East London: Addo and Schotia Safari 2-Day Tour

Planning a wildlife adventure in South Africa? This 2-day safari tour from East London offers a fantastic combination of iconic game drives, close encounters with elephants, and fun activities like sandboarding. While it’s not a budget option, the value comes in the variety and quality of experiences packed into just two days.

What makes this trip stand out? First, the chance to explore Addo Elephant Park, home to over 600 elephants and the Big 7. Second, the thrilling game drive at Schotia, where you get a more intimate look at lions, leopards, and other big game. Third, the inclusion of sandboarding on scenic dunes and an optional elephant encounter with Barefoot Addo, adding a personal touch. The main consideration? The trip is quite packed, so if you prefer slow-paced sightseeing or travelling with very young children, this might not be your best fit. But if you’re after an active, wildlife-focused experience, this tour is ideal.

Travelers seeking a balanced mix of adventure, wildlife, and some unique add-ons will find this tour appealing. It’s particularly suited for those who want a snapshot of South Africa’s diverse ecosystems in a short time, with plenty of photo opportunities and memorable moments.

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Key Points

Wildlife Diversity: See the Big 7, including elephants, lions, and rhinos, in their natural habitat.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights and conservation stories.
Authentic Experiences: Enjoy a fireside dinner at Schotia and optional close-up elephant encounters.
Adventure Activities: Sandboarding on dunes adds a fun, adrenaline-filled element.
All-Inclusive Value: Transportation, park fees, accommodation, and most meals are included.
Flexible Options: Choose between 2 or 3-day options for more relaxed or comprehensive experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Safari Experience

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Day 1: From East London to Addo Elephant Park

The journey begins with a comfortable pickup in East London, heading towards the Addo Elephant Park. The drive itself is a chance to get excited about the sights ahead, with a knowledgeable guide providing background on the park’s history, wildlife, and ongoing conservation efforts. Expect a scenic drive through Eastern Cape landscapes, with opportunities for quick photo stops.

Once inside Addo, you’ll board an air-conditioned minibus for your game drive. The park’s size, being the third-largest in South Africa, means plenty of ground to cover, but your guide will focus on spotting elephants, the park’s signature species. As you drive, keep your camera ready because sightings of herds, lone bulls, and perhaps some of the park’s other residents like buffalo, warthogs, and birdlife are common.

Many reviews highlight the expertise of guides here. Guests mention guides like “Deon,” who is praised for his “deep knowledge and storytelling,” making the experience more engaging and educational. This is especially valuable if you’re new to safaris, as guide commentary turns a simple drive into a storybook adventure.

Day 2: Schotia’s Private Game Reserve and Activities

The second day kicks off with a game drive at Schotia, a private reserve known for its close-up wildlife encounters. The open safari vehicle gives you an unobstructed view, and with smaller group sizes, you’re likely to get more personalized attention and better chances of sightings.

Guests often describe Schotia as “intimate,” and the guide’s skill in tracking and spotting animals is a major plus. Expect to see predators like lions, leopards, and perhaps even a cheetah — especially at the Daniell Cheetah Project, a dedicated conservation effort that offers insights into endangered species. A reviewer notes, “Seeing the cheetahs up close was a highlight,” emphasizing how special such moments can be.

After the morning game drive, you’ll settle around a fire in the Boma for dinner. The communal setting, with traditional South African fare and relaxed storytelling, often becomes a memorable highlight. Many travelers mention the delicious food and friendly atmosphere, making it the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure.

Later, you’ll have the option to interact with elephants through Barefoot Addo. This encounter provides a rare opportunity to observe these gentle giants up close, and some reviews highlight it as “a personal, touching experience that stays with you.”

Sandboarding and Other Activities

Adding a fun twist to your wildlife safari, you’ll get a chance to try sandboarding on the dunes around Sundays River. The dunes are picturesque, and although it can be a bit challenging for beginners, the thrill of sliding down soft sands makes it well worth the effort. Travelers mention that they found it “surprisingly addictive,” and a great way to balance the wildlife focus with adventure.

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Logistics and Comfort

The tour generally includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making planning easier. The transportation is by air-conditioned minibus, which ensures comfort during the transfers. The entire experience is designed to be accessible and convenient, with fuel, tolls, and insurance covered in the price.

Meals are included, with one breakfast and one dinner, allowing you to focus on the activities without worrying about extra costs. Accommodation is in a double room, providing a comfortable overnight stay to relax before heading back home.

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What Sets This Tour Apart

What really makes this safari stand out is the combination of orchestrated game viewing, personal encounters, and adventure activities. Many reviewers appreciate the balance of wildlife, conservation insights, and fun activities like sandboarding, which break up the usual safari routine.

The guides are consistently praised for their friendliness and expertise, with some mentioning specific guides like “Deon” or “Sharon” whose stories and tips added extra value. The dinners around the fire at Schotia are often described as authentic and hearty, providing a taste of local culture alongside the wildlife.

The optional Elephant Encounter acts as a highlight for many, offering a rare, hands-on experience that elevates this tour from a typical game drive to something more personal and meaningful.

Price and Value

At $663 per person, the tour isn’t the cheapest option available, but considering what’s included—the park fees, meals, accommodation, and guided game drives—it offers good value. For travelers wanting a comprehensive introduction to South Africa’s wilderness, this tour delivers a lot in a short span, especially with the chance to see the Big 7 and enjoy activities that add variety.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This 2-day safari is perfect for travelers who desire a focused, engaging wildlife experience without taking too much time away from their trip. It suits those interested in big game viewing, conservation efforts, and personal animal encounters. If you’re after a relaxing, leisurely pace, or traveling with very young children or seniors with mobility issues, you might find this tour a bit packed.

Those seeking a balanced mix of adventure, education, and authentic local flavor will find this trip a rewarding way to experience South Africa’s Eastern Cape. It’s an excellent choice for wildlife enthusiasts eager to tick off multiple species in a short time, especially with the added bonus of sandboarding and close-up elephant encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided for the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in East London, with transportation by air-conditioned minibus.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the transportation, conservation park fees for Addo, the game drives at Schotia, one-night accommodation, breakfast, dinner, fuel, toll fees, and passenger liability insurance.

Can I join a longer or shorter version of this tour?
You can choose a 2 or 3-day option depending on your preferred pace and how much wildlife and activities you want to experience.

Are there any activities I should prepare for?
You’ll want comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and possibly a jacket. The sandboarding is optional but adds a fun adventure element.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 2 years, and the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users.

What should I know about the guides?
Guides like Deon are highly praised for their knowledge, storytelling, and friendliness, greatly enhancing the safari experience.

Is the tour flexible with payment?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, allowing some flexibility in planning your trip.

How far in advance should I book?
Since cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours before, it’s best to reserve at least a few weeks ahead to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While not explicitly stated, safaris in South Africa generally offer good wildlife sightings in the dry season, which is typically winter months. Always check local weather and wildlife activity patterns.

To sum it up, the East London Addo and Schotia Safari 2-Day Tour offers a well-rounded, engaging wildlife experience packed with game drives, close animal encounters, and adventure activities—all in a convenient format. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned safari-goer, this trip promises authentic moments, expert guides, and a chance to see South Africa’s Big 7 in their natural environment. It’s a great option for travelers wanting a vivid, memorable taste of the Eastern Cape’s wilderness.