Addo Elephant National Park Update: Matyholweni Rest Camp affected by burst water pipe

Visitors planning a stay at Addo Elephant National Park’s Matyholweni Rest Camp should be aware of a temporary water supply disruption affecting the camp and the nearby Colchester area.

According to South African National Parks (SANParks), the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality (?) has reported a burst water pipe, which has interrupted the normal water supply to Matyholweni Rest Camp.

At this stage, no confirmed timeframe is available for when the municipal water supply will be fully restored.

SANParks supplying emergency water

To minimise the impact on visitors, SANParks is currently transporting water by tanker from Addo Main Camp to Matyholweni Rest Camp.

Travellers staying at Matyholweni should therefore expect possible temporary water-related inconveniences while repairs are underway. Visitors are advised to use water responsibly and follow any instructions provided by park staff during this period.

What does this mean for visitors?

Matyholweni Rest Camp remains accessible, and SANParks continues to support normal operations while the municipality works to address the infrastructure failure.

If you are travelling to Addo Elephant National Park in the coming days, it is recommended to:

• check the latest SANParks updates before departure;
• confirm conditions with the park directly before travelling;
• carry additional drinking water where practical, especially if travelling independently;
• allow for possible delays or temporary changes to services at Matyholweni Rest Camp.

About Matyholweni Rest Camp

Located near the southern entrance of Addo Elephant National Park at Colchester, Matyholweni Rest Camp is a popular accommodation option for travellers entering the park from the Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) side.

The camp’s location makes it particularly convenient for visitors combining an Addo safari with a Garden Route or Eastern Cape coastal itinerary. Its proximity to the park’s southern section also offers easy access to some of Addo's famous elephant viewing areas.

For most travellers, the temporary water interruption is expected to be a short-term operational issue rather than a reason to cancel an Addo visit. However, staying informed before arrival will help ensure a smoother safari experience. 

 

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