Planning a Durban Beach Day? Here's the latest water quality update

If you're heading to Durban's famous Golden Mile or planning a beach holiday along the city's coastline, the latest beach water quality results bring reassuring news. According to an update by the eThekwini Municipality released on 23 July 2026, the overwhelming majority of popular beaches remain open for swimming, with water quality ranging from excellent to acceptable.

For travellers, that means there's still plenty of choice whether you're looking for family-friendly beaches, surfing, swimming or simply a relaxing day by the Indian Ocean.

Most popular beaches remain open

Of the beaches monitored across Durban's northern, central and southern coastline, 20 are currently open for swimming. Only three central beaches remain closed to swimmers, despite recording excellent water quality results.

Northern beaches

The northern beaches continue to perform well.

• Umhlanga Main Beach – Open (Excellent)
• Westbrook Beach – Open (Excellent)
• Umdloti Main Beach – Open (Excellent)
• Bronze Beach – Open (Acceptable)

Central beaches

Most of Durban's city beaches are available for swimming, including:

• Point Beach – Open (Excellent)
• uShaka Beach – Open (Excellent)
• Addington Beach – Open (Excellent)
• Country Club Beach – Open (Excellent)
• Thekwini Beach – Open (Excellent)
• Laguna Beach – Open (Excellent)
• Wedge Beach – Open (Acceptable)
• South Beach – Open (Acceptable)

However, North Beach, Bay of Plenty and Battery Beach remain closed to swimmers. Interestingly, all three recorded excellent E. coli levels, indicating that their closure is due to operational or safety reasons rather than poor water quality. Visitors can still enjoy walking, relaxing on the sand or other beach activities, but swimming is currently not permitted.

Southern beaches

The southern coastline continues to offer excellent options for beachgoers, with all monitored beaches currently open:

• Toti Main – Open (Excellent)
• Ansteys Beach – Open (Excellent)
• Brighton Beach – Open (Excellent)
• Umgababa – Open (Excellent)
• Doonside Beach – Open (Excellent)
• Winklespruit – Open (Excellent)
• Pipeline Beach – Open (Excellent)
• Reunion Beach – Open (Excellent)

Water quality remains encouraging

The municipality classifies beach water quality using E. coli measurements:

• Excellent: Less than 130
• Acceptable: 130–500
• Poor: Above 500

Nearly every monitored beach recorded excellent water quality, with only a three falling into the "acceptable" category:

• Bronze Beach (231)
• Wedge Beach (160)
• South Beach (132)

Importantly, no monitored swimming beach recorded poor water quality in this latest update.

What travellers should know

If you're visiting Durban over the coming days:

• Most of the city's popular beaches are open for swimming.
• If you plan to visit North Beach, Bay of Plenty or Battery Beach, check the latest municipal updates before heading into the water, as swimming remains prohibited there.
• Even at closed beaches, visitors can still enjoy the promenade, restaurants, surfing viewpoints and other recreational activities.

Bottom line

The latest eThekwini Municipality water quality results are positive news for travellers. With 20 beaches currently open and water quality remaining excellent at almost every monitored location, Durban continues to offer one of South Africa's best winter beach destinations.

As always, conditions can change after heavy rainfall or operational assessments, so it's worth checking the latest municipal updates if swimming is your main reason for visiting.

 

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Namibia relocates 575 animals from Etosha to strengthen conservation across the country

Namibia has completed one of its largest recent wildlife translocation programmes, relocating 575 wild animals from Etosha National Park to conservation areas in three regions. The move is designed to help restore wildlife populations that have declined during years of drought while strengthening Namibia's highly regarded community conservation programme.

For travellers, there is good news: the operation has no impact on visits to Etosha National Park or the receiving conservancies, with safaris continuing as normal.

Why were the animals moved?

The translocations took place between 22 and 29 June 2026 under the supervision of Namibia'sMinistry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT).

Rather than reducing wildlife numbers in Etosha National Park for tourism purposes, the programme is intended to rebalance wildlife populations across Namibia by reintroducing herbivores into areas where prolonged drought has taken its toll.

Healthy populations of antelope and zebra not only increase biodiversity but also provide natural prey for predators such as lions. This can help reduce pressure on livestock in neighbouring communities and lower the risk of human-wildlife conflict.

Where were the animals relocated?

A total of 575 animals were moved from Etosha National Park:

• Communal conservancies in the Kunene Region: 256 springbok and 190 gemsbok
• Nyae Nyae Conservancy (Otjozondjupa Region): 90 plains zebra
• Uukwaluudhi Conservancy (Omusati Region): 15 gemsbok and 24 plains zebra

The largest share went to communal conservancies in the Kunene Region, one of Namibia's most remarkable wildlife destinations.

According to the MEFT the programme will continue in the coming months, with plans to translocate a further 150 gemsboks to Kunene, as well as 20 giraffes and 200 common impalas to the Nyae Nyae Conservancy.

Why Kunene matters

Kunene, located in the far northwestern corner of Namibia, is famous for its dramatic desert landscapes and extraordinary desert-adapted wildlife. Visitors travel here in the hope of seeing free-roaming elephants, lions and critically endangered black rhino in one of Africa's most rugged environments.

Rebuilding healthy populations of grazing animals such as springbok, gemsbok and zebra helps maintain the ecological balance that supports these iconic predators and contributes to the long-term sustainability of the region's wildlife.

For travellers, this is another reminder that Namibia's conservancies are not only exceptional safari destinations but also play a vital role in conservation.

Supporting conservation efforts

The translocation programme, valued at approximately N$6.7 million, was made possible through a partnership between Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), conservation organisations and community conservancies.

Funding included support from the Lion Recovery Fund and the Conservation Travel Foundation (CTF), the conservation arm of ultimate.earth (formerly Ultimate Safaris). The initiative reflects Namibia's long-established conservation model, where government, local communities and conservation partners work together to protect wildlife and strengthen community-based conservation.

What this means for visitors

If you're planning a self-drive holiday or guided safari in Etosha National Park, there's no need to adjust your itinerary. The translocations were carried out as part of routine wildlife management and have not affected visitor access or game-viewing opportunities.

In the longer term, travellers visiting Namibia's communal conservancies may benefit from healthier wildlife populations and even more rewarding safari experiences, while supporting one of Africa's most successful community-based conservation programmes.

As Namibia continues to invest in wildlife conservation beyond its national parks, initiatives like this help ensure that both wildlife and local communities can thrive for generations to come.

 

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Muizenberg's Iconic Beach Huts Are Coming Down – But they'll be back

If you're planning a visit to Muizenberg Beach in the coming months, you'll notice another major milestone in the ongoing transformation of one of Cape Town's most photographed beaches.

The four remaining colourful beach huts on the eastern side of the beachfront will soon be dismantled as construction moves into the next phase of the Muizenberg beachfront upgrade.

The good news is that the iconic huts aren't disappearing permanently. Once the project is complete, eight new huts will be installed, recreating the historic design and colourful appearance that have made Muizenberg a favourite stop for visitors and photographers alike.

Why are the huts being removed?

The beach huts need to make way for a new promenade and seawall designed to better protect the coastline from rising sea levels, storm surges and coastal erosion.

As part of the project, the promenade is being moved around two metres inland, allowing for stronger coastal protection while helping to preserve the beach itself.

The first four huts on the western side were removed in March 2026, with the remaining four now set to follow.

Beachfront upgrade remains on track

The refurbishment began in February 2025 and is expected to be completed by December 2026.

Construction is progressing well, with around 60% of the new promenade and beach access steps already installed. Work on the new seawall at Surfer's Corner is largely complete, while upgrades to the parking area and surrounding landscaping are now underway.

The beach huts closer to the river mouth are not affected and will remain in place throughout the project.

What does this mean for visitors?

Muizenberg Beach remains open, although visitors should expect construction activity and temporary pedestrian diversions in parts of the beachfront.

If you're hoping for the classic colourful beach hut photo, you can still find the unaffected huts further along the beach near the river mouth.

Although the temporary loss of the central huts may disappoint some visitors, the finished project promises a more resilient, accessible and future-proof beachfront—while ensuring Muizenberg's famous colourful huts remain part of its character for years to come.

 

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Plettenberg Bay Shark Spotters suspended: What visitors need to know

If you're planning a winter getaway to Plettenberg Bay, there's an important safety update to be aware of before heading to the beach.

Since 01 July 2026, the town's Shark Spotters programme has been suspended after the agreement between the organisation and Bitou Municipality expired. While Plettenberg Bay's beaches remain open and lifeguards continue to operate, the dedicated shark early-warning service is currently unavailable.

The suspension comes at an unfortunate time, coinciding with the peak season for great white sharks along South Africa's southern coastline.

Why have Shark Spotters been suspended?

The Shark Spotters programme officially launched in Plettenberg Bay in November 2022, providing trained spotters who monitor the ocean from elevated viewpoints and warn beachgoers whenever sharks are sighted.

However, the programme stopped operating on 01 July 2026 after the existing Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between Shark Spotters and Bitou Municipality expired on 30 June 2026.

According to Shark Spotters, the organisation can no longer legally or financially operate without a new agreement in place.

The Bitou Municipality, meanwhile, says it has already completed the necessary council and administrative processes. The municipality approved R800,000 in Grant-in-Aid funding, authorised a new agreement and submitted a draft MoA to Shark Spotters before the previous agreement expired.

The remaining obstacle appears to centre on how the funding may legally be used. Municipal Grant-in-Aid funding can cover qualifying operational expenses but cannot be used to pay salaries or wages. Since the programme relies on trained human spotters, this has reportedly complicated the final agreement.

Why the timing is significant

The suspension comes during the southern winter, when great white sharks are more frequently seen closer to shore as they hunt Cape fur seals along the coastline.

Adding to concerns, a white shark predation event was observed off Plettenberg Bay's Central Beach shortly before the programme was suspended, highlighting that sharks are actively present in the town's waters.

While shark encounters remain rare, the Shark Spotters programme has played an important role in giving beachgoers an additional layer of safety and confidence.

Are Plettenberg Bay's beaches still open?

Yes.

All public beaches in Plettenberg Bay remain open, and there is currently no general swimming ban in place.

However, visitors should be aware that there are no Shark Spotters on duty until a new agreement has been signed.

Lifeguards continue to monitor the beaches where they are deployed, but they do not replace the dedicated shark spotting service that continuously scans the ocean from elevated lookout points.

Safety advice for visitors

If you're visiting Plettenberg Bay while the programme remains suspended, it's worth taking a few extra precautions:

• Follow all advice from lifeguards and local authorities.
• Swim only at beaches where lifeguards are present.
• Avoid entering the water at dawn, dusk or after dark, when sharks are generally more active.
• Stay close to shore and avoid swimming alone.
• Avoid areas where seals, large schools of fish, seabirds or fishing activity are present.
• Check local updates before heading to the beach, as the situation could change if the programme resumes.

These are sensible precautions at any unmonitored beach and become even more important while the Shark Spotters service remains unavailable.

When will Shark Spotters return?

At the time of writing, there is no confirmed date for the programme's return.

Both Shark Spotters and Bitou Municipality have publicly expressed their commitment to restoring the service as soon as the new Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been finalised.

For travellers, this means it's worth checking the latest local updates before your trip, particularly if spending time at Central Beach, Robberg Beach or other popular swimming spots is high on your itinerary.

Bottom line

Plettenberg Bay remains one of South Africa's premier beach destinations, and visitors can continue enjoying its spectacular coastline this winter.

However, until the Shark Spotters programme resumes, beachgoers should recognise that one of the town's key safety systems is temporarily unavailable. Exercising a little extra caution, following lifeguard guidance and staying informed about local conditions will help ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

 

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Travelling to South Africa from Uganda or the DRC? A new health form is now mandatory

South Africa has introduced a new health screening requirement for travellers arriving from Uganda or the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as authorities continue to monitor the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.

The Department of Health announced on 17 July 2026 that all passengers entering South Africa who have travelled in either Uganda or the DRC during the 21 days before arrival must complete a Travel Health Questionnaire (THQ).

Who needs to complete the questionnaire?

The requirement applies to all travellers arriving in South Africa who have been in Uganda or the DRC within the previous 21 days, regardless of their nationality.

Passengers can complete the Travel Health Questionnaire (THQ) up to 24 hours before travelling to South Africa. Completing the form before departure is expected to help speed up health screening and immigration processing on arrival.

Travellers who transit through these countries should also check with their airline or travel agent whether the requirement applies to their specific itinerary.

Why has South Africa introduced the THQ?

The new measure forms part of South Africa's efforts to strengthen border health surveillance while the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa continues.

According to the Department of Health, the Ebola outbreak has resulted in more than 2,000 confirmed cases and over 800 deaths since May, prompting additional precautions for travellers arriving from affected countries.

At this stage, the Travel Health Questionnaire (THQ) is a targeted public health measure and does not affect travellers arriving directly from other countries unless they have recently visited Uganda or the DRC.

What travellers should do

If your itinerary includes Uganda or the DRC before travelling to South Africa:

• Complete the THQ up to 24 hours before your flight.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your recent travel history and health.
• Allow a little extra time at the airport, as additional health screening may be carried out on arrival.
• Monitor official travel advice before departure, as health requirements can change at short notice.

For most visitors travelling to South Africa from Europe, North America, Australasia or elsewhere in Southern Africa, there are currently no changes to existing entry requirements.

As always, if your itinerary involves multiple countries, it is worth checking the latest health and entry requirements before you travel to avoid unexpected delays.

 

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Bontebok National Park to reopen from 01 August 2026 after flood recovery

If you've been waiting to visit Bontebok National Park again, there's good news. South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the park will begin a phased reopening on 01 August 2026, allowing visitors to return after the severe flooding that affected the park in May 2026.

While not every facility will be available immediately, enough of the park has been restored to welcome overnight guests, campers and hikers once again.

What will be open from 01 August?

The first phase of the reopening includes several of Bontebok National Park's most popular visitor facilities:

• Six self-catering chalets
• The main camping site
• Aloe Hill Hiking Trail
• Acacia Hiking Trail
• Termite Hiking Trail

For travellers looking for a peaceful getaway in the Western Cape, this means Bontebok National Park will once again offer opportunities to enjoy its scenic landscapes, rich birdlife and easy hiking trails along the Breede River.

What remains closed?

Some areas sustained more extensive flood damage and still require rehabilitation before they can safely reopen.

These facilities will remain closed until further notice:

• Eight riverside chalets
• Die Stroom Picnic Site
• Bushbuck Trail

If you were specifically planning to stay in one of the riverside chalets or hike the Bushbuck Trail, it may be worth postponing your visit until SANParks announces the next reopening phase.

Recovery continues

According to SANParks, significant progress has been made in repairing roads, visitor infrastructure and accommodation since the May floods. Rather than delaying access until every project is complete, the park is reopening in stages as individual facilities are restored.

Additional accommodation, picnic areas and visitor experiences are expected to become available over the coming months as rehabilitation work continues.

Planning your visit

Located just outside Swellendam, Bontebok National Park is one of South Africa's smallest national parks but offers a rewarding escape for nature lovers. It's especially well known for protecting the endangered bontebok antelope, while the Breede River provides opportunities for canoeing, birdwatching and relaxing in a tranquil setting.

If you're planning a visit from August onwards, be sure to check which facilities are currently available before making your reservation, as the reopening will continue in phases and access may change as restoration work progresses.

For now, the return of camping, self-catering accommodation and several hiking trails marks a welcome milestone in Bontebok National Park's recovery—and another encouraging sign that one of the Western Cape's hidden gems is ready to welcome travellers back.

 

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Namibia Air: Planned routes, fleet and what it means for travellers

Namibia could soon have its own national airline again. More than five years after the collapse of Air Namibia, the country's plans for a new state-owned carrier are gathering momentum, with Namibia Air (Pty) Ltd taking another important step towards launching operations.

While there are still no flights to book, the airline's latest licence application provides the clearest indication yet of the routes Namibia Air hopes to serve. If the plans move ahead as expected, the new carrier could improve both domestic travel within Namibia and regional connectivity for visitors exploring Southern Africa.

Namibia Air applies for operating licences

In mid-July 2026, Namibia Air submitted an application for operating licences through a Government Gazette notice. The application covers scheduled and charter services, with proposed operations ranging from domestic flights within Namibia to regional services across Africa and, eventually, international destinations.

Although regulatory approval is only one step in the process, it signals that preparations for the airline are continuing as the Namibian government works towards its goal of launching the carrier before the end of 2026.

What the proposed route network means for travellers

For anyone planning a self-drive holiday or fly-in safari, the proposed network is encouraging. According to the licence application, Namibia Air intends to operate scheduled flights from Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) to:

• Ondangwa
• Lüderitz
• Walvis Bay
• Johannesburg
• Cape Town
• Luanda

For international visitors, regional links to Johannesburg and Cape Town would provide additional options for combining Namibia with South Africa or connecting to long-haul flights.

The planned domestic routes could also make travelling around Namibia significantly easier. Flights to Ondangwa offer convenient access to northern Namibia, including Etosha National Park and the Kunene Region, while services to Walvis Bay and Lüderitz would improve access to the Atlantic coast, the Skeleton Coast region and southern Namibia.

For travellers who prefer not to spend long hours driving between destinations, additional domestic air services would be a welcome development.

A fleet designed for regional flying

Unlike its predecessor, Namibia Air appears to be taking a measured approach to fleet planning.

The airline intends to operate seven Embraer regional aircraft:

• Four Embraer ERJ 145 regional jets
• Three Embraer E170/E175 aircraft

These aircraft are well suited to Namibia's relatively small passenger volumes and regional route network, offering an efficient alternative to operating larger aircraft on thinner routes.

According to the feasibility study, the planned domestic and regional network represents a market of approximately 800,000 round-trip passengers annually.

A fresh start after Air Namibia

Government officials have repeatedly stressed that Namibia Air is not simply a revival of Air Namibia.

Air Namibia ceased operations in February 2021 after years of financial difficulties and substantial government support. The new airline is intended to operate on commercial principles, with an interim ten-member board overseeing its establishment. Officials have also indicated that partnerships with private investors and international airlines remain under consideration as the project develops.

Can you book Namibia Air flights yet?

Not yet.

While the licence application marks significant progress, several important milestones still need to be completed before the airline enters service.

The exact launch date, flight schedules, fares and final fleet acquisition strategy have yet to be announced. The government's feasibility study is still under review, and discussions with potential airline partners—including Ethiopian Airlines—are reportedly continuing.

For now, travellers should continue planning Namibia trips using the airlines already serving the country.

Namibia's air connectivity continues to improve

Even before Namibia Air begins flying, reaching Namibia is becoming easier.

Recent developments include Edelweiss Air launching direct Zurich–Windhoek services in June 2026, Discover Airlines expanding flights between Munich and Windhoek, and Condor announcing the return of Frankfurt–Windhoek services from June 2027.

If Namibia Air launches as planned later this year, it will add another option for visitors and strengthen domestic connectivity, making it easier to explore one of Southern Africa's most rewarding self-drive destinations.

Whether you're planning your first safari in Etosha National Park, exploring the dramatic landscapes around Lüderitz or combining Namibia with neighbouring countries, improved air links could make future itineraries considerably more flexible.

What travellers should know

• Namibia Air has applied for operating licences covering scheduled and charter services.
• Proposed destinations include Ondangwa, Lüderitz, Walvis Bay, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Luanda.
• The airline plans to operate a fleet of seven Embraer regional aircraft.
• Flights are not yet available for booking.
• The Namibian government is targeting a launch before the end of 2026, although no firm start date has been announced. 

 

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