Cape Town Airport Disruptions: Flights diverted after Kenya Airways aircraft incident

update (04 August 2026): According to ACSA's latest operational update, normal runway operations have resumed at Cape Town International Airport (CPT)  following the earlier operational disruption. While flight operations have resumed, some delays may still be experienced as airlines work to recover their schedules. 

Travellers flying to or from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, South Africa, should expect delays and operational disruptions after an aircraft incident temporarily affected runway operations.

The disruption occurred after Kenya Airways flight KQ784 experienced a tyre failure while landing at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) at approximately 15:25. Following the incident, airport authorities temporarily restricted normal arrival operations while the aircraft was attended to and runway activities were managed.

Arriving flights diverted to alternative airports

According to the Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), all arriving flights were temporarily diverted to alternative airports while the situation was being resolved.

Passengers with upcoming flights to Cape Town should be prepared for possible delays, revised arrival times and changes to flight schedules. Airlines may need to adjust their operations depending on when normal runway activities resume.

Domestic departures continue, but international flights affected

While domestic departures from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) continue to operate, wide-body aircraft departures were temporarily unable to proceed until normal runway operations were restored.

This may particularly affect travellers flying on long-haul international routes, including services operated by larger aircraft between Cape Town and destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.

What travellers should do before heading to Cape Town Airport

If you are travelling through Cape Town International Airport (CPT) today:

• Check your flight status directly with your airline before leaving for the airport
• Allow additional time for possible delays or schedule changes
• Do not rely solely on normal departure times shown on your booking confirmation
• Contact Cape Town Airport passenger services on +27 21 937 1200 for the latest operational updates

For international visitors starting or ending their South African holiday in Cape Town, it is worth allowing some flexibility in their travel plans if they are flying today or in the next 24 hours.. Even a short disruption at a major hub like Cape Town International Airport (CPT) can lead to delays further down the line, as airlines adjust aircraft schedules and passenger connections.

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town is South Africa's second-busiest airport and a key gateway for travellers exploring the Western Cape, including destinations such as the Cape Winelands, Garden Route, West Coast and the iconic Table Mountain National Park. Even short operational interruptions can therefore affect thousands of travellers connecting through the airport.

Travellers are advised to monitor updates from their airline and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) before travelling.

 

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Addo Elephant National Park Update: Matyholweni Rest Camp affected by burst water pipe

Visitors planning a stay at Addo Elephant National Park’s Matyholweni Rest Camp should be aware of a temporary water supply disruption affecting the camp and the nearby Colchester area.

According to South African National Parks (SANParks), the Sundays River Valley Local Municipality (?) has reported a burst water pipe, which has interrupted the normal water supply to Matyholweni Rest Camp.

At this stage, no confirmed timeframe is available for when the municipal water supply will be fully restored.

SANParks supplying emergency water

To minimise the impact on visitors, SANParks is currently transporting water by tanker from Addo Main Camp to Matyholweni Rest Camp.

Travellers staying at Matyholweni should therefore expect possible temporary water-related inconveniences while repairs are underway. Visitors are advised to use water responsibly and follow any instructions provided by park staff during this period.

What does this mean for visitors?

Matyholweni Rest Camp remains accessible, and SANParks continues to support normal operations while the municipality works to address the infrastructure failure.

If you are travelling to Addo Elephant National Park in the coming days, it is recommended to:

• check the latest SANParks updates before departure;
• confirm conditions with the park directly before travelling;
• carry additional drinking water where practical, especially if travelling independently;
• allow for possible delays or temporary changes to services at Matyholweni Rest Camp.

About Matyholweni Rest Camp

Located near the southern entrance of Addo Elephant National Park at Colchester, Matyholweni Rest Camp is a popular accommodation option for travellers entering the park from the Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) side.

The camp’s location makes it particularly convenient for visitors combining an Addo safari with a Garden Route or Eastern Cape coastal itinerary. Its proximity to the park’s southern section also offers easy access to some of Addo's famous elephant viewing areas.

For most travellers, the temporary water interruption is expected to be a short-term operational issue rather than a reason to cancel an Addo visit. However, staying informed before arrival will help ensure a smoother safari experience. 

 

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Airlink launches Lanseria–Harare flights from November 2026

Travellers heading to Zimbabwe will soon have another way to reach Harare. From 15 November 2026, South African regional airline Airlink will introduce a new scheduled service between Lanseria International Airport (HLA), northwest of Johannesburg, and Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare.

The route is particularly significant because it will be the first-ever scheduled airline service between Lanseria and Zimbabwe's capital, giving passengers an alternative to departing from the busier O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB).

Flight schedule

Airlink will operate the route three times a week using a 98-seat Embraer E190 aircraft, featuring 6 Business Class and 92 Economy Class seats

• Monday, Thursday, Saturday: Lanseria 07:00 > 08:40 Harare
• Wednesday, Friday, Sunday: Harare 17:45 > 19:25 Lanseria

The Embraer E190 offers a comfortable cabin layout with no middle seats, meaning every passenger enjoys either a window or aisle seat.

Why this new route matters

Johannesburg–Harare is one of Southern Africa's busiest international air routes, carrying substantial business, family and leisure travel throughout the year.

Until now, scheduled flights between the two cities have operated exclusively from O.R. Tambo International Airport. The addition of Lanseria gives travellers more flexibility when choosing departure airports and could prove particularly useful for those based closer to Johannesburg's western suburbs.

For visitors exploring Zimbabwe, Harare is often the starting point for journeys to destinations such as Mana Pools National Park, Eastern Highlands, Lake Kariba or the Great Zimbabwe ruins, while many travellers also continue onwards to Victoria Falls by domestic flight or road.

Bookings now open

Tickets for the new Lanseria–Harare service are already on sale, with the inaugural flight scheduled for 15 November 2026.

Whether you're starting a Zimbabwe self-drive adventure, heading to Victoria Falls via Harare, or combining South Africa and Zimbabwe in one itinerary, the new Lanseria service adds another convenient air connection for exploring Southern Africa.

 

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Hartbeespoort named South Africa's Town of the Year 2026: Why you should visit Harties

Just 45 minutes from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, Hartbeespoort – affectionately known as Harties – has added another reason to visit. One of Gauteng's favourite weekend getaways has been crowned Kwêla's Dorp van die Jaar (Town of the Year) 2026, one of South Africa's best-known community tourism competitions.

Why did Hartbeespoort win Dorp van die Jaar 2026?

Harties saw off finalists Gansbaai, Secunda, Howick, Hopetown, Keimoes, Gobabis (Namibia), Bethlehem and Mokopane, drawing an estimated 120,000 votes in the public voting round — one of the largest turnouts in the competition's history. Support came not only from local residents but also from visitors across Gauteng and North West, reflecting Harties' enduring popularity as a weekend getaway.

An 18-month community campaign led by the volunteer group Proudly Harties and the local tourism association helped clean up, beautify and promote the town ahead of the competition, turning the victory into a genuine community success story.

What the award means for travellers

Visitors can also expect improvements. Winning Dorp van die Jaar brings:

• R1 million worth of national television marketing on kykNET, including a professionally produced destination advertisement.
• R1 million in prize money, which will be invested in community improvement projects.
• A televised celebration showcasing Hartbeespoort to audiences across Southern Africa.

Local plans for the prize money are already taking shape. Priorities include repairing the traffic lights at the Hartbeespoort Dam wall crossing, improving public green spaces and adding more street lighting. The marketing campaign will also help showcase Harties to even more potential visitors.

Where is Hartbeespoort?

Hartbeespoort lies roughly 45–50 km northwest of both Johannesburg and Pretoria, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway from either city. The town sits at the foot of the Magaliesberg, a UNESCO-recognised Biosphere Reserve, on the shores of Hartbeespoort Dam.

Completed in 1925, the dam stretches for more than 20 km and is fed by the Crocodile and Magalies rivers. Its distinctive Roman-inspired dam wall is one of South Africa's most recognisable engineering landmarks.

"Hartbeespoort" actually refers to a cluster of settlements around the dam, including Kosmos, Ifafi, Melodie, Meerhof and Schoemansville, which together form the wider Harties community.

Travel tip: Hartbeespoort is busiest on weekends and public holidays. If your schedule allows, visit during the week for quieter attractions and less traffic around the dam.

Top things to do in Harties

Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, Harties offers plenty to see and do:

• Ride the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway for spectacular views over the dam and Magaliesberg.
• Enjoy a boat cruise, watersports, fishing or a meal overlooking Hartbeespoort Dam.
• Meet rescued elephants at The Elephant Sanctuary.
• Walk among free-roaming primates at Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary.
• Learn about cheetah conservation at the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre.
• Combine your visit with the nearby Cradle of Humankind or De Wildt Wildlife Reserve.

About the Dorp van die Jaar competition

Organised annually by the Afrikaans television programme Kwêla on kykNET in partnership with Lottoland SA, Dorp van die Jaar is open to towns across South Africa and Namibia with populations below 500,000. The winning town is chosen through a series of public voting rounds, generating national exposure and encouraging domestic travel.

Bottom line

Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, there's never been a better time to explore Harties.

Its combination of mountain scenery, water-based activities, wildlife attractions, cafés, markets and easy accessibility has long made it one of Gauteng's favourite weekend destinations. Now, with fresh national recognition and new investment in local infrastructure, Harties looks set to become even more appealing.

If you're planning a day trip from Johannesburg and Pretoria—or a relaxed weekend break—South Africa's newly crowned Town of the Year 2026 deserves a place on your travel itinerary.

 

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Table Mountain fire update: What Cape Town visitors need to know

update (04 August 2026): According to the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, the fire that started on 02.08.2026 on Table Mountain above Tafelberg Road has burned itself out. Firefighters worked throughout the night to bring the blaze under control. However, a small team of firefighters are still on the scene to monitor for flare-ups.

Travellers visiting Cape Town should be aware that firefighting operations are continuing on the slopes of Table Mountain National Park after a vegetation fire broke out above Kloof Nek Corner and Tafelberg Road.

The fire, first reported on 02 August 2026, prompted the evacuation of visitors from the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway's Lower Station as a precaution while firefighters moved in to contain the blaze.

Firefighting continues on Table Mountain

South African National Parks' (SANParks) Fire Management Team, supported by the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service and Volunteer Wildfire Services, worked throughout the night to contain the fire and monitor hotspots.

Although cooler overnight conditions helped slow the fire's spread, SANParks says rising daytime temperatures could cause flare-ups, particularly on steep, rocky slopes that are difficult for ground crews to access.

To strengthen firefighting efforts, two Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) aircraft operated by Kishugu Aviation and AG Aviation have been deployed to target hotspots identified through thermal imaging. Around 43 firefighters and three water tankers remain on the incident, with additional helicopters available if required.

What travellers should know

If you're planning to visit Table Mountain over the coming days:

• The Contour Path between Kloof Nek and the Lower Cableway Station remains closed until further notice.
• Nearby hiking trails around the affected area are also closed.
• Visitors should avoid Tafelberg Road while emergency operations continue.
• Aerial firefighting aircraft are operating over the mountain, so it's important to stay clear of the affected area and follow all instructions from SANParks and emergency personnel.

At the time of writing, SANParks has not announced the cause of the fire.

Before heading to Table Mountain

Wildfires are a regular occurrence on the Cape Peninsula during the dry, windy months, and temporary trail closures are not uncommon while crews work to protect visitors, infrastructure and the unique fynbos vegetation.

If you are planning to hike or use the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (closed until 09 August 2026 for scheduled annual maintenance), it's advisable to check the latest operational updates before setting out, as access restrictions can change at short notice depending on weather conditions and firefighting progress.

 

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Cricket World Cup 2027: Host cities in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia unveiled

Here's what the confirmed venues mean for travellers planning a Southern African cricket adventure. 

The countdown to the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2027 has taken another major step, with the official host cities and stadiums now confirmed across South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

For travellers, this is more than just a sporting event. It is an opportunity to combine world-class cricket with some of Southern Africa's most iconic destinations, from the vineyards of the Cape Winelands and the beaches of Durban to the wildlife of Victoria Falls and the deserts of Namibia.

The tournament marks the return of the Men's Cricket World Cup to Africa for the first time in 24 years, following the memorable 2003 edition co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

The Cricket World Cup 2027 host venues

South Africa

South Africa will host matches at eight venues:

• Wanderers Stadium – Johannesburg
• SuperSport Park – Centurion (Tshwane)
• Newlands Cricket Ground – Cape Town
• Kingsmead Cricket Ground – Durban
• St George's Park – Gqeberha
• Mangaung Oval – Bloemfontein
• Boland Park – Paarl
• Buffalo Park – KuGompo City (formerly East London)

Each destination offers something different for visitors. Cape Town combines cricket with spectacular scenery, Johannesburg provides easy access to the country's largest transport hub, Durban offers subtropical beaches and Indian Ocean cuisine, while Paarl is perfectly placed for exploring the Cape Winelands.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe will stage matches at:

• Harare Sports Club – Harare
• Queens Sports Club – Bulawayo
• Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium – Victoria Falls

For international visitors, Victoria Falls is likely to be one of the tournament's biggest drawcards. Watching World Cup cricket before or after visiting one of the world's greatest natural wonders could become one of the standout travel experiences of 2027.

Namibia

Namibia will make history by hosting its first senior ICC tournament, with matches taking place at:

• Namibia Cricket Ground – Windhoek

Windhoek also serves as the gateway to many of Namibia's top attractions, including the Namib Desert, Etosha National Park and the Skeleton Coast, making it easy to extend a cricket trip into a memorable self-drive holiday.

A new tournament format

The 2027 Cricket World Cup will feature 14 teams competing across 57 matches.

The competition introduces a new three-stage format designed to keep more matches meaningful throughout the tournament:

• A Super Series involving the teams ranked 12th to 14th, with one side progressing.
• A first round featuring 12 teams divided into two groups of six.
• A Super 7 stage involving the best-performing teams, followed by the semi-finals and final.

The revised structure aims to create more competitive fixtures while maintaining high stakes throughout the tournament.

Why this matters for travellers

With matches spread across 12 venues in three countries, fans will have plenty of opportunities to turn the World Cup into a multi-country Southern African adventure.

Many host cities are connected by direct flights, making it relatively straightforward to combine destinations such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, continue to Victoria Falls, or finish with a road trip through Namibia.

Demand for flights, accommodation and car hire is expected to increase significantly once the full match schedule is released. Travellers planning to attend should keep an eye on fixture announcements and consider booking early, particularly for popular destinations such as Cape Town, Durban and Victoria Falls.

Looking ahead

The tournament will be played under the theme "Three Nations, One Heartbeat", highlighting the shared hospitality and diversity of the three host nations.

For cricket supporters, it promises to be one of the biggest sporting events ever staged in Southern Africa. For travellers, it offers an excellent reason to discover—or rediscover—some of the region's most fascinating cities, landscapes and attractions while enjoying world-class international cricket.

As soon as the full match schedule, ticket sales and travel information are announced, we'll publish further updates here on the blog to help you plan your Cricket World Cup 2027 adventure.

 

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Durban beaches update: All swimming beaches remain open (29 July 2026)

If you're planning a beach day in Durban, the latest water quality results bring more good news for visitors. According to the eThekwini Municipality's 29 July 2026 update, all officially designated swimming beaches remain open, with water quality ranging from excellent to acceptable under the municipality's E. coli monitoring programme.

All swimming beaches currently open

There are 23 beaches open for swimming across Durban's coastline, covering the city's central, northern and southern beaches. This means visitors can once again enjoy the full range of popular beaches, including Laguna Beach and Reunion Beach, both of which have remained open in the latest update.

Central Durban beaches

Open beaches include:

• Wedge
• Point
• uShaka
• Addington
• South Beach
• North Beach
• Bay of Plenty
• Battery Beach
• Country Club
• Thekwini Beach
• Laguna Beach

Most central beaches recorded acceptable E. coli levels, while North Beach, Bay of Plenty, Battery Beach, Country Club, Thekwini Beach and Laguna Beach all achieved excellent water quality results.

Northern beaches

All monitored northern beaches remain open:

• Westbrook
• Umdloti Main
• Umhlanga Main
• Bronze Beach

Westbrook and Umdloti Main again recorded excellent water quality, while Umhlanga Main and Bronze Beach remain safely within the municipality's acceptable range for swimming.

Southern beaches

The southern coastline also continues to perform well, with all monitored beaches open:

• Toti Main
• Ansteys
• Brighton
• Umgababa
• Doonside Beach
• Winklespruit
• Pipeline
• Reunion

Several beaches, including Toti Main, Ansteys, Brighton, Doonside Beach and Reunion, recorded excellent water quality with very low E. coli counts.

What travellers should know

While the latest results are encouraging, water quality can change after heavy rainfall or stormwater runoff. If you're travelling along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, it's always worth checking the latest municipal update before heading to the beach, especially during the summer rainy season.

For visitors planning a holiday in Durban over the coming weeks, the current outlook is positive. With all official swimming beaches open, you'll have plenty of options whether you're looking for family-friendly beaches, surfing, swimming or simply relaxing on the Golden Mile.

Quick summary

• All 23 official swimming beaches are open.
• Excellent water quality at many beaches, including North Beach, Battery Beach, Laguna Beach, Westbrook, Umdloti Main, Toti Main, Brighton and Reunion.
• Remaining monitored beaches are within the municipality's acceptable recreational water quality standards.
• No swimming beach closures have been announced in this update.

As always, we'll continue monitoring eThekwini's beach water quality updates and post any significant changes that could affect travellers visiting Durban .

 

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