AfriCamps Addo, Eastern Cape

AfriCamps Addo is located at the foothills of the Zuurberg Mountains on the Hayterdale Trails property, a short 15-minute drive from the renowned Addo Elephant National Park. At Hayterdale, adventure awaits around every corner. The lush valley thicket and Zuurberg Mountains provide the perfect backdrop for an array of activities that showcase the unique beauty and diverse terrains of this corner in the Eastern Cape.

Hayterdale was founded by brothers Rob and Trevor Hayter, whose family has farmed in the Zuurberg Mountains since the 1950s. Trevor and his son Matthew had the idea of creating mountain biking trails as a way to stay active while doing something they both enjoyed – mountain biking. The pre-existing jeep tracks in the Zuurberg Mountains didn’t showcase the many breathtaking areas, so the Hayters started building their own single tracks and course outlines. In 2008, a mountain biking mecca was born from the Hayter men’s shared passion for mountain biking and the area’s natural beauty. The farm has since grown into a popular MTB destination hosting various trail events throughout the year. Combined with its remarkable natural beauty, this location is just the spot to embrace adventure, or simply unwind. Today, the Hayter family takes every chance they get to visit the property they built and enjoy reaping the fruits of their labour. When they are not on the property, they leave it in the capable hands of Leilani and her team.

Mountain biking, trail running, and hiking are the heart of Hayterdale Trails. It’s a way to showcase our beautiful country, spend time with friends or family, and reconnect with nature.

The Addo Team is excited to welcome you and make sure your stay is filled with comfort, enjoyment, and unforgettable memories!

Check-in: From 14h00 to 17h00 on day of arrival
Check-out: Before 10h00 on day of departure

Check-in arrangements need to be made and guests are kindly requested to inform the specific AfriCamps host of their estimated time of arrival. This way you are ensured of a smooth check-in experience. Full check-in information will be provided in your booking confirmation email.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Explore 50 km of mountain bike trails against the backdrop of the picturesque Zuurberg Mountains. Our routes cover a diverse range of terrain including marathon trails, cross-country tracks, and gravel jeep tracks.

Marathon trails

Our marathon routes are designed to provide an enjoyable and customisable riding experience. Starting and ending at the same point, riders have the flexibility to choose two or more routes. Begin with the green route and progress to the red route, and complete the journey with the blue route, or do laps of the loop. For those seeking a challenging ride, you can ride the red route twice to cover 50 km with an elevation gain of over 1,200 m.

We use Trailforks to map our trails and improve the accessibility of the trails. To navigate our trails seamlessly, we recommend using Trail Forks in conjunction with our trail markers.​ 

Green Route – 10 km of family fun!
The Green Route is suited for those who want to take their kids and their families on a flat scenic route. It is a great route to share the scenic Zuurberg with your whole family. This route includes 9 trails. This route climbs 155 m with a max elevation of 221 m then descends 155 m. 

Blue Route – 10 km for the intermediate rider!
The Blue Route is ideal for riders seeking a moderate challenge without committing to the longer Red Route. The single-track climb to the top of the ridge offers breathtaking views of Hayterdale and Addo Elephant Park. Prepare for one of the most exhilarating descents with Zolile’s Roller Coaster, one of the best single-track descents on Hayterdale. Follow the single track back to the Hayterdale camp and enjoy the ride!  

Red Route – 25 km for the pros!
The Red Route offers a challenging ride for those seeking an unforgettable experience in Hayterdale. The route takes you up Zuurberg Pass, along a long and winding single track hugging the west side of the mountain. Enjoy the stunning panoramic view of Hayterdale, Addo Elephant Park, and Nelson Mandela Bay before descending along the scenic seaview trails into the valley of Hayterdale. Once you hit the Hayterdale flats, it’s time to pick up speed before heading up the last climb of the day outside the Hayterdale camp. To complete your ride, cross Deon’s Bridge and ascend the small hill within the Hayterdale Camp.

Cross-country track

The Cross Country track at Hayterdale has been the venue for numerous provincial and national races. This exciting track features drops, rock gardens, jumps, berms, and everything in between, making it perfect for riders of all skill levels. With three challenging climbs and total enclosure within the Hayterdale game camp, the Cross Country track promises an unforgettable ride.

Gravel road

Gravel riding is becoming increasingly popular, and although we haven’t specifically catered to this discipline in the past, our abundance of jeep tracks and gravel roads in the area are sure to satisfy any Gravel Grinder’s appetite.

Trail Running

Experience the thrill of connecting with nature through the sport of trail running. Whether you’re scaling the summit of Zuurberg pass or standing atop the GZT bridge, the breathtaking views of orchards, Addo Elephant National Park, and Nelson Mandela Bay will leave you awe-struck.

The Hayterdale 21 km classic route features a perfect blend of speedy downhills, challenging climbs, and breathtaking views. You may just find yourself wondering if you want to do it all over again!

Our trail running routes start and finish at the same point, allowing you to seamlessly transition from one route to the next. If you enjoy a particular route, feel free to do laps of the loop. Every trail we’ve built has been individually mapped on Trailforks, enabling you to handpick and create your own private routes as you become more familiar with the area. The possibilities are endless!

Hiking Trails

Get lost in the beauty of Hayterdale’s densely wooded valleys or enjoy stunning views from grassland plateaus where ancient cycads and cabbage trees dot the dramatic cliff edges. Keep an eye out for bushbuck, reebok, spiral-horned kudu, and a diverse range of birds, including the majestic Verreaux’s and Martial eagles.

Birding

Nestled in a lush valley thicket at the base of Zuurberg Mountains, the camp offers the perfect setting for birdwatching enthusiasts, boasting a diverse range of over 160 bird species. Wander through a variety of habitats like the lush thicket, the dense forest, the peaceful woodland, and the grassy Fynbos to spot birds and enjoy their song. 

Wood-fired Hot Tubs

All eight tents offer the exclusive use of their own outdoor wood-fired hot tub. A wood-fired hot tub is the purest form of relaxation. Soak up the stunning surroundings while listening to the calming crackle of the fire, or take a dip to cool down on hotter days.

Spot the Big 7

Spot the Big 7 at Addo Elephant National Park, the only park to include them all! Enjoy an unforgettable cruise during whale watching season (June to December) with Raggy Charters and spot dolphins, seals, seabirds, southern right whales, and great white sharks as you explore Algoa Bay with the possibility of encountering all of the Big 7. 

Addo Elephant NATIONAL Park

The main attraction of Addo is undoubtedly the Addo Elephant National Park, a sanctuary for wildlife that is home to Africa’s elusive Big 5: elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos. One of the most popular ways to explore the park is through guided game drives, where visitors are led by expert rangers who offer insights into the park’s flora and fauna. For those who prefer to take things at their own pace, Addo also allows self-guided game drives. Take a break and enjoy a bush picnic amidst the stunning scenery at one of several picnic spots along the way. Visitors can also opt to explore the park on foot and get close to the peaceful natural landscape along hiking trails while accompanied by experienced guides.

4×4 Adventures

The Bedrogfontein 4×4 Trail in the Addo Elephant National Park offers an exhilarating ride through diverse vegetation types. You’ll encounter riverine thicket, Afromontane forest, fynbos on the peaks, and the arid Nama-Karoo of the Darlington area. The trail is strictly for 4×4 vehicles with good ground clearance and low range. The route, which takes 5 to 6 hours excluding stops and side diversions, can only be driven from east to west. It’s rated Grade 1 through 3, making it suitable for intermediate and experienced drivers.

This route has a rich history, having been the site of fierce battles between British and Boer troops during the Anglo-Boer War. Be sure to visit the Jan Smuts cottage where the legendary soldier was in a coma after eating cycad seeds. The area is also home to scattered rock art paintings, adding to the fascinating cultural and historical experience.

Boat Trips in the Sundays River

Experience the diverse biomes of the Greater Addo region on a relaxing boat trip along the Sundays River with Sundays River Adventures. The riverbank is densely populated by Albany thicket, providing habitats for various species of colorful birds including sunbirds, ospreys, and fish-eagles. Keep an eye out for small buck and vervet monkeys as you travel upstream. 

Sunset Cruise

After a day spent navigating through the majestic elephants and rare flightless dung beetles of Addo Elephant National Park, there’s nothing like a peaceful boat trip to unwind. It’s also an excellent way to witness one of Addo’s most notable natural wonders – the expansive Alexandria Dune Field. This unspoiled coastal dune field is still expanding and is the largest in the world. On sunset cruises along the serene Sundays River with Sundays River Adventures, guests can take in the stunning views of the estuary at the river mouth and disembark at the highest dunes. For the energetic, a hike to the summit rewards with panoramic vistas of Addo Elephant National Park’s marine protected zones and islands. Keep your eyes peeled for African fish eagles, ospreys, small bucks, and vervet monkeys along the southern bank’s dense riverine thicket. It’s the perfect way to end a day with a quintessential African sunset.

Big Swing or King Swing in Addo

The Giant Swing is an 18-metre-high, insanely thrilling ride that will give you a few seconds of free fall. You’ll scream, laugh, cry or go silent – it’s the ultimate rush. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, it’s a must-do! 

Fishing Near Addo on the Sundays River

Addo and its surroundings offer spectacular fishing opportunities such as freshwater, surf, deep-sea, and fly fishing. The coastal area boasts excellent cob fishing, with catches weighing up to 67 kg. The Sundays River Estuary is a scenic location, attracting anglers to its dune-backed banks. 

Sandboarding & Sand Sledding

The Alexandria Coastal Dunes provide a thrilling spot for sand sledding and sand boarding. After the exciting rides with Sundays River Adventures, take a dip in the peaceful lagoon formed by the Sundays River. 

Brave the Longest Double Zip Line

Brave the heights of the Sundays River Valley and hop on to the highest, longest and fastest double zip line in South Africa. Enjoy stunning views of the valley, game reserves, and mountains in the distance. Couples and families can experience the fun together as two zip lines run parallel to each other. 

Visit Addo Wildlife

Experience the wildlife of Addo at the newest addition to the region – Addo Wildlife. Enjoy a meal at the Tangelo Restaurant, learn about rescued animals, feed farm animals, and take a walk through the aviary. 

BREAKFAST BASKETS

We offer ‘Cook-Your-Own’ breakfast baskets with freshly packed ingredients for guests to prepare. Pre-order your breakfast basket when making your booking. Breakfast baskets should be booked a day in advance.

Each breakfast basket includes the following:

Muesli
Yoghurt
Fresh eggs
Bacon*
Bread
Fruit juice
Ground coffee
Rusks
Fruit
Cheese
Butter and jams

*Vegetarian or other option is available on special request.

Cost: R180 per adult | R140 per child (0 to 12 yrs)

BRAAI BASKETS

We offer ‘Cook-Your-Own’ traditional South African braai baskets for guests to prepare. Pre-order your braai basket when making your booking. Braai baskets should be booked a day in advance.

Each braai basket includes the following:

200g Rump steak*
100g Traditional boerewors*
Chicken kebab*
Two salads
Garlic roll/bread
Marshmallows on a stick to braai

*Vegetarian or other option is available on special request.

Cost: R250 per adult | R180 per child (0 to 12 yrs) 

AfriCamps Addo operates entirely on solar power providing guests with an uninterrupted power supply regardless of load shedding. 

Our tents sleep up to five guests, but our rates are based on a two-person stay. Please note that the rates below are a price indication, please use our online booking calendar to check live rates and availability. Extras like meals, activities and tours are not included in the price unless otherwise stated.

Cleaning Fee: All rates exclude a once-off R250 cleaning fee per booking. This fee will be added to your total during the booking process.

Please find our full terms and conditions here: www.africamps.com/terms-and-conditions/

Accommodation

All tents sleep a maximum of five people. The following items or services are not included in the price unless otherwise stated:

• Food and beverages
• Activities and tours
• Additional daily cleaning service (available on request)
• Wood and firelighters for the wood stove and campfires (for sale at the property shop)

Pets

We do not allow pets at our camp. Please note that there are wild animals roaming certain areas of the property.

Music

No noise, parties or music are allowed in the camp unless the guest has booked the entire camp for a function.

Day visitors

No day visitors are allowed in the camp. Out of consideration for fellow guests, the camp will only accommodate up to 5 paying guests per tent. 

PENSIONER SPECIAL

Enjoy 15% off a midweek stay!

From a discounted rate of R1564 per night for 2 adults sharing, excl. fees

• Valid until 30 April 2025 for midweek stays only
• Excludes weekends and peak season (13 December 2024 – 11 January 2025)
• Rates are based on 2 adults sharing
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• Extra adults can be booked at R295 pn
• Extra kids aged 3-16 are R195 pn
• Person booking must be 60+
• ID number required when booking
• ID to be presented upon check-in
• T&Cs apply

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and select the camp and the dates you wish to visit.
• Enter your promo code: GoldenGlamping in the Do you have a promo code field. Click on the apply button.
• In the Special Requests block, at the bottom of the booking form, please enter your ID number.

SINGLE PARENT SPECIAL

Kids stay FREE!

From R1840 per night, excl. fees

• Valid until 30 April 2025
• Excludes long weekends and peak season (13 December 2024 – 11 January 2025)
• Self-catering glamping tent (sleeps 5)
• Kids stay free (applies to kids aged 3-16)
• 1 Adult per booking (if an extra adult is added after the booking has been made, the special will no longer apply)
• T&Cs apply

How to book

• Visit www.africamps.com and book your stay.
• In the Special Requests block, at the bottom of the booking form, please enter the voucher code: SingleParentSpecial.
• Select EFT payment, and receive your discounted invoice via email.