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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Western Cape: CapeNature expands cashless payments to more Nature Reserves

Visitors to 10 CapeNature reserves in the Western Cape can no longer pay for entrance fees, activities and other services in cash. The cashless payment system was introduced at five reserves in February 2026 and extended to another five reserves in September.

The first five reserves to go cashless were Robberg, Keurbooms, Stony Point, Bird Island and Walker Bay. The September expansion added Assegaaibosch, Jonkershoek, Grootvadersbosch, Kogelberg and Geelkrans.

The 10 cashless CapeNature reserves

The cashless system currently applies at:

• Robberg Nature Reserve
• Keurbooms Nature Reserve
• Stony Point Nature Reserve
• Bird Island Nature Reserve
• Walker Bay Nature Reserve
• Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve
• Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
• Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve
• Kogelberg Nature Reserve
• Geelkrans Nature Reserve

Visitors at these reserves need to use an electronic payment method. CapeNature accepts debit and credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard and American Express, as well as mobile Scan to Pay payments. Visitors can also book and pay in advance online or make a telephone booking through the CapeNature Contact Centre on 087 087 8250.

CapeNature recommends booking permits online in advance, particularly as some hiking trails have a limited number of permits available each day. Visitors arriving without a booking can use card payment or QR-code payment options at the reserve.

More reserves will become cashless

The rollout will continue in two further phases.

The next phase will include:

• Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
• Limietberg Nature Reserve
• Marloth Nature Reserve
• Cederberg Wilderness – Algeria
• Cederberg Wilderness – Kliphuis
• Rocherpan Nature Reserve
• Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve
• De Mond Nature Reserve

A final phase is planned for 2027, when cashless payments will be extended to:

• Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
• De Hoop Nature Reserve
• Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
• Goukamma Nature Reserve
• Outeniqua Nature Reserve

What this means for travellers

The main point for travellers is simple: cash is no longer accepted at the CapeNature reserves that have already switched to cashless payments.

International visitors can use Visa and Mastercard cards provided they support contactless or chip-and-PIN payments. CapeNature also has backup payment processes in place for connectivity or power problems, with staff available to assist visitors. If the payment system is offline and a visitor does not have cash, CapeNature says visitors can use Scan to Pay or complete a mobile-friendly online booking using the QR codes available at the gate.

For travellers planning a road trip through the Western Cape, it is therefore worth checking the payment arrangements for the reserve before setting off. This will become increasingly relevant as CapeNature continues to expand the cashless system over the coming months and into 2027.

 

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Botswana introduces visa-free entry for Omani passport holders

Botswana has waived visa requirements for Omani passport holders, allowing them to visit the country for up to 90 days without a prior visa. The exemption, announced by Oman's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 23 August 2026, applies to all types of Omani passports.

Omani travellers planning a safari in Botswana, a visit to the Okavango Delta or a self-drive holiday can now travel without the additional paperwork of a visa application.

Entry requirements for Omani travellers

Omani passport holders entering Botswana visa-free must meet the following requirements:

• Maximum stay: 90 days.
• Passport validity: At least six months from the date of entry.
• Blank pages: At least three.
• Health insurance: Comprehensive cover for the entire stay is recommended.

The visa exemption follows a state visit to Botswana earlier in 2026, during which the two countries signed agreements covering investment, air services, energy and health.

Is the visa exemption reciprocal?

It remains unclear whether the arrangement will be extended to Botswana citizens travelling to Oman. According to The Gazette in Botswana, Batswana must still comply with Oman's existing entry requirements, although reciprocal visa-free travel could be discussed in the future.

Oman's official tourism website provides visa-free entry to citizens of 103 countries for stays of up to 14 days, subject to certain conditions. However, Botswana's eligibility under this scheme could not be confirmed.

What travellers should know

The visa exemption has been confirmed by Oman's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but a corresponding notice from Botswana's immigration authorities could not be located. Omani travellers should therefore verify the latest entry requirements with the relevant authorities or their airline before departure.

The exemption applies only to Botswana. Travellers planning to visit neighbouring countries as part of a Southern African itinerary must check the respective visa requirements separately.

 

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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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Kruger National Park: Orpen Road (R31) detour reopens just in time for Heritage Day weekend

Good news for anyone heading to Kruger National Park's Orpen Gate this long weekend: the temporary detour around the flood-damaged section of the R531 is open again — but only for now.

The R531 is the main route linking Hoedspruit with Orpen Gate, and it's been a headache for travellers since April 2026, when a bridge near the Wits Rural Facility was washed away in heavy rains. Repairs have been ongoing ever since, and the road has been intermittently restricted while work continues.

What's changed

South Africa's Department of Transport has confirmed that the temporary detour around the damaged section is now passable. According to Christine du Preez, Ward 1 Councillor for Maruleng Municipality, the detour will be open for use over the Heritage Day long weekend — welcome timing for anyone with a Kruger National Park trip planned for 24–27 September 2026.

Work on the detour itself isn't finished, but it's currently in a state that allows vehicles to travel through safely.

The catch: it's temporary

This isn't a permanent fix, and the window is short. Repair work resumes on Monday (28 September 2026), and access may be restricted again once crews are back on site to complete the remaining work.

What this means for travellers

• If you're driving to Orpen Gate over the long weekend, the detour should get you through — but budget extra time, as detour sections are typically narrower, unsealed, or single-lane. The speed limit is 40km/h.
• Don't assume the same conditions will apply after the weekend. If your trip falls after Monday, check the latest status before you set off, since restrictions could return while work continues.
• Consider Phalaborwa Gate or Paul Kruger Gate as backup entry points if you're travelling later in the week and want to avoid any uncertainty around the R531.
• Drive cautiously through the detour itself — temporary road surfaces near active construction sites are best tackled at a reduced speed, especially with a loaded vehicle or trailer.

Bottom line

The Orpen Road detour is open for Heritage Day weekend travellers, giving a short but useful window to reach Orpen Gate via the R531. It's a temporary reprieve rather than a full reopening, so anyone travelling after Monday  (28 September 2026) should check for updates before relying on this route.

 

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