Norse Atlantic Airways confirms London - Cape Town flights for 2026/27!

Norwegian low-cost, long-haul airline Norse Atlantic Airways has confirmed its third consecutive seasonal return to South Africa, operating nonstop flights between London and Cape Town from 10 September 2026 until 15 April 2027.
For leisure travellers, digital nomads, visiting friends and relatives (VFR) traffic, and long-haul bargain hunters, this route has quickly become one of the most attractive transcontinental options between the United Kingdom and Southern Africa.

What travellers need to know
Since launching the London - Cape Town route, Norse Atlantic Airways has steadily expanded its seasonal operations in response to strong demand. Previous seasons saw increased frequencies and extended operating periods, signalling sustained interest from both South African and European travellers.

For the 2026–27 season, travellers can expect:

• Seasonal operations: 10 September 2026 – 15 April 2027
• Nonstop flights between London Gatwick Airport (LGW) and Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
• Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner widebody
• Flight time: Approximately 11½ hours nonstop

Flexible flight frequencies based on demand
While final timetables remain subject to operational confirmation, Norse Atlantic Airways typically phases in the route gradually at the start of each season. In previous years, this approach has included:

• Lower frequencies in early September, ideal for shoulder-season travellers
• Increased services from October through March, aligning with peak summer travel to Cape Town
• Ongoing adjustments based on booking demand, with additional weekly flights added where viable

This flexible scheduling model has previously allowed Norse Atlantic Airways to extend seasons beyond initial end dates, an encouraging sign for travellers seeking more options into late autumn and early spring.

Why this route matters for travellers
The return of Norse Atlantic Airways strengthens competition on the UK–South Africa nonstop market, offering travellers more choice, modern aircraft, and flexible fare options - particularly valuable for long-stay visitors and winter sun seekers heading to Cape Town.

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Zimbabwe: Gonarezhou National Park shuts temporarily for rainy season!

The management of Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe has announced a temporary closure of the park to all visitors from 10 January 2026 until the end of February 2026. This annual short-term closure coincides with the peak of the rainy season, a period during which heavy rainfall can render certain access roads, river crossings and remote campsites inaccessible.
According to park authorities, the closure is a proactive measure aimed at ensuring visitor safety, protecting sensitive ecosystems during the wet season, and allowing essential maintenance and conservation work to be carried out across the park. It also provides camp attendants and field staff with a well-deserved rest following the busy festive and peak tourism period.

Why Gonarezhou National Park closes during the rainy season´
Gonarezhou National Park is known for its rugged wilderness, seasonal rivers and clay-based roads, which can become extremely challenging after sustained rainfall. Temporary closures help prevent vehicle damage, rescue incidents and environmental degradation caused by off-road driving during wet conditions.

About Gonarezhou National Park
Located in southeastern Zimbabwe, Gonarezhou National Park is one of the country’s largest and most remote protected areas, forming part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area alongside Kruger National Park (South Africa) and Limpopo National Park (Mozambique). The park is renowned for its dramatic Chilojo Cliffs, vast elephant populations, ancient baobab trees and a true sense of wilderness that appeals to experienced self-drive travellers and nature enthusiasts.
Gonarezhou National Park is especially popular with visitors seeking a less commercialised safari experience, offering unfenced camps, low visitor numbers and excellent birdlife, particularly after the rains.

Bookings and future travel planning
While the park remains closed to visitors during this period, Gonarezhou National Park's reservations team remains fully operational and available to assist with enquiries, advance bookings and travel planning for visits from March 2026 onwards.
Travellers are encouraged to factor the seasonal closure into their itineraries and consider visiting Gonarezhou National Park during the dry season (May to October), when road conditions improve and wildlife viewing is at its best.

 

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Okavango Delta advisory: Crocodile spotted near Seronga Boat Station!

The Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) has issued a public advisory following the confirmed sighting of a crocodile at the Seronga Boat Station, a key access point to the Okavango Delta. Visitors, residents, and tour operators are urged to remain vigilant and to exercise heightened caution when visiting the area.

According to DWNP, the crocodile was observed in close proximity to the boat station, prompting safety concerns for individuals using the site for leisure activities, photography, and boat transfers. Members of the public are specifically warned to be alert at all times, particularly when approaching the water’s edge or boarding boats.

About the Seronga Boat Station
The Seronga Boat Station is located near the village of Seronga in north-western Botswana, at the upper reaches of the Okavango Delta, close to the Panhandle region. It serves as an important launch and transfer point for boats accessing the Delta’s intricate network of channels, lagoons, and floodplains.
Due to its location within a pristine wilderness area, the presence of wildlife - including crocodiles and hippos - is considered natural. However, sightings near frequently used access points pose an increased risk to human safety.

Responsible travel in Wildlife Areas
Travellers visiting the Okavango Delta and surrounding regions are reminded that they are entering a wild, unfenced ecosystem where wildlife movements are unpredictable. Respecting safety warnings and adhering to official guidance is essential for ensuring both personal safety and wildlife conservation.

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Kruger National Park Flood Update: Gate access & camp routes for travellers!

last updated: 14 January 2026

Crocodile Bridge Gate officially closed. The water level is constantly being monitored and alerts will be updated when the levels change. Visitors to Lower Sabie and Crocodile Bridge will not be able to leave Kruger National Park until the water levels subside and the bridge opened. (14 January 2026 12:30)

last updated: 14 January 2026 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that persistent heavy rainfall across Limpopo and Mpumalanga continues to impact access routes and gate operations at Kruger National Park (KNP). Several internal roads and river crossings remain flooded, affecting travel between camps and limiting access points into the park.

To reduce delays, avoid unnecessary detours, and help visitors reach their booked camps via the most direct and safest routes, SANParks has issued the following gate access recommendations, which all travellers are strongly advised to follow.

Recommended Access Gates by Camp

Skukuza Rest Camp
• Access recommended via Paul Kruger Gate
• No access from Skukuza to Lower Sabie, Crocodile Bridge, Tshokwane, or Satara due to flooding at the Sabie Low Water Bridge and surrounding detours

Malelane Satellite Camp & Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
• Access via Malelane Gate

Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp & Lower Sabie Rest Camp
• Access via Crocodile Bridge Gate
• River levels are being closely monitored; updates will be issued should this gate become inaccessible

Orpen Rest Camp & Satara Rest Camp
• Access via Orpen Gate

Olifants Rest Camp, Letaba Rest Camp & Mopani Rest Camp
• Access via Phalaborwa Gate or Orpen Gate

Pretoriuskop Rest Camp
• Access via Numbi Gate or Phabeni Gate

Gate Status Updates

• Phabeni Gate remains open but may close at short notice depending on river levels
• Pafuri Gate and Punda Maria Gate remain closed and are currently inaccessible
• There is no access to the far northern section of Kruger National Park

Road Closures Inside the Park

• H10 Road (Lower Sabie – Tshokwane) is closed
• No access between Lower Sabie and Tshokwane
• Flooding continues to affect key internal routes, limiting camp-to-camp travel

Important Advice for Travellers

Visitors are urged not to attempt closed routes or flooded crossings, as this has resulted in significant frustration and delays. Always follow official gate guidance and monitor SANParks updates before and during travel.

We will continue to track developments and provide timely updates for travellers planning visits to Kruger National Park during this period of severe weather.

 

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Mpumalanga Travel Advisory: God’s Window, The Pinnacle and Bourke’s Luck Potholes closed! [update]

last update 14 January 2026

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has the precautionay decision to close the Swadini viewing sites and the Three Rondavels viewing sites due to persistent heavy rainfall. 

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has announced the temporary closure of God’s Window and The Pinnacle, following the earlier shutdown of Bourke’s Luck Potholes, as persistent heavy rainfall continues to affect parts of the Mpumalanga escarpment.

According to the MTPA, the decision follows additional on-site safety assessments, which identified heightened risks linked to saturated ground, slippery walkways, reduced visibility, and potential rockfalls. These precautionary closures have been implemented to protect both visitors and staff until weather conditions improve and the sites can be safely reopened.

What travellers should know about God’s Window
God’s Window is one of the most iconic viewpoints along the Panorama Route, offering sweeping views over the Lowveld and, on clear days, as far as the Kruger National Park and Mozambique. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,700 metres above sea level, the site is particularly vulnerable to mist, strong winds, and heavy rainfall, which can significantly reduce visibility and make footpaths hazardous. During adverse weather, the lookout often becomes completely obscured by cloud, limiting the visitor experience even when technically accessible.

Closure impact at The Pinnacle
The Pinnacle is a dramatic freestanding quartzite rock column rising from indigenous forest near Graskop. The site is accessed via steep paths and viewing platforms, which can become extremely slippery during prolonged rainfall. Ongoing wet conditions increase the risk of erosion and falling debris, prompting authorities to restrict access until safety standards can be assured.

Travel advice for the Panorama Route
Travellers planning to explore the Panorama Route are advised to monitor official updates from the MTPA, allow for itinerary flexibility, and consider alternative attractions that remain open and safe. Weather conditions in the region can change rapidly, particularly during the rainy season, and further closures may be announced at short notice.

Visitors are strongly urged not to attempt access to closed viewpoints and to respect all safety signage and instructions. Updates on reopening dates will be communicated once conditions stabilise and thorough safety inspections have been completed.

 

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Mpumalanga: Bourke's Luck Potholes temporarily closed due to heavy rain – What travellers should know!

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has announced a temporary closure of Bourke's Luck Potholes following recent heavy rainfall in the area. This precautionary measure ensures the safety of visitors, as water levels and slippery surfaces can create hazardous conditions. Tourists and local visitors are strongly advised to avoid the site until authorities confirm it is safe to reopen.

About Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Bourke’s Luck Potholes, located at the confluence of the Treur and Blyde Rivers in Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route, are one of South Africa’s most fascinating natural attractions. Over centuries, swirling water and sediment have carved deep cylindrical potholes into the bedrock, creating a dramatic and photogenic landscape. Visitors usually enjoy:

• Scenic walking trails and viewing platforms for safe observation of the potholes.
• Photography opportunities at sunrise and sunset, when the light highlights the textures of the rock formations.
• Proximity to other Panorama Route highlights, including the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and the Three Rondavels.
• Picnic areas for a leisurely stop surrounded by stunning scenery.

Travel Advisory
While Bourke’s Luck Potholes remain closed, visitors can still explore nearby attractions along the Panorama Route. Keep an eye on official MTPA updates for reopening announcements. Safety remains a priority, especially during the rainy season, when river levels can rise rapidly.

 

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Blyde River Canyon: Swadini Viewpoint to close for international TV filming - What travellers should know!

Travellers planning a visit to the stunning Blyde River Canyon and the iconic Swadini viewpoint in Mpumalanga should note upcoming filming activities. The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has extended its Media Production Facilities Agreement with Triosphere and the Blyde 4 CPAs, originally signed in 2014, for five consecutive years - effective 01 January 2024 through 31 December 2029.
As part of this arrangement, Triosphere conducts annual filming at Swadini viewpoint. For early 2026, the filming schedule is as follows:

• Monday, 19 January 2026: Advance crew arrives – no impact on visitors; full boat access remains available.
• Sunday, 01 February 2026: The Waterfall and Path will be temporarily closed to the public, while the visitor centre and boat access remain fully open.
• Saturday, 07 February 2026: The Waterfall and Path reopen for public access.
• Friday, 13 February 2026: Final crew departure.

For tourists, six days will see partial access restrictions at the waterfall. All other areas of the Swadini viewpoint and Swadini Dam will remain fully accessible for exploration, photography, and boating.

The MTPA will provide updates throughout 2026 to ensure visitors can plan their trip without missing any of the breathtaking scenery of the Blyde River Canyon.

 

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