It’s not all about elephants and the rest of the Big 7 at Addo Rest Camp in Addo Elephant Park. But that’s certainly the reason most people visit here.
Some might call it a ‘no frills’ camp. Others ‘basic’. It’s certainly not trying to steal the limelight from the stars of the show who are definitely the animals and other wildlife that live in the area.
It’s one of several camps in the park, located to the north of the main game area close to the main gate. All those ‘mains’ mean it’s picked up the moniker ‘Main Camp’ over the years, being the place many guests gravitate towards for food, entertainment and relaxation. All at good value prices, and all, as we’ve alluded to, without any pretence of being ultra luxurious or particularly exclusive.
The choice of different types of accommodation is certainly impressive, as long as you’re in a self-catering mindset and don’t mind sharing washing facilities with other guests. There are 22 chalets, 2 guest houses, 6 rondawels, 5 safari tents, plus cottages, camp sites and forest cabins, so you should find somewhere to stay here that suits your style and budget.
The chance to see the Big 7 lures visitors from all over the world. 4x4 safari vehicles wait to take you out into the park, with experts knowing where to find game. That said, many guests choose to self-drive and explore on their own. One thing to bear in mind if you happen to be driving in the area and come across a dung beetle in the road – you’ll need to stop as they have right of way.
The people who designed Main Camp wanted to give you the best chances of seeing wildlife 24/7. That’s why there’s a raised waterhole Lookout Point that can be used around the clock, thanks to the floodlights that help you keep an eye on nocturnal activities. Listen out for lion and keep your eyes peeled for hyena and jackal after dark.
Warthog, monkey and zebra are regular visitors to the area during daylight hours. An underground hide overlooking an area of wetland gives you a sneaky way to enjoy animal-watching without them knowing. And there’s a Discovery Trail anyone can follow – and we mean anyone, as it caters people with visual and mobility impairments.
Away from the animals, the camp has a pool of course, close to the chalets, plus a shop selling the basics you’ll need to self-cater.
Don’t fancy cooking? Head to the restaurant which opens early (7:30AM) and shuts late (10PM). It’s a good idea to book ahead as usually there are a lot of people in camp who don’t fancy cooking. And who can blame them with so much to do and see in and around Main Camp.
At Addo Main Rest Camp you can self-drive the game loops or join guided game drives by day or night to see elephants, lions and more. There’s an underground hide and lookout over a floodlit waterhole, birding from dedicated hides, and the accessible PPC Discovery Trail. Guests can relax at picnic and braai sites or the swimming pool, visit the Ulwazi Interpretive Centre, and families can join seasonal kids’ programmes. Horse riding and longer hikes are offered elsewhere in the park’s Zuurberg and coastal sections.
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It was a fantastic experience, everything was very well organised, went smooth and according to expectations. It was our first self drive in Africa and it was a great, unforgettable time.
