The Lufthansa Group is set to increase services between Germany, Switzerland and South Africa. Germany's flag carrier, Lufthansa, is set to resume its seasonal service between Munich Airport (MUC) in Munich and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. Effective 31 October 2021, the arline will initially operate three weekly flights between the two destinations on board an Airbus A350-900. At the end of November 2021, Lufthansa will increase the frequency of flights to five weekly operations.
From 01 November 2021, Lufthansa will resume daily flights between Frankfurt Airport (FRA) in Frankfurt and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg.
Also from 01 November 2021, the flag carrier of Switzerland, SWISS, will resume daily fligths between Zürich Airport (ZRH) in Zürich and Johannesburg.
Swiss leisure airline Edelweiss Air has already resumed its seasonal two-weekly service between Zürich and Cape Town. The service will end at the last weekend in March 2022.
29 October 2021
Lufthansa Group to increase flights to South Africa!
Covid-19: Namibia launches the "Trusted Travel System"! [update]
update (26 November 2021): Namibia's Ministry of Health and Social Services has announced the extension of the transition period for the implementation of the "Trusted Travel System". The transistion period has been extended from 01 December 2021 to 15 January 2022 to allow for a smooth transition, especially given many anticipated travels during the festive season. After 15 January 2022, only Covid-19 certificates obtained on the "Trusted Travel Platform" or verified on the "Global Haven Systems" will be valid for exit or entry into Namibia. The Ministry also informs the public that the Impalila (Island) Border Post has been added to the "Trusted Travel Platform" and travellers using this border post will be required to use the "Trusted Travel System".
update (15 November 2021): Namibia's Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, announced on the occasion of the 36th Covid-19 briefing on the national response measures on 12 November 2021 that the "Trusted Travel System" is expected to be fully operationalized at all designated paricipating Points of Entry by 01 December 2021.
The Government of Namibia has announced the launch of the Trusted Travel System (TT) in Namibia. The TT was introduced by the African Union Council (AUC) and the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa-CDC) to support the African Union (AU) member states to harmonize and enhance their current health screening and verification systems. It offers an online digital platform for the verification and authentication of Covid-19 test results based on a collaborative effort across a network of participating Covid-19 testing laboratories and Port Health authorities. The TT platform allows for the detection of counterfeit test results and also enhances cross-border collaboration and confidence n Covid-19 results origination from other countries. Furthermore it provides updated information on entry requirements and travel restrictions for participating member states. The "Trusted Travel System" plattform will be available for use from 15 November 2021 at the following Ports of Entry:
- Oshikango Border Post
- Walvis Bay International Airport
- Walvis Bay Harbor
- Omahenene Border Post
- Hosea Kutako International Airport
- Muhembo Border Post
- Katima Mulilo Border Post
- Ngoma Border Post
- Lüderitz Harbour
- Ariamsvlei Border Post
- Noordoewer Border Post
- Trans-Kalahari Border Post
As of 01 December 2021, only Covid-19 certificates obtained on the "Trusted Travel System" platform or verified on the "Global Haven" systems will be valid for exit or entry into Namibia at the above mentioned Points of Entry.
In order to facilitate the "Trusted Travel System" in Namibia, the country's Ministry of Health and Social Services has provided the following guidance.
In addition, the Ministry of Health and Social Services has also released a list of authorized Covid-19 testing laboratories in Namibia:
28 October 2021
Covid-19: Mozambique has further eased some of the preventive measures!
Mozambique's President Filipe Nyusi announced in an address to the nation on 24 October 2021 the further easing of several preventive measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 in the country. The new restrictions came into effect at midnight on 25 October 2021 for a period of 56 days (ending 20 December 2021). The new restrictions in Mozambique include: a mandatory curfew in all in all cities and municipalities from midnight to 04:00, and limiting meetings to 100 people in closed spaces and 250 people in outdoor spaces. Most shopping centres, markets, restaurants, cafes and bars are open, with some restrictions on timings. The following beaches remain closed to the public:
- Costa do Sol and KaTembe, in Maputo City
- Ponta do Ouro and Macaneta, in Maputo Province
- Bilene and Xai-Xai, in Gaza Province
- Tofo, Barra and Guinjata, in Inhambane Province
- Estoril, Macúti and Ponta Gêa, in the City of Beira
- Zalala, in the City of Quelimane
- Fernão Veloso and Chocas-Mar, in Nampula Province
- Wimbe Maringanha, Sagal and Inos, in the City of Pemba
- Chuanga-Metangula Beaches, Niassa Province
The Government of Mozambique has added the beach on the Revobue river in Tete province to this list as there had been "a great deal of disorder on that beach". Consumption of alcohol on beaches is prohibited. Swimming pools, gyms and other areas for physical training activities are now open, up to 50% capacity. Hotel swimming pools are open for guests only.
All religious services are now permitted. Attendance is limited to 250 people in open spaces, and 100 in closed spaces, up to 50% of the space’s capacity.
Wearing face coverings is compulsory in all public spaces.
South Africa: South African National Parks announces the dates of the SA National Parks Week 2021!
South African National Parks (SANParks) has finally the dates for the 16th annual SA National Parks Week. The free access week will take place from 22 to 28 November 2021. The SA National Parks Week will only be valid until 26 November 2021 at the following National Parks - Addo Elephant National Park, Augrabies Falls National Park, Kruger National Park and the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park. The free access week, which usually takes place in September, gives all South African citizens the opportunity to enter most of the National Parks managed by SANParks for free, with the exclusion of the Boulders section of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town as well as accommodation facilities and tourist activities.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the number of free access guests that the participating National Parks in South Africa are able to cater for will be subject to gate quotas and extra visitor management procedures will be in place to manage visitor volumes.
26 October 2021
Mozambique: After 60 years, cheetahs return to Maputo Special Reserve!
Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas (ANAC) in cooperation with the Peace Parks Foundation and support from the Ashia Cheetah Conservation, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the Mozambique Wildlife Alliance has re-introduced four cheetahs to the Maputo Special Reserve in southern Mozambique, where the species was wiped out more than 60 years ago. The big cats are currently undergoing an acclimatisation period, before being released into the 104 200 ha reserve, completing this reintroduction of the world’s fastest land mammal. Two male cheetahs were flown in from the &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, whilst an adult female and her sub-adult female cub were flown from the Waterval Private Game Reserve near Kimberley in the Northern Cape.
The reintroduction of the cats into the Maputo Special Reserve is part of an ambitious goal to establish a healthy metapopulation (a group of spatially separated populations of the same species which interact at some level) that contributes to the conservation of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus), a species which has been eliminated from 90% of its range in Africa, with an estimated population of only 6 600 individuals remaining.
The Maputo Special Reserve is located on Maputo Bay, approximately 100 kilometers southeast of the city of Maputo, Mozambique. In 2018, the Peace Parks Foundation signed a partnership agreement with Mozambique’s National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC) to jointly develop the Maputo Special Reserve and the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve according to a strategic business plan, with the Peace Parks Foundation providing technical and financial support for conservation and tourism development activities.
25 October 2021
Poaching crisis: Botswana moves all rhinos out of Okavango Delta!
According to a media statement by Dr Kabelo J. Senyatso, the director at the Department of Wildlife and National Parks in Botswana's Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Botswana has lost 99 rhinos to poaching activities between 2010 and 2020. 97 of the 99 rhinos got illegally killed by poachers between 2018 and 2020 (2018: 5; 2019: 30; 2020: 62), while the remaining two animals were poached in 2013 and 2016 respectivley. Due to surge in poaching, the Government of Botswana has decided to move all rhinos out of the Okavango Delta into sanctuaries around Botswana. This environment is expected to allow for conservation and rapid propagation of the species under a secure and smaller area. Over the next years, the animals from the sanctuary will be used to re-populate other areas in Botswana, including the Okavango Delta.
France: Air France resumes flights between Paris <> Cape Town!
The flag carrier of France, Air France, has released its winter schedule 2021/22. The airline will add four new destinations to its network on departure from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris and will resume its flights to six stations that have been closed since the beginning of the Covid-19 crisis. One of the destinations Air France is returning to is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. Effective 31 October 2021, the airline is planning to operate three weekly flights between Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris and Cape Town.
South Africa: Updated level 1 lockdown regulations for air travel!
The Government of South Africa has gazetted updated regulations for South Africa’s adjusted level 1 lockdown. This includes the relaxation of restrictions for air travel. According to Government Gazette no. 45379 (22 October 2021), a traveller must provide a valid certificate with a negative Covid-19 test outcome, recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) or equivalent local accredited authority, obtained no more than 72 hours before the date of travel. South African authorities reserve the right to verify the authenticity of the presented certificate. An airline operator in South Africa shall not board any passenger without a valid negative Covid-19 certificate.
An airline operator in South Africa is allowed to provide pre-packaged catering onboard the aircraft but must take all risk mitigation, health and safety measures to contain the spread of Covid-19.
An airline operator in South Africa may make complimentary magazines available, which passengers must pick up when entering the aircraft. Passengers are not allowed to share these magazines.
A passenger in transit in South Africa must have a valid negative Covid-19 certificate obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel from an accredited laboratory.
International scheduled operations and charter flights carrying passengers are allowed at the following airports in South Africa:
- OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg
- King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban
- Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town
- Lanseria International Airport (HLA] in Johannesburg
- Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport MQP) in Nelspruit
Long-haul flight departures and landings at the airports listed above are permitted during the hours of the curfew. However, passengers are required to prevent a valid boarding pass if stopped by law enforcement during curfew hours.
22 October 2021
Zimbabwe: Fastjet to launch flights between Victoria Falls <> Mbombela (Nelspruit)!
Low-cost carrier Fastjet (Zimbabwe) is planning to introduce a new service to South Africa. The airline will launch direct flights between Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Victoria Falls and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), located located 27 km north east of Mbombela (Nelspruit) in Mpumalanga from 16 March 2022. Fastjet (Zimbabwe) will initially operate three weekkly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on board an Embraer ERJ145 aircraft. From July 2022 the service will be increased to a daily flight linking the two popular tourist destinations.
Qantas to resume flights between Sydney <> Johannesburg in January 2022! [update]
update (04 January 2021): Qantas Airways flight QF63 is scheduled to land at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) this afternoon.
The flag carrier of Australia, Qantas, has announced that it will bring forward the restart of more international flights to popular destinations from Sydney. This includes fligths to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Qantas flights between Sydney Airport (SYD) in Sydney and Johannesburg will resume on 04 05 January 2022, three months earlier than scheduled. Three return flights a week will be operated by a Boeing 787 aircraft.
The faster ramp up follows the Australian and New South Wales governments confirming that the country's international borders would reopen from 01 November 2021 and the decision by the New South Wales Government to remove quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated arrivals – which significantly increases travel demand.
21 October 2021
South Africa: CemAir is planning to resume operations to Plettenberg Bay in November 2021! [update]
update (10 November 2021): The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has officially upgraded Plettenberg Bay Airport (Plettenberg Bay Aerodrome (PBZ)) in Plettenberg Bay again to Category 4. The SACAA downgraded the airport to Category 2 in August 2021 due to non-compliance with its standards and regulations. The upgrade allows for the reinstatement of commercial flights immediately.
update (03 November 2021): CemAir earlier today confirmed on Facebook, that flights to Plettenberg Bay Airport (Plettenberg Bay Aerodrome (PBZ)) in Plettenberg Bay will resume on 12 November 2021.
South African domestic and regional carrier CemAir and the Bitou Municipality announced in a joint media statement that continual progress has been made toward the closure of non-conformance findings raised by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at Plettenberg Bay Airport (Plettenberg Bay Aerodrome (PBZ)) in Plettenberg Bay. According to the statement, the implementation of corrections are in their final stages. The CAA has been requested to perform the required follow up inspection on 29 October 2021. Should all regulatory requirements be satisfied it is expected that the airport license will be restored shortly thereafter. Based on the above timelines, CemAir is planning to resume flights between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and Plettenberg Bay as well as between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Plettenberg Bay on 12 November 2021. We'll keep you posted!
SANParks: Update on the opening times of several areas in Table Mountain National Park!
South African National Parks (SANPark) has released an update on the opening times of several areas in Cape Town's Table Mountain National Park. This includes Cape Point, Boulders, Silvermine as well as Newlands Picnic Site, Oudekraal Picnic Site and Tokai. According to Table Mountain National Park's Park Manager Mr Frans van Rooyen, the National Park is slowly recovering from the pandemic and visitors are kindly requested to be patient with the Park's management especially with the gate opening times at Cape Point. This is not a permanent decision and things will get back to normal when it's safe to do so.
Gate opening times are as follows:
Cape Point:
- Open daily, 07:00 - 17:00
- The take-away Food Shop and the Funicular operates from Thursdays to Sundays.
- The Curio shop operates Fridays - Sundays
- All beaches at Cape Point do not have lifeguards on duty.
Boulders:
- Open daily, 08:00 - 17:00
- No lifeguards on duty.
- Please check the tides prior to arrival as there is limited space available on the beach.
Silvermine:
- Gate 1: Open daily, 07:00 - 18:00
- Gate 2: Open daily, 08:00 - 18:00
- Braaing is allowed at Silvermine since we're out of fire season. No gas equipment is allowed.
- Please exercise caution when swimming in the dam as it is as own risk and no life guards are on duty.
Newlands Picnic Site:
- From 01 November 2021 entry times at Newlands picnic site will be 08:00 - 16:00 from Monday to Sunday.
- Freestanding braais are not permitted at the picnic sites and SANParks encourages guests to make use of the existing braai facilities.
- No alcohol or Gazebos are permitted on sites.
Oudekraal Picnic Site:
- Opens only on weekends.
- From 01 November 2021 entry times at Oudekraal picnic site will be 08:00 - 16:00 from Monday to Sunday.
- Freestanding braais are not permitted at the picnic sites and SANParks encourages guests to make use of the existing braai facilities.
- No alcohol or Gazebos are permitted on sites.
Tokai:
- Entry times at the pay point gate/picnic site will open from 07:00 to 18:00.
- Please ensure that if carrying out your activity in the park such as cycling, dog walking and horse riding that you have the requisite permit to do so. The Office in Tokai is open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 12:30 and 13:00 to 15:45 for your queries: (021 712 7471).
- Last-minute accommodation queries please book online at sanparks.org/bookings/ or call central reservations on 012 428 9111. Should you notice a fire anywhere on the mountain please call the TMNP emergency number at 086 110 6417 or 107 from a landline and 021 480 7700 from a mobile phone. Do not attempt to fight the fire on your own.
When out walking, hiking and trail running:
- Table Mountain National Park recommends that you carry out your activity in groups of four (4) or more. Please ensure that you know the route you are taking. If this is the first visit please go with someone who does know the route or hire a guide.
- Please prepare for all-weather temperatures, pack a hat, a weatherproof jacket and lots of water.
- Please ensure you have a map with you.
- Please load SANParks emergency number into your phone before setting off 0861 106 417 or 107 or 021 480 7700 and let someone know which route you will follow and when to expect you to return home.
20 October 2021
Johannesburg: Soweto Tourism has released a status update on the museums in Soweto!
Soweto Tourism, a Local Tourism Association (LTA) in Soweto, has released an status update on the museums in South Africa's biggest and most famous township. According to the LTA, the Hector Peterson Museum, the Mandela House (Nelson Mandela National Museum) in Vilakazi Street, the June 16 Memorial Acre, the Soweto Inspirational Home Museum and the Credo Mutwa Cultural Village are all open the public, while the Kliptown Open Air Museum is currently closed due to vandalism.
Covid-19: The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg has closed again! [update] >>
USA: Delta Air Lines to increase flights to South Africa!
Major US airline Delta Air Lines is planning to expand its services to South Africa. According to news reports, the airline is set to increase flight frequencies between Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in Atlanta and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg from the current three weekly flights to five weekly flights from 19 December 2021. Flights to Johannesburg will then be operated on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, while the return flights back to Atlanta will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
- Atlanta 18:05 > 16:30+1 Johannesburg
- Johannesburg 22:55 > 08:15+1 Atlanta
19 October 2021
Air Mauritius to increase flights between Mauritius <> Johannesburg!
The flag carrier of Mauritius, Air Mauritius, is set to expand its services to Johannesburg. The airline, which resumed flights to South Africa on 01 October 2021, will increase the frequency of flights between Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) on Mauritius, the main island of Republic of Mauritius, and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg from the current four weekly flights to seven weekly flights from 07 November 2021. According to the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), Air Mauritius is seeing a surge in bookings for Mauritius following the reopening of the country’s borders. In this context, the airline is increasing flights to and from the most popular markets, including South Africa.
United Airlines to resume flights to Cape Town!
United Airlines, one of the major American airlines, is set to return to Cape Town in South Africa. The airline is planing to resume nonstop flights between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in the New York metropolitan area and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town on 01 December 2021.
United Airlines and South African privately-owned regional carrier Airlink recently signed a codeshare agreement that will offer one stop connections from the U.S. to 45 destinations in Southern Africa and East Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini, Tanzania, Uganda and the DR Congo.
British Airways to resume flights between London <> Cape Town!
The flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom, British Airways, is set to ramp up services to South Africa, with double daily services between Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg expected by mid-December 2021. The airline will also restart services between London and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, offering three flights a week in November 2021 (02 November 2021?), before moving to a double daily service in December 2021.
As part of the relaunch of its Cape Town service, British Airways Holidays is offering promotions, including special hotel packages in November 2021.
16 October 2021
South Africa: Airlink to re-introduce flights between Johannesburg <> George!
South African privately-owned regional carrier Airlink is set to re-introduce scheduled flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and George Airport (GRJ) in George. Effective 01 November 2021, the airline will initially operate early morning and late afternoon flights on the route. Midday services on weekends will be added from 06 November 2021. The early morning service will not operate on certain days during the Christmas and New Year recess. From 31 January 2022, Airlink will serve the route with three daily flights (Mondays to Fridays), one flight on Saturdays and two on Sundays. Airlink also offers flights between George and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town.
Flights to the Garden Route’s gateway city will be operated with Airlink's modern Embraer E-jet offering customers a choice of business class and economy seats.
15 October 2021
Covid-19: Namibia extends reviewed (and relaxed) Public Health Regulations until 15 November 2021!
Namibia's President, Dr. Hage G. Geingob, announced on the occasion of the 35th Covid-19 briefing on the national response measures on 15 October 2021 that the current Covid-19 public health measures have been reviewed and the following eased regulations will come into force in Namibia for a period of 30 days from 16 October 2021 until midnight, 15 November 2021.:
- Public gatherings as defined in the regulations have been adjusted to two hundred persons per event. Spectators at sporting events are permitted, up to 200 persons per event.
- The curfew in Namibia will be suspended altogether, allowing for greater economic activity, particularly with respect to long haul public transport operators and the entertainment industry.
- Restrictions related to liquor remain as is.
- Business operations: All recreational places in Namibia such as nightclubs, casinos, gambling houses, betting houses and gyms may continue operations as is - allowing patrons up to half capacity.
- Burials of persons who succumbed to Covid-19 or whose deaths are Covid-19 related must continue to take place within a period of ten days. On-site consumption of meals at all gatherings, including burials, will now be permitted. The restriction on the number of persons attending burials of 200, applies to mourners only, excluding essential workers.
- All citizens and business owners in Namibia are implored to enforce the Infection Control and Prevention measures of wearing a face mask, hand washing, physical distancing and avoiding overcrowding.
Covid-19: Lesotho has further relaxed lockdown measures!
The Prime Minister of Lesotho, Dr Moeketsi Majoro on 10 October 2021 announced that the country moves back to an even more relaxed Blue Colour Coding Stage starting midnight of the same day. Under Blue Colour Coding Stage, the nationwide curfew in Lesotho is between 12:00 midnight to 04:00. Businesses like restaurants and taverns, which are now allowed to operate with 50% capacity for sit-ins until 22:00, need to adhere to the current health regulations and must ensure that its guests are screened for Covid-19 and that they register with an Identification Document (ID) and vaccination certificates. Night clubs in Lesotho are allowed to re-open for vaccinated guests only until 23:00 with 50% capacity. Sports spectators are also permitted with the provision of vaccination card and ID. Industrial actions such as protests, and picketing remain prohibited.
International travels are allowed, noting that departing and arriving travellers must observe Covid-19 protocols which includes providing a validated negative Covid-19 test issued at most 72 hours before arrival . In line with the move to Blue Colour Coding Stage, Lesotho has also updated its border post operating hours. The updated operating hours are as follows:
- Van Rooyen's Gate 06:00 to 22:00
- Maseru Bridge 06:00 to 22:00
- Ficksburg Bridge 06:00 to 22:00
- Calendonspoort 06:00 to 22:00
- Sani Pass 06:00 to 18:00
- Qacha's Nek 06:00 to 16:00
Lesotho's main international airport, Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU), remains open as per flight schedule.
14 October 2021
Namibia: New rhino and elephant poaching figures!
Rhino and elephant poaching continues to significantly decline this year in Namibia. According to the latest figures released by the country's Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, 14 rhinos and five elephants have been illegally killed by hunters in Namibia so far in 2021. Seven white rhinos and one black rhino were poached from private farms, while six black rhinos got killed in the Etosha National Park. The five elephants poached were from the Zambezi region, the Kavango East region and the Otjozondjupa region.
Namibia is home to a third of the entire remaining population of back rhino on the planet and the second largest white rhino population in the world after South Africa. The country also has the largest population of black rhinos in protected areas and the largest free roaming black rhino population in the world.
Gauteng: The City of Ekurhuleni changes names of 44 streets, municipal buildings and geographical landmarks!
The City of Ekurhuleni, a large suburban region east of Johannesburg*, is currently in the process of physically changing 44 street names as well as the names of municipal buildings and geographical landmarks. According to press release by the Office of the Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, the name changes form part of a two-year process undertaken by the African National Congress (ANC) led coalition in Ekurhuleni, which included extensive public consultation and numerous legislative approvals. Among the high profile name changes are:
- Gillooly’s Interchange (N12) which will now be known as George Bizos Interchange
- Van Buuren (N3) which will now be known as Thabo Mbeki Road
- Ollifantsfontein (R562) which will now be known as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Drive
- Alberton (N12/N17) will be renamed Chris Hani Road
- for a full list of all streets, municipal buildings and geographical landmarks, see the statement below
* OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) falls in the Kempton Park area of Ekurhuleni
FULL LIST: Ekurhuleni annou... by Jacaranda FM News
Virgin Atlantic to resume flights between London <> Cape Town!
British airline Virgin Atlantic has announced that it is expanding its portfolio of flights to South Africa. According to the airline, bookings soared by 150% in just 24 hours following the announcement that the country would be removed from the UK’s "red list", which came into effect on 11 October 2021.
From 08 November 2021, flights from Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg will increase from three times a week to a daily service. The relaunch of the Virgin Atlantic's service between Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town is also being brought forward, following a huge surge in customer demand. From 17 December 2021, the airline will fly three times weekly to the the "Mother City".
Virgin Atlantic’s South African services will both operate on the airline’s state of the art Boeing 787-9, with 31 Upper Class, 35 Premium and 192 Economy Delight, Classic and Light seats.
Zambia: TAZARA temporarily suspends operations between New Kapiri-Mposhi and Kasama! [update]
update (25 February 2022): TAZARA has announced that the repair work of the Chambeshi Railway Bridge in Zambia
will finally start in March 2022. The repairs are expected to be
completed in four months' time, so that train operations across the
Chambeshi Railway Bridge can resume in July 2022. We'll keep you posted!
update (18 February 2022): According to an update on TAZARA's Facebook page, funds have already been provided by the Government of Zambia for the repair of the Chambeshi Rail Bridge. However, the tender process is yet to be completed, particularly with regard to the terms of engagement of the contractor, who has already been selected and is geared to move on site. We'll keep you posted!
The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has announced that train movements between New Kapiri-Mposhi and Kasama in Zambia are temporarily disrupted to allow for repairs on the Chambeshi Rail Bridge, which suffered major damages from a goods train accident that occurred on 13 May 2021. The section of the track between Chambeshi Station and Kasama Station, a stretch of 83 km, has been closed to passenger trains. TAZARA's passenger trains in Zambia are currently only running between Kasama and Nakonde until further notice. However TAZARA's cargo wagons are being propelled across the Chambeshi Rail Bridge without locomotives, a measure that will guarantee uninterrupted deliveries of cargo to and from Kapiri-Mposhi. According to Head Public Relations, Conrad Simuchile, TAZARA is anticipating to resume normal operations within 12 weeks. We'll keep you posted!
 |
| Chambeshi Rail Bridge © TAZARA |
Please note that TAZARA's cross border passenger operations between Tanzania and Zambia are still suspended!
The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) is a bi-national railway, jointly owned by the Government of Tanzania and the Government of Zambia on an equal share-holding basis. The 1,860 km-rail runs from Tanzania and East Africa’s major seaport of Dar es Salaam into the heart of Zambia's Central Province, terminating at New Kapiri-Mposhi, where it is further linked by road and rail to Zambia's capital city, Lusaka (about 200 km), Zambia's mining nerve centre, the Copperbelt province (about 100 km) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
13 October 2021
Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR): Several facilities are affected by fuel shortages!
Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), the state-owned enterprise mandated to run the tourism facilities within the protected areas of Namibia, has announced that several of its facilities are currently facing fuel shortages. This started already a couple of days ago and will continue until further notice. NWR is advising visitors to carry additional fuel. The following facilities are affected by fuel shortages:
- Terrace Bay Resort, Skeleton Coast National Park
- Halali Resort, Etosha National Park
- Waterberg Resort, Waterberg Plateau Park
- Sesriem Campsite, Namib Naukluft Park
- /Ai-/Ais Hotsprings & Spa, /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
12 October 2021
South Africa: South African Airways to launch flights to Mauritius!
South Africa's flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), has announced the launch of direct flights to Mauritius. Effective 21 November 2021, the airline will operate two weekly flights on Wednesdays and Sundays between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) on Mauritius, the main island of Republic of Mauritius. Flights will depart Johannesburg at 09:45 and arrive on Mauritius at 15:45 (flight duration: 04h00m), while the return flight will depart Mauritius at 16:35 and arrives in Johannesburg at 19:00 (flight duration: 04h25m).
08 October 2021
Covid-19: Mozambique's most popular beaches are closed again!
- Costa do Sol and KaTembe, in Maputo City
- Ponta do Ouro and Macaneta, in Maputo Province
- Bilene and Xai-Xai, in Gaza Province
- Tofo, Barra and Guinjata, in Inhambane Province
- Estoril, Macúti and Ponta Gêa, in the City of Beira
- Zalala, in the City of Quelimane
- Fernão Veloso and Chocas-Mar, in Nampula Province
- Wimbe Maringanha, Sagal and Inos, in the Cty of Pemba
- Chuanga-Metangula Beaches, Niassa Province
Covid-19: The UK removes 14 countries in Southern & East Africa from the Covid-19 travel "red list"!
The Government of the United Kingdom (UK) has announced that the Covid-19 travel "red list" will reduce to 7 countries (Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela) and proof of vaccination will be recognised from 37 new countries and territories (including three countries from Southern and East Africa) from 11 October 2021.
The following countries in Southern and East Africa will be removed from the list from 04:00 on 11 October 2021:
- Angola
- Botswana
- DR Congo
- Eswatini
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Eligible fully vaccinated passengers and eligible under 18s returning from countries and territories not on the red list, can do so with just a day 2 test. eOther passengers who are not fully vaccinated with an authorised vaccine returning from a non-red destination must still take a pre-departure test, a day 2 and day 8 test and complete 10 days self-isolation (with the option of Test to Release on day 5).
The Government of the United Kingdom (UK) also announced, from 04:00 on 11 October 2021, eligible travellers vaccinated in over 37 new countries and territories will also be treated the same as returning fully vaccinated UK residents, so long as they have not visited a red list country or territory in the 10 days before arriving in England. The following countries in Southern and East Africa are among these countries:
Passengers who are not an eligible traveller with an authorised vaccine arriving from a rest of world destination must still take a pre-departure test, a day 2 and day 8 test and complete 10 days self-isolation (with the option of Test to Release on day 5).
07 October 2021
South Africa: A restaurant in Paternoster earns a spot in World’s 50 Best!
A small restaurant with only 20 diners per sitting located on South Africa's West Coast has just been included in the prestigious list of "The World's 50 Best Restaurants". Wolfgat, which has secured the 50th spot in the 2021 list, is situated in a charming revamped 130 years old fisherman’s cottage in Paternoster in the Western Cape. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience showcasing a selection of indigenous ingredients specific to its coastal location. Wolfgat is owned by chef Kobus van der Merwe, who has been compared to Copenhagen chef René Redzepi for his love of foraging and championing local produce. Kudos Kobus and congratulations to your team!
NB.: Wolfgat is not only the 50th best restaurant in the world, it has also been named "Best Restaurant in Africa"! In September 2021, "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" announced the runners-up list of restaurants in positions 51 to 100. Two South African restaurants made the list: La Colombe in Constantia at 81, and FYN in Cape Town's City Centre at 92. Congratulations!
Zambia: The "new" Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (NLA) in Ndola is now fully operational!
The Zambia Airports Corporation Limited (ZACL) has announced that yesterday (06 October 2021) was the last day for commercial flights at the "old" Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (NLA) in Ndola in the Copperbelt Province in northern Zambia. From today (07 October 2021), all commercial flights to Ndola will land at the "new" Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport, which also takes over the IATA code "NLA" from the old airport. The new airport, which was previously known as Copperbelt International Airport and was formally commissioned on 05 August 2021, is located some 20 kilometres west of Ndola off the Ndola-Kitwe dual carriageway, past the Ndola Girls National Technical School and the Dag Hammarskjold Memorial Site.
The "new" Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport (NLA) has a capacity of one million passengers per annum, three aero bridges, a new fire and rescue service station, a cargo terminal, business complex, aircraft maintenance hangar and an airport fuel farm. According to ZACL, in the near future the airport will also house a 50-roomed luxury hotel which will be managed by a renowned hotel group.