Visitors planning a self-drive safari in Addo Elephant National Park should be aware of a new biosecurity measure at the park's entrances. South African National Parks (SANParks) has introduced mandatory vehicle spraying at the Main and Matyholweni entrance gates as a precaution against the introduction and spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).
The measure means that vehicles entering the park will be disinfected before visitors continue into the park.
Vehicles will be disinfected at Addo's entrance gates
According to SANParks, all vehicles entering through the Main and Matyholweni gates will be sprayed with an approved disinfectant solution.
The measure forms part of strengthened biosecurity procedures intended to reduce the risk of Foot-and-Mouth Disease being introduced into Addo Elephant National Park. SANParks says the procedure is controlled and designed to minimise delays at the gates.
For visitors, this is therefore an additional step to expect when arriving for a game drive or an overnight stay.
The park's official information confirms that both the Main and Matyholweni entrances are important access points for visitors travelling by car. Matyholweni is particularly convenient for travellers approaching Addo Elephant National Park from the Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth and Colchester side, while the Main Camp is accessed via Paterson.
What does this mean for self-drive visitors?
There is no special preparation required from visitors. Simply follow the instructions of SANParks staff when you arrive at the entrance gate.
The important points are:
- Vehicle spraying is mandatory when entering through the Main or Matyholweni gates.
- The vehicle will be treated with an approved disinfectant solution.
- The procedure is intended to be safe and controlled.
- Visitors should allow for a little additional time at the entrance, although SANParks says the process is designed to minimise delays.
- Drivers and passengers should follow the instructions of gate personnel.
This applies to visitors arriving in private vehicles as well as other vehicles entering the park. SANParks' existing entry requirements apply as normal, including the requirement for valid vehicle documentation and identification.
Why is Foot-and-Mouth Disease a concern?
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals. For a wildlife area such as Addo Elephant National Park, preventing the movement of disease between livestock, wildlife and different geographical areas is an important part of conservation management.
SANParks' Veterinary Wildlife Services identifies Foot-and-Mouth Disease as one of the diseases that can create challenges and restrictions around wildlife movements in South Africa.
The new vehicle disinfection procedure is therefore primarily a biosecurity precaution, rather than something that should affect the safari experience itself.
For travellers, the key message is simple: don't be surprised if your vehicle is sprayed when you arrive at Addo Elephant National Park.
Will the spraying affect your safari?
There is currently no indication that the measure changes the normal self-drive experience inside the park.
Addo Elephant National Park remains one of South Africa's most accessible self-drive safari destinations, with visitors able to explore the park in their own vehicles during the permitted game-viewing hours.
The additional biosecurity procedure takes place at the entrance rather than on the tourist road network. Once the entry procedure has been completed, visitors can continue with their planned game drive.
It is nevertheless sensible to factor a little extra time into your arrival at the park, particularly if you are visiting during a busy period.
What should travellers do?
There is nothing complicated that visitors need to do. The most important thing is to cooperate with SANParks staff and allow the disinfection procedure to take place.
Biosecurity measures can sometimes seem inconvenient when you're eager to get into the park, but preventing the introduction of animal diseases is ultimately in the interests of Addo Elephant National Park's wildlife, surrounding livestock and the long-term health of the ecosystem.
If you're planning a self-drive visit, also check the latest SANParks information before setting out, as park access arrangements and operational conditions can change.
Bottom line
If Addo Elephant National Park is on your South Africa itinerary, expect your vehicle to be sprayed with disinfectant when entering through the Main or Matyholweni gates. It is a precautionary biosecurity measure against Foot-and-Mouth Disease and should not otherwise change your safari plans.
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