Madikwe Game Reserve introduces new entry procedures amid South Africa’s Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak

Travellers heading to Madikwe Game Reserve should prepare for new entry formalities. The North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) has introduced mandatory biosecurity procedures at the reserve in response to South Africa’s ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak - one of the most serious in recent years.

New Madikwe entry requirements (effective February 2026)

All visitors entering Madikwe Game Reserve - whether by road transfer, self-drive or charter flight - must now complete additional verification and sanitation steps at the gate.

Visitors must expect:

• Registration and identity verification
• Mandatory registration with NWPTB officials on arrival
• Presentation of a passport or South African ID
• Vehicle and personal biosecurity
• Disinfection of vehicle tyres at entry gates
• Walking through disinfectant footbaths before entering the reserve

These procedures apply to all guests, staff and service providers entering the reserve.

Why these measures are being introduced

South Africa is currently battling a widespread Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak affecting multiple provinces and the livestock sector. While the disease does not pose a risk to humans, it spreads easily between cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, antelope and buffalo.

This is particularly relevant for wildlife destinations. African buffalo - present in Madikwe Game Reserve - are natural carriers of the virus, making strict biosecurity essential to protect wildlife populations and the reserve’s ecological integrity.

Game reserves across southern Africa routinely implement similar precautions during animal disease outbreaks, and Madikwe Game Reserve's new procedures are part of a broader national effort to limit further spread.

What this means for travellers

The changes are precautionary and do not affect the safari experience inside the reserve. However, visitors should plan for slightly longer arrival formalities.

Practical tips for guests

• Allow extra time when arriving at the reserve gate
• Keep passports or ID easily accessible
• Follow staff instructions regarding vehicle and foot sanitation
• Expect the procedures to feel unfamiliar but routine

Importantly, FMD is not transmissible to humans, and there are no restrictions on tourism activities within the reserve.

The traveller takeaway

Madikwe Game Reserve remains fully open and safe to visit. The new entry procedures are preventative biosecurity measures designed to protect wildlife during South Africa's ongoing FMD outbreak.

For visitors, the impact is minimal: a short sanitation process on arrival in exchange for safeguarding one of South Africa's premier malaria-free safari destinations.

About Foot and Mouth Disease in South Africa

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffalo and antelope, and it can spread via vehicles, footwear, equipment and animal movement. South Africa is currently experiencing one of its most significant outbreaks in years, with active cases reported across multiple provinces and major vaccination campaigns underway. Authorities are working to vaccinate large portions of the national cattle herd and strengthen biosecurity as the outbreak has already affected livestock production and exports. 

 

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Durban Swimming Beaches Status: Latest water quality results released!

last updated: 11 February 2026 

The eThekwini Municipality has released its latest coastal water quality results, confirming that 17 of Durban’s 23 regularly monitored bathing beaches currently meet national safety standards, while six beaches remain closed due to water quality concerns.

For travellers, this means swimming is possible in many parts of Durban - but beach choice and up-to-date information remain important.

Current swimming conditions along Durban’s coastline

Durban’s warm Indian Ocean and long sandy beaches continue to attract visitors year-round. However, the latest results highlight that water quality conditions are still uneven along the coastline, with some popular beaches remaining off-limits.

Swimming, surfing and general beach recreation are currently possible at designated open beaches, but visitors should expect ongoing monitoring and potential changes.

How Durban monitors coastal water quality

The municipality runs a continuous coastal monitoring programme aimed at protecting public health. This includes:

• Routine seawater sampling at designated bathing beaches
• Laboratory microbiological testing
• Public release of official results

The latest testing shows that while the majority of monitored beaches comply with national guidelines, not all locations have yet returned to acceptable water quality levels.

Beaches currently open for swimming

The following 17 beaches in Durban are currently considered safe for recreational swimming, subject to continued monitoring:

1. Point Beach
2. uMgababa
3. uShaka
4. North Beach
5. Bay of Plenty
6. Wedge Beach
7. Brighton Beach
8. Winklespruit
9. Westbrook
10. mDloti Main Beach
11. Anstey’s Beach
12. Pipeline Beach
13. Toti Main Beach
14. uMhlanga Main Beach
15. Bronze Beach
16. Laguna Beach
17. Thekwini Beach

Lifeguards are on duty daily from 06:00 to 18:30 at these beaches.

Beaches still closed due to water quality concerns

The following beaches in Durban remain temporarily closed:

1. Doonside Beach
2. Addington Beach
3. South Beach
4. Country Club
5. Battery Beach
6. Reunion Beach

These closures remain precautionary and will stay in place until water quality improves.

Public swimming pools as an alternative

Durban operates around 40 municipal swimming pools, which provide a reliable alternative for families and travellers seeking controlled swimming conditions. Pools are maintained, monitored and supervised by lifeguards.

Safety advice for beach visitors

Water quality can change quickly, especially after heavy rainfall. Visitors are advised to:

• Swim only at lifeguarded beaches
• Follow official signage and municipal notices
• Avoid swimming after periods of heavy rain

Traveller takeaway

While most of Durban's monitored beaches are currently open, several well-known beaches remain closed, underlining the importance of checking the latest updates before heading to the coast. Conditions continue to be monitored, and further changes are possible as testing continues.

 

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South Africa officially renames East London and Graaff-Reinet: What travellers need to know

last updated: 11 February 2026 

South Africa has officially gazetted a major set of geographic name changes that directly affect travellers, maps, bookings and travel planning. The changes were published in Government Gazette No. 54101 (06 February 2026) by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture under the South African Geographical Names Council Act.

This means the new names are now official and legally recognised.

Major tourism destinations renamed

For travellers, tour operators and travel planners, the most significant update is that two well-known tourism towns no longer officially exist under their previous names.

Key town name changes

• East London > KuGompo City (Eastern Cape)
• Graaff-Reinet > Robert Sobukwe Town (Eastern Cape)
• Aberdeen > Xamdeboo (Eastern Cape)
• Adendorp > Bishop Limba (Eastern Cape)
• Barkly East > Ekhephini (Eastern Cape)

These names are now the official geographic names used by government departments and will gradually replace the old names across travel platforms and signage.

Why this matters for travellers

Although the historic names will remain in everyday use for some time, the new names now apply to:

• Road signage (rolled out gradually)
• Official tourism marketing
• GPS and mapping services (updates typically follow gazetting)
• Booking systems and travel documents
• Future guidebooks and itineraries

Expect a multi-year transition period where both names appear together.

Typical examples travellers may see:

• Flights may still list ist King Phalo Airport (ELS) – East London for now.
• Guesthouses may advertise “near Graaff-Reinet (Robert Sobukwe)”.

This dual-naming phase is normal after official name changes.

KuGompo City (formerly East London)

East London is one of the Eastern Cape’s most important coastal gateways.

Highlights for travellers include:

• Nahoon and Gonubie beaches
• Access to the Wild Coast
• East London Museum and the famous coelacanth
• Popular stop on Wild Coast road trips

Expect the name KuGompo City to increasingly appear in travel documents and maps from 2026 onwards.

Robert Sobukwe Town (formerly Graaff-Reinet)

Graaff-Reinet is a cornerstone Karoo destination and one of South Africa's most loved heritage towns.

Key attractions:

• Valley of Desolation
• Camdeboo National Park
• Historic Cape Dutch architecture
• Major stop on Garden Route–Karoo itineraries

The new name Robert Sobukwe honours the anti-apartheid leader and will gradually replace the historic town name in official usage.

Additional road trip updates

The Gazette also includes new names for key mountain passes:

• Barkly Pass (R58) > Mbombo Pass
• Kraai River Pass (R58) > Tyumbu Pass

These updates are particularly relevant for self-drive travellers exploring the Eastern Cape Highlands.

Practical advice for travellers

When planning trips in South Africa from 2026 onward:

• Use both old and new names when searching or booking
• Expect mixed naming across maps and booking sites
• Update saved GPS locations if travelling regularly
• Tour operators should begin updating itineraries and marketing material

Bottom line

The renaming of East London to KuGompo City and Graaff-Reinet to Robert Sobukwe Town is now official following publication in the Government Gazette on 06 February 2026. Travellers won’t experience disruption, but the new names will increasingly appear across maps, booking platforms and travel documents in the coming years.

 

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South Africa rhino poaching drops in 2025 – but Kruger NP numbers rise

South Africa has reported encouraging progress in the fight against wildlife crime, with a 16% drop in rhino poaching in 2025 compared to the previous year. The improvement follows intensified anti-poaching operations, stronger cooperation between authorities and private reserves, and increased use of technology to detect criminal activity. For safari travellers, the figures highlight both positive conservation momentum and the ongoing challenges facing some of the country’s most iconic parks.

Key rhino poaching statistics for 2025

• 352 rhinos poached in 2025, down from 420 in 2024
• 266 being killed on state properties and 86 on privately owned parks, reserves or farms
• Major successes in KwaZulu-Natal, but Kruger National Park saw a worrying rise

Kruger National Park: Increase in losses

For travellers visiting Kruger National Park, the latest figures show a concerning trend:

• 175 rhinos poached in Kruger National Park in 2025
• Up from 88 rhinos in 2024

Mpumalanga - home to Kruger National Park - became the hardest-hit region, highlighting the ongoing pressure from organised wildlife crime syndicates operating around the national park.

The provincial and national breakdown for 2023, 2024 and 2025
(C) South African National Parks

Major success in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

There is encouraging news from Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal, where poaching dropped dramatically:

• 63 rhinos poached in 2025, down from 198 in 2024

Authorities credit this improvement to:

• Expanded dehorning programmes
• Advanced camera and sensor technology
• Strong cooperation between park authorities, private rhino owners and conservation NGOs

Stronger law enforcement and convictions

South Africa continues to intensify its anti-poaching strategy with:

• Increased intelligence-led operations
• Greater cooperation between police, prosecutors and environmental agencies
• Successful prosecution of major wildlife trafficking syndicates, including a 20-year prison sentence handed down in a major rhino crime case in 2025

What this means for safari travellers

For visitors, the overall decline is a positive sign for conservation and sustainable tourism. South Africa remains one of the best places in the world to see rhinos in the wild, and tourism continues to play a key role in supporting protection efforts.

However, the rise in poaching in Kruger National Park highlights why responsible travel and conservation funding remain critical.

 

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Namibia issues malaria outbreak alert - What travellers need to know (February 2026 update)

last updated: 10 February 2026 

Namibia’s Ministry of Health and Social Services has issued a malaria outbreak alert (02 February 2026) following a sharp early-season rise in cases, particularly in the country’s north and north-east. Here is a concise, traveller-focused update.

Malaria cases rising rapidly in early 2026

According to the Ministry of Health:

• 8,760 malaria cases were recorded in the first four weeks of 2026
• 604 hospitalisations and 11 deaths have been confirmed
• This represents a 68% increase compared to the same period in 2025
• 20 health districts have exceeded epidemic thresholds

Authorities warn numbers may continue to rise as the rainy season progresses.

Regions affected

The outbreak is concentrated in northern and north-eastern Namibia, especially areas along the Angola and Zambia borders.

Regions affected include:

• Zambezi (Caprivi Strip) – highest case numbers
• Kavango East and Kavango West
• Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Oshana, Omusati
• Kunene and Otjozondjupa

These are traditionally Namibia's highest malaria-risk areas, particularly during the rainy season from December to May.

Impact on safari travel

For travellers, the most relevant update is that malaria prevention is strongly advised again for popular safari regions, including:

• Etosha National Park
• Zambezi Region / Caprivi
• Waterberg Plateau
• Northern Namibia in general

Etosha National Park prophylaxis is often debated in low-risk years, but the current outbreak has shifted guidance back towards clear preventive measures.

Why the outbreak is happening

The increase is linked to:

• Heavy seasonal rainfall and flooding
• Increased mosquito breeding
• Cross-border transmission from neighbouring countries

Namibia only declared the end of a major malaria outbreak in August 2025, showing how quickly cases can rebound during the rainy season.

Government response

The Ministry has implemented:

• Indoor residual spraying programmes
• Distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets
• Public awareness campaigns urging early treatment and prevention

Travellers are advised to take personal precautions seriously.

Practical malaria advice for visitors

If travelling to northern Namibia between December and May:

Before travel

• Consult a travel clinic about malaria prophylaxis
• Pack a reliable insect repellent (DEET or Icaridin)

During your trip

• Wear long sleeves at dusk and dawn
• Sleep under mosquito nets when available
• Use repellent every evening
• Seek medical attention quickly if fever develops

Bottom line for travellers

The malaria outbreak does not affect most tourism routes in southern Namibia, but safari travellers heading north should plan for full malaria prevention measures in 2026.

Staying informed and prepared allows you to travel Namibia safely while enjoying one of Africa’s most spectacular safari destinations.

 

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Table Mountain National Park Entry Update: Indemnity forms now required at park gates

last updated 11 February 2026

Table Mountain National Park Update: Digital ID Checks & Indemnity Changes 

From 10 February 2026, SANParks has introduced visitor verification at key high-traffic entrances in Table Mountain National Park. Digital ID scanning is now in use at the Cape Point (Cape of Good Hope) and Boulders Penguin Colony gates to enable accurate tariff application where locally discounted rates apply
In a traveller-friendly change, general day visitors no longer need to complete indemnity forms when entering these two popular sections of the park.
Indemnity forms are now only required at designated picnic and braai sites, namely:

• Newlands Forest
• Oudekraal
• Silvermine
• Tokai Picnic & Braai Area

The requirement does not apply to open-access areas, Wild Card holders, or activity permit holders.

SANParks confirms that all personal data collected through digital ID verification is handled in compliance with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). 

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Visitors planning to explore Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town should prepare for a new entry procedure. South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that indemnity forms will now be required at all park gates from 10 February 2026 as part of updated governance and visitor data processes.
This change forms part of SANParks’ rollout of a new ID scanning system for South African residents, designed to securely verify visitor information and confirm eligibility for discounted entry. While the technology is being phased in, indemnity forms will serve as the interim process. Visitors should expect possible (short) delays at park entrances during implementation.

What visitors need to know

All visitors entering Table Mountain National Park must comply with the new procedure:

Indemnity forms

• Every visitor must complete an indemnity form before entering Table Mountain National Park.
• Groups may complete one form per group or per vehicle.
• Tour operators, guides and drivers are included in this requirement.
• Visitors are encouraged to print and complete the form in advance to speed up entry, although forms will also be available at gates.

Identification requirements

• South African residents must provide valid ID to qualify for discounted entry.
• Local visitors must include their South African ID numbers on the form.
• SADC visitors and long-term visa holders must complete an indemnity form.
• International visitors do not need to present passports at the gate, but passport numbers must be recorded on the form.

Gates affected by the new process

The indemnity form requirement applies to the following Table Mountain National Park entry points:

• Cape of Good Hope
• Boulders Penguin Colony
• Newlands Forest
• Oudekraal
• Silvermine
• Tokai Picnic Sites

Not included:
The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden are not part of this process.

Expect possible delays during rollout

SANParks has apologised in advance for any inconvenience, noting that these measures are necessary to meet governance, compliance and reporting requirements while maintaining safe and efficient access to Table Mountain National Park.

Travellers visiting Cape Town's most iconic national park should allow extra time at park gates and complete forms in advance where possible to ensure a smoother entry experience.

 

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Malawi Travel Update 2026: VAT increase and new foreign currency payment rules

Malawi has introduced several economic and policy changes affecting international visitors in 2026. Alongside the country’s new reciprocal visa policy, travellers should now also plan for a VAT increase to 17.5% and a requirement to pay accommodation in foreign currency.

VAT increase to 17.5%

From 01 January 2026, Malawi increased its standard VAT rate from 16.5% to 17.5%.
Travellers can expect a small price increase across tourism services such as:

• Hotels and lodges
• Safaris and guided tours
• Transport and restaurant meals

The impact is modest but worth factoring into your travel budget.

Accommodation must be paid in foreign currency

Malawi now requires foreign visitors to pay hotel and lodge bills in hard currency, typically:

• US Dollars (USD)
• Euros (EUR)
• British Pounds (GBP)

This applies to hotels, safari lodges and camps nationwide. While many properties already priced in USD, the rule now formalises this practice.

Why the rule was introduced

Malawi is currently experiencing a shortage of foreign currency. Tourism is a key source of hard currency, and the government wants tourism revenue to flow directly into official reserves.

How to prepare for Malawi travel in 2026

What this means for travellers

• Expect accommodation prices to be quoted and charged in USD or EUR
• International credit cards are increasingly accepted and preferred
• Bring some foreign currency as a backup
• Use Malawi Kwacha (MWK) for daily expenses such as restaurants, transport, markets and tips

Bottom line for travellers

• VAT: now 17.5% > small overall price increase
• Accommodation: payable in foreign currency
• Daily spending: still in Malawi Kwacha (MWK)

With basic payment planning, Malawi remains an easy and rewarding destination for safaris, Lake Malawi holidays and overland travel.

 

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