Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park shop closures in August 2026

Planning a trip to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park later this month? If you are staying at Nossob, Mata Mata or Twee Rivieren, take note of some temporary shop closures in August.

South African National Parks (SANParks) will close the three camp shops for several hours while annual stocktakes are carried out. The closures are temporary, but travellers should make sure they have essential supplies before the affected periods.

Nossob Shop – 24 August 2026
The Nossob shop will be closed from 09:00 to 15:00 on 24 August 2026.
It will be open from 07:00 to 09:00 and again from 15:00 to 18:45.

Mata Mata Shop – 27 August 2026
The Mata Mata shop will close from 09:00 to 15:00 on 27 August 2026.
The shop will be open from 07:00 to 09:00 and 15:00 to 18:45.

Twee Rivieren Shop – 31 August 2026
The Twee Rivieren shop will have the longest closure, closing from 05:00 to 15:00 on 31 August 2026.
It will only be open from 15:00 to 18:45 that day.

If your Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park itinerary coincides with one of these dates, plan your shopping accordingly and purchase any essential supplies before the temporary closures.

 

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Flying from South Africa to Doha: What Airlink’s Qatar Airways partnership means for travellers

Airlink is expanding its partnership with Qatar Airways, giving travellers in South Africa a new way to book flights to Doha and onward destinations from 31 August 2026.

Under the expanded codeshare agreement, Airlink will place its 4Z flight code on Qatar Airways-operated services to Doha. The initial routes are:

• Johannesburg – Doha: twice daily
• Cape Town – Doha: 10 flights per week
• Durban – Doha: daily, via Maputo

The flights are operated by Qatar Airways using Airbus A350 aircraft.

For travellers, the main benefit is access to Qatar Airways' extensive international network via Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha. This creates additional options for connecting from South Africa to destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

The partnership is an extension of the existing relationship between the two airlines. Qatar Airways already codeshares on Airlink's domestic and regional flights, while Qatar Airways acquired a 25% stake in Airlink in 2024.

Airlink and Qatar Airways also have a frequent-flyer partnership. Eligible Airlink Skybucks members can earn and redeem Skybucks, while Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can earn and redeem Avios on eligible flights operated by either airline.

More Qatar Airways destinations are expected to be added to the Airlink codeshare in the coming months.

The codeshare flights are available for travel from 31 August 2026 through Airlink's booking channels.

For travellers, the expansion is worth checking when comparing international flights from South Africa, particularly if Doha offers a convenient connection to your final destination.

 

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Golden Gate Zipline: New adventure at Golden Gate Highlands National Park

Visitors to Golden Gate Highlands National Park in South Africa's Free State can now add a new adventure to their itinerary: the Golden Gate Zipline, a seven-cable zipline experience taking visitors across the park's spectacular mountain landscape.

The new attraction gives travellers another way to experience one of South Africa's most scenic national parks, combining an adrenaline-filled activity with views of the distinctive sandstone cliffs and surrounding highlands.

Seven zipline cables across the Golden Gate landscape

The Golden Gate Zipline consists of seven zipline cables and platforms, with the longest cable stretching approximately 650 metres.

The experience starts at an altitude of around 1,300 metres above sea level before finishing at approximately 1,200 metres. The complete adventure takes about one hour, making it relatively easy to fit into a day of sightseeing, hiking or driving through the park.

At R650 per person, the zipline provides a different perspective on Golden Gate Highlands National Park and could be particularly appealing to travellers looking to add something more active to their visit.

Who can use the Golden Gate Zipline?

The attraction is open to visitors aged 6 years and older.

There is also a maximum weight limit of 120 kg, so visitors should take this requirement into account when planning their activity.

The zipline operates daily from 09:00 to 16:00, with the last tour departing at 15:00.

A new activity for a Golden Gate itinerary

The zipline complements the park's existing attractions rather than replacing them. Golden Gate Highlands National Park is already known for its scenic drives, hiking trails and mountain landscapes, while the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre provides an additional family-friendly attraction.

For visitors staying overnight, the park's accommodation options also make it possible to combine the zipline with a longer exploration of the area rather than treating it as a short stopover.

For families, the minimum age of six also makes the attraction potentially suitable for trips with older children, subject to the weight restriction and the operator's safety requirements.

Is the Golden Gate Zipline worth adding to your trip?

If you're already visiting Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the zipline offers a relatively straightforward way to add an adventure activity to your itinerary. The seven cables, mountain setting and 650-metre longest run should make it particularly attractive to visitors who want more than scenic drives and hiking.

It also gives travellers another reason to spend time at Golden Gate Highlands National Park rather than simply passing through the park on a wider Free State and Drakensberg road trip.

Golden Gate Zipline at a glance:

• Location: Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Free State
• Price: R650 per person
• Duration: Approximately 1 hour
• Number of zipline cables: 7
• Longest cable: Approximately 650 metres
• Minimum age: 6 years
• Maximum weight: 120 kg
• Operating days: Daily
• Operating hours: 09:00–16:00
• Last tour: 15:00

For travellers planning a visit to Golden Gate Highlands National Park, the new zipline is therefore worth considering alongside the park's hiking trails, scenic routes and other visitor attractions. 

 

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Addo Elephant National Park: Vehicles must now be sprayed against Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Visitors planning a self-drive safari in Addo Elephant National Park should be aware of a new biosecurity measure at the park's entrances. South African National Parks (SANParks) has introduced mandatory vehicle spraying at the Main and Matyholweni entrance gates as a precaution against the introduction and spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD).

The measure means that vehicles entering the park will be disinfected before visitors continue into the park.

Vehicles will be disinfected at Addo's entrance gates

According to SANParks, all vehicles entering through the Main and Matyholweni gates will be sprayed with an approved disinfectant solution.

The measure forms part of strengthened biosecurity procedures intended to reduce the risk of Foot-and-Mouth Disease being introduced into Addo Elephant National Park. SANParks says the procedure is controlled and designed to minimise delays at the gates.

For visitors, this is therefore an additional step to expect when arriving for a game drive or an overnight stay.

The park's official information confirms that both the Main and Matyholweni entrances are important access points for visitors travelling by car. Matyholweni is particularly convenient for travellers approaching Addo Elephant National Park from the Gqeberha/Port Elizabeth and Colchester side, while the Main Camp is accessed via Paterson.

What does this mean for self-drive visitors?

There is no special preparation required from visitors. Simply follow the instructions of SANParks staff when you arrive at the entrance gate.

The important points are:

• Vehicle spraying is mandatory when entering through the Main or Matyholweni gates.
• The vehicle will be treated with an approved disinfectant solution.
• The procedure is intended to be safe and controlled.
• Visitors should allow for a little additional time at the entrance, although SANParks says the process is designed to minimise delays.
• Drivers and passengers should follow the instructions of gate personnel.

This applies to visitors arriving in private vehicles as well as other vehicles entering the park. SANParks' existing entry requirements apply as normal, including the requirement for valid vehicle documentation and identification.

Why is Foot-and-Mouth Disease a concern?

Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals. For a wildlife area such as Addo Elephant National Park, preventing the movement of disease between livestock, wildlife and different geographical areas is an important part of conservation management.

SANParks' Veterinary Wildlife Services identifies Foot-and-Mouth Disease as one of the diseases that can create challenges and restrictions around wildlife movements in South Africa.

The new vehicle disinfection procedure is therefore primarily a biosecurity precaution, rather than something that should affect the safari experience itself.

For travellers, the key message is simple: don't be surprised if your vehicle is sprayed when you arrive at Addo Elephant National Park.

Will the spraying affect your safari?

There is currently no indication that the measure changes the normal self-drive experience inside the park.

Addo Elephant National Park remains one of South Africa's most accessible self-drive safari destinations, with visitors able to explore the park in their own vehicles during the permitted game-viewing hours.

The additional biosecurity procedure takes place at the entrance rather than on the tourist road network. Once the entry procedure has been completed, visitors can continue with their planned game drive.

It is nevertheless sensible to factor a little extra time into your arrival at the park, particularly if you are visiting during a busy period.

What should travellers do?

There is nothing complicated that visitors need to do. The most important thing is to cooperate with SANParks staff and allow the disinfection procedure to take place.

Biosecurity measures can sometimes seem inconvenient when you're eager to get into the park, but preventing the introduction of animal diseases is ultimately in the interests of Addo Elephant National Park's wildlife, surrounding livestock and the long-term health of the ecosystem.

If you're planning a self-drive visit, also check the latest SANParks information before setting out, as park access arrangements and operational conditions can change.

Bottom line

If Addo Elephant National Park is on your South Africa itinerary, expect your vehicle to be sprayed with disinfectant when entering through the Main or Matyholweni gates. It is a precautionary biosecurity measure against Foot-and-Mouth Disease and should not otherwise change your safari plans.

 

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Kruger National Park Road Conditions: A self-drive guide for visitors

Kruger Road Network Update – 15 August 2026

SANParks has published an updated Kruger Roads Register (14 August 2026), providing the latest information on road conditions, closures, restrictions and diversions across Kruger National Park. 

Kruger Road Network Update – 13 August 2026

SANParks has published an updated Kruger Roads Register (11 August 2026), providing the latest information on road conditions, closures, restrictions and diversions across Kruger National Park. 

Updated: August 2026

The Kruger National Park road network is one of the reasons the park works so well for a self-drive safari. More than 2,000 kilometres of designated tourist roads cross the park, ranging from major tar roads connecting the main camps to smaller gravel routes that take visitors deeper into the bush.

The network, however, has had a difficult year.

Exceptional rainfall and flooding in January 2026 caused significant damage to roads, bridges, causeways and drainage infrastructure in Kruger National Park. Although access has progressively been restored, the effects of the floods continue to influence road conditions in some parts of the park.

For travellers planning a Kruger National Park self-drive safari in the coming months, the situation is therefore worth understanding — particularly if your itinerary includes the northern part of the park or relies heavily on gravel roads.

How extensive is Kruger's road network?

Kruger National Park has an extensive network of roads available to visitors.

According to South African National Parks (SANParks), the park has more than 850 kilometres of tarred roads and approximately 1,444 kilometres of gravel roads. These are the roads that make up the visitor-accessible tourist network.

The network can broadly be divided into:

• Tar roads, which form the main links between entrance gates, rest camps and other major destinations.
• Gravel tourist roads, which provide access to quieter areas and many of the park's best self-drive game-viewing routes.
• Specialist routes, such as 4x4 Eco Trails, which operate under separate conditions and should not be confused with the normal tourist-road network.

Kruger National Park's firebreaks are not part of the tourist road network. Visitors may not use them as alternative routes.

What did the 2026 floods do to Kruger's roads?

The January 2026 floods were exceptional and caused extensive damage in several parts of the park.

Heavy rainfall left catchments saturated and resulted in rapidly rising rivers. Roads were damaged or washed away, bridges and causeways were affected and access to some camps was temporarily disrupted.

The impact was particularly serious in the central and northern sections of Kruger National Park. Even after the initial flooding had subsided, the saturated catchments remained vulnerable to renewed rises in river levels.

SANParks was still reporting flooding-related access problems in the north in March, noting that rivers in the Shingwedzi and Luvuvhu systems were rising and that the catchments remained extremely saturated following the exceptional January rainfall.

This is important because the effects of such flooding are not limited to the immediate aftermath. Damaged culverts, bridge approaches, road surfaces and drainage structures can require months of repair.

Has Kruger's road network reopened?

Much of the network has reopened and normal visitor access has resumed, but this should not be interpreted as meaning that every individual road has returned to its pre-flood condition.

SANParks has restored access in stages as roads and infrastructure were assessed and repaired.

A good example is the H7 between Orpen Gate and Satara. The road reopened after flood damage, but the section around Nsemani Dam was initially restricted to a single lane because of significant damage. SANParks also constructed a bypass using the S12 and S40 while work continued.

In the north, Shingwedzi Rest Camp reopened in March, but access arrangements initially remained restricted while repairs were carried out on the approach to the Letaba high-water bridge.

These examples illustrate the current situation well: Kruger National Park is open, but infrastructure recovery is an ongoing process rather than a single reopening event.

Tar roads: the backbone of a Kruger safari

For most visitors, the tar roads remain the easiest way to travel between the major camps.

They provide the principal connections through the park and are generally suitable for ordinary passenger vehicles. SANParks sets the speed limit at 50 km/h on tar roads.

But tar does not necessarily mean "unaffected by weather".

Many of Kruger National Park's tar roads cross rivers or seasonal streams, and a bridge or causeway can become the limiting factor after heavy rain. The January floods showed how quickly a normally straightforward route can become impassable.

Travellers should therefore think of the road and its crossings as one system.

Gravel roads: an important part of the safari experience

The gravel-road network is arguably even more important to safari enthusiasts.

These roads allow visitors to get away from the main traffic corridors and explore quieter sections of the park. They also provide access to many loops and connecting routes that make it possible to design a full day's game drive without simply travelling between camps.

SANParks describes the visitor road network as consisting of tarred and good gravel roads, with a 40 km/h speed limit on gravel roads.

Following the January floods, however, gravel roads were particularly vulnerable to washaways and erosion. SANParks temporarily closed large sections of the gravel network during the worst conditions and progressively reopened routes as conditions improved.

Visitors should therefore not assume that an old road-status list found online still applies.

A gravel road that was closed in January or March may have reopened, while another route may subsequently have been restricted because of maintenance or weather.

River crossings remain the weak points

For travellers, the most important legacy of the floods is probably the condition of bridges, causeways and river crossings.

These are the places where a road can suddenly become unusable after rainfall.

The problem is not necessarily rainfall directly over the road. Rain falling elsewhere in a river's catchment can result in a rapid rise in water levels downstream.

This is particularly relevant in the northern part of Kruger National Park, where the Shingwedzi and Luvuvhu river systems were among those affected during the 2026 floods.

The rule for visitors is straightforward:

Never attempt to cross a flooded or submerged road, causeway or bridge.

If SANParks closes a road, do not drive around a barrier or ignore a "No Entry" sign. SANParks explicitly states that driving off-road or using roads marked "No Entry" is prohibited.

Can ordinary cars use Kruger's gravel roads?

Yes.

A 4x4 is not normally required for a self-drive safari in Kruger National Park. The designated tourist gravel roads are intended for ordinary visitor vehicles under normal conditions.

A 4x4 does not, however, give a visitor permission to use a closed road or drive off the designated network.

The situation is different for specialist activities such as 4x4 Eco Trails, which have their own rules and access arrangements.

What vehicles are restricted?

There are several important vehicle restrictions for visitors.

SANParks states that:

• Caravans and trailers are restricted to tar roads.
• Coaches and buses are restricted to tar roads.
• Vehicles with an axle load exceeding 8,000 kg are not permitted.
• Motorcycles are not permitted.
• Vehicles with a carrying capacity exceeding 4,000 kg, buses and vehicles with more than 25 seats are restricted to tar roads.

This matters when planning a Kruger National Park itinerary with a caravan or larger vehicle. A route shown on a map is not necessarily suitable for every type of vehicle.

What can visitors expect over the coming months?

The outlook changes as Kruger National Park moves from the dry winter season towards spring and summer.

August

August is normally part of the dry season, which generally means more favourable road conditions. The absence of widespread summer rainfall reduces the immediate risk of flood-related road closures.

However, the infrastructure damage from earlier in the year does not disappear simply because conditions are dry. Visitors should continue to check their intended routes, particularly where repairs or bridge work have been necessary.

September

September is the month when travellers should start paying more attention to the weather again.

The first thunderstorms of the approaching summer rainy season can occur, although rainfall is typically still far less persistent than later in the season.

For most visitors this should not be a reason to change a Kruger National Park itinerary. It does mean that road conditions can become more variable, particularly on gravel roads and at low-water crossings after significant rainfall.

The experience of 2026 has also demonstrated why this matters: Kruger National Park's river systems can respond rapidly when catchments are already saturated.

October and beyond

As the summer rainfall season becomes established, the possibility of temporary road closures increases.

This does not mean that Kruger National Park becomes inaccessible. Rather, visitors should expect a greater possibility of localised closures, damaged gravel sections and temporary restrictions at river crossings after heavy rain.

The park's enormous road network usually provides alternative routes, but travellers should allow sufficient time and avoid building an itinerary that depends on one particular minor road being open.

What should self-drive visitors do?

A few simple precautions make a big difference.

Check the latest road information before setting out. Ask at your rest camp or entrance gate about conditions on the route you intend to use.

Do not rely on an old road-closure list. Conditions can change, and information published during the January floods is no longer necessarily relevant.

Allow extra time for long drives. A temporary closure or detour can add considerable distance.

Watch the weather forecast. This becomes increasingly important from September onwards.

Treat river crossings with caution. Never drive through flowing or rising water.

Respect every road closure. SANParks warns that driving on a closed road or a road marked "No Entry" is an offence.

Stay on the designated tourist network. Off-road driving is prohibited, even if a particular track appears to provide a shortcut.

Bottom line

The Kruger National Park road network is operational and remains perfectly usable for self-drive safaris, but 2026 has demonstrated just how quickly weather can affect travel inside the park.

The January floods caused serious damage to roads, bridges and drainage infrastructure, particularly in the central and northern parts of Kruger National Park. SANParks has progressively restored access, but some infrastructure work and localised restrictions remain part of the picture.

For travellers, there is no need to avoid Kruger National Park because of the floods. Instead, plan with a little flexibility.

The main tar roads provide reliable connections between the major camps, while the extensive gravel network offers the freedom and adventure that make a Kruger National Park self-drive so rewarding. From September onwards, however, keep a closer eye on rainfall and be prepared for temporary changes, particularly around river crossings and on minor gravel roads.

The most important advice remains simple: check the latest SANParks information before every long drive, follow all temporary restrictions and never attempt to bypass a road closure. 

 

 

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Malaria in Southern Africa in September 2026: What travellers need to know

September marks the transition from the dry winter months to spring across much of Southern Africa. Temperatures begin to rise, some areas receive their first seasonal rainfall, and mosquito activity can gradually increase.

For travellers, this means malaria awareness becomes particularly important again. While the risk varies considerably between countries and even between individual regions, several popular safari destinations remain malaria areas. The situation in 2026 also deserves extra attention, as increased malaria activity has been reported in parts of Southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe.

If you're planning a safari in Kruger National Park or Etosha National Park, a trip to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, a holiday in Mozambique or an adventure in Zambia or Malawi, it is worth checking the malaria situation before you travel and discussing prevention with a travel-health professional.

Malaria risk areas in Southern Africa

Malaria transmission is not uniform across Southern Africa. Altitude, temperature, rainfall, standing water and local mosquito populations all influence the risk. The following is a useful September 2026 overview, but travellers should always check destination-specific advice shortly before departure.

South Africa

Malaria risk in South Africa is concentrated in the far north-east of the country.

Important risk areas include:

• Kruger National Park
• Eastern parts of Mpumalanga
• northeastern and northern regions of Limpopo
• Parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal
• Border areas adjoining Mozambique and Zimbabwe

Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, the Garden Route, the Eastern Cape and most of the country's southern and western regions are not malaria areas.

September is particularly worth noting because the South African National Department of Health considers September to May the main malaria season and recommends chemoprophylaxis during this period for travellers to relevant risk areas.

For anyone planning a September safari in Kruger National Park, malaria prevention should therefore be taken seriously even if conditions still feel relatively dry.

Mozambique

Mozambique remains one of the region's most important malaria-risk destinations. Malaria transmission occurs throughout the country, including popular coastal and safari destinations.

Risk areas include:

• Maputo and the southern provinces
• Inhambane and Vilanculos
• Bazaruto and other coastal areas
• Beira and central Mozambique
• Gorongosa National Park
• Nampula and northern Mozambique
• Pemba and Cabo Delgado
• Niassa and the country's northern wilderness areas

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends prescription malaria prevention for travellers to Mozambique.

Zimbabwe

Malaria occurs throughout Zimbabwe, although the risk varies with altitude and local conditions.

Particular attention is advisable around:

• Victoria Falls
• Hwange National Park
• Zambezi National Park
• Lake Kariba
• Mana Pools
• Matusadona National Park
• Gonarezhou and the south-eastern Lowveld
• Other low-lying areas along the Zambezi Valley

Zimbabwe experienced unusually high malaria activity in 2026, which is one reason travellers should not rely solely on the traditional seasonal pattern when planning a September trip.

Zambia

Zambia is considered a malaria-risk country throughout the year.

Popular tourist destinations where malaria prevention is particularly relevant include:

• South Luangwa National Park
• Lower Zambezi National Park
• Kafue National Park
• Victoria Falls and Livingstone
• Luangwa Valley
• Zambezi Valley
• Much of northern and eastern Zambia

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists malaria transmission throughout Zambia and recommends prescription chemoprophylaxis for travellers to the country.

Botswana

Malaria risk in Botswana is concentrated in the north and is particularly relevant to safari travellers.

Risk areas include:

• Okavango Delta
• Moremi
• Chobe National Park
• Kasane
• Chobe and Linyanti areas
• Kwando region
• Ngamiland
• Northern Botswana generally

The southern parts of the country have considerably less risk, and Gaborone has no malaria transmission according to current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance.

September is an important transition month. Some travel-health guidance considers malaria risk in northern Botswana high from September through May, while other guidelines use October as the start of the high-risk period. This difference highlights why travellers should obtain individual advice based on their exact itinerary rather than relying on a simple month-by-month calendar.

Namibia

Malaria risk in Namibia is mainly concentrated in the north and north-east.

Important areas include:

• Zambezi Region
• Kavango East
• Kavango West
• Northern parts of Kunene
• Ohangwena
• Omusati
• Oshana
• Oshikoto
• Parts of Omaheke and Otjozondjupa

Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and much of southern Namibia have little or no malaria risk.

September is significant because malaria risk traditionally increases from September through May in parts of northern Namibia. In addition, Namibia experienced a notable increase in malaria cases in 2026, prompting travel-health authorities to temporarily strengthen prevention recommendations even during the normally lower-risk winter months.

Travellers heading towards the Zambezi Region, Kavango areas, northern safari destinations or Etosha National Park should therefore take malaria prevention seriously. Etosha lies in a transitional zone where risk is generally low but can increase in surrounding regions during wetter periods, so mosquito-bite precautions are still recommended when visiting the park.

eSwatini

Malaria risk in eSwatini is relatively limited compared with neighbouring Mozambique and South Africa.

The main risk area is the eastern and northern Lowveld, particularly areas close to the Mozambique border. This includes parts of Lubombo and the eastern sections of several other districts.

Mbabane and the highveld have little or no malaria risk.

Current UK travel-health guidance describes the main malaria season in eSwatini as November to May, with very low risk elsewhere. September therefore generally represents a lower-risk period, although mosquito-bite avoidance remains sensible in the Lowveld.

Malawi

Malaria is a year-round risk throughout Malawi.

This includes popular destinations such as:

• Lake Malawi
• Liwonde National Park
• Majete Wildlife Reserve
• Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
• Lower Shire Valley
• Blantyre
• Lilongwe

Because malaria transmission occurs throughout Malawi, travellers should discuss chemoprophylaxis as part of their preparation rather than assuming that the dry season eliminates the risk.

Lesotho

Lesotho is malaria-free.

Its high altitude and cooler climate mean that malaria transmission does not occur. Travellers visiting Lesotho therefore do not normally need malaria chemoprophylaxis specifically for their time in the country.

However, this changes if a Lesotho itinerary also includes malaria-risk areas elsewhere in Southern Africa.

Angola

Angola remains a high malaria-risk destination, with transmission throughout the country.

Risk is particularly relevant in lowland and tropical areas, including Luanda and much of northern, central and eastern Angola. Even travellers visiting urban areas should not automatically assume that malaria is not a concern.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends prescription malaria prevention for travellers to Angola.

Why September matters for malaria awareness

September is an important month for malaria awareness because Southern Africa is beginning to move from the cooler, drier winter towards warmer spring conditions.

As temperatures rise, mosquito activity can increase. Early seasonal rainfall can also create new breeding sites, particularly around rivers, floodplains, wetlands and areas where water collects.

At the same time, September is one of the most popular months for wildlife travel. The dry landscape and limited vegetation make wildlife easier to spot, attracting visitors to places such as Kruger National Park, Chobe, the Okavango Delta, Hwange, Victoria Falls and South Luangwa.

This combination of warmer weather, changing rainfall patterns and increased safari travel makes September a good time to review your malaria precautions.

Another important point is that malaria does not always produce obvious symptoms immediately. Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue can initially resemble flu or another common infection. Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum can progress rapidly and become life-threatening if treatment is delayed.

If you develop a fever during a trip to a malaria-risk area or after returning home, tell the healthcare professional that you have recently travelled to a malaria area. Do not assume that you are safe simply because several weeks have passed since your safari.

Malaria prevention tips for travellers

The good news is that there is a lot travellers can do to reduce their risk.

Before travelling

• Check your itinerary carefully. Malaria risk can change dramatically between neighbouring regions.
• Visit a travel-health professional several weeks before departure, ideally around 4–6 weeks in advance.
• Discuss antimalarial medication if your itinerary includes a malaria-risk area. The appropriate medicine depends on your destination, duration of travel, medical history and other factors.
• Take prescribed medication exactly as directed. Do not stop early simply because you have left the malaria area.
• Pack an effective insect repellent before travelling.

While travelling

• Use an insect repellent containing an effective active ingredient such as DEET, picaridin or IR3535.
• Wear long trousers and long-sleeved clothing, particularly from dusk onwards.
• Stay in accommodation with air conditioning, screened windows or mosquito nets where possible.
• Use an insecticide-treated bed net when one is provided, particularly in safari camps and remote accommodation.
• Keep doors and windows closed or screened during periods of mosquito activity.
• Remember that malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes are primarily active from dusk through the night, so evening and nighttime protection is particularly important.

After your trip

Pay attention to your health after returning home.

A fever following travel to a malaria area should always be taken seriously. Seek medical attention promptly and clearly mention where and when you travelled.

Malaria is preventable and treatable, but early diagnosis is critical.

Final thoughts

September is an excellent month for travelling through Southern Africa, but it is also the point at which malaria awareness becomes increasingly important again.

The risk is not the same everywhere. Lesotho is malaria-free, much of southern Namibia and Botswana has little or no risk, while countries such as Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Angola have much broader transmission. South Africa's malaria risk is concentrated in the north-east, while Namibia, Botswana and eSwatini have more pronounced regional and seasonal differences.

For travellers, the most important rule is simple: don't judge malaria risk by the season alone. Check your exact itinerary and get professional travel-health advice before departure.

With sensible mosquito-bite prevention, appropriate medication when recommended and prompt medical attention if fever develops, malaria does not need to prevent you from enjoying a September safari or Southern African adventure.

Disclaimer: This article provides general travel-health information and should not replace personalised medical advice. Malaria recommendations can vary according to your itinerary, age, medical history, pregnancy status, medication and current local transmission patterns. Always consult a qualified travel-health professional before travelling to a malaria-risk area. Malaria risk information can also change rapidly following changes in rainfall, mosquito populations and local transmission.

 

 

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Lilongwe to Johannesburg Flights: Malawi Airlines adds new direct service

Travellers looking for Lilongwe to Johannesburg flights will have another option from 24 August 2026, when Malawi Airlines introduces an additional direct service between Malawi and South Africa.

The additional service will operate six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday, with an afternoon departure from Lilongwe and an evening return from Johannesburg.

New Lilongwe–Johannesburg flight schedule

The new Malawi Airlines service operates at the following times:

• Lilongwe – Johannesburg: 16:50 – 19:05
• Johannesburg – Lilongwe: 20:00 – 22:15
• Frequency: Tuesday to Sunday
• Starts: 24 August 2026

The new direct return flight complements Malawi Airlines' existing morning service between Lilongwe and Johannesburg, which operates via Blantyre.

For travellers, the new afternoon departure provides more flexibility when planning a trip between Malawi and South Africa, while the evening return flight allows for a full day in Johannesburg before flying back to Lilongwe.

The additional service also offers another option for travellers using Johannesburg as a gateway for onward travel in South Africa and elsewhere in Southern Africa.

Flight times and fares can change, so check the latest Malawi Airlines schedule before booking.

 

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