In the shadows of the dense valley bush, in the Sundays River region of the Eastern Cape, lies approximately 45 square miles comprising the Addo Elephant National Park. Since its proclamation in 1931, the area’s remaining eleven elephants have bred to become over 200 strong. The park also offers sanctuary to the Cape buffalo and 21 black rhino of the very scarce Kenyan sub-species. Also notable is the unique flightless dung beetle that is found almost exclusively in Addo. Protection of the elephant has resulted in simultaneous protection of an ecosystem that supports numerous reptile, amphibian and insect species and a recorded 170 bird species. The Eastern Cape climate, influenced by the nearby Indian Ocean, provides rain evenly distributed throughout the year. Winters are chilly and summers warm to hot, though rarely exceeding temperatures in the mid-seventies (degrees Fahrenheit). Two walking trails have been laid out in the park and day sightings of animals are frequent. An illuminated waterhole provides excellent night viewing and night drives can be arranged, offering the rare experience of nocturnal life in the bush.