Flying to Southern Africa? CemAir and Air Europa launch new partnership

Planning a trip to Southern Africa from Europe or the Americas? A new partnership between South African regional carrier CemAir and Spanish airline Air Europa, wich is launching its first service to Johannesburg on 24 June 2026, could make your journey a little easier.

Passengers flying with Air Europa can now connect onto CemAir flights on a single booking, giving travellers easier access to destinations across South Africa and the wider Southern African region. Eligible itineraries also include through-checked baggage, meaning luggage can be transferred to the final destination without having to be collected and re-checked during the journey.

For international visitors, the biggest benefit is improved access to destinations beyond the region's major international gateways. CemAir serves a number of domestic and regional routes, helping travellers reach smaller cities and tourism destinations that are not always easy to access on a single ticket.

The partnership should also benefit Southern African travellers heading overseas. Air Europa operates an extensive network from its Madrid base, offering onward connections to destinations across Europe as well as North and South America.

While airline partnerships often happen behind the scenes, they can make a noticeable difference to the travel experience. Being able to book an entire journey on one itinerary and check baggage through to the final destination can remove some of the stress from planning a multi-stop trip.

Bookings under the new CemAir-Air Europa partnership became available on 23 June 2026.

 

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Cape Town joins the World Marathon Majors – A tourism win for South Africa

The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will officially join the Abbott World Marathon Majors in 2027, becoming Africa's first race in the prestigious series that also includes Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago and New York. The first Major edition will take place on 23 May 2027.

For Cape Town, this is far more than a sporting milestone. World Marathon Major races attract thousands of international runners who typically travel with partners, family members and supporters, turning race weekends into major tourism events.

The promotion is expected to boost visitor numbers, hotel occupancy and tourism spending across Cape Town and the Western Cape. Many runners are likely to combine the marathon with visits to the Cape Winelands, Hermanus, the Garden Route or even a South African safari.

Abbott World Marathon Majors CEO Dawna Stone highlighted Cape Town's unique culture, welcoming people and spectacular setting as key strengths of the event. Marathon organisers say the new status is a moment generations of African runners have been waiting for and expect it to attract participants from around the globe.

The 2027 race is likely to become one of the most sought-after marathon entries in the world. For travellers, it offers the perfect excuse to combine a bucket-list running event with one of Africa's most iconic destinations.

With the Mother City now firmly on the global marathon map, the real winners may be the thousands of visitors who discover Cape Town and its surrounds before and after race day.

 

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Namibia Travel Alert: Flooding forces road closures in the Karas Region

Travellers planning a self-drive trip through southern Namibia should be aware of several road closures and hazardous driving conditions following heavy rainfall in the Karas Region.

The Namibian Roads Authority (RA) issued an update on 22 June 2026 warning that flooding and washaways have affected a number of key tourist and regional routes. While repair assessments are underway, motorists are advised to exercise caution and check conditions before setting out.

Road Closures and Conditions

C13 (District Road 212): Aussenkehr – Rosh Pinah
The most significant disruption affects the C13 between Aussenkehr and Rosh Pinah, where flooding has forced a temporary road closure.
Travellers heading between the Orange River region and Rosh Pinah are currently advised to use the alternative route via South Africa, crossing the border at Swartkops Gate.
Those planning to travel to or from the Fish River Canyon, Ai-Ais, Rosh Pinah or the Richtersveld region should allow extra travel time and verify border crossing requirements before departure.

C12 (Main Road 28): Near Naute Dam
The C12 remains open, but severe washaways and slippery road surfaces have been reported approximately 14 km from the B4 junction before Naute Dam.
A detour is in place and drivers should strictly follow road signs. Reduced speeds are strongly recommended, particularly after additional rainfall.

C16: Keetmanshoop – Aroab
The C16 remains open to traffic. However, wet and slippery conditions persist along parts of the route. Travellers heading towards the Kgalagadi region or eastern Namibia should drive cautiously and remain alert for changing road conditions.

C17: Keetmanshoop – Vaalgras
The C17 is also open, although slippery surfaces have been reported around the 200 km mark. Extra care is advised, especially for vehicles towing caravans or travelling with trailers.

Advice for Self-Drive Travellers

Southern Namibia has experienced unusually good rainfall during the 2025/26 rainy season, resulting in spectacular landscapes and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. However, these conditions can also lead to sudden flooding, washed-out road surfaces and unexpected travel delays.

Before setting off:

• Check the latest road conditions with the RA.
• Avoid driving through flooded drifts or water crossings.
• Carry extra drinking water and fuel when travelling in remote areas.
• Allow additional travel time, particularly on gravel roads.
• Be prepared for route changes and detours.

Travelles takeaway

For most visitors, travel in southern Namibia remains possible, but flexibility is essential. The closure of the C13 between Aussenkehr and Rosh Pinah may affect itineraries that combine the Fish River Canyon, Orange River and Richtersveld areas. Elsewhere, roads remain passable but require extra caution due to slippery surfaces and flood damage.

 

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Namibia’s Fish River Canyon hiking trail temporarily closed due to safety concerns

23 June 2026 update 

All 96 hikers have been safely evacuated from the Fish River. 

23 June 2026 update

The closure of the Fish River Canyon hiking trail follows a major flood-related emergency in the canyon. According to reports from Namibia, 96 hikers became stranded after exceptional rainfall caused the Naute Dam (116.9% full) and Neckartal Dam (105.7% full) to overflow, sending large volumes of water downstream into the Fish River Canyon. NWR, assisted by the Namibian Police and a police helicopter, has been carrying out rescue operations from Hobas. The incident highlights the extent of the recent flooding in southern Namibia and why the Fish River Canyon hiking trail remains closed until further notice.

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Travellers heading to southern Namibia should note that the Fish River Canyon hiking trail has been closed with immediate effect.

Heavy rainfall in the Naute Dam catchment area has led to rising water levels in the system and the opening of the Naute Dam sluice gates. In response, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) confirmed on 21 June 2026 that conditions along the hiking route are currently not safe for public use.

The closure will remain in place until further notice, and no hiking activity is permitted on the trail during this period.

Visitors planning trips to the Fish River Canyon area are advised to adjust itineraries accordingly and avoid all access points to the hiking route.

Further updates will follow once conditions have stabilised and the trail has been declared safe again.

The Fish River Canyon is located within the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a cross-border peace park shared between Namibia and South Africa. It holds the title of Africa’s largest canyon and is often considered the second-largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the USA.

The Fish River Canyon hiking trail is one of Africa’s most famous multi-day hikes. Spanning approximately 85 kilometers, the route typically takes 4 to 5 days to complete. The trail begins at Hobas, located on the canyon rim, and ends at the soothing Ai-Ais Hot Springs Spa.

The Fish River Canyon hike is only open during the cooler months, generally from 01 May to mid-September, due to extreme summer temperatures and the risk of flash flooding. The trail is closed for the rest of the year for safety reasons.  

 

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Why Jeffreys Bay Is not on the 2026 WSL Championship Tour

One of South Africa's most iconic surf destinations will be noticeably different in 2026 after the World Surf League (WSL) removed Jeffreys Bay from its Championship Tour schedule.

In January, the WSL confirmed that the famous J-Bay stop would not form part of the 2026 Championship Tour. According to the WSL, the decision was primarily driven by financial considerations, with CEO Ryan Crosby stating that the organisation was unable to secure the level of support required to make the event viable in 2026. The league nevertheless stressed that it remains committed to finding a way back to Jeffreys Bay in the future. The 2026 event has been replaced by a new stop in Raglan, New Zealand, meaning the world's best surfers will not be competing at Supertubes this year.

For travellers and surfers, however, Jeffreys Bay remains as appealing as ever.

Widely regarded as one of the world's greatest right-hand point breaks, J-Bay continues to attract surfers from around the globe thanks to its long, fast walls, reliable winter swells and laid-back coastal atmosphere. The town's beaches, surf schools, restaurants and outdoor lifestyle remain unchanged despite the loss of the international event.

Interestingly, J-Bay Surf Festival dates of 10 to 20 July 2026 continue to be advertised on tourism and festival channels. However, at the time of writing, limited updated information is available following the WSL's withdrawal, and organisers have yet to publish a detailed programme for 2026.

For visitors, that may not necessarily be bad news. Without the crowds, media presence and accommodation demand typically associated with the Championship Tour, surfers may find more space in the water and travellers may enjoy a more relaxed winter visit.

The loss of the WSL event is undoubtedly a disappointment for South African surfing and local tourism. Yet Jeffreys Bay's reputation was built long before professional surfing arrived, and the legendary waves of Supertubes remain among the best on the planet.

Whether you're chasing perfect winter surf, coastal scenery or simply one of South Africa's most iconic beach towns, Jeffreys Bay remains well worth adding to your travel plans in 2026.

 

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Durban Beach Water Quality Update: Only one beach closed

Travellers planning to visit Durban can continue to enjoy the city's famous beaches, with the latest eThekwini Municipality water quality results showing that almost all monitored bathing beaches remain open for swimming.

The report, released on 18 June 2026, confirms that 21 beaches (Battery Beach?) across Durban's northern, central and southern coastline are currently open, including popular spots such as North Beach, uShaka Beach, Umhlanga Main Beach, Umdloti Main Beach, Amanzimtoti Main Beach and Brighton Beach. Only Reunion Beach remains closed to swimmers following poor water quality results.

Several of Durban's most popular beaches recorded excellent water quality readings, providing welcome news for visitors planning winter beach holidays, surfing trips and family getaways along the KwaZulu-Natal coast.

The municipality continues to monitor beach water quality regularly and advises visitors to check the latest beach status updates, particularly after periods of heavy rainfall.

Traveller takeaway

Durban's beaches remain largely open and welcoming for winter visitors, with only one monitored beach currently closed to swimming. For most travellers, it's business as usual along the Golden Mile and the wider Durban coastline.

 

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Kirstenbosch Set for Upgrades: What vsitors can expect at Cape Town's world-famous botanical garden

Visitors to Cape Town's iconic Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden can look forward to a range of upgrades over the coming year, with improvements planned for visitor facilities, garden displays and botanical interpretation.

The enhancement programme follows a recent assessment by South Africa's Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), and renowned plant ecologist Professor Eugene Moll.

What's being upgraded?

According to SANBI, planned improvements include:

• New and updated plant labels throughout the garden.
• Refurbished public facilities and ablutions.
• Upgrades to garden displays and collections.
• Improved signage and visitor information.
• Repairs to rails, pergolas and other infrastructure.
• Repainting of the Visitor Centre at Gate 1.
• Continued maintenance of pathways and trails.
• The reopening of the popular Cremnophyte Corner display in the conservatory.

The review also highlighted the need for additional horticultural expertise, with SANBI planning to fill key vacancies and strengthen skills development programmes to support the garden's world-class plant collections.

What this means for travellers

Despite concerns raised about maintenance standards, inspectors found many areas of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden performing well, including its nursery collections, seed bank and conservation programmes.

For visitors, the upgrades should enhance both comfort and the overall garden experience while preserving Kirstenbosch's status as one of the world's leading botanical gardens.

Why visit Kirstenbosch?

Situated on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is one of Cape Town's most popular attractions and showcases the extraordinary diversity of South Africa's indigenous flora.

Highlights include:

• The Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway.
• The Botanical Society Conservatory.
• Spectacular protea and fynbos displays.
• Scenic picnic lawns.
• Hiking trails connecting to Table Mountain National Park.

While some maintenance work may be visible over the coming months, the garden remains fully open and continues to offer one of the finest outdoor experiences in Cape Town.

The upgrades represent an important investment in both visitor experience and the long-term conservation of South Africa's unique botanical heritage.

 

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