Mozambique: LAM - Mozambique Airlines has launched a new non-stop service to South Africa!

The flag carrier of Mozambique, LAM - Mozambique Airlines, has introduced new non-stop service to South Africa. With effect from today (29 September 2023), the airline is operating one weekly flight between Inhambane Airport (INH) in Inhambane and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg as well as two weekly flights on Wednesdays and Fridays between Johannesburg and Inhambane. LAM - Mozambique Airlines is using a 72-seat Bombardier Q400 twin-prop on the route.

• Inhambane 15:00 > 16:40 Johannesburg on Sundays
• Johannesburg 11:10 > 12:50 Inhambane on Wednesdays and Fridays

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Zimbabwe and Saint Kitts and Nevis sign visa free travel agreement!

Zimbabwe and Saint Kitts and Nevis, an island country and microstate consisting of the two islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the West Indies, have signed an Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for holders of Diplomatic, Official and Ordinary Passports. The agreement was signed in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Debate by Dr Denzil Douglas, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saint Kitts and Nevis and his Zimbabwean counterpart, Frederick Shava. According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Saint Kitts and Nevis, diplomatic relations beteen the island country and Zimbabwe were established on 30 November 30 2021, but "there has not been any significant cooperation between the two countries" since signing the declaration.

Malawi: Rainfall season and temperature outlook (October 2023 - April 2024)!

The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) in the Malawian Ministry of Natural Ressources and Climate Change has released the 2023/24 seasonal climate outlook (pdf) for Malawi.  October to April marks the main rainfall season in the country. Historically, the main rains in Malawi commence from November, starting from the south and gradually spreading northwards. Pre-season rains often precede the main season.

According to the seasonal forecast by the DCCMS, Malawi will experience normal total rainfall amounts over most areas of the country from October 2023 to December 2023. However, there is a high likelihood of below-normal rainfall in November 2023, particularly in southern and northern Malawi. Planting rains or the onset of the rainy season may be delayed by at least two weeks in some areas.
From January 2024 to March 2024, most areas of Malawi will experience normal to below-normal total rainfall amounts, with the possibility of above-normal rainfall in January 2024. There is also a high chance of prolonged dry spells in the month of February 2024.

During October 2023, Malawi is generally expected to experience a normal range of maximum temperatures. However, some areas in the northern region are forecasted to be warmer than normal. Conversely, lower than normal maximum temperatures are likely in certain parts of Nsanje. The forecast maximum temperatures are generally ranging from 30 to 38 degrees Celsius, except parts of Rumphi, Nkhatabay where the temperatures are below 28 degrees Celsius.

In November 2023, normal temperatures are expected across Malawi, while the southern highlands are likely to be warmer than normal during this period. The Shire Valley is expected to experience maximum temperatures exceeding 36 degrees Celsius while the rest of the country will be in the range between 28 to 34 degrees Celsius.

The forecasted maximum temperature in December 2023 is likely to be below-average over many parts of northern and central regions of Malawi. Otherwise, it will be normal elsewhere including the southern parts of the country. The mean maximum temperature will range from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius over many areas in Central and Northern areas, while remaining above 30 degrees Celsius over southern areas.

In January 2024, most areas in Malawi are expected to experience normal maximum temperatures, with the mean maximum temperatures ranging from 24 to 34 degrees Celsius.

February 2024 mean maximum temperatures are likely to be normal except southern Malawi that may experience warmer than normal conditions. The mean maximum temperatures are expected to range from 24 to 34 degrees Celsius.

The better of Malawi will be warmer than normal in March 2024, with many areas expected to observe average maximum temperatures in the range of 30-34 degrees Celsius, except parts of Mzimba, Chitipa, Bolero and Nkhatabay where the temperature will be less than 28 degrees Celsius. However, the northern part of Malawi is expected to have normal maximum temperatures during this period.

South Africa: South African Airways set to introduce scheduled flights to its 12th destination in Africa!

South Africa's flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), has announced the launch of scheduled flights to its 12th destination in Africa. The airline will operate a new service to Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire. Effective 14 November 2023, South African Airways will operate three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport (ABJ) in Abidjan. The service will be via Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra, Ghana, on board an Airbus A330-300 with full-lie flat business class seats. Bookings open for sale on 28 September 2023.
In addition, this route will also provide an airfreight link between Accra, Abidjan and Johannesburg therefore enhancing the trade links between these three major cities with the rest of the South African Airways' network. 

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Western Cape: CapeNature announces reopening dates for several nature reserves! [update #3]

update (12 October 2023): According to CapeNature's website:

• Swartberg Nature Reserve > Gamkaskloof is unfortunately closed until further notice due to safety concerns.
• Anysberg Nature Reserve > Selective accommodation facilities in Anysberg Nature Reserve are closed until beginning of 2024.
• Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve > Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve hiking trails will be closed until further notice to allow necessary trail maintenance to be conducted. Visitors are only allowed within the picnic area.
• Hottentos Holland Nature Reserve > The overnight huts Landroskop and Shamrock will be temporarily closed until 10 November 2023 due to weather damage. Furthermore, Aloe Ridge is also closed until further notice.
• Jonkershoek Nature Reserve > Jonkershoek's selective hiking trails are closed and the circular road is still under repair. Hikers must add an estimated 5km to their walk which is the distance from the MTO gate to the beginning hiking trails. Please note that Waterval 1 & 2, Panorama, Swartboskloof and Sosykloof trails are closed until further notice.
• Limietberg Nature Reserve > The facilities at all Limietberg private campsites are currently closed for upgrades and will remain so until the end of October 2023.
• Bliss on the Bay > Bliss on The Bay is closed until November 2023 due to repairs.
• Kogelberg Nature Reserve > Selective Kogelberg hiking trails are closed till further notice due to trail damage and repairs.
• Stony Point Nature Reserve > Stony Point Boardwalk is closed until November 2023 due to repairs.
• Cederberg Wilderness Area > Certain hiking trails, campsites, Kliphuis camping and accomodation, and the Bosherberge at Algeria are currently closed for repairs and will remain so until further notice.
• Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area > The Suikerbekkie Hut is currently closed and will remain so until February 2024. This temporary closure is due to a natural disaster that has occurred in the area.
• Robberg Nature Reserve > Robberg Island is temporarily closed due to a natural disaster until further notice.

update (29 September 2023): CapeNature has released an update. Re-opening dates for the following reserves are indicated in brackets:

• Limietberg Nature Reserve (06 October 2023)
• Kogelberg Nature Reserve - all trails (07 October 2023)
• Anysberg Nature Reserve (02 October 2023)
• Swartberg trails (14 October 2023 )
• De Hoop Potberg (trails and eco-venue) and Whale Trail (02 October 2023)
• Jonkershoek Nature Reserve (29 September 2023)
• Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve (29 September 2023)
• Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve (incl Cape Canopy Tours) (03 October 2023)
• Cederberg Wilderness Area (Algeria) - all camp sites (01 December 2023)
• Gamkaberg Nature Reserve (07 October 2023)
• Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve (02 October 2023)
• De Mond Nature Reserve (07 October 2023)

update (27 September 2023): According to CapeNature's latest update, Kogelberg Nature Reserve and Stony Point Nature Reserve are still closed today. De Hoop Potberg (trails and eco-venue) and Whale Trail are expected to reopen on 02 October 2023. Gamkaberg Nature Reserve will now reopen on 07 October 2023. Cederberg Wilderness Area (Algeria) is open from today for day and overnight hiking.

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, had to close several of its nature reserves due to the severe weather conditions and flooding the Cape region recently experienced. Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Stony Point Nature Reserve and De Hoop Nature Reserve remain closed until further notice, while the following seven nature reserves, and one trail, will reopen on:

• 28 September 2023 - Cederberg Wilderness Area
• 29 September 2023 - Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
• 29 September 2023 - Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve
• 30 September 2023 - Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
• 30 September 2023 - Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
• 02 October 2023 - Anysberg Nature Reserve
• 02 October 2023 - Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
• 14 October 2023 - Swartberg trails in the Swartberg Nature Reserve

Table Mountain National Park: SANParks released an update on the impact of the recent (current) severe weather conditions! [update #5]

update (06 October 2023): The Camps Bay Pipe Track is open following its closure a week ago due to a landslide caused by the storm. Please note the lower section is accessible while the upper section is still closed as more rehabilitation work is still in progress. 

update (26 September 2023): SANParks has informed the public that the Glen Mountain Bike footpath in the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is closed until further notice due to uprooted trees and mudslides. SANParks kindly request park users to exercise caution during this time. 

update (26 September 2023): The Camps Bay Pipe Track and Tafelberg Road are closed until further notice due to mudslides and rockfalls blocking access.
Other affected areas in the Northern Section of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) include:

• Kloofnek Public ablution closed due to no water as a result of damaged water pipes.
• Lions Head Parking area.
• Signal Hill trees uprooted and fell at the back of the ablution, blocking the footpath and parking area.
• The Glen road collapsed causing trees to uproot and damage water pipe supply to Kloofnek precinct.
• Kloof road from the Circle to Camps Bay  closed by the City of Cape Town.
• Reports of mudslides and soil erosion due to severe water flow at Devils Peak, Deer Park, and the Glen jeep track.

update (26 September 2023): Current situation in the Upper Tokai management tracks in the Central Section of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) due to the recent floods in Cape Town.

• There's currently no access for vehicles or recreational users in the Prinskasteel stream.

update (26 September 2023): Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) ranger teams conducted flood assessments across the National Park earlier today following the adverse weather conditions the Cape region experienced over the past two days. SANParks is aware of the following areas of concern:

• Report of a developing sinkhole at the low-water bridge Schusterskraal (Scarborough)
• Report of a fallen tree on Plateau Road close to the Cape Point Main Gate
• Landslide off the hiking trail to the Admirals Waterfall in Simonstown
• A road verge erosion in Noordhoek Circuit - Silvermine West
• Report of a new gabion structure on the verge of collapsing below Silvermine Dam
• Landslide at Chapman's Peak Drive
• Effected areas in Tokai:
• Lower Tokai
• Pine trees uprooted, and extensive fuel loads in the Pine plantation due to fallen debris.
• Erosion of equestrian track and stream. Siltation of riverbed impacting (flooding) CoCT greenbelt trails.
• Tokai Arboretum, 6 trees uprooted and Management track eroded.
• Constantia Berg slippage has increased.
• Seven active slippages above Zwaanswyk and Steenberg estate noted. One slippage has damaged a residential property and fenceline.
• Tokai overflow picnic is flooded. The equestrian track impacted.
• Tokai Picnic - hazardous branches have fallen, including uprooted trees in the Tokai Pine plantation in Lower Tokai.

The list will be updated as more information is received from various sections of the Park. Table Mountain National Park management would like to request Park Users to exercise caution during this time and wait for a drier period to access mountain hiking, horse, and bike trails. We'll keep you posted!

The management of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) in Cape Town has released an update (25 September 2023) on the impact of the severe weather conditions and flooding the Cape region is currently experiencing. Numerous pine trees in the Lower Tokai plantation were uprooted and fell as a result of the inclement weather. An inspection will be conducted today (26 September 2023) to assess infrastructure and other damages. Localized flooding of the trails in Lower Tokai and the mass movement of soil in Upper Tokai has also been reported.
South African National Parks (SANParks) is advising the public to avoid mountain trails in Table Mountain National Park where slippery, wet, and muddy conditions persist to avoid having accidents and requiring rescue. People should not cross or walk through flowing water as there could be sink holes underneath, which could cause serious injury. Visitors are recommended to wait for a drier period to access mountain hiking, horse, and bike trails. We'll keep you posted!

Cape Town: Chapman's Peak Drive closed until further notice! [update #2]

update (11 October 2023): Cape Town's famous Chapman's Peak Drive is open again!

update (10 October 2023): The management of Cape Town's famous Chapman's Peak Drive has announced that final bits of clean ups and checks are underway this week and that it is hoping to open the road by the end of the week.

The management of Cape Town's famous Chapman's Peak Drive, a scenic 9 km route between Noordhoek and Hout Bay along the western flank of the Chapman's Peak, has annouced that the road is currently closed until further notice. This is due to the severe weather conditions and flooding the Cape recently experienced - see the pictures below. Should one need to travel between Noordhoek and Hout Bay, kindly use Ou Kaapse Weg as an alternative route. We'll keep you posted!

Namibia launches a new online tourist visa application service! [update]

update (25 September 2023): The "e-services" website of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security is working again!

The Namibian Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Dr. Albert Kawana, announced on the occasion of the commemoration of International Identity Day on 22 September 2023, that Namibia has launched an online tourist visa application. The new online service will enable those wishing to visit Namibia to apply for tourist/ holiday visas online from the comfort of their homes wherever they are in the world. According to the Minister, the system has been carefully designed taking security into consideration [sic.]. Unfortunately, the "e-services" website of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security is currently (25 September 2023) unavailable. We'll keep you posted!

All visitors to Namibia must have a valid passport for at least six months after the date of entry, and have sufficient pages for entry and exit stamps (at least three blank pages for the entry and exit stamps). All visitors must also have a valid return ticket. In addition, all visitors must have a visa, except those visitors from countries with which Namibia has the necessary visa exemption agreement. These include, amonst others, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK and the USA.

One of Johannesburg's busiest roads to be renamed Winnie Mandela Drive!

One of Johannesburg's busiest roads, the William Nicol Drive, is set to get a new name. The road, which is connecting the suburbs in the north to Sandton, will be renamed Winnie Madikizela-Mandela (1936 - 2018). Former President Nelson Mandela's (1918 - 2013) second wife was a South African anti-apartheid activist, Politician and Member of Parliament. She served on African National Congress' (ANC) National Executive Committee and headed the party's Women's League. The official renaming ceremony will take place on 26 September 2023, which coincides with the her 87th birthday.

 

Table Mountain National Park: Tap water unsafe to drink at several locations in the Cape of Good Hope section! [update]

update (25 September 2023): It seems that SANParks has removed its post regarding the tap water in the Cape of Good Hope Section of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town from social media. Whatever that means...

South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public not to consume tap water at the several sites in the Cape of Good Hope Section of Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town until further notice. This includes the Buffelsfontein Visitor Centre, the Buffels Bay picnic site and the Bordjiesdrif picnic site. This is due to groundwater seeping into the main water supply at these locations which is making the tap water unsafe to drink. According to SANParks, the City of Cape Town and SANParks are trying to resolve the issue. We'll keep you posted!

Western Cape: All beaches in the George area set to reopen!

The George Municipality just announced that all beaches in the George area in the Western Cape, including Gwaing Beach, Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, Wilderness, and Leentjiesklip, will be open to the public again starting Friday, 22 September 2023. The beaches were closed due to the high spring tides that hit the coastal areas of George over the past weekend. According to the Municipality, heavy construction vehicles are still moving around the beaches and certain beach infrastructure such as benches and walkways have been removed. Due to the absence of lifeguards and debris in the water, swimming is currently not advisable.

Cape Town: Free entry to nature reserves and conservation areas during Heritage Weekend 2023!

 The City of Cape Town has announced that it is offering free entry to its 21 nature reserves and conservation areas across Cape Town this Heritage Weekend. The free entry applies from Saturday, 23 September 2023 to the close of business on Monday, 25 September 2023. Activity costs at the nature reserves will remain as per normal.

"Cape Town's unique biodiversity is integral to our natural heritage, and at our nature reserves residents can fully enjoy and appreciate the beauty of our scenic surroundings. From the smallest animal, to birds, flowers and insects are on display when you slow down and take a closer look. Go, take a relaxing walk, or have a picnic, and celebrate Heritage Day Cape Town style, hopefully the weather will play along this weekend," said the City of Cape Town's Deputy Mayor and Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment, Alderman Eddie Andrews.

Cape Town's nature reserves protect and conserve the natural areas and biodiversity heritage. Most of these reserves conserve unique biodiversity that may only be found in Cape Town. They are an integral part of the city's Biodiversity Network.

Durban: Update on the ongoing works in the drop-off and arrivals area at King Shaka International Airport (DUR)!

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced an update on the ongoing works in the drop-off and arrivals area at King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban. The construction work entered a new phase where works are carried out along the outer lane of the elevated roadway and selected locations at the arrival level outside the terminal building. This phase of work started on 19 September 2023 and will be carried out to 10 October 2023. During this period the outer lane of the elevated roadway is closed from 19:00 to 05:00 the next day and all traffic on the elevated roadway is getting diverted to the inner lane. Selected locations at the arrivals level are getting suitably screened and marked. ACSA is advising airport users to exercise caition during this time. We'll keep you posted!

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Park shops with changed opening hours due to stocktaking!

The Regional Communications Manager: Arid Parks at South African National Parks (SANParks), Genevieve Maasdorp, announced in the SANParks - Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park facebook group that stocktaking needs to be performed at all shops in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The operating hours of the shops in Nossob Rest Camp, Mata-Mata Rest Camp and Twee Rivieren Rest Camp will therefore change on 27 September 2023, 28 September 2023 and 29 September 2023 as follows:

• Nossob Rest Camp: Shop will be open from 07:30 - 09:00 and from 15:00 - 18:45 on 27 September 2023
• Mata-Mata Rest Camp: Shop will be open from 07:30 - 09:00 and from 15:00 - 18:45 on 28 September 2023
• Twee Rivieren Rest Camp: Shop will be open from 15:00 - 18:45 on 29 September 2023

Namibia: FlyNamibia launches a new service to South Africa! [update]

update (22 September 2023): FlyNamibia's new service will be connecting Windhoek and Walvis Bay to Cape Town. Flights will be operated every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. According to Namibian publication "The Brief", FlyNamibia announced the following today (22 September 2023): "The new route’s flights will run from Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) to Cape Town (CPT), and onwards to Walvis Bay (WVB). From here the flight will then link back to Hosea Kutako International Airport, back to Walvis Bay, onward to Cape Town and returning once again to Hosea Kutako International. Thus the CPT-WVB route will be extended from WVB to HKIA and then back to WVB, providing WVB with flights to Windhoek once again. This will enable connecting traffic from all flights inbound to HKIA to fly to WVB."

Namibian domestic and regional carrier FlyNamibia is set to introduce a new service to South Africa. The airline, which is now a franchisee of South African regional airline Airlink, will launch flights between Walvis Bay International Airport (WVB) in Walvis Bay and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. Effective 29 October 2023, the FlyNamibia is planning to operate four weekly return flights to the Mother City.

FlyNamibia, under its previous brand FlyWestair, was the first private airline to be granted scheduled passenger airline status in Namibia. The airline has been operational since June 2019 and has expanded its network of flights to include domestic routes from Eros Airport (ERS) in Windhoek to Ondangwa, Rundu, Katima Mulilo and Oranjemund, as well as a regional route from Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town.
FlyNamibia announced in September 2022 that it is partnering with South African private airline Airlink. The airlines' shareholding will continue to be majority-owned by Namibian private investors, with a minority shareholding now being held by Airlink. As an Airlink franchisee, FlyNamibia's flight inventory in now available on the Global Distribution System (GDS). The airline has also launched a new booking platform, which is linked to Airlink and the GDS. FlyNamibia also joined the prestigious International Air Transport Association (IATA).

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Belgium: Air Belgium to terminate scheduled passenger flights to South Africa!

Belgian charter airline Air Belgium will cancel all its scheduled passenger flights from October 2023 and will instead focus on cargo and wet lease operations. The airline, which is operating flights between Brussels Airport (BRU) in Brussels and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town via OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, has filed for judicial reorganisation by way of amicable agreement. Air Belgium will end its South Africa service on 02 October 2023 with its flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg and onwards to Brussels. Flights scheduled after 03 October 2023 and already paid for by passengers will be cancelled and reimbursed as a matter of priority in the scope of the proceedings.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Eswatini: Cheetah spotted for the first time in over 30 years!

The Times of Swaziland, a daily newspaper in Eswatini (formerly called Swaziland), is reporting that a cheetah has been spotted in Eswatini for the first time in over 30 years. According to the newspaper, the aninmal was spotted by rangers at around 15:00 on 16 September 2023 during a game drive in the Mlawula Nature Reserve in the country's Lubombo Region. The Times of Swaziland is quoting the Director of Parks at the Eswatini National Trust Commission (ENTC), Thulani Methula, saying that cheetahs were thought to be a locally extinct species around the 1970s but said four more cheetahs were reintroduced between 1988 and 1990 at a place called Mapelepele at Mlawula (Nature Reserve). He further said that the last sighting of a cheetah in the Eswatini was in 1991. The ENTC has since installed cameras around the area the cheetah was spotted in the Mlawula Nature Reserve to find out if it is a single animal or a family of cheetahs that has moved into the area. We'll keep you posted!

Photo (taken in Kruger National Park) by Ron Ansell on Unsplash

The Mlawula Nature Reserve is located in the Lubombo Region in north-eastern Eswatini about 100km from Manzini. The Nature Reserve is covering an area of approximately 16,500 hectares and is adjacent to Mbuluzi Game Reserve, Simunye Nature Reserve, and Hlane Royal National Park. According to ENTC's website, the Mlawula Nature Reserve "offers rare opportunities for visitors to walk self-guided on the trails through the bushveld".

Garden Route National Park: Storm Surge in Tsitsikamma! [update #2]

update (19 September 2023): South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an update on the storm surge and high spring tide in Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park:

• Nature’s Valley Rest Camp in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park is now open to the public.
• Storms River Mouth Rest Camp remains open to the public. Accommodation facilities have not been affected by the storm surge and accommodation is still available for visitors who would like to overnight in the National Park. All the hiking trails are now open and accessible to the public including the Otter trail, Waterfall hiking trail and Mouth trail (Suspension bridge).
• The restaurant is closed until further notice. SANParks management is working on strategies for reconstructing temporary dining facility. In the meantime, SANParks is advising visitors to bring their own lunch. The Park shop remains open and operational to offer a convenient selection of drinks, snacks and cooking essentials, ensuring visitors have easy access to refreshments and supplies during their stay at the Camp.
• The Park telephone lines are now fully restored and operational. 

update (18 September 2023): South African National Parks (SANParks) has released an update (17 September 2023) on the storm surge and high spring tide in Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park, which mainly occurred on 16 September 2023.

• the Storms River Mouth Rest Camp remains open to the public
• the temporary restaurant structure within the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park has sustained severe damage and has been washed out by the storm surge. The restaurant remains closed. The Park shop is open and operational at this stage.
• All guests on the Otter Trail have been successfully evacuated through designated escape routes, ensuring their safety throughout the storm surge.
• The Waterfall hiking trail and the Mouth trails (Suspension bridge) have been temporarily closed. This decision has been made to ensure the safety of our visitors
• Nature's Valley Camp remains temporarily closed due to flooding experienced last night. Park management is actively addressing the situation and conducting necessary assessments. The camp will be reopened as soon as it is safe to do so.
• The Wilderness and Knysna sections of the Garden Route National Park are also affected by the storm surge and high spring tide with minimal damage to infrastructure. The sections are accessible to the public and remain on high alert. Park management is currently assessing the damage.
• No injuries are currently reported in the Garden Route National Park. Members of the public are urged to exercise caution when visiting this area and also check South African Weather Service for weather alerts and warnings.
• As a result of the ongoing storm surge, park communications remain offline. 

South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public that a storm surge is currently happening around the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park due to adverse weather conditions in the region. The management of the National Park and local authorities are assessing the situation as far as safety is concerned. All visitors and staff have been evacuated at this point to a safe area. The safety and well-being of all individuals within the Tsitsikamma section is of utmost importance. The management of the National Park is working diligently with local authorities to ensure the situation is managed effectively and that visitors are kept safe during this storm surge.
Visitors planning to visit the area are urged to exercise caution. SANParks communications in the Tsitsikamma section of the Garden Route National Park is currently down due to the storm surge. We'll keep you posted!

/Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Boplaas campsite (Namibia) temporarily closed!

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), the state-owned enterprise mandated to run the tourism facilities within the protected areas of Namibia, has announced that the Boplaas campsite in the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is temporarily closed since 14 September 2023. The campsite, which is located in the /Ai-/Ais (Namibian) side of the Transfrontier Park, is closed due to security and infrastructure upgrades and will reopen again on 01 November 2023. We'll keep you posted!

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Maintenance work taking place in two camps!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that Mata Mata Rest Camp and Kalahari Tented Camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park are undergoing much needed maintenance. Work conducted today (15 September 2023) and is expected to continue approximately for 3x months. According to Regional Communications Manager: Arid Parks at South African National Parks (SANParks), Genevieve Maasdorp, work will include, amongst others, the painting of all the roofs of the accommodation, replacement of the walkways woods where needed and the maintenance of all the furniture. We'll keep you posted!

The Mata Mata Rest Camp is situated on the banks of the Auob River on the western boundary of  Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and borders Namibia. The Kalahari Tented Camp is approx. 3 km from the Mata Mata Rest Camp. Situated high up on a red sand dune, it is overlooking a waterhole in the dry bed of the ancient Auob River.

Germany: Lufthansa to launch a new nonstop service to South Africa! [udpate]

update (03 September 2024): Lufthana has introduced operations between Munich and Johannesburg today (03 September 2024). The new service was initially scheduled to commence on 03 June 2024, but Lufthansa moved the start date to September 2024 to accommodate the other new routes it launched this year.

German flag carrier, Lufthansa, is set to launch a new nonstop service to South Africa. The airline, which already operates return flights from Frankfurt to Johannesburg and from Frankfurt to Cape Town, will commence operations from Munich Airport (MUC) in Munich to OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg from 03 June 2024. Lufthansa will fly three times weekly between the two destinations on board an Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The last scheduled Lufthansa service from Munich to Johannesburg took place in 2005.

• Munich 19:15 > 05:40+1 Johannesburg
• Johannesburg 09:00 > 19:30 Munich

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Kruger National Park: Some units in Shimuwini Bushveld Camp under renovation!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that some units in the Shimuwini Bushveld Camp in Kruger National Park are currently under renovations. The project is expected to be finished in March 2024. Shimuwini Bushveld Camp is one of the most modern of the bushveld camps in Kruger National Park, being completely rebuilt after the floods in 2 000. Located in the Northern Region of Kruger National Park, Shimuwini Bushveld Camp is set in a remote area along the Letaba River with superb river views. The camp is 50 kilometres away from Phalaborwa Gate.

Cape Town: Free entry to selected Iziko museums on Heritage Day 2023!

Iziko Museums of South Africa will be celebrating South Africa's diverse heritage with the in_herit Festival 2023, an exciting programme exploring our histories, heritage and art. As part of the festival, Iziko Musuems will be offering free entry to selected museums in Cape Town on Heritage Day (24 September 2023). This includes the Iziko South African Museum, Slave Lodge, South African National Gallery and the Bo-Kaap Museum. The Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome is not taking part. 

Iziko Museums of South Africa operates 11 national museums in Cape Town as well as collection-specific libraries, a world-class Social History Archive and the most advanced digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African Continent

LAM-Mozambique Airlines to launch flights between Maputo <> Cape Town! [update #2]

update (13 December 2023): LAM Mozambique Airlines' inaugural flight from Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Maputo touched down at the Cape Town International Airport in Cape Town, last night, 12 December 2023.

update (03 November 2023):  According to news reports, LAM - Mozambique Airlines will launch its Maputo <> Cape Town service on 22 November 2023!

The official Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency for Cape Town & the Western Cape, WESGRO, announced in a press release (12 September 2023), that the flag carrier of Mozambique, LAM - Mozambique Airlines, is set to launch flights to Cape Town in South Africa. According to WESGRO, the airline will commence operations between Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Maputo and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town on 15 October 2023. LAM - Mozambique Airlines will service the route to the Cape three times a week. We'll keep you posted! 

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Namibia: Fees payable for admission to protected places/heritage sites set to increase!

According to Government Gazette of the Republic of Namibia No. 8206, the fees payable at protected places and heritage sites in Namibia are set to increase from next year. This includes, amongst others, the Twyfelfontein main site, the Petrified Forest, the Brandberg White Lady, the Königstein, Zieben Platen, Lake Otjikoto and the Hoba Meteorite. The fees will increase with effect from 01 April 2024 to 30 April 2025.

Examples (click here to download the complete Government Gazette No. 8206):

Twyfelfontein Main Site only:

• International Visitors (18 years and above) N$270/person for a guided tour
• SADC Nationals (18 years and above) N$100/person for a guided tour
• Namibians (18 years and above) N$80/person for a guided tour

Petrified Forest:

• International Visitors (18 years and above) N$270/person for a guided tour
• SADC Nationals (18 years and above) N$100/person for a guided tour
• Namibians (18 years and above) N$80/person for a guided tour

ZiebenPlaten Site only, or Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain only:

• International Visitors (18 years and above) N$250/person for a guided tour
• SADC Nationals (18 years and above) N$80/person for a guided tour
• Namibians (18 years and above) N$60/person for a guided tour

Lake Otjikoto:

• International Visitors (18 years and above) N$250/person for a guided tour
• SADC Nationals (18 years and above) N$80/person for a guided tour
• Namibians (18 years and above) N$60/person for a guided tour

Hoba Meteorite:

• International Visitors (18 years and above) N$250/person for a guided tour
• SADC Nationals (18 years and above) N$80/person for a guided tour
• Namibians (18 years and above) N$60/person for a guided tour

Brandberg White Lady, Jochman and White Giraffe Cave:

• International Visitors (18 years and above) N$270/person for a guided tour
• SADC Nationals (18 years and above) N$100/person for a guided tour
• Namibians (18 years and above) N$80/person for a guided tour

Brandberg Hiking (requires a permit)

• International Visitors:
• All other gorges N$700 pp/d
• Köningstein (Königstein) N$2400 pp
• SADC Nationals:
• All other gorges N$450 pp/d
• Köningstein (Königstein) N$1500 pp
• Namibians:
• All other gorges N$ 400pp/d
• Köningstein (Königstein) N$1200 pp

Namibia: Free entry to heritage sites during the "Namibian Heritage Week 2023"!

Namibia is celebrating the Namibian Heritage Week 2023 from 18 September 2023 to 24 September 2023. During these seven days, entrance will be waived for Namibians at (selected) heritage sites in Namibia managed by the National Heritage Council of Namibia. The opening times are daily from 08:00 to 17:00. In addition, traditional food will be on sale at Twyfelfontein World Heritage Site, Petrified Forest National Heritage Site and at Omugulugwoombashe National Heritage Site. Cultural performances will take place at at Lake Otjikoto National Heritage Site. Public talks ("Namibia's indigenous astronomy") will be held at 10:00 at the Grootfontein Museum in Grootfontein and "Built Heritage Tours" will take place at 09:00, 12:00 and 14:30 in Tsumeb. Bookings are required for the tours in Tsumeb.

The following (heritage) sites in Namibia will take part in the Namibian Heritage Week 2023:

• Twyfelfontein World Heritage Site in Twyvelfontein
• Burnt Mountain & Organ Pipes National Heritage Site
• Petrified Forest National Heritage Site
• Brandberg National Heritage Site
• Lake Otjikoto National Heritage Site
• Hoba Meteorite National Heritage Site
• Eenhana National Heritage Site
• Omugulugwoombashe National Heritage Site
• Heroes Acre National Heritage Site
• Ondeshifiilwa National Heritage Site
• Grootfontein
• Tsumeb

Eastern Cape: The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) has announced the dates for the "Free Access Week 2023"!

The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) has announced the dates for the "Free Access Week 2023". Entrance will be waived for day visitors to twelve Nature Resorts in the Eastern Cape from 30 September 2023 to 09 October 2023. The free access promotion does not extend to accommodation and overnight visitors will have to pay for their accommodation. Day visitors will also be exempted from paying the conservation fees for the duration of this promotion. The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) is offering free access to the following Nature Reserves in the Eastern Cape:

• Great Fish River Nature Reserve
• Thomas Baines Nature Reserve
• Waters Meeting Nature Reserve
• Tsolwana Game Reserve/Commando Drift Nature Reserve
• Mpofu Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve
• Oviston Nature Reserve
• East London Coast Nature Reserve
• Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve
• Dwesa Nature Reserve
• Silaka Nature Reserve
• Mkambati Nature Reserve
• Hluleka Nature Reserve

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: River Front Chalets in the Mata Mata Rest Camp to undergo maintenance!

The roofs of the River Front Chalets in the Mata Mata Rest Camp in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park will undergo much-needed maintenance from Friday, 15 September 2023. The whole project is expected to take eight month to finish, as one chalet at a time will be worked at. According to South African National Parks (SANParks), guests will not be affected negatively by the maintenance work. 

The Mata Mata Rest Camp is situated on the banks of the Auob River on the western boundary of  Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and borders Namibia. The Camp has a reception, swimming pool, shop and fuel facilities. A generator provides electricity for 16.5 hrs per day and there is no telephone or cellphone reception. Mata Mata Rest Camp is 2,5 hrs drive from Twee Rivieren Rest Camp.

Limpopo: Limpopo Wildlife Resorts (LWR) has announced the dates for the "Mahala Week 2023"!

Limpopo Wildlife Resorts (LWR) has announced the dates of the "Mahala Week 2023". Entrance will be waived for visitors to eleven Nature Reserves in Limpopo from 11 September 2023 to 17 September 2023. The free access initiative into the facilities does not include accommodation and other tourism activities on offer. Limpopo Wildlife Resorts (LWR) is offering free access to the following Nature Reserves:

1. Blouberg Nature Reserve
2. Nwanedi Provincial Park
3. Nylsvley Nature Reserve
4. Lekgalameetse Provincial Park
5. Doorndraai Dam Resort
6. Rust de Winter Dam Resort
7. Mokolo Dam Nature Reserve
8. D'Nyala Nature Reserve
9. Schuinsdraai Nature Reserve
10. Makuya Nature Reserve
11. Wolkberg Wilderness Area

 

African Parks to release 2,000 southern white rhino into the wild over the next 10 years!

African Parks, a conservation NGO that manages 22 protected areas in partnership with 12 governments across Africa, has announced that it will take over the 7,800 hectare "Platinum Rhino" site near Klerksdorp in South Africa's North West province from wealthy property developer turned conservationist/wildlife rancher/rhino breeder John Hume (81). The world’s largest private captive rhino breeding operation is home to over 2,000 southern white rhino, which is equivalent to 15% of the world's remaining wild population of southern white rhino. According to African Parks, it has one clear objective: to rewild these rhino over the next 10 years to well-managed and secure areas, establishing or supplementing strategic populations, thereby de-risking the future of the species. The breeding programme will be phased out and the project will end once all the rhino are released into the wild. This is one of the largest continent-wide rewilding endeavours to occur for any species.

John Hume's "Patinum Rhino" farm went up for auction on 26 April 2023 due to financial reasons, but did not receive any bids. On 04 August 2023, African Parks CEO Peter Fearnhead confirmed in a statement that his organisation had agreed to take over the farm and and all its rhinos – with the endorsement of the South African Government, which will support African Parks with technical and scientific advice, and the African Rhino Specialist Group of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on the responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas, in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks manages 22 national parks and protected areas in 12 countries covering over 20 million hectares in Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Western Cape: CapeNature has announced the dates for the "Access Week 2023"! [update]

update (07 September 2023): CapeNature has released some more information on the upcoming "Access Week 2023". Participating nature reserves range from the West Coast to the Winelands, Overberg, Garden Route and even the Klein Karoo and include:

• West Coast: Groot Winterhoek, Bird Island, Cederberg, Matjiesrivier, Rocherpan.
• Winelands: Limietberg, Hottentots Holland, Jonkershoek, Vrojlikheid. (Note Assegaaibosch closed)
• Overberg: Kogelberg, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch, Walker Bay, Geelkrans.
• Garden Route: Robberg, Keurbooms River, Goukamma, Outeniqua.
• Karoo: Swartberg (cottages closed, but day open), Gamkaberg, Anysberg.

Free access is only applicable to regular reserve hours and to entries at CapeNature reserve gates. Unfortunately, no free access will be given to those who book through the contact centre. No pre-bookings are necessary although the maximum capacity availability applies to visitor walk-ins. Free access fee will pertain to general access, in other words the conservation fee to include hiking, mountain biking and other day activities allowed. The waiver unfortunately does not apply to the Whale Trail, select landowners, partners or concessions.  

CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced the dates of the "Access Week 2023. Entrance will be waived for visitors to selected CapeNature reserves between 23 - 29 September 2023. Unfortunately, CapeNature has so far not released any further information. We'll keep you updated! 

 

Saudi Arabia: Saudia announced launch date for flights to South Africa!

The national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, Saudia, has announced a launch date for its non-stop service to South Africa. The carrier, which last flew to South Africa in April 2020, is set to operate four weekly flights between Jeddah International Airport (JED) in Jeddah and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg on board a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Reservations are already open for travel between 01 December 2023 and 29 January 2024.

• SV449: Jeddah 01:20 > 07:35 Johannesburg on Tuesdays and Fridays
• SV447: Jeddah 13:50 > 02:05 Johannesburg on Saturdays and Mondays
• SV448: Johannesburg 08:50 > 16:45 Jeddah on Tuesdays and Fridays
• SV446: Johannesburg 21:40 > 05:35+1 Jeddah on Saturdays and Mondays

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

South Africa: Airlink has discontinued flights to Uganda!

South African regional carrier Airlink has canceled its service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Entebbe, Uganda, at the end of August 2023. According to the airline, it discontinued the route due to persistent commercial unviability. Airlink has contacted ticket-holders and is offering to refund in full or re-route on one of its daily flights between Johannesburg and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi with onward connections to Entebbe.  
Uganda's national carrier, Uganda Airlines, will close the gap by increasing frequency on the Entebbe <> Johannesburg route from five weekly flights to daily starting 01 October 2023. 

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Sendelingsdrift border post (and pontoon) reopens!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Sendelingsdrift border post (and pontoon) between South Africa and Namibia officially reopened today, 01 September 2023. The border post, which was closed for three years since the Covid-19 pandemic, is located in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and serves as an entry point to the Richtersveld (South African) side of the Transfrontier Park. A restored pontoon offers an unusual and convenient way of crossing the Orange (Gariep) River that separates South Africa and Namibia. The pont can carry a maximum of 6 metric tones and, weather permitting, runs daily from 08:00 to 16:15.

The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park spans some of the most spectacular arid and desert mountain scenery in southern Africa – and includes the Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa. The Peace Park straddles two countries, earning it two different names: It is |Ai-|Ais in Namibia and Richtersveld in South Africa.

KwaZulu-Natal: Free entry to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife reserves on Fridays during September 2023!

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the governmental organisation responsible for maintaining more than 120 wildlife conservation areas and biodiversity in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province, has launched the annual "Mahhala Fridays" initiative. Every Friday during September 2023, the first 200 South Africans visiting any Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife park will get in for free on a "first come, first served" basis. iSimangaliso Wetland Park is exlcuded from the "Mahhala Fridays" initiative. To validate free access, a South African ID must be produced at the gate upon arrival.

Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) announces dates of the Mpumalanga Parks Week 2023!

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has announced the dates of the Mpumalanga Parks Week 2023. From 11 September 2023 to 15 September 2023, selected nature reserves around Mpumalanga will be free of charge to the public. The Mpumalanga Parks Week forms part of the province’s Tourism Month programme which is celebrated annually in September with the aim of creating tourism awareness to locals and encourage travelling to explore the various tourism attractions on offer.
A total of ten provincial nature reserves throughout Mpumalanga will be open to the public during the Mpumalanga Parks Week 2023. This is strictly for day visitors only. Accommodation will be at a normal cost for those that wish to have an overnight experience. The free access is also applicable to groups of school learners.

The following nature reserves will take part in the Mpumalanga Parks Week 2023:

• Andover Nature Reserve > 11 - 15 September 2023
• Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve > 11 - 15 September 2023
• Nooitgedacht Dam Nature Reserve > 11 - 15 September 2023
• Loskop Dam Nature Reserve > 11 - 15 September 2023
• Mkhombo Nature Reserve > 11 - 15 September 2023
• Songimvelo Nature Reserve (Kromdraai Camp only) > 11 - 15 September 2023
• Manyeleti Nature Reserve > 11 - 14 September 2023
• Mahushe Shongwe Nature Reserve > 11 - 12 September 2023 (school groups only) | 13 - 15 September 2023 (public)    
• S.S Skosana Nature Reserve > 13 - 15 September 2023
• Blyde River Canyon > 13 September 2023 (public) | 14 September 2023 (school groups only)

Visitors will be required to present their South African identity documents or valid South African driver's license in order to gain free access during the Mpumalanga Parks Week 2023.