EXPLORE Sundays River Valley

The valley is speculated to have been named after an early settler couple called, the Stonags. The Sundays River is believed to nourish the magical Greater Addo area and the Sundays River Valley – the Koisan called the area ‘Nukakanna’, meaning “grassy water”. Besides offering magnificent raw and organic views, smells and sights of nature, the valley has a rich history and culture as well as sporting interests. 

The Addo Elephant National Park is a world-renowned national park in South Africa. It ranks third in size after the Kruger National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The park was proclaimed in 1931 for conservation purposes when 11 elephants were left – currently, there’s over 600 wildlife species. It conserves and enhances all that is unique to the area and that represent the Eastern Cape and its attributes: terrestrial and marine biodiversity, ecological processes and cultural, historical and scenic resources. Any trip to the Eastern Cape cannot be complete without a visit to the Addo Elephant National Park.

Besides wonderful wildlife viewings and conservation efforts, Sundays River Valley is where the famous pioneer-author, James Percy FitzPatrick who wrote ‘Jock of the Bishveld’, lays buried. The town of Kirkwood, in the northern parts of the Valley, plays host to an annual wildlife festival that is widely known and attended by locals who live in and around the Sundays River Valley: a great excuse to visit this area for a family fun getaway. As is the 4x4 trails in the Zuurburg mountains and the fishing, canoeing, bird-watching, hiking and boating excursions that are on offer.

Sundays River Valley accommodation include an array of options such as bed and breakfasts, guest houses, guest lodges and self-catering units.