The Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) has officially announced the reopening of the Bray Border Post on 01 April 2025. The crossing, which connects Botswana and South Africa, was temporarily closed due to flooding of the Molopo River. Travellers can once again use this convenient entry point for cross-border movement between the two countries.
The Bray Border Post is a small but essential crossing between South Africa's North West province and southern Botswana It is located near Bray, South Africa, with the nearest Botswana towns being Werda (55 km away) and Khakhea (95 km away).
The standard operating hours for the Bray Border Post are from 07:00 to 16:00 daily. Facilities at the border post are limited. Travellers should ensure they carry all necessary documentation, including a valid passport and vehicle papers. Fuel is available on both sides of the border. However, it's advisable to confirm availability in advance, especially on the Botswana side, as the next fuel stations are located in Sekoma (185 km away), Phepeng (110 km), or Tsabong (195 km).
For hassle-free travel, plan ahead and check for any updates on border conditions before your journey. Stay tuned for more travel news and updates!
03 April 2025
Botswana-South Africa border post update: Bray Border Post reopened!
02 April 2025
OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg: Temporary closure of MSP 2 Level 2 Pre-Booked Parking!
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced the temporary closure of MSP 2 Level 2 pre-booked parking at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg due to the installation of advanced bay detectors. During this period, passengers and airport users are advised to park at Parkade 2 North upper levels. To facilitate construction, entry booms will remain closed, while one exit lane will remain open for vehicles already parked in the facility.
The installation of bay detectors commenced on 01 April 2025 and is scheduled for completion by 07 April 2025.
ACSA’s car park attendants will be available to assist passengers and direct them to alternative parking options.
Cape Town: SANParks expands elite SEAM team to strengthen protection in Table Mountain National Park!
The South African National Parks (SANParks) has expanded its elite Sea, Aerial, and Mountain (SEAM) ranger force with 24 new graduates, more than doubling the current team. This increase significantly enhances the unit’s capacity to safeguard visitors and protect the natural environment within Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, South Africa.
The SEAM team plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of visitors and maintaining the environmental integrity of Table Mountain National Park. Candidates underwent rigorous physical and mental assessments before receiving para-military training. This specialized training prepares them for high-risk operations aimed at tackling various security and environmental threats facing the park.
The SEAM unit comprises expertly trained special operators, a multi-purpose canine unit specializing in apprehension, detection, and man-tracking, as well as aerial and vessel support teams. These resources enable the unit to effectively combat criminal activities such as poaching, illegal plant harvesting, and theft.
Since its establishment in December 2021, the SEAM team has successfully conducted:
- 116 arrests of suspects involved in environmental and security-related crimes.
- 88 helicopter deployments for surveillance and response operations.
- 1,003 foot patrols across Table Mountain National Park.
- 400 K9 deployments to support detection and apprehension efforts.
The newly graduated rangers will integrate seamlessly into the multi-disciplinary SEAM team, enhancing its ability to conduct intelligence-driven operations. These operations target criminal networks engaged in illegal activities within Table Mountain National Park's land and marine environments.
By leveraging strategic information, the SEAM team proactively disrupts threats, ensuring a safer environment for both visitors and wildlife. Their efforts include targeted special operations against robbery suspects, poachers, and illegal plant harvesters.
This initiative is made possible through vital partnerships with key stakeholders, including the SANParks Honorary Rangers, the Table Mountain Fund and the Foundation for a Sustainable Future.
SANParks remains committed to fostering these collaborations to ensure sustainable conservation efforts and the long-term protection of South Africa's natural heritage for generations to come.
With the expansion of the SEAM team, Table Mountain National Park is now better equipped than ever to address security challenges while preserving its rich biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy the park with increased peace of mind, knowing that a highly trained and specialized force is actively safeguarding both the environment and their safety.
01 April 2025
Johannesburg: Flight disruptions at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) due to severe weather!
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced that flights destined for OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg are being diverted, and departures are experiencing delays due to adverse weather conditions. Travellers are advised to contact their airlines directly for the latest flight information.
As of 20:00 South African Standard Time (SAST) on Tuesday, 01 April 2025, the weather at OR Tambo International Airport is characterized by thunderstorms with a temperature of 15°C. The forecast for the remainder of the evening indicates partly cloudy skies with a chance of thunderstorms.
For Wednesday, 02 April 2025, the forecast predicts mostly cloudy conditions with a couple of showers and a thunderstorm in the afternoon, a high of 21°C, and a low of 13°C.
Mozambique: LAM – Mozambique Airlines to suspend flights to Cape Town!
LAM – Mozambique Airlines, the national carrier of Mozambique, has announced the suspension of its direct flights between Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Maputo and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, South Africa, starting 08 April 2025. This decision is part of the airline’s ongoing business restructuring strategy aimed at enhancing profitability and operational efficiency.
For now, LAM will prioritize domestic routes and continue its popular Maputo <> Johannesburg service.
Passengers with existing bookings on the affected route are being informed about available alternative travel options. Those unable to proceed with their journey will be eligible for a full refund.
Stay updated with the latest Mozambique travel news by following our blog!
South Africa's seasonal climate forecast: What to expect from April to August 2025
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has released its Seasonal Climate Watch for April to August 2025. According to SAWS, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has transitioned to a neutral state and is expected to remain neutral in the coming months. However, ENSO typically has limited influence on South Africa’s winter climate, meaning its impact is expected to be minimal.
Rainfall outlook: Below-normal in the southwest, above-normal along the coast
As autumn transitions into winter, South Africa’s southwestern regions are forecasted to experience below-normal rainfall between April and August 2025. Meanwhile, the southern and eastern coastal areas are likely to receive above-normal rainfall, which could influence local weather patterns and agricultural conditions.
Temperature forecast: Warmer-than-usual conditions expected
SAWS predicts that minimum and maximum temperatures will be above-normal across most of South Africa. However, the southern and southeastern coastal areas are expected to experience below-normal maximum temperatures, offering cooler-than-usual conditions in these regions.
Cape Town’s Chinchilla Rooftop Café & Bar ranked among the world’s best by Time Out!
Time Out, the globally renowned culture and entertainment magazine, has unveiled its list of the 20 best rooftop bars in the world - and Cape Town’s Chinchilla Rooftop Café & Bar has secured a top spot! Ranked 6th worldwide, this stylish rooftop gem in Camps Bay is celebrated for its breathtaking ocean views and vibrant atmosphere.
Situated atop the Promenade Building on Victoria Road, the Chinchilla Rooftop Café & Bar offers a relaxed yet sophisticated setting, perfect for sundowners overlooking Camps Bay Beach. Despite being just two stories high, the panoramic views are nothing short of spectacular, rivaling those from towering skyscrapers.
Adding to the experience, live DJs set the mood from 16:00 to 20:000 on weekends, making the Chinchilla Rooftop Café & Bar a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists seeking Cape Town’s best rooftop bar experience.
Looking for the perfect rooftop bar in Cape Town? Chinchilla Rooftop Café & Bar delivers stunning sunsets, laid-back luxury, and world-class cocktails.