South African regional carrier FlySafair has been awarded the title of Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa at the prestigious Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025. The airline was awarded first place in this competitive category, reflecting its performance in the region's low-cost travel sector.
Lift, another South African domestic airline and last year’s winner, secured the position of second-best low-cost airline in Africa in 2025. Zimbabwe-based Fastjet, which operates domestic flights in Zimbabwe and regional flights across southern Africa, claimed the third spot.
In addition, South African airline Airlink was recognized as the Cleanest Airline in Africa for 2025, reflecting its high standards in aircraft cleanliness and onboard hygiene.
The 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards were based on the results of a global passenger satisfaction survey conducted between September 2024 and May 2025. More than 100 nationalities participated, with responses carefully screened to remove duplicate or ineligible entries. Over 325 airlines were included in the final results, making the Skytrax Awards one of the most comprehensive airline rankings in the industry.
18 June 2025
Survey: FlySafair named best low-cost airline in Africa 2025!
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Temporary shop hours in June 2025 due to stocktaking!
South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced temporary changes to the shop operating hours within Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park on selected dates in June 2025, due to routine monthly stocktaking. On 24 June 2025, the shop at Nossob Rest Camp will be open from 07:00 to 09:00 and again from 15:00 to 18:15. The same schedule will apply to the Mata Mata Rest Camp shop on 26 June 2025. Meanwhile, the shop at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp will have limited operating hours on 30 June 2025, opening only from 15:00 to 18:15. Visitors are advised to plan accordingly and make any necessary purchases outside of these limited hours to ensure a smooth experience in the park.
Durban beach & pool update: Latest openings and closures (13 June 2025)!
Durban in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, renowned for its stunning coastline, offers a variety of beaches catering to both locals and tourists. As of 13 June 2025, the eThekwini Municipality, which includes the city of Durban and surrounding towns, has provided an update on the status of its beaches and swimming pools, ensuring visitors are informed about water quality and available facilities. According to the latest update, 17 beaches in Durban are open and deemed safe for swimming, while six beaches remain closed due to water quality concerns. Additionally, 40 swimming pools across the city are open for public use.
The following 17 beaches in Durban are currently open and deemed safe for swimming, with operating hours from 06:00 to 18:30:
- Point Beach
- Bronze Beach
- uMhlanga Main
- uMgababa
- Toti Main Beach
- Pipeline Beach
- uShaka
- Addington
- North Beach
- Bay of Plenty
- Laguna Beach
- South Beach
- Wedge Beach
- mDloti Main
- Battery Beach
- Winklespruit
- Doonside Beach
Due to water quality concerns, the following beaches in Durban is currently closed for swimming:
- Brighton
- Country Club
- Thekwnini Beach
- Westbrook
- Anstey's Beach
- Reunion
While swimming is prohibited at these locations, other recreational activities are permitted.
13 June 2025
Free entry to select Iziko Museums in Cape Town on Youth Day (16 June 2025)!
Great news for culture and history lovers! In celebration of Youth Day 2025, the Iziko Museums of South Africa has announced free admission to several of its top museums in Cape Town on 16 June 2025. Whether you're passionate about art, history, or natural science, this is the perfect opportunity to explore some of South Africa’s most iconic heritage sites—at no cost.
Museums offering free entry on Youth Day:
- Iziko South African Museum
25 Queen Victoria Street, Cape Town - Established in 1825, the oldest museum in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Showcases fossils, marine life, early human artifacts, and ancient rock art
- Renowned for its paleontology and natural history collections
- Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum
71 Wale Street, Bo-Kaap - Celebrates the vibrant history and culture of the Cape Malay and Muslim communities
- Located in the heart of the historic Bo-Kaap neighborhood
- A must-visit for heritage and cultural enthusiasts
- Iziko Slave Lodge
Corner Adderley and Wale Streets, Cape Town - One of the oldest buildings in South Africa
- Offers powerful exhibitions on the history of slavery, colonialism, and human rights
- Promotes awareness and social justice through education
- Iziko South African National Gallery
Government Avenue, Company's Garden - South Africa’s premier national art museum
- Features both classical and contemporary artworks from South Africa, Africa, and Europe
- Includes paintings, photography, sculpture, and more
The Iziko Museums of South Africa manages 11 national museums across Cape Town, alongside specialized libraries, the acclaimed Social History Archive, and the cutting-edge Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome—Africa's most advanced digital planetarium.
These museums cover a wide spectrum of interests, including natural history, social history, fine art, and science education, making Iziko a cornerstone of heritage and learning in South Africa.
Durban beach & pool update: Latest openings and closures (12 June 2025)!
Durban in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, renowned for its stunning coastline, offers a variety of beaches catering to both locals and tourists. As of 12 June 2025, the eThekwini Municipality, which includes the city of Durban and surrounding towns, has provided an update on the status of its beaches and swimming pools, ensuring visitors are informed about water quality and available facilities. According to the latest update, 17 beaches in Durban are open and deemed safe for swimming, while six beaches remain closed due to water quality concerns. Additionally, 40 swimming pools across the city are open for public use.
The following 17 beaches in Durban are currently open and deemed safe for swimming, with operating hours from 06:00 to 18:30:
- Point Beach
- Bronze Beach
- uMhlanga Main
- uMgababa
- Toti Main Beach
- Pipeline Beach
- uShaka
- Addington
- Laguna Beach
- South Beach
- Wedge Beach
- mDloti Main
- Battery Beach
- Brighton
- Winklespruit
- Doonside Beach
- Reunion
Due to water quality concerns, the following beaches in Durban is currently closed for swimming:
- North Beach
- Bay of Plenty
- Country Club
- Thekwini Beach
- Westbrook
- Anstey's Beach
While swimming is prohibited at these locations, other recreational activities are permitted.
11 June 2025
Cathay Pacific to boost Hong Kong <> Johannesburg flights to daily service from July 2025!
Cathay Pacific, the flag carrier of Hong Kong, is set to increase flight frequencies between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) in Hong Kong and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Starting 01 July 2025, the airline will expand its current schedule from five weekly flights to daily service, offering travelers more flexibility and convenience on this long-haul route.
The route will continue to be served by the Airbus A350-900, featuring a three-class configuration: Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. Business Class passengers will enjoy fully lie-flat seats, ensuring maximum comfort on the intercontinental journey.
Through its hub in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific offers seamless connections to major destinations across Asia and Australasia, including mainland China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand.
This increased frequency underscores Cathay Pacific’s commitment to the African market and provides enhanced connectivity between Southern Africa and the Asia-Pacific region.
10 June 2025
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Roof upgrades scheduled at Kalahari Tented Camp!
South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Kalahari Tented Camp, located in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, will undergo roof upgrades from 11 June to 30 July 2025.
According to park management, existing bookings will not be affected, and guests can look forward to uninterrupted stays while improvements are carried out.
The Kalahari Tented Camp is situated approximately 3 km from the Mata-Mata Rest Camp and offers a unique wilderness experience with 15 desert-style safari tents. Designed to blend with the stark beauty of the Kalahari Desert, the camp provides a sense of remote solitude - perfect for nature lovers seeking an immersive experience.
Guests staying at Kalahari Tented Camp can refuel vehicles and purchase basic supplies at the Mata-Mata shop. Although a 4x4 vehicle is not mandatory, a high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended due to the rugged terrain within Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. All check-in and check-out procedures are handled at the Mata-Mata Rest Camp.