and then 36 kilometres (22.4 miles) through the park (which takes about one and a half hours at the 40km/h speed limit). Please note that this route is not accessible to caravans and buses.
Directions from Grahamstown
Take the N2 towards PE. Follow this road until you see the turnoff to the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse. Take this turnoff and carry straight on, following the N10 towards Cradock/Cookhouse.
Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted 'Addo Elephant National Park'. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the park on your left. The journey covers about 90 kilometres (56 miles) and will take about one hour and 15 minutes driving time.
Directions from Cape Town
Take the N2 towards PE and then follow the directions given above. The travelling time from Cape Town to the Park by car is about 9 hours.
Directions from Johannesburg
Take the N1 towards Colesburg. At Colesburg, take the N10 towards Cradock and Paterson. Take the R342 to the left when you get to the intersection with Paterson on your right. This will be sign posted 'Addo Elephant National Park'. Follow this road, looking out for the entrance to the Park on your left. Please note that this journey will take about 12-14 hours by car.
