Elephant Back Safari at Addo Elephant Safari Lodge

What an awesome experience... sitting bare-back on a gentle elephant giant and riding through the Zuurberg Mountains bush.


Addo Elephant Back Safari Lodge is a very special place - it's in the middle of nowhere and it feels like you're on top of the world. Wow, what a romantic place. It is definitely a romantic honeymoon spot, but also for anybody looking for an amazing experience with beautiful accommodation in a secluded place.


My pictures below definitely does not give this beautiful place justice. It is so much prettier.




We arrived late afternoon after a 1.5-hr nerve-wrecking drive up the Zuurberg Mountain pass. I would strongly suggest you avoid driving this road. It is a steap mountain pass with a very narrow road and lots of turns and bends. My sister and I were quite stressed along this road. I have to say that when you arrive at the lodge and see how beautiful it is, you feel the stress of the road is definitely worth it. There is however much better ways to get to Addo Elephant Safari Lodge. You can take their road transfer from Port Elizabeth Airport or Addo or you can fly with them from Port Elizabeth or Addo. They have an excellent deal where you get your transfers for FREE if you stay at the lodge for 2 nights. This is quite a good deal. You get a road transfer to the lodge and an air transfer out of the lodge. I would definitely recommend a 2-night stay at Addo Elephant Safari Lodge.


There is more than just the Elephant Back Safari that you can do whilst staying here. You can enjoy guided walks, game drives, medicinal plant walks, sundowners on the hill, bush dinners, elephant walks and bushman caves walks.


This is me riding on Thaba (it means happy) with Ignesuis (the Elephant Handler).

The elephant handlers at Addo Safaris are very professional and well-spoken. Their English is well and they can truly interact with the guest. They also know how to make you feel comfortable on this big animal. They have been working with Ellies for years and years. I was VERY impressed with them.

The chalets (built on stilts) are connected to the lodge with wooden walk-ways so it's really private. The view from the chalets are BEAUTIFUL and there's a jacuzzi on the deck that they will prepare for you once you return to your chalet.

The main area of the lodge is quite small with a dining room, lounge area and small bar area. It is however very cosy and comfortable and you get to meet other travellers and discuss your day's adventure. The owner of the lodge also eats with the guests in the evening and has a real hands-on operation. He made potjiekos the evening that we were there. I have to mention that it was also the best potjie that I ever had.

I highly recommend this lodge and it was certainly the highlight of my trip.

For more information, pictures and prices: http://www.lodgesinafrica.com/South_Africa/Game_Lodges_-_Safari_in_Addo/Addo_Elephant_Back_Safari_Lodge_%284_paws%29/