FlyNamibia boosts Windhoek–Victoria Falls and Maun services from April 2026

FlyNamibia will significantly expand its regional network from April 2026, strengthening air connectivity between Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe and improving access to some of Southern Africa’s most sought-after safari destinations.

The airline will double its Windhoek–Victoria Falls service, increasing frequencies from three to six flights per week. In addition, the Windhoek–Maun–Katima Mulilo route will operate four times weekly - on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Windhoek – Victoria Falls: More Access to an Iconic Destination

The enhanced service to Victoria Falls provides greater flexibility for travellers visiting one of Africa’s most iconic natural attractions, the Victoria Falls.

For leisure travellers, tour operators, and safari planners, the additional frequencies allow smoother itinerary planning, easier short-stay combinations, and improved onward connections across the region.

Strengthening the Namibia–Botswana–Zimbabwe Safari Corridor

The expanded Windhoek–Maun–Katima Mulilo rotation strengthens links between:

• Windhoek – Namibia’s primary international gateway
• Maun – gateway to the Okavango Delta
• Katima Mulilo – strategic hub in the Zambezi Region

Maun serves as the aviation hub for access to the Okavango Delta, while Katima Mulilo plays a key role in connecting Namibia's Zambezi Region with northern Botswana and southern Zambia.

By increasing frequencies, FlyNamibia is reinforcing cross-border tourism flows and supporting multi-country safari itineraries - particularly popular with European and regional travellers seeking seamless air access rather than long overland transfers.

What This Means for Travellers

The route expansion delivers:

• Greater schedule flexibility
• Improved safari circuit connectivity
• Enhanced weekend and short-break options
• Stronger regional integration within the Kavango-Zambezi tourism zone

For self-drive travellers, fly-in safari guests, and regional leisure passengers alike, the additional capacity represents a practical upgrade in accessibility across Southern Africa’s premier wildlife destinations. 

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Kazungula One Stop Border Post now open 24 hours: What travellers between Botswana and Zambia need to know

Cross-border travel between Botswana and Zambia at the Kazungula crossing on the Zambezi River is set to become significantly smoother following confirmation that the Kazungula One Stop Border Post (OSBP) now operates 24 hours a day.

Speaking at the joint launch of the Kazungula Bridge Authority (KBA) on 24 February 2026, Botswana's President Duma Boko said the decision followed engagements with his Zambian counterpart, Hakainde Hichilema.

The 24-hour operation applies to both passenger and commercial traffic, improving flexibility for private vehicles, tour operators, overlanders and freight transporters using one of Southern Africa’s most strategic transport corridors.

What this means for travellers

The Kazungula border crossing forms a critical link between Botswana and Zambia, connecting key tourism hubs such as Chobe, Victoria Falls, Livingstone, and the wider Kavango–Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area.

Round-the-clock operations mean:

• Reduced congestion during peak safari and holiday seasons
• Improved freight movement along the North–South Corridor
• Greater flexibility for self-drive travellers and tour operators
• Shorter waiting times compared to the former Kazungula ferry, which was often affected by congestion and limited operating hours

For road trippers planning multi-country itineraries across Southern Africa - especially families and convoy travellers - the extended operating hours provide improved itinerary reliability and safer scheduling on long-distance travel days.

About the Kazungula Bridge and Border Post

The Kazungula Bridge spans the Zambezi River and replaced the former ferry crossing, creating a permanent road and rail link between the two countries. It is widely regarded as one of Southern Africa’s most important recent infrastructure projects.

Importantly, the bridge also sits near the historic quadripoint where Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia meet - making it strategically significant not only for bilateral travel, but for regional trade, tourism flows and connectivity across four countries.

The integrated One Stop Border Post houses immigration and customs officials from both countries within a single facility. Travellers complete clearance in one consolidated process, reducing duplication, improving processing times and streamlining vehicle documentation checks.

With 24-hour operations now in place, the Kazungula border crossing becomes a more reliable and flexible gateway for travellers moving between Chobe, Victoria Falls and Zambia's leading safari regions.

 

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Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Fire Update – Latest on delays and check-in

last update: 25 February 2026

ACSA has released another update earlier this morning. Airline check-in systems are operational, with the exception of Lift Airlines, which remains on manual processing. The Border Management Authority (BMA), customs and baggage handling are currently operating manually, which may result in delays for international arriving passengers. Technical teams are still hard at work to reinstate systems that are still being restored.
Passengers are advised to allow additional time at the airport and to check directly with their airline or the ACSA Mobile App for the latest flight updates.
Visitors collecting international passengers are requested to follow on-site signage and official airport communications regarding access points. 

last update: 25 February 2026

ACSA has announced that due to ongoing recovery efforts, the usual Meeters & Greeters corridor at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) has been closed.
A temporary Meeters & Greeters area has been established at the International Inner Lane (Ground Floor). Visitors collecting international passengers are requested to:
Exit the terminal via the “Books & Things” exit and proceed to the International Inner Lane. 

last update: 25 February 2026 

Following the earlier fire incident at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, airport technical teams are continuing recovery operations as some operational systems remain partially constrained.

Although power supply has been successfully restored across affected areas, the airport’s network and IT infrastructure are still in the process of being stabilised. As a result, several digital and automated processes are not yet fully operational.

Manual check-in procedures currently in effect

Airlines operating at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) are temporarily conducting manual check-in at airport counters while system restoration efforts continue. This measure ensures flight departures can proceed, but passengers should expect:

• Longer processing times
• Possible departure delays
• Extended queues at check-in counters
• Slower baggage handling procedures

Delays may continue into this morning (25 February 2026) as technical teams work to fully restore all systems.

Passenger advisory: Arrive early and check flight status

Travellers departing from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) are strongly advised to:

• Arrive at the airport earlier than usual
• Follow instructions issued by their respective airlines
• Monitor real-time flight updates before leaving for the airport

For the latest flight-specific information, passengers should check the official Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) Mobile App or contact their airline directly.

Ongoing Monitoring

Airport authorities continue to prioritise passenger safety and operational recovery. Further updates will be issued as full system functionality is restored.

 

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NWR Fuel Shortage Update (February 2026): What self-drive travellers in Namibia need to know

Last verified: February 2026

The ongoing NWR fuel shortage continues to affect internal petrol stations operated by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) across several national parks and remote resort locations.

For self-drive travellers, overlanders, and safari visitors, this is not a minor inconvenience - it is a route-planning issue that must be factored into every Namibia itinerary.

This February 2026 update summarises the current situation and provides practical fuel-planning guidance to help you travel safely and confidently.

Current Status: NWR internal fuel stations

Since first reporting on this issue in September 2025, fuel availability at many NWR-operated pumps has remained inconsistent.

Key patterns observed:

• Fuel deliveries to several internal NWR stations remain irregular.
• Some locations report no stock for extended periods.
• Both petrol and diesel have been affected.
• Reliable timelines for full restoration have not been clearly communicated.

Travellers should therefore not factor NWR camp fuel stations into their route calculations.

Fuel Availability by Region (February 2026)

Below is a practical regional overview based on consistent traveller reports and route observations.

Etosha National Park
Affected stations:

• Okaukuejo
• Halali
• Namutoni

Status: No consistently reliable fuel availability.

Important: If driving the classic Etosha loop (Anderson Gate ? Okaukuejo ? Halali ? Namutoni ? Von Lindequist Gate), you should enter the park with sufficient range to complete the circuit without refuelling inside the park.

Recommended refuel towns before entry:

• Outjo
• Tsumeb
• Omuthiya

Sesriem / Sossusvlei (Namib-Naukluft Region)
Status: Fuel at Sesriem is frequently unavailable or inconsistent.
Recommended refuel points:

• Solitaire
• Maltahöhe

Do not assume fuel will be available at the campsite pump.

Skeleton Coast / Terrace Bay
Status: Terrace Bay fuel availability remains unreliable.
This region requires conservative fuel planning due to long distances between towns.
Refuel before departure in:

• Swakopmund
• Henties Bay

/Ai-/Ais Hot Springs Area
Status: Fuel supply remains inconsistent.
Refuel in:

• Keetmanshoop
• Noordoewer

Southern Namibia distances require careful range calculations.

Waterberg Plateau Park
Status: Internal fuel availability remains uncertain.
Refuel in:

• Otjiwarongo
• Along the B1 corridor before turning off toward the park 

Why the NWR Fuel Shortage Continues

The ongoing fuel shortage appears linked to supply chain disruptions and contractual complications affecting deliveries to internal park fuel stations.

While larger towns and private service stations across Namibia generally operate normally, internal NWR pumps in remote parks continue to experience irregular supply.

This is not a short-term weekend outage. It is a structural supply issue that has persisted for months.

Practical Fuel Planning Advice for Namibia (2026)

If you are planning a Namibia self-drive trip, adjust your fuel strategy accordingly.

Refuel at major towns - not inside parks
Build your route around dependable fuel hubs:

• Windhoek
• Swakopmund
• Walvis Bay
• Tsumeb
• Outjo
• Otjiwarongo
• Keetmanshoop
• Maltahöhe

Assume internal NWR pumps may not have stock.

Carry extra fuel in remote regions
If travelling through:

• Skeleton Coast
• Damaraland
• Etosha circuit
• Southern Namibia between towns

Carry approved jerry cans and secure them properly.
Always calculate realistic fuel range, especially when driving gravel routes or 4x4 tracks.

Verify locally — but don’t depend on It
Before leaving a lodge or campsite, ask reception about:

• Current fuel availability
• Expected delivery schedules
• Nearest confirmed working stations

However, treat this information as advisory rather than guaranteed.

Use apps carefully
Google Maps, Maps.me and Waze can help locate petrol stations — but they do not confirm stock levels at NWR internal pumps.
Always combine app data with local confirmation.

What This Means for Travellers

Until supply stability is restored, travellers should operate under one simple rule:

Enter Namibia's national parks with a full tank and sufficient range to exit without refuelling inside the park.

This approach removes uncertainty and reduces risk in remote areas where distances are significant and assistance can be limited.

Final Thoughts

As of February 2026, the NWR fuel shortage remains an operational reality for travellers visiting Namibia's national parks.

With proper planning, the situation is manageable - but it requires conscious route design and proactive refuelling strategy.

Namibia remains one of Africa’s most rewarding self-drive destinations. Smart preparation ensures that fuel logistics do not disrupt your experience.

If you would like assistance with route-specific fuel planning for your Namibia itinerary, feel free to get in touch.

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Have you recently travelled through Etosha, Sossusvlei or the Skeleton Coast?
Share updated fuel information in the comments to help fellow travellers plan safely.

 

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Fire at Cape Town International Airport (CPT): What travellers need to know

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed a fire on the landside of Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, South Africa, today, 24 February 2026. The fire was quickly extinguished, and all passengers, staff, and visitors are safe. Passenger safety remains the top priority, and travellers are advised to check flight updates before heading to the airport.

The incident caused disruptions to network and IT systems, including airport Wi-Fi and other essential systems, prompting temporary operational changes. As a precautionary measure:

• International departures are currently suspended
• Inbound international flights are being diverted
• International arrivals already on the ground are being processed safely

Domestic travellers should note that local flights continue to operate, but passengers are strongly advised to check real?time flight information with their airline or via the ACSA Mobile App before heading to the airport.

Further updates will be published as more details emerge.

 

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Mozambique Travel Update 2026: New eVisa & ETA system launched as flood recovery continues

Mozambique has introduced a new digital eVisa and Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system in February 2026, significantly modernising its entry procedures for international visitors. The reform simplifies border processing and reduces historic uncertainty at land crossings - particularly important for self-drive and safari-and-beach travellers.

The rollout comes as the country continues recovering from a severe 2025–26 rainy season, compounded by heavy rainfall linked to Cyclone Gezani.

Mozambique eVisa & ETA 2026: What travellers must check before departure

Mozambique's new digital entry framework includes two separate mechanisms - and travellers must confirm which applies to their nationality before departure.

eVisa (Electronic Visa)

An eVisa is a full visa issued digitally prior to travel.

It generally applies to:

• Nationalities that previously required a visa in advance
• Longer stays or specific travel categories

The process typically involves:

• Completing an online application
• Uploading passport and supporting documentation
• Paying the visa fee electronically
• Receiving formal digital visa approval
• Presenting the eVisa upon arrival

Processing times vary, so applications should be submitted well ahead of travel.

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)

An ETA is not a traditional visa. It is a digital pre-travel authorisation linked electronically to your passport.

It generally applies to:

• Visa-exempt nationalities
• Short-term tourist visits

The ETA requires:

• Online registration before departure
• Confirmation prior to boarding

While simpler than an eVisa, it still requires action before travel. Arriving without the correct digital authorisation may result in delays at air or land borders.

For travellers combining South Africa and Mozambique by road, the system removes much of the previous paperwork uncertainty — but shifts responsibility to travellers to prepare digitally in advance.

Mozambique flooding update – February 2026

The 2025–26 rainy season brought record rainfall to central and southern Mozambique, particularly affecting parts of Gaza, Inhambane, Sofala and Maputo provinces. Hundreds of thousands of residents were impacted, and significant damage occurred to secondary roads, bridges and local infrastructure.

While major airports and primary tourism hubs remain operational, recovery work is ongoing in several inland and rural districts. Some secondary road corridors continue to experience slower travel times due to repair work.

Key travel considerations:

• International airports are operating normally
• Major beach resorts and safari lodges remain open
• Some inland road access routes require condition checks before departure
• Infrastructure restoration is progressing but not yet fully complete in all districts

Northern Mozambique has been comparatively less affected and remains a stable option for travellers seeking beach and marine experiences.

Cyclone Gezani
 
Cyclone Gezani did not make direct landfall in Mozambique. However, its offshore passage intensified rainfall and generated rough coastal seas, temporarily slowing flood recovery efforts and affecting marine conditions.

Short-term impacts included:

• Rough sea conditions affecting diving and boat transfers
• Temporary weather-related delays to coastal activities
• Localised transport disruptions in already flood-affected areas

There has been no nationwide collapse of tourism infrastructure, but weather-related flexibility remains advisable in certain southern and coastal regions.

What this means for international travellers in 2026

If you are planning travel to Mozambique this year:

• Confirm whether you require an eVisa or ETA
• Apply or register well before departure
• Allow flexibility if travelling through southern or central provinces
• Verify road conditions for long self-drive transfers
• Consider routing through major air gateways where possible
• Ensure comprehensive travel insurance covers weather-related disruption
• Maintain malaria precautions where applicable

For most leisure travellers - particularly those flying into primary hubs - Mozambique remains open and accessible.

Bottom line

Mozambique is open for tourism, and the launch of the digital eVisa and ETA system represents a meaningful structural improvement for international visitors.

However, parts of the country are still recovering from severe flooding during the 2025–26 rainy season, with additional rainfall linked to Cyclone Gezani slowing repair operations in some areas. Travel in affected southern and inland regions requires flexible planning and up-to-date route verification.

For safari-and-beach travellers combining South Africa and Mozambique, conditions are manageable - but advance digital entry preparation and smart routing are essential.

 

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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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