Fauna and Flora
The main game area of the Park is home to the Big Five as well as antelope such as red hartebeest, eland, kudu, common duiker and grysbok. Spotted hyena and Burchell’s zebra occur as well as warthog, vervet monkey, bushpig and small mammals. About 250 bird species occur in this area of the Park.
Spekboom Tented Camp is located within the Spekboom Hide which contains a pristine piece of Albany Thicket. Once known as Valley Bushveld, the Albany Thicket biome was not recognised as a biome on its own until relatively recent times. It has a unique vegetation structure dominated by thorny, semi-succulent shrubs, often in impenetrable stands, interspersed with some small trees. The distinctive clumps of vegetation thrive from the activity of animals. Termite mounds, earthworm activity, mole rat colonies and aardvark burrows – all help increase the organic content of the soil.
Albany Thicket is the predominant vegetation type in the Addo Elephant National Park, occurring in the Darlington and Kabouga sections, the Kuzuko Contractual Area, and along the coast. Rainfall can occur at any time of the year as this area in the park is a climactic transition zone between the all-year rainfall zone in the west and the summer rainfall zone in the northeast.
A night in the Spekboom Hide is an ideal time to spot nocturnal animals in the game area and at the waterhole.
Look out for:
- small-spotted genet
- striped polecat
- scrub hare
- small-spotted cat.
Animals such as elephant, black rhino and kudu are also active at night, feeding and drinking from waterholes. Predators such as lion, leopard and spotted hyena are active during the cooler night time when they hunt for prey. Small predators and scavengers such as black-backed jackal, caracal and bat-eared fox are also active. Common night birds include spotted eagle owl, fiery-necked nightjar and spotted thick-knee.
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Did You Know?
- Addo incorporates the largest coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere
Min: 20°C / Max: 25°C
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Official Guide on Sale
This 52-page full-colour brochure gives the visitor a complete overview of the Park, its fauna and flora, history, new developments, accommodation and activities. Highly recommended! Available from the park directly.