Flying from O.R. Tambo on a Monday? Arrive early, says ACSA

Travellers flying out on a Monday morning from OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg are being urged to arrive earlier than usual. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that Monday mornings are one of the busiest travel periods at South Africa’s main international gateway.

High passenger volumes combined with weekday rush-hour traffic can lead to:

• Heavy road congestion to the airport
• Longer check-in and baggage drop queues
• Extended security screening times

This is particularly important for international visitors connecting to safari destinations, regional flights within Southern Africa, or long-haul departures back home.

How Early Should You Arrive?

Standard airline guidance recommends:

• Domestic flights: Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure
• International flights: Arrive 3 hours before departure

On peak Monday mornings at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), travellers should consider adding an extra 30–60 minutes to allow for road traffic delays and security queues.

Transfers from Sandton, Rosebank, and Pretoria can be significantly slower during weekday rush hour, especially via the R21 and N3.

Building in additional buffer time ensures a smoother departure and avoids unnecessary stress at the start -or end - of your South Africa trip.

 

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South Africa toll fees to rise from 01 March 2026: What self-drive travellers should know

If you’re planning a self-drive adventure in South Africa in 2026, it’s important to know that the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) will implement a toll tariff adjustment from 01 March 2026.

This affects rental cars, road trips, and long-distance travel, particularly along major corridors connecting airports, cities, safari lodges, and coastal destinations.

Toll fee increase at a glance

• Effective date: 01 March 2026
• Increase: 3.12% (CPI-linked)
• Lower than last year’s adjustment of 4.85%

SANRAL explains that toll revenue is critical for maintaining, upgrading, and expanding national highways in South Africa, as well as servicing debt incurred from toll road projects. These funds ensure that travellers enjoy safe, reliable, and high-quality roads throughout the country.

Why toll roads matter for international travellers

South Africa is one of the world’s premier self-drive destinations. Major tourist routes often include toll roads, such as:

• Johannesburg > Kruger National Park (N4 corridor)
• Cape Town > Gqeberha (N2 via Tsitsikamma)
• Johannesburg > Durban (N3 highway)

Well-maintained toll highways help travellers save time, enjoy smoother journeys, and access remote safari lodges, beaches, and national parks. 

Example toll costs for key routes

Here’s a practical guide for international visitors planning road trips in South Africa:

Route	Estimated Toll Cost (One Way, Light Vehicle)	Notes
Johannesburg → Kruger National Park	~R280–R300	Three main toll plazas; ideal for safari access
Cape Town → Gqeberha	~R70–R90	Mainly Tsitsikamma toll plaza on N2
Johannesburg → Durban	~R200–R220	Multiple tolls along the N3 corridor; common for KwaZulu-Natal coast trips

Please note: Toll costs are approximate and may vary slightly depending on your vehicle class and exact entry/exit points.

Tips for self-drive international travellers

1. Check toll payment with your rental company – e-tags or manual payment may apply.
2. Carry small Rand denominations for manual tolls if required.
3. Include tolls in your budget for long-distance itineraries like Cape Town > Gqeberha or Johannesburg > Kruger National Park.
4. Plan routes ahead – use GPS or route planners that highlight toll roads.

Why this matters for your trip

SANRAL toll revenue keeps national highways in top condition, ensuring:

• Smooth drives for tourists exploring the Garden Route, Kruger National Park, and KwaZulu-Natal coast
• Safe access to lodges, national parks, and adventure activities
• Reliable infrastructure for connecting flights, buses, and local transport

For overseas visitors, this means better road quality, shorter travel times, and safer journeys, enhancing your South African self-drive experience.

Bottom Line

From 01 March 2026, toll tariffs on SANRAL-operated roads will increase by 3.12%. While modest, this adjustment ensures that South Africa's roads remain safe, efficient, and ready for international travellers.

Budgeting for tolls on long-distance routes is smart, but overall, self-drive trips remain an affordable and rewarding way to explore South Africa's iconic destinations.

Toll costs are approximate and may vary slightly depending on your vehicle class and exact entry/exit points.

 

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Kruger National Park flood recovery update: Re-opening timeline for camps, roads and bridges (February 2026)

last updated: 23 February 2026

SANParks confirmed that the Timbavati Picnic Spot remains closed due to ongoing water supply challenges after the solar system was washed away by recent floods. The roads near the site (S12 and S40) are open, but access to the picnic spot itself will remain closed. Guests are encouraged to use Nwanetsi Picnic Spot as an alternative. (22 February 2026) 

last updated: 21 February 2026

SANParks released a Kruger Roads Update (20 February 2026).

last updated: 20 February 2026 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an updated timeline for the phased re-opening of flood-affected rest camps, bush camps, roads and bridges in Kruger National Park on 19 February 2026.

Following severe flooding earlier this year, infrastructure repairs in Kruger National Park are progressing steadily. While many facilities are already open, several key camps and access routes remain under restoration. Below is a traveller-focused breakdown to help you plan your Kruger National Park safari in 2026.

Please note: All dates below are expected timeframes and remain subject to change depending on repair progress and weather conditions.

Northern Kruger National Park: Camp re-openings

Shingwedzi Rest Camp
Expected reopening: 07 March 2026
Fence restoration is currently underway. Once complete, the camp will resume normal operations.

Mopani Rest Camp
Expected 100% tourism capacity: 13 March 2026

• Temporary restaurant facilities available from reopening
• Full restaurant operations expected by end May 2026

Mopani will return to full accommodation capacity first, with dining services phased in shortly thereafter.

Shimuwini Bush Camp
Expected reopening: 01 September 2026
This smaller, intimate bush camp is undergoing extensive civil and building works and will reopen once fully restored.

Letaba Rest Camp
Currently open: Shop, filling station and museum
Phased reopening schedule:

• 07 March 2026: Coffee/Food trailer for day visitors
• 05 May 2026: Partial reopening of undamaged tourism facilities (Circle A, B, C; Family Cottages; Guest Houses; Line Rooms)
• 02 June 2026: Restaurant fully operational
• 01 August 2026: Moderately damaged facilities reopen
• 02 November 2026: Camp fully operational

Olifants Rest Camp
Open

Sirheni Bush Camp
Open (access via alternative bypass route)

Balule Satellite Camp
Status: Yet to be assessed

Sable Sleepover Hide
Infrastructure remains submerged. Assessment pending.

Road and Bridge Updates

Access remains one of the most important considerations for self-drive visitors in Kruger National Park. Several key routes have reopened, while others remain under repair.

• Lower Sabie Road: Open
• Alternative route available via H1-2 > H12 > H4-1
• Phabeni Road (S1): Expected reopening October 2026
• Alternative route currently in place
• Letaba High-Level Bridge (HL): Expected reopening 13 March 2026
• Minor non-obstructive works will continue thereafter
• Letaba Low-Level Bridge (LL): Expected reopening 30 June 2026
• S12 & S40: OPEN (Nsemani Dam bypass operational)
• S39: Open

What This Means for Travellers

If you're planning a Kruger National Park safari in 2026:

• Southern and central regions are largely accessible and suitable for current bookings.
• Northern Kruger National Park will progressively reopen through mid- to late-2026.
• Expect occasional detours and temporary dining solutions in some camps.
• Always check the latest SANParks updates before departure.

The positive takeaway: recovery is well underway, and Kruger National Park remains very much open for unforgettable wildlife experiences.

For families, photographers and self-drive enthusiasts, flexibility will be key over the coming months — but Kruger National Park's wildlife viewing remains world-class.

 

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Cape Town: Kirstenbosch named one of the Most Beautiful Gardens in the World

Cape Town has added another global accolade to its name: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden has been named one of the Most Beautiful Gardens in the World by Homes & Gardens.

For travellers planning a visit to the Mother City, this recognition confirms what many already know — Kirstenbosch is not just a garden, but one of South Africa’s most extraordinary natural attractions.

A World-Class Garden at the Foot of Table Mountain

Set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch forms part of the UNESCO-listed Cape Floral Kingdom - the smallest yet richest of the world’s six floral kingdoms.

Established in 1913, the garden was the first botanical garden in the world dedicated entirely to a country’s indigenous flora. Today, it showcases more than 7,000 plant species, many of them endemic to South Africa.

Unlike many formal European-style gardens, Kirstenbosch blends cultivated botanical displays with wild natural landscapes, creating a seamless transition between designed garden spaces and mountain fynbos.

Why Kirstenbosch Stands Out Globally

Being featured by Homes & Gardens places Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden alongside some of the most iconic gardens across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. What makes it exceptional?

Dramatic Natural Setting
Few gardens in the world can rival its backdrop. Towering sandstone cliffs, indigenous forest, and sweeping lawns combine to create one of the most photogenic green spaces in Africa.

The Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway
The curved steel-and-timber canopy bridge - locally known as the “Boomslang” - offers elevated panoramic views across the gardens and towards the mountain. It’s a highlight for photographers and families alike.

Iconic South African Flora
From king proteas to vibrant fynbos displays, Kirstenbosch celebrates plants that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth. Spring (August to November) is particularly spectacular.

Open-Air Concerts
During summer, the lawns transform into a natural amphitheatre for the famous Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts — a uniquely Cape Town experience combining music, mountain views, and picnic culture.

Planning Your Visit

Location: Newlands, Cape Town
Ideal Visit Duration: 2–4 hours (longer if hiking or attending a concert)
Best Time to Visit:

• Spring (Aug–Nov) for peak blooms
• Summer (Dec–Feb) for concerts and long daylight hours
• Autumn and winter for quieter walks and crisp mountain views

Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring sun protection, and allow time simply to sit on the lawns and absorb the setting.

Why This Matters for Travellers

Global recognition from Homes & Gardens reinforces Kirstenbosch’s status as one of Africa’s premier garden experiences. For international visitors, it offers an accessible introduction to South Africa’s unique biodiversity. For locals, it remains a place of pride - and an essential stop on any Cape Town itinerary.

If you are visiting Cape Town and skip Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, you are missing one of the most beautiful gardens in the world - officially.

 

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Fastjet Mozambique set to launch Beira hub and domestic flights

Low-cost carrier Fastjet is moving closer to launching domestic flights in Mozambique, with Solenta Aviation Mozambique preparing operations from Beira Airport (BEW) in Beira in the second half of 2026.

The new airline, Fastjet Mozambique, will begin with three 50-seat regional jets, targeting affordable domestic travel and positioning Beira as a central aviation hub in Mozambique. The move introduces long-awaited competition to LAM Mozambique Airlines, which could mean better connectivity and lower fares for travellers.

Likely launch routes

Although schedules are not yet published, the expected starter network from Beira includes:

• Maputo – main trunk route (likely multiple daily flights)
• Nampula – key north–centre connection
• Tete – mining and business demand
• Pemba – gas projects and northern tourism
• Quelimane – regional connectivity
• Vilanculos – gateway to the Bazaruto Archipelago

Typical startup frequencies are expected to range from daily flights on major routes to 3–5 weekly services on thinner sectors.

Future regional expansion

Once domestic services stabilise, regional routes to Johannesburg, Harare, Dar es Salaam and Lusaka are highly likely.

What travellers should watch for

Still to come:

• Official routes and timetable
• Ticket sales opening
• Launch date confirmation

Airline schedules typically appear 3–4 months before first flights, so major announcements are expected later in 2026.

Bottom line: Fastjet Mozambique's Beira hub could significantly improve domestic travel in Mozambique, making multi-destination trips easier and more affordable.

 

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Eswatini Air to launch direct flights to Lusaka in April 2026

last updated 19 February 2026

The new route between Eswatini and Lusaka  will be operated on Wednesdays and Fridays. It will be paired with Harare on a triangular basis.

last updated 19 February 2026 

Eswatini Air has announced a new international route linking Eswatini with Lusaka (Zambia), starting 01 April 2026. The service will operate between King Mswati III International Airport (SHO) and Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN), creating the first direct air link between the two countries.

Until now, travellers typically connected via Johannesburg, often flying with Airlink. The new nonstop route is expected to significantly reduce travel time and simplify multi-country Southern Africa itineraries.

What we know

• Launch date: 01 April 2026
• First direct Eswatini <> Zambia flight
• Schedule, frequency and aircraft details to be announced soon

Why this route matters
The new connection will make it easier to combine Eswatini's culture and wildlife with Zambia's renowned safari destinations and Victoria Falls itineraries, while also improving regional business travel and tourism connectivity.

More details, including flight schedules and fares, are expected in the coming weeks. 

 

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Augrabies Falls National Park trails temporarily closed for maintenance

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Dassie Interpretative Trail and Gorge Trail at Augrabies Falls National Park are temporarily closed for essential maintenance.

• The Dassie Interpretative Trail is a scenic loop that offers close-up views of local wildlife, particularly rock hyrax (dassies), and provides interpretative signage about the park’s unique flora and fauna.
• The Gorge Trail takes hikers along the dramatic edge of the Orange River gorge, showcasing breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding rugged landscape.

Visitors are encouraged to explore other park highlights, including viewpoints, picnic areas, and the main falls promenade, while SANParks works to maintain and enhance these key hiking routes. We will provide updates; travellers are advised to check trail conditions before planning their visit.

 

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