The Addo district is situated in the Lower Sundays River Valley, a peaceful and fertile agricultural area growing mainly citrus fruits, both oranges and lemons. The trees blossom during the southern spring month of September, and harvesting throughout the winter, May to October.
The area is renowned for its commercial rose-growing enterprise and the annual Rose Festival, held during October, receives national acclaim and support, and is very popular with its numerous craft and food stalls.
The main tourist attraction is the increasingly popular Addo Elephant National Park, a wonderland of free-ranging elephants in their natural surroundings. The herd has grown to approximately 450, the greatest concentration per square kilometre in Southern Africa. The elephants are divided into family groups that are always led by an elderly matriarch, and their totally relaxed, stress free appearance is clearly noted. Guided game drives in open Landrovers are available as well as horse rides through areas in the park not inhabited by major predators. Available accommodation within the park ranges from campsites, tented camps, forest huts to luxury two bedroomed chalets. There is a restaurant and well-stocked shop within the reception area.
There are numerous other activities of interest to tourists in the Addo area. During the fruit harvesting season tours of the citrus packhouses can be arranged, where the fruit is washed, waxed, graded and packed for export. Tours of working citrus farms can be arranged. The annual Citrus Festival takes place towards the end of May.
During the winter months Polo is played. There are a number of private bush camps in the district on the banks of the Sundays River, as well as private game lodges offering game viewing, fishing, canoeing, bird-watching, hiking, horse rides and 4x4 trails in the Zuurberg Mountains.
Accommodation in the area is plentiful, ranging from simple backpacker huts right through to luxury Country Houses. And a full range of B&B accommodation priced to suit every budget. Hosts and hostesses ready to welcome tourists into their homes and onto their farms.
