If your dream is to run through untamed African wilderness, with the sounds of nature as your soundtrack, The Addo Elephant Trail Run 2025, may be your ticket to an unforgettable adventure.
Taking place from 21-23 March 2025, this iconic event celebrates its 21st edition.
What makes this race so special is not just the distance. It’s a journey through a remarkable South African landscape where endurance meets the beauty of the African bush.
The Addo Elephant Trail Run
Established in 2005, the Addo Elephant Trail Run holds the title of South Africa’s oldest 100-mile ultra trail race. But, if you’re dipping your toes into the world of trail running, there’s a distance for you too. You can choose from four race distances to suit your pace:
100 Miles: For the brave and bold seeking the ultimate physical and mental endurance challenge.
Starts: Friday, 21 March 2025 at 11:00 am Addo Elephant National Park, Main Camp
Finishes: Sunday, 23 March 2025 at 03:00 am Zuurberg Mountain Village50 Miles: A serious challenge for experienced trail runners.
Starts: Saturday, 23 March 2024 at 05:00 am Addo Elephant National Park, Kabouga Start (Kirkwood)
Finishes: Saturday, 23 March 2024 at 11:00 pm Zuurberg Mountain Village50 Kilometres: A great option for those looking to push their limits on the trails.
Starts: Saturday, 23 March 2024 at 07:00 am Addo Elephant National Park, Kabouga Start (Kirkwood)
Finishes: Saturday, 23 March 2024 at 09:00 pm Zuurberg Mountain Village21 Kilometres: Perfect for those wanting to soak in the scenery without the ultra challenge.
Starts: Saturday, 23 March 2024 at 08:00 am Hayterdale Trails
Finishes: Saturday, 23 March 2024 at 02:00 pm Zuurberg Mountain Village
Trail Running Through True Wilderness
What sets the Addo run apart is the chance to run through Addo Elephant National Park, one of the few places in the world that boasts the Big 7– elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, southern right whale, and great white shark.
This distinction makes Addo the only national park globally where you’ll find terrestrial and marine giants in one protected area.
While the trail keeps runners safely away from the park’s more formidable residents like lions, rhinos, and elephants, the experience of running through their habitat is exhilarating.
The Big 7 represent the pinnacle of African wildlife, symbolising the incredible biodiversity that Addo preserves. Spotting these creatures, even from a distance, reminds us of the park’s significance in protecting both land and marine species.
On land, the African elephant – the park’s namesake – is the largest living land animal, often seen in family herds. The Cape buffalo, known for its unpredictable nature, roams the plains, while the stealthy leopard is a rare but thrilling sight.
Addo also provides a haven for the critically endangered black rhino, making every sighting a special encounter.
The marine portion of the Big 7, found in the nearby coastal areas, includes the majestic southern right whale and the formidable great white shark, adding to the park’s unique ecological offering.
Addo Elephant Trail Run Route
Be prepared to push your limits as you navigate the rugged Zuurberg mountains, cross winding rivers, and conquer steep climbs. The reward? Breathtaking views of the valleys below – and the chance to run through one of the wildest, most untouched landscapes on earth.
Every kilometre is an adventure, with the Addo Elephant run route weaving through single-track trails, old jeep tracks, and dirt roads that showcase Addo’s raw beauty. What makes this race truly special is that it takes runners through remote sections of the park, inaccessible to regular visitors – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness.
Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the park’s incredible wildlife. You might spot kudu grazing in the distance, baboons chattering in the trees, or a black-backed jackal on the prowl. Warthogs, ostriches, and red hartebeest could cross your path – and if you’re lucky, you might even glimpse the world’s largest antelope, the majestic eland.
This isn’t just a trail run – it’s a journey through one of South Africa’s most remarkable natural sanctuaries.
Getting There
The closest airport to Addo Elephant National Park is Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ), just 75 to 85 kilometres away, depending on where you’re headed in the park. Driving from the airport to Addo’s main gate typically takes about forty minutes. Other relevant travel distances include:
- Addo Main Gate to Kirkwood – 55km
- Kirkwood to Zuurberg – 65km
- Zuurberg to Addo Main Gate – 18km
A self-drive is a fantastic option, giving you the freedom to take in the beautiful scenery along the way. Just be sure to have a GPS or a trusty map on hand and check the local road conditions before you set off.
When you land, you’ll find plenty of car rental options at the airport, with agencies like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Budget all ready to help you hit the road.
Scenic Accommodation for the Ultimate Trail Escape
The Addo Elephant Trail Run is not just about running – it’s about the entire experience. Extend your stay and explore the park, go on game drives, or soak up the beauty of the Eastern Cape.
For an unforgettable stay, Camp Figtree offers the perfect retreat. Perched high on the Zuurberg Mountain Pass, this eco-friendly sanctuary blends luxury with nature, offering panoramic views, guided game drives, and savour starlit dinners, where crackling fires, lantern-lit tables, and the sounds of the wild create a magical dining experience.
Choose from elegant Family and Superior Suites or opt for the exclusive Luxury Suites and Tents – all with a touch of understated colonial charm. After a long day on the trails, there’s no better place to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Ready to Run Wild?
Whether chasing a new ultra PB or looking for an unforgettable running holiday, the Addo Elephant Trail Run promises a unique experience where nature and endurance collide.
With accommodation options ranging from luxury lodges to cosy guesthouses, and car hire available from nearby airports, your Addo adventure is just a booking away.
Lace up, embrace the wild, and get ready to run free at Africa’s Wildest Ultra!
