Addo National Park (Eastern Cape):
The park was proclaimed to protect the remaining Elephants in Addo area in 1931 since they where less than 15.
At one time, it hard the largest herd in the Eastern Cape with 140 Elephants. However, with hunting, the animals decimated in a period of 200 years.
Among other hunted animals include Lions and Black Rhino. Mr. J.T Harney the land owner at Barkly Bride rescued the remaining Elephants by allowing the Elephant in his land.

Elephants had to be chased to Addo Elephants National Park, asset a side elephant area. However, the fence was not strong enough to stop the elephants from escaping, hence they continued to be killed by trains which passed by line and by farmers.

The manager of the park started feeding the elephants in an attempt to keep them a round,  in 1933. An elephant-proof fence was developed in 1954 by Graham Armstrong lift cable and tam rails being used. A total of 2270 hectares was fenced and still stands to hold the elephants today.

Visitors would come and see elephants in the erected floodlight around the feeding area. However, the feeding caused more problems since elephants could congest in the area expecting food.

The elephants became more aggressive to each other and feeding trucks since most plants were destroyed.
This feeding was stopped in 1979 since most elephants were injured.

In 1981, its when the park was first opened to tourists and a number of grown elephants could be seen easily.
Also protected were the disease-free Cape buffaloes, Eland, flight less dung beetles, Black rhino, Hippos, Warthogs and Zebras were also introduced in Addo elephant National Park in the following years.
In 2003, Lions were re-introduced. In 2003/04, hyenas were as well introduced.
Among other animals seen in Addo Elephant National Park are Kudu, Red hartebeest, Duikers and Jackals.

There are no natural water holes in Addo Elephant National Park. The water holes are of good advantage since they supply water by the roadside, which gives you excellent photo
opportunities with a  number of elephants and other animals going to the water holes anytime.

The hide and the speak water boom water hole are excellent for photographers. Hapoor water hole is named after a bull by Lankey (an up coming bull). Hapoor escaped through the developed fence by Graham Armstrong (The only one which did so). He was shot when it was found grazing by coerney station since it was an aggressive animal. A cast of this giant elephant head can be seen at the camp’s main restaurant in Addo National Park.

This main camp offers top quality accommodation to campsites from chalets, safari tents are also available outside the park and its normal to have an elephant or herd of buffalo pass you by.

Also available is horse riding. These tours are though the game area and are generally nerve raking and experience here is needed. Other ridings offered include sunset morning and night drives and very informative and good value for money. Its essential to book in advance especially during the holidays.
Its better to drive during the day since the park is generally small.