Covid-19: Malawi requires travellers to present a Covid-19 digital vaccination certificate at Points of Entry!

The Government of Malawi is set to introduce a requirement for all travellers, including citizens of Malawi, to present a Covid-19 digital vaccination certificate when entering the country. The new requirement becomes effective on 10 December 2021 and will remain in force until 31 December 2021 or as may be further advised, as the situations may dictate.. Malawi's Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, announced the introduction of the new requirement in a statement on 28 November 2021.

• In addition to a negative PCR based Covid-19 certificate that is no older than 72 hours at time of arrival, all arriving travellers of all nationalities, including Malawians, will be expected to show a valid electronic Covid-19 full vaccination certificate at Points of Entry.
• Arriving travellers that are not able to show such an electronic certificate at Points of Entry, shall be expected to access Covid-19 vaccine that will be available for free at the Points of Entry before being processed to enter / re-enter the country, as a preventive measure.
• Travellers that are not able to produce a valid electronic Covid-19 Vaccine Electronic Certificate, and refuse to access Covid-19 vaccine offered at Points of Entry, will be required to undergo institutional quarantine for symptoms monitoring for 10 days at their own cost. 

Kruger National Park Calendar - January!

Weather:

• height of summer
• very hot & humid days
• warm nights
• often spectacular lightning storms

Temperatures:

• between 18°C - 34°C (Fahrenheit: e.g. 34°C = [(34x9)]/5 + 32 = 93.2°F)
• visit our webcam page for live footage from Kruger National Park!

Landscape:

• vigorous plat growth everywhere in the park
• tree canopy very thick
• fig trees in fruit
• mopane tree in flower

Animal Activity:

• height of the impala breeding season
• predators out to get their young
• most resident non-raptor birds breeding
• animal activity all over the park

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Rwanda: Akagera National Park welcomes 30 white rhinos in largest-ever single translocation!

In the largest single rhino translocation ever undertaken, 30 white rhinos have been introduced to Akagera National Park in Rwanda in November 2021. The rhinos were sourced from the andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The translocation was carried out through a collaboration between the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), African Parks and andBeyond, with funding provided by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. The rhinos will be monitored daily in Akagera National Park by a dedicated team and a specialist veterinarian who will be overseeing their acclimation. Each rhino has also been fitted with a transmitter to enable constant monitoring by dedicated tracking teams; a canine anti-poaching unit and helicopter surveillance are also in place to provide further support for their long-term protection.
The translocation of the 30 rhino to Akagera National Park aims to extend the white rhino range and create a secure new breeding stronghold in Rwanda, supporting population growth to ensure the long-term survival of the species in the wild as high-levels of poaching continue to exert unsustainable pressure on current populations. In the recent years, lions (2015) as well as black rhino (2017 and 2019) have already been successfully reintroduced to Akagera National Park.

White rhinos introduced to Akagera in Rwanda
© Gael Vande Weghe & African Parks

Akagera National Park is a protected area in eastern Rwanda covering 1,122 km² along the international border with Tanzania. The National Park is Central Africa’s largest protected wetland and the last remaining refuge for savannah-adapted species in Rwanda.

South Africa: Airlink to increase flights between Johannesburg <> George!

South African privately-owned regional carrier Airlink will increase flights between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and George Airport (GRJ) in George. Effective 11 December 2021, the airline will operate daily return flights to the capital city of the Garden Route. The extra flights are in addition to the early morning and late afternoon services that Airlink introduced on the route at the start of November 2021. The airline operates its modern Embraer E-Jets on the route. Customers have a choice of comfortable window or aisle business class and economy seats (there are no “middle” seats on any Airlink aircraft). Airlink also offers flights between George and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town.

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New Covid-19 variant: United Arab Emirates bans travelers from Southern Africa! [update]

update (30 November 2021):  From 01- 31 December 2021, Emirates will operate passenger flights 4 times a week into Johannesburg. Due to current travel restrictions, the airline will not be carrying outbound passengers from Johannesburg. Emirates' passenger operations to and from Zimbabwe (Harare) and Zambia (Lusaka) remain suspended until further notice.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is suspendeding flights from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini because of the new Omicron Covid-19 variant. All travellers originating from, or transiting from, these seven countries will not be accepted for travel into the UAE with effect from 29 November 2021 until further notice. As a result, Emirates, the largest airline of the United Arab Emirates and the flag carrier of the Emirate of Dubai, is temporarily suspending passenger operations to and from South Africa (Johannesburg, Durban Cape Town), Zimbabwe (Harare) and Zambia (Lusaka) until further notice. We'll keep you posted!

New Covid-19 variant: USA and Canada are also restricting travel from Southern Africa! [update]

update (29 December 2021): Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on 31 December 2021, fully vaccinated foreign nationals who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Malawi will again be allowed to enter the United States.
Canada lifted its travel restriction on flights from South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Nigeria, Malawi and Egypt already on 19 December 2021.

Following the detection of the heavily mutated omicron variant of Covid-19 in South Africa, the US Government has decided to restrict travel to the US for non-U.S. citizens from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Malawi starting 29 November 2021. The travel ban will not apply to citizens of the USA or lawful permanent residents, but they will need to show a negative coronavirus test before coming to the United States.
Canada is also restricting travel to and from Southern Africa. Foreign travellers who have been to South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini in the past 14 days are barred from entering the country. We'll keep you posted!

New Covid-19 variant: Singapore and Malaysia are restricting arrivals from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe!

Following the detection of a new Covid-19 variant, B.1.1.529, in South Africa, Singapore will restrict entry to travellers with recent travel history to South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini. Effective 23:59 on 27 November 2021, people who have been in one or more of these seven countries in the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter or transit through the country. Singapore citizens and permanent residents returning from these countries will have to serve a 10-day stay-home notice at a dedicated facility.
Malaysia has also installed a travel ban due to the detection of the new Covid-19 variant. The travel ban takes effect on 27 November 2021. Malaysian citizens who have made plans to travel to South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini will not be allowed to proceed with their travels. Foreigners, who have been to one or more of these seven countries in the past 14 days, will not be allowed to enter Malaysia. Malaysians and permanent residents returning home after visiting South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini are allowed to enter Malaysia but must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. We'll keep you posted!

New Covid-19 variant: The European Union considers to stop all air travel from Southern Africa! [update]

update (11 January 2022): According to a tweet by the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the member states of the European Union (EU) have agreed on 10 January 2022 at a Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) meeting to lift the emergency break to allow air travel to resume with southern African countries. Travellers from this area will still be subject to the health measures applicable to travellers from third countries.

update (28 November 2021): Denmark has temporarily banned non-essential travel to South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini.
Greece has restricted travelers from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Malawi to only those with essential reasons and after negative testing. All travelers from these countries will undergo a second test upon their arrival to the country and will be quarantined for 10 days.
Italy is banning entry to those who have been in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini in the past 14 days.
Spain is restricting flights from South Africa and Botswana.
Switzerland has banned direct flights from South Africa and the surrounding region (Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe).

update (27 November 2021): All 27 member states of the European Union agreed on 26 November 2021 to temporarily suspend travel from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini. over the outbreak of a new coronavirus variant. This ban should remain in place "until we have a clear understanding about the danger posed by this new variant," European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, said in a press release.

update (26 November 2021): Malta is to ban travel to and from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The ban becomes effective at midnight on 27 November 2021.
Croatia is planning to ban arrivals from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia or Eswatini.

update (26 November 2021): The Netherlands have halted flights from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
In France, authorities have temporarily suspended flights from Southern Africa for 48 hours.
Austria has issued an entry ban on flights from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia or Eswatini. The ban becomes effective at midnight today (26 November 2021). Citizens of Austria returning from these countries are allowed to enter Austria, but have to provide a PCR test result, register with the authorities and quarantine for ten days. Austria categorizes South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia or Eswatini as virus variant areas.

update (26 November 2021): Italy has imposed an entry ban on people who have visited South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia or Eswatini in the last 14 days. The Czech Republic's ban will begin on 27 November 2021 and will apply to third country citizens who spent more than 12 hours in the past 14 days in Southern Africa. The travel ban also includes Zambia.

The President of the European Commission*, Ursula von der Leyen, has announced that the European Commission will propose a travel ban from Southern Africa follwing the detection of a new Covid-19 variant, B.1.1.529, in South Africa that is feared to be the worst Covid-19 variant yet identified. According to a tweet by Mrs. von der Leyen, the European Commission "will propose, in close coordination with member states, to activate the emergency brake to stop air travel from the southern African region due to the variant of concern B.1.1.529." We'll keep you posted!

The @EU_Commission will propose, in close coordination with Member States, to activate the emergency brake to stop air travel from the southern African region due to the variant of concern B.1.1.529.

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) November 26, 2021

*The European Commission (EC) is the executive branch of the European Union (EU).

New Covid-19 variant: Germany bans most travel from South Africa! [update]

update (30 December 2021): Effective 04 January 2021, Germany no longer classifies South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique, Eswatini and Malawi as areas of variants of concern.

update (27 November 2021): The German Government now also categorizes Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini and Malawi as "virus variant areas". This becomes effective at midnight on 28 November 2021.

Germany's acting Health Minister Jens Spahn today (26 November 2021) announced that South Africa will be declared a virus variant area by the German Government. This is due to the detection of a new Covid-19 variant, B.1.1.529, in South Africa, which has a "very unusual constellation" of mutations. The decision, which will come into effect from tonight, will mean airlines will be allowed to fly only Germans to Germany from South Africa, according to the acting Health Minister. Returning Germans, even those who are vaccinated, will then have to spend 14 days in quarantine. Other neighbouring countries of South Africa, such as Namibia, Botswana or Zimbabwe, might also be categorized as virus variant areas. We'll keep you posted!

Deutschland wird u.a. #Südafrika zum Virusvariantengebiet erklären. Mit Inrafttreten heute Nacht dürfen Fluggesellschaften nur noch Deutsche nach 🇩🇪 befördern, außerdem gelten 14 Tage Quarantäne für alle, auch Geimpfte. (1/2)

— Jens Spahn (@jensspahn) November 26, 2021




New Covid-19 variant: South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini added to Israel's travel red list! [update]

update (26 November 2021): Israel adds all African nations, except those in North Africa, to its "red list" of high-risk countries due to the new coronavirus variant.

The Government of Israel announced on 25 November 2021 that South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Eswatini have been added to the country's "red", or highest-risk, travel list. This is due to the detection of a new Covid-19 variant, B.1.1.529, in South Africa, which has a "very unusual constellation" of mutations. Israelis are banned from travelling to countries on the "red" list, unless they receive special permission from Israel's health ministry. Israelis returning home from those countries are required to spend between 7-14 days in a quarantine hotel after arrival. Anyone coming from any of these "red", or highest-risk, countries and is not an Israeli citizen or resident is barred from entering into Israel. We'll keep you posted!

New Covid-19 variant: South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia back on UK’s travel red list! [update]

update (29 November 2021): Angola, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia have also been added to UK’s travel red list.
The UK High Commission has confirmed that British Airways will resume direct flights to South Africa from 30 November 2021, with the first flight to London on 01 December 2021. Virgin Airlines will also continue flying three times a week between London and Johannesburg.

Following the detection of a new Covid-19 variant, B.1.1.529, in South Africa, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia will be added to the UK’s travel red list. This becomes effective from midday today (26 November 2021). Direct flights from these six countries will be banned from midday Friday (26 November 2021) until hotel quarantine is up and running from 04:00 on 28 November 2021. Passengers arriving from 04:00 on 28 November 2021 in the UK will be required to book and pay for a government-approved hotel quarantine facility for 10 days. UK and Irish residents arriving from these six countries between midday Friday (26 November 2021) and 04:00 on 28 November 2021, and who have been in these countries within the last 10 days, must quarantine at home for 10 days and take PCR tests on Day 2 and Day 8, even if they already have a lateral flow test booking. From midday on Friday (26 November 2021), non-UK and Irish residents who have been in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia in the previous 10 days will be refused entry into the UK. This does not apply to those who have stayed airside and only transited through any of these countries while changing flights. We'll keep you posted!

South African Airways & Kenya Airways are planning to launch a "Pan African Airline Group"! [update]

update (05 January 2022): The plans to start a Pan African Airline Group by 2023 does not mean that South African Airways (SAA) and Kenya Airways merge in the future. 

South African Airways (SAA) and Kenya's national carrier, Kenya Airways, have signed a Strategic Partnership Framework, which is seen as a key milestone towards co-starting a Pan African Airline Group by 2023. The partnership framework follows the Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) that the two airlines signed in September 2021 to foster the exchange of knowledge, expertise, innovation, digital technologies, and best practice between the two airlines. The signing of the Strategic Partnership Framework by the two African airlines will see both airlines work together to increase passenger traffic, cargo opportunities, and general trade by taking advantage of strengths in South Africa, Kenya, and Africa. It is expected that the partnership will improve the financial viability of the two airlines. Customers will also benefit from more competitive price offering for both passenger and cargo segment. We'll keep you posted!

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Limpopo: Eastgate Airport underwent major refurbishment!

Eastgate Airport (HDS), also known as Hoedspruit Airport, in Hoedspruit in South Africa's Limpopo province underwent a major refurbishment which started in mid-2020 and was completed in early November 2021. With an average of 150 monthly flights and over 7000 passengers passing through its gates any given month, the airport needed an upgrade to better service its growing clientele of residents in the surrounding area and tourists visiting the Kruger National Park and private game reserves. The renovations included:

• A complete overhaul of the entrance gate
• Installation of additional check-in counters to assist with the high volume of passengers
• Increase in the size of the departure lounge to allow for ample seating
• The curio shop and refreshment kiosk received a major revamp
• The size of the baggage claim area was increased
• An ungrade of the boarding area to include a comfortable and sheltered waiting area with sufficient seating
• The fitting of the car park area with a large section of shading, sponsored by Kapama Private Game Reserve. Guests visiting Kapama Private Game Reserve now have the luxury of climbing onto shaded game vehicles before driving across the road to begin their safari adventure at one of the Reserve’s four luxury 5-star lodges.

© eastgateairport.co.za

Eastgate Airport / Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) currently operates scheduled flights from Airlink and CemAir from both Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as private charter flights.
The airport is located just outside Hoedspruit, in the eastern reaches of South Africa’s Limpopo province. The airport offers quick access to Kruger National Park as well as to the towns of Tzaneen and Phalaborwa.

Zambia: Zambia Airways to finally launch operations!

Zambia Airways, a joint venture between Zambia's state-owned Industrial Development Corporation (IDC; 55%) and Ethiopian Airlines (45%), has a new launch date. According to the airline's Board of Directors, Zambia Airways will officially commence operations on 01 December 2021. The airline will initially operate a frequency of five and six return flights a week from Lusaka to Livingstone and Ndola, respectively.
Zambia Airways is also planning to introduce additional domestic routes to Mfuwe in the eastern part Zambia and Solwezi in the northwestern part of the country and add regional destinations, Johannesburg in South Africa and Harare in Zimbabwe, to its network within the first quarter of 2022.
Zambia Airways' launch date has been postponed several times since the IDC and Ethiopian Airlines finalized a shareholders agreement for the re-launch of the airline in 2018. However, we'll keep you posted!

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Airlink to resume flights between Johannesburg <> St Helena! [update]

update (28 December 2021): St Helena's air service provision with Airlink will resume and commence from 26 March 2022. Ticket sales will ‘go live’ from 03 January 2022.

The St Helena Government (SHG) has announced that St Helena’s air service provision with Airlink will resume and is expected to commence towards the end of March 2022. This will include a fortnightly service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and St Helena Airport (HLE) on St Helena and the monthly inter-island service with Ascension Island. The actual service commencement date and date for when ticket sales will ‘go live’ should be announced in early December 2021.
In order to maintain access to the St Helena, Titan Airways charter flights between the UK, St Helena and Ascension Island will continue between November 2021 and March 2022. Scheduled dates for Titan flights to depart the UK are:

• 29 November 2021
• 11 December 2021
• 4 January 2022
• 24 January 2022
• 14 February 2022
• 07 March 2022

Due to lack of demand, Titan Airways' flight on 28 March 2022 has been cancelled. Passengers booked on this flight will be contacted and may move their bookings to an earlier Titan Airways flight or transition to an Airlink flight.

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South Africa: Seasonal rainfall & temperature outlook (October 2021 - February 2022)!

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has released the Seasonal Climate Watch for the period October 2021 to February 2022. According to the multi-model rainfall forecast, South Africa's north-eastern half will mostly experience above-normal rainfall throughout the early-summer and mid-summer seasons. The south-western half of the country, which falls outside the parts which receive summer rainfall, is expected to partly receive below-normal rainfall during early-summer and above-normal rainfall during mid-summer. Above-normal minimum and maximum temperatures are expected across South Africa throughout the early-summer and mid-summer seasons except for parts of the north-east of the country which are expected to have below-normal maximum temperatures during mid-summer.

South Africa: South African Airways is adjusting its flight schedules!

South African Airways (SAA) has announced that it is adjusting its flight schedules to accommodate passenger requirements. The airline will remove from the schedule its daily return service OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Maputo in Mozambique. The decision is effective from 01 December 2021, and passengers holding tickets will be re-accommodated on codeshare flights operated by LAM - Mozambique Airlines.
Other adjustments being made for the December ’21 and January ’22 holiday season, are due to the expected slow demand on traditionally non-travel days, as customers spend their time with families and friends.
Return flights to Accra in Ghana have been adjusted and will not operate on 25 December 2021 and 01 January 2022. Kinshasa, DR Congo flights have been adjusted and will not operate on 24 December 2021 and 31 December 2021. All Passengers will be re-accommodated on the next available SAA flights.
South African Airways (SAA) had operated 4 days a week to Lusaka in Zambia since September to 30 November 2021. The airline had scheduled additional frequencies to fly 7 days a week from December 2021, however further adjustments was made to the schedule to operate 5 days a week from 01 December 2021. Affected passengers will be re-accommodated on the next available SAA flights.
South African Airways is advising customers to refer to issuing offices for assistance. Passengers who no longer wish to travel may cancel their booking and are able to receive a full refund (inclusive of taxes) or opt for the credit voucher which will be offered to the original form of payment.

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National Geographic: Destinations in Namibia and Mozambique among the top 25 destinations for 2022!

National Geographic's editorial teams around the world have picked the top 25 destinations to visit in 2022. The magazine outlined five different categories for its "Best of World 2022" list: nature, adventure, sustainability, culture and history. In the nature category, the Caprivi Strip in Namibia is one of top destinations to visit in the coming year, while in the sustainability category, the Chimanimani National Park in Mozambique has been selected by the editors of National Geographic as one of the must-see places in 2022. Congratulations!

Discover the next great safari. Namibia evokes images of deserts, immense dunes, and parched mountains. But the Caprivi Strip, a narrow finger of land that juts out toward the east in the extreme north of the country, is a green, wildlife-rich territory. The presence of the Okavango, Kwando, Chobe, and Zambezi Rivers creates an ideal habitat for numerous animal species. [src.]

Witness a conservation success. “Chimanimani is a timeless place, where local rainmakers still climb peaks to summon rain,” says National Geographic Explorer and photojournalist Jen Guyton, of one of Mozambique’s newest national parks. Located on the country’s mountainous border with Zimbabwe, Chimanimani National Park, established in October 2020, is home to Mozambique's highest peak, Mount Binga (elevation: 7,992 feet). It was once flush with elephants, lions, and other large animals whose images appear in ancient rock art created by the ancestral San people. [src.]

National Geographic's 'Best of the World 2022' list:

Culture:

• Jingmai Mountain, Yunnan, China
• Tin Pan Alley, London
• Hokkaido, Japan
• Procida, Italy
• Atlanta, Georgia

Sustainability:

• Ruhr Valley, Germany
• Parque Nacional Yasuni, Ecuador
• Lódz, Poland
• National Columbia Gorge Scenic Area, Oregon/Washington
• Chimanimani National Park, Mozambique

Nature:

• Caprivi Strip, Namibia
• Northern Minnesota
• Lake Baikal, Russia
• Belize Maya Forest Reserve
• Victoria, Australia

Adventure:

• Seine River Bike Trail, France
• Costa Rica
• Nepisiguit Mi'gmaq Trail, New Brunswick, Canada
• Palau
• Arapahoe Basin, Colorado

Family:

• Danube River Cruise
• Lycia, Turkey
• Granada, Spain
• Bonaire
• Eastern Shore, Maryland

Zimbabwe: The Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site to get an infrastructure upgrade!

The Cabinet of Zimbabwe last week (09 November 2021) approved a memorandum on the co-operation project between the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) and the French Development Agency (FDA) on the improvements of infrastructure at the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site. According to news reports from May 2021, France, through the French Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr. Laurent Chevallier, has pledged to upgrade the facilities at the monument and to assist in the marketing of the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site.

The Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site is located in southeastern Zimbabwe, about 30 km southeast of Masvingo. Great Zimbabwe is the name for the stone remains of a medieval city. Construction on the city began in the 11th century and continued until it was abandoned in the 15th century. Great Zimbabwe, which covers an area of nearly 80 ha, was an important trading centre and was renowned from the Middle Ages onwards. The National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ), under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is the entity directly responsible for the management of the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site.

"Cabinet considered and approved the memorandum on the cooperation project between the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) and the French Development Agency (FDA) on the improvements of infrastructure at the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site."#postcabinetbriefing pic.twitter.com/ZAGP1Y1UwX

— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) November 9, 2021

Zimbabwe: Mack Air to launch daily flights between Victoria Falls <> Hwange!

Mack Air, the first private commercial operator in Botswana to be granted an International Scheduled Service License, has announced a new partnership with Central Air Transport Services (CATS) in Zimbabwe. The two airlines are set to launch scheduled daily operations in April 2022 between Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) in Victoria Falls and airstrips in the Hwange and surrounding areas. We'll keep you posted!

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South African Airways to resume flights to Nigeria!

South African Airways (SAA) has announced the resumption of flights to Nigeria. The airline will launch a three weekly direct service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos, Nigeria, on 12 December 2021. South African Airways (SAA) has been flying to Nigeria for the past 23 years and the resumption of the service is a welcome addition to its growing continental offering. 

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Cricket: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia to host the Men's Cricket World Cup 2027!

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the host nations for every major ICC men's limited overs event between 2024 and 2031. In October/November 2027, Namibia will host the Men’s Cricket World Cup alongside Zimbabwe and South Africa. South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya co-hosted the Cricket World Cup in 2003, the first to be hosted in Africa. It will be the first time that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region hosts a global cricket tournament and incidentally, this will be the first-time such games will be staged in Namibia.
The ICC Men's Cricket World Cup ("Cricket World Cup") is the international championship of One Day International (ODI) cricket. The event is organised by the sport's governing body, the International Cricket Council (ICC), every four years.

Photo by Alessandro Bogliari on Unsplash

Host nations for men's ICC events (2024 - 2031):

• Men's T20 World Cup 2024: USA and West Indies (June)
• Men's Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan (February)
• Men's T20 World Cup 2026: India and Sri Lanka (February)
• Men's Cricket World Cup 2027: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia (October/November)
• Men's T20 World Cup 2028: Australia and New Zealand (October)
• Men's Champions Trophy 2029: India (October)
• Men's T20 World Cup 2030: England, Scotland and Ireland (June)
• Men's Cricket World Cup 2031: India and Bangladesh (October/November)

Covid-19: Namibia extends reviewed (and relaxed) Public Health Regulations until 15 December 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 current Covid-19 public health measures have been reviewed and the following eased regulations will come into force in Namibia from 16 November 2021 to 15 December 2021*.:

• Public gatherings: Public gatherings in Namibia are increased from the current 200 to 500 persons per event
• Sale of alcohol: Sale of alcohol in Namibia shall be subjected to the conditions of the licences issued under the Liquor Act of 1998 and the regulations made thereunder.
• Covid-19 test results upon entry: All persons presenting to enter Namibia at Ports of Entry under this regulation, but who were previously infected with Covid-19 and after having been isolated in countries of departures, still show positive results with the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test at the Point of Entry into Namibia, will not be subjected to mandatory quarantine requirements, provided that such persons have valid de-isolation certificates, not older than three months from the date of discharge from isolation, issued by the health authority in the country of departure. The negative PCR test result for all other persons remains a mandatory requirement.
  

n.b.: Dr. Kalumbi Shangula also announced that the "Trusted Travel System" is expected to be fully operationalized at all designated paricipating Points of Entry by 01 December 2021.

*If the epidemiological profile remains static in Namibia, the measures extend automatically to 15 January 2022.
 

Kruger National Park: Fuel station taken out by lightning strike!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the filling station at Lower Sabie Rest Camp in Kruger National Park has burnt down after it was struck by lightning on 13 November 2021. The fire was contained by the Kruger National Park's firefighting team. No injuries were reported but the filling station was completely gutted. According to a social media update by Kruger National Park's spokesperson, Isaac Phaahla, guests can refuel their vehicles either at Skukuza Rest Camp or Crocodile Bridge Rest Camp until further notice. We'll keep you posted!

LIGHTNING TAKES OUT LOWER SABIE FUEL STATION : KRUGER PARK. RSA pic.twitter.com/UV9yQmKH1v

— REZA (@crimeairnetwork) November 13, 2021

Kruger National Park: Nthandanyathi Bird Hide re-opens after a total rebuild!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Nthandanyathi Bird Hide in Kruger National Park is set to re-open. The bird hide is currently 99% complete after a total rebuild, and is ready for operation as from 16 November 2021. The Nthandanyathi Bird Hide is located on the S28 south east of Lower Sabie Rest Camp just north of the junction with the S137. The name "Nthandanyathi" basically means where the Buffalo like to drink. There are a lot of water and woodland birds at the hide that can be photographed at close range. There are no ablution facilities at Nthandanyathi Bird Hide.

Zambia to cut visa fees!

Zambia is set to reduce its visa fees. The country's Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, announced in the 2022 Budget Address that visa fees will be cut by 50% from 01 January 2022. "[...] Madam, Zambia remains a destination of choice for tourism. To improve our competitiveness, I propose to reduce visa fees of all categories by 50 percent.[...]."
Currently, single entry visa cost USD50, double entry visa USD80, the KAZA UNIVISA USD50, multiple entry visa USD150 and day tripper visa USD20. Single, double and multiple entry visas are valid for 90 days from the date of first issuance, with the exception of nationals from the United States of America, whose multiple entry visas have a validity of three years, on mutually agreed reciprocal basis. Multiple entry visas are only issued through Zambia's e-visa facility. The day tripper visa only applies at Victoria Falls and Kazungula Border Controls.

“The 2022 Budget has illustrated that the promises of economic transformation, an enabling environment for macroeconomic stability and job creation, and taking resources and development closer to the people are now realities.” - 2022 BUDGET SPEECH: https://t.co/aLW6CYLJ8Z

— Ministry of Finance & National Planning (@mofnpzambia) November 9, 2021

South Africa: Kulula launches double-daily service between Cape Town and Durban!

South African low-cost airline kulula has announced that it has fully restored its pre-COVID route network with the re-launch of a double-daily service between Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban. In the case of the Cape Town and Durban service, capacity has actually increased, says Desmond O'Connor, kulula Chief Commercial Officer. Pre-COVID, the airline operated one flight per day on the route. Daily Cape Town <> Durban flight times are as follows :

• Cape Town > Durban operates at 07:00 and 11:45
• Durban > Cape Town operates at 13h20 and 18h25
  

According to Desmond O'Connor, this is a highly popular route, particularly over weekends and school holidays. Kulula currently has over 10,000 passengers booked in November and over 3,000 for December already.

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Namibia: FlyNambia to launch "safari routes" in 2022! [update]

update (29 March 2022): FlyNamibia Safaris will commence on 13 April 2022. Departing from Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, the daily circuit includes flights to Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park and Twyfelfontein.

update (03 March 2022): FlyNamibia Safaris will commence in April 2022. Departing from Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, the daily circuit includes flights to Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park and Twyfelfontein.

src.: https://www.flynamibia.com.na

update (27 January 2022): According to news sources from Namibia, FlyNamibia is launching daily flights to Sesriem, Swakopmund, Etosha National Park and Twyfelfontein from April/May 2022! 

Namibian privately-owned airline FlyNamibia, previously known as FlyWestair, is set to launch a safari schedule of daily connections between Eros Airport (ERS) in Windhoek and Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei in the southern part of the Namib Desert and the coastal city of Swakopmund. The new "safari routes" will be introduced in May 2022 April 2022. The airline is also planning to introduce daily flights to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and to increase flights to Katima Mulilo in Namibia's Zambezi Region from the current three weekly flights to daily flights. We'll keep you posted!

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