28 February 2023

Kruger National Park Calendar - April!

Weather:

  • seasonal shift towards autumn
  • drop in daytime temperatures with cool evenings
  • occasional late summer rains

Temperatures:

Landscape:

  • vegetation dense > thick tree canopies
  • many trees are bearing seeds/fruits
  • pods are out on mopaneveld

Animal Activity:

  • game dispersed throughout the park
  • game spotting generally difficult
  • Warthog, Impala & Wildebeest rutting season
  • most migrant birds depart

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South Africa: South African Airways' international long-haul routes plan for 2023 and beyond!

The interim Chief Commercial Officer (COO) of South African Airways (SAA), Tebogo Tsimane, said on a recent Travel News video webcast that the airline is planning launch at least one international long-haul route before the end of the financial year (31 March 2023) and another one before the end of the calendar year 2023. According to Mr. Tsimane, South African Airways is looking at launching flights to São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in São Paulo, Brazil, and Perth Airport (PER) in Perth, Australia. 


The airline further aims to operate most of the routes the airline was operating before the Covid-19 pandemic, such as Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Frankfurt, London (Heathrow Airport (LHR)?), Washington D.C. (Dulles International Airport (IAD)?) and New York City (John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)?). South African Airways is also planning to resume flights to destinations that were "in the pipeline" before the pandemic including Melbourne and Munich. (Mr. Tsimane: "It will take us a while"). We'll keep you posted!

27 February 2023

Mpumalanga: R40 between Barberton & the Josefsdal/Bulembu Border Post (South Africa/eSwatini) temporarily closed! [update #2]

update (14 March 2023): The road has been reopened!

update (07 March 2023): The R40 between Barberton in Mpumalanga and the Josefsdal/Bulembu Border Post between South Africa and eSwatini is still closed, but, according to the MTPA, construction is underway and the reopening is expected to be next week. We'll keep you posted!

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has announced that the R40 between Barberton in Mpumalanga and the Josefsdal/Bulembu Border Post between South Africa and eSwatini is currently closed until further notice. This is due to the damages caused by the recent heavy rains in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality. The closure of the R40 also affects the Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail, which follows the road from Barberton to Josefsdal.


The Barberton Makhonjwa Geotrail is a 37km self-drive trail through the Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage Site, displaying information about the area’s remarkable geology and it’s links to the plant diversity and history. The estimated time to drive the geotrail is 6 hours, if you want to stop at most of 11 roadside geosites located at stops and panoramic viewpoints along the route.

24 February 2023

Botswana & Namibia sign Memorandum of Agreement for use of ID cards to cross borders! [update]

update (28 February 2023): According to a press release by the Botswana Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, the Botswana National Identity Card can be used a travel document to travel between Botswana and Namibia at the Mamuno/Trans-Kalahari border post with immediate effect.

The countries of Botswana and Namibia haved signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) to permit the use of National Identity Cards for the two countries as travel documents to cross their borders. The signing of the MoA took place today (24 February 2023) at the  Mamuno/Trans-Kalahari border post, which will be the first along the Botswana/Namibia border to commence the use of National Identity Card as a travel document. According to the Official Facebook Page of the Government of Botswana, the Kasane Immigration Office in Kasane (Botswana), the Mohembo border post as well as the Ngoma Bridge border post will follow suit and the Dobe border post upon completion of the infrastructure and installation of necessary system to be undertaken during the financial year 2023/24.

Durban: King Shaka International Airport drop-off area refurbishment to start in March 2023!

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced that King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban will be undertaking maintenance work on the canopy structure above the drop-off area (elevated roadway) from the 03 March 2023. The work, which is expected to be completed at the end of July 2023, entails the refurbishment of the canopy above the drop-off area and will be executed in phases. Paintwork on various elements of the structure will be undertaken in the current phase.
The project will involve the closure of the inner and outer traffic lanes on an alternating basis as the work proceeds. The drop-off entrances will all remain operational. However, passengers and airport users are encouraged to take note of signage placed in strategic areas around the work area and to observe the flagman that will be managing traffic at the drop-off area. ACSA is advising passengers to consider these works in their travel plans, especially during peak periods. We'll keep you posted!

23 February 2023

Namibia: Temporary Closure of District Road 212 (Aussenkehr <> Rosh Pinah)!

The Namibian Roads Authority (RA), whose core business is to construct and maintain Namibia's road sector, has informed the public that the DR 212 between Aussenkehr and Rosh Pinah is currently closed until further notice. Some sections of the road are flooded, which is caused by the high water levels in the Orange River due to recent heavy rains received in some parts of South Africa. The road was also closed due to flooding in November 2022. By that time, the RA was requesting all affected travelers to make use of the Keetmanshoop - Aus - Rosh Pinah road instead of DR 212 until the water levels have subsided and the road is deemed safe to motorists. We'll keep you posted!

22 February 2023

Botswana has released rhino poaching figures!

Botswana has lost 138 rhinoceros to poachers since 2018, compared to only two poached from 2012 to 2017. This is according to Cabinet Minister Mabuse Pule, who answered a parliamentary question on behalf of Botswana's Minister of Environment and Tourism Philda Kereng on 19 February 2023. In addition to the 138 rhinoceroses that had been poached since 2018, 76 died of natural causes in the last five years. Mr Pule further announced that 33 rhino were killed by poachers in 2021, while Botswana lost only six rhinos to poaching in 2022.

nb. According to a Briefing Document for Delegates to CITES SC74 (Lyon, March 2022), titled "The Rise of Rhinoceros Poaching in Botswana", by the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), Botswana lost six rhinos to poaching from 2006 to 2017. 11 rhinos were killed by poachers in 2018, 30 in 2019 and 62 in 2020. This is according to government figures. 

2018: 11 rhinos killed by poachers in Botswana
2019: 30
2020: 62
2021: 33
2022: 6
Total: 142

North West Province: Wolwespruit Nature Reserve temporarily closed! [update #2]

update (16 March 2023): The Wolwespruit Nature Reserve in South Africa's North West Province has reopened to the public after it was temporarily closed due to heavy waters on the shoreline. The shoreline and other parts of the reserve have dried out and cleared to welcome anglers and visitors. 

update (13 March 2023): The Wolwespruit Nature Reserve is still closed!

The North West Parks Board (NWPB), the governmental organisation responsible for the management of protected areas and public nature reserves in South Africa's North West Province, has announced that the Wolwespruit Nature Reserve has been temporarily closed due to flooding. We'll keep you posted!
The Wolwespruit Nature Reserve lies on the Vaal River about 130 kilometres upstream from the Bloemhof Dam and 22 km south of Leeudoringstad. It is a popular angling and hiking destination, along the tranquil river frontage environment. There are rustic camping sites all along the river bank on the reserve and a self-catering stone cottage sleeping 6 people.

17 February 2023

KwaZulu-Natal: Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park roads are flooded!

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the governmental organisation responsible for maintaining wildlife conservation areas and biodiversity in KwaZulu-Natal, has informed the public that the Black iMfolozi Bridge, Hluhluwe Bridge and the Amanzamnyama stream in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park are flooded. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife therefore advises travellers intending to visit the Park to use the following alternative roads:

  • Travellers inteding to stay at Hilltop Resort are advised to use the Memorial Gate. They must take the Maphumulo gravel road on the left before reaching Amanzamnyama stream (flooded) and then turn into Sitezi Road, which will take them back to tarred roads.
  • Both Mpila Resort and Hiltop Resort are not accessible through the Nyalazi Gate. Travellers intending to stay at Mpila Resort are advised to use the Cengeni Gate to enter Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, while travellers heading for Hiltop Resort are advised to use the Memorial Gate
  • Travellers must drive via Hlabisa-Nongoma-Ulundi to access the Cengeni Gate from the Nyalazi Gate.


16 February 2023

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: WiFi at Nossob Rest Camp temporarily not available! [update]

update (21 February 2023): WiFi is available again at Nossob Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

According to a posting by Regional Communications Manager: Arid Parks at South African National Parks (SANParks), Genevieve Maasdorp, in the SANParks - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park facebook group, the WiFi at Nossob Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is currently out of order. We'll keep you posted!
Nossob Rest Camp is situated within the dry riverbed of the Nossob River. The camp is surrounded by tree savannah and is famous for spectacular predator sightings. Facilities include a reception, chalets, camping, swimming pool, shop and a predator information centre. Fuel is also available. Electricity (240v, 15amp) is available daily from 05:00 to 23:00.

South Africa: Seasonal rainfall & temperature outlook (February 2023 - April 2023)!

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has released the Seasonal Climate Watch for the period February 2023 to April 2023. According to the seasonal outlook, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently in a La Niña state, and forecasts indicate that it will likely return to a neutral state by autumn (March 2023 to May 2023). As ENSO remains in a La Niña state, late-summer and early autumn rainfall remains likely for above-normal rainfall over the summer rainfall areas.
The multi-model rainfall forecast indicates above-normal rainfall for most parts of South Africa for all predicted seasons. Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be mostly above-normal countrywide for the forecast period.

Airlink to resume flights between Johannesburg <> Nosy Be (Madagascar)!

South African regional carrier Airlink is set to resume operations between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Madagascar's largest and busiest tourist resort, Nosy Be. The service will re-commence on 23 June 2023 with a once weekly flight on Sundays. Airlink will operate its modern Embraer E-170 twin-engine jetliners on the Nosy Be service. In addition, the airline currently operates three flights weekly between Johannesburg and Ivato International Airport (TNR) in Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar. The service will increase to a daily service as demand permits.

Nosy Be (which is Malagasy for "Big Island") is an Indian Ocean Island situated off Madagascar's north-west coast in the Mozambique Channel. It is famous for its pristine beaches and unique fauna and flora, including the world-famous lemurs. Nosy Be is also ideally suited for outdoor adventure and water sport holidays in a non-commercialized environment, e.g. scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and sport fishing.

 online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

South African National Parks (SANParks) releases a comprehensive update on the state of Kruger National Park following the recent heavy rains & floodings! [update #27]

update (12 June 2023): SANParks has announced that the road between Lower Sabie and Skukuza (H4-1), which was washed away by floods earlier this year, has been reopened.

update (05 June 2023):  An updated road register (01 June 2023) is now available.

update (12 May 2023):  An updated road register (11 May 2023) is now available. 

update (19 April 2023): An updated road register (as at 09:00 on 19 April 2023) is now available. 

update (06 April 2023): An updated road register (04 April 2023) is now available.

update (29 March 2023): An updated road register (as at 09:30 on 29 March 2023) is now available. 

update (29 March 2023): Sable Sleepover Hide in Kruger National Park, situated approximately 10km from of Phalaborwa Gate, is open to the public again.

update (22 March 2023): An updated road register (as at 09:00 on 22 March 2023) is now available. 

update (21 March 2023): Kruger National Park Roads update: H2-2 Pretoriouskop, S118 and S110 gravel roads are now all open for guest use.

update (20 March 2023): The situation in Kruger National Park has not changed from 16 March 2023, with repair work still underway at roads previously closed due to damages from the floods experienced in February 2023. Click here for the roads update register.

update (14 March 2023): The  following facilities at Letaba Rest Camp are currently under renovations until further notice:

  • Camp swimming pool is temporarily closed - guests should utilise the Day Visitors’ pool until 18:00.
  • Reception - All front office duties are carried out at the office next to the reception.
  • Letaba Shop is being rebuilt - a temporary shop is available.

Road Closures as at 14 March 2023 > link!

Road S25 linking Malelane & Crocodile Bridge is now open. S42 to the golf club is also open for guest use. 

update (11 March 2023): S36 from Satara and S145 to Talamati are both repaired. Access to Talamati has been restored.

update (10 March 2023): Road Closures as at 10 March 2023 > link!

update (09 March 2023): Roads S145 and S36 are currently closed as more repair work is being done to make the roads safe and easily accessible.

update (08 March 2023): One of the admins of the SANParks - Kruger National Park facebook group has released updates on Kruger National Park following the recent heavy rains & flooodings in February 2023.

  • Talamati Bushveld Camp is open for guests. Access only on S140 from Orpen at this stage.
    Biyamiti open from tody (08 March 2023). Access only from Malelane Gate on S114 then on S139. From Skukuza, access on H2-2 just after Afsaal, then on S114 and S139.
  • Sable Dam Hide is still not accessible due to high water level.
  • Road Closures as at 08 March 2023 > link!

update (02 March 2023): Talamati is open and accessible from Orpen on the S140. S145 is still under repair work.

update (01 March 2023): Talamati, Biyamiti and Sable Hide:
Talamati roads S140 and S145 are not accessible as yet for guests. Roads department is busy working to repair the damaged structure. A decision will be taken on 02 March 2023 regarding the date of the reopening of Talamati.
Biyamiti: The Kruger National Park Disaster Management team will be working on fixing the fence and all other damaged structures in Biyamiti from Friday 04 March 2023. The reopening of this facility will be announced once all repair work is done.
Sable Dam: The reopening of the hide will be announced as soon as all the water has been successfully drained and repair work done on the structure.

update (28 February 2023): The Talamati Bush Camp will remain closed today (28 February 2023). The access road S140 is damaged and heavy machinery can't access to repair due to excessive wet conditions. More rain is expected today.
Sand river bridge remains closed. Sabie low level bridge is accessible for guest use.
All gravel roads around Pafuri remain closed with the persistent rains experienced over the last couple of days.

update (27 February 2023): Lower Sabie to Tshokwane road is currently (26 February 2023) closed on both ends. Lower Sabie is currently only accesible through Crocodile Bridge Gate. Water over the tar road is rising. Kruger National Park Disaster Management Team will continue to monitor the situation.
(26 February 2023) Malelane received 24.5 mm and Lower Sabie 32 mm of rain. Tshokwane received a further 65 mm. Rhino Walking Safaris received 115 mm and Nwatindlopfu is flowing. Gravel roads in the south will still be very wet. Kingfish received 54 mm and Crocodile Bridge 32 mm.
The following gravel roads have since been closed:
S140, S145, S36 and S39. Talamati guests can use S145 and S36 to access H7.
Crocodile Bridge water levels are stable, the bridge remains open.
Roads S40, S90,S100,S126,S127 have also been closed
The latest developments (25 February 2023) are as follows:
All Camps except Biyamiti Bush Camp are open (with Nyalaland Trails Camp, Sirheni, Shimuwini and Bateleur Bush Camps on alert)
The bridge at Lower Sabie is now open for travelling to Tshokwane/Satara
The Low water bridge over Sabie River at Skukuza is open for travelling to and from Skukuza Airport
Sand River low water bridge is not yet open but is being closely monitored
Gravel roads in the south remain closed

update (23 February 2023): The Sabie River Low water Bridge is now open, while the Sand River Bridge remains closed.

update (22 February 2023): H10 from Lower Sabie is now open!

update (21 February 2023): Kruger National Park Management is happy to announce that the following camps are now open:

  • Talamati Bushveld Camp: Access is from Orpen on S140 or from Satara on S36 then S145 from the east.
  • Crocodile Bridge and Lower Sabie: Both camps are open from today (21 February 2023) for guests.
    • Please note that access and exit for Lower Sabie is only via Crocodile Bridge Gate. The main tar road H4-1 between Skukuza and Lower Sabie remains closed.
  • Satara is NOT accessible from Lower Sabie until the bridge at Lower Sabie Rest Camp is cleared and safe.
  • All gravel roads in the south of Kruger National Park are still closed, except for S3 between Numbi Gate and Phabeni Gate S1 and H1-1. The teams are busy with repairs on all gravel roads.
  • Sable Hide remains closed until 06 March 2023
  • Biyamiti Bushvel Camp remains closed until 27 March 2023.
  • For all guests with confirmed bookings at Biyamiti Bushveld Camp and Sable Hide, please note that the following options remain available:
    • Credit on Hold – Guests may request for their reservation amounts to be transferred to their credit on hold for usage at a later date.
    • Booking amendments – Guests may amend their bookings for later dates at their convenience.
    • Alternatively, guests can enquire about alternative accommodation at non-affected camps in the Kruger National Park for this period subject to availability.

update (20 February 2023): For all guests with confirmed reservations at Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge and Sable Hide, please note that the following options remain available until the facilities are open (estimated for Tuesday 21 February 2023 for the camps and 06 March 2023 for Sable Hide)
• Credit on Hold – Guests may request for their reservation amounts to be transferred to their credit on hold for usage at a later date.
• Booking amendments – Guests may amend their bookings for later dates at their convenience.
• Alternatively, guests can enquire about alternative accommodation at non-affected camps in the Kruger National Park for this period subject to availability.

Talamati Bushveld Camp open from today (20 February 2023) . Access via S36 and S145 from the east. The teams are still assessing damage on S140 from Orpen.
Sable Dam Hide: Still closed, at least until 6 March 2023.
Biyamiti Bushveld Camp: Still closed, at least until Monday 27 Feb 2023.
Crocodile Bridge and Lower Sabie: Still closed today (20 February 2023). The Sabie River is still flowing over the bridge at Lower Sabie. Access over the Crocodile Bridge will still be monitored today. SANParks hopes to open both camps to guests on Tuesday 21 February 2023.
All gravel roads in the south of the Kruger National Park are still closed, except for S3 between Numbi Gate and Phabeni Gate S1 and H1-1.

All Gravel roads in the south are still closed, except for S3 which is open  between H1-1 & S1

- Outlook for today (19 February 2023), scattered showers in the afternoon and early evening
- Mid range forecast for the lowveld region to have a drying out phase over the next week
- Tropical Storm Freddy is currently in the central Indian Ocean and on course to impact central Madagascar on the 21 February, whereafter it will dissipate in intensity and present forecast it will track towards central Mozambique around the city of Beira and then head inland over northern Zimbabwe. The KNP makes use of the official forecast from Indian Ocean cyclone monitoring centre on La Reunion Island (http://www.meteo.fr/.../La.../webcmrs9.0/anglais/index.html) and relies on the localised impact based forecast from the South African Weather Service, which at this stage implies there will be limited affect on north-eastern South Africa. We monitor the updates closely as/when conditions change.
- In terms of river flows, the past week has seen continuous but patchy rain, with the most significant rains being in the headwaters of the Sabie River and Crocodile River, as a result this has maintained high summer flows down towards the Kruger National Park and as a result SANParks expects Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge access to guests to remain closed for the next 48 hours at least
- As a result of these significant rains the Inyaka Dam on the Sabie River now over 100%, the first time in 7 years and is now spilling, this is good news for it’s users for the upcoming winter season. All important dams upstream of Kruger National Park now spilling, namely, Blyde Dam on the Olifants, Tzaneen Dam on the Letaba, Nandoni Dam on the Luvuvhu
- The Olifants River remains in high flow conditions (>550 cumec), but high level bridge access to the north of Kruger National Park remains open, Balule low water bridge will remain inaccessible for the foreseeable
- Letaba River (>130 cumec) also have good summer flows but not in flood conditions at this stage
- Shingwedzi River in moderate flows at this stage
- Limpopo River is good summer flows (>600 cumec at Beitbridge) but not flood condition, and the Luvuvhu River is also having good summer flows, but not in flood – this is great replenishment conditions for the Makuleke Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance
- Kruger National Park notes the impacts these flows are now having downstream as counterparts in Mozambique have had to increase discharges significantly from Massingir Dam on the Olifants Rivers and the Corumana Dam on the Sabie River and applaud the authorities there for issuing early warnings to their stakeholders
- No significant ecological impacts have been noted at this stage, will wait for the waters to recede in order to monitor further
- Most dirt road access in southern Kruger National Park still remains closed as the smaller streams and crossings are still flowing quite strong

update (18 February 2023): SANParks has announced that all guests with confirmed reservations at Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, Biyamiti, Talamati and Sable Hide should note that the camps and hide remain closed until 20 February 2023.
The following options are available:

  • Credit on Hold – Guests may request for their reservation amounts to be transferred to their credit on hold for usage at a later date.
  • Booking amendments – Guests may amend their bookings for later dates at their convenience.
  • Alternatively, guests can enquire about alternative accommodation at non-affected camps in the Kruger National Park for this period subject to availability.

Hazyview had moderate rain last night. Sabie river is up again to the high levels we saw last week. We can thus expect river to rise again today at Skukuza. It is predicted that Lower Sabie bridge will be under water untill Monday at this stage. 

update (17 February 2023): Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, Biyamiti, Talamati are all closed and inaccessible to guests at least until Monday 20 Feb 2023.
Sable Dam Hide needs water to be pumped out of the facility and damage assessed. It is estimated that the hide will be closed for 2 weeks.

update (17 February 2023): South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an update of the current state of Kruger National Park following the heavy rains and floodings:

  • Letaba Low Water Bridge is now open for guest use!
  • The H1-1 road to Pretoriouskop and Malelane is now open for guest use. That’s the road in the south of Skukuza that was previously closed due to floods and collapse of road infrastructure.
  • The Kruger National Park Disaster Management Team is expecting more rain today which will delay the process of assesing damage to the road infrastrucute and restrict movement for visitors.
  • Indications are that gravel roads in the South of Kruger National Park will remain closed. Lower Sabie to Skukuza will still remain closed for repairs. Visitors should also be wary when going over low lying bridges.
  • The rainfall forecast shows no more than moderate rain over very wet catchments already, the National Park may have some localised impacts.

update (16 February 2023): Update from SANParks' Technical Services Roads: the section of road that collapsed before De Laporte is under repair. SANParks is sourcing materials for the base of the road with work expected to be completed by tomorrow. Alternative route onto H3 is through S1 - S3 - H1/1

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an comprehensive update of the current state of Kruger National Park following the heavy rains and floodings of the last couple of days since early February 2023. According to the update:

  • Crocodile River remains in high flow, with sustained flows from upstream, but not excessive flood conditions. The gate is open for now but the rest camp is still not admitting overnight visitors as yet and the gate is for emergency access to replenish supplies and fuel.
  • Sabie River remains in high flows, with sustained flows from upstream and access to Lower Sabie expected to remain closed for next 48 hours.
  • Olifants River remains in high flows, Lepelle Northern Water used the flood conditions as opportunity to flush the Phalaborwa Barrage creating important storage capacity for future dry conditions.
  • Access to the north of Kruger National Park remains open over the high-water bridge over Sabie and Olifants Rivers, although the Balule low water bridge remains closed and will remain for the foreseeable future.
  • The Letaba River remains in high flows although only intermittent rain is expected. There is no access at the low water bridge connection between Phalaborwa and Mopani Rest Camp, high water bridge access to far north unaffected.
  • Shingwedzi River remains in normal summer flow conditions.
  • Luvuvhu River also remains in normal summer flow, as does the Limpopo River in the far north and access to Makuleke Contractual National Park/Pafuri Section remains open - Importantly during this flood process SANParks remains in constant communication with Dept of Water & Sanitation and Catchment Management Agencies, as well as our neighbouring water management authorities in Mozambique and the provincial disaster management centres in South Africa.
  • Overall conditions from a river ecosystems perspective is that the flood conditions provide good natural flushing conditions for the rivers, groundwater recharge which is important for dry season flows and at this stage there is are no concerns from a conservation perspective.
  • All gravel and management roads in southern Kruger National Park however sustained significant damage which will only be assessed over the next 14 days as conditions start drying out and technical staff are able to get to these roads.

  • All dirt roads in the south (Marula Region) remain closed, as are the minority in the north (Nxanetseni) due to wet conditions.
  • The majority of tar roads in the park remain fully accessible, expect in the south with no access from Skukuza to Lower Sabie due to washing away of the road at 3 locations
  • Some damages to other smaller bridges but these have been assessed for safety and remain open
  • SANParks strongly urges visitors to remain vigilant and under no circumstances to access roads where barricades have been placed
  • There have unfortunately been a few occasions where tour operators in Open safari Vehicles have removed the barricades which might endanger the lives of their clients.
  • All tar roads in Kruger National Park are open; except the main road between Skukuza and Lower Sabie.
  • The Pretoriuskop- Skukuza main road remains closed.
  • Talamati and Biyamiti Bush Camps are closed.
  • Balule is now open. Access from the south, S89 and S90. The Olifants River low water bridge is still closed.
  • Sable Hide closed.
  • Shimuwini, Bateleur and Sirheni Bush Camps open.
  • All Rest Camps are operational except Crocodile Bridge and Lower Sabie.
  • All Entrance Gates except Crocodile Bridge are open.
  • The restrooms at Tshokwane are currently out of order.
  • Skukuza Airport is operating but advises passengers to contact their lodges to get information before flying to Skukuza. The airport is currently processing passengers to and from the airport via Shelati Bridge; and all transfer companies, lodge representatives, car hire should pick up and drop off in the Skukuza Day Visitors Site which is adjacent to the train/bridge because the Sabie low level bridge is currently flooded.
  • At this stage the mid-term forecasts are for intermittent and localised rain along with a steady drying out conditions
  • There are some forecasts for further wet conditions in 10 days or so, however SANParks relies on the official impact based rainfall forecasts generated by the South African Weather Services for forward planning. These new impact-based forecasts have really assisted SANParks to be proactive and pre-emptive in its planning.

15 February 2023

Air Mauritius resumes direct flights to Cape Town!

Air Mauritius, the flag carrier of Mauritius, is set to re-commence its year-round direct service  to Cape Town in South Africa. Effective 19 March 2023, the airline will operate two weekly flights between Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) on Mauritius, the main island of Republic of Mauritius, and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town.

Air Mauritius currently also operates six weekly flights between Mauritius and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg.

 

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13 February 2023

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Shortage of unleaded fuel at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp! [update]

update (20 February 2023): The situation has been resolved. Adequate unleaded fuel is available again.

According to a posting by Regional Communications Manager: Arid Parks at South African National Parks (SANParks), Genevieve Maasdorp, in the SANParks - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park facebook groupTwee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is currently experiencing a low shortage of unleaded fuel. Travellers are advised to fill up their vehicles with unleaded fuel in Askham or at Nossob Rest Camp or Mata Mata Rest Camps. The provider of the are aware of the shortage and it is expected that the problem will be resolved soon. We'll keep you posted!

The Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is situated on the banks of the Dry Nossob Riverbed. It has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception. The town of Askham is located about 200 km north of Upington at the junction of the R31 and the R360 roads.

10 February 2023

eSwatini: eSwatini Air has released an update on the latest developments! [update]

update (24 February 2023): The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) has granted Foreign Operator Permits (FOP) to Eswatini Air and Zambia Airways. The FOPs authorize the respective airlines to operate passenger and cargo operations in and outbound RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare, Zimbabwe.

eSwatini Air, the new flag carrier of the Kingdom of eSwatini, has released an update on the latest developments. The airline's Air Operator Certificate (AOC) was approved at the end of last year. The Foreign Operator Permit (FOP) for Zimbabwe has been received, while the FOP for South Africa is still in process.
The Royal Eswatini National Airways Corporation (RENAC)* has also been assigned airline codes by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) - the assigned IATA 2 letter code is "RN" and the IATA 3 digit accounting prefix is "507".
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has also assigned codes for airline identification when operating international flights. The two codes applicable are "SZL" as the 3 letter designator and "Eswatini" as the Telephony designator.
eSwatini Air has applied for landing and departure slots at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg as well as Robert G. Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare.

According to eSwatini Air's update, a define date for its maiden flight can not be set as the turnaround time for the outstanding process is dependent on various factors beyond the airline's control. As soon as all outstanding matters are cleared, a flight schedule and pricing will be released. However, the airline is expecting to be able lo launch operations at the beginning of the next IATA seson, which is 26 March 2023. We'll keep you posted!

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*eSwatini Air is RENAC's (new) trading name.

09 February 2023

CemAir to launch flights between Johannesburg <> Maun!

South African domestic and regional carrier CemAir is set to launch a new service to Botswana. The airline will operate daily non-stop flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Maun International Airport (MUB) in Maun from 01 May 2023. Flights will depart Johannesburg at 12:15 and arrive in Maun at 14:00, while the return flights will depart Maun at 14:30 and arrive in Johannesburg at 16:05. 

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Cape Town: Newlands Picnic Site to be open only on weekends!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the opening times for the Newlands Picnic Site in the Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town are set to change. Between 13 February 2023 and 31 May 2023, the popular picnic site will be closed during the week and only be open on weekends. From 01 June until 30 September, the Newlands Picnic Site is closed to the public.
Conveniently situated off the M3 near Rondebosch, Newlands Picnic Site is situated under the shade of pine trees and is popular on weekends. Several hikes are also accessible from the picnic area. Alcohol is prohibited.

South African Airways to resume flights to Malawi!

South African Airways (SAA) is set to resume flights to Malawi. Effective 16 March 2023, the airline will operate two weekly return flights on Thursdays and Saturdays from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg to Kamuzu International Airport (LLW) in Lilongwe and Chileka International Airport (BLZ) in Blantyre. SAA started selling tickets on 06 February 2023.

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Northern Namibia: Temporary Closure of District Road 3636 (Okapya - Eheke - Onakamwandi)!

Namibia's Roads Authority (RA), whose core business is to construct and maintain the country's road sector, has informed the public that the Okapya-Eheke-Onakamwandi road is temporarily closed until further notice. This is due to flooding. Motorists who are traveling from Eheke and Onakamwandi should use the DR3644 (Eheke to Ombundja) and access the D3607 to Oshakati/Ongwediva/Ondangwa.
Alternatively motorists are advised to use the DR3644 and connect to the DR3660 from Ondanadhambinga to access the DR4102 to Omengee and connect to the DR4167 to Ongwediva/Oshakati/Ondangwa.


Zambia: Zambia Airways to launch regional flights! [update]

update (24 February 2023): The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) has granted Foreign Operator Permits (FOP) to Eswatini Air and Zambia Airways. The FOPs authorize the respective airlines to operate passenger and cargo operations in and outbound RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The national airline of the Republic of Zambia, Zambia Airways, is set to launch regional flights before the end of March 2023. The airline, a joint venture between Zambia's state-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC; 55%) and Ethiopian Airlines (45%), announced last June that its first regional service to Johannesburg in South Africa would be introduced on 01 July 2022. This never happened due to delays in securing the Foreign Operator Permit which is a requirement for the commencement of regional flights. According to the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), Zambia Airways now has secured the Foreign Operator Permit and is ready to go regional before the end of next month. We'll keep you posted!

Zambia Airways commenced operations on 01 December 2021. The airline currently connects Lusaka with the tourist heart of Zambia, Livingstone, Ndola in the Copperbelt Province and Solwezi in Zambia's North-Western Province.  

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Kruger National Park: Road/bridge/camp closures due to heavy rains & flooding! [update #19]

update (16 February 2023): South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an comprehensive update of the current state of Kruger National Park following the heavy rains and floodings of the last couple of days since early February 2023. READ MORE

update (16 February 2023): Balule is now open for guests from today. Access is still from the south on S89 and S90. Olifants River low water bridge remains closed.

update (16 February 2023): Crocodile Bridge has been cleared for emergency entry and exit ONLY. The gate will remain closed for guest use until desaster recovery is complete.

update (15 February 2023): The gravel road S3, from Phabeni to Pretoriuskop is open. Guests can use that as an emergency detour between Skukuza and Malelane.

update (15 February 2023): The Letaba Low Water Bridge on the H14 in the Kruger National Park is flooding and closed. The S112 and S114 are also closed and needing repairs before guests can make use of them.
Kruger National Park river flow update:
Crocodile River remains high 250 cumec at Malelane, with similar volumes on the way, with extended forecast for Croc Bridge to remain closed by another 48 hours. Sabie River upstream at Hazyview over 120 cumec, and with Inyaka dam still spilling, Sand River has dropped down to 75 cumec from 300 yesterday, again extend, no access to Lower Sabie by another 48 hours or so.
Olifants stable but high at over 600 cumec. Letaba flow will increase now as the Klein Letaba now in flood, this restricts access at Low Water Bridge.
Luvuvhu at Parfuri has risen and the Limpopo at Beitbridge now rising rapidly, but at this stage within normal flood peak range, nothing excessive.

update (14 February 2023): Tshokwane restrooms and kitchen are currently out of order due to a lack of running water. Guests are requested to be patient while a 6000 litre tanker for assistance is being sent through.
Please note that SANParks' Central Reservations has been inundated with calls since the floods began. Some camps have had their data and phone lines damaged from the rains. If one is struggling to get through, alternatively please contact SANParks' satellite offices for assistance. Shingwedzi is also currently unavailable due to damaged communication lines. 

update (14 February 2023): Kruger National Park river flow update:

  • Sabie River at lower Sabie at 140 cumecs, with sustained upstream contributions, expect lower Sabie access to remain close for approximately 48 hours.
  • Crocodile River at Malalene close to 300 cumec with sustained upstream flows, so Crocodile Bridge also to remain close for another 48 hours or so at least.
  • Letaba River flood pulse has pass and flows now dropping. Olifants also dropping. Keeping an eye on Luvuvhu at this stage.

update (13 February 2023): Various parts of Kruger National Park are expected to receive more rain in the coming week (13 -17 February 2023). As a precautionary measure, gravel roads and remote camps have been temporarily closed including those used to evacuate guests from Lower Sabie, Biyamiti and Crocodile Bridge out of the Kruger National Park yesterday. Tar roads are open although the disaster management teams had to temporarily close some of them for a short period yesterday (route between Pretoriuskop and Skukuza as well as the one between Malelane and Skukuza) for guests’ safety; but these were reopened as soon as flash floods stopped. Skukuza Airport is operating but advises passengers to contact their lodges to get information before flying to Skukuza. The airport is currently processing passengers to and from the airport via Shelati Bridge; and all transfer companies, lodge representatives, car hire should pick up and drop off in the Skukuza Day Visitors Site which is adjacent to the train/bridge because the Sabie low level bridge is currently flooded.
The status of camps and roads in Kruger National Park is as follows:

  • Gravel roads in the South remain closed
  • All tar roads in the Park are open; except the main road between Skukuza and Lower Sabie
  • Talamati Bush Camp is closed
  • Balule is closed
  • Biyamiti Bush Camp closed
  • Sable Hide closed
  • Shimuwini, Bateleur and Sirheni Bush Camps open
  • All Rest Camps are operational except Crocodile Bridge and Lower Sabie
  • All Entrance Gates except Crocodile Bridge are open

update (13 February 2023) All dirt roads around Olifants, Mopani, Shingwedzi apart from road S25 S52 are open. All dirt roads around Letaba are closed until further notice.
Tarred roads in the south of Kruger National Park are all open except Lower Sabie and Skukuza. Majority of gravel roads are open but visitors should be cautious and not remove "No Entry" barricades (including branches of trees). A lot of work still needs to be done until all roads can be fully open and operational. Crocodile Bridge situation remains unchanged since yesterday afternoon. The Bridge is still flooded, heavy rain fell overnight. All dirt roads remain closed.
More rain is anticipated for 13-15 February 2023.

update (13 February 2023): The road from Phabeni to Skukuza is currently open with the Disaster Management Team keeping an eye on Nwaswitshaka Low water Bridge as it’s flow slowly rises.
Eskom power has been restored in the northern part of Kruger National Park, including Mopani Rest Camp.

update (12 February 2023): All roads in the south of Kruger National Park are currently closed. River levels are rapidly rising and it is advisable to stay indoors. Disaster Management is on High alert.
Skukuza is currently experiencing heavy rain. It is advisable for passengers inteding to fly to/from Skukuzu Airport to contact their lodges to get further information. Should the situation improve SANParks will process passengers to/from the airport via the Shalati Bridge.
All transfer companies, lodge representatives, car hire will pick up and drop off in the Skukuza day visitors car park adjacent to the bridge/train. Please advise passengers that a shuttle is being run between the airport and the bridge but has limited capacity and to expect delays with this process.

Sable Hide in Kruger National Park is temporarily closed. The hide is currently flooded and cannot accommodate overnight visitors.

N4 Lowveld:

  • One lane on the N4 is open and passable with slow moving traffic.
  • At Watervalboven tunnel. 2 trucks landed on top of rockfalls. Both lanes obstructed. NOT passable!!
  • Schoemanskloof at De Beers Nek. Landslide and rock falls. NOT passable!
  • Thus the only route out of Nelspruit area towards Middelburg and Gauteng would be via Badplaas, Carolina and joining N4 at Wonderfontein. From Kruger Gate use Sabie, Longtom pass, Lydenburg roads.

update (11 February 2023): An evacuation operation is underway in Kruger National Park to assist guests who were staying at Lower Sabie, Talamati, Crocodile Bridge and Biyamiti with available safe passage out of the National Park. This is an evacuation route, and no guests will be able to travel through to those camps. Guests with bookings at affected camps are advised to amend their dates through SANParks Central Reservations.
According to reports from the South African Weather Services, various parts of the Kruger National Park, will continue to receive rainfall as from Friday, 10 February until Friday, 17 February 2023. Disaster management teams in the park and external role players are on alert and monitoring the impact of this rainfall.

  • Camps/Lodges:
    • All are open except Lower Sabie, Biyamiti, Crocodile Bridge and Talamati.
  • Gates/Ports of Entry:
    • All Gates and Ports of Entry are open except Crocodile Bridge.
  • Access roads inside Kruger National Park:
    • All tarred roads are open except:
    • The route directly from Lower Sabie to Skukuza remains inaccessible.
    • The route between Satara and Skukuza has been restored and is operational.
    • The water flowing into the Lonely bull bridge is rising; the tar road between Phalaborwa and Mopani will be affected; please be cautious.

update (10 February 2023): The status of all roads closed in Kruger National Park due to the floods has not changed. 

update (10 February 2023): According to SANParks' latest update, some of the camps and roads in the southern part of the Kruger National Park remain temporarily closed due to the recent heavy rains. SANParks would like to advise guests not to use any gravel roads and to stay on the tar. Guests are further advised not to open or travel on any roads which have been closed and not to cross any low-water bridges as the dangers of being washed away remain high.
All access gates into Kruger National Park are open, except Crocodile Bridge, and guests can enter and exit the south of the park from the open gates. The route directly from Lower Sabie to Skukuza remains inaccessible; whilst travelling between Satara and Skukuza or Lower Sabie is not possible at this stage.
Guests are advised not to take chances and leave any camp without checking with camp management and reception about the status of the roads they plan to travel on. The rain forecast for today remains high, caution should be exercised at all times on the roads. 

update (10 February 2023): According to the latest flood update by SANParks, four rest camps in Kruger National Park have been badly affected by the floods; namely: Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, Biyamiti and Talamati. These camps remain inaccessible since the early hours of yesterday morning. Guests that have bookings in the four affected camps can contact those camps directly or SANParks Central Reservations for assistance to modify their bookings while the camps remain inaccessible.
All access gates into Kruger National Park are open and guests can enter and exit the south of the National Park from these gates, except Crocodile Bridge. Traveling between Satara and Skukuza or Lower Sabie is not possible at this stage.
The route directly from Lower Sabie to Skukuza remains inaccessible. 

update (09 February 2023): SANParks has release new "Kruger National Park road update". According to the update, the S140 and the the S145 to Talamati remains inaccessible. Visitors cannot access the Crocodile Bridge Gate and the Malelane Gate due to the flooding of the Crocodile River and several other bridges are currently overflowing.

update (09 February 2023): Skukuza Airport is open and flights will be operating. Access to and from the airport will be via the Shalati Train Bridge. Vehicles are to park adjacent to the day visitors parking and passengers and staff only will be permitted to cross the bridge by foot. The Airport has arranged for a vehicle to be available to shuttle people from the Tinga side of the bridge to/from the airport. 

update (09 February 2023): SANParks has release new "Kruger National Park road update". According to the update, Skukuza currently is cut off - Delaporte bridge and the bridge between Skukuza and the staff village are underwater. The road between LS (Lower Sabie?) and Skukuza is washed away, and the low level bridge north of Skukuza is also closed.

South African National Park (SANParks) has announced several road updates for roads in the  Kruger National Park. The region experienced heavy rains and flooding over the last couple of days, which caused roads and bridges inside the National Park to overflow. According to SANParks:

  • Lower Sabie Bridge is overflowing and closed
    •  if need to travel up north, you can use alternative roads
  • From Lower Sabie to Skukuza after Lubyelubye at Mhlagambu stream the road has been washed away
  • Nwaswitshaka low water bridge is overflowing and closed
  • The following roads have been closed
    • S140 to Talamati. 
      • Guests can use S145 to S25
    • S40
    • S90
    • S100
    • S125
    • S126
    • S127

08 February 2023

Airlink & British Airways sign codeshare agreement!

British Airways, the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, and South African privately-owned regional airline Airlink have signed a codeshare agreement. Under the agreement, British Airways’ customers travelling from or transiting through Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London will be able to connect to their final destination via Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town or OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg on a single ticket. In total, 18 destinations are available as codeshare options when travelling from London via Johannesburg and Cape Town. Examples include:

Codeshare tickets are now available to book for travel from 15 February 2023 onwards. Other Southern Africa destinations are pending government approval and might join the codeshare agreement at a later date.

British Airways currently flies twice daily between Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London and Johannesburg with A380 aircraft, twice daily between Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Cape Town with B777 and A350 aircraft and three times per week between Gatwick Airport (LGW) in London and Cape Town with B777 aircraft.

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