In short
- The drive takes 45 to 60 minutes.
- Take the R335 to the Main Gate or the N2 to the Matyholweni Gate.
- Guided tours include hotel pickups from Port Elizabeth.
In this article
Getting to the park from Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) is straightforward. Visitors can choose between two main routes for self-driving or opt for a full-day guided safari that handles the transport.
How far is Port Elizabeth to Addo Elephant Park?
The Main Camp is 72 kilometers north of Port Elizabeth.
Driving from the city center to the park takes between 45 and 60 minutes. The routes are direct and easily accessible in a standard rental car.
Driving the R335 to the Main Gate
The R335 is the most direct route to the park's main northern section.
This road takes you straight to the Addo Main Camp. This entrance operates roughly from 07:00 to 19:00. Entering here gives you immediate access to the park headquarters, fuel station, and the underground hide.
Driving the N2 to the Matyholweni Gate
Use the N2 highway to reach the park's southern entrance near Colchester.
This route leads to the Matyholweni Gate. This gate closes slightly earlier at 18:30.
Which driving route should you choose?
Your route depends on your itinerary and where you plan to end your day.
Both gates provide access to the same internal road network. Choose the R335 for direct access to the main facilities. Choose the N2 if you are approaching from the coast.
Do guided tours include transport from Port Elizabeth?
Yes, most full-day guided safaris include round-trip hotel transfers.
Tour operators pick you up directly from your Port Elizabeth accommodation. The transit time is 45 to 60 minutes each way. This option allows you to relax while a guide navigates the roads.
Transport for Cruise Ship Passengers
Specialized shore excursions pick up directly from the Port Elizabeth harbor.
If you arrive by cruise ship, you can book a tour timed to your ship's schedule. Guides meet passengers at the harbor parking lot for a direct transfer to the reserve.
Questions travellers ask
Do you need a 4x4 to drive to Addo from Port Elizabeth?
No. The highways are paved. Inside the game viewing area, roads are accessible for standard sedans, though many are corrugated gravel.
What are the opening times for the Addo Main Gate?
The Main Gate operates roughly from 07:00 to 19:00. The southern Matyholweni Gate closes at 18:30.
Can you enter one gate and exit the other?
Yes. You can enter the Matyholweni Gate in the south and drive north to exit via the Main Gate, or vice versa.
