Western Cape: Agulhas Plain gains Ramsar status, boosting nature-based tourism!

South Africa has designated the Agulhas Plain as its 32nd Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site No. 2587), reinforcing the tourism and conservation value of this distinctive coastal landscape at the southernmost tip of Africa, near Cape Agulhas in the Western Cape.

Formed on an ancient wave-cut platform where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, the largely flat plain is shaped by dunes, limestone hills and coastal cliffs that support a rich mosaic of wetlands. These include Soetendalsvlei, the country’s second-largest freshwater lake, after Lake Sibaya in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as marshes, floodplains, salt pans and estuaries - making the area especially appealing for birdwatching, photography and slow travel.

Situated within the Cape Floral Region UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Agulhas Plain forms part of the fynbos biome and supports outstanding biodiversity, including rare plants, abundant birdlife and threatened species such as the maccoa duck, the critically endangered Rose’s mountain toadlet and the Cape flats frog.

With a dedicated management plan in place, the new Ramsar status supports responsible eco-tourism and further enhances the appeal of the Overberg region, particularly for travellers exploring Cape Agulhas, Struisbaai and surrounding coastal routes.

About the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international agreement adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar, aimed at conserving and promoting the wise use of wetlands worldwide. Wetlands listed as Ramsar Sites are recognised for their global ecological importance, particularly for waterbirds, biodiversity and ecosystem services, and the designation encourages long-term protection while supporting education, research and responsible nature-based tourism. 

 

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: SANParks confirms infrastructure work at Bitterpan Wilderness Camp!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that construction work to increase water capacity at Bitterpan Wilderness Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park will commence in February 2026. The project is expected to run for approximately four weeks and forms part of SANParks’ ongoing efforts to strengthen critical park infrastructure and improve long-term sustainability in remote wilderness camps.

What visitors can expect from early February 2026
From around 04 February 2026, guests travelling to or through the Bitterpan area may notice limited construction-related activity, including:

• Construction vehicles operating along the Moravet Road
• General site preparation work near the camp

SANParks has indicated that visitor safety and the wilderness experience remain a priority, and disruptions are expected to be minimal. These upgrades are essential to ensure reliable water supply at one of the park’s most remote and exclusive camps.

About Bitterpan Wilderness Camp
Set on stilts above the red dunes of the Kalahari, Bitterpan Wilderness Camp is an exclusive, remote camp overlooking a waterhole in the heart of the Kgalagadi. It forms part of a one-way 4x4 wilderness route linking Nossob Rest Camp with Mata-Mata Rest Camp and the Kalahari Tented Camp.

Key access information:

• Route: One-way only, starting at Nossob Rest Camp
• Vehicles: 4x4 only (heavy 4x4 vehicles not permitted)
• Driving times:
• Nossob Rest Camp  > Bitterpan: ± 2.5 hrs
• Bitterpan > Mata-Mata Rest Camp: ± 3 hrs
• Check-in: Nossob Rest Camp only

Visitors should overnight at Nossob Rest Camp before travelling to Bitterpan Wilderness Camp. Due to the camp’s isolation and strict one-way access, careful planning is essential. 

 

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Cape Town: Chapman’s Peak Drive weekly closures announced – What travellers need to know!

Cape Town’s iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive, the breathtaking 9 km coastal route connecting Noordhoek and Hout Bay, will be temporarily closed every Wednesday from 10:00 to 16:00 between 04 February and 25 March 2026. The closure is due to alien vegetation clearing operations managed by South African National Parks (SANParks), aimed at preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of this world-famous scenic drive.

Travellers are advised to plan alternative routes during these hours. Recommended alternatives include:

• Ou Kaapse Weg (M64) – From Noordhoek, head north via Ou Kaapse Weg, which reconnects to Hout Bay via Constantia Nek, offering a scenic mountain drive.
• Silvermine Road – Ideal for local traffic, this route runs parallel to the western side of Table Mountain National Park and can be used to bypass the closure.
• Main Road (M6) via Fish Hoek – Though slightly longer, this coastal route provides a reliable and safe alternative with spectacular sea views.

Whether you’re a local commuter or a visiting traveler, it’s important to check traffic updates and plan your journey accordingly to avoid delays while enjoying the surrounding Cape Peninsula scenery.

 

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Southern Africa Trip Planner: Rain & temperature forecast for travellers February – June 2026!

Travellers heading to Southern Africa between February and June 2026 should prepare for a wetter-than-usual late summer and early autumn, according to the latest Southern African Development Community (SADC) climate outlook. The seasonal forecast, released by SARCOF-32, indicates normal to above-average rainfall across much of the region, particularly in the first half of the period.

Wetter Conditions Likely February to April 2026

The rainy season is expected to remain active from February to April, with frequent rainfall across South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Tanzania. Some areas may experience heavier-than-average downpours, creating lush landscapes and high river levels.

What this means for travellers:

• Vibrant, green scenery in national parks and rural areas
• Rivers, dams, and waterfalls at full capacity
• Occasional disruptions to outdoor activities

Although rain can sometimes be inconvenient, it offers dramatic photography opportunities and fewer crowds compared to the peak dry season.

South Africa highlights:
The Kruger National Park, Drakensberg, and parts of the Garden Route may see significant rainfall. Coastal cities such as Durban might experience brief showers, but these rarely affect travel plans or tourist attractions.

Gradual Transition to Drier Conditions from May

From May onwards, rainfall is expected to decrease as Southern Africa enters its winter dry season. This transition offers ideal travel conditions:

• Improved road conditions, especially on gravel and secondary routes
• Easier wildlife spotting as vegetation thins
• Warm days and cooler nights, perfect for safari drives and outdoor excursions

By June, most destinations are well into the dry-season travel window, offering excellent game-viewing and sightseeing opportunities.

Temperature Outlook: Warmer than Average

In addition to rain, temperatures are expected to be above long-term averages across much of the region.

Traveller tips:

• Expect warm to hot daytime temperatures in low-lying and inland areas
• Nights may be cooler from May onwards, particularly in deserts and highlands
• Layered clothing is recommended for early-morning activities like game drives

Travel Planning Recommendations

Safaris and National Parks
Early rainy-season wildlife can be more dispersed due to abundant water. However, late April to June offers improving game-viewing conditions. Key safari destinations include:

• South Africa: Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park, private reserves
• Namibia: Etosha National Park
• Botswana: Okavango Delta
• Zimbabwe & Zambia: Victoria Falls region

Road Trips and Self-Drive Travel
Heavy rainfall may affect rural roads. Travellers should:

• Allocate extra time for journeys
• Monitor local road conditions and updates
• Coastal and Island Destinations

Coastal regions may experience short, passing showers early in the season. By late autumn, weather usually becomes more stable, making beach holidays and island visits more enjoyable.

A Seasonal Outlook, Not a Daily Forecast

This SADC climate outlook reflects broad regional trends, not specific daily conditions. Local weather variations can occur, especially near coastlines, mountains, and rivers. Travellers are encouraged to check local forecasts, park advisories, and road conditions closer to their trip.

Bottom Line for Travellers

The February to June 2026 travel period in Southern Africa offers:

• Rainy-season scenery early on
• Increasingly favorable conditions for safaris, road trips, and coastal travel later in the season

With flexible planning and realistic expectations, travellers can enjoy a rewarding journey through Southern Africa, with South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and the Victoria Falls region as highlights.

About the Southern African Development Community

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a regional organization established to promote economic integration, political cooperation, and sustainable development across Southern Africa. SADC also coordinates regional climate monitoring and early warning systems, providing valuable guidance for travellers and planners. The community currently comprises 16 member states: Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 

 

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Kruger National Park Road Update: Key routes reopen after January 2026 flood damage!

last updated: 02 February 2026

SANParks just announced that the route between Skukuza and Lower Sabie (H1-2, H12, H4-1 - past Nkuhlu over Sabie high water bridge) is now open. 

last updated: 02 February 2026

SANParks released an updated Kruger roads register (02 February 2026) 

last updated: 02 February 2026 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released a comprehensive update on the condition of roads and visitor infrastructure in Kruger National Park following the severe floods of January 2026, which caused widespread damage across the park.

The heavy rainfall resulted in extensive destruction to roads, bridges, tourism facilities, and staff accommodation, particularly in low-lying areas and along major river systems. While restoration and repair work is progressing steadily, visitor safety remains SANParks’ top priority as recovery efforts continue.

H7 route reopens with restrictions
The H7 route between Orpen Gate and Satara Rest Camp has now reopened to traffic, restoring a critical east–west connection in central Kruger National Park. However, due to significant flood damage in the Nsemani Dam area, traffic is currently restricted to a single lane only.

Motorists are urged to proceed with extreme caution when travelling through this section. To reduce risk and prevent further damage, heavy vehicles exceeding eight tonnes are not permitted to use the affected stretch of road.

Temporary bypass under construction
To maintain accessibility while repairs at Nsemani Dam are underway, SANParks is constructing a temporary bypass using the S12 and S40 gravel roads. Once completed, this bypass will provide an alternative route during ongoing dam rehabilitation and road reconstruction works.

Camps and picnic sites reopen
As of Monday, 02 February 2026, several facilities in the northern regions of Kruger National Park have reopened to visitors, including:

• Tsendze Rustic Camp (near Mopani Rest Camp)
• Masorini Ruins, a Late Iron Age archaeological site located approximately 12 km from Phalaborwa Gate
• Mooiplaas Picnic Site (near Mopani Rest Camp)
• Babalala Picnic Site, situated between Punda Maria and Shingwedzi Rest Camps

These reopenings mark an important step in restoring visitor access to the park following the floods.

Important safety notices for visitors
SANParks strongly reminds all visitors that gravel roads marked with “No Entry” signs must not be accessed under any circumstances, as they remain unsafe or under repair.

In addition, Orpen Gate is once again accessible to Open Safari Vehicles (OSVs). To manage congestion and ensure safety, a quota system is in place, regulating the number of OSVs allowed to enter through the gate.

Ongoing recovery efforts
SANParks acknowledges the inconvenience caused by the flood-related closures and restrictions and thanks visitors for their patience and cooperation during this challenging recovery period. Dedicated teams remain on the ground, working tirelessly to restore critical infrastructure and ensure that Kruger National Park remains a safe, accessible, and rewarding destination for all guests.

 

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Garden Route National Park: Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge temporarily closed for maintenance!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the iconic Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge, located at the Storms River Mouth in the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park, will be temporarily closed for essential maintenance from 02 February 2026 to 07 February 2026. The bridge is scheduled to reopen to visitors on 08 February 2026. SANParks emphasizes that this closure is necessary to ensure visitor safety while maintenance work is carried out.

The Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge is one of the park’s most visited attractions, offering breathtaking views of the Storms River Gorge and the surrounding indigenous forests. Stretching high above the river, the bridge provides a thrilling experience for nature lovers and photographers alike, making it a must-see stop on any Garden Route itinerary. Visitors are encouraged to explore alternative trails and viewpoints in the Tsitsikamma Section during the temporary closure.

 

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Panorama Route Alert: Emergency repairs begin on P33/4 (R536) Sabie – Hazyview!

last updated: 02 February 2026 

The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport has confirmed that repair work on the P33/4 road between Sabie and Hazyview is set to begin following multiple slope failures along this key route. The announcement was made on 31 January 2026, with construction teams now mobilised on site after the completion of main road works.

Emergency rehabilitation will focus on seven identified slip failures, which have compromised sections of the road embankment. According to the department, the repairs will involve backfilling and reshaping the affected embankments to restore the original road profile, ensuring long-term structural stability and improved safety for motorists.

The P33/4 is a vital link along Mpumalanga’s iconic Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most celebrated scenic drives. Popular with both domestic and international travellers, this route provides essential access to major attractions including God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and several of the region’s famous waterfalls.

Road users and tourists travelling between Sabie, Hazyview, and the Kruger National Park are advised to remain alert during the construction period and to expect possible delays while emergency repairs are underway. Once completed, the rehabilitation is expected to significantly improve driving conditions along this important tourism corridor.

Provincial Route P33/4, also shown as the R536 on Google Maps, is the scenic road that links Sabie and Hazyview winding from the misty Mpumalanga Escarpment down to the Lowveld. This route forms a key part of the famous Panorama Route, giving travellers easy access to breathtaking views, waterfalls, and other must-see attractions along one of South Africa’s most iconic drives.

 

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