Flying to Zimbabwe: Etihad Airways launches Harare flights in 2027

Travellers planning a trip to Zimbabwe will soon have an important new flight option, with Etihad Airways confirming plans to launch flights between Abu Dhabi and Harare from March 2027. The new service will make visiting Zimbabwe easier for international travellers arriving from Europe, Asia, India, the Middle East, and beyond, offering convenient one-stop connections through Abu Dhabi. Visitors travelling from cities such as London, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Bangkok, Manila, or Beijing will gain another seamless route into Zimbabwe, reducing reliance on traditional transit hubs like Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Doha, or Dubai. For both leisure visitors and business travellers, Etihad’s arrival adds more flexibility, stronger competition, and the potential for better airfares when planning a trip to Zimbabwe.

Etihad Airways confirms Harare route for March 2027

Etihad Airways has officially announced that flights to Harare will begin on 24 March 2027, with the route operating three times per week from its hub at Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi. The service is part of a six-destination African network expansion that also includes Accra, Lagos, Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Asmara.

Unlike a simple point-to-point route, Harare will be served as part of a multi-sector routing:

• Abu Dhabi – Harare – Lubumbashi – Abu Dhabi

This gives international travellers easier direct access to Zimbabwe via Abu Dhabi, while also strengthening regional links with Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Planned flight schedule

According to published schedule data, Etihad Airways plans to operate the route using its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Flight Details:

• Abu Dhabi (AUH) 02:00 > Harare (HRE) 07:05
• Harare 08:25 > Lubumbashi (FBM) 09:50
• Lubumbashi 11:10 > Abu Dhabi 19:45

• Frequency: 3 flights per week
• Operating Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday

This timing is particularly useful for onward connections into Europe and Asia through Abu Dhabi.

Why this matters for travellers visiting Zimbabwe

For years, Zimbabwe passengers flying long-haul have relied heavily on connections via Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Doha, and Dubai.

Etihad Airways' arrival introduces another premium Gulf carrier option and creates stronger competition on fares and routing.

Travellers heading to Europe, India, Southeast Asia, China, and North America may benefit from improved pricing, shorter transit times, and additional premium cabin options.

Etihad Airways specifically says the new routes are designed to strengthen “one-stop connections to China, India, Asia and the Middle East,” while also supporting growing trade and cargo demand between Africa and the Gulf.

Bottom line

Etihad Airways' new Harare route is one of the most significant international airline developments for Zimbabwe in recent years.

From March 2027, travellers will gain direct access to Abu Dhabi and smoother onward connections across Etihad Airways' global network.

The new route is expected to benefit Zimbabwe's tourism sector, making it easier for international visitors to access destinations such as Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, and the Eastern Highlands via Harare.

Whether you’re flying for business, family visits, safari tourism, or international leisure travel, the new service should make Zimbabwe more connected—and potentially more competitive on airfare.

For many international visitors, this could become one of the easiest new ways to fly to Zimbabwe from Europe, Asia, India, and the Middle East.

If fares are priced aggressively, expect strong demand from day one.

 

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Durban Beach Water Quality Update: No closures, all beaches safe for swimming!

last updated 23 April 2026 

Travellers planning a beach escape to Durban can head for the coast with confidence. The eThekwini Municipality has officially confirmed that all 23 of Durban’s regularly monitored bathing beaches are currently safe for swimming, following the latest coastal water quality test results released on 22 April 2026.

According to the eThekwini Municipality, Durban’s beaches fully comply with South Africa’s national water quality and bathing safety standards, giving both locals and holidaymakers peace of mind as they enjoy the warm Indian Ocean coastline.

For visitors looking for sunshine, swimming, surfing, and family-friendly beach days, this is excellent news for one of South Africa’s most loved seaside destinations.

Durban’s coastline remains one of South Africa’s top beach destinations

Durban continues to attract travellers year-round thanks to its subtropical climate, warm ocean temperatures, and wide sandy beaches stretching along the famous Golden Mile and beyond.

Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway, a family holiday, or a longer KwaZulu-Natal road trip, current beach conditions are ideal for:

• Swimming and bodyboarding
• Surfing and paddle sports
• Family beach outings
• Coastal walks and seaside relaxation
• Sunbathing and beachfront recreation

From the bustling beachfront near uShaka Marine World to quieter stretches further north and south, Durban offers something for every type of beach traveller.

How Durban monitors beach water quality

To protect swimmers and maintain safe bathing conditions, the eThekwini Municipality runs an ongoing coastal water quality monitoring programme across its beaches.

This includes:

• Regular seawater sampling at designated bathing beaches
• Laboratory microbiological testing
• Ongoing compliance checks with national bathing standards
• Transparent public reporting of official results

The latest assessment confirms that Durban’s beaches meet all national safety guidelines, reinforcing the city’s reputation as one of South Africa’s premier coastal destinations.

Full list of Durban beaches currently open for swimming

Based on the latest official results, all 23 monitored beaches are open for recreational swimming.

Municipal lifeguards are on duty daily from 06:00 to 18:30, providing an added level of safety for swimmers, surfers, and families.

Beaches currently open include:

• Point Beach
• uMgababa
• uShaka
• Addington Beach
• North Beach
• Bay of Plenty
• Battery Beach
• Thekwini Beach
• South Beach
• Wedge Beach
• Brighton Beach
• Westbrook Beach
• mDloti Main Beach
• Anstey’s Beach
• uMhlanga Main Beach
• Bronze Beach
• Winklespruit Beach
• Laguna Beach
• Country Club Beach
• Reunion Beach
• Pipeline Beach
• Toti Main Beach
• Doonside Beach

All listed beaches are currently considered safe for swimming, although conditions remain subject to ongoing monitoring and environmental changes.

Are any Durban beaches closed right now?

At present, no Durban beaches are closed due to water quality concerns.

This is particularly welcome news after previous periods when temporary closures affected parts of the coastline following heavy rainfall and infrastructure-related pollution concerns.

The municipality has confirmed that current conditions are favourable, but continues to monitor beaches closely and will communicate any changes should they arise.

Durban’s public swimming pools offer another safe option

Travellers looking for a more controlled swimming environment can also make use of Durban’s municipal swimming pools.

The city offers around 40 public swimming pools across the metro, which are especially popular with:

• Families travelling with young children
• Fitness swimmers
• Visitors during rough sea conditions
• Travellers looking for safer supervised swimming options

All municipal pools are regularly maintained, monitored for hygiene, and supervised by trained lifeguards.

Essential beach safety tips for Durban visitors

Even with excellent water quality, visitors should always follow basic beach safety precautions:

• Swim only at designated bathing beaches
• Stay within official lifeguard operating hours
• Pay attention to warning flags and municipal signage
• Be cautious after heavy rainfall, which can temporarily affect water quality
• Supervise children closely near the water at all times

A little extra caution helps ensure a much safer and more enjoyable beach holiday.

Traveller takeaway

With all 23 Durban bathing beaches officially open and safe for swimming, now is a great time to enjoy the city’s famous coastline.

From family beach holidays to surfing weekends and sunny coastal road trips, Durban remains one of South Africa’s best-value beach destinations.

As always, travellers should stay updated with official municipal notices and follow local safety advice—but right now, Durban’s beaches are ready for visitors.

 

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Edelweiss Air adds third direct flight between Zürich and Windhoek for 2026

Travellers planning a trip to Namibia in 2026 will soon have even more convenient options to reach the country from Europe, as Edelweiss Air is adding an extra direct flight between Zürich and Windhoek.

The Swiss leisure airline, part of the Lufthansa Group, is expanding its non-stop service between Zürich and Windhoek from two to three weekly flights during the peak European summer travel season.

This is good news for both international visitors heading to Namibia for safari adventures and road trips, as well as Namibian travellers connecting onward into Europe.

New Edelweiss Air Zürich–Windhoek schedule

The route will be operated by the modern Airbus A350-900, offering improved comfort on the long-haul journey.

The updated schedule is:

• From 01 June 2026: 2 weekly direct flights
• From 15 July 2026: increased to 3 weekly direct flights

The additional frequency gives travellers more flexibility when planning longer Namibia itineraries, especially for popular self-drive holidays that include destinations such as Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland, and the Skeleton Coast.

More Europe–Namibia flights overall

With the added Edelweiss Air frequency, the Lufthansa Group says it will now offer 13 weekly direct flights between Europe and Namibia through its leisure carriers, Edelweiss Air and Discover Airlines.

This strengthens Namibia's air connectivity significantly and makes the destination easier to access for European tourists, particularly from Germany, Switzerland, and neighbouring markets.

For travellers, more flights often mean:

• better fare competition
• improved seat availability during peak safari season
• easier multi-country Southern Africa itineraries
• more flexible arrival and departure planning

This is especially important during Namibia's high season from July to October, when international demand for wildlife safaris and desert road trips is at its highest.

Why this matters for Namibia travellers

Namibia remains one of Southern Africa’s top destinations for independent travellers thanks to its excellent self-drive infrastructure, dramatic desert landscapes, and world-class wildlife experiences.

Direct flights reduce travel time considerably compared with connections via Johannesburg or other African hubs, making Namibia more attractive for shorter holidays and premium safari trips.

For travellers departing from Europe, Zurich also offers strong onward connections from major cities across Germany, Austria, France, Italy, and the UK, making this route particularly useful even if Switzerland is not your starting point.

A positive sign for Southern African tourism

The increase in flights also reflects strong continued demand for Southern African leisure travel.

As more airlines expand direct long-haul services into destinations like Namibia, travellers benefit from better access and stronger tourism competition, while local tourism operators gain valuable support through increased visitor arrivals.

For anyone planning a Namibia trip in 2026, this is one more reason to start booking early—especially for peak dry-season safaris.

With more direct flights, easier access, and one of Africa’s most rewarding road trip destinations waiting, Namibia is becoming even simpler to explore.

 

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Cape Town named the World’s Top Mountain Escape for 2026

Cape Town has added yet another global travel title to its growing list of accolades — and this time, it’s all about mountains.

According to new research by eSIM provider Holafly, Cape Town has been ranked the world’s top mountain escape for 2026, beating famous alpine destinations like Chamonix, Zakopane and Bergen.

For travellers, it’s easy to see why.

With the iconic Table Mountain rising above the city, dramatic coastal cliffs, world-class hiking, and the unique ability to go from summit views to beach sunsets in a single day, Cape Town offers one of the most unforgettable mountain-city escapes on the planet.

Holafly gave Cape Town the highest overall score of 76.9, citing its 281 hiking trails, excellent accessibility, strong air quality, and more than 3,600 accommodation options. The city also benefits from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) being just 10.9 miles from the city centre, making it one of the easiest mountain destinations in the world to reach.

Why Cape Town tops the list

Unlike many traditional mountain destinations that focus mainly on skiing or alpine retreats, Cape Town offers a far more diverse experience.

You can start your morning hiking up Lion’s Head, take the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain by midday, enjoy lunch at the V&A Waterfront, and finish the day watching the sun set over Camps Bay.

Few destinations combine mountains, ocean, wine estates, wildlife, and urban culture quite like the Mother City.

Holafly’s ranking looked at several factors including:

• hiking opportunities
• affordability
• accommodation availability
• accessibility
• elevation
• outdoor activities
• air quality
• overall liveability

Cape Town excelled across nearly every category, especially for adventure travellers looking for active holidays with world-class scenery.

Table Mountain remains the star attraction

At the heart of Cape Town's mountain appeal is, of course, Table Mountain.

One of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, this flat-topped icon defines the city skyline and offers some of the best panoramic views in Africa. Whether you hike Platteklip Gorge, tackle Skeleton Gorge, or take the famous rotating cable car, the mountain is the centrepiece of nearly every Cape Town itinerary.

The surrounding Table Mountain National Park also protects extraordinary biodiversity within the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of the richest plant regions in the world.

For international visitors, it delivers exactly what many travellers are now seeking in 2026: cooler climates, outdoor adventure, and meaningful nature-based travel.

Mountain travel is booming in 2026

Holafly says mountain tourism is one of the year’s biggest travel trends.

According to Skyscanner, 71% of travellers are considering a mountain escape this year, while hotel bookings for rooms with mountain views have risen by 103% year-on-year.

As travellers look to avoid overcrowded city breaks and overheated summer destinations, cooler, nature-rich escapes are becoming increasingly popular.

Cape Town fits that trend perfectly.

It offers fresh air, open landscapes, spectacular drives like Chapman’s Peak, and easy access to hiking routes that feel far removed from city life — even though you’re still close to restaurants, beaches, and excellent infrastructure.

Best Mountain Experiences in Cape Town

If you’re planning your own mountain escape, here are some of the top experiences to include:

Ride the Table Mountain Cableway
The quickest way to the summit and ideal for first-time visitors wanting the classic Cape Town view.

Hike Lion’s Head
A sunrise or sunset favourite with locals and visitors alike.

Explore Kirstenbosch and Skeleton Gorge
A lush forest route leading from the famous botanical gardens up toward the mountain.

Drive Chapman’s Peak
One of the most scenic coastal mountain drives in the world.

Visit Cape Point
Where cliffs, ocean views, and dramatic landscapes complete the full mountain-meets-coast experience.

Cape Town Continues to Lead Global Travel Rankings

Cape Town regularly appears on lists of the world’s best cities, best-value luxury destinations, and top long-haul escapes.

Being named the world’s best mountain escape for 2026 strengthens its position even further.

For many international travellers planning a South African holiday, Cape Town is often the main reason for the trip — not just a stop before heading off on safari.

While iconic wildlife experiences in places like Kruger National Park remain a major draw, Cape Town's mix of mountains, beaches, wine estates, food, and world-class scenery attracts huge numbers of visitors who come specifically for the Mother City itself.

Being named the world’s best mountain escape for 2026 only strengthens Cape Town's position as one of Africa’s most desirable standalone travel destinations.

Bottom line

Cape Town's greatest strength is its balance.

It offers the energy of a major city, the relaxation of a coastal retreat, and the adventure of a mountain destination — all in one place.

That combination is rare.

And in 2026, it officially makes Cape Town the world’s number one mountain escape. 

 

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Air Botswana introduces temporary fuel surcharge from 21 April 2026

Travellers flying with Air Botswana should note that the airline has introduced a temporary fuel surcharge on all tickets issued from 21 April 2026 until further notice. The move follows continued increases in aviation fuel prices across the region, with the airline stating that it has been managing rising operating costs for several months, including operational adjustments where possible, before implementing the fuel surcharge.

Following a recent notification of increased local fuel prices, the adjustment has now become necessary.

The surcharge will:

• apply to domestic flights in Botswana and regional flights in Southern Africa
• be reflected separately on your ticket for transparency
• be charged per flight sector

Importantly, tickets issued before 21 April 2026 will not be affected.

For travellers planning trips within Botswana or regional connections across Southern Africa, this may result in slightly higher airfares, so it is advisable to check final ticket pricing before booking.

 

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Garden Route named the road with the Best Driving Weather in the World

South Africa’s iconic Garden Route has officially claimed another global title — it has been ranked as the road with the Best Driving Weather in the World by Autotrader UK in its 2026 “Perfect Driving Weather Score” study.

Stretching roughly 300km between Mossel Bay and Storms River, this legendary coastal drive scored an impressive 90.6 out of 100, outperforming famous international routes like Route 66 (87.3), Pacific Coast Highway (86.1), and Italy’s Amalfi Coast Road (81).

For travellers planning a South African self-drive holiday, this recognition confirms what locals have known for years: the Garden Route is one of the best road trips on Earth.

Why the Garden Route ranked number one

Autotrader UK partnered with senior meteorologist Jim R N Dale of British Weather Services to define what creates ideal driving conditions. According to Dale, visibility is the most important factor, calling it “No.1 in the hierarchy of perfect driving conditions.” The study also considered humidity, ground temperature, clear days, wind speed, and overall climate comfort.

The Garden Route excelled thanks to:

• Clear skies for most of the year
• Mild, comfortable temperatures
• Gentle coastal winds
• Excellent visibility
• Low humidity extremes
• Reliable year-round driving conditions

Autotrader UK described it as a route that “consistently delivers what we all dream of when we hit the road,” with scenery that takes travellers “from ocean, to forest, to mountains.”

In short: fewer weather disruptions, more scenic stops, and far more enjoyable road-tripping.

The ultimate Garden Route self-drive experience

The route follows much of the N2 through the Westen and Eastern Cape, connecting some of South Africa’s most beautiful coastal towns and nature escapes.

Top highlights include:

• Mossel Bay
• The traditional western gateway to the Garden Route, known for beaches, whale watching, and historical attractions like the Diaz Museum.
• Wilderness
• A favourite for lakes, rivers, canoeing, forests, and peaceful coastal scenery.
• Knysna
• Famous for the dramatic Knysna Heads, lagoon cruises, indigenous forests, and excellent seafood.
• Plettenberg Bay
• A premium beach destination with wildlife sanctuaries, luxury stays, and spectacular ocean views.
• Garden Route National Park
• At the heart of the journey lies the park itself, covering the Wilderness, Knysna, and Tsitsikamma sections. SANParks highlights canoeing, mountain biking, forest trails, birdlife, estuaries, and the endangered Knysna seahorse as major attractions.

Best time to drive the Garden Route

One reason the Garden Route scored so highly is that it works almost year-round.

Best seasons for a road trip:

September to April offers the best balance of sunshine, warm temperatures, and dry driving conditions.

Winter advantage:

Even during winter (May to August), the route remains highly drivable compared to many international scenic routes, with fewer extremes than inland destinations.

This makes it ideal for:

• family self-drive holidays
• luxury fly-drive itineraries
• campervan adventures
• honeymoon road trips
• wildlife and whale season escapes

Why this matters for international travellers

For visitors arriving from Europe — especially from Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, or Zurich — the Garden Route remains one of the easiest and most rewarding long-haul self-drive destinations.

You get:

• world-class scenery
• strong tourism infrastructure
• excellent accommodation options
• malaria-free coastal travel
• easy domestic flight access via George, Gqeberha, and Cape Town
• excellent value compared to Europe, Australia, or the USA

Now, you also get the official title of the world’s best driving weather.

Bottom line

The Garden Route has never needed awards to prove its appeal — but being ranked the world’s best road for driving weather by Autotrader UK adds another compelling reason to plan the trip.

Clear skies, ocean views, mountain passes, forests, beaches, and comfortable driving conditions combine to create something rare: a road trip that feels easy, scenic, and unforgettable.

If you are planning one South African self-drive adventure in 2026, make it this one.

Because sometimes the journey really is the destination.

 

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South Africa has the World’s Top 2 beaches in 2026

South Africa’s coastline has officially claimed global bragging rights.

According to a 2026 report by long-haul travel specialist Travelbag, featured by Forbes, two beaches in Cape Town rank as the world’s two most popular beaches: Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town takes first place, while Cape of Good Hope Beach claims second.

The ranking was based on a mix of Google reviews, search trends and social media popularity across more than 30 leading beach destinations worldwide.

For South African travellers — and international visitors planning a Cape Town itinerary — this confirms what locals have known for years: the Cape Peninsula offers some of the most spectacular coastal experiences anywhere on Earth.

Boulders Beach: The World’s No. 1 Beach

Located in Simon’s Town on the False Bay coast, Boulders Beach was named the world’s most popular beach thanks to more than 27,700 Google reviews and around 110,000 monthly searches.

It is best known for its resident colony of endangered African penguins, offering one of the rarest wildlife beach experiences globally.

Unlike typical beach destinations, Boulders Beach combines warm sheltered swimming coves, granite boulders, soft white sand and close-up penguin encounters via elevated boardwalks and protected viewing areas.

For travellers, it works perfectly as part of a Cape Peninsula day trip, especially when combined with Simon’s Town, Kalk Bay, Muizenberg or Cape Point.

Best time to visit

The best months to visit are from December to March, when the weather is hot, dry and ideal for swimming, coastal drives and beach exploration.

Early mornings are best if you want fewer crowds and better penguin viewing.

Cape of Good Hope Beach: Ranked No. 2 in the World

Coming in second globally, Cape of Good Hope Beach offers something completely different: dramatic cliffs, wild Atlantic surf and one of the most iconic landscapes in African travel.

Located inside Table Mountain National Park, the beach sits near the famous Cape Point route and remains one of South Africa’s great road trip highlights.

Travelbag recorded 12,941 Google reviews and around 135,000 monthly searches, making it one of the world’s most searched-for coastal landmarks.

Unlike Boulders Beach, this is not a swimming beach — it is a place for scenery, photography, hiking and that classic “southern tip of Africa” feeling many visitors chase.

Why this matters for travellers

Many international visitors still think of South Africa primarily for safaris, wine routes and Kruger National Park. But these rankings reinforce something increasingly important for tourism planning:

Cape Town is one of the world’s best beach destinations too.

You can combine penguins at Boulders Beach, dramatic ocean scenery at Cape Point, surfing in Muizenberg, sunset swims at Camps Bay, luxury beach escapes in Clifton and whale season along False Bay — all within a short drive.

Few destinations globally offer that kind of variety.

Traveller tips for visiting

 

Boulders Beach

• Arrive early to avoid crowds
• Bring swimwear — the sheltered coves are excellent for swimming
• Respect penguin boundaries and do not approach wildlife
• Book national park entry ahead during peak season

Cape of Good Hope

• Expect strong winds year-round
• Bring layers even in summer
• Allow enough time for the full Cape Point reserve
• Wildlife sightings often include baboons, ostriches and antelope

Bottom line

South Africa topping a global beach ranking is no surprise to anyone who has driven the Cape Peninsula.

But having both the No. 1 and No. 2 beaches in the world in one destination is something special.

For travellers planning a 2026 South Africa trip, this is your sign to spend more time on the coast — not just in the bush.

Because sometimes the best safari extension is a beach with penguins.

And now, officially, the best beach in the world is right here in South Africa. 

 

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