Addo Elephant National Park, National park in Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Addo Elephant National Park is a large protected area in Eastern Cape that combines different landscape types into one reserve. Grasslands, dense thickets, and river valleys create distinct habitats across the terrain.
The reserve was established in 1931 to protect just eleven elephants facing extinction in the region. This rescue effort grew into a major park that now shelters more than 600 of these animals.
Today the park draws visitors from around the world seeking encounters with iconic African wildlife in its natural habitat. The reserve has become a symbol of successful animal protection and conservation commitment in the region.
Visitors can explore the area by car, on guided tours, or hiking trails to spot elephants, lions, and buffalo in their surroundings. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for wildlife watching when animals are most active.
The area contains five of South Africa's seven vegetation zones in one location, showing remarkable biological diversity. The world's largest population of flightless dung beetles also lives here and shapes the ecosystem.
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