Great elephant herds once roamed the southern part of South Africa, but the arrival of Europeans took its toll on these majestic creatures. Colonization, farming and hunting almost completely wiped out the elephant population, and by the time the park was founded in 1931 there were only 11 remaining. But thanks to a strong push for wildlife conservation, the Greater Addo Elephant National Park now provides sanctuary to over 600 elephants. What makes it even more unique is that no other park in the world can boast rhinos, lions, buffaloes, leopards, southern right whales and great white sharks—otherwise known as Africa’s Big 7.
"Within 15 minutes we have actually sighted our first elephant, a greedy youngster
that goes from car to car begging for goodies. Giraffes come next, then crocodiles, various kinds of
antelopes, buffaloes, hippos, many warthogs, a pair of lions, and two rhinos. It was such a thrilling
experience there are no words to describe It. It was magical."
