The BEST Places to Stay in Addo and the Addo Elephant Park ~ Staying in Addo has become synonymous with the promise of seeing herds of elephants (and the rest of the Big 5) at the national park and its surrounding reserves. And this is, of course, a massive draw card.
But, the greater area of Addo is also about being part of the quiet tranquillity of the Eastern Cape; drinking in the gorgeous views and the warm hospitality of its people. And, yes, this is best enjoyed with some of the most awesome wildlife viewing in the country.
Tips for choosing the best Places to Stay in Addo
Staying in the Addo Elephant Park is first prize for those that want safaris and incredible game viewing. But, of course, this accommodation comes with a heftier price tag.
If you’re watching your budget, opt for a gorgeous spot just outside the park and take self-guided drives. Bed & breakfasts or guesthouses are usually a little easier on the wallet than a more luxurious game lodge…
Here are some of thew Best Places to Stay in Addo
Gorah Elephant Camp, Addo Elephant National Park
For the ultimate elephant experiences, stay in the national park itself. Gorah is a 5-star colonial-style tented camp that combines luxury and close (very close) encounters with these gentle giants as they wander past.
Long Hope Villa, Addo Elephant National Park
This game lodge is in a private concession and oozes African elegance. The surrounding Zuurberg Mountains, a private chef, and a personal game vehicle are the things that South African safari dreams are made of and makes this one of the finest Places to Stay in Addo.
Hitgeheim Country Lodge, Addo
Stay in the scenic Sundays River Valley at this exclusive lodge, where outdoor showers and private decks with incredible views are just par for the course, making it one of our favourites places to stay in the Greater Addo region.
Avoca River Cabins, Greater Addo
Choose from mud huts, treetop cottages, riverside cabins, bush camps or even a castle-style house right in the Sundays River Valley. Avoca is only 20 minutes from the Addo Elephant National Park, and is the perfect place to swap stories of wildlife sightings.
Addo Dung Beetle Guest Farm, Greater Addo
This 4-star guesthouse offers elegant accommodation in the valley, with awesome views of the Zuurberg Mountains. After a day of exploring, enjoy a buffet meal prepared on the open fire or sip on local wine in the Jacuzzi.
Addo Elephant Safari Lodge, Greater Addo
Perched in a game-stocked conservation area on the border of the national park, this lodge offers visitors the ultimate in an African adventure. And the best place to enjoy a real safari is on an elephant’s back. A must for your bucket list!
De Old Drift Guest Farm, Greater Addo
Just outside the little village of Addo, this working citrus farm is a place of complete tranquillity. Choose between B&B and self-catering accommodation, and spend your days on game drives in the national park, canoeing down the river, or horse riding.
Elephants Footprint Lodge, Colchester
For a real African safari experience, book your stay in the Elephants Footprint Lodge. It is close to the park, the river mouth, and the endless sand dunes of Sundays River. As a treat, arrange a private meal in the wine cellar.
Dungbeetle River Lodge, Colchester
The safari-style suites at this lodge are all about African elegance. Enjoy a farmhouse breakfast before heading to the national park, just five minutes away, for some amazing sights of South African game.
Hopewell Lodge, Colchester
This exclusive luxury lodge is a total 5-star spoil making it a very popular entry on our list of the Best Places to Stay in Addo. Classic meets contemporary, all in the Hopewell Private Game Reserve, where guests can spot elephant, cheetah, hippo and more.
Ikwanitsha Lodge, Paterson
Stilted chalets, surrounded by the Zuurberg Mountains and the Bushman’s River are just what you need for the ultimate Addo getaway. The lodge is also home to ostriches, zebras and some antelope, and is only minutes away from Addo National Park.
Broadlands Country House, Kirkwood
Set amongst a number of world-class game reserves (including Addo), Broadlands is a beautiful colonial-style base to start your African safari adventure. There are en-suite rooms as well as a separate cottage overlooking the lake.
Zuurberg Mountain Village, Zuurberg
This 150-year old hotel is surrounded by the beauty of the EC mountains. It has tennis courts, a restaurant, and a kiddies’ playground. It is also home to loads of stunning trails for walking, running or cycling.
Angler and Antelope, Somerset East
This 4-star guesthouse is about simple Victorian elegance and hours of fly-fishing in gorgeous surrounds. And it’s only an hour from Addo Elephant Park, where the Big 5 can be seen in their natural habitat.
