Visiting Mapungubwe National Park? The museum is closed from 30 October 2026

Travellers heading to South Africa's Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site should note that the park's museum is about to close its doors for a while.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the Mapungubwe Museum will undergo renovations effective today, 30 October 2026. The notice, dated 28 October 2026, lists the museum as temporarily closed. No reopening date has been announced, and SANParks has not said what the work involves.

The closure follows other upgrades in the park. SANParks broke ground on a road upgrade project in November 2025, and in May 2026 it announced renovations at Leokwe Camp and Mazhou Campsite. It looks like the museum is next in line for a refresh, though SANParks has not linked the projects.

The museum is housed in the Interpretation Centre near the main gate. The building was designed by Peter Rich Architects and won World Building of the Year at the World Architecture Festival in 2009. Inside, exhibits tell the story of Mapungubwe's ancient kingdom, one of southern Africa's earliest advanced civilisations. They include a replica of the famous Golden Rhino, which was discovered in a grave in 1932. The original is part of the University of Pretoria's collection.

Located in Limpopo Province near the borders of Botswana and Zimbabwe, Mapungubwe National Park, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed in 2003. Besides its history, it is known for sandstone landscapes, baobab trees and wildlife such as elephant, giraffe, white rhino, eland and gemsbok.

 

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Cape Town International Airport warns of delays amid taxi-related unrest

Update (30 October 2026): ACSA has confirmed  that staffing levels at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town have stabilised and normal airport operations have resumed following disruptions experienced earlier today. 

Update (30 October 2026): ACSA has confirmed that Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town is currently experiencing longer-than-usual queues at security screening due to operational staffing constraints associated with the ongoing taxi-related unrest.
To allow additional time for airport processing, passengers are advised to arrive:
• 4 hours before international departures
• 3 hours before domestic departures  

Travellers flying to or from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) should allow extra time for their airport journeys as ongoing taxi-related violence and unrest in parts of Cape Town cause traffic disruptions and operational delays.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has advised passengers to plan their journeys carefully, monitor traffic updates and allow additional travel time when travelling to and fromCape Town International Airport (CPT).

The warning comes amid renewed violence involving rival minibus taxi associations in several parts of the Cape Town metropolitan area. The unrest has included shootings and disruptions to public transport, particularly around Delft, Khayelitsha, Mfuleni and Gugulethu.

Background: What is behind the taxi unrest in Cape Town?

The latest violence is linked to longstanding disputes between the Cape Amalgamated Taxi Association (CATA) and the Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) over minibus taxi routes and operating rights.

The disagreements have particularly affected routes in areas including Delft, Khayelitsha and Somerset West. Recent tensions have centred on contested routes connecting Delft with Epping and Killarney. Previous negotiations, mediation efforts and court interventions have failed to resolve the underlying disputes.

The situation escalated in late October 2026, with several shootings reported across the metropolitan area. Authorities have increased law enforcement deployments in affected areas, while the Delft Public Transport Interchange was temporarily closed following an outbreak of violence on 28 October 2026.

What does this mean for travellers?

The unrest could affect road journeys to and from Cape Town International Airport (CPT), particularly if incidents result in temporary road closures, traffic congestion or disruptions to public transport.

There have also been reports of airport staff shortages, long check-in queues and flight delays on 30 October 2026, with airlines acknowledging the impact of the unrest on airport operations.

Travellers with upcoming flights should therefore:

• Allow considerably more time for journeys to and from the airport.
• Check traffic conditions before setting off and follow alternative routes where necessary.
• Monitor flight status updates and communications from their airline.
• Check with their hotel, guesthouse or transfer provider before departure to confirm collection arrangements.

The situation remains fluid, and the extent of the disruption may change at short notice. Travellers should follow updates from ACSA, their airline and local traffic authorities, particularly if travelling through Cape Town over the coming days.

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London–Cape Town Flights: British Airways expands its 2027 schedule

British Airways will increase its service between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town from seven to 10 flights per week from 28 March 2027, giving travellers more flexibility when planning trips between the UK and South Africa.

The additional flights form part of the airline's northern summer 2027 schedule. Travellers connecting through Heathrow Airport may also have more options when arranging onward journeys, depending on their connecting flights.

The increase follows a separate expansion for the 2026/27 southern summer, when British Airways plans to operate three daily flights between London Heathrow and Cape Town from December 2026.

Travellers should check the airline's booking system for operating days, flight times and fares, as these may vary by travel date.

What travellers need to know

• Route: London Heathrow Airport (LHR) – Cape Town International Airport (CPT)
• Frequency: Increased from seven to 10 flights per week
• Start date: 28 March 2027
• Travel period: Northern summer 2027
• Practical impact: More choice of departure dates for travel between London and Cape Town

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >> 

 

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South Africa Summer Weather Outlook 2026/27: What travellers need to know

South Africa could experience a hotter and drier than usual summer between November 2026 and March 2027, according to the South African Weather Service (SAWS). The seasonal outlook points to below-normal rainfall across large parts of the country, alongside higher-than-normal daytime and overnight temperatures.

For travellers planning summer holidays, self-drive trips and safaris, the forecast highlights the possibility of prolonged heat and increased pressure on water resources in some areas.

What travellers need to know

Hotter conditions: Above-normal temperatures are expected across most of South Africa, including the interior and popular safari regions. Carry sufficient drinking water, use sun protection and plan outdoor activities around the cooler parts of the day.

Less rainfall: Below-normal rainfall is more likely across much of the interior and north-eastern half of South Africa, particularly between December 2026 and March 2027. However, this does not rule out rain or thunderstorms during individual trips.

Water availability: Higher temperatures and lower rainfall could put additional pressure on water supplies in some areas. Travellers staying at remote lodges or camps should check local conditions if water availability could affect their plans.

Fire risk: Hotter, drier conditions may increase the risk of veld fires in some regions. Follow fire restrictions and check park notices before hiking, camping or visiting nature reserves.

El Niño influences the outlook

SAWS attributes the expected pattern partly to a strong El Niño event, which is likely to persist through much of the 2026/27 summer season. El Niño is commonly associated with warmer, drier summer conditions in southern Africa.

The outlook covers three-month periods from November 2026 to March 2027. It describes seasonal probabilities rather than predicting the weather on specific days, and conditions may vary considerably between destinations.

Travellers should monitor local weather forecasts and park or accommodation updates closer to departure and throughout their trip.

Source: South African Weather Service (SAWS), Seasonal Climate Watch: November 2026 to March 2027, issued 31 October 2026.

 

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Botswana Travel Update: Wildfires affect parts of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Update – 29 October 2026: No confirmed information on the containment of the wildfires or changes to access in the affected areas of Botswana's Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR) has been identified. Travellers should check with the relevant authorities before setting out and avoid areas affected by the fires. 

Wildfires are currently affecting parts of Botswana's Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), with visitors advised to avoid affected areas due to potential safety risks.

According to Botswana's Ministry of Environment and Tourism, fires have been reported around Matswere Entrance Gate, Leopard Pan, Deception, Gugamme/Kikao and Gope.

The fires could make driving and camping in these areas dangerous, particularly for travellers exploring the remote reserve on self-drive trips. Visitors planning to enter the affected areas should consider alternative destinations within the CKGR and take local safety advice into account.

The situation is being monitored, and the ministry has indicated that further updates will be provided as necessary.

Travel advice: If you are planning a visit to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve (CKGR), check for the latest wildfire information before departure and follow instructions from the relevant authorities. Conditions may change as the fires develop.

 

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Durban Beaches Update: Which beaches are open for swimming?

According to eThekwini Municipality's beach status update dated 22 October 2026, 22 of Durban's 23 monitored beaches remain open for swimming. Reunion Beach is the only beach closed after recording an E. coli result of 545, above the municipality's poor-water-quality threshold of 500.

Reunion Beach remains closed

Reunion Beach, south of Durban, is the only beach listed as closed for swimming in the latest update. A water sample taken on 21 October 2026 recorded an E. coli result of 545, above the municipality's poor-water-quality threshold of 500.

The municipality's notice states that other recreational activities can continue at closed beaches, but swimming is not permitted.

Which Durban beaches are open for swimming?

The municipal status update lists the following beaches as open for swimming:

• Northern beaches: Westbrook, Umdloti Main, Umhlanga Main and Bronze Beach.
• Central beaches: Wedge, Point, uShaka, Addington, South Beach, North Beach, Bay of Plenty, Battery Beach, Country Club, Thekwini Beach and Laguna Beach.
• Southern beaches: Toti Main, Ansteys, Brighton, Umgababa, Doonside Beach, Winklespruit and Pipeline.

This means visitors can still choose from a range of swimming beaches around Durban, including locations along the central beachfront, in Umhlanga and further south towards Amanzimtoti.
Water quality varies between beaches

The latest E. coli results show differences between individual beaches. Among the reported samples, Bronze Beach recorded 20, Point and uShaka both recorded 41, and North Beach recorded 10.

Other beaches recorded higher results while remaining open for swimming. These include Wedge at 368, Umhlanga Main at 399, Addington at 288, South Beach at 233, Doonside at 160 and Winklespruit at 148.

The municipality uses the following thresholds to classify beach water quality:

• Excellent: below 130
• Acceptable: 130–500
• Poor: above 500

An open status does not necessarily mean that a beach's latest water-quality result falls within the excellent category. Travellers should check the status of their intended beach rather than assume that conditions are the same along the entire coastline.

What travellers should know

If swimming is part of your Durban itinerary, check the latest eThekwini Municipality beach water quality information before heading to the coast. The published results are samples collected on specific dates, and conditions may change between tests.

For now, Reunion Beach should be excluded from swimming plans. The other beaches listed in the 22 October 2026 update remain open for swimming, subject to any subsequent changes in their status.

Source: eThekwini Municipality, Beach Water Quality Results and Status of Beaches and Swimming Pools, dated 22 October 2026. The water-quality samples listed in the report were collected between 19 and 21 October 2026.

 

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Kruger National Park: Skukuza Rest Camp Main Gate to close temporarily for repairs

Travellers visiting Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park should be aware of a temporary change to vehicle access from 02 November to 04 December 2026.

The Skukuza Rest Camp Main Gate will be closed during this period to allow for maintenance and repairs to the gate's roof structure.

A temporary entrance will be provided via Hippo Circle Street, the road leading to the Skukuza Medical Doctor/Surgery. Visitors will enter the camp via AM Spa and Skukuza Safari Lodge.

Travellers should follow the directional signs and instructions from Kruger National Park staff when approaching the temporary entrance, and allow for possible delays while access arrangements are in place.

The work is scheduled for completion by 04 December 2026, although the timeline may change depending on weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.

Visitors planning a stay at Skukuza Rest Camp in Kruger National Park during this period should take note of the temporary access arrangements before arriving.

 

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