In 1930, there were only 11 African elephants left in the East Cape, the others having been killed by farmers or hunters. South Africa established the Addo Elephant National Park primarily to protect the remaining elephants and increase the herd. Today, there are over 400 elephants in the 120,000 hectare park, and the government is rapidly buying the surrounding land to expand the park.
On our Silver Wind Africa cruise, we did a half-day trip to the Addo Park while the ship was docked in Port Elizabeth. As with all wildlife-viewing excursions, the park guides could not guarantee we would see anything except scenery. However, we were very lucky during the two hours we were in the Addo Park, seeing dozens of elephants, along with numerous wart hogs, tortoises, kudus, and even a pair of young lions lying five feet from the road in the brush. It was quite an exciting morning, and I was thrilled that you could see so many wild animals in such a short period (even if it was just luck).
- Four-wheel Drive Truck at Addo Elephant National ParkFour-wheel Drive Truck at Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa
- "Dung Beetles Have Right of Way" Sign at Addo Elephant National ParkDung Beetles Have Right of Way Sign at Addo Elephant National Park
- Egyptian Geese at Addo Elephant ParkEgyptian Geese at Addo Elephant Park
- Kudu at Addo Elephant National ParkKudu at Addo Elephant National Park
- Wart Hog at Addo Elephant ParkWart Hog at Addo Elephant Park
- Wart HogWart Hog
- Hidden Elephants at Addo Elephant National Park in South AfricaHidden Elephant at Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa
- Elephant at Addo Elephant National ParkElephant at Addo Elephant National Park
- Momma Elephant and Baby at Addo Elephant National ParkMomma Elephant and Baby at Addo Elephant National Park
- Two Young Elephants at Addo Elephant National Park in South AfricaTwo Young Elephants at Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa
- Elephants at Addo Elephant National Park in South AfricaElephants at Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa
- Elephants at Addo Elephant National Park in South AfricaElephants at Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa
- Graphic Index
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