Power Outage at Addo Elephant National Park’s Matyholweni Gate Prompts Visitor Access Changes
South Africa’s renowned Addo Elephant National Park is currently experiencing a power disruption at the Matyholweni Gate in its Colchester section, impacting key reception services such as payment processing and telephone communications. Managed by South African National Parks (SANParks), the outage has prompted an operational update aimed at minimizing disruption for visitors and safeguarding access to this iconic Eastern Cape destination.
The power failure at Matyholweni Gate means that guests are temporarily unable to complete entrance and conservation fee payments on-site. To address this, SANParks has implemented a pragmatic solution by directing visitors to the Addo Main Camp, where payments can be processed smoothly. This adjustment ensures that access to the park remains uninterrupted despite the technical setback.
For visitors needing to communicate with park staff during this period, SANParks recommends using the hospitality duty line at 082 471 0267. Meanwhile, the power outage has been officially reported to municipal authorities, who are actively working on restoring electricity to the affected area.
SANParks and park management have expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and urge travellers to take this situation into account when planning visits to the Colchester section of Addo Elephant National Park. This advisory is particularly relevant for the tourism industry, including operators coordinating tours and logistics within the region.
Situated just about an hour’s drive from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Addo Elephant National Park stands as South Africa’s third-largest national park and a flagship attraction of the Eastern Cape. The park is celebrated for its robust population of elephants as well as its rich biodiversity spanning various ecosystems. From dense thickets and expansive dune fields to marine environments, Addo offers an unparalleled range of wildlife experiences.
The park’s extensive and well-maintained self-drive routes make it a preferred choice for families and independent travellers seeking immersive encounters with nature throughout the year. Visitors benefit from excellent game viewing opportunities, complemented by family-friendly activities designed to engage all ages while promoting conservation awareness.
This operational hiccup at Matyholweni Gate serves as a reminder of the vital role infrastructure plays in supporting tourism in Africa’s protected areas. It also highlights the agility of SANParks in swiftly implementing alternative arrangements to maintain visitor satisfaction and park accessibility.
For tourism professionals across sub-Saharan Africa, developments such as these emphasize the ongoing need to monitor infrastructure conditions and maintain flexible planning. The ability to adapt quickly to unforeseen challenges ensures that travel experiences remain seamless and that the continent’s natural treasures continue to draw and delight visitors from near and far.
