Germany restricts travel from South Africa over Covid-19 variants!

Due to the German Federal Police's instructions of 29 January 2021, passengers from virus variant-areas are subject to respect extended travel conditions. According to the Robert Koch Institute, South Africa is one of the virus variant countries. The Lufthansa Group, for instance, is currently only permitted to carry the following booked passengers on departures from South Africa to Germany:

• Passengers with German nationality or passengers with a valid residence permit in Germany (upon presentation of a German registration certificate).  
• Passengers of other nationalities but only if they have a connecting flight to a "Non-Schengen state" and do not leave the transit area in Frankfurt or Munich.
• All passengers mentioned in the two points above must present a negative test result (PCR, antigen, RT-LAMP or TMA) at the time of departure, which is not older than 48 hours before the scheduled time of entry in Germany and complete an online registration on the site www.einreiseanmeldung.de
• All guests with final destination in Germany must follow the local German quarantine regulations.
• All passengers with a connecting flight to a destination outside Germany must observe the entry regulations of the corresponding destination country in addition to the above-mentioned obligations.

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Kruger National Park Calendar - March!

Weather:

• end of summer...
• still hot and humid during the day, but nights begin to get colder
• last major rainfalls of the season

Temperatures:

• between 18°C - 33°C (Fahrenheit: e.g. 33°C = [(33x9)]/5 + 32 = 91.4°F)
• visit our webcam page for live footage from Kruger National Park!

Landscape:

• water availability at its peak
• river levels high
• dense vegetation
• grasslands in full seed

Animal Activity:

• animal dispersal at its widest
• animals rather relaxed - least competition for resources
• water sources throughout the park are usually full
• buffalo & kudu breeding peak
• many migrant birds leaving

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South Africa: Lufthansa & Swiss have signed an interline agreement with Airlink!

The Lufthansa Group has announced that two of its subsidiaries, namely Germany's largest airline, Lufthansa, and the flag carrier of Switzerland, Swiss, have signed an interline agreement with South African privately-owned regional carrier Airlink. The agreement provides passengers of Lufthansa and Swiss seamless connectivity via Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg to more than 20 regional destinations in Southern Africa and to more than 25 domestic destinations in South Africa including Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Bloemfontein (all in South Africa), Harare (Zimbabwe), Lusaka (Zambia), Maputo (Mozambique), Gaborone (Botswana), Windhoek (Namibia), amongst others.

An Interline agreement between airlines allows passengers to change from one flight on one airline to another flight on another airline without having to gather their bags or check-in again.

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South Africa: Airlink to resume flights to Skukuza Airport in Kruger National Park!

South African privately-owned regional carrier Airlink has announced the resumption of scheduled air services to and from Skukuza Airport in Kruger National Park from 28 January 2021. Skukuza Airport was temporarily closed on 14 January 2021 in order to contain a local outbreak of COVID-19 in a nearby area. The following Airlink flights will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays until 28 February 2021. From 01 March 2021 they will be operated on a daily basis:

• 4Z 865 Johannesburg – Skukuza
• 4Z 866 Skukuza - Johannesburg

Airlink continues to operate flights to Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Nelspruit, the two closest alternates for travellers planning to visit Kruger National Parkor other resorts and camps in the surrounding area.

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Qatar Airways to increase flights to South Africa!

The state-owned flag carrier of Qatar, Qatar Airways, has announced that it is planning to increase the number of flights to South Africa. The airline will increase flights between Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town to five weekly flights from 01 February 2021 and between Doha and King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban to three weekly flights from 14 February 2021. The airline already increased frequencies between Doha and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg to 18 weekly flights on 26 January 2021. In addition, Qatar Airways also announced that it is increasing the number of flights between Doha and Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Maputo, Mozambique, to three weekly operations from 14 February 2021.

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Qatar Airways and Mango have signed an interline agreement!

The state-owned flag carrier of Qatar, Qatar Airways, and South African low-cost airline Mango have signed an interline agreement. The agreement with Mango provides passengers of Qatar Airways with seamless connectivity via OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town to one international destination in Tanzania and seven domestic destinations in South Africa including King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban, Port Elizabeth International Airport (PLZ) in Port Elizabeth, George Airport (GRJ) in George, Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN) in Bloemfontein, East London Airport (ELS) in East London and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania.
Qatar Airways currently operates to 19 weekly flights to three key destinations in South Africa - Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg - as well as to over 75 weekly flights to 23 other African destinations.
An interline agreement between airlines allows passengers to change from one flight on one airline to another flight on another airline without having to gather their bags or check-in again.

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Airlink to launch flights between Cape Town <> Harare in March 2021!

South African privately-owned regional carrier Airlink is set to launch a direct service between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare. Effective 03 March 2021, the airline will operate three weekly return flights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays to Zimbabwe's capital. From 01 April 2021, Airlink is planning to operate daily flights between Cape Town and Harare.
Airlink had intended to commence the service in mid-January 2021, but changes to South Africa’s curfew obliged the airline to revise its schedule, which unfortunately also pushed back the launch of the new service to 03 March 2021. Existing ticket-holders have the choice of routing via OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or changing their date of travel for the direct service.

• Cape Town 09:45 > 13:05 Harare
• Harare 13:50 > 17:10 Cape Town

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Ethiopian Airlines and CemAir have signed an interline agreement!

Africa's largest airline and Ethiopia's flag carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, and privately owned South African regional airline CemAir have signed an interline agreement. The new agreement allows passengers to seamless travel with a single ticket between destinations within the carriers' network. CemAir currently operates flights to nine destinations in South Africa, while Ethiopian Airlines currently serves 100 international destinations worldwide and 21 domestic destinations in Ethiopia.
An interline agreement between airlines allows passengers to change from one flight on one airline to another flight on another airline without having to gather their bags or check-in again.

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Ranking: Namibia has the best roads in Africa!

Namibia's Road Authority (RA) has announced that according to the findings of the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Competitive Report Index of 2020, on the quality of road infrastructure, Namibia retained its position at the top of the list of having the best roads on the African continent for the fifth consecutive year. Namibia has a score of 5.2 out of 7, ranking above South Africa and Rwanda, which scored a 5.0 ranking in second and third places respectively. 

According to Namibia's Road Authority (RA), whose core business is to construct and maintain the country's road sector, the country’s success is attributed to two important factors:

• an effective maintenance strategy on existing road infrastructure, which plays a pivotal role in prolonging its life span
• upgrading and construction of new roads, which contribute significantly to the quality of national roads 

Globally, Namibia also ranked favorably at number 23, above countries such as China, India and Italy, which ranked at 42, 46 and 56 respectively. The United Arab Emirates, Singapore and Switzerland topped the list of best roads in the world with a score of 6.2 each. 

SANParks has released an update on the Cyclone Eloise weather conditions in Kruger National Park!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an update on the weather conditions currently experienced in Kruger National Park, as a result of Cyclone Eloise (as on Monday, 25 January 2021):

• Most of the impact of Cyclone Eloise has been felt in the north of Kruger National Park (Nxanetseni Region) on 24 January 2021, resulting in flood flows in the Luvuvhu-Mutale, Shingwedzi and Letaba Rivers. Most gravel roads have been closed.
• Shingwedzi Rest Camp has been evacuated to Mopani Rest Camp, as a precautionary measure, along with the concessionaires in the Makuleke Contractual National Park, on the afternoon of the 23 January 2021.
• Most rains impacted southern Kruger National Park (Marula Region) overnight on the 24 January 2021, resulting in floodwaters in the Sabie, Sand and Crocodile Rivers. Flood warning protocol has been in place for Skukuza and Lower Sabie Rest Camps overnight on the 24 January 2021.
• The water level of the Sabie River is rising as of this morning on the 25 January 2021. Kruger National Park's Disaster Management Team is monitoring the situation, but at this stage, there is no flood impact to infrastructure in rest camps or staff villages, although some low access routes are impassable.
• Moderate rain is currently being experienced in northern Kruger National Park, with more heavy rains in the southern part of the National Park.

South Africa: Kruger National Park on high alert due to tropical storm Eloise!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that Kruger National Park is on high alert due to the tropical storm Eloise, which is expected to hit various parts and particularly the far north of the National Park with major rainfall and strong winds over the coming weekend (especially on 24 January 2021!). Disaster teams in Kruger National Park and external role-players are on high alert and monitoring the storms path as it approaches landfall. According to Managing Executive at Kruger National Park, Gareth Coleman, SANParks will advise on whether camps in the affected areas need to be evacuated or not. As a precautionary measure, SANParks has already closed all gravel roads and some facilities in the Pafuri area of Kruger National Park after heavy rains which fell in the evening of 20 January 2021.

SANParks advises that those persons with bookings at flagged camps in the far north such as Sirheni, Shimuwini and Bateleur Bushveld Camps as well as Sable Hide will be accommodated at Letaba, Mopani, Shingwedzi and Punda Maria Rest Camps. SANParks urges tourists in Kruger National Park to be extra cautious during this period and to call SANParks emergency number for any assistance only on 076 801 9679 or 013 735 0197/4064. Emergency teams are on standby in Kruger National Park, monitoring the situation and will be activated if there is any danger. Stay safe!

Condor to resume flights between Frankfurt <> Windhoek! [update]

update (28 April 2021): According to Condor's website, the airline will lauch non-stop flights between Frankfurt and Windhoek on 28 June 2021

German charter airline Condor is set to resume flights to Namibia. Effective 03 May 2021, the airline will operate two weekly non-stop flights between Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Frankfurt, Germany, and Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, Namibia. Flights will depart Frankfurt on Mondays and Thursdays at 21:50 and arrive in Windhoek at 08:05 on the following day. The return flights will depart Windhoek on Tuesdays and Fridays at 20:00 and will arrive in Frankfurt at 06:35 on the following day. 

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TAAG Angola Airlines to resume flights between Luanda <> Windhoek!

The state-owned airline and flag carrier of Angola, TAAG Angola Airlines, has annunced that it is set to resume flights to Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, Namibia. Effective 29 January 2021, the airline will operate one weekly flight on Fridays between Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport (LAD) in Luanda and Windhoek. Flights will depart Luanda at 08:00 and arrive in Windhoek at 10:30, while the return flights will depart from Windhoek at 12:00 and arrive in Luanda at 14:30.

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Namibia: Lufthansa Group to increase flights between Frankfurt <> Windhoek! [update]

update (17 March 2021): Dr. André Schulz, Lufthansa Group's General Manager for Southern Africa and East Africa, has confirmed in an interview with a South African newspaper that Eurowings, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Lufthansa Group, will increase flights between Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Frankfurt and Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek to five weekly frequencies in April 2021. Eurowings is currently the only carrier directly connecting Europe and Namibia.

The Lufthansa Group has announced that it will be adding a fourth and fifth frequency between Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Frankfurt, Germany, and Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, Namibia, in March 2021 and April 2021. The new frequencies will be serviced by an Airbus A330 and are subject to final government approval. However, the additional flights are already bookable. Details of these additional flights between Frankfurt and Windhoek are highlighted below:

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KLM forced to temporarily cancel all flights from South Africa to the Netherlands! [update]

update (04 February 2021): South Africa is still subject to the passenger flight ban. The purpose of the flight ban is to prevent the further spread of new variants of coronavirus in the Netherlands.

The Dutch Government has imposed a travel ban on flights from South Africa to the Netherlands on 20 January 2021. Effective 23 January 2021, all flights operated by KLM between Schiphol Airport (AMS) in Amsterdam and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg / Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town will have to be cancelled in order to comply with this new regulation. All passengers affected will be informed individually and re-booked on alternative flights. Please note the following:

• KL 525 20 January 2021: AMS > CPT operates as scheduled
• KL 525 21 January 2021: AMS > CPT will operate as scheduled
• KL 526 21 January 2021: CPT > AMS will operate as scheduled
• KL 526 22 January 2021: CPT > AMS will operate as scheduled

Please also note that the flight schedule of  KLM's partner airline, the flag carrier of France, Air France, are not affected by these new regulations and will continue to operate (at least) three times per week between Johannesburg and Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris. Please contact KLM for further information!

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Shortage of unleaded fuel at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp! [update]

update (26 January 2021): Unleaded fuel has been delivered to the Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and the limit of only 20l per vehicle has therefore been lifted.

According to a posting by Regional Communications Manager: Arid Parks at South African National Parks (SANParks), Genevieve Maasdorp, in the SANParks - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park facebook group, unleaded fuel is currently rationed to 20l per vehicle at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. This is due to a non-delivery of unleaded fuel to the Rest Camp. Travellers are advised to fill up their vehicles with unleaded fuel at Mata Mata Rest Camp or Nossob Rest Camp. Diesel is unaffected by the shortage at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp. 

The Twee Rivieren Rest Camp is situated on the banks of the Dry Nossob Riverbed. It has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception. The town of Askham is located about 200 km north of Upington at the junction of the R31 and the R360 roads.

Covid-19: Rwanda imposes tough lockdown measures on Kigali!

The Government of Rwanda yesterday (18 January 2021) imposed tough lockdown measures on its capital Kigali and strict restrictions on the rest of the country after a surge in cases of Covid-19. The follwing measures took effect yesterday and will be reviewed after 15 days upon a health assessment:

Kigali:

• Unnecessary movements including visits outside home are prohibited except for essential services including medical/healthcare, food shopping, banking etc. and for the personnel performung such services. All movements will require an approved permit from Rwanda National Police.
• Travel between Kigali and other provinces and districts of the country is not permitted except for essential services and tourism (tourists must be in possession of a negative Covid-19 test).
• Public transport is prohibited. However, transportation of food and essential goods will continue to function. Motos and bicycles are not permitted to carry passengers, but may offer delivery services.
• All employees (public and private) shall work from home, except for those providing essential services.
• Businesses are closed, except distribution and delivery services as well as those selling food, medicine (pharmacies), hygiene and cleaning products, fuel and other essental items. Those businesses are only allowed to operate at 30% capacity. Businesses permitted to operate must close by 18:00.
• Restaurant and cafès are only allowed to provide take-away service.
• All schools (public and private) including universities are closed. However, remote learning is encouraged.
• Places of worship are closed.
• Kigali International Airport (KGL) in Kigali remains open. Arriving passengers must present a negative PCR test taken within 120hrs prior to their first departure. Departing passengers must present a negative PCR test before departure.
• Designated hotels for arriving passengers remain open under strict Covid-19 prevention measures.
• Tourism activity continues in strict adherence with Covid-19 health guidelines. This includes hotels, tour operators and transport services facilitating guests. Tourists and service providers shall inform the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) of itineraries.
• Hotels are only allowed to host essential conferences upon written approval from the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
• Farming continues for the ongoing agricultural season while observing Covid-19 control measures.
• Funeral gatherings shall not exceed 15 persons.

Rwanda (except for Kigali):

• Movements are prohibited from 18:00 to 04:00.
• Places of worship are closed
• Schools will continue while respecting Covid-19 control measures
• All bars remain closed
• All social gatherings and events including religious wedding ceremonies, receptions, meetings and confereneces are prohibited.
• Public gyms and swimming pools shall be restricted from the public with the exception of tested guests staying at hotels.
• Attendance at a wake/vigil (Ikiriyo) should not exceed 10 people at any one time.
• Funeral gatherings should not exceed 15 persons
• Gaming activites remain prohibited.

The Lufthansa Group is adjusting its flight schedule to South Africa! [update]

update (29 January 2021): Germany's Robert Koch Institut (RKI) has identified South Africa as a level 3 risk area. As a result, passengers entering or transferring through Germany from South Africa are required to present a negative Covid-19 test result at the time of boarding their flight. The test result may not be older than 48 hours upon entry into Germany. The Lufthansa Group has partnered with Atter Pathology Services (APS) in South Africa in order to ensure passengers obtain their necessary Covid-19 test results on time, before their scheduled flight departure. There are two testing sites available specifically for Lufthansa Group passengers:

• Illovo, Johannesburg
• Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 12:00
• Saturday by request only (based on a minimum number of bookings needed)
• Ottery, Cape Town
• Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 – 16:00
• Saturday & Sunday by request only (based on a minimum number of bookings needed)

Should any passenger wish to utilize the services of APS, it is essential to make a booking, as no walk-in customers will be accepted.

The Lufthansa Group has announced that Lufthansa, Swiss and Austrian Airlines are adjusting their flight program to South Africa in response the the reduced demand. The airline group continues to connect OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town with its hubs in Europe by offering a total of nine weekly connections. As of 25 January 2021, the flight schedule of the Lufthansa Group will be adjusted as follows:

• Lufthansa:
• Frankfurt <> Johannesburg
•  three weekly flights instead of five weekly flights operated with a Boeing 747-8
• Frankfurt <> Cape Town
• schedule remains unchanged three times per week operated with an Airbus A340-300
• Munich <> Cape Town
• cancelled
• Swiss:
• Zürich <> Johannesburg
• schedule remains unchanged three times per week operated mostly with a Boeing 777-400ER and in a few cases with an Airbus A340-300
• Austrian Airlines:
• Vienna <> Cape Town
• cancelled for the remaining winter schedule.

With effect from yesterday (18 January 2021), all Lufthansa flights departing from Cape Town and Johannesburg will be delayed by 24 hours, due to operational reasons. Passengers affected by any of the above mentioned flight delays or cancellations will be rebooked to existing connections accordingly.

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Covid-19: KLM reduces flights between Amsterdam and South Africa!

The flag carrier airline of the Netherlands, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, has announced that it had to modify its flight schedules between the Netherlands and South Africa after the Dutch government restricted travel from South Africa. Effective today (18 January 2021), the airline operates four flights per week from Schiphol Airport (AMS) in Amsterdam to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and three flights per week from Amsterdam to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, with a technical stop at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. Passengers must remain on board during this stop. All flights are confirmed to operate.
Please also note that the flight schedules of KLM's partner airline, the flag carrier of France, Air France, have not been affected by these new regulations, and will continue to operate three times per week between Johannesburg and Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris.

Please note: Passengers flying from South Africa travelling to the Netherlands or transiting in the Netherlands are now required to produce a negative rapid antigen test which must be taken 4 hours prior to departure. This antigen test can be taken at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town or OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg where facilities are being arranged. This antigen test is in addition to the mandatory negative PCR test valid 72 hours prior to arrival in the Netherlands and the completed and signed Negative Test Declaration. 

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Emirates to increase flights to Zambia and Zimbabwe!

The largest airline of the United Arab Emirates and the flag carrier of the Emirate of Dubai, Emirates, has announced that it will increase its flights between Dubai International Airport (DXB) in Dubai, Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) in Lusaka and Robert Gabriel Mubabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare to four times a week from 06 February 2021.
The airline will operate its fourth flight on Wednesdays, using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft from Lusaka to Dubai and also Harare, complementing its current Friday, Saturday and Sunday flights on the route.

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Namibia: The Roads Authority has released an update on the conditions of roads countrywide! [update]

update (20 January 2021): Namibia's Road Authority (RA) has released an update on the status/condition of roads that were damaged by the ongoing good rainfall countrywide:

• Kharas Region:
• Main Road (MR) 27 or tourist Route C16: From Keetmanshoop to Aroab
• MR27 is now accessible and open to traffic. However, road users are requested to exercise extreme caution while driving on this road and to observe the installed warning signs at all times. Repair works are continuing and not all sections are completed yet.
• Main Road MR33/C15: From Stampriet to Hoachanas
• The Aoub River crosses this road and currently it is not safe to access it. This road has been closed temporary to all traffic between Stampriet and MR41.
• Note: Road users between Stampriet and Hoachanas are advised to make use of MR41 as an alternative route.
• Khomas Region (Windhoek District)
• District Road 1466 (from B1-Windhoek-Rehoboth road to Oamites)
• A section on this road was severely damaged by the good rains in the area, thus road users are requested to exercise great caution. The road is only accessible with 4x4 vehicles only.
• Omaheke Redion (Gobabis District)
• Main Road 39 (C20) (between M40 – Near Gobabis and D1837 - to Leonardville)
• Sections on this road were damaged by the good rains in the area. However, the road is open to traffic and road users are requested to exercise caution when using this road. 

Namibia's Road Authority (RA), whose core business is to construct and maintain the country's road sector, has released an update on the status/condition of roads in Namibia that were damaged during the recent good rainfall (as of 16 January 2021):

• Kharas Region:
• Main Road (MR) 27 or tourist Route C16: From Keetmanshoop to Aroab
• The Stampriet and Guruchab Rivers have flooded this road and caused extensive damage to the sections near the River Bridges; hence, the road has been closed temporary to all traffic.
• Main Road (MR) 26 or Warmfontein road: From Keetmanshoop to Aroab
• MR 26 is being used as an alternative route from Keetmanshoop to Aroab. However, this road was damaged recently between kilometre 35 and kilometre 53. The road is still accessible and open to traffic. Road users must please exercise extra caution, drive slowly and observe the erected warning signs.
• Main Road 29 (MR 29): gravel road from Keetmanshoop to Mariental via Vaalgras
• MR 29 is now accessible and open to traffic, however, road users are requested to drive slowly and cautious as it is still raining in the area.
• Note: Road users from Koës to Keetmanshoop should take MR 24 east of Koës and proceed to MR 29 to Keetmanshoop as an alternative route.
• District Roads 609 & D 531: From Keetmanshoop to Berseba
• The Fish River crosses both roads. Currently, it is not safe to access both roads. The roads are closed temporary to all traffic.
• District Road DR707: From MR 35 to Betta along Namib Desert
• This road has been damaged extensively from kilometer 85 to kilometer 123. However, the road is still accessible and open to traffic. Road users are requested to exercise extreme caution while driving on this road. Only 4x4 vehicles are advised to use this road at this point in time.
• Main Road MR 33/C 15 & MR 41: From Stampriet to Hoachanas
• The Aoub River crosses both roads and currently it is not safe to access both roads. The roads are closed temporary to all traffic.
• Note: Road users between Stampriet and Hoachanas are advised to drive via Kalkrand MR 45, TR 1/4 and TR 5/1.
• Khomas Region (Windhoek District)
• Main Road (M) 52 (C28) (from end of tar to D1406) – 44km (Khomas/Hochland area)
• This road has been damaged by the good rains in the area, thus is only accessible with 4x4 vehicles.
• Otjozondjupa Region (Okanadja District)
• District Road (D) 2108 (from D2110 to D2414) – 25.9km
• The road is temporarily closed as a result of water covering large areas of the road, making the road impassible. Road users are requested to make use of alternative routes.
• District Road (D) 2121 (from D2110 to D2414) – 20.9km
• This road has been damaged by the good rains in the area and is extremely slippery, thus is only accessible with 4x4 vehicles.
• District Road (D) 2187 (from T1/7 – B1 to D2414) – 38.6km
• This road has been damaged by the good rains in the area, thus is only accessible with 4x4 vehicles.
• Hardap Region (Maltahöhe District)
• District Road (D) 831 (from D824 to D826) – 16km (Namib area)
• The road is temporarily closed as a result of water covering large areas of the road, making the road impassible. Road users are requested to make use of alternative routes.
• Omaheke Redion (Gobabis District)
• District Road (D) 3815 (from D3816 to D1004) – 20km (Aminius area)
• The road is temporarily closed as a result of water covering large areas of the road, making the road impassible. Road users are requested to make use of alternative routes.

Pretoria: Rietvlei Nature Reserve has introduced new operating hours!

The Rietvlei Nature Reserve, situated south east of Pretoria, has announced new operating hours. The Nature Reserve now operates daily between 07:00 and 18:00. Rietvlei Nature Reserve closes for the last visitor to enter at 16:00 to allow all visitors to make their way out of the Nature Reserve by 18:00. Visitors can only access the Nature Reserve through the main gate and all visitors entering the reserve will be screened for Covid-19 symptoms at the entrance. In line with the level three restrictions in South Africa, Rietvlei Nature Reserve's vehicle capacity is 100 vehicles per day, available on a first come, first served basis. All picnic spots, braai areas as well as the bird hides are closed to visitors. No alcohol is permitted in Rietvlei Nature Reserve.

The Rietvlei Nature Reserve surrounds and include the Rietvlei dam and is situated south east of Pretoria. The Nature Reserve covers an area of about 40km² and is home to a variety of different mammals including cheetah, leopard, bufallo, hippo, zebra and eland.

Mozambique tightens measures against Covid-19!

The Government of Mozambique has introdced severeal new measures and reactivated several other restrictions to combat the spread of Covid-19 in the country. In an address broadcast to the nation on 13 January 2021, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi announced that from today (15 January 2021) a number of mitigation measures will come into effect for 21 days, including:

• All persons displaying respiratory symptoms or fever must stay home
• All incoming travellers must present a negative test for Covid-19
• The beaches in Mozambique are closed for purposes of physical and leisure activities; however, this restriction does not apply to sidewalks, pedestrian zones and boardwalks adjacent to beaches
• Cultural and recreational activities in cinemas, theatres, museums, galleries, cultural centers and catering establishments are suspended
• Restaurants and similar venues in Mozambique have to observe the following schedule: Monday to Friday from 06:00 to 20:00, Saturday and Sunday from 06:00 to 15:00
• Discos, bars etc. selling alcoholic beverages remain closed
• The sale of alcoholic beverages by liquor stores, supermarkets etc. is only allowed between 08:00 and 13:00 from Monday to Saturday
• Commercial establishments must close at 18:00
• Gyms, swimming pools and other sports venues dedicated to the practice of physical exercises remain closed
• Private events in Mozambique are limited to 30 people (outdoors: 50 people), physical distancing of 2 meters between people must be observed, and events must be finished by 2000
• Worship services, conferences and other types of meetings must be limited to 50 people

Mozambique: LAM-Mozambique ends flights between Maputo <> Lisbon!

The flag carrier of Mozambique, LAM - Mozambique Airlines, has announed the suspension of flights between Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Maputo and Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon, Portugal, with effect from today (15 January 2021). According to the airline, this is due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. LAM - Mozambique Airlines operated three weekly flights between Maputo and Lisbon, using an Airbus A340-330, belonging to the Portuguese company Hi Fly, with which it had formed a partnership.
The flag carrier airline of Portugal, TAP Air Potugal, is now the only airline offering direct flights between Maputo and Lisbon.

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Covid-19 lockdown in Lesotho: Airlink temporarily suspends flights to Maseru!

South African privately-owned regional carrier Airlink has announced the suspension of its daily service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU) in Maseru from today (14 January 2021) until 27 January 2021. This is due to the total lockdown in Lesotho, which was imposed by the Government of Lesotho as a measure in its fight against the coronavirus pandemic. During the 14 day-lockdown all international, regional and domestic flights to and from Lesotho are strictly banned.

Daily flights affected by the suspension of services are:

• 4Z 052 Johannesburg – Maseru
• 4Z 053 Maseru - Johannesburg

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South Africa: Airlink to temporarily suspend flights to Skukuza Airport in Kruger National Park!

South African privately-owned regional carrier Airlink has announced the temporary suspension of flights to and from Skukuza Airport in Kruger National Park. This follows a local outbreak of COVID-19 in the Skukuza area and at other nearby camps. Flights will be suspended until 28 January 2021. Daily flights affected by the suspension of services are:

• 4Z 865 Johannesburg – Skukuza
• 4Z 866 Skukuza - Johannesburg

Airlink continues to operate flights to Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) in Hoedspruit and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) in Nelspruit, the two closest alternates for travellers planning to visit Kruger National Parkor other resorts and camps in the surrounding area.

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Emirates temporarily suspends flights to South Africa! [update]

update (08 April 2021): Emirates flights from South Africa will remain suspended until 15 April 2021, in line with government directives that restrict the entry of travellers originating from South Africa into the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

update (15 February 2021): Emirates has extended its ban on flights to South Africa until at least 10 March 2021!

update (01 February 2021): Emirates has extended its ban on flights to South Africa until 12 February 2021!

update (22 January 2021): According to Emirates' website, travellers will not be able to enter Dubai if they have been in South Africa within 10 days of departure to Dubai. This includes transiting in other countries within 10 days before travelling to Dubai.

The largest airline of the United Arab Emirates and the flag carrier of the Emirate of Dubai, Emirates, has announced that it will be temporarily suspending all flights to and from South Africa. According to the airline, the suspension will run from 16 January 2021 to 28 January 2021 due to operational reasons. The last flights to Emirates' three South African gateways will be on 15 January 2021 per the schedule below:

• EK772 Dubai > Cape Town on 15 January 2021
• EK775 Dubai > Johannesburg > Durban on 15 January 2021
• EK763 Dubai > Johannesburg on 15 January 2021

Customers holding tickets with final destinations in South Africa from 16 January 2021 to 28 January 2021 will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin. Affected customers are advised to contact their travel agent or Emirates contact centre for rebooking options. We'll keep you posted!

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Kruger National Park: The Mingerhout Dam near Letaba Rest Camp will get demolished!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Mingerhout Dam in Kruger National Park, found on the S47, about 9km north west of Letaba Rest Camp, will get demolished. The demolition operation, which will be done in conjunction with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), will be conducted from 24 January 2021 until 06 February 2021. Explosives will be used to demolish the structure; after which the rubble will be removed as part of the rehabilitation process undertaken by the Expanded Public Works, Biodiversity Social Program.
In between the work taking place at Mingerhout Dam, there will be some demolition for the remaining parts of Kanniedood Dam near Shingwedzi Rest Camp as well. To ensure safety of tourists, all roads in the two areas will also be temporarily closed from 24 January 2021 to 06 February 2021.

• In Letaba, the affected roads are the S47 gravel road, the entire loop of S47 will be closed from the junction of S47 and H1-6 to junction of S47 and S131.
• In Shingwedzi, the affected roads are the S50 gravel road, this will be closed from S50 and S134 junction in Shingwedzi to the S50 and S143 junction in Mooiplaas.

The Mingerhout Dam was constructed in 1974. Over the years, the Dam silted up to an extent that it is no longer serving its purpose. In support of the Kruger National Park rehabilitation program, the management of Kruger National Park has now agreed to remove Mingerhout Dam.

Kruger National Park has an artificial water provision policy which allows for the closing and removal of artificial water points. Artificial water holes where water did not previously occur naturally have led to numerous ecological problems such as erosion and other environmental degradations such as barriers to fish migration routes. The management of Kruger National Park has taken steps to rectify these negative consequences by closing and demolishing certain artificial water holes. To enhance tourist experience, alternative game viewing opportunities will be provided in the future at areas of naturally occurring surface water

Kruger National Park: Lower Sabie Rest Camp temporarily closed until further notice! [update]

update (29 January 2021): SANParks opens 80 of the units in Lower Sabie Rest Camp today. The restaurant is only open OTM (grab and go) and closes at 19:00. The shop is fully operational.

update (27 January 2021): SANParks just announced that the Lower Sabie Rest Camp in Kruger National Park will reopen on 29 January 2021. The restaurant will only operate 'on the move' (grab and go); please note the closing times of the restaurant when in camp.

update (14 January 2021): According to SANParks, the temporary closure of Lower Sabie Rest Camp in Kruger National Park is a precautionary measure after ten employees tested positive for Covid-19. The employees are in isolation and all protocols regarding these developments have been implemented accordingly. All visitors who are still in the camp have been informed of the situation and offered alternative accommodation at unaffected camps or postponement of their visit.

South African National Parks (SANParks) just announced that the Lower Sabie Rest Camp in Kruger National Park has been temporarily closed until further notice due to a a spike in the number of employees infected with Covid-19. According to SANParks those employees are isolating and all Covid-19 protocols are being implemented. Guests with confirmed bookings will be contacted by SANParks and given an option of an alternative rest camp in Kruger National Park or postponement. We'll keep you posted!