Cape Point’s Flying Dutchman Funicular temporarily closed for repairs

The Motsamayi Tourism Group, which manages visitor facilities at Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, has confirmed that the iconic Flying Dutchman Funicular is currently out of operation due to essential maintenance.

Visitors can use a shuttle service to reach the lighthouse area, designed to assist elderly guests and those who may find the climb challenging. Please note, however, that the shuttle is not wheelchair accessible.

The Flying Dutchman Funicular connects the Cape Point parking area to the scenic viewing point below the lighthouse. Its track spans 585 meters, ascending 87 meters from the lower station at 127 m above sea level to the upper station at 214 m a.s.l. Notably, this funicular was the first commercial funicular in Africa, offering breathtaking views of the Cape Peninsula during the ride.

For visitors planning their trip, keep in mind the funicular’s temporary closure and plan extra time for the lighthouse visit.

 

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Flooding disrupts access in northern Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is currently experiencing flooding in several northern and central areas following persistent rainfall, according to an update from South African National Parks (SANParks).

Heavy rain both inside and outside Kruger National Park has caused river levels to rise rapidly, particularly in the Shingwedzi and Luvuvhu river systems. Authorities expect water levels to continue fluctuating in the coming days as further rainfall is forecast.

The situation is compounded by exceptionally heavy rains earlier in January, leaving surrounding catchment areas saturated and vulnerable to sudden increases in river flow.

Current Conditions in Northern Kruger

While the Shingwedzi River is rising, SANParks says water levels have not yet reached a stage requiring evacuation of guests or staff at camps. However, Kruger National Park management is closely monitoring the Shisha Stream near Babalala and Sirheni, which is currently spilling over onto the tar road.

Several camps, gates and tourist facilities in the north of Kruger National Park are temporarily affected by flooding or road closures.

Facilities currently affected include:

• Punda Maria Gate
• Pafuri Gate
• Giriyondo Border Gate (including Makhadzi Picnic Site)
• Sirheni Bushveld Camp
• Bateleur Bushveld Camp
• Shimuwini Bushveld Camp
• Roodewal Bush Lodge
• Balule Satellite Camp
• Talamati Bush Camp

In addition, the Letaba High-Level Bridge remains inaccessible, with repair work suspended until further notice.

Camps and Gates Still Operating

Despite the flooding in northern sections, many parts of Kruger National Park remain open and accessible to visitors.

Operational facilities currently include:

• Phalaborwa Gate
• Olifants Rest Camp
• Letaba Rest Camp (filling station, Elephant Hall and shop open)
• Orpen Gate
• Orpen Rest Camp
• Satara Rest Camp
• Tamboti and Maroela camps

In the southern Kruger National Park region, all access gates and camps remain open. However, Biyamiti Bush Camp can currently only be reached via the Crocodile Bridge entrance (from the S25 intersection), and there is no access to the S114 road.

Travel Advice for Kruger Visitors

Visitors travelling to Kruger National Park are advised to remain alert and follow all road signage and park instructions, as many gravel roads in the northern and central regions are temporarily closed due to flooding and water damage.

SANParks continues to monitor river levels and road conditions closely and says the safety of guests, staff and park infrastructure remains its highest priority.

Travellers planning to visit Kruger National Park over the coming days should check the latest road and gate updates before departure, particularly if heading to the northern regions.

 

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Flooding forces closure of Pafuri & Giriyondo Border Posts in northern Kruger

The South African Border Management Authority (BMA) announced on 15 March 2026 that operations at the Pafuri Port of Entry and Giriyondo Port of Entry have been temporarily suspended due to flooding affecting the border facilities and surrounding areas.

The Pafuri Port of Entry, located in the far northern section of Kruger National Park, connects South Africa and Mozambique and is a key crossing for travellers exploring the remote Pafuri region. Access to the border post via Pafuri Gate has also been closed after rising floodwaters made the road unsafe. The gate itself lies roughly 30 km from the border post.

Further south, the Giriyondo Port of Entry - another cross-border point between South Africa and Mozambique - forms part of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, the vast conservation area linking Kruger National Park in South Africa with Limpopo National Park in Mozambique and Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe.

Rivers rising across northern Kruger

Rangers in the northern Kruger National Park region reported that water levels at the Luvuvhu River bridge increased by around half a metre overnight, reflecting continued heavy inflows from upstream catchments.

Additional updates indicate that the Klein Letaba River and Middelvlei River are currently overflowing, while the Letaba River bridge is approaching capacity as water levels continue to rise.

Because the Luvuvhu River flows directly alongside the Pafuri border facilities, the rapidly increasing water levels posed a potential safety risk to travellers, staff, and infrastructure in the area. As a precaution, the BMA has therefore suspended operations at both border posts until conditions improve.

Staff safely evacuated

Authorities confirmed that all BMA personnel, members of the Port Management Committee, and operational vehicles stationed at the affected border facilities were evacuated safely as a precautionary measure. No injuries or infrastructure damage have been reported so far.

Advice for travellers visiting northern Kruger

Travellers planning to visit the Pafuri region of Kruger National Park should note that Pafuri Gate is currently inaccessible due to flooding.

As an alternative, visitors are advised to enter the park via Punda Maria Gate, which remains open. This gate lies roughly 65 km from the Pafuri border post and currently provides the closest practical access to the far northern section of the park.

Travellers intending to cross between South Africa and Mozambique should monitor official updates before travelling, as reopening of the Pafuri and Giriyondo border posts will depend on river levels and safety assessments in the coming days.

 

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Kruger National Park Update: Letaba High-Level Bridge reopening pushed back

last update 16 March 2026

The Letaba High-Level Bridge is still inaccessible with the repair work suspended until further notice. 

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Travellers heading to the northern section of Kruger National Park should note a slight delay in the reopening of the Letaba High-Level Bridge on the H1-6 tar road.

According to South African National Parks (SANParks), the bridge is now expected to reopen on 18 March 2026, a few days later than the previously anticipated 13 March 2026. The revised timeline follows recent rainfall, which slowed repair work and caused the technical team to lose approximately three days of construction time.

The Letaba High-Level Bridge, located near Letaba Rest Camp, sustained severe structural damage during the major floods of January 2026 that affected parts of the park’s northern infrastructure.

SANParks reports that additional measures have been introduced to accelerate the remaining work, with teams working to ensure the bridge can safely reopen to visitors as soon as possible.

What this means for visitors

If you are planning a self-drive safari in northern Kruger National Park, particularly between Letaba and Mopani, expect temporary route adjustments until the bridge reopens. Always check with park reception or SANParks’ latest updates before departing on longer drives.

Despite the short delay, the reopening of the bridge will significantly improve road connectivity in northern Kruger National Park, restoring a key route used by many visitors exploring this quieter part of the park.

 

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Jet Fuel Supply in Southern Africa: Will Middle East tensions affect flights?

last update 17 March 2026

Jet fuel prices continue to surge, with costs in Southern Africa now up more than 100% in the past month. Additional African carriers, including RwandAir, Air Mauritius and Ethiopian Airlines, have begun introducing fuel surcharges or fare increases, signalling a broader regional impact. Flights continue to operate normally, but travellers should expect further airfare increases in the coming weeks. 

last update 16 March 2026

Airlines in South Africa are adjusting fares following the recent spike in global jet fuel prices. FlySafair has introduced a temporary dynamic fuel surcharge for flights departing until 12 May 2026, while South African Airways has implemented fare increases across its domestic, regional and international network from 12 March. Other airlines such as Airlink are also adjusting ticket prices. Importantly, previously issued tickets remain valid at the original fare.

last update 11 March 2026

South African domestic airline, FlySafair, has announced the introduction of a temporary dynamic fuel surcharge on tickets in response to the sharp rise in global jet fuel prices linked to the Middle East crisis. The surcharge will apply to new bookings for flights departing between 12 March and 12 May 2026 and will appear as a separate line item on tickets. Existing bookings will not be affected.

Other South African airlines have not yet introduced dedicated fuel surcharges. However, carriers including South African Airways and Airlink say they are closely monitoring jet fuel prices and may adjust fares if costs remain elevated. For travellers, this means that while flights are operating normally, ticket prices across the region could gradually increase if fuel markets remain volatile. 

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The airline says jet fuel prices at South African coastal airports have increased by around 70% in just one week, forcing it to pass on part of the additional costs while keeping the surcharge temporary and transparent. The amount will vary by route length and will be reviewed regularly as fuel prices change. 

The recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East has raised concerns about global oil supply and aviation fuel availability. Since jet fuel is refined from crude oil, disruptions to global shipping routes can quickly affect airline operations and ticket prices.

For travellers heading to Southern Africa, the good news is that flights are currently operating normally and airports have adequate jet fuel supplies. However, airlines and fuel suppliers across the region are closely monitoring developments.

Why the Middle East situation matters

A large share of the world’s oil exports moves through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important energy shipping routes globally.

If oil shipments through this route are disrupted, global fuel prices typically rise. For airlines, jet fuel is one of their largest operating costs, so sustained price increases can eventually lead to higher airfares.

South Africa: Supplies Stable
In South Africa, aviation fuel supplies remain stable and airports continue normal operations.

Major hubs such as O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, and King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban currently have sufficient jet fuel stocks.

Supply comes from a mix of domestic production, synthetic fuels from Sasol, and imported fuel arriving through ports such as Durban.

For travellers, this means no fuel-related flight disruptions are currently expected.

Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Other Southern African countries have smaller aviation markets but continue to receive regular fuel deliveries.

Airports operating normally include:

• Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, Namibia
• Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB) in Walvis Bay, Namibia 
• Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone, Botswana 
• Maun Airport (MUB) in Maun, Botswana
• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka, Zambia
• Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) in Livingstone, Zambia
• Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare, Zimbabwe 
• Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Fuel in these markets is mostly imported from regional suppliers, particularly South Africa, but there are currently no widespread shortages affecting travellers.

Mozambique
In Mozambique, jet fuel is mainly imported via ports such as Maputo and Beira.

Airports including Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Maputo and Vilankulo Airport (VNX) in Vilankulo continue operating normally.

What Travellers Should Expect

For now, travellers to Southern Africa should expect:

• Flights operating normally
• No reported jet fuel shortages at major airports
• Possible airfare increases if global fuel prices remain high

While the global energy situation remains uncertain, aviation fuel supplies across Southern Africa are currently stable.

Travellers should simply keep an eye on airline updates as the situation develops.

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Chapman’s Peak Drive Closures in March 2026: What travellers need to know

Travellers planning to drive the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive in Cape Town during March 2026 should be aware of several temporary closures as scheduled engineering investigations take place along the route.

The exploratory work forms part of ongoing safety monitoring and long-term infrastructure planning on this iconic coastal road linking Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Engineers will be conducting geotechnical assessments and slope stability investigations to help ensure the continued safety and reliability of the route.

Scheduled Road closures

Travellers should note the following dates and times:

• Wednesday, 11 March 2026: Half-width road closure from 08:00 to 17:00
• Wednesday, 18 March 2026: Full road closure from 08:00 to 17:00
• Wednesday, 25 March 2026: Full road closure from 08:00 to 17:00

During full closure periods, no traffic will be able to pass through the route.

Travel Planning Tips

Motorists travelling between Hout Bay and Noordhoek are advised to plan their journeys outside the closure windows or make use of alternative routes around the Cape Peninsula.

Travellers are advised to plan alternative routes during these hours. Recommended alternatives include:

• Ou Kaapse Weg (M64) – From Noordhoek, head north via Ou Kaapse Weg, which reconnects to Hout Bay via Constantia Nek, offering a scenic mountain drive.
• Silvermine Road – Ideal for local traffic, this route runs parallel to the western side of Table Mountain National Park and can be used to bypass the closure.
• Main Road (M6) via Fish Hoek – Though slightly longer, this coastal route provides a reliable and safe alternative with spectacular sea views.

Although these temporary disruptions may affect travel plans, the investigations are part of the drive’s continuous programme of safety monitoring and infrastructure planning. 

The work helps ensure that Chapman’s Peak Drive remains one of South Africa’s safest and most spectacular scenic routes for motorists, cyclists and visitors exploring the Cape Town region.

For travellers including Chapman’s Peak Drive in a Cape Peninsula road trip, checking road conditions in advance and allowing extra travel time is recommended.

 

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Temporary shop hour changes in March 2026

Travellers planning a safari in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park during March 2026 should take note of temporary shop operating hour changes at several rest camps.

According to South African National Parks (SANParks), the adjusted schedules are part of routine monthly stocktaking and will affect the camp shops at Nossob Rest Camp, Mata Mata Rest Camp, and Twee Rivieren Rest Camp on specific dates.

While these short closures are temporary, visitors travelling through the park during this period should plan grocery and supply purchases in advance, especially if relying on camp shops for food, fuel, or other essentials.

Temporary Shop Closures – March 2026

Nossob Rest Camp Shop - 17 March 2026
Open: 07:00 – 09:00
Closed: 09:00 – 15:00 (stocktaking)
Open: 15:00 – 19:15

Mata Mata Rest Camp Shop - 19 March 2026
Open: 07:00 – 09:00
Closed: 09:00 – 15:00 (stocktaking)
Open: 15:00 – 19:15

Twee Rivieren Rest Camp Shop - 23 March 2026
Closed: 05:00 – 15:00 (stocktaking)
Open: 15:00 – 19:15

Travel Tips for Visitors

If you are visiting Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park during these dates, a little planning will help avoid inconvenience:

• Buy groceries and supplies in advance, especially before arriving at affected camps.
• Stock up the day before the scheduled closure if you are staying overnight.
• Plan fuel and essential purchases early, particularly if you are travelling long distances between camps.

Routine operational adjustments like these are common in remote national parks. With a bit of preparation, travellers can still enjoy a smooth and memorable Kalahari safari experience in one of southern Africa’s most spectacular desert wilderness areas.

 

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