Addo Elephant Full Day Safari with a Traditional South African Braai (BBQ) Lunch

If you’re looking for an authentic wildlife adventure that fits into a busy schedule, this Addo Elephant Full Day Safari with a traditional South African Braai offers a compelling mix of game viewing, cultural flavor, and comfort. While it’s not an overnight stay, this tour packs enough excitement and memorable sights into nine hours to satisfy safari lovers and first-timers alike.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the small-group size (max nine people) means you’ll enjoy personalized attention and a more intimate connection with the wildlife and your guide. Second, the two game drives—morning and afternoon—maximize your chances to spot the Big Five and other iconic animals. Third, the included lunch, drinks, and snacks are a real bonus, removing the hassle of packing or extra costs. The only thing to consider? The price point, which is reasonable given the all-inclusive nature and expert guidance.

This tour suits travelers who value quality over quantity, small-group intimacy, and a hassle-free adventure. It’s perfect for those with limited time in South Africa but still eager to experience the thrill of a safari with knowledgeable guides and genuine wildlife encounters.

Key Points

• All-included experience with two game drives, lunch, drinks, and park fees
• Small-group size ensures personalized attention and better wildlife sightings
• Expert guides like Stephen and Siya are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach
• Convenient pickup and drop-off from Port Elizabeth accommodations
• Authentic South African braai lunch adds cultural flavor to the day
• Highly rated with a 5.0 rating from 218 reviews, 98% recommend

This full-day safari offers a perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and culture. We loved the fact that it’s designed for travelers who don’t want to sacrifice quality just because they’re short on time. The two game drives mean you’re not limited to just a quick look around—you’ll have both morning and late afternoon opportunities to see animals in action, when many creatures are most active.

The small-group format is also a game-changer. With a maximum of nine guests, guides like Stephen and Siya can give more personalized insights, answer all your questions, and find animals more effectively. As one reviewer put it, Stephen was “friendly, funny, and answered all our questions,” making the day both educational and fun.

The lunch—a traditional South African Braai—is a highlight, with a menu featuring three types of meat, salads, and rooster brood cooked on an open fire. Vegetarian options are available, which is thoughtful for dietary needs. Reviewers like Elizabeth and Pamela appreciated the delicious meal, which added a relaxed, communal vibe to the day.

The expert guides truly shine here. Multiple reviews mention guides like Steve and Siya by name, praising their knowledge, enthusiasm, and ability to spot animals like elephants, lions, and even dung beetles. As one guest noted, “He had an answer to every question,” which makes the experience enriching beyond just spotting animals.

Start early with pickup from your Port Elizabeth hotel or guesthouse between 07:15 and 08:30, depending on your location. The tour kicks off with a scenic drive to Addo Elephant National Park, where your guide will focus on locating as many animals as possible. The first few hours typically feature sightings of antelope, zebra, and lion—an ideal start for wildlife enthusiasts.

By around 10:30, you’ll take a short break for tea or coffee, giving you a little pause before the afternoon game drive. During this second drive, near waterholes, elephants and buffalo become more active, providing great photographic moments. The park’s landscape—a mix of open plains and waterholes—creates stunning backdrops for wildlife spotting.

Lunchtime is the highlight of the day, with a South African Braai served with juice, mineral water, beer, and white wine. Several reviews, including one from Goran, emphasize how tasty and well-prepared the food is, elevating the safari experience from just wildlife viewing to a cultural celebration.

Post-lunch, the safari continues into the late afternoon, with chances to see more animals and enjoy the park’s scenery. You leave the park around 18:00 and are returned to your accommodation, making this a full but comfortably paced day.

Transport throughout the trip is comfortable, usually in enclosed land cruisers, ensuring you stay warm and dry in various weather conditions. The small group size means you’ll never feel lost in a crowd, and guides can focus on your interests, whether that’s photography, animal behavior, or conservation stories.

At $172.25 per person, this experience offers solid value for a day packed with wildlife encounters, culture, and expert guidance. When you consider that the tour includes park entrance fees, a hearty lunch, drinks, and a personalized guide service, it becomes an even more attractive option for travelers wanting a comprehensive wildlife experience without the hassle of self-driving or arranging logistics.

Reviews consistently praise the generosity and knowledge of guides like Stephen and Siya, who go above and beyond in helping guests see animals, answer questions, and share insights. Several reviewers mention how guides like Steve made the experience memorable, not just for the sightings but also for the stories and passion they bring.

Plus, the lunch—a traditional Braai—adds a cultural dimension that many travelers appreciate. It’s not just a meal but a chance to relax and share stories with fellow travelers, making the day feel more like an adventure with friends rather than just a sightseeing tour.

Guests frequently talk about elephants—some have seen over 100—close enough for great photos. Warthogs, kudu, and zebra are common sights, and buffalo and lions are also sometimes spotted. The guides’ local knowledge and keen eyes make even less common animals like dung beetles or kudu easily observable.

One reviewer mentioned that their guide knew exactly where the lions were, which is a real plus if big cats are your priority. Others highlight how elephants’ bath time or herds grazing near waterholes created magical, unforgettable moments.

The variety of animals you see depends on the day, but the guided nature means you’re more likely to witness active animals than on your own. The best times are usually morning and late afternoon, and the park’s waterholes are hotspots for wildlife gathering.

• Pickup is available from all Port Elizabeth and Colchester hotels and guesthouses, with a pickup window between 07:15 and 08:30.
• Duration is approximately nine hours, including transportation, game drives, and lunch.
• Group size is limited to nine travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.
• Dress comfortably for the weather; layers are recommended as mornings can be chilly, and it warms up later.
• Bring your camera or smartphone with plenty of storage—guides often give impressive photo opportunities.
• Snacks and beverages are included, but you might consider bringing extra water if you tend to hydrate heavily.
• Gratuities for guides are not included but appreciated, especially given the high praise for guide knowledge and friendliness.

This Addo Elephant Full Day Safari with a traditional Braai offers a well-rounded, engaging, and value-packed experience. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see a wide range of wildlife without the commitment of overnight stays or self-driving logistics. The guides’ expertise and personal touch make the day both educational and fun, while the delicious Braai lunch adds a warm cultural layer to the adventure.

If you’re after close encounters with elephants, the chance to spot the Big Five, and a relaxed, intimate safari experience, this tour really checks all those boxes. The positive reviews, high guide ratings, and inclusive setup make it a smart choice for anyone eager to make the most of their day in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.

This experience is best for travelers who appreciate guided tours, small-group intimacy, and cultural authenticity. It suits wildlife enthusiasts, photography buffs, and families alike—especially those short on time but eager for a memorable safari. If you love good food, expert guides, and the chance to see elephants up close in their natural habitat, this safari will deliver.

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from all Port Elizabeth and Colchester hotels, guesthouses, and the Matyholweni Rest Camp, between 07:15 and 08:30.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately nine hours, including transportation, game drives, and lunch.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers park entrance fees, two game drives, a traditional South African Braai lunch, drinks (juice, mineral water, beer, white wine), and snacks.

Can I customize dietary options?
Vegetarian options are available upon request, and the lunch menu features multiple meats and salads.

Are children allowed?
Most travelers can participate, but specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned. It’s best to check directly with Addo Game Drives if you have young children.

What animals are most likely to be seen?
Elephants, kudu, zebra, warthogs, buffalo, and potentially lions are common sightings. Guides know where to find the most animals on the day.

Is it suitable for photography?
Absolutely. The guided nature and vehicle access make it easier to get close to animals for photos, especially with knowledgeable guides who know prime spots.

This tour offers a genuine, well-organized safari experience that balances wildlife viewing, cultural richness, and comfort. It’s a fantastic way to connect with South Africa’s iconic animals and landscapes—even if only for a day.