Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Temporary shop closures in September 2026

Planning a trip to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park later this month? If you are visiting in September, there are three temporary camp shop closures worth knowing about. The shops at Nossob, Mata Mata and Twee Rivieren will each close for several hours on different days while annual stocktakes are carried out.

As these three camps are central to most Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park itineraries, the closures could affect your plans even if you are only passing through. The shops will reopen after the stocktakes, but travellers should make sure they have any essential food, drinks and other supplies before the affected closure periods.

Camp	Date	Shop closed	Opening hours on the day
Nossob	21 September 2026	09:00–15:00	07:00–09:00 and 15:00–18:45
Mata Mata	23 September 2026	09:00–15:00	07:00–09:00 and 15:00–18:45
Twee Rivieren	29 September 2026	05:00–15:00	15:00–18:45

The most significant closure is at Twee Rivieren, where the shop will be closed from 05:00 until 15:00. This is particularly relevant for travellers leaving early in the morning, as the shop will not be available during the morning hours.

At Nossob and Mata Mata, the shops will remain open early in the morning before closing at 09:00, giving travellers a short window to buy supplies before the stocktake begins.

Plan your supplies before heading into the park

These closures are unlikely to affect most itineraries significantly, but the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a remote destination and travellers should not assume that another shop will be conveniently available if they miss the opening hours.

If you are staying at one of the affected camps on the relevant date, consider buying essential food, drinks and other supplies beforehand. This is especially important if you have a self-catering itinerary or are planning an early morning game drive.

 

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Malaria in Southern Africa in October 2026: What travellers need to know

October marks an important change in the malaria picture across Southern Africa. Temperatures are rising, the first rains are beginning in parts of the region and mosquito activity generally increases as the rainy season gets underway.

For travellers, October is therefore a good time to take malaria prevention seriously. The risk remains highly variable, however. A safari in Kruger National Park, a trip to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Zambia or Malawi carries a very different malaria risk from a visit to Cape Town, Windhoek or Lesotho.

Malaria recommendations also depend on your exact itinerary, accommodation, season of travel and individual health circumstances. If you are travelling to a malaria-risk area in October 2026, check current travel-health advice before departure and discuss whether antimalarial medication is appropriate for you.

Malaria risk areas in Southern Africa

Malaria transmission is not uniform across Southern Africa. Altitude, temperature, rainfall, proximity to rivers and wetlands, mosquito populations and the time of year all influence the risk.

The following is a practical October 2026 overview for travellers. It should not replace destination-specific medical advice, particularly for longer trips or travel to remote areas.

South Africa

Malaria risk in South Africa is concentrated in the north-east of the country and is seasonal.

Important risk areas include:

• Kruger National Park
• low-altitude parts of Mpumalanga
• low-altitude areas of Limpopo, particularly near the borders with Mozambique and Zimbabwe
• parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal
• border areas adjoining Mozambique and Zimbabwe

The main malaria transmission season in these areas runs from September to May, making October an important month for travellers visiting Kruger National Park and the Lowveld. Current travel-health guidance recommends antimalarial medication for some higher-risk areas during this transmission season, while other areas require bite avoidance without routine chemoprophylaxis.

There is no malaria risk in most of South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, the Garden Route and most of the Western and Eastern Cape.

Mozambique

Mozambique remains one of the region's most significant malaria-risk destinations. Malaria transmission occurs throughout the country, including popular coastal and safari destinations.

Travellers should take particular care when visiting:

• Maputo and southern Mozambique
• Inhambane and Vilanculos
• the Bazaruto area
• Beira and central Mozambique
• Gorongosa National Park
• Nampula
• Pemba and Cabo Delgado
• Niassa and other northern wilderness areas

Current travel-health guidance classifies Mozambique as a high-risk malaria country and recommends antimalarial medication for travellers, alongside mosquito-bite prevention.

October is especially relevant because the transition towards the rainy season can increase mosquito breeding opportunities.

Zimbabwe

Malaria risk varies with altitude and location in Zimbabwe. The Zambezi Valley and other low-lying areas remain important risk areas for travellers.

Popular destinations where malaria precautions are particularly relevant include:

• Victoria Falls
• Hwange National Park
• Zambezi National Park
• Lake Kariba
• Mana Pools
• Matusadona National Park
• Gonarezhou and the south-eastern Lowveld
• other low-lying areas along the Zambezi Valley

Current travel-health guidance considers the Zambezi Valley a year-round risk area. In much of Zimbabwe below 1,200 metres, the higher-risk transmission season begins in November, while July to October is generally considered a lower-risk period. October is therefore a transition month rather than a malaria-free month.

Travellers heading to Victoria Falls or the country's major safari areas should continue to use mosquito-bite precautions.

Zambia

Zambia remains a significant malaria-risk destination, including during October.

Malaria prevention is particularly relevant for travellers visiting:

• Livingstone and Victoria Falls
• South Luangwa National Park
• Lower Zambezi National Park
• Kafue National Park
• the Luangwa Valley
• the Zambezi Valley
• northern and eastern Zambia

Current travel-health guidance classifies Zambia as a high-risk malaria country and recommends antimalarial medication for travellers, together with bite avoidance.

For safari travellers, the combination of evening and nighttime exposure and accommodation in relatively open environments makes mosquito protection particularly important.

Botswana

October is a particularly important month for malaria awareness in Botswana.

The main risk is in the northern half of the country, including:

• Okavango Delta
• Moremi
• Chobe National Park
• Kasane
• Chobe and Linyanti
• the Kwando region
• Ngamiland

Current travel-health guidance identifies a high malaria risk in northern Botswana from October to May. During the remainder of the year, the same region is considered lower risk.

This makes October a significant seasonal transition for travellers planning an Okavango Delta or Chobe safari. The risk should not be judged simply by how dry the landscape looks: mosquito activity can increase as temperatures rise and seasonal rainfall develops.

Southern Botswana has considerably less malaria risk.

Namibia

Malaria risk in Namibia is concentrated mainly in the north and north-east.

Important areas include:

• Kavango East
• Kavango West
• Zambezi Region
• northern Kunene
• Omusati
• Oshana
• Ohangwena
• Oshikoto
• parts of Omaheke and Otjozondjupa

Current travel-health guidance identifies a high malaria risk throughout the year in Kavango East, Kavango West and the Zambezi Region. In several other northern regions, the risk is lower from May to November and increases during the wetter months.

For travellers, this means that October is a useful point to reassess malaria precautions, particularly if an itinerary combines Etosha National Park with the northern regions, Kavango or the Zambezi Region.

Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and most of southern Namibia have little or no malaria risk.

eSwatini

Malaria risk in eSwatini is considerably more localised than in neighbouring Mozambique.

The main areas of concern are the eastern Lowveld, particularly areas towards the Mozambique border. Higher-altitude areas, including Mbabane and much of the Highveld, have little or no malaria risk.

October is still generally a lower-risk period than the peak summer months, but travellers staying in the Lowveld should use mosquito-bite precautions. The seasonal pattern can change with temperature and rainfall, so an itinerary-specific assessment is preferable to treating the whole country as either “safe” or “unsafe”.

Malawi

Malaria is a major travel-health consideration throughout Malawi.

This includes popular destinations such as:

• Lake Malawi
• Liwonde National Park
• Majete Wildlife Reserve
• Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
• the Lower Shire Valley
• Lilongwe
• Blantyre

Current travel-health guidance considers Malaw a high-risk malaria destination and recommends antimalarial medication for travellers, in addition to mosquito-bite prevention.

The fact that October falls at the beginning of the rainy season in many parts of Malaw should not be interpreted as a sudden start to malaria risk: transmission occurs throughout the country.

Lesotho

Lesotho is different from most of its neighbours.

Malaria transmission does not normally occur in Lesotho, largely because of the country's high elevation and cooler climate. Travellers visiting Lesotho alone therefore do not normally require malaria prophylaxis specifically for their stay there.

The situation can change if a trip combines Lesotho with malaria-risk destinations elsewhere in Southern Africa. Your overall itinerary should therefore be considered when discussing malaria medication with a travel-health professional.

Angola

Malaria remains an important health risk throughout Angola, including in urban and lowland areas.

Travellers should not assume that staying in Luanda eliminates the risk. Much of the country has conditions suitable for malaria transmission, particularly warmer lowland and tropical areas.

For travellers combining Angola with other Southern African destinations, malaria prevention should therefore be considered as part of the overall itinerary rather than assessed only by individual stops.

Why October matters for malaria awareness

October is an important month for malaria awareness because Southern Africa is moving more decisively into the warmer part of the year.

Across many parts of the region, temperatures are rising and seasonal rainfall is beginning or becoming more frequent. Rainfall creates additional standing water and, together with warmer temperatures, can provide more favourable conditions for mosquitoes.

This is particularly relevant in northern Botswana, where October marks the start of the higher-risk malaria season according to current travel-health guidance. In South Africa, October falls firmly within the September-to-May malaria transmission season in the north-east.

October is also a popular month for Southern African travel. Safari destinations such as Kruger National Park, Chobe, the Okavango Delta, Hwange, Victoria Falls and South Luangwa remain attractive, while Mozambique's coast is another popular destination.

One common misconception is that malaria risk disappears when a destination looks dry. It does not. Malaria transmission depends on several factors, and risk can remain present even during relatively dry conditions.

Another important point is that malaria symptoms can initially look like many other illnesses. Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea and fatigue are common symptoms. Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria parasite responsible for most malaria in Africa, can cause severe disease rapidly if treatment is delayed.

If you develop a fever during a trip to a malaria-risk area or after returning home, tell the healthcare professional that you have travelled to a malaria area. Do not assume that malaria has been ruled out because you took preventive medication.

Malaria prevention tips for travellers

There is no single measure that provides complete protection against malaria. The best approach combines mosquito-bite avoidance with antimalarial medication when it is recommended for your destination and personal circumstances.

Before travelling

• Check your exact itinerary. Malaria risk can change substantially between neighbouring regions.
• See a travel-health professional before departure. Ideally, arrange an appointment around four to six weeks before travelling, although it is still worthwhile to seek advice at shorter notice.
• Discuss antimalarial medication. Whether you need prophylaxis depends on your destination, season, accommodation, activities and personal health circumstances.
• Take prescribed medication exactly as directed. Different medicines have different schedules before and after travel.
• Pack an effective mosquito repellent and make sure you know how to use it correctly.

While travelling

• Use an insect repellent containing an effective active ingredient such as DEET or picaridin (icaridin).
• Apply repellent to exposed skin according to the product instructions.
• Wear long trousers and long-sleeved clothing, particularly from dusk through to dawn.
• Choose accommodation with air conditioning, screened windows or other effective mosquito protection where possible.
• Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net where one is provided.
• Keep doors and windows screened or closed when mosquitoes are active.
• Consider treating clothing or mosquito nets with permethrin where appropriate; permethrin should not be applied directly to skin.

Malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes are predominantly active between dusk and dawn, so evening protection is particularly important on safari, at lodges and in other open-air accommodation.

After your trip

Don't forget about malaria once you have returned home.

A fever after travelling to a malaria-risk area requires prompt medical attention. Symptoms can develop after returning from Africa, and malaria can still occur despite having taken prophylactic medication.

Tell the doctor or emergency department that you have recently travelled to a malaria area and where you travelled. This information is important for diagnosis.

Malaria can progress quickly, particularly when caused by plasmodium falciparum. Anyone with suspected malaria should therefore be assessed urgently rather than waiting to see whether the fever improves on its own.

Final thoughts

October is an important point in the Southern African malaria calendar. The region is becoming warmer, seasonal rainfall is returning in many areas and mosquito activity can increase.

The risk nevertheless varies enormously. Northern Botswana enters its higher-risk season, north-eastern South Africa is in its main transmission season, while Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi remain significant malaria-risk destinations. Zimbabwe is entering a seasonal transition, Namibia has substantial regional differences, and Lesotho remains malaria-free.

For travellers, the most useful rule is simple: don't judge malaria risk by the month or country alone. Check your exact itinerary.

If you are travelling to a malaria-risk area in October 2026, obtain current travel-health advice before departure, use consistent mosquito-bite protection and take antimalarial medication when it has been recommended for you.

Disclaimer: This article provides general travel-health information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Malaria recommendations can vary according to your itinerary, age, pregnancy status, medical history, medication and the current local epidemiological situation. Malaria risk can also change following changes in rainfall, mosquito populations and local transmission. Always consult a qualified travel-health professional before travelling to a malaria-risk area.

 

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Etosha National Park Fires: What travellers need to know

UPDATE - 15 September 2026: The wildfire situation in Etosha National Park has improved significantly. Three of the four fires that broke out after lightning strikes on 09 September 2026 have now been extinguished, according to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. The remaining fire is under control but has not yet been fully extinguished.

The affected areas include Halali, Kamaseb and Tsam. Firefighting teams remain on the ground to monitor the situation, respond to any flare-ups and keep the remaining active fire under control. Support has included the Namibia Defence Force, surrounding conservancies, farmers from the Outjo and Otjiwarongo areas and other organisations. 

Wildfires have been burning in parts of Etosha National Park since 09 September 2026 after lightning reportedly ignited several fires in the Halali area and the Kamaseb and Tsam blocks.

Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism says the fires remain under control, with firefighting teams continuing to monitor and suppress remaining fire fronts. Additional personnel and equipment are being sent to the park to support the crews already working on the ground.

Lightning sparked the fires

According to ministry spokesperson Vilho Hangula, the fires were first reported on 09 September 2026 and were confirmed by the ministry on 12 September 2026.

The available information attributes the current fires to lightning strikes. There is currently no indication that they are connected to the suspected charcoal-related fires that caused extensive damage in Etosha National Park in 2025.

Firefighting teams have remained on the ground, while an additional fire truck and personnel are being deployed to strengthen the response.

No wildlife deaths or injuries had been reported in connection with the current fires at the time of the latest ministry update.

Firebreaks are helping to contain the fires

Maintained firebreaks, also known as cutlines, are playing an important role in limiting the spread of the fires.

The ministry has specifically highlighted recently graded sections of the:

• Dungaries–Kamaseb cutline
• Dungaries–Trentaal cutline

These cleared areas create barriers that can slow or stop advancing fire fronts, giving firefighting crews a better opportunity to contain the fires.

The current situation should therefore be described as under control rather than fully extinguished, as teams were still monitoring and dealing with remaining fire fronts at the time of the latest reports.

What does this mean for Etosha visitors?

There is currently no reported indication of a general closure of Etosha National Park, damage to tourist facilities or visitor injuries as a result of the September 2026 fires.

However, travellers should be aware that conditions can change quickly when fires are still active. Depending on the location and direction of the fire, visitors could encounter localised smoke, reduced visibility or temporary route restrictions.

If you are visiting Etosha National Park, it is advisable to:

• Check the latest road and access information before setting out, particularly if travelling towards the affected areas.
• Confirm the status of your route or camp with park authorities or your accommodation provider.
• Follow instructions from rangers and any temporary road closures or safety measures.
• Keep a safe distance from active fires and firefighting operations.
• Allow additional travel time if smoke reduces visibility or routes are temporarily affected.

For most visitors, the current situation does not indicate that a planned Etosha National Park trip needs to be cancelled. However, travellers should check for local updates shortly before and during their visit rather than relying on conditions reported several days earlier.

A reminder of Etosha's 2025 wildfire

The latest fires are also attracting attention because Etosha National Park experienced a much larger wildfire from 22 September 2025. The blaze affected approximately 775,000 hectares inside the national park and a further 171,000 hectares outside it.

The 2025 fire was suspected to have originated from charcoal production on a farm bordering the park. It was a very different event from the current September 2026 fires, which have been attributed to lightning.

The recurrence of significant fires has also prompted renewed debate in Namibia about the country's long-term wildfire preparedness. The opposition Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has called for a permanently funded wildfire-response capability, including strategically positioned equipment, early-warning systems, improved coordination and regular emergency exercises.

For travellers, however, the immediate priority remains the same: monitor official information and follow instructions from Etosha National Park management while the September 2026 fires are brought fully under control.

 

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FlySafair to launch Johannesburg–Lusaka flights from February 2027

South African low-cost carrier FlySafair will launch flights between Johannesburg and Lusaka from 01 February 2027, giving travellers a new, budget-friendly option to Zambia.

The airline will operate five flights a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, between O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN).

• Johannesburg 07:50 – 09:50 Lusaka
• Lusaka 10:50 – 12:50 Johannesburg

The roughly two-hour flight and early-morning schedule make the route workable for day trips as well as longer stays, with Lusaka serving as a common gateway for onward travel to South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Victoria Falls.

As a low-cost carrier, FlySafair's fares typically include hand luggage only, with checked bags, seat selection and food available as extras – worth factoring in when comparing total ticket prices against other operators on the route.

Ticket sales and fares for the new route are expected to open ahead of the launch date. We'll bring you updates as they're announced – stay tuned to umhambi.blogspot.com.

 

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Etosha National Park in October 2026: Wildlife, weather & travel tips

October marks the transition from the dry season to the beginning of the summer rains in Etosha National Park. The landscape is still predominantly dry, temperatures are high and wildlife remains concentrated around reliable waterholes, but the first thunderstorms can start to change conditions as the month progresses.

For travellers planning a Namibia safari in October 2026, Etosha National Park can still offer excellent game viewing, particularly early in the month. The main advantage is the continuing concentration of wildlife around water. The trade-off is increasing heat and the possibility that the first rains will begin to spread animals and change the appearance of the landscape.

Weather & landscape

October is one of the hottest months in Etosha National Park. Daytime temperatures can climb into the mid-30s°C and occasionally higher, while nights are generally considerably warmer than during the winter months.

The month also marks the beginning of the transition towards the rainy season. Rainfall in Etosha National Park is highly variable, so the arrival of the first proper rains cannot be predicted precisely. Some areas may receive isolated thunderstorms while others remain dry for longer.

This makes October an interesting month for the landscape. At the beginning of the month, much of Etosha can still look distinctly dry, with sparse grass, dusty roads and the characteristic white expanse of the Etosha Pan. If rain arrives, however, small patches of green can appear surprisingly quickly.

The Etosha Pan itself is normally still dry in October. More substantial rainfall can produce temporary pools, but travellers should not expect the pan to turn into a large lake during a normal October visit.

The combination of heat, dry vegetation and occasional thunderstorms also means that conditions can change quickly. A road that is dry in the morning can become muddy after a heavy localised storm, while another part of the park may remain completely dry.

Fauna

October remains a strong month for seeing many of Etosha National Park's characteristic wildlife species.

Elephants, giraffes, zebras, blue wildebeest, springbok, gemsbok, kudu and black-faced impala are among the species that can be encountered around the park. Warthogs and other smaller mammals are also common sights.

Predators include lions, cheetahs, leopards and spotted hyenas, although sightings are never guaranteed. The open landscape around the Etosha Pan can be particularly useful for spotting animals at a distance.

Black rhino remains one of the species for which Etosha is particularly important, although sightings are considerably less predictable than those of the more numerous antelope and zebra.

Birdlife starts to become more interesting as the rainy season approaches. Resident species such as ostriches, kori bustards, secretary birds and various raptors remain present, while summer migrants gradually return. The arrival of rain can also produce a noticeable increase in insect activity and bird activity.

Animal behaviour & sightings

Water remains the key to understanding wildlife movements in Etosha National Park during October, particularly during the earlier part of the month.

Where the landscape remains dry, animals continue to concentrate around reliable waterholes. This can create excellent opportunities to watch several species in one location rather than spending the entire day driving.

Elephants may spend considerable time drinking and cooling themselves at waterholes. Zebra, wildebeest, springbok and other grazers also gather where water is available.

Predators benefit from this concentration of prey. Lions may be found resting during the hottest part of the day before becoming more active later in the afternoon. Cheetahs can make use of Etosha National Park's relatively open terrain, while leopards and spotted hyenas are considerably more elusive.

As temperatures rise, the timing of a game drive becomes increasingly important. Early morning is generally the most comfortable period for driving and wildlife viewing. Activity can become quieter during the hottest part of the day before increasing again towards late afternoon.

The first rains can change this pattern. Once temporary water becomes available away from established waterholes, animals have more options and sightings can become less concentrated. Fresh grass can also encourage herbivores to move into newly productive areas.

For this reason, October can produce two quite different safari experiences depending on when and where rain falls. A dry spell can still provide classic waterhole-based game viewing, while an early rainy spell can make the landscape greener and wildlife more dispersed.

The floodlit waterhole at Okaukuejo remains particularly useful for travellers staying in the camp. Sitting quietly at the waterhole after dark can produce sightings of nocturnal species, including rhinos and elephants, without having to drive through the park at night.

As always with Etosha National Park, patience is important. Spending an hour at a productive waterhole can be more rewarding than trying to cover as much ground as possible.

Fuel, road works & the Etosha Transit Ban

There are a few practical issues travellers should be aware of when planning an Etosha National Park safari in October 2026.

Fuel availability

Fuel remains an important consideration for self-drive visitors. Fuel availability at Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) facilities inside Etosha National Park has remained unreliable, and there is still no reason to plan a self-drive itinerary on the assumption that fuel will be available at the park's filling stations. Namibia itself does not have a general fuel shortage; the problem is specifically the unreliable supply at some NWR-operated stations.

The safest approach is to enter Etosha National Park with a full tank and refuel outside the park whenever possible. Travellers approaching through Anderson Gate should consider filling up in Outjo, while Tsumeb or Grootfontein are useful options for visitors approaching from the east. Kamanjab is the practical fuel stop for many travellers using the Galton Gate route.

Remember that a day of game driving can involve considerably more kilometres than the direct distance between two camps. If you intend to explore several waterholes and take detours for wildlife, build a generous fuel reserve into your planning. A reserve fuel container can also be useful for longer self-drive itineraries, particularly in remote areas.

Road works and driving conditions

Road maintenance and refurbishment work is continuing in parts of Etosha National Park during 2026. The Okaukuejo–Halali–King Nehale corridor has been among the areas affected, with travellers potentially encountering slower sections, rough surfaces or temporary diversions.

Most of Etosha National Park's internal roads are gravel, and their condition can vary considerably. Corrugation, loose gravel and dust are common, while heavy rain later in October can temporarily make some roads more difficult.

For this reason, don't plan your Etosha National Park itinerary too tightly. Allow additional time between camps and check the latest road conditions with park staff or at your camp before setting out. Road conditions can change during the course of a day, particularly once the first substantial summer thunderstorms arrive.

Etosha Transit Ban

A separate issue affects some guided safari itineraries rather than ordinary self-drive visitors.

Since July 2026, Etosha National Park has been enforcing a restriction on empty commercial game-viewing vehicles entering the park. In practical terms, a tour operator can still bring guests into Etosha National Park, but operators cannot simply drop guests at an accommodation facility, leave the park with an empty vehicle and return later to collect them. The restriction also applies to commercial vehicles attempting to use the park simply as a transit route.

The dispute between tour operators and the authorities remained unresolved at the latest update in August. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has defended the measure as an enforcement action, while local operators have raised concerns about its effect on existing itineraries.

For most self-drive visitors, this does not change anything. The restriction is aimed at commercial game-viewing vehicles and does not prevent private tourist vehicles from entering and driving through Etosha National Park.

If you have booked a guided safari, private transfer or multi-day itinerary involving accommodation inside Etosha National Park, however, check the arrangements with your operator before travelling. In particular, confirm how you will be collected after staying at Okaukuejo, Halali, Namutoni or another accommodation facility if your original itinerary relied on the guide leaving the park and returning later.

These issues do not make Etosha National Park unsuitable for an October visit, but they do make advance planning particularly worthwhile in 2026. Fill the vehicle before entering the park, allow extra time for road works and changing road conditions, and confirm any commercial transfer arrangements before your trip.

Travel tips

October is still a popular time to visit Etosha National Park, particularly for travellers combining the park with other parts of Namibia. Accommodation inside the park should therefore be booked well ahead where possible.

When visiting Etosha National Park in October 2026, keep the following in mind:

• Start early. Temperatures rise quickly after sunrise and wildlife is generally more active during the cooler hours.
• Plan for heat. Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and sufficient drinking water.
• Take a midday break. The hottest part of the day is often better spent at camp or at a waterhole than on a long game drive.
• Watch the sky. Thunderstorms can develop quickly once the rainy season starts. Check local conditions before setting out.
• Allow for changing road conditions. Heavy localised rain can make gravel roads muddy or temporarily difficult to negotiate.
• Do not rely on rain being widespread. One part of Etosha National Park can receive a storm while another remains completely dry.
• Carry binoculars. They are particularly useful around the open plains and the Etosha Pan, where wildlife can be some distance from the road.
• Plan fuel carefully. Self-drive visitors should enter the park with sufficient fuel and should not assume that fuel will always be available at the NWR camps. Outjo, Tsumeb, Grootfontein or Kamanjab can be important fuel stops depending on your route.
• Allow extra driving time. Distances inside Etosha National Park can be deceptive, particularly when you stop frequently for wildlife or encounter slower gravel-road sections.
• Check conditions locally. Road works and temporary diversions can change, so ask at the gate or your camp reception for the latest information before starting a longer drive.
• Stay in the vehicle. Etosha National Park is a self-drive-friendly park, but visitors must remain in their vehicles except in designated areas.
• Be flexible with your safari strategy. If water remains scarce, concentrate on productive waterholes. If substantial rain arrives, explore areas where fresh vegetation and temporary water may attract wildlife.

Why visit Etosha in October?

October is an interesting month for an Etosha National Park safari because it sits between two seasons.

Early October can still offer many of the classic advantages of the dry season: sparse vegetation, excellent visibility and wildlife concentrated around dependable waterholes. Later in the month, the first rains can begin to transform the landscape, bringing fresh vegetation, insects and returning migratory birds.

The main disadvantages are the heat and the increasing possibility of rain-related changes to road conditions and wildlife distribution.

For travellers who are prepared for high temperatures and willing to adapt their game-drive plans to local conditions, Etosha National Park in October 2026 can offer excellent wildlife viewing while also providing a first glimpse of the landscape beginning its transition towards the rainy season. 

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Cape Town: Free Iziko Museum entry on Heritage Day 2026

Travellers visiting Cape Town on Heritage Day, 24 September 2026, can explore several of the city's major museums for free as part of the in_herit Festival 2026 organised by Iziko Museums of South Africa.

Free entry will be available at five Iziko museums:

• Iziko South African Museum
• Iziko South African National Gallery
• Iziko Slave Lodge
• Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum
• Iziko Old Town House Museum

The offer provides an opportunity to explore South Africa's natural, cultural and social history while saving on admission costs during a public holiday.

Please note: Free Heritage Day entry does not include the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome, which operate separately.

Iziko Museums of South Africa manages 11 national museums across Cape Town, covering subjects ranging from natural history and art to the city's colonial and social history.

Heritage Day tip for Cape Town travellers

If you are in Cape Town on 24 September 2026, the free museum admission can be a useful addition to a city sightseeing itinerary. The museums are located in and around the central Cape Town area, making it possible to combine several visits with other attractions in the city centre and Bo-Kaap.

 

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Karoo National Park: Game Capture Operations Resume – What visitors need to know

Game capture operations have resumed in Karoo National Park, but the park remains open as normal. Visitors do not need to change their travel plans.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that its Game Capture team has been operational again since 09 September 2026. Game capture forms part of the park's ongoing wildlife management programme and may involve relocating animals to other conservation areas.

What does this mean for visitors?

Operations are generally limited to specific areas and are temporary. However, self-drive visitors in Karoo National Park may encounter temporary road restrictions or short delays while an operation is underway.

Game capture can involve specialised vehicles, helicopters and wildlife handling. If you encounter an active operation:

• Follow instructions from SANParks staff.
• Respect temporary road closures or access restrictions.
• Keep well clear of helicopters, vehicles and wildlife involved in the operation.
• Allow some flexibility in your driving route in case of short delays.

Visitors should not attempt to approach or drive through an active capture operation.

Bottom line

Karoo National Park remains open and normal wildlife viewing can continue. Most visitors should experience little or no disruption. If you are visiting, simply follow staff instructions and be prepared for occasional temporary restrictions in operational areas.

 

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