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.
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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.
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