Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa

Addo Elephant National Park, located in South Africa's Eastern Cape, is one of the country’s most diverse wildlife sanctuaries and is renowned for being a haven for over 600 African elephants. What sets it apart is the unique history of conservation that led to its establishment in 1931—when only 11 elephants remained in the region due to overhunting. Today, it not only protects one of the densest populations of elephants in the world but also provides sanctuary for all of the "Big Five" (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino), making it a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. The elephants in Addo are famous for being relatively calm and approachable, allowing for remarkable close-up sightings.

Beyond its elephants, Addo is special because of its extraordinary biodiversity and varied landscapes. It’s one of the few places on Earth where visitors can spot the “Big Seven”—adding the great white shark and southern right whale to the traditional Big Five, thanks to the park’s extension to include a marine reserve. The park encompasses five of South Africa’s seven major vegetation zones, offering a mix of dense thicket, fynbos, and coastal dunes. From land to sea, Addo offers a rare and immersive experience into South Africa’s natural wonders, blending traditional game drives with coastal adventures and conservation storytelling.