Thursday, October 22, 2026
The South African National Parks (SANParks) has invested R136.5 million to upgrade facilities and basic infrastructure at Addo Elephant National Park, improving its tourism offering, visitor experience, and operational sustainability.
“The guest experience must be a key focus of the revitalisation of our national parks, including Addo Elephant National Park. Visitors should experience the very best South Africa has to offer in terms of quality accommodation and facilities, with options at multiple price points,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment David Maynier said in a statement on Wednesday.
Maynier made the remarks after visiting the new facilities and construction projects on Monday. During the visit, he engaged with park visitors, who shared their views on the upgrades needed to bring the park up to international standards.
Eight modern family accommodation units are already complete and open to the public. Comprehensive upgrades to the bulk sewer and electrical infrastructure have also been completed.
Additional accommodation units and refurbished existing units are scheduled to open in December 2026, together with the refurbished guest house and swimming pool.
A new spa has been completed and is now operational.
A new 10-unit Community Lodge is expected to be completed by December 2026, with its official opening and the start of operations planned for January 2027.
The completed 705-kW grid-tied solar plant is also scheduled to be commissioned in January 2027.
Road maintenance is underway, while additional strategic projects are planned to strengthen the park’s tourism offering, support conservation objectives and contribute to its long-term growth and sustainability.
“Having previously visited Addo Elephant National Park, I am aware of the many challenges relating to the condition of its basic infrastructure and facilities. I was pleased to see the scale of the work now underway, with numerous facilities scheduled for completion in time for the December holidays,” the Minister said.
While significant progress is being made, much work remains. SANParks will now prioritise urgent upgrades to ablution facilities and hiking trails. –SAnews.gov.za
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