SANParks.org Forums

I like the idea of having a car and therefore being independant within the park to drive around, hadn't thought of that! When we were in George last spring I didn't drive, but wouldn't have been overly phased by it, although my friend was with us.

So, having never hired a car, where would be the best place to hire one from, to avoid any tricky roads like I imagine the ones around the airport are. Perhaps get a taxi from the airport to a car hire place on the edge of Port Elizabeth or is it a small airport so easy to get out from?

Sorry for all the dumb questions, your patience is much appreciated!

The plan I am currently formulating is arrive at Port Elizabeth, collect car, book accomodation at the main camp for 2 or 3 days (with some game drives booked) and then possibly drive to George with a possible stop at Storms River, Tsitsikamma. I'm assuming it will be OK to pick up a car at PE and drop it back to George, or vice versa.

Thanks very much again.

The Port Elizabeth airport is small, all the car hiring offices are just opposite the exit, and it is very easy to get out of the city on your way to Addo. Turn right when you leave the airport parking, take the main road which will bring you to a T junction at the seaside, turn left and from there you follow the road until you reach the express way and you're on you way to Addo. If I'm not mistaken, once you are on the express way you follow the road signs indicating Grahamstown to get out of PE.

Hi and welcome

I found PE an extremely easy place to drive in. Yes the airport is fairly small (minute compared to Heathrow) and from the airport you take a road towards the sea (Allister Miller / La Roche road), there you turn into the "main street" (Marine Drive), next to the sea, and drive east. This road change into a freeway (Settlers Drive) which will lead you straight out of the city and onto the N2 East (follow the signs for Grahams Town or East Londen) and 30 (not to sure) km later you find the turnoff to Addo to your left. Note: This is the second turnoff, not the R335. Drive till you cross the Sundayds River, the turnoff is just after that. If you drive into Colchester, you are a mile or two too far east .You will found a good map at the airport and the car rental should also supply you one. My recommendation is to use a car rental on the airport. I don't think it can be easier than that. 90% of the time you drive on a two lane freeway and you have only one turnoff to look out for.
Look at the following map. You can zoom in. There is also a hibrid option.

http://maps.yellowpages.co.za/route_sho ... ERN%20CAPE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Put in Allister Milner Road in "street"and Humewood in suburb. Go to hybrid view and you will sea the terminal buildings of the Airport.

Enjoy your visit!!

There is no such thing as a dumb question around here.
We've all needed help in the past and are more than happy to help out.

Sounds like a good plan. Would thoroughly recommend a trip to Storm's River.

You may have to pay a one-way fee on the car-hire but this is usually a tiny part of the overall total.

Hi Kyoto49

Welcome to the forums.

Having grown up in Port Elizabeth, I can confirm that driving in that place is a breeze, compared to Johannesburg, it qualifies as a sleep town. You will find it real easy to get out of the airport to Addo, and from Addo to George is also a breeze. You will be travelling on the National route, and the speed you travel is up to you. And the airport is small, if you get lost there
And as has been mentioned, once in the Addo, you will have very little traffic, certainly nothing to worry about. Only the pleasure of being as close to nature as possible. Your young daughter will enjoy that far more. Nothing quite like meeting a gentle giant of an elephant bull on the road.

Now you have got me wishing I was still living in Port Elizabeth, as I would gladly meet you, drive you to Addo, stay with you there for the 3 days, and satisfy the longing to be in the outdoors. Alas, I am in another jungle now, where there are regular rat-races Have been to Addo a few times I lived there, and that was long before they introduced Lions. In those days it was still known as an elephant reserve. I do remember though the magic of standing at the waterhole and watching a big herd of elephants coming to drink.

I suggest you make it 3 days for maximum enjoyment. I can guarantee you, you will want to come back, and as a added bonus, you will want to come to the Kruger Park.

Don't recommend hiring a Taxi-it is way above more expensive than hiring a car and having the pleasure of its use.

Let me know when you come to SA for trip to the Kruger-make sure i'm available to meet and transport you there! There is a fee- you pay for me too!

Enjoy your trip.

Noel

Hi vikitwo,

Depending what type of weather you are used to - you could find Addo cold in July, or not too bad. They days will be mild, but the nights and early mornings will be cold. But cold to us South Africans is about 5 degrees C

I do think you should try and visit Addo then, especially if you are not going to be camping

Hi everyone

I am new here & would like to ask some questions about Addo Elephant park.

Do we purchase our entry tickets at the main gate, or do we purchase in advance?
Roughly, how far are the elephants from the main camp, any idea?
Any tips on what to take into the park, i.e. food etc or is there a shop to buy groceries for breakfast?

I would truly appreciate your feedback with tips etc. I have never been to SA before and not too sure what to do & want to learn more from you guys who have already been there.

Thanks in advance for any answers I receive.
Kindest regards
littleflute

Welcome to the Forum littleflute!!

While waiting for answers from the members knowledgable on Addo, why don't you have a look at the Travel Reports from that park here!

Hiya Littleflute


Looking forward to what you are going to 'tune' us on the Forum.


See this link too - http://www.sanparks.org/parks/addo/


See you around.


Big Flute

You pay for entry when you arrive at the main gate

At times they can come right up to the fence around the mail camp and often they do visit the waterhole right outside of the main camp. As they roam freely, you might need to drive a fair bit before seeing any. I have found Hapoor waterhole to be a good place to see ellies.

If you are going to self cater, best to stock up before entering the park as the shop there has a very basic stock. There is also a restaurant there.

This is the place to ask all your questions about any of our National Parks

[i]
Hi everyone

Really thanks for all your info.
I have now paid for my entry pass, same time as booking the Rondavel.

Noted about the food - thought it would be basic at their shop...
It is always nice to know other peoples thoughts, however, it looks like I have a brilliant adventure ahead of me...
THANKS again for all your answers, much appreciated!
Kindest regards
littleflute

Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

Hello Everyone!

Ineed a little advice if possible? I have never been to South Africa before and we are visiting in June this year.

I am a little confused on how to visit ADDO. I have seen tour companies that offer to take you there and take you on a game drive then take you back to your hotel.

Is this reccomended or should we hire a car and drive ourselves and then can we book a game drive for while we are there (I think we fancy the sunset one)?. If we do this are we able to park our car somewhere while we go on the game drive?

Apologies if this all sounds silly but I am having trouble picturing the set up!!

Thanks in advance!!

Hi cjhumphreys, and welcome to the SANParks forums. None of your questions are silly at all!

Do you wish to spend sometime overnight at Addo, or do you wish to visit Addo as a day visitor while staying elsewhere?

I do think taking a sunset drive is a great idea; and I personally would self drive to Addo. When you go on the sunset drive you park your car in the parking area outside reception. I do recommend that if you are going to visit as a day visitor you prebook the sunset drive.

Hi, new to the boards here, but hoping to find some good tips!

I will be in visiting SA for the World Cup and will be in Port Elizabeth from 7/5 onwards. I definitely want to visit Addo when I'm in the area and I'm wondering what is the best way to do this.

I've read some posts and it sounds like the best idea is to rent a car from the airport (I'm flying into the airport from CPT) and then drive myself to Addo? I'm guessing there are private tours leaving from Port Eliz, but I'm trying to save money, so I'm hoping just renting/driving there myself is easy?

After that, I'm not sure what I should do. Do I then drive around the park by myself looking/exploring, or should I hire a guide, or it sounds like there are day safaris where I can park my car and join one?

Lastly, how many days would be a good amount of time to spend in Addo? I have a week in the area and was thinking of spending part of it in Addo and then part at a nearby reserve... but not sure which? Shamwari looks to be all booked up.. I see on Google maps there are a handful around, but not sure which would be decent.. any suggestions?


I greatly appreciate any and all help and tips!

Thanks very much!!!