Travellers Alert: Diaz Beach in Mossel Bay closed until further notice

The popular Diaz Beach in Mossel Bay has been closed with immediate effect following severe weather conditions that recently affected parts of the Garden Route.

According to the Mossel Bay Municipality, hazardous conditions developed along the beachfront area after the recent weather event that swept through the district, prompting authorities to shut down public access to the beach until further notice.

Municipal officials have urged residents and travellers not to use the affected facilities while safety assessments and repairs are being carried out.

Diaz Beach is one of Mossel Bay's most visited coastal attractions, particularly popular with holidaymakers, road trippers travelling the Garden Route, surfers, beachgoers, and families visiting the area during school holidays and long weekends. The temporary closure may affect tourism activities around the beachfront precinct, especially for visitors staying near the beach or planning ocean-based activities.

The recent stormy weather caused widespread disruptions across parts of the Garden Route, with heavy rainfall, rough seas, strong winds, and coastal damage reported in several areas. Authorities are continuing to monitor conditions closely to ensure public safety before reopening the beach.

Travellers planning a visit to Mossel Bay are advised to check the latest local updates before heading to Diaz Beach and to consider alternative beaches and attractions in the area while repairs are underway.

Despite the closure, Mossel Bay still offers a variety of attractions for visitors, including whale watching opportunities, scenic coastal drives, historic sites, hiking trails, and adventure activities along South Africa’s renowned southern coastline.

No reopening date has yet been announced for Diaz Beach in Mossel Bay.

 

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TAZARA suspends Mukuba cross-border train services Between Tanzania and Zambia

Travellers planning an overland rail journey between Tanzania and Zambia will need to adjust their itineraries after the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) confirmed a temporary suspension of its Mukuba Cross-Border Train Services.

The suspension will run from 26 May to 01 June 2026, allowing TAZARA to carry out its annual mechanical maintenance programme, internal inspections, and essential servicing work on rolling stock and operational systems.

According to the railway operator, the temporary shutdown forms part of ongoing efforts to improve operational safety, reliability, and overall service efficiency across one of Southern Africa’s most iconic rail corridors.

What Travellers Need to Know

Passengers intending to travel between Tanzania and Zambia during the affected period are advised to make alternative travel arrangements or reschedule their journeys.

TAZARA says normal services are expected to resume on Tuesday, 02 June 2026, beginning with the Dar es Salaam-bound train.

The Mukuba service is particularly popular with budget-conscious travellers, backpackers, rail enthusiasts, and regional traders seeking an alternative to long-distance bus routes and expensive regional flights.

One of Africa’s most historic rail journeys

The TAZARA railway remains one of Africa’s most significant cross-border rail networks. Jointly owned by the governments of Tanzania and Zambia, the railway was constructed between 1970 and 1976 with support from the People’s Republic of China.

Stretching from the Port of Dar es Salaam to New Kapiri Mposhi, the line serves both freight and passenger traffic while connecting landlocked Zambia to the Indian Ocean.

For travellers, the journey offers a classic African rail experience through remote landscapes, rural communities, wildlife areas, and vast stretches of East and Southern Africa that are rarely seen from the air.

Why this maintenance matters

While temporary suspensions can disrupt travel plans, routine maintenance is essential for keeping long-distance rail services safe and dependable.

Rail infrastructure across Africa often faces operational challenges linked to aging rolling stock, demanding weather conditions, and heavy freight usage. Preventative maintenance programmes such as this help reduce the risk of delays, breakdowns, and service interruptions later in the year.

Travellers planning future TAZARA journeys between Tanzania and Zambia during the peak Southern African travel season are therefore encouraged to monitor schedules closely and book well in advance once services resume.

 

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SANParks announces renovations at Mapungubwe National Park camps

Travellers planning a visit to South Africa’s spectacular Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site should take note of upcoming accommodation upgrades at two of the park’s most popular overnight facilities.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that renovation works at Leokwe Camp and Mazhou Campsite are expected to begin at any time from now, following an announcement issued on 19 May 2026.

The planned improvements form part of SANParks’ ongoing efforts to upgrade visitor facilities and enhance the overall guest experience at one of South Africa’s most historically and environmentally significant national parks.

Located in Limpopo Province near the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe, Mapungubwe National Park  is renowned for its dramatic sandstone landscapes, ancient archaeological heritage, iconic baobab trees, and rich wildlife. The UNESCO World Heritage Site protects the remains of the ancient Kingdom of Mapungubwe, regarded as one of southern Africa’s earliest advanced civilisations.

Leokwe Camp is particularly popular among travellers for its striking stone-and-thatch architecture that blends seamlessly into the rugged landscape, while Mazhou Campsite attracts campers and overlanders seeking a more rustic wilderness experience.

Although SANParks has not yet confirmed exact starting dates or the full scope of the renovation works, visitors are being advised to expect possible disruptions during the upgrade period. These may include construction noise, temporary closures of certain facilities, or reduced accommodation availability.

 

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Qatar Airways announces major Southern Africa flight expansion

Travellers flying between Southern Africa and the Middle East, Europe, Asia and North America will soon enjoy more flexibility and better connections as Qatar Airways expands its Southern African network from June 2026.

The Doha-based airline has confirmed significant frequency increases on several important regional routes, strengthening connectivity to cities including Cape Town, Durban, Maputo, Harare and Lusaka.

The changes come as Qatar Airways continues rebuilding and expanding its global network to more than 160 destinations worldwide, responding to growing demand for both tourism and business travel.

More Qatar Airways flights to Cape Town

One of the biggest winners in the latest schedule expansion is Cape Town, one of Africa’s most in-demand long-haul leisure destinations.

From 16 June 2026, Qatar Airways will increase direct flights between Doha and Cape Town from seven weekly services to ten weekly flights. The added capacity gives travellers more departure options and improved flexibility during peak travel periods.

For international visitors, the additional flights make it easier to reach the Mother City with smoother onward connections via Hamad International Airport (DOH). The expanded schedule also benefits South African travellers connecting onward to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

Cape Town has become an increasingly important destination for international tourism, attracting visitors with its beaches, wine estates, mountain scenery, food culture and growing remote-work appeal.

Durban and Maputo upgraded to daily flights

Travellers heading to Durban or Maputo will also see a major improvement in connectivity.

Qatar Airways will upgrade its linked Doha–Maputo–Durban route from four weekly services to a full daily operation. The move significantly improves travel flexibility for both holidaymakers and corporate travellers.

For Durban, the additional capacity strengthens international access to KwaZulu-Natal’s beaches, safari destinations and cruise tourism market. Meanwhile, Maputo benefits from stronger links to global business hubs and international tourism markets.

Daily operations also make trip planning far easier, especially for travellers combining multiple Southern African destinations in one itinerary.

Daily flights for Lusaka and Harare

The interconnected Doha–Lusaka–Harare service is likewise being upgraded from five weekly flights to a daily schedule.

The increased frequency improves access to both Lusaka and Harare, providing more reliable onward connections through Doha and reducing the limitations associated with less frequent services.

For business travellers, exporters and logistics operators, daily flights offer more predictable scheduling and improved cargo opportunities. Leisure travellers also benefit from shorter layovers and greater itinerary flexibility.

Stronger Southern African connectivity

Qatar Airways’ latest expansion highlights the growing strategic importance of Southern Africa within the airline’s global network.

By increasing frequencies on interconnected regional routes, the airline is improving connectivity between Southern Africa and major global markets while supporting tourism growth, trade and investment across the region.

For travellers, the expanded schedules mean more convenient departure choices, easier connections and improved access to one of the world’s leading international airline hubs in Doha.

The new schedules take effect from 16 June 2026.

 

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Cape Town named one of the World’s Best Cities for Culture and Arts in 2026

Cape Town’s cultural scene has earned global recognition once again, with Time Out naming the Mother City the fifth best city in the world for culture and arts in 2026.

For travellers, the ranking reinforces something that becomes obvious shortly after arriving in Cape Town: this is not just a destination of mountains, beaches and wine estates. It is one of the world’s most exciting creative cities, where art, music, theatre, food and history constantly overlap.

According to Time Out, Cape Town’s culture scene is “deeply layered and always evolving” — a description that feels especially accurate right now. Across the city, visitors encounter creativity almost everywhere, from contemporary African art museums and sculpture gardens to independent cinemas, jazz clubs, theatres and monthly street-based art events.

At the heart of Cape Town’s art scene is Zeitz MOCAA at the V&A Waterfront, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading contemporary art museums. Nearby, the Norval Foundation combines galleries, sculpture gardens and mountain scenery into one of the country’s most impressive cultural spaces.

The city’s creative energy extends far beyond museums. In the city centre, travellers can watch the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra perform at City Hall, while theatres such as Artscape and the Baxter continue to anchor Cape Town’s live performance scene with comedy, drama and musical productions throughout the year.

For film lovers, The Labia Theatre remains one of the city’s most iconic cultural institutions. The independent cinema has become a Cape Town classic, known for arthouse films, cult screenings and its old-world atmosphere.

Festivals, live music and First Thursdays

Time Out’s survey found that locals rated Cape Town especially highly for festivals and live music — two experiences that travellers can easily build into a visit.

The city hosts a packed annual events calendar, with the Investec Cape Town Art Fair drawing galleries, collectors and artists from around the world every February. Meanwhile, First Thursdays transforms the city centre into a large-scale monthly cultural event, with galleries, bars, restaurants and creative spaces opening their doors late into the evening.

Cape Town’s music scene is equally diverse. Travellers can experience everything from jazz and Afro-fusion to electronic music, indie performances and open-air concerts across the city.

A big year for art in Cape Town

According to Time Out, 2026 is shaping up to be a particularly strong year for Cape Town’s creative sector.

New attractions and installations are adding fresh momentum to the city’s already dynamic arts landscape. Recent highlights include the immersive digital art experience LUMENOCITY as well as Veuve Clicquot’s “Emotions of the Sun” Magnum Photos collaboration.

The ranking also reflects strong local confidence in the city’s cultural offering. In Time Out’s survey, Cape Town achieved an impressive 84% approval rating for its arts and culture scene, while also scoring well for affordability compared to many global cultural capitals.

For travellers, that combination is part of Cape Town’s appeal. Few cities offer this level of scenery, creativity, nightlife, heritage and cultural diversity at a similarly accessible price point.

More than a scenic destination

Cape Town’s latest global recognition highlights how the city continues evolving beyond its traditional image as a scenic tourism destination.

Today, travellers increasingly visit Cape Town not only for Table Mountain, beaches or safari extensions, but also for its galleries, live music, theatre, design, architecture and creative neighbourhoods.

For visitors looking for a city break that combines culture, food, nightlife, nature and history in one destination, Cape Town is becoming increasingly difficult to beat.

 

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Planning a Durban Beach Holiday? Here’s which beaches are currently open

As Durban enters another busy travel period, the latest coastal water quality update offers important guidance for visitors planning beach holidays, surfing trips and family getaways along KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline.

According to the latest results released by the eThekwini Municipality on 15 May 2026, 16 of Durban’s 23 regularly monitored bathing beaches currently comply with South Africa’s national recreational water safety standards and are open for swimming and surfing.

Seven beaches remain temporarily closed as a precaution while ongoing water quality testing continues.

Durban beaches currently open for swimming and surfing

The following beaches are presently open for recreational use, subject to continued monitoring and testing:

1. Point Beach
2. uMgababa
3. uShaka
4. Wedge Beach
5. Brighton
6. Country Club
7. Westbrook
8. mDloti Main
9. Anstey’s Beach
10. Thekwini Beach
11. Laguna Beach
12. uMhlanga Main
13. Bronze Beach
14. South Beach
15. Doonside Beach
16. Addington

For travellers visiting Durban, these beaches continue to provide access to swimming, surfing, beachfront walks and family-friendly coastal activities along the city’s popular Golden Mile and surrounding coastline.

Beaches currently closed in Durban

The following beaches remain temporarily closed as a precaution due to water quality concerns:

1. North Beach
2. Bay of Plenty
3. Battery Beach
4. Toti Main Beach
5. Pipeline Beach
6. Reunion
7. Winklespruit

Authorities say these beaches will reopen once testing confirms full compliance with national recreational water safety standards.

Travellers are advised to check for updated municipal notices, beach signage and lifeguard instructions before entering the water, particularly after periods of heavy rainfall which can affect coastal water quality.

How Durban monitors coastal water quality

The eThekwini Municipality operates an ongoing coastal water monitoring programme designed to protect both residents and visitors using Durban’s  beaches.

The programme includes:

• Regular seawater sampling at bathing beaches
• Accredited microbiological laboratory testing
• Ongoing public reporting of water quality results

Testing is conducted according to South Africa’s national recreational water quality guidelines, with beaches only declared safe once they meet the required health standards.

Alternative swimming options for families visiting Durban

For families travelling with young children or visitors looking for more predictable swimming conditions, Durban’s municipal swimming pools remain a useful alternative during periods of unstable coastal conditions.

The city operates around 40 public swimming pools across the metro, many of which are supervised by lifeguards and regularly maintained. These facilities can provide a safer and more controlled environment for families while certain beaches remain temporarily closed.

 

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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.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

 

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