Tsitsikamma and Addo

The Tsitsikamma National Park, South Africa's largest contiguous virgin forest, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Addo Elephant Park is the westernmost state-owned national park that is home to the Big Five, although the big cats are quite rare. To the east of the Addo are several private game reserves, which are also home to the Big Five. The highlights of the Tsitsikamma National Park can be visited "en route"; overnight stays are recommended for very special hikes and activities. If you want to enjoy the wildlife in Addo Elephant Park or the adjacent game reserves, you should plan two nights here.

Tsitsikamma National Park

The Natures Valley in the western part of the Tsitsikamma National Park boasts dense forests, long beaches and a beautiful lagoon. Hiking trails of various lengths lead into the forests or along the beach. A small store with an adjoining restaurant provides refreshments. The mouth of the Storms River in the eastern part of the park is much more touristy. The eye-catcher is the famous Suspension Bridge, an approximately 200m long suspension bridge over the river. Various long hiking trails also start here through the forests or along the rocky coast. A short boat trip up the river leads to a bat cave. Various adrenaline activities are offered in the area, including one of the highest commercial bungee jumps in the world.

Addo Elephant Park

The state-owned Addo Elephant Park is home to the densest elephant population in South Africa, which also gave the park its name. Sections now extend all the way to the ocean, unofficially earning Addo the name "Big Seven National Park", as whales and sharks can also be spotted seasonally. However, cats of prey only occur in very small numbers. As a state park, it can be visited in your own rental car, but there are also guided tours, usually in a closed vehicle. On the nearby Sundays River, smaller wild animals and extraordinary birdlife can be admired on boat safaris. The Sundays River Valley is famous for its large citrus plantations.

Private game reserves

To the east of Addo Elephant Park, between Nanaga and Grahamstown, there are several private game reserves that are also home to the Big Five. These reserves offer expensive and luxurious accommodation, so-called private game lodges, full board and guided game viewing activities included. The standard here ranges from simple tented camps to five-star luxury lodges. In most cases, only overnight guests have access to the private game reserves and their own rental car may only be used to drive to the accommodation or a meeting point. However, there are also a few offers for day guests. The exclusivity of the private game reserves generally leads to better and more intensive game viewing experiences.