National Parks Atlas
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01 · South Africa · Eastern Cape

Addo Elephant National Park

Founded in 1931 for the last eleven elephants, home to more than 600 today – and a park you drive through in your own car, a little over an hour from the airport.

Photo: Josep M. Gracia ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Addo Elephant at a glance · PDF, 2 pages

Addo Elephant National Park: landscape and origins

114 elephants shot in two years, then in 1931 a park for the last eleven.

Hunters and then farmers pushed the elephants back in the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1919 farmers demanded their extermination; a Major Pretorius appointed by the government shot 114 animals in 1919 and 1920.

Then public opinion changed. In 1931 the park was proclaimed with just over 2,000 hectares, for the eleven remaining elephants. Because no fence held them, the conflicts continued until park manager Graham Armstrong built a fence of tram rails and lift cables in 1954.

The elephant bull Hapoor dominated the herd from 1944 to 1968. His head hangs in the interpretive centre, and a waterhole bears his name.

SANParks: Addo, natural and cultural history ↗

The park in numbers

Founded
1931
Elephants in 1931
11
Culled 1919–1920
114
Original area
just over 2,000 ha
Armstrong fence
1954, 2,270 ha
Elephants today
more than 600

Visiting Addo Elephant National Park: elephants from your own car

01

South Africa’s third-largest park

SANParks calls Addo the third-largest national park in the country today. It protects five of South Africa’s nine biomes, from Albany Thicket bush and fynbos in the Zuurberg to coastal dunes.

SANParks: Addo, vegetation (five biomes) ↗

02

Founded for eleven elephants

The park was proclaimed in 1931 to protect the eleven remaining Addo elephants; in 1919 and 1920 a hunter acting for the government had shot 114 elephants. According to SANParks, more than 600 live in the park today.

SANParks: Addo, natural and cultural history ↗

04

Malaria-free

According to SANParks the park lies in a malaria-free area; no vaccinations are needed, insect repellent is recommended in summer.

SANParks: Addo, visitor tips ↗

Field book 03 · TicketsThe conservation fee is per person per day; the tariff year changes on 1 November.Field book 01 · WhenMain gate 07:00 to 19:00, all year. The game area has its own times.Field book 02 · Getting thereTwo recommended routes – and one road SANParks advises against.

02 · Places

Map: Main Camp, waterholes, Matyholweni and Zuurberg

Gates, camps and lookout points, each point referenced to an OpenStreetMap object.

Photo: Nick-D ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Place in the park

Main Camp

Reception, shop, restaurant and a waterhole floodlit at night.

Accommodation
guest houses to campsite
Waterhole
floodlit, with a hide
Game drives
start here
Main gate
07:00–19:00

SANParks: Addo, accommodation and camps ↗

Map

12 places on the map

Gates, camps and lookout points, each point referenced to an OpenStreetMap object.

Open map3D terrain · details and photos for every place
  • Viewpoints2
  • Mountains & rock1
  • Water3
  • Arrival1
  • Where to stay3
  • Nature2

03 · Out and about

Safari: self-drive, with a guide or on a game drive

All SANParks game drives start at Main Camp.

Photo: Domenico Convertini from Zurich, Schweiz ↗ · CC BY-SA 2.0 ↗

“Eleven elephants became more than 600.”

Addo Elephant National Park · thicket in the main game area

Safari: self-drive, with a guide or on a game drive

Alexandria Hiking Trail

A 36-kilometre (22 mi) circular trail over two days through coastal forest, dunes and beach in the Woody Cape section, R234 per person per night plus the daily fee, three to twelve hikers.

SANParks: Alexandria Hiking Trail and dune field ↗

Bedrogfontein 4×4 Trail

45 kilometres (28 mi) from Kabouga to Darlington, only with four-wheel drive and low range, one way only, about six hours: R719 per vehicle per day plus the daily fee. No cash at Kabouga gate.

SANParks: Bedrogfontein 4×4 Trail ↗

Head of a lion with a dark mane in Addo Elephant National Park

South African National Parks (SANParks), game drive office at Main Camp · Park authority programme · evening and night

Sunset and night drive from Main Camp

After the gates close nobody may drive through the game area on their own. The SANParks sunset and night drives are the way to see the park in the evening: according to SANParks, lions and spotted hyenas are more often seen at dusk and at night.

  • about 2 hours
  • From Main Camp
  • Summer 17:30 / 19:30
  • Ages 6 and up

Meeting point Game drive reception at Main Camp; check in 30 minutes before departure.

Sunset drive in summer (1 October to 31 March) at 17:30, in winter at 17:00, at most 30 guests; night drive at 19:30 or 19:00, at most 44 guests. Book in advance and confirm 24 hours ahead; no refunds, no children under 6. Guests at Spekboom tented camp cannot take part. SANParks gives prices through online booking. GetYourGuide, Viator and Tiqets have no evening drive in the park with reviews.

Go to the SANParks page ↗Offered by SANParks (park authority) · no partner link · checked 9 Oct 2026

Landscape image, not a provider photo · Photo: flowcomm ↗ · CC BY 2.0 ↗

Offer photo: Addo: half-day guided safari from Addo village

Crisscross Adventures · Half-day guided safari · 4 hours

Addo: half-day guided safari from Addo village

Four hours with a local guide in a closed Toyota Land Cruiser with large windows through the main part of the park around Main Camp, with drinks and snacks.

4.7 out of 5 stars211 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €77.14as of 9 Oct

  • 4 hours
  • Meeting point Addo village
  • Small group up to 10
  • Ages 6 and up

Departure Crisscross Adventures headquarters in Addo village; pick-up in Addo village as an option.

Included according to the inclusions list: drinks and snacks, pick-up in Addo village if that option is chosen. Not included: park fee (the provider states R492 per person, as SANParks does until 31 October 2026), tips, personal expenses. Not suitable for children under 6. The description promises the “Big 5”; according to SANParks leopards are seldom seen. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

View tour ↗Ad · partner link · checked 9 Oct 2026

Provider's product photo · GetYourGuide

Ad · we may earn a commission if you book through this partner link – at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the atlas. Offer details checked 9 Oct 2026. See official ticket information.

Wildlife in Addo: elephants, buffalo, “Big 7”

Buffalo, lions, hyenas

More than 400 Cape buffalo, one of the largest disease-free herds in South Africa. Six lions arrived in late 2003, as did spotted hyenas; leopards are seldom seen.

SANParks: Addo, mammals ↗

The Alexandria dune field

Around 15,800 hectares, over 80 kilometres (50 mi) long and up to 5 kilometres (3 mi) wide: according to SANParks the largest and least degraded coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere.

SANParks: Alexandria Hiking Trail and dune field ↗

Field book 04 · Where to staySANParks gives prices on request only.Field book 05 · RulesWhat SANParks requires in Addo.

04 · Before you go

Park film and places nearby

Photo: Josep M. Gracia ↗ · CC BY-SA 4.0 ↗

Park authority film

Addo Elephant National Park – a visit to the park

Just over four minutes from SANParks itself, published in 2012: elephants at a waterhole, game drives and families on a visit to the park. A promotional film by the park authority, not a guide. English.

Source: SANParks · South African National Parks · View channel ↗

Around the park

Field book 07 · Sources22 sources, checked 9 Oct 2026

Field book · Addo Elephant National Park

checked 9 Oct 2026

Addo Elephant at a glance · PDF, 2 pages ↓

00My visit

Nothing saved yet. Every place card has a pin, and so does every place on the Map. What you save collects here, with days, notes and a preview you can share.

01Gate times and best time to visit

Main gate 07:00 to 19:00, all year. The game area has its own times.

Main gate 07:00–19:00, Matyholweni 07:00–18:30

According to SANParks the main gate opens at 07:00 and closes at 19:00 every month, Matyholweni gate at 18:30. Times may change without notice.

SANParks: Addo, entrance gates and opening times by month ↗

Show on the map

The game area has its own gates

The gates to the game area open and close according to the season; reception at Addo or Matyholweni gives the current times. The entrance gates only give access to the camps.

SANParks: Addo, entrance gates and opening times by month ↗

Show on the map

Late with a booking

If you have booked accommodation, you can still enter after the gates close until 22:00, provided you inform reception in advance. After that the gates are closed.

SANParks: Addo, entrance gates and opening times by month ↗

Climate in the main game area

Semi-arid, less than 445 millimetres of rain a year, with peaks in February and March and in October and November. In January an average of 32 °C (90 °F) by day and 15 °C (59 °F) at night, in July 18 °C (64 °F) and 5 °C (41 °F), with occasional frost.

SANParks: Addo, climate by section ↗

Elephants on hot days

According to SANParks, elephants are best seen at the waterholes on hot days. Lions and spotted hyenas are more often seen in the early morning and in the evening.

SANParks: Addo, visitor tips ↗

Show on the map

02Getting there from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Two recommended routes – and one road SANParks advises against.

Gqeberha airport, 75 kilometres

According to SANParks, the nearest airport is in Gqeberha, 75 kilometres (47 mi) from the park, with car hire companies; international flights connect via Johannesburg or Cape Town.

SANParks: Addo, how to get there and roads in the park ↗

Via Paterson to Main Camp

Recommended: N2 towards Makhanda (Grahamstown), then N10 towards Cradock and at Paterson left onto the R342, 24 kilometres (15 mi) to the gate. Around 120 kilometres (75 mi), one hour and 15 minutes.

SANParks: Addo, directions and distances ↗

Show on the map

Via Matyholweni through the park

Shorter: N2 to the Matyholweni turn-off after the Sundays River bridge, around 40 kilometres (25 mi), then 36 kilometres (22 mi) on the southern access road through the park to Main Camp, about one and a half hours at 40 km/h; the table on the same page gives 45 and 39 kilometres. Not for caravans, trailers or buses.

SANParks: Addo, directions and distances ↗

Show on the map

Not via Motherwell

SANParks advises against the R335 via Motherwell for safety reasons, although it is shorter. The distance table on the same page, however, gives 72 kilometres (45 mi) and one hour to Main Camp; it does not say which route it means.

SANParks: Addo, directions and distances ↗

Roads for normal cars

The entrance road and some loops are tarred, the rest good gravel and passable in any car; in very wet weather gravel roads may be closed. Only the Bedrogfontein Trail needs four-wheel drive.

SANParks: Addo, how to get there and roads in the park ↗

Afroventures Tours and Safaris · From Gqeberha · full day · 9 hours

Addo Elephant Park: full-day safari with pick-up in Gqeberha

For travellers without a rental car: pick-up in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Bluewater Bay, Colchester or Addo, then two game drives of about three hours each in a closed, air-conditioned 4×4 and lunch in the park.

4.8 out of 5 stars956 reviews on GetYourGuidefrom €166.64as of 9 Oct

Departure Pick-up from your accommodation in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), Bluewater Bay, Colchester or Addo; return there.

Included according to the inclusions list: pick-up and return, transport in an air-conditioned 4×4, national park entry, guided safari, refreshments and lunch; tips are not. Every guest has a window seat, drones are not allowed, bring your passport. The description promises the “Big 5”; according to SANParks leopards are seldom seen. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

View tour ↗Ad · partner link · checked 9 Oct 2026

Ad · we may earn a commission if you book through this partner link – at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the atlas. Offer details checked 9 Oct 2026. See official ticket information.

03Addo entry fees: R492 per day, R565 from November

The conservation fee is per person per day; the tariff year changes on 1 November.

Check official fees ↗

Until 31 October 2026: R492

International visitors pay R492 per adult aged 12 and over and R246 per child aged 2 to 11, SADC nationals R225 and R112, South Africans R110 and R54 – per day in each case.

SANParks: Addo, rates and entry fees (tariff year 1 Nov 2025 – 31 Oct 2026, read in the browser on 9 Oct 2026) ↗

Show on the map

From 1 November 2026: R565

For the tariff year to 31 October 2027 SANParks has published: international R565 and R283, SADC R242 and R121, South Africans R115 and R57.

SANParks: daily conservation fees 1 Nov 2026 to 31 Oct 2027 (PDF, read in the browser on 9 Oct 2026) ↗

Paid at the main gate

According to SANParks, everyone entering the park pays the daily fee at the main gate – including guests on guided game drives.

SANParks: Addo, game drives and hop-on guides ↗

Show on the map

Wild Card

International visitors can only buy the “International All Parks Cluster”: R4,680 for one person, R7,310 for a couple, R8,745 for a family. At R565 per day it only pays off for Addo alone after more than eight days; if you are also going to Kruger, work it out there.

SANParks: Wild Card — types and pricing ↗

Fees and Wild Card in the Kruger guide

Documents at the gate

No documents, no entry: the driver’s licence, a passport for international visitors and a valid vehicle licence disc. Plus the completed “Gate Registration & Indemnity” form.

SANParks: Addo, vital information (day visits, documents at the gate) ↗

1% for the communities

SANParks adds a community fund levy of 1% to all accommodation and activity bookings.

SANParks: Addo, rates and entry fees (tariff year 1 Nov 2025 – 31 Oct 2026, read in the browser on 9 Oct 2026) ↗

Visiting Addo Elephant National Park: elephants from your own car

A wildlife park a little over an hour from the airport, without malaria.

South Africa’s third-largest park

SANParks calls Addo the third-largest national park in the country today. It protects five of South Africa’s nine biomes, from Albany Thicket bush and fynbos in the Zuurberg to coastal dunes.

SANParks: Addo, vegetation (five biomes) ↗

Founded for eleven elephants

The park was proclaimed in 1931 to protect the eleven remaining Addo elephants; in 1919 and 1920 a hunter acting for the government had shot 114 elephants. According to SANParks, more than 600 live in the park today.

SANParks: Addo, natural and cultural history ↗

Day visit without booking

According to SANParks, a day visit needs no booking, only organised activities do. You drive your own car and can use the picnic sites, shop and restaurant.

SANParks: Addo, vital information (day visits, documents at the gate) ↗

Show on the map

Malaria-free

According to SANParks the park lies in a malaria-free area; no vaccinations are needed, insect repellent is recommended in summer.

SANParks: Addo, visitor tips ↗

Several sections

Besides the main game area at Main Camp, SANParks suggests day trips to the outlying sections of the park: the Zuurberg Mountains, Kabouga, Darlington Dam and the coast at Woody Cape.

SANParks: Addo, vital information (day visits, documents at the gate) ↗

Safari: self-drive, with a guide or on a game drive

All SANParks game drives start at Main Camp.

Self-drive

During the opening hours of the game area gates you drive your own car; only the daily fee applies.

SANParks: Addo, game drives and hop-on guides ↗

Show on the map

Hop-on guide in your own car

Trained guides from the neighbouring communities join you in your own car for two hours: since 1 March 2026 R400 for a sedan, R430 for a six-seater, R520 for a minibus.

SANParks: Addo, game drives and hop-on guides ↗

Show on the map

SANParks game drives

About two hours, from Main Camp: sunrise at 5:30 in summer and 6:30 in winter, then 9:00, 12:00 and 15:00, sunset at 17:30 or 17:00, night drive at 19:30 or 19:00. Book in advance, no children under 6.

SANParks: Addo, game drives and hop-on guides ↗

Show on the map

Hiking in the Zuurberg

The Cycad Trail is 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) long (about one hour), the Doringnek Trail 8 kilometres (5 mi), about five hours (start by 12:00 at the latest). The gate closes at 17:30.

SANParks: Addo, hikes, walks and trails ↗

Show on the map

Alexandria Hiking Trail

A 36-kilometre (22 mi) circular trail over two days through coastal forest, dunes and beach in the Woody Cape section, R234 per person per night plus the daily fee, three to twelve hikers.

SANParks: Alexandria Hiking Trail and dune field ↗

Bedrogfontein 4×4 Trail

45 kilometres (28 mi) from Kabouga to Darlington, only with four-wheel drive and low range, one way only, about six hours: R719 per vehicle per day plus the daily fee. No cash at Kabouga gate.

SANParks: Bedrogfontein 4×4 Trail ↗

Wildlife in Addo: elephants, buffalo, “Big 7”

91 mammal and 418 bird species, says SANParks.

More than 600 elephants

According to SANParks, Addo offers some of the best elephant viewing in the world. In 1954 park manager Graham Armstrong built an elephant-proof fence from tram rails and lift cables; at the time 22 elephants lived in the park.

SANParks: Addo, natural and cultural history ↗

Show on the map

Buffalo, lions, hyenas

More than 400 Cape buffalo, one of the largest disease-free herds in South Africa. Six lions arrived in late 2003, as did spotted hyenas; leopards are seldom seen.

SANParks: Addo, mammals ↗

“Big 7” with the sea

SANParks speaks of the “Big 7”: off the coast, the great white shark and southern right whale join the big five land animals. The park refers boat tours to an operator.

SANParks: Addo, marine eco-tours (“Big 7”) ↗

Islands in Algoa Bay

Cape gannets and African penguins breed on the park’s coastal islands; at the mouth of the Sundays River terns gather in summer.

SANParks: Addo, birds (islands, Sundays River Mouth) ↗

The Alexandria dune field

Around 15,800 hectares, over 80 kilometres (50 mi) long and up to 5 kilometres (3 mi) wide: according to SANParks the largest and least degraded coastal dune field in the southern hemisphere.

SANParks: Alexandria Hiking Trail and dune field ↗

04Where to stay in Addo: seven camps

SANParks gives prices on request only.

Addo Main Camp

The rest camp is the hub of the park, with guest houses, chalets, cottages, safari tents and campsites, a shop and restaurant, a waterhole floodlit at night and an underground hide.

SANParks: Addo, accommodation and camps ↗

Show on the map

Matyholweni

The name means “in the bush” in isiXhosa. The camp lies near Colchester at the mouth of the Sundays River, three kilometres from the N2, and is the quickest way in from Gqeberha.

SANParks: Addo, accommodation and camps ↗

Show on the map

Spekboom and Nyathi

Spekboom tented camp lies in the middle of the main game area by a waterhole. Nyathi (“buffalo”) at the foot of the Zuurberg mountains, 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) from Main Camp, is the newest camp according to SANParks.

SANParks: Addo, accommodation and camps ↗

Show on the map

Langebos, Kabouga, Narina

The Langebos huts lie in the coastal forest of Woody Cape, Kabouga at the start of the 4×4 trail. Narina Bush Camp is currently closed.

SANParks: Addo, accommodation and camps ↗

Prices on request only

SANParks does not list accommodation prices on the park page; they are available on request through online booking or central reservations.

SANParks: Addo, rates and entry fees (tariff year 1 Nov 2025 – 31 Oct 2026, read in the browser on 9 Oct 2026) ↗

05Rules for self-drivers

What SANParks requires in Addo.

Stay in your car

In the game area you stay in your vehicle. You may only get out at the designated lookout points, at your own risk.

SANParks: Addo, how to get there and roads in the park ↗

Show on the map

Speed limit 40

The speed limit is 40 km/h; SANParks recommends 20 to 30 km/h to see wildlife. After the gates close you may not drive in the game area.

SANParks: Addo, how to get there and roads in the park ↗

Dung beetles have right of way

The rare flightless dung beetle has right of way on Addo’s roads; signs point this out.

SANParks: Addo, mammals ↗

Open vehicles only with permission

Open game viewers need permission from the park manager. Buses may not use the southern access road and part of the Gorah loop.

SANParks: Addo, how to get there and roads in the park ↗

Save water, take your litter

Addo lies in a low-rainfall area. SANParks asks you to use water sparingly, take litter and leftovers out of the camp and not to touch the electrified camp fence.

SANParks: Addo, visitor tips ↗

SANParks rules as in Kruger

The SANParks rules for all parks apply. If you have been to Kruger you know them; they are covered in more detail there.

SANParks: Addo, vital information (day visits, documents at the gate) ↗

Rules in the Kruger guide

What comes next

The outlying sections of the park.

Woody Cape and the Zuurberg

Besides the game area, SANParks recommends the Zuurberg Mountains and the dunes of Woody Cape. Both are part of the park and can be visited as a day trip.

SANParks: Addo, 5 Things to Seek ↗

Show on the map

06Frequently asked questions: Addo Elephant National Park

How much is the Addo Elephant Park entrance fee?

Until 31 October 2026 international visitors pay R492 per adult and R246 per child aged 2 to 11 per day. From 1 November 2026 it is R565 and R283.

SANParks: Addo, rates and entry fees (tariff year 1 Nov 2025 – 31 Oct 2026, read in the browser on 9 Oct 2026) ↗

What are the Addo Elephant Park gate times?

The main gate opens at 07:00 and closes at 19:00 all year, Matyholweni gate at 18:30. The gates to the game area follow the season; reception gives the times.

SANParks: Addo, entrance gates and opening times by month ↗

Do I need to book a day visit to Addo?

No. According to SANParks a day visit needs no booking, only organised activities such as game drives do. At the gate international visitors show their passport.

SANParks: Addo, vital information (day visits, documents at the gate) ↗

How far is Addo from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)?

Via the recommended route through Paterson around 120 kilometres (75 mi), one hour and 15 minutes. Via the southern Matyholweni gate around 40 kilometres (25 mi) to the gate and another 36 kilometres (22 mi) through the park.

SANParks: Addo, directions and distances ↗

Can I drive through Addo in a normal rental car?

Yes. According to SANParks all tourist roads are suitable for normal cars, partly tarred, partly good gravel. Only the Bedrogfontein Trail needs four-wheel drive.

SANParks: Addo, how to get there and roads in the park ↗

Does Addo have the Big Five?

SANParks even speaks of the “Big 7”: the big five land animals plus the great white shark and southern right whale off the coast. According to SANParks, however, leopards are seldom seen.

SANParks: Addo, marine eco-tours (“Big 7”) ↗

Is there malaria in Addo?

No. According to SANParks the park lies in a malaria-free area.

SANParks: Addo, visitor tips ↗

Is the Wild Card worth it for Addo?

Hardly for Addo alone: the international single card costs R4,680, at R565 per day from November more than eight days. With other SANParks parks such as Kruger it pays off sooner.

SANParks: Wild Card — types and pricing ↗

07Where the information comes from

All information from SANParks; the pages were read in the browser on 9 October 2026 because sanparks.org blocks scripts.

  1. SANParks: Addo Elephant National Park (third-largest park, 91 mammal and 418 bird species) ↗
  2. SANParks: Addo, rates and entry fees (tariff year 1 Nov 2025 – 31 Oct 2026, read in the browser on 9 Oct 2026) ↗
  3. SANParks: daily conservation fees 1 Nov 2026 to 31 Oct 2027 (PDF, read in the browser on 9 Oct 2026) ↗
  4. SANParks: Wild Card — types and pricing ↗
  5. SANParks: Addo, entrance gates and opening times by month ↗
  6. SANParks: Addo, how to get there and roads in the park ↗
  7. SANParks: Addo, directions and distances ↗
  8. SANParks: Addo, vital information (day visits, documents at the gate) ↗
  9. SANParks: Addo, visitor tips ↗
  10. SANParks: Addo, accommodation and camps ↗
  11. SANParks: Addo, game drives and hop-on guides ↗
  12. SANParks: Addo, hikes, walks and trails ↗
  13. SANParks: Alexandria Hiking Trail and dune field ↗
  14. SANParks: Bedrogfontein 4×4 Trail ↗
  15. SANParks: Addo, marine eco-tours (“Big 7”) ↗
  16. SANParks: Addo, mammals ↗
  17. SANParks: Addo, birds (islands, Sundays River Mouth) ↗
  18. SANParks: Addo, vegetation (five biomes) ↗
  19. SANParks: Addo, natural and cultural history ↗
  20. SANParks: Addo, climate by section ↗
  21. SANParks: Addo, 5 Things to Seek ↗
  22. SANParks: Addo, current notifications ↗

How current is this information?

Researched 9 Oct 2026. Not a live status. Dates apply only to the year stated. A successful automatic fetch is not an editorial confirmation; outdated automatic values are hidden and replaced by the source link.

Current information from the park ↗

Image and map credits

Location sources: Gates, camps, waterholes and lookout points are taken from OpenStreetMap and each is referenced by its object number. The points in the main game area have been checked against the OpenStreetMap area of the Main Camp section (way 32455010) and lie inside it. SANParks lists Matyholweni camp and gate as part of the park; they lie outside this area on its southern edge. The Zuurberg office lies on the Zuurberg section. Markers do not imply that access is permitted. Base map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Coastlines of the chapter map: Natural Earth.

End of the field book · Park authority ↗