Best trails in Addo Elephant National Park

This top rated coastal walk takes you through an enchanting forest (watch out for spiders & webs on route) and then you walk along the beautiful beach on the way back. Within the woodland look out for the endemic Forest shrew, Blue duiker, Leopard toad, Angulate tortoise & Bushbuck & spy the Humpback whale, dolphins and seals off the coast.

A must-do! The pool is so refreshing and is a perfect spot for picnics, snack breaks and being cooled down from a swim. This trail can be easily done in reverse as in this way one would descend the mountain instead of ascending a lot of hikers seem to do it this way. No chance of getting lost along the way as the route is really well marked.

Hiking the two-day Alexandria Hiking Trail in Addo Elephant National Park is an unforgettable experience that leads you through three distinctly different environments ranging from forest to coastal dunes, to seashore. The first day is approximately 19.5km, while the second day is approximately 16.5km. It is advised to tackle the dune field crossing early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. Information about bookings for the Alexandria Hiking Trail can be found here: www.sanparks.org

The PPC Discovery Trail is a short walk through the valley thicket where you can learn more about the plants and animals of this region. The first loop is suitable for visually-impaired and wheelchair-bound visitors. The easy terrain leans more towards a stroll than a hike with information boards about the park, its fauna and flora, along the way.

This part of the world is desolated and secluded. But because of this wildlife, dolphins and whales are regularly sited, and one is almost ensured of a complete break with life as you know it. The Woody Cape Nature Reserve, a 25 000 hectare reserve that stretches from the Sundays River mouth all the way to Bushman’s River mouth is regarded as an excellent area for birding enthusiasts.

This part of the world is desolated and secluded. But because of this wildlife, dolphins and whales are regularly sited, and one is almost ensured of a complete break with life as you know it. The Woody Cape Nature Reserve, a 25 000 hectare reserve that stretches from the Sundays River mouth all the way to Bushman’s River mouth is regarded as an excellent area for birding enthusiasts.

Addo Elephant Park conserves no less than five of South Africa’s seven biomes. It is home to one of the densest African elephant populations on earth and it is home to the unique flightless dung beetle. Various hiking options range from a one-hour trail suited for those who want a sedate walk to the 4-hour Doringnek Trail.