Sunrise Safari – through Addo Park to Schotia reserve

Traveling to South Africa? You’ll want to add a Sunrise Safari through the Addo Elephant National Park and nearby Schotia Reserve to your must-do list. This early morning adventure offers the chance to see wildlife at their most active, when the light is just right and predators are on the hunt. It’s a memorable way to start your day, especially if you’re eager to tick off some of Africa’s most iconic animals in their natural environment.

What really makes this experience shine are the early morning views, the chance to spot the Big Five, and the guidance of knowledgeable rangers who make every sighting educational. Plus, the combination of a public national park and a private reserve means you can enjoy diverse landscapes and animal encounters. That said, the price of $84 per person provides good value, but be prepared for entrance fees and optional tips.

This tour is ideal for those who love wildlife spotting, want an authentic safari experience, and don’t mind an early start. If you’re traveling with family or friends, it’s a great way to share the thrill of seeing elephants, lions, and more as the sun rises over South Africa’s stunning landscape.

Key Points

• Early morning game drive offers prime wildlife viewing conditions.
• Combination of Addo and Schotia provides diverse habitats and animal encounters.
• Expert guides enhance learning and increase chances of sightings.
• Inclusive transfers and refreshments add convenience to the experience.
• Cost includes open vehicle tour and guided commentary, adding value.
• Park entrance fees are extra but manageable, payable on arrival.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Sunrise Safari Experience

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at Crisscross Adventures Headquarters and Chrislin African Lodge, where you’ll meet your guides and hop into the open safari vehicle. The start times are flexible, adjusted to the summer sunrise, which can be quite early, so be ready for an energetic morning. It’s wise to keep an eye on the weather forecast and dress in comfortable clothes, hats, and sturdy shoes—early mornings can be cool, especially before sunrise.

The Journey from Addo to Schotia

The drive through Addo Elephant National Park is a cornerstone of this tour. You’ll explore a portion of this expansive park, renowned for its large herds of elephants and other wildlife. During the drive, guides like Craig (who earned praise for his knowledge) share insights about the fauna and flora, making each animal sighting educational as well as exciting.

Wildlife Encounters

The morning air in summer creates excellent conditions for spotting predators and big game—like lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants. Reviewers emphasize how optimal the morning hours are for viewing, with “the crisp, early morning air” boosting visibility and animal activity.

Expect to see a variety of species beyond the Big Five, including giraffes, zebras, and a multitude of antelopes, in the open light. Guides often use binoculars and their expert eyes to spot animals hiding in the bush. One reviewer noted that their guide, Sabelo, was “fantastic at pointing out animals that initial glance would miss,” which is a real bonus.

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Transition to Schotia Reserve

After exploring Addo, the tour proceeds to the private Schotia Game Reserve, which often allows for a more intimate and flexible game drive experience. Here, the terrain is slightly different, giving a broader perspective on South Africa’s wildlife. This section of the tour offers a chance to see species not endemic to Addo, and the private reserve setting means a more personalized experience and fewer other vehicles.

The Guide’s Role and Insights

Several reviews highlight how guides like Craig and Sabelo go beyond just pointing out animals—they share anecdotes, behavioral facts, and conservation insights. One guest mentioned, “It’s not just about seeing animals; it’s about understanding them,” which captures the educational aspect of this safari.

Practical Considerations

Guests are encouraged to bring a camera, binoculars, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing. Since the tour is early, packed breakfast options are recommended, as eating during the drive isn’t usually allowed, but you can bring food from your accommodation. The tour also includes tea/coffee and muffins to start the day right.

Costs and Additional Fees

The price of $84 covers the guided game drives, transfers, and refreshments, but there’s an additional entrance fee of R547 per person, payable upon arrival. Reviewers point out that this fee is a fair addition considering the size of the parks and the wildlife encounters. It’s advised to carry cash or card, although cash is preferred for quicker processing.

Length and Group Size

The experience lasts approximately a few hours, usually within a morning, making it easy to combine with other activities. Group sizes tend to be moderate, allowing for a personal experience but also a chance to meet fellow travelers. The guided nature of the tour means you’ll benefit from expert commentary regardless of the size.

What We Loved About the Sunrise Safari

Authentic Wildlife Encounters
The best part is witnessing animals at their most active, with early morning light casting a beautiful glow and helping guides spot elusive predators.

Educational and Entertaining Guides
Reviews praise guides like Craig and Sabelo for their deep knowledge and engaging storytelling, which enhances the safari’s value.

Diverse Landscapes
The combination of Addo’s open plains and Schotia’s bushveld creates varied scenery, making each drive interesting and visually appealing.

Convenient Logistics
The included transfers and refreshments make the experience seamless—no worries about logistics or extra planning.

What Could Be Better

Timing Adjustments
Because sunrise varies in summer, start times may shift slightly, which could affect early risers. Keep an eye on your booking details to prepare accordingly.

Park Fees Are Extra
While the overall experience is high-value, the additional R547 fee can catch some by surprise if not budgeted for, especially if visiting multiple parks.

Limited for Young Children
The experience isn’t suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or those with back problems, so plan accordingly if traveling with family.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers eager for early morning shots, and travelers wanting a comprehensive yet manageable introduction to South Africa’s Big Five. It suits those who enjoy guided tours and appreciate the expertise of seasoned rangers. It’s also a valuable experience for anyone keen on understanding wildlife behavior in a natural setting, especially during the freshest hours of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $84 fee includes return transfers from Crisscross HQ, guided game drives in an open vehicle, refreshments like tea, coffee, and muffins, and the guided commentary.

Are entrance fees covered?
No, the R547 per person park entrance fee is paid separately upon arrival and is not included in the tour cost.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and binoculars. It’s also wise to bring a packed breakfast, as you may want to eat during the drive.

When does the tour start?
Start times are adjusted for summer sunrise, so they may be slightly earlier or later depending on the day. Check your booking details for accurate timing.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 6 years, pregnant women, or people with back problems.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is typically a few hours in the morning, allowing for a relaxed yet comprehensive wildlife viewing.

Can I pay the entrance fee with a card?
Yes, card facilities are available, but cash is preferred for faster processing.

What is the group size?
Group sizes vary but are generally moderate, providing a good balance of personal attention and social experience.

What are the main highlights?
Spotting the Big Five, experiencing prime wildlife activity early in the day, and benefiting from expert-guided insights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eager to see South Africa’s wildlife in the best possible light, this Sunrise Safari through Addo Elephant National Park and Schotia Reserve offers an authentic, well-organized, and value-packed experience. It’s a fantastic choice for wildlife lovers and those wanting to maximize their early morning hours with memorable animal sightings and expert guidance.

While it requires an early wake-up call, the chance to witness animals at dawn, coupled with a scenic drive and educational commentary, makes it well worth the effort. Just remember to budget for the entrance fee, pack your camera and snacks, and prepare for a morning full of wildlife wonder.

This tour is suited for travelers who crave authentic safari moments, enjoy guided experiences, and are happy to start their day with a dose of adventure and natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: