Kruger National Park: Restaurant changes at four popular rest camps

Visitors to South Africa's Kruger National Park will see changes to several familiar restaurants as new operators take over at four popular rest camps. Lower Sabie, Pretoriuskop and Berg-en-Dal will get new dining concepts, while the Cattle Baron restaurant at Skukuza is set for a refurbishment.

South African National Parks (SANParks) says the appointments follow the expiry of previous concession agreements and a competitive tender process. The changes are intended to refresh Kruger National Park's dining facilities and improve the visitor experience.

Four Kruger National Park restaurants set for changes

The changes affect four established dining venues across the Kruger National Park:

• Lower Sabie Rest Camp: The former Mugg & Bean will reopen as Sabie River Café, introducing a new restaurant concept at one of the park's popular camps in the south.
• Pretoriuskop Rest Camp: The existing Wimpy will be replaced by Le Lapeng Burgers and Grill.
• Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp: Tindlovu Restaurant will be transformed into Eziko Eatery.
• Skukuza Rest Camp: Cattle Baron will retain its name but undergo refurbishment to give the restaurant a refreshed look and feel.

The changes mean that visitors should not assume that familiar restaurant brands or menus will remain available during their next Kruger National Park visit.

Temporary dining arrangements during refurbishment

SANParks says temporary dining facilities offering limited menus will be available during refurbishment work to maintain some food service at the affected camps.

Travellers should nevertheless expect possible disruptions while the upgrades are under way. If restaurant dining is an important part of your itinerary, it is worth checking the latest arrangements before travelling and considering alternative meal options, particularly when staying at one of the affected camps.

SANParks has not specified the individual reopening dates or provided detailed information about the new menus in its announcement. Visitors should therefore check for further updates before relying on a particular restaurant being fully operational.

What this means for visitors to the Kruger National Park

The restaurant changes form part of the ongoing development of tourism facilities in the Kruger National Park. For visitors, the immediate consideration is the potential impact on meal options at Lower Sabie, Pretoriuskop, Berg-en-Dal and Skukuza while refurbishment work takes place.

The new operators are expected to introduce fresh dining concepts and invest in the facilities. However, until more details are released, it remains unclear what the new restaurants will offer in terms of menus, prices and opening hours.

If you are planning a self-drive safari, especially one involving overnight stays at several rest camps, check the latest restaurant information when confirming your arrangements. Having groceries or other meal options available can be useful if your preferred restaurant is temporarily closed or operating with a reduced menu.

The new restaurants are expected to open in the coming months as the respective facilities are upgraded. Further details about reopening dates and dining options will be useful for travellers planning their next Kruger National Park safari.

 

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|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park Flooding: Road closures and Sendelingsdrift pontoon update

Flooding caused by rising Orange River water levels continues to affect access to parts of |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park in South Africa. Several roads and a wilderness camp remain closed, while the Sendelingsdrift pontoon, used for the border crossing between South Africa and Namibia, is also out of operation.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has warned that access to some areas of the park cannot currently be guaranteed. The closures follow a significant rise in Orange River water levels since late September 2026.

The following closures are currently in effect:

• Sendelingsdrift pontoon: Closed, affecting the river crossing between South Africa and Namibia.
• De Hoop Wilderness Camp (Block C): Closed.
• Road between De Hoop and Richtersberg: Closed.
• Road between Richtersberg and Tatasberg: Closed.

The duration of the closures remains uncertain. Although access will be reassessed as river levels recede, saturated ground and flood damage could delay road repairs and reopening. Travellers should therefore not rely on previously announced reopening dates and should confirm current conditions with SANParks before departure.

Camps and facilities that remain open

The following camps and facilities are reported to remain open:

• Pooitjiespram
• Gannakouriep Wilderness Rest Camp
• Sendelingsdrift Rest Camp
• Hakkiesdoring
• Kokkerboomkloof Campsite

However, visitors should check whether their planned route is accessible before travelling, as open accommodation does not necessarily mean that all roads leading to it are passable.

What if you have an existing booking?

Visitors with reservations affected by the closures can contact Richtersveld National Park Reception to discuss the available options. SANParks is offering alternative accommodation without amendment or cancellation fees, a Credit on Hand (COH) to reschedule a booking, or a full refund.

Travellers planning to cross between South Africa and Namibia via Sendelingsdrift should make alternative arrangements while the pontoon remains closed. Before setting off for |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, check the latest road and river conditions directly with SANParks, as flooding and subsequent damage may continue to affect access even after water levels begin to fall.

 

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South Africa declares Grasslands National Park in the Eastern Cape

South Africa has officially declared the Grasslands National Park in the Eastern Cape, protecting more than 10,000 hectares of highland grasslands and an important water source area. The new national park, managed by South African National Parks (SANParks), is situated between Nqanqarhu (formerly Maclear) and Rhodes in the Eastern Cape highlands.

The declaration was announced on 09 October 2026, following the publication of Government Gazette No. 55531. The park comprises 18 properties covering a combined area of 10,225.9 hectares.

Where is the Grasslands National Park?

The new park is located in the highlands of the Eastern Cape, between Nqanqarhu and the village of Rhodes, near the southern section of the Drakensberg mountain range.

This is a region of open grasslands, mountain scenery and rural agricultural landscapes. The area is also part of the Eastern Cape Drakensberg Strategic Water Source Area, making it important for water security as well as biodiversity conservation.

Why is the new national park important?

The Grasslands National Park aims to protect South Africa's grassland ecosystems, which remain under-represented in the country's protected-area network. These landscapes support biodiversity and play an important role in maintaining water resources.

Unlike some of South Africa's better-known national parks, the new park has been established primarily through a biodiversity stewardship model. Participating landowners retain ownership of their properties while committing to agreed conservation and management arrangements.

Compatible agricultural activities can continue under these arrangements, allowing conservation efforts to coexist with local livelihoods.

The initiative was developed through cooperation between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, SANParks, WWF South Africa and other partners.

What does the new national park mean for travellers?

For travellers exploring South Africa's Eastern Cape highlands, the declaration brings greater recognition to a region known for its mountain landscapes and rural character.

However, the establishment of a national park does not automatically mean that visitors can enter the protected properties. No visitor facilities, public access arrangements, tourism activities or opening dates have been confirmed in the announcement.

Travellers planning a trip to Rhodes or the surrounding highlands should therefore continue to follow existing access arrangements and check with SANParks before making specific plans to visit the new park.

The area may become more relevant to nature-based tourism in the future, depending on how visitor access and tourism facilities are developed.

What travellers should know

• Location: Eastern Cape highlands, between Nqanqarhu and Rhodes, South Africa.
• Size: 10,225.9 hectares across 18 properties.
• Management: South African National Parks (SANParks).
• Main purpose: Protecting grassland biodiversity and an important strategic water source area.
• Visitor access: Public access and tourism facilities have not been confirmed in the announcement.

The declaration of the Grasslands National Park is an important conservation milestone for South Africa. For visitors, the immediate significance is the protection of a distinctive highland landscape; whether the new park will become a destination in its own right will depend on future decisions about access and tourism development.

 

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Airlink to launch Cape Town–Lanseria flights from December 2026

South African airline Airlink will launch a new Cape Town <> Lanseria route on 04 December 2026, giving travellers another option for flights between Cape Town and Gauteng.

The airline will initially operate two daily return flights, seven days a week, using Embraer E190 aircraft with 98 seats. This will be Airlink's first scheduled domestic service to Lanseria International Airport (HLA).

Lanseria International Airport (HLA) is located northwest of Johannesburg, in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, near Randburg and Sandton. The airport is accessed via the R512 and N14 and is generally more convenient for travellers staying in or travelling to northern and western parts of Johannesburg and Gauteng than OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). It is also a practical option for travellers continuing towards Pretoria or North West province, depending on their final destination.

From 04 December 2026, the schedule will be:

Flight	Route	Departure	Arrival
4Z 965	HLA–CPT	09:10	11:35
4Z 962	CPT–HLA	09:20	11:35
4Z 966	CPT–HLA	13:30	15:45
4Z 963	HLA–CPT	13:00	15:25

Airlink plans to increase the route to four daily return flights from 22 March 2027. The additional flight times have not yet been published.

For travellers heading to western Johannesburg, western Gauteng or parts of North West province, Lanseria International Airport (HLA) may provide a more convenient alternative to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), depending on their final destination. 

 

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Durban Beach Water Quality Update: Reunion Beach remains closed

Most beaches covered by the latest Durban beach water quality results remain open for swimming, but travellers should avoid Reunion Beach, which is currently closed after recording a very high E. coli level.

The latest results, dated 02 October 2026, show that Reunion Beach recorded an E. coli result of 4,611, well above the municipality's poor-water-quality threshold of 500. The beach is therefore listed as closed for swimming.

Most beaches remain open

The other beaches included in the latest results are listed as open for swimming. This includes popular central Durban beaches such as North Beach, South Beach, Addington, uShaka and Point, as well as beaches further north and south.

Water-quality results vary considerably between individual beaches. Among the latest measurements, Battery Beach recorded 41, uShaka 31, South Beach 51 and North Beach 75. Other open beaches had higher readings, including Umhlanga Main at 185, Country Club at 317 and UmdlotI Main at 487. Despite these differences, all are listed as open in the latest status.
Further south, Amanzimtoti Main recorded 246, while Doonside Beach recorded 269 and Winklespruit 160. Pipeline, at 31, is also listed as open.

What travellers should know

For visitors planning a beach day in Durban, the important point is the current swimming status of the individual beach, rather than assuming that conditions are the same along the entire coastline.

The municipality classifies results below 130 as excellent, between 130 and 500 as acceptable, and above 500 as poor.

At the time covered by this update, Reunion is the only beach in the listed results marked closed for swimming. The municipal information notes that recreational activities other than swimming can still take place at closed beaches, but visitors should not enter the water.

Beach conditions can change, however, and the municipality states that the status is updated when conditions change. Travellers should therefore check the latest local status before swimming in Durban, particularly after heavy rain or other events that can affect coastal water quality.

Source: eThekwini Municipality, Beach Water Quality Results and Status of Beaches and Swimming Pools, 02 October 2026.  

 

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South Africa's summer 2026/27: Hotter weather and below-average rainfall expected

South Africa is likely to experience a hotter and drier than normal summer in 2026/27, with below-average rainfall expected across much of the country's north-eastern half. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasts above-normal temperatures and an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall between October 2026 and February 2027, as a strong El Niño continues to develop.

The seasonal climate outlook, issued on 30 September 2026, indicates that these conditions could affect travel across parts of South Africa, particularly in regions already experiencing water shortages. However, the forecast represents probabilities rather than certainty, and actual weather conditions may vary between regions and throughout the season.

What travellers can expect

The SAWS expects warmer-than-normal minimum and maximum temperatures across most of South Africa during spring and early summer. Below-normal rainfall is more likely across much of the north-eastern half of the country, particularly during late spring and early to mid-summer.

For travellers planning a summer holiday, this could mean hotter conditions, limited water availability in some destinations and an increased risk of veld fires. The outlook is particularly relevant for visitors planning self-drive trips, camping holidays and safaris in South Africa's summer rainfall regions.

The forecast does not mean that the entire country will experience a drought or that rainfall will be absent. Rather, it indicates an increased likelihood of drier conditions than usual in the affected areas.

El Niño and its impact on South Africa

The outlook is consistent with the expected effects of El Niño in Southern Africa. According to the SAWS, the current strong El Niño is expected to intensify towards a very strong phase over the next couple of months and potentially persist until the end of the 2026/27 summer season.

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that can influence rainfall and temperatures in different parts of the world. In Southern Africa, it is typically associated with warmer and drier conditions, increasing the risk of drought, water shortages and veld fires.

The SAWS warns that below-normal rainfall combined with above-normal temperatures could place additional pressure on water resources, particularly in water-scarce areas of the central interior and north-eastern parts of South Africa.

Travellers visiting South Africa during the 2026/27 summer should keep the seasonal outlook in mind when planning their trips, especially when travelling to areas that depend on limited water resources.

• Safari holidays: Hotter and drier conditions could increase the risk of veld fires and affect vegetation and water availability in some wildlife areas. Actual conditions will depend on local rainfall and temperatures.
• Self-drive trips: Travellers should check local weather forecasts, road conditions and any fire-related restrictions before setting out, particularly when visiting remote areas.
• Camping and outdoor activities: Above-normal temperatures increase the risk of heat stress and dehydration. Carry sufficient drinking water, avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat and plan outdoor activities around the cooler parts of the day.
• Water availability: Destinations already experiencing water supply challenges may face additional pressure if below-normal rainfall materialises. Travellers staying at campsites, lodges and other accommodation in affected areas should be prepared for possible water-use restrictions.

Although the outlook points towards hotter and drier conditions, it does not predict the timing or severity of individual heatwaves, droughts or fire events. Travellers should therefore continue to monitor local weather forecasts and any travel advisories issued during the summer season.

Keep an eye on updated forecasts

The SAWS will continue to monitor climate conditions and update its seasonal outlook as new information becomes available. Seasonal forecasts become less certain the further ahead they look, making it important for travellers to check the latest information closer to their departure dates.

The October 2026 to February 2027 outlook is a useful indication of the conditions that may develop across South Africa, but it should not be treated as a day-to-day weather forecast. For the latest information, travellers can consult the South African Weather Service's seasonal forecasts and its short-term weather warnings.

Source: South African Weather Service, Seasonal Climate Watch: October 2026 to February 2027, issued 30 September 2026.

 

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Addo Elephant National Park: Main Camp swimming pool to close for maintenance

The swimming pool at Main Camp in Addo Elephant National Park will be closed for approximately four weeks from 13 October 2026 for maintenance ahead of the summer season.

The temporary closure affects overnight guests at Main Camp who will not be able to use the swimming pool during their stay. The pool is expected to reopen in mid-November 2026, subject to the progress of the maintenance work.

Main Camp is Addo Elephant National Park's principal accommodation facility, offering chalets, cottages, safari tents and camping facilities, as well as a restaurant and shop. Located in the southern section of the park, it provides convenient access to the main game-viewing area, which is particularly known for its large elephant population.

Addo Elephant National Park is located approximately 70 km north-east of Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape and is a popular destination for self-drive safaris.

 

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Namibia: No reopening date for Swakopmund’s National Marine Aquarium

Swakopmund's National Marine Aquarium has remained closed since October 2023, when it shut its doors because of structural damage caused by years of seawater corrosion. Although the renovation project has been included in Namibia's multi-year development budget, physical renovation work has not yet started, and the project is still in the planning stage.

Namibia's latest development budget provides further details about the project, including additional funding and plans to refurbish the adjacent Namibia Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (NATMIRC). Even so, no reopening date has been announced, and travellers should not expect the aquarium to reopen before an official announcement.

Renovation funding extended to 2028 

According to Namibia's 2025/26–2027/28 Development Budget Book, the government has allocated an estimated N$27.12 million for the renovation and upgrading of the National Marine Aquarium. The funding is spread across four financial years, with N$10 million earmarked for 2025/26, N$8.5 million for 2026/27 and a further N$7.55 million for 2027/28. The budget also includes N$1.07 million for 2024/25.

The latest figures are higher than the provisional N$20 million budget reported in June 2025. However, the government has not published a final project cost or a detailed breakdown of actual expenditure.

The renovation is being managed by Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform. In addition to repairing the aquarium, the project includes the refurbishment of the neighbouring Namibia Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre (NATMIRC), which supports the country’s marine research activities.

No confirmed reopening date

The renovation has experienced considerable delays since the aquarium closed in October 2023 because of structural damage caused by prolonged exposure to seawater. In June 2025, the ministry confirmed that physical renovation work on the aquarium had not yet started. The delays were attributed partly to administrative restructuring and the need for detailed engineering assessments to determine the full extent of the damage and the necessary repairs.

The government’s latest budget schedules the project’s completion for March 2028. However, this is the planned end of the renovation programme and does not necessarily mean that the aquarium will reopen to visitors by then. As of September 2026, the aquarium remains closed, and no official reopening date has been announced.

For travellers planning a visit to Swakopmund, the continued closure means that one of the town’s established indoor attractions remains unavailable. The aquarium is particularly popular with families and visitors interested in Namibia's marine wildlife, making its absence worth considering when planning an itinerary.

Until further notice, travellers should check the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform for updates and should not include the National Marine Aquarium in their travel plans without first confirming that it has reopened.

 

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Durban Beach Water Quality: Most beaches open, Reunion remains closed

Durban's latest beach water-quality results show that most monitored beaches are open for swimming, but Reunion Beach remains closed because of very high E. coli levels.

The latest results, issued on 23 September 2026, show that most of Durban's main swimming beaches currently have an open status. For travellers planning time on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, however, it is worth checking the latest status before heading into the water, as conditions can change.

Reunion Beach remains closed

The main exception is Reunion Beach, south of Durban. Its latest recorded E. coli result was more than 24,196, compared with the municipal limit of 500 for an acceptable result. The beach is therefore closed for swimming.

The municipal classification uses three thresholds:

• Excellent: below 130
• Acceptable: 130–500
• Poor: above 500

The closure means visitors should not swim at Reunion Beach, although other recreational activities can still take place there.

Most major beaches are open

The latest list includes a wide range of beaches in Durban that are open for swimming, including uShaka, Addington, South Beach, North Beach, Bay of Plenty, Battery Beach, Country Club, thekwini Beach, Laguna Beach, Umhlanga Main, Bronze Beach, Umdloti Main and Westbrook.

The individual test results vary considerably. For example, Umdloti Main recorded less than 10 E. coli, while North Beach recorded 135 and Addington 350. All three were nevertheless listed as open in the latest results.
Further south, Amanzimtoti Main recorded 31, Ansteys less than 10 and Winklespruit 20, while Doonside recorded 350. These beaches were also listed as open.

What this means for travellers

For visitors staying in or around Durban, there is currently a choice of beaches where swimming is permitted. Reunion Beach should be avoided for swimming until its status changes.

The important point is that the water-quality situation is not uniform along the coast. Individual beaches are tested and their status can change, so travellers should check the latest municipal information rather than assuming that conditions at one beach apply to the entire Durban coastline.

Beach operating hours listed in the update are 06:00–18:00 on weekdays and 09:00–17:00 on Sundays and public holidays.

Traveller tip: If swimming is an important part of your Durban itinerary, check the beach's current status shortly before visiting, particularly after heavy rain or other events that can affect coastal water quality.

Source: eThekwini Municipality, Beach Water Quality Results and Status of Beaches and Swimming Pools, 23 September 2026. 

 

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Malawi Tightens Currency Rules: What travellers need to know

Travellers leaving Malawi now face new limits on the amount of foreign and Malawi currency they can take across the country's borders. The changes are particularly relevant to visitors who bring substantial amounts of cash into Malawi for their trip.

The changes are contained in the Foreign Exchange (Limit on Physical Possession of Foreign Currency) Notice, 2026, made on 07 September 2026 and published in the Malawi Government Gazette on 18 September 2026. The new rules set limits both on the physical possession of foreign currency and on taking foreign currency out of Malawi.

click to enlarge

Under the new rules, individuals may not take or send more than US$1,000, or its equivalent in another foreign currency, out of Malawi unless they can provide evidence that the money was obtained from an authorised dealer or have permission from the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM).

Why might travellers carry more than US$1,000?

For some visitors, bringing substantial amounts of cash into Malawi can be a practical precaution. Card and ATM access can be less reliable outside major centres, while travellers heading to remote areas, national parks or rural accommodation may have limited opportunities to obtain cash.

A traveller might therefore arrive with US$1,500 or US$2,000 to cover lodges, activities, transport, tips and other expenses, particularly on a longer trip.

This makes declaring foreign currency on arrival particularly important.

Bringing your own cash into Malawi

Malawi's existing exchange-control framework contains provisions allowing a non-resident to take foreign currency out of the country up to the amount they brought in. A tourist arriving with US$1,000, declaring it at the border and leaving with the same US$1,000, is therefore not necessarily in the same position as someone who acquired the money inside Malawi.

However, the new notice does not clearly explain how this existing provision interacts with the new US$1,000 limit. The position is even less clear for someone arriving with more than US$1,000.

Travellers should keep their arrival currency declaration and evidence of the source of their cash. Anyone planning to bring more than US$1,000 into Malawi and leave with some of it should check the requirements with the RBM or Malawi customs before travelling.

Malawi kwacha is also restricted

The rules separately limit the amount of Malawi kwacha that can be taken out of the country. Ordinary travellers are limited to the equivalent of US$100 in Malawi's currency, while cross-border traders can take or send up to the equivalent of US$5,000 without RBM permission.

Traveller checklist

Before travelling to and from Malawi with cash:

• Declare foreign currency when entering Malawi.
• Keep your declaration or receipt until you leave.
• Keep proof of where the money came from, particularly for cash purchased from an authorised dealer.
• If carrying more than US$1,000, check the current requirements with the RBM or Malawi customs before departure.
• Remember that Malawi kwacha has a separate export limit.
• Don't assume that money you legally brought into Malawi can automatically be taken out again without documentation.

For travellers, the practical message is simple: declare substantial foreign currency when entering Malawi, keep the paperwork, and do not assume that the new US$1,000 export limit automatically settles the question of money you legitimately brought into the country.

The restrictions come as Malawi continues to face severe foreign-exchange shortages and tighter controls over the movement of hard currency.

 

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Cape Town Beach Alerts: New tool lets travellers check beach water quality

Travellers heading to Cape Town’s beaches and tidal pools now have a new way to check coastal conditions before heading to the water.

The City of Cape Town has launched Cape Town Beach Alerts, an online platform covering beaches and tidal pools along the Atlantic and False Bay coastlines. It brings together recent and longer-term water-quality results, coastal alerts, weather information and lifeguard details in one place.

The platform allows users to search for an individual beach or tidal pool in Cape Town and view its latest available water-quality result, as well as the eight most recent samples and longer-term results over a rolling 365-day period.

Results are shown using a simple colour system: green indicates a result within the national recreational water-quality guidelines, amber indicates a single failed result, while red indicates two consecutive failed results. The site also shows when the last failed result occurred and how frequently a location is tested.

For travellers, the service goes beyond water quality. Individual beach pages also include current weather and a three-day forecast, wind direction and strength, active coastal alerts, and information about seasonal lifeguard services and Blue Flag status.

The City says its monitoring programme covers more than 300 km of coastline, with samples collected every week at more than 100 locations. Water samples are independently analysed for enterococci, an indicator used to assess recreational coastal water quality.

One important point for visitors is that water-quality results are based on samples collected previously rather than real-time measurements. According to information provided by the City, it can take at least 72 hours from sampling to an independently tested result being published.

Cape Town Beach Alerts is available at:

Cape Town Beach Alerts

The service is also available through the City of Cape Town mobile app, where users can register for push notifications about environmental and pollution-related incidents affecting beaches and tidal pools.

For visitors planning beach days in Cape Town, it is a useful page to check alongside the weather and other local safety information—particularly when deciding between different beaches or tidal pools.

 

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Eastern Cape Free Access Week 2026: 11 reserves waive entry fees from 24 September

The Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency (ECPTA) will offer free day access to 11 provincial nature reserves in the Eastern Cape from 24 September to 04 October 2026.

The Free Access Week 2026 promotion waives both gate and conservation fees for day visitors at participating reserves. It does not include accommodation, activities or other additional costs.

The free-access promotion applies to day visitors at the following reserves in the Eastern Cape:

1. Thomas Baines Nature Reserve
2. Waters Meeting Nature Reserve
3. Tsolwana/Commando Drift Nature Reserve
4. Mpofu/Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve
5. Oviston Nature Reserve
6. East London Coast Nature Reserve
7. Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve
8. Silaka Nature Reserve
9. Mkambati Nature Reserve
10. Hluleka Nature Reserve
11. Groendal Nature Reserve

The participating reserves cover several parts of the Eastern Cape, from the coastal reserves around East London and the Wild Coast to inland conservation areas.

The promotion is therefore particularly relevant to travellers planning day trips or self-drive itineraries in the Eastern Cape. Overnight visitors will still have to pay for accommodation, while activities remain subject to the usual charges.

ECPTA says the promotion may be amended or cancelled without notice, so travellers should check directly with their chosen reserve before visiting.

 

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Sendelingsdrift pontoon closed in |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the the Sendelingsdrift Pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift border post in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is temporarily closed from 21 September 2026 due to high water levels.

The crossing will remain closed until water levels have receded and safety inspections have been completed. Travellers should therefore check the status before planning to enter the park via Sendelingsdrift.

The Sendelingsdrift Pontoon crosses the Orange (Gariep) River between South Africa and Namibia, providing a convenient cross-border route for travellers combining the Richtersveld with southern Namibia. It also avoids the lengthy detour around the river.

Alternative route from Namibia

Visitors travelling from Namibia can still reach the park via the Oranjemund–Alexander Bay border route:

Rosh Pinah > Oranjemund > Alexander Bay > Sanddrift > Sendelingsdrift

The final approximately 95 km between Alexander Bay and Sendelingsdrift is gravel and can be heavily corrugated. A high-clearance vehicle or 4x4 is strongly recommended, particularly for this section and for travel within |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

Travellers should also ensure that all required vehicle and cross-border documentation is in order and allow plenty of time for the journey. This is a remote area with limited services.

 

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Durban Beaches Update: 19 of 23 beaches open for swimming

Durban's beaches remain partly open for swimming, but the latest municipal water-quality results show a deterioration at several locations since the previous update.

As of 18 September 2026, 19 of Durban's 23 monitored beaches are listed as open for swimming, while four beaches — Doonside Beach, Reunion Beach, Thekwini Beach and Laguna Beach — are closed.

The latest status is based on water-quality samples taken between 14 and 17 September, with E. coli results ranging from 10 to 1,439 across the monitored beaches. The municipality classifies results below 130 as excellent, 130–500 as acceptable and results above 500 as poor.

Which Durban beaches are open?

The latest municipal status lists the following 19 beaches as open for swimming:

Northern beaches: Westbrook, Umdloti Main, Umhlanga Main and Bronze Beach.

Central beaches: Wedge, Point, uShaka, Addington, South Beach, North Beach, Bay of Plenty, Battery Beach and Country Club.

Southern beaches: Toti Main, Ansteys, Brighton, Umgababa, Winklespruit and Pipeline.

For travellers, this means swimming remains possible at a number of the city's main beachfront areas, including Umhlanga and the central Golden Mile.

Four beaches are currently closed

Four monitored beaches are currently closed for swimming:

• Doonside Beach – E. coli result of 798
• Reunion Beach – 1,439
• Thekwini Beach – 557
• Laguna Beach – 644

All four results are above the municipality's poor-water-quality threshold of 500.
The latest results represent a change from the previous update. On 03 (10) September 2026, 22 of the 23 monitored beaches were open, with only Reunion Beach closed after recording an E. coli result of 638 (583).

Water quality varies between beaches

The results also show why it is useful for travellers to check the individual beach status rather than treating Durban's coastline as having one overall water-quality rating.

Several beaches recorded low E. coli readings. Umdloti Main recorded 10, Brighton 10, Ansteys 20, Westbrook 20 and Umhlanga Main and Bronze Beach both recorded 31.

Other beaches currently open for swimming recorded results within the municipality's acceptable range. These include Umgababa at 437, Point at 425, uShaka at 336, Toti Main at 153 and Winklespruit at 132.
An “open” status therefore does not necessarily mean that the latest result falls into the municipality's excellent category.

What does this mean for travellers?

If you're visiting Durban and want to swim, there are still 19 monitored beaches available, but four locations should currently be excluded from swimming plans.

The situation can change as new water-quality samples are taken. Travellers planning a beach day should therefore check the latest municipal status before swimming, particularly if they are heading to Doonside, Reunion, Thekwini or Laguna.

The municipality says recreational activities can continue at closed beaches, but swimming is not permitted.

Durban beach swimming hours

The municipal notice lists operating hours of 06:00–18:00 on weekdays and 09:00–17:00 on Sundays and public holidays.

Bottom line

As of 18 September 2026, 19 of Durban's 23 monitored beaches are open for swimming. Doonside, Reunion, Thekwini and Laguna beaches are closed after recording E. coli results above the municipality's poor-water-quality threshold.

For visitors, the key point is that Durban still has a range of beaches open for swimming, but the latest results show that conditions can vary significantly between locations and change from one update to the next.

Source: eThekwini Municipality, Beach Water Quality Results and Status of Beaches and Swimming Pools, 18 September 2026.

 

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Netherlands and Sweden are closing their embassies in Harare — what it means if you're travelling to Zimbabwe

If Zimbabwe is on your itinerary and you're Dutch or Swedish, there's a practical change coming that's worth knowing about before you go: both countries are shutting their embassies in Harare. Neither closure is really about Zimbabwe itself — both are line items in much bigger, unrelated budget shuffles back home — but the effect on the ground is the same. If something goes wrong on your trip (lost passport, hospitalisation, an arrest, or any other situation requiring consular assistance), there'll no longer be a national embassy in the country to call.

Here's what's actually been announced, and what it means for your trip.

What's happening

The Netherlands confirmed the Harare closure on 15 September 2026. No closing date yet, and Dutch interests will be handed to "an embassy in a neighbouring country" — not yet named.

Sweden announced its Harare closure back in December 2025, and has already closed its embassy to visitors. Visa and migration casework is being reassigned to another post in the region — also not yet named.

Two confirmed closures, no confirmed dates, no confirmed replacement missions. If you're Dutch or Swedish and planning Zimbabwe travel, check your foreign ministry's travel advisory again closer to your departure date — these details tend to get filled in a few months out.

Does this actually affect you as a traveller?

For most day-to-day travel, no — visas, border crossings and tourism operations in Zimbabwe are unaffected. Where it matters is if you need consular assistance: a lost or stolen passport, a medical emergency, an arrest, or help getting back home. That's the function that disappears locally once these embassies shut.

The good news, if you're an EU citizen, is that you're not entirely on your own. Under EU rules, if your own country has no embassy or consulate in a non-EU country, you're entitled to consular protection from any other EU member state that does have representation there — same as any of their own citizens. Harare currently hosts around 50 embassies, including several other EU countries (Germany, France and Spain among them), so this isn't a theoretical protection — there'll be real options on the ground even after the Dutch and Swedish missions close.

Non-EU nationals reading this for context: it's a good reminder generally to check what representation your own country has in Zimbabwe before you travel, rather than assuming a Harare embassy will always be there.

Practical tips before you go

• Check your government's current travel advisory for Zimbabwe shortly before departure — both ministries are likely to update guidance once closure dates and successor embassies are confirmed.
• Register your trip with your foreign ministry if that's a service they offer (the Netherlands' BZ Reisapp / "Informatie Service Buitenland", Sweden's svenskarutomlands registration) — this is exactly the kind of situation it's designed for.
• Save the contact details of the nearest alternative embassy for your nationality before you fly, rather than trying to find one after something's gone wrong.
• Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency assistance and repatriation cover matters more, not less, once your home country's consular safety net locally disappears.
• If you're mid-trip with visa or passport business already in progress at the Harare embassy, contact them directly for guidance on how your case will be handled through the transition — don't assume it carries over automatically.

Bottom line

Zimbabwe remains very much open for travel — this is a diplomatic footprint story, not a tourism or safety one. But if you're Dutch or Swedish, it's worth building "no local embassy" into your risk planning for a Zimbabwe trip once these closures take effect, and leaning on the EU consular-protection safety net (or your travel insurer) if you need help on the ground.

Sources: Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government.nl announcement, 15 September 2026; Swedish Government Offices, Government.se press release, 08 December 2025.

 

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Kruger National Park: Shingwedzi Rest Camp closed 18–26 September for classical music festival

Travellers visiting Kruger National Park should be aware of a temporary closure affecting Shingwedzi Rest Camp from 18 to 26 September 2026.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the entire camp has been booked for the annual Baroque in the Bush classical music festival. As a result, access to Shingwedzi Rest Camp will be restricted during the event.

For most visitors, the main practical change is that Shingwedzi will not be available as a normal stop or overnight destination during this period. The Day Visitors Area will also be closed.

Some facilities will nevertheless remain operational. The filling station, shop and public ablutions will continue to operate, while the restaurant will offer take-away orders only.

Taxis and buses will not be permitted into the camp, as no parking will be available for them during the festival.

What this means for your Kruger trip

If your itinerary includes Shingwedzi Rest Camp between 18 and 26 September 2026, check your accommodation and routing arrangements before travelling. Visitors passing through the northern Kruger National Park should also factor the restricted access into their plans.

Normal access and facilities are expected to resume after the festival.

 

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Ethiopian Airlines to add Nacala to its Mozambique network

Travellers heading to northern Mozambique will have a new international flight option from late October 2026, with Ethiopian Airlines planning to launch a three-times-weekly service between Addis Ababa and Nacala.

The new route is scheduled to start on 27 October 2026, making Nacala the airline's third destination in Mozambique, alongside Maputo and Beira. For travellers, the main benefit will be another connection between northern Mozambique and Ethiopian Airlines' extensive network via Addis Ababa.

Nacala flights from 27 October

Ethiopian Airlines plans to operate the route on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, using a Boeing 737-8.

The schedule is:

• Addis Ababa (ADD) 09:20 > 12:15 Blantyre (BLZ)
• Blantyre (BLZ) 13:15 > 14:20 Nacala (MNC)
• Nacala (MNC) 15:10 > 20:05 Addis Ababa (ADD)

The outbound service will operate via Blantyre in Malawi, while the return flight is scheduled to operate directly from Nacala to Addis Ababa.

What this means for travellers

The new service should make Nacala easier to reach from destinations across Ethiopian Airlines' network, with a connection in Addis Ababa.

The Blantyre stop is also relevant for travellers combining Malawi and northern Mozambique. Ethiopian Airlines is scheduled to operate the Blantyre–Nacala sector, although travellers should check whether the sector is available for standalone bookings or only as part of an international itinerary.

Nacala is an important gateway to Mozambique's northern coast, although travellers should check the onward transport arrangements for their particular itinerary. The airport is some distance from the coastal resorts and other destinations around the Nacala area.

As the service is currently planned to begin on 27 October 2026, travellers should check the operating schedule and connection times when booking, particularly if combining the flight with other Ethiopian Airlines services.

 

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Fastjet Mozambique: What travellers need to know about the planned 2026 relaunch

Fastjet Mozambique's planned return to Mozambique's domestic market has yet to materialise, with no confirmed launch date or timetable now available.

The airline was originally expected to return to Mozambique during the second half of 2026 through a partnership with Solenta Aviation Mozambique. The plan called for a Beira-based operation using three 50-seat Embraer ERJ145 aircraft.

Since the last update, however, the project has become less certain. Solenta has rejected reports that it is abandoning Mozambique's domestic aviation market, but separate reports have indicated that the proposed Fastjet-branded operation from Beira Airport (BEW) in Beira may not proceed in its originally planned form.

No Fastjet Mozambique flights to book yet

For travellers, the practical situation is straightforward: Fastjet Mozambique is not currently a bookable option.

There is still no confirmed inaugural flight date, published timetable, fare information or final route network. Previously reported routes linking Beira with destinations such as Maputo, Nampula, Tete and Quelimane should therefore be treated as proposed rather than confirmed.

The three Embraer ERJ145s also remain part of the announced plans rather than an indication that commercial flights are about to begin.

What this means for travellers

A new Beira-based airline could eventually provide useful additional connections across Mozambique, particularly for travellers combining destinations in the centre and north of the country.

For the time being, however, travellers planning a Mozambique trip should not build an itinerary around Fastjet Mozambique. Use currently operating airlines and published schedules instead, and only consider Fastjet once flights are officially announced and available for booking.

Bottom line

Solenta Aviation continues to show interest in Mozambique's domestic market, but the future of the proposed Fastjet-branded operation remains unclear. As of 16 September 2026, there is still no confirmed launch date.

 

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