Planning a South Africa trip? Lufthansa Group adds more flights for Summer 2026/27

Travellers planning a South African summer holiday will soon have even more options to reach Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Lufthansa Group has announced its largest-ever South African northern winter schedule, increasing capacity to 38 weekly long-haul flights between Europe and South Africa from the end of October 2026. The expanded schedule introduces additional flights, better connections and upgraded onboard products across Lufthansa, SWISS and Edelweiss.

For travellers from Germany, Switzerland and the rest of Europe, the announcement means greater flexibility when planning holidays to South Africa during the country's peak tourism season.

Cape Town becomes a daily Lufthansa destination

One of the biggest winners is Cape Town.

Lufthansa will add a new Monday non-stop flight between Frankfurt and Cape Town, turning the popular route into a daily service throughout the main northern winter season.

Daily flights offer travellers much greater flexibility, making it easier to build customised itineraries, whether you're heading to the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route, the West Coast or embarking on a self-drive adventure through South Africa.

The additional capacity also supports South Africa's growing tourism industry by making one of Africa's most popular destinations more accessible to European visitors.

Johannesburg gains more flights—and better connections

Johannesburg will also benefit from significant improvements.

Lufthansa is increasing its Munich–Johannesburg service from three to five weekly flights, operating every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

From 27 October 2026, the Johannesburg departure will also become a night flight, leaving OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) at 19:55 and arriving in Munich early the following morning.

For travellers, this means smoother onward connections to destinations across Germany and Europe, reducing layover times and making multi-city itineraries easier to plan.

Premium cabins receive major upgrades

The expanded schedule isn't only about additional seats.

Passengers flying between South Africa and Europe will also benefit from Lufthansa Group's latest premium cabin products.

Highlights include:

• Lufthansa Allegris cabins on selected South African services, including Munich–Cape Town.
• SWISS Senses debuting on the daily Zurich–Johannesburg route aboard the Airbus A350.
• Edelweiss continuing to serve Zurich-Cape Town up to five times per week, also using Airbus A350 aircraft.

These next-generation cabins feature improved seating, enhanced privacy, upgraded inflight entertainment and a more comfortable travel experience, particularly for long-haul travellers.

Why this matters for South African tourism

International air capacity remains one of the biggest drivers of tourism growth.

Additional flights not only make South Africa easier to reach, but they also help keep fares competitive, improve availability during peak travel periods and encourage longer stays by giving visitors more arrival and departure choices.

Cape Town, in particular, has worked for years to attract additional long-haul capacity, and Lufthansa's daily Frankfurt service represents another important milestone in improving connectivity with Europe.

The expansion is also good news for South Africa's tourism sector, as stronger air connectivity supports visitor growth from key European source markets such as Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Lufthansa Group's South Africa Winter 2026/27 schedule at a glance

• 38 weekly long-haul flights between South Africa and Europe.
• Daily Frankfurt–Cape Town service during the main winter season.
• Munich–Johannesburg increases from 3 to 5 weekly flights.
• Johannesburg departures become convenient overnight services.
• Daily Zurich–Johannesburg flights with SWISS.
• Up to five weekly Zurich–Cape Town flights with Edelweiss.
• Introduction of Lufthansa Allegris and SWISS Senses premium cabins on selected routes.
• Expanded winter schedule begins in late October 2026.

The bottom line

Lufthansa Group's Winter 2026/27 schedule is excellent news for anyone planning a South African holiday.

Whether you're chasing summer sunshine in Cape Town, exploring the Kruger region via Johannesburg or connecting onwards to neighbouring countries, the additional services provide more choice, improved connectivity and access to some of the newest long-haul cabin products in the sky.

With a record 38 weekly flights between Europe and South Africa, travellers will have more flexibility than ever before to discover one of the world's most rewarding destinations. 

 

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Planning a Namibia trip? Here's what the latest tourism figures reveal

If you're planning a self-drive holiday through Namibia, a safari in Namibia or an epic road trip through southern Africa, the country's newly released Tourist Arrivals Statistical Report 2025 offers valuable insights into who is visiting, when they travel and how to plan your own adventure.

While international visitor numbers dipped slightly compared to 2024, Namibia remains one of Africa's premier travel destinations. Even better for travellers, slightly lower visitor numbers mean many of the country's iconic attractions may feel a little less crowded than during the post-pandemic tourism boom.

Here's what the latest figures reveal—and what they mean for anyone planning a trip to Namibia.

International arrivals decline slightly

Namibia welcomed 1,345,168 international visitor arrivals in 2025, of which 90.5% were tourists, 8.5% were same-day visitors, 0.7% returning residents and 0.3% other categories. This represented a decline of about 6.9% compared to 1,444,174 arrivals in 2024. International tourist arrivals also declined by 3.2%, from 1,257,093 in 2024 to 1,217,108 in 2025.

For visitors, the figures suggest that Namibia continues to attract healthy numbers without becoming overcrowded—a welcome balance for those seeking wide open landscapes, spectacular wildlife and unforgettable road trips.

South Africa remains the biggest market

Most visitors continue to come from neighbouring African countries, which accounted for more than three-quarters of all international tourist arrivals.

The ten largest source markets were:

1. South Africa
2. Angola
3. Botswana
4. Zambia
5. Zimbabwe
6. Germany
7. United States
8. United Kingdom
9. Netherlands
10. France

Germany remained Namibia's largest overseas market (35.6% of tourist arrivals from Europe) despite recording fewer arrivals than in 2024. Meanwhile, the United States (increased by 8.4%) continued its steady growth, while China and Russia (increase of 149.3% compared to 2024, contributing 4.2% of tourist arrivals from Europe) emerged among Namibia's leading overseas source markets, highlighting the country's increasingly diverse international appeal.

Holidaymakers now dominate African travel

One of the report's most notable findings is that, for the first time, most visitors from Africa travelled to Namibia for holidays rather than to visit friends and relatives.

Holiday travel accounted for 48.4% of all international tourist arrivals, while business travel also continued to grow, representing 18.5% of all visitors.

This reflects Namibia's growing reputation as a world-class leisure destination offering everything from spectacular desert scenery and exceptional wildlife viewing to luxury lodges and unforgettable self-drive adventures.

Visitors spend around two weeks in Namibia

International tourists spent an average of 13 nights in Namibia during 2025.

European tourists tended to stay longer, mainly within the 8–14 nights range, making the most of classic self-drive itineraries covering destinations such as Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and the Skeleton Coast.

Travellers from neighbouring African countries concentrated in the 4–7 nights category, while visitors from the Americas often visited Namibia as part of a broader southern African itinerary for just for 2–3 nights.

Who is visiting Namibia?

The latest tourism statistics reveal that Namibia's international visitors tend to be experienced, mature travellers. Almost two-thirds (62.1%) of all international tourists were aged 40 and older in 2025, with the largest single age group being travellers aged 60 and above (22.2%), followed by those aged 40–49 (21.9%) and 30–39 (20.3%).

The report also found that 64.1% of international visitors were male, compared with 35.9% female.

For prospective visitors, this reflects Namibia's strong appeal among well-travelled nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and self-drive adventurers. At the same time, it highlights an opportunity for younger travellers, with Namibia offering everything from adrenaline-filled adventure activities and camping to luxury lodges, hiking trails and world-class landscape photography.

Self-drive holidays remain king

Namibia continues to be one of the world's great road trip destinations.

Nearly 77.9% of all international visitors entered the country by road, underlining the popularity of self-drive holidays. Air travel accounted for almost 17.7% of arrivals and water for 4.4%.

Among airlines, Airlink remained the largest carrier into Namibia with 61.5% of air arrivals, followed by South African Airways with 9.0%, while Discover brought in 7.7%.

For many international travellers, flying into Windhoek via Johannesburg continues to offer the widest range of convenient connections before collecting a rental vehicle and exploring the country independently.

When is the best time to visit Namibia?

The report confirms what many experienced travellers already know: Namibia's busiest tourism season runs from May to August, with with additional peaks in December.

For national parks specifically, the dry winter months of July, August and September have the highest arrivals, with August recording the highest. Those seeking quieter conditions might consider the shoulder months of April–May or October–November.

Travellers looking for fewer crowds should consider the excellent shoulder seasons of April and May or October and November, when weather conditions remain favourable while visitor numbers are generally lower.

German travellers in particular tend to arrive in March, May and October; Americans peak in February, April and June — useful intelligence for anyone planning group or lodge bookings.

Etosha remains Namibia's most popular national park

Namibia's national parks welcomed almost 995,000 visitors during 2025—an increase over the previous year (943,408 in 2024) despite the overall decline in international arrivals.

The top three parks by visitor numbers were:
Etosha National Park with 387,663 visitors, Namib-Naukluft National Park with 296,788 and Dorob National Park with 222,272.

At the other end of the scale, Tsau //Khaeb (Sperrgebiet) and Mangetti National Parks registered the least number of vehicles — 195 and 99 respectively — highlighting their more limited visitor reach. These would be worth exploring for travellers seeking genuine off-the-beaten-path experiences.

What the statistics mean for your Namibia trip

The latest tourism figures paint an encouraging picture for travellers.

Although international arrivals softened slightly during 2025, Namibia remains one of Africa's safest, easiest and most rewarding countries for independent travel. The combination of excellent roads, spectacular scenery, outstanding national parks and relatively low visitor densities continues to make it one of the continent's finest self-drive destinations.

If you're planning a Namibia holiday:

• Book accommodation well in advance if travelling during July and August.
• Consider visiting in April, May, October or November for pleasant weather and fewer visitors.
• A self-drive itinerary remains the best way to experience the country.
• Flying via Johannesburg offers the widest range of international flight connections.
• Don't limit yourself to Etosha National Park—Namibia's lesser-known national parks offer exceptional off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Looking ahead, Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism forecasts international arrivals to rebound strongly in 2026 to around 1.69 million visitors. If that recovery materialises, the coming months could offer an ideal opportunity to experience one of Africa's most spectacular destinations before visitor numbers increase again.

 

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Good news for Cape Town's penguins: Boulders colony records encouraging population increase

Visitors planning a trip to Boulders Penguin Colony near Simon's Town have another reason to add this iconic Cape Town attraction to their itinerary. South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced encouraging results from the 2026 annual African penguin census, with the colony recording its highest breeding pair count in recent years.

The latest survey counted 790 breeding pairs, an increase of 92 pairs compared to the 698 breeding pairs recorded in 2025. While conservationists caution that the African penguin remains critically endangered, the figures offer a welcome sign that one of South Africa's best-known penguin colonies continues to show resilience.

Why the increase matters

Based on the latest census, Boulders is now home to an estimated 2,528 individual African penguins, representing around 8–9% of South Africa's entire African penguin population.

With fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs remaining worldwide, every successful breeding season is significant. The increase at Boulders is particularly encouraging because many other African penguin colonies continue to decline.

Scientists stress that a single year's increase should not be interpreted as a full recovery. However, it does indicate that ongoing conservation measures are helping to stabilise one of the species' most important breeding sites.

A must-visit wildlife experience in Cape Town

Located within Table Mountain National Park, Boulders Penguin Colony is one of the few places in the world where visitors can observe endangered African penguins from specially designed boardwalks while minimising disturbance to the birds.

The sheltered beaches, enormous granite boulders and clear False Bay waters make the area one of Cape Town's most popular wildlife attractions, attracting visitors from around the globe throughout the year.

Although penguins can be seen year-round, each season offers something different. Depending on when you visit, you may observe nesting adults, fluffy chicks or groups of penguins returning from the ocean after feeding.

Ongoing conservation remains essential

The annual census was conducted by a collaborative team including SANParks, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), the City of Cape Town, Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), Cumic Rangers, volunteers and other conservation partners.

Researchers continue to monitor the colony using internationally recognised census methods to track long-term population trends.

African penguins still face numerous threats, including:

• Declining sardine and anchovy populations
• Environmental and climate variability
• Habitat changes
• Predation
• Disease
• Human-related pressures

To help safeguard the species, conservation efforts at Boulders include habitat management, rehabilitation of injured and sick birds, disease monitoring, scientific research and environmental education programmes.  

 

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Cape Town named the world’s most beautiful city in 2026 (according to locals)

Cape Town has once again secured a spot on the global travel radar after being featured in Time Out’s “The world’s most beautiful cities in 2026, according to locals” ranking. Based on responses from residents across 150 cities worldwide, the South African city stood out with an impressive 86% of locals saying they consider their city beautiful.

For travellers, this isn’t exactly surprising. Cape Town has long been one of those destinations that regularly appears on global “must-visit” lists – and for good reason. Few cities anywhere combine dramatic natural scenery, accessible outdoor experiences and a genuinely vibrant urban culture in quite the same way.

A city shaped by its landscape

What immediately sets Cape Town apart is its setting. Table Mountain dominates the skyline, while the Atlantic Ocean frames the city’s western edge. This creates a backdrop that constantly shifts with light, weather and season – something visitors quickly notice even during a short stay.

From the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton to the rugged cliffs of the Cape Peninsula, the natural environment isn’t just nearby – it’s part of the city itself.

Experiences that feel like multiple destinations in one

One of Cape Town's biggest strengths as a travel destination is how much variety it offers within a relatively small radius.

In a single trip, travellers can:

• Take the cableway or hike up Table Mountain or Lion’s Head
• Explore the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap
• Spend time at the V&A Waterfront
• Drive Chapman’s Peak for one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes
• Visit Boulders Beach and its resident penguin colony
• Head into the Cape Winelands for tastings in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek

It’s this density of experiences that makes Cape Town feel less like a single city and more like a collection of destinations layered into one.

More than just scenery

While the landscapes often dominate the headlines, Cape Town's appeal goes well beyond its views. The city has a strong café culture, an evolving food scene, and a growing reputation for design, art and local storytelling.

Neighbourhoods like Woodstock and the City Bowl continue to evolve, while coastal areas maintain a relaxed, outdoors-focused lifestyle that defines much of daily life here.

Why this ranking matters

Unlike many travel awards driven by panels or industry experts, this ranking is based on how locals perceive their own city. That adds an interesting layer – it reflects lived experience rather than curated marketing.

When residents overwhelmingly describe their own city as beautiful, it often signals something deeper: pride, connection and a sense of place that visitors can feel when they arrive.

A reminder for travellers

Cape Town consistently appears in global travel rankings, but lists like this reinforce something most visitors already discover quickly on the ground – the city doesn’t rely on hype. It delivers through contrast: mountains and ocean, urban energy and open space, modern lifestyle and natural wilderness.

For anyone planning a trip to South Africa or building a wider travel itinerary through the continent, Cape Town remains one of the most rewarding starting points.

It’s not just a beautiful city by ranking. It’s a city that continues to justify the reputation every time you experience it firsthand.

 

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Sardine Run forces temporary closure of two popular KwaZulu-Natal beaches

Update (29 June 2026): 

Margate Beach and Port Edward Beach remain temporarily closed for bathing and recreational water activities. Ray Nkonyeni Municipality has not yet announced a reopening date, and the restrictions remain in place until further notice while authorities continue monitoring marine activity associated with the annual Sardine Run.

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Travellers planning a beach getaway to KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast should take note that two of the region's most popular beaches have been temporarily closed for bathing and recreational activities.

The Ray Nkonyeni Municipality has announced the temporary closure of Margate Beach in Margate and Port Edward Beach in Port Edward following increased marine activity linked to the annual Sardine Run.

The Sardine Run, one of South Africa's most spectacular natural events, attracts large numbers of marine predators, including sharks, dolphins, whales and seabirds, as vast shoals of sardines move northwards along the coastline. While the phenomenon is a major tourism attraction, it can also result in temporary safety measures being implemented at affected beaches.

Visitors are advised to remain vigilant, obey all safety signage and follow instructions from lifeguards and beach officials at all times.

Travellers heading to KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast are encouraged to check the latest beach status updates before setting out and to consider alternative beaches or activities while the closures remain in place.

The Ray Nkonyeni Municipality has not yet indicated when normal bathing activities will resume.

 

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Urikaruus Wilderness Camp power interruptions expected during solar upgrade

Travellers planning a stay at Urikaruus Wilderness Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park between 29 June and 02 July 2026 should be aware of possible intermittent power interruptions while South African National Parks (SANParks) carries out upgrades to the camp's solar power system.

According to SANParks, the project will involve extending the existing solar panel structures to accommodate additional panels, as well as installing new equipment designed to improve the camp's renewable energy infrastructure.

While the work is under way, guests may experience occasional disruptions to electricity supply. SANParks says every effort will be made to minimise inconvenience and complete the upgrades as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Urikaruus Wilderness Camp is one of the Kgalagadi's most sought-after wilderness camps, offering elevated chalet accommodation overlooking the dry Auob River bed and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing directly from the camp.

Visitors travelling during the upgrade period may wish to charge cameras, phones and other electronic devices whenever power is available and should be prepared for short interruptions during the day.

 

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Condor Returns to Namibia: Frankfurt–Windhoek direct flights restart in June 2027

After a five-year pause, German leisure carrier Condor is returning to Namibia.

From late June 2027, the airline will once again operate direct flights between Frankfurt and Windhoek, just in time for the start of the Namibia’s peak dry-season travel window — traditionally the best period for safaris, road trips, and desert exploration.

Three weekly nonstop flights on the A330neo

The route will be operated three times per week using the next-generation Airbus A330neo, a modern wide-body aircraft designed for improved fuel efficiency and long-haul passenger comfort.

Schedule (planned):

• Frankfurt (FRA) > Windhoek (WDH): Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
• Windhoek (WDH) > Frankfurt (FRA): Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

The rotation is neatly structured for both outbound leisure demand from Europe and return connections via Frankfurt’s long-haul network.

What this means for Namibia-bound travellers

The reinstatement of the route significantly improves direct access between Germany and Namibia, particularly for self-drive travellers, safari visitors, and photography-focused itineraries heading into the dry season.

Frankfurt Airport (FRA) remains one of Europe’s most important long-haul gateways, while Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek is Namibia's primary international entry point.

With this return, Namibia regains another non-stop link from Central Europe, reducing reliance on connecting hubs and simplifying access for peak-season travel.

Timing aligned with Namibia’s peak travel season

The June launch is strategically timed. Namibia's dry season (roughly June to October) is when:

• wildlife viewing conditions are at their best
• gravel roads are most accessible for self-drives
• temperatures are more moderate, especially in the interior
• demand for lodges and guided tours peaks sharply

In practical terms, this is when most international visitors plan their itineraries around Etosha National Park, Damaraland, the Namib Desert, and the Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia.

Bottom line

Condor’s return adds capacity, choice, and convenience to one of Southern Africa’s most in-demand long-haul leisure routes. For travellers planning Namibia in 2027, the reinstated nonstop Frankfurt <> Windhoek service is likely to become one of the key gateways into the country once again.

 

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