Addo Elephant National Park closes gravel roads after heavy rain

Update 08 May 2026

Access into Addo Elephant National Park via the Matyholweni gate is not possible at the moment due to slippery road conditions.
According to SANParks, guests who are booked to check into Nyathi Rest Camp over the next few days will be contacted shortly if they haven't been already, as flooded river crossings are restricting access. 

----- 

Heavy rainfall has forced the closure of all gravel roads and game-viewing loops in both the Main Camp and Colchester sections of Addo Elephant National Park, South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed.

The temporary closures come after persistent rain across the region left road conditions unsafe for visitors and vehicles, particularly on unpaved routes within the park. Travellers planning self-drive safaris or day visits to Addo Elephant National Park are advised that access is currently limited to tarred roads only until conditions improve.

The latest closures follow ongoing weather-related disruptions in the park. SANParks recently also closed all hiking trails in the Zuurberg section of Addo Elephant National Park due to heavy rainfall and unsafe conditions. Travellers can read more here: Zuurberg hiking trails closed after heavy rains

SANParks has urged visitors to exercise caution, follow official park updates and avoid attempting to use closed routes, as further rainfall could lead to additional disruptions.

The popular Eastern Cape wildlife destination is renowned for its large elephant population, diverse ecosystems and scenic self-drive routes, but heavy weather can quickly impact accessibility, especially on gravel sections.

Visitors with upcoming bookings are encouraged to contact the park directly for the latest road conditions and travel advice before departing.

 

Subscribe for updates:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa. 

Power outage disrupts Matyholweni Gate at Addo Elephant National Park!

last updated 31 January 2026

According to SANParks, electricity has been restores to Colchester section  of Addo Elephant National Park. Matyholweni reception is back up and running as per normal.  

-------------- 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an operational update confirming a power outage at the Matyholweni Gate in the Colchester section of Addo Elephant National Park, Eastern Cape. The outage affects reception services, including payment facilities and telephone lines.

To ensure continued access to the park, guests entering via Matyholweni Gate are being redirected to Addo Main Camp to complete payment of their entrance and conservation fees. SANParks advises visitors who need to contact park staff during this period to use the hospitality duty line on 082 471 0267.

The outage has been formally reported to the relevant municipal authorities, and restoration efforts are underway. SANParks and park management have apologised for the inconvenience, and visitors are encouraged to plan accordingly when travelling to the Colchester section of Addo Elephant National Park.

About Addo Elephant National Park
Located just an hour from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Addo Elephant National Park is South Africa’s third-largest national park and a major Eastern Cape tourism icon. Famous for its thriving elephant population, diverse wildlife, and spectacular landscapes stretching from dense thicket to dune fields and marine environments, Addo Elephant National Park offers excellent game viewing, family-friendly activities, and easy self-drive experiences year-round. 

 

Subscribe for updates:

Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, border info, road alerts, and travel inspiration for Southern Africa.