
Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 62 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth worth booking?
Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth is a 8-hour experience in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, from $192 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 62 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (62)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $192 per person
Experience South Africa’s third-largest malaria-free national park on a relaxed small-group safari designed exclusively for cruise passengers. With direct harbour pickup and drop-off perfectly timed to your ship’s schedule, travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned closed vehicle with an experienced local guide who brings Addo Elephant National Park to life with fascinating insights into wildlife, and its unique ecosystems. Spot elephants, lions, zebras, antelope, and abundant birdlife while exploring varied terrain, from dense bush and open plains to scenic lookout points with views of dunes and coastline. Enjoy stops at the visitor centre and curio shop, and a relaxed lunch at a nearby restaurant (own account). Prepaid park entrance fees let you skip queues and maximise your safari time. This stress-free, well-paced small-group safari is perfect for cruise passengers seeking comfort, expert guiding, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes.
What you get
About this experience
Experience South Africa’s third-largest malaria-free national park on a relaxed small-group safari designed exclusively for cruise passengers. With direct harbour pickup and drop-off perfectly timed to your ship’s schedule, travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned closed vehicle with an experienced local guide who brings Addo Elephant National Park to life with fascinating insights into wildlife, and its unique ecosystems. Spot elephants, lions, zebras, antelope, and abundant birdlife while exploring varied terrain, from dense bush and open plains to scenic lookout points with views of dunes and coastline. Enjoy stops at the visitor centre and curio shop, and a relaxed lunch at a nearby restaurant (own account). Prepaid park entrance fees let you skip queues and maximise your safari time. This stress-free, well-paced small-group safari is perfect for cruise passengers seeking comfort, expert guiding, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes.
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Admission fees
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
The Campanile
As you travel, you’ll pass the impressive Campanile, a landmark at the entrance to the railway station and docks on Strand Street. This iconic tower commemorates the arrival of the 1820 British Settlers in Port Elizabeth and features striking Italian architecture, making a lasting impression on the cityscape.
Pass by without stopping
Addo Elephant National Park
Meet your Into Tours guide at the Port Elizabeth cruise ship parking area at 8:50 AM, welcomed with a sign and brief orientation. Depart shortly after 9:00 AM, aligned with your ship’s schedule, and travel 35 minutes to Matholweni Gate. No queues—entrance fees are prepaid. Enjoy a fun, educational safari in a comfortable, air-conditioned closed vehicle with a passionate guide sharing stories about the park’s wildlife, history, and conservation. Drive along gravel roads and winding loops, stopping frequently to photograph animals at watering holes, and abundant birdlife. Explore dense bush, open plains, rolling hills, and coastal dunes, with occasional restroom breaks. Stop midday at the main camp for lunch (own account) and browse the curio shop and visitor centre. Return to the park for further exploration before exiting south and heading back to the cruise ship terminal. This 8-hour small-group safari offers a personalised, immersive, and stress-free wildlife adventure.
480 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Port Elizabeth
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Into Tours
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 62 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
62 verified traveler reviews for Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A company that doesn’t care about its customers
Arrived in Port Elizabeth via a World Cruise and had a tour booked to the Elephant Park via Into Tours On arrival at the meeting point nobody seemed to know what was going on and it took around ten minutes for the Drivers to decide what was happening Our Transport for the day was totally inadequate for the purpose. Bearing in mind we were standing in temperatures of around 30 degrees we were put onto what can only be described as a school mini bus which was also a hire vehicle There was no air conditioning very little Leg Room and very high backed seats that some struggled to see over. We had to try and sit sideways on the seats to allow room for our legs. It was unbearable to the point that we did ask to be taken back to the ship but the driver refused and told us we could wait at the Park Gatehouse for around 5 hours until he returned. He did ring the Company Owner and she told him to tell us to open the windows. We did this and then it became harder for many to see out as the windows were the sliding version which meant some of the passengers had to look and take photos through double thicknesses of glass On return I contacted the lady at Into via WhatsApp and she eventually replied some days later and advised feedback would follow which it never did. After various attempts to contact with no reply I gave up I would NEVER use this Company again they take your money and are not bothered from that point onwards
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic day out
Our driver Jonathan was very good. Very informative. We managed to see 3 of the big 5 and plenty of other wildlife as well. Jonathan made sure we had plenty of opportunities to photograph all the animals we saw, even turning around so people on both sides of the vehicle had good views.
Response from the operator: Hi Janet, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that Jonathan made your day memorable and that you enjoyed seeing 3 of the Big Five along with so much other wildlife. It’s great to know he made sure everyone had the best views and photo opportunities. We hope to welcome you on another safari soon! Warm regards, Janina & the Into Tours Team
via Viator
King Elvis was KING
Had a great time with King Elvis what a (hoot) very knowledgeable of all the animals. The lunch was awesome. The photo ops were every where all day.
Response from the operator: Hi Diana, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you had a great time with King Elvis and enjoyed his passion and knowledge about all the animals. It’s fantastic to hear you loved the lunch and had photo opportunities everywhere throughout the day. We hope to welcome you on another South African adventure soon! Warm regards, Janina & the Into Tours Team
via Tripadvisor
Outstanding park, tour, and lunch! But….
1. Terrific park! Many animals! Excellent tour guide! 2. Best lunch on an excursion we’ve ever had! But… 3. Vehicle was not conducive to good viewing. Cramped van, small windows. If you want a better viewing experience, check out a company with more ‘open’ vehicles. 4. Terrible plan to fill vans as we got off the ship. They set it up so that they had 10 specific people assigned per van, and a van didn’t leave until all 10 were on board. This, of course, was a complete failure, as 1 or 2 people who didn’t get on the customs line early held up the rest of the van. We waited about an hour until we and several other almost-full vans loudly complained. Only then did they start combining partially filled vans, and sending vans as they filled with people came off the ship. Overall an excellent tour, but this operator easily could have done better.
via Tripadvisor
Plenty of elephants to see!
Very informative and enjoyable! Saw so many elephants! Also saw plenty of Wart hogs and Zebra. Driver had loud talk radio on in the van while driving us( in another language) - very annoying! He didn’t have much to say to or from the park, and when you’re in a new city, it would be nice to get this info.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $192 to $3,100
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 22
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Into Tours, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.0.
See everything Into Tours runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Port Elizabeth.
How much does Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth cost?
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Prices start at $192 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Port Elizabeth usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Port Elizabeth is not rushed.
Is Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 62 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Port Elizabeth, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth?
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Around 22 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Port Elizabeth can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Port Elizabeth and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Port Elizabeth within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Port Elizabeth?
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On Outty we rank every Port Elizabeth experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Addo Elephant Full Day Safari with a Traditional South African Braai (BBQ) Lunch, Addo Elephant National Park All Inclusive Full-Day Safari, Addo Elephant National Park from Port Elizabeth - FD01. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Port Elizabeth?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Port Elizabeth?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth?
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Included: Bottled water; and Admission fees. Not included: Gratuities; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 53 listed pickup locations in and around Port Elizabeth. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Port Elizabeth. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Addo Elephant Day Safari – Shore Excursion from Port Elizabeth?
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Across 62 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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