Airlink launches first-ever non-stop Cape Town to Zanzibar flights from October 2026

Travellers heading from the Western Cape to the beaches of Zanzibar will soon be able to skip the Johannesburg connection entirely, with Airlink announcing the launch of the first-ever non-stop flights between Cape Town and Zanzibar from October 2026.

Bookings are now officially open for the new weekly service, which will connect Cape Town directly with the popular Indian Ocean island destination of Zanzibar in just over six hours.

The new route further strengthens Airlink’s growing East African network and follows the airline’s upcoming Johannesburg–Zanzibar service, scheduled to commence on 03 June 2026.

For travellers flying from Cape Town, the new direct service removes the need for a Johannesburg connection, making Zanzibar even more accessible for beach holidays, honeymoons, diving adventures and tropical island escapes.

Airlink confirmed that passengers already booked on Cape Town–Johannesburg–Zanzibar itineraries will be able to switch to the new direct flight at no additional cost, regardless of fare class, provided the booking remains within the same cabin category.

Flight Schedule: Cape Town – Zanzibar

The seasonal weekly flights will operate every Saturday from 03 October 2026 according to the following schedule:

• Cape Town 08:15 > 14:30 Zanzibar
• Zanzibar 15:30 > 20:50 Cape Town

The route will be operated using Airlink’s brand-new Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, the airline’s flagship jet type. The modern aircraft accommodates 124 passengers in a two-class configuration and features only aisle and window seats — meaning there are no middle seats onboard.

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Franschhoek Pass closed indefinitely after Western Cape floods

Travellers heading to the Cape Winelands are being advised to adjust their routes after the Western Cape Government confirmed that the scenic Franschhoek Pass has been closed to all traffic following severe storm damage caused by recent heavy rains and flooding.

According to an announcement issued on 14 May 2026, the closure applies to all road users, including light motor vehicles, heavy vehicles, motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists. Authorities reported numerous additional mud and rock slips along the route, as well as significant bridge damage, making the mountain pass unsafe for travel.

Roadblocks have been established at the mountain-side exit of Franschhoek and at the T-junction near the Theewaterskloof Dam. No exceptions are currently permitted.

Residents travelling to La Rochelle and Karmel can only access these areas via Franschhoek.

The Franschhoek Pass is one of the Western Cape’s most iconic scenic drives and a major tourism route linking the Franschhoek Valley with the Overberg region and Villiersdorp. The winding mountain road is especially popular with self-drive travellers, cyclists and motorcyclists due to its panoramic views over vineyards, mountain ranges and the Theewaterskloof Dam. The route also forms part of several popular Cape Winelands itineraries connecting Franschhoek's wine estates, guesthouses and restaurants with destinations further east.

The closure is expected to have a significant impact on tourism traffic in the region, particularly over weekends and during the winter travel season, when the pass is frequently used by domestic and international visitors exploring the Cape Winelands.

Motorists are urged to make use of alternative routes and allow additional travel time. Travellers planning trips between Franschhoek, Villiersdorp, Hermanus or the Overberg region should monitor official Western Cape Government channels for updates on reopening timelines and road conditions.

At this stage, authorities have not indicated when the Franschhoek Pass will reopen.

 

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Fish River Canyon hiking trail reopens after flood delay

Namibia’s iconic Fish River Canyon hiking season is officially back on track after a delayed start caused by flooding inside the canyon. Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has confirmed that the Fish River hiking trail reopened today, 15 May 2026.

The hiking season had originally been scheduled to begin on 01 May 2026, in line with the traditional annual opening of the Fish River Canyon trail. Like in the previous year, unusually high water levels inside the canyon forced authorities to postpone the start of the season while conditions were closely monitored.

Following recent assessments along the route, water levels have now subsided to safe and manageable levels, allowing hikers to once again experience one of Namibia’s most spectacular outdoor adventures. The reopening will come as welcome news for travellers, tour operators and adventure enthusiasts who had been waiting for conditions to improve following recent flooding in southern Namibia.

Widely regarded as one of Africa’s premier multi-day hikes, the Fish River Canyon trail attracts visitors from around the world during Namibia’s cooler winter months. Hikers can expect dramatic canyon landscapes, rugged terrain and unforgettable desert scenery along the route.

NWR thanked hikers, travel partners and stakeholders for their patience during the postponement period, stressing that visitor safety remains the organisation’s highest priority. The decision to reopen follows careful consideration of current conditions inside the canyon.

Travellers planning to tackle the hike are reminded to comply with all safety regulations, follow official guidance and help preserve the pristine environment by keeping the canyon clean.

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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Namibia Travel Alert: Orange River flooding disrupts travel between Rosh Pinah and Aussenkehr

Heavy flooding along the Orange River is continuing to disrupt travel in southern Namibia, with the Namibian Roads Authority (RA) confirming the closure of the C13 gravel road between Rosh Pinah and Aussenkehr.

According to an update issued on 14 May 2026, floodwaters have submerged a section of the road approximately 12 km from the Sendelingsdrift Border Post between Namibia and South Africa, forcing authorities to close the route to all traffic until further notice.

In addition, the Sendelingsdrift pontoon ferry has also been suspended due to the high river levels, further affecting cross-border travel between Namibia and South Africa through the remote Richtersveld region.

The disruptions are expected to impact self-drive travellers exploring southern Namibia, the Orange River region and the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park area. Motorists are strongly advised not to attempt driving through flooded sections, as conditions remain hazardous and unpredictable.

The RA says it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as conditions change. Travellers using gravel roads in southern Namibia are encouraged to check the latest road and weather information before departure, remain flexible with travel plans and consider alternative border crossings where necessary.

 

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Traveller Alert: SANParks closures and dlood damage across the Cape region

Travellers planning a visit to South Africa’s Cape region should take note of ongoing weather-related disruptions affecting several national parks managed by South African National Parks (SANParks). 
The damage has impacted key tourism destinations including Table Mountain National Park, Bontebok National Park, West Coast National Park, Agulhas National Park and Tankwa Karoo National Park.

In Table Mountain National Park, infrastructure and visitor facilities have also been affected. Strong winds damaged ablution facilities and water tanks at Silvermine, resulting in only partial access through Gate 1. Falling trees and branches have additionally forced the closure of the popular Elephants Eye Trail from Silvermine Dam as well as the Tokai Arboretum. SANParks teams continue with clean-up and safety assessments across affected sections of the park. 

At Bontebok National Park, flood damage has forced the temporary closure of the park after the Breede River burst its banks. Chalets at Lang Elsie’s Kraal Rest Camp were flooded, while several hiking trails remain inaccessible due to water damage.

Accommodation infrastructure at West Coast National Park sustained significant wind damage, particularly at the Abrahamskraal and Van Breda facilities. Despite the damage, the park itself remains open to visitors.

Further south, ongoing electricity outages continue to disrupt operations and communications at Agulhas National Park and in surrounding parts of the Cape Agulhas municipal area. Rising water levels have also impacted travel conditions along the R319 between Bredasdorp and Struisbaai, a key route for visitors heading toward Cape Agulhas.

Meanwhile, Tankwa Karoo National Park remains accessible, although saturated road conditions and persistent mud may affect driving conditions throughout the park.

SANParks has urged travellers and hikers to remain cautious, avoid closed or damaged areas and check the latest park updates before travelling. Visitors planning trips to the Cape parks over the coming days should remain flexible, as repairs, assessments and clean-up operations continue across multiple destinations.

 

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|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Flood Update 2026: Camps closed, access restrictions & travel advice (May 2026)

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an important operational update for travellers planning a visit to the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park following significant flooding caused by a sharp rise in Orange River water levels during April 2026.

SANParks emphasises that guest safety remains the highest priority, and as a result, access to several remote camps, routes, and facilities is currently restricted or cannot be guaranteed.

Flood impact in |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

Recent heavy flows in the Orange River have caused flooding in parts of |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, making some routes, river crossings, and remote camp access roads temporarily impassable. The most affected areas are the park’s more isolated desert wilderness sections, where access is always closely tied to seasonal river conditions and can change quickly depending on water levels.

Affected areas and camps (temporary closures / Restrictions)

• Pontoon Border Crossing
• Pooitjiespram Block C
• De Hoop Block B & C
• Richtersberg Camp
• Tatasberg Camp
• Estimated Closure Periods
• Tatasberg Camp – May to June 2026
• Richtersberg Camp – May 2026
• De Hoop Block B & C – May 2026
• De Hoop Block A – Remains open

Camps and areas remaining open

Despite the flooding impacts, several key visitor facilities remain fully operational, including:

• Sendelingsdrift Campsite & Chalets
• Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp
• Kokerboomkloof Camp

Travellers can still experience parts of |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park's dramatic desert landscapes, though itineraries may need adjustment depending on access conditions and river crossings.

Booking flexibility for affected travellers

For guests impacted by closures or access limitations, SANParks is offering flexible booking options:

• Rebooking into alternative accommodation (no amendment or cancellation fees)
• Credit on Hand (COH) for future travel
• Full refund option

Travellers are encouraged to contact SANParks directly to adjust existing reservations or explore alternative arrangements.

Travel advisory summary

The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park remains open in parts, but access is currently variable due to river-driven flooding. Remote desert camps are the most affected, while selected camps and sections continue to operate normally.

Visitors planning trips in May and June 2026 should closely monitor updates and remain flexible, especially when travelling through or near the Orange River corridor.

 

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Travel Alert: CapeNature reserves closed after heavy rain, flooding and wind damage

CapeNature is continuing to assess widespread storm damage across its Protected Areas following a series of intense winter cold fronts that have brought heavy rainfall, strong winds and localised flooding to large parts of the Western Cape.

Across the reserve network, the impacts are significant. Roads and trails have been damaged or blocked by flooding and fallen trees, visitor infrastructure has been affected in several locations, and electricity outages continue to disrupt operations. In many areas, access remains unsafe or unreliable, with cleanup and safety inspections still ongoing.

As a result, CapeNature has implemented a wide range of temporary closures. These are in place both for visitor safety and to allow for full damage assessments and repairs before any reopening can be considered.

The following reserves and sites are currently closed (full or partial closures as specified):

Robberg Nature Reserve; Goukamma Nature Reserve; Anysberg Nature Reserve; Keurbooms Nature Reserve; Marloth Nature Reserve; Rocherpan Nature Reserve; Bird Island Nature Reserve; Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve; and Gamkaberg Nature Reserve (including all accommodation, hiking trails, picnic sites, 4x4 trails and Oukraal).

Further closures include Limietberg Nature Reserve (all hiking trails), De Mond Nature Reserve (including the Damara Trail), Stony Point Nature Reserve (all facilities including the boardwalk), Jonkershoek and Assegaaibosch Nature Reserves (all hiking trails and picnic sites), and Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve (all facilities and overnight huts).

Additional impacted areas include the Tweede Tol picnic and camping site, which is affected due to the anticipated closure of Bainskloof Pass (R301) because of flooding; the Cederberg Complex and Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve (including Stadsaal and Truitjieskraal) with all day and overnight trails closed; De Hoop Nature Reserve (all huts and Whale Trail hikes); and Swartberg Nature Reserve (Bothashoek hut, all hiking trails and 4x4 jeep track).

Reopening timelines remain fluid, but CapeNature has indicated a phased approach between 15 May and 05 June 2026, depending on damage assessments and repair progress. Some sites may remain closed beyond this period if conditions require further work.

Travellers are strongly advised to avoid all affected reserves for now and to check official updates before planning any trips. Even where weather conditions improve, many routes remain unsafe due to unstable terrain, debris and ongoing recovery operations.