Tremendous care is imparted to the wildlife from all over South Africa. The wildlife is not housed permanently. They are released in their natural habitats once they are fully fit. Some injuries are permanent in nature. Such species cannot be returned to their natural habitats. In such cases, they serve as a means of study and research.

Some of the wildlife species are cared for because they belong to the endangered species. These species undergo specific breeding programs. The crowned eagle and serval are two such endangered species. The Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is the only place in the whole of South Africa to successfully breed the crowned eagle.

The centre runs entirely on funds from the public. The rehab centre was operational from the year 1992. Wildlife enthusiast, J.A. Strijdom’s, game farm has been used as the premises for the centre. Brian Jones is credited as the founder of the center. He is said to have brought a crowned eagle and a day-old zebra on his visit. Through word-of-mouth the fame of the rehab centre spread far and wide.

As the costs of medicines and food grew, the centre began to impose an entrance fee. The guided tours, too, began to get popular.

Visiting the centre gives you a hands-on view on the rehabilitation work carried out. You will also get a sense of the conservation strategies to protect wildlife. Make the most of the guided tours to witness the range of wildlife species. Lions, leopards, cheetah, caracal, servals, and eagles are found in large numbers. Also common are lynx, honey badger, marshal eagle, vultures, and young offspring of common species.

If you do not wish to avail the guided tours, rent a car to explore the rehabilitation centre. By renting a car, you can view the rehabilitation centre at your own leisure.

The park, situated near Port Elizabeth, has the highest density of elephants in the world. The visit is sure to have a lasting and unforgettable impression on the mind. The park is also famous for the myriad species of birds. Some of the popular species include ostriches, eagles, sunbirds, and secretary birds. Also popular are the flightless dung beetle, cape buffalo, and antelope.

When you hear the black-backed jackal, you know it is evening. Similarly, the francolin’s call signals the dawn of a new day. The elephants in the past were subject to persecution. However, now they roam in the park carefree.

The elephant park came into existence in 1931. During this time, the park could boast only 11 elephants. Today the number stands at a healthy 450. Black rhinos, too, are plenty in number.

There are plans to expand the 164,000-hectare park to more than 360,000 hectares. The creation of a marine preserve is also on the cards. The proposed reserve is supposed to house the world’s largest breeding population of Cape gannets and the second largest breeding population of African penguins.

There are several activities that make a trip to the Addo Elephant Park special and unique. The gentle giants can be approached through the Addo game drives. Experience the authentic African wilderness by a trip to the park. Keep a lookout for the Big 5 and Big 7. The birdlife, too, is rich in diversity. You can even take a walk with the elephants of the park. Follow the footsteps of the ancient travelers. Learn the nature and behavior of the African elephants. Make proper use of the Addo Elephant Walking Safari attraction.

Addo can be visited during the day from Port Elizabeth. You can either take a formal tour of the park or set forth on your own journey. Accommodations are plenty. Hence, do not hesitate to stay a while longer, especially if you wish to soak up the sounds and views of the wilderness at your own pace.