This morning enjoy a self-drive safari in the malaria-free Addo Elephant Park (pay entrance fee locally). Renowned for its elephants, you can view these magnificent animals that once roamed free in this area and were saved from extinction by this national park, which has also preserved the rare Cape buffalo and the flying dung beetle.
Addo Elephant Park is home to all the 'Big Five' - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino - as well as many other interesting species. These include the Burchell’s zebra, giraffe, ostrich, hippo, crocodile, bushbuck, waterbuck, Cape grysbok, duiker, eland, kudu, warthog, baboon, spotted hyena, Cape fox, yellow mongoose and suricate.
There is a bird hide overlooking an active waterhole. With over 200 different species, outstanding birding is guaranteed. Look out for the magnificent Verreaux’s eagle, Martial eagle, Secretarybird, Southern tchagra, Emerald-spotted wood dove, Green wood-hoopoe and Black-collared barbet, amongst many others
In the afternoon return to the park for more game viewing. It is also possible to book an optional night drive locally to search for nocturnal creatures such as springhare, scrub hare, porcupine, aardvark and polecat, as well as owls and nightjars.
Afterwards enjoy a beautiful African sunset and the pristine stars of the Milky Way – as well as the spectacular Southern Cross.
Note: Vehicles are not allowed to drive off-road in any national park in South Africa.