Addo Elephant Safari & Giraffe Tracking Experience

This full-day shore excursion from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) combines two unforgettable wildlife experiences: a guided safari through the iconic Addo Elephant National Park in search of elephants and other fascinating wildlife, followed by a giraffe tracking adventure at Bellevue Forest Reserve. After spotting giraffe from an open-sided 4x4, you'll exit the vehicle and track these graceful animals on foot — getting closer than you ever imagined possible. The experience is thoughtfully paced and timed around your cruise ship's schedule, running roughly 9 hours from an 8:00 a.m. departure to a 6:00 p.m. return.

The tour is designed specifically for cruise passengers: the operator monitors ship schedules to ensure smooth pickup and drop-off at the Port Elizabeth Harbour meeting point, and will contact you directly with updated instructions if your ship docks at a different pier. Allow at least 45 minutes from docking to clear customs and meet your driver/guide. The area is malaria-free, fitness requirements are moderate — you'll need to step into a high-clearance safari vehicle and do some walking during the giraffe experience — and the minimum age for the open-vehicle safari is 6 years.

Included are transfers to and from the parks, an expert English-speaking guide, the Addo entry fee with closed-vehicle safari, and the 2-hour giraffe safari with open-vehicle drive. Meals and drinks are for your own account (have breakfast on the ship before docking; lunch is available during a tour stop), and gratuities and personal purchases are not included. Remember to bring a passport/ID copy, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, and binoculars, and wear enclosed walking shoes with a light jacket for coastal breezes.

Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa, departing from the Port Elizabeth Harbour meeting point. The tour visits Addo Elephant National Park and Bellevue Forest Reserve in Paterson before returning to the harbour.

Duration: Full-day excursion of approximately 9 hours on April 20, 2028 — departing 8:00 a.m. (aligned to your cruise ship's arrival) and returning by 6:00 p.m. Timing may vary depending on the ship schedule; allow at least 45 minutes from docking to clear the terminal.

Activity Type: Guided wildlife safari and giraffe tracking. The Addo Elephant Park game drive is in a closed vehicle, while the giraffe experience uses a shared open-sided 4x4 followed by tracking on foot. Fitness level is moderate — you must be able to step into a high-clearance safari vehicle and manage some walking. Minimum age is 6 years for the open-vehicle safari. The area is malaria-free. Lunch is optional and at your own expense during a tour stop.

Accommodation: No accommodation is included — this is a single-day shore excursion timed to your cruise ship. Package options:

Early Bird 10% saver: 7,590 ZAR per person (available until April 21, 2027 — secure your booking before May 2027 with a 20% deposit to save 10%, balance due in 2028; limited spots)

A non-refundable 20% deposit of 1,518 ZAR is required within 72 hours of booking, with the total balance due 45 days prior to the trip.

Day 1 — Addo Elephant Safari & Giraffe Tracking

Meet your driver/guide at the Port Elizabeth Harbour parking lot after clearing customs, departing at 8:00 a.m. First stop is Addo Elephant National Park for a guided closed-vehicle safari in search of elephants and other wildlife. Then continue to Bellevue Forest Reserve for the 2-hour giraffe experience — journey through the bushveld in an open-sided 4x4, and once giraffe are spotted, exit the vehicle to track them on foot at remarkably close range. Lunch is available at your own expense during a tour stop. Return to the harbour by 6:00 p.m., in good time for your ship.

• Transfers To/From Park
• Expert Guide
• Addo Entry Fee
• 2-Hour Giraffe Safari

• Meals & Drinks
• Gratuities - Tips
• Personal Purchases