Visiting Durban? Check this beach water quality update first

last updated 13 February 2026 

The eThekwini Municipality has released its latest coastal water quality results (12 February 2026), bringing important information for travellers planning time on Durban’s famous beaches.

According to the newest testing, 22 of the city’s 23 regularly monitored bathing beaches currently meet national safety standards, meaning swimming and beach activities are possible along most of the coastline. However, one beach remains temporarily closed while water quality concerns persist.

For visitors, the key takeaway is simple: Durban’s beaches are largely open, but choosing the right beach - and checking the latest updates - remains essential.

What the latest Durban water quality results mean for travellers

Durban’s warm Indian Ocean, long sandy shoreline and year-round sunshine continue to draw visitors. However, water quality along the coastline remains dynamic, with the number of closed beaches changing frequently based on ongoing testing. Travellers should therefore rely on the latest official updates when choosing where to swim.

Swimming, surfing and beach walks are currently possible at designated open beaches, with ongoing monitoring in place. Conditions can change quickly, particularly after rainfall.

How coastal water quality is monitored in Durban

The municipality operates a continuous coastal monitoring programme designed to protect public health and provide transparent updates. The programme includes:

• Routine seawater sampling at official bathing beaches
• Laboratory microbiological testing
• Public release of verified results

While most beaches currently meet national guidelines, testing continues to ensure safety standards are maintained.

Beaches currently open for swimming in Durban

The following 22 beaches in Durban are currently considered safe for recreational swimming, subject to continued monitoring:

1. Point Beach
2. uShaka Beach
3. North Beach
4. Bay of Plenty
5. Wedge Beach
6. Addington Beach
7. South Beach
8. Battery Beach
9. Country Club Beach
10. Brighton Beach
11. Westbrook Beach
12. mDloti Main Beach
13. Anstey’s Beach
14. Pipeline Beach 
15. Toti Main Beach
16. uMgababa Beach
17. Winklespruit Beach
18. Reunion Beach
19. uMhlanga Main Beach
20. Bronze Beach
21. Laguna Beach
22. Thekwini Beach

Lifeguards are on duty daily from 06:00 to 18:30 at these beaches, making them the safest choice for swimming and family visits.

Beach still closed due to water quality concerns

The following beach in Durban remains temporarily closed as a precaution:

1. Doonside Beach

The closure will remain in place until testing confirms that water quality has returned to safe levels.

Public swimming pools: a reliable alternative

If you prefer guaranteed swimming conditions, Durban's network of around 40 municipal swimming pools offers a dependable option. These facilities are regularly maintained, monitored and supervised by lifeguards, making them especially suitable for families travelling with children.

Safety tips for visiting Durban’s beaches

Water quality along the coastline can change rapidly, particularly after heavy rainfall. Visitors are advised to:

• Swim only at lifeguarded beaches
• Follow official signage and municipal updates
• Avoid swimming for at least a day or two after heavy rain

Traveller takeaway

The latest results confirm that most of Durban's bathing beaches are currently open. However, the ongoing closure of one beach highlights why checking the latest updates before heading to the coast remains essential. Conditions continue to be monitored and may change as further testing takes place.

 

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|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Sendelingsdrift pontoon reopens

Good news for cross-border travellers: South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Sendelingsdrift pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift border post in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is set to reopen on 16 February 2026 after a temporary closure due to high Orange River levels. The pontoon, which connects South Africa and Namibia, has been closed since early December 2025 (November 2025?).

Following a steady drop in water levels, SANParks, together with Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) and the South African Police Service (SAPS), has completed thorough safety inspections and clearance at both landing sites. Conditions are now confirmed safe, restoring this vital link for visitors exploring the Transfrontier park.

Travellers planning to use the pontoon are reminded to carry valid park permits and cross-border documentation to ensure a smooth experience.

 

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Golden Gate Highlands NP: Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Centre closed 02–13 March 2026

Visitors planning a trip to the Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre, located within the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in South Africa's Free State, are advised that the centre will be temporarily closed from Monday, 2 March to Friday, 13 March 2026. This closure is required to carry out essential floor repairs, ensuring the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of all future visitors.

During this period, guests are encouraged to explore other attractions within Golden Gate Highlands National Park, including scenic hiking trails, picnic spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities. SANParks apologizes for any inconvenience and appreciates visitors’ understanding while the necessary maintenance is completed.

The Kgodumodumo Dinosaur Interpretation Centre, which only opened to the public on 22 June 2025, offers a fascinating insight into the prehistoric world, showcasing life-size dinosaur exhibits, fossil displays, and interactive learning experiences for all ages. Once reopened, it promises an enhanced visitor experience, making it a must-visit destination for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about South Africa's rich paleontological heritage.

 

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Garden Route National Park: Temporary closure of water activities and trails due to heavy rainfall

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced the temporary suspension of all water-based activities in the Ebb and Flow area of the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park, effective immediately until further notice.

The closure comes after recent heavy rainfall, which has caused elevated water levels and created potentially hazardous conditions for visitors. To ensure safety, the following trails and facilities are also temporarily closed:

• Half Collared Kingfisher Trail
• Brown Hooded Kingfisher Trail
• Galinule Bird Hide

These precautionary measures are designed to protect visitors and restrict access to areas impacted by high water levels. SANParks has confirmed that all affected activities and facilities will reopen once conditions stabilise and it is safe to do so.

Visitors are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly, respect all safety notices, and check for updates before visiting. SANParks thanks everyone for their understanding and cooperation during this temporary closure.

 

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Cape Town: SANParks suspends Table Mountain National Park indemnity form requirement

last updated 13 February 2026 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has officially suspended the recently introduced indemnity and visitor verification form requirement for Table Mountain National Park with immediate effect. For travellers, this means faster entry and a return to the simple, hassle-free park access most visitors are used to.

Why the forms were introduced - and why they’re gone

The indemnity and verification forms were originally rolled out to strengthen governance and visitor verification at busy Table Mountain National Park entry points. In theory, the idea made sense.

In practice, the extra paperwork created long queues, operational delays, and frustration, especially during peak travel periods. Visitors, tour operators and tourism partners quickly raised concerns - and SANParks has now responded.

The forms have been scrapped for now while a better, more modern solution is developed.

A digital system is coming next

This change doesn’t mean verification is disappearing entirely. Instead, SANParks is moving toward a fully digitised ID and passport verification system that will be introduced over the next 12 months.

The upcoming system is expected to include:

• High-speed document scanning at park gates
• Automated compliance checks
• Faster processing times
• A more seamless visitor experience

The aim is simple: maintain security and compliance without slowing down travellers.

What this means for your visit right now

For the moment, visiting Table Mountain National Park just got easier again.

Current situation at park gates:

• No indemnity forms required
• No additional verification paperwork
• Standard entry procedures back in place
• Faster and smoother access for visitors

If you’ve visited recently and experienced delays, this update will make a noticeable difference.

Why this matters for travellers

Table Mountain National Park is one of Cape Town's and South Africa’s most visited attractions, welcoming hikers, nature lovers, families and international visitors year-round. Any change that reduces friction at the gates is a big win for the overall visitor experience.

This move shows a clear shift toward traveller-friendly park management while still preparing for a smarter, more efficient digital future.

Bottom line

Right now, visiting Table Mountain National Park is simpler, quicker and more enjoyable again. And with a digital verification system on the horizon, the long-term outlook looks even better for travellers.

If Table Mountain National Park is on your Cape Town itinerary, you can once again focus on the views - not the paperwork.

 

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Madikwe Game Reserve introduces new entry procedures amid South Africa’s Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak

Travellers heading to Madikwe Game Reserve should prepare for new entry formalities. The North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) has introduced mandatory biosecurity procedures at the reserve in response to South Africa’s ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak - one of the most serious in recent years.

New Madikwe entry requirements (effective February 2026)

All visitors entering Madikwe Game Reserve - whether by road transfer, self-drive or charter flight - must now complete additional verification and sanitation steps at the gate.

Visitors must expect:

• Registration and identity verification
• Mandatory registration with NWPTB officials on arrival
• Presentation of a passport or South African ID
• Vehicle and personal biosecurity
• Disinfection of vehicle tyres at entry gates
• Walking through disinfectant footbaths before entering the reserve

These procedures apply to all guests, staff and service providers entering the reserve.

Why these measures are being introduced

South Africa is currently battling a widespread Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak affecting multiple provinces and the livestock sector. While the disease does not pose a risk to humans, it spreads easily between cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, antelope and buffalo.

This is particularly relevant for wildlife destinations. African buffalo - present in Madikwe Game Reserve - are natural carriers of the virus, making strict biosecurity essential to protect wildlife populations and the reserve’s ecological integrity.

Game reserves across southern Africa routinely implement similar precautions during animal disease outbreaks, and Madikwe Game Reserve's new procedures are part of a broader national effort to limit further spread.

What this means for travellers

The changes are precautionary and do not affect the safari experience inside the reserve. However, visitors should plan for slightly longer arrival formalities.

Practical tips for guests

• Allow extra time when arriving at the reserve gate
• Keep passports or ID easily accessible
• Follow staff instructions regarding vehicle and foot sanitation
• Expect the procedures to feel unfamiliar but routine

Importantly, FMD is not transmissible to humans, and there are no restrictions on tourism activities within the reserve.

The traveller takeaway

Madikwe Game Reserve remains fully open and safe to visit. The new entry procedures are preventative biosecurity measures designed to protect wildlife during South Africa's ongoing FMD outbreak.

For visitors, the impact is minimal: a short sanitation process on arrival in exchange for safeguarding one of South Africa's premier malaria-free safari destinations.

About Foot and Mouth Disease in South Africa

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffalo and antelope, and it can spread via vehicles, footwear, equipment and animal movement. South Africa is currently experiencing one of its most significant outbreaks in years, with active cases reported across multiple provinces and major vaccination campaigns underway. Authorities are working to vaccinate large portions of the national cattle herd and strengthen biosecurity as the outbreak has already affected livestock production and exports. 

 

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Durban Swimming Beaches Status: Latest water quality results released!

last updated: 11 February 2026 

The eThekwini Municipality has released its latest coastal water quality results, confirming that 17 of Durban’s 23 regularly monitored bathing beaches currently meet national safety standards, while six beaches remain closed due to water quality concerns.

For travellers, this means swimming is possible in many parts of Durban - but beach choice and up-to-date information remain important.

Current swimming conditions along Durban’s coastline

Durban’s warm Indian Ocean and long sandy beaches continue to attract visitors year-round. However, the latest results highlight that water quality conditions are still uneven along the coastline, with some popular beaches remaining off-limits.

Swimming, surfing and general beach recreation are currently possible at designated open beaches, but visitors should expect ongoing monitoring and potential changes.

How Durban monitors coastal water quality

The municipality runs a continuous coastal monitoring programme aimed at protecting public health. This includes:

• Routine seawater sampling at designated bathing beaches
• Laboratory microbiological testing
• Public release of official results

The latest testing shows that while the majority of monitored beaches comply with national guidelines, not all locations have yet returned to acceptable water quality levels.

Beaches currently open for swimming

The following 17 beaches in Durban are currently considered safe for recreational swimming, subject to continued monitoring:

1. Point Beach
2. uMgababa
3. uShaka
4. North Beach
5. Bay of Plenty
6. Wedge Beach
7. Brighton Beach
8. Winklespruit
9. Westbrook
10. mDloti Main Beach
11. Anstey’s Beach
12. Pipeline Beach
13. Toti Main Beach
14. uMhlanga Main Beach
15. Bronze Beach
16. Laguna Beach
17. Thekwini Beach

Lifeguards are on duty daily from 06:00 to 18:30 at these beaches.

Beaches still closed due to water quality concerns

The following beaches in Durban remain temporarily closed:

1. Doonside Beach
2. Addington Beach
3. South Beach
4. Country Club
5. Battery Beach
6. Reunion Beach

These closures remain precautionary and will stay in place until water quality improves.

Public swimming pools as an alternative

Durban operates around 40 municipal swimming pools, which provide a reliable alternative for families and travellers seeking controlled swimming conditions. Pools are maintained, monitored and supervised by lifeguards.

Safety advice for beach visitors

Water quality can change quickly, especially after heavy rainfall. Visitors are advised to:

• Swim only at lifeguarded beaches
• Follow official signage and municipal notices
• Avoid swimming after periods of heavy rain

Traveller takeaway

While most of Durban's monitored beaches are currently open, several well-known beaches remain closed, underlining the importance of checking the latest updates before heading to the coast. Conditions continue to be monitored, and further changes are possible as testing continues.

 

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