The Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), in collaboration with Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), have announced that there is sufficient water in the Fish River Canyon for the upcoming hiking season (01 May 2024 - 15 September 2024 (?)). Like in the previous year, in which the water levels in the canyon were lower than expected due to the low rainfall season in the south of Namibia, water marshals will be stationed at strategic points along the hiking routes, including King Palace and Bushy Corner, to ensure the safety and well-being of all hikers.
The Fish River Canyon forms part of the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a peace park straddling the border between South Africa and Namibia. It is the largest canyon in Africa and the second largest canyon in the world after the Grand Cayon in the Fish River Canyon hiking trail is a 4-5 day guided or unguided hike with a total length of 86 km.
26 April 2024
Namibia: Sufficient water in the Fish River Canyon for the upcoming hiking season!
25 April 2024
South Africa: LIFT temporarily suspends one of its daily routes to Durban!
South African domestic airline LIFT has announced that it will temporarily discontinue one of its daily routes to Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. During the upcoming winter period, the airline will suspend its service between King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town from 07 May 2024 to 12 June 2024. All bookings already made for this period will be accommodated for. LIFT currently operates two daily direct flights between Cape Town and Durban as well as several daily flights between Johannesburg and Durban.
Kruger National Park: Gate structure at Mopani Rest Camp is undergoing maintenance and upgrades!
South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public that the gate structure at Mopani Rest Camp in Kruger National Park is currently undergoing maintenance and upgrades. The gate itself will remain accessible for exit and entrance into the camp while the work continues.
Mopani Rest Camp is located on the north bank of Pioneer dam along the Tsendze River in Kruger National Park.
The rest camp provides a day visitors picnic area, cafeteria,
restaurant, ladies bar, swimming pool, shop, public laundry facilites, a
filling station and a mini ATM inside the restaurant. The closest gate
to Mopani Rest Camp is Phalaborwa Gate, which is 74 kilometres away. It is situated about 47 kilometres from Letaba Rest Camp and 65 kilometres from Shingwedzi Rest Camp.
Namibia: FlyNamibia launches flights to Botswana!
Namibian domestic and regional carrier FlyNamibia is set to launch flights to Botswana. The airline will operate three weekly direct flights on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays between Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek and Maun Airport (MUB) in Maun. Flights will depart Windhoek at 10:15 and arrive in Maun at 11:15, while the return flights will depart Maun at 12:15 and arrive in Windhoek at 13:15. FlyNamibia's new route to Botswana will commence on 03 July 2024.
Maun Airport (MUB) is is situated in Maun in Botswana's North West District. The airport is the second busiest airport in the country in terms of passenger traffic and the main gateway to the famous Okavango Delta, the Moremi Game Reserve and other parts of the North West District.
24 April 2024
Livingstone: Public WiFi launched on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls!
A new public WiFi service is now available in Livingstone on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. The new service was launched on 23 April 2024 by the Zambian Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, and Constance Nalishebo Muleabai, the Mayor of Livingstone. The public Wi-Fi service is powered by the Zambia branch of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a pan-African technology group present in more than 20 countries. Mr Sikumba said during the official launch that the Ministry of Tourism is committed to digitizing the tourism sector in Zambia by the second quarter of 2024, to enhance the visitor experience at various tourist sites, a move which will help better tourism management and promotion.
We are delighted to announce the launch of Liquid Wi-Fi in LIvingstone. The service was launched by the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Rodney Sikumba, and Her Worship the Mayor of Livingstone, Ms. Constance Muleabai at the Victoria Falls on 23rd April 2024. 1/3 #WeAreLiquid pic.twitter.com/UnrzaW1FxV
— Liquid Intelligent Technologies Zambia (@LiquidInTechZM) April 23, 2024
23 April 2024
Robben Island Museum: The 2024 tour rates remain unchanged!
The Robben Island Museum (RIM), the public entity responsible for managing, maintaining, presenting, developing and marketing Robben Island as a national estate and World Heritage Site, has announced that it will not introduce new tariffs for 2024. The current rates will be retained for the next 12 month. RIM has not increased its tariffs since 2021. The following tariffs will remain applicable for 2024:
- R600 for non-South African adults
- R310 for non-South African children (2 - 18 years)
- R400 for South African adults
- R210 for South African children (2 - 18 years)
Robben Island an island in the Table Bay, about 7 kilometres west of the coast of Bloubergstrand, north of Cape Town. From 1961, Robben Island was used by the South African government as a prison for political prisoners and convicted criminals. Many prominent anti-apartheid leaders, including South Africa's first democratically elected president, Nelson Mandela, were incarcerated on Robben Island, enduring harsh conditions and forced labor. Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in prison on Robben Island. His time there became emblematic of the struggle against apartheid and his eventual rise to the presidency.
Since the end of apartheid, Robben Island has been transformed into a museum and heritage site. It offers guided tours, allowing visitors to learn about the island's history and the struggle against apartheid. In 1999, Robben Island was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical significance and contribution to the fight for human rights and democracy.
Cape Town: Free entry to the Castle of Good Hope on Freedom Day 2024!
The Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town, the oldest existing building in South Africa, has announced that it will grant free entry on Freedom Day 2024 to everyone. The historical landmark, which was built by the Dutch East India Company between 1666 and 1679, houses a collection of several ‘permanent’ boutique museums, including the The Koena Art Institute, The Camissa Museum - The Peopling of the Cape, The Cape Heritage Museum, The Donkergat (Ammunition room), The torture chamber, The prison cells, The Military Museum, The William Fare Collection (Iziko Museums of South Africa) and many more.
The opening times of the Castle of Good Hope are daily, except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day, from 09:00 - 16:00 (the last tour is at 15:00). Tickets cost R50/adult and R25/South African pensioners & children.
The Castle of Good Hope is a bastion fort built by the Dutch East India Company between 1666 and 1679 in Cape Town. It was constructed as a maritime replenishment station, fortress, and administrative center for the Dutch colony at the Cape of Good Hope. The Castle was originally located on the coastline of Table Bay but, following reclamation, the fort is now located a short distance inland within Cape Town's CBD. It was declared a provincial heritage site in 1936 and a national monument in 1969.
19 April 2024
Survey: Cape Town International Airport in Cape Town named Best Airport in Africa for the nineth consecutive year!
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town was named Best Airport in Africa for the nineth consecutive year at the 2024 SKYTRAX World Airport Awards™. Durban's King Shaka International Airport (DUR) came in second in the continental category, followed by OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg.
Cape Town International Airport (CPT) also won the Best Airport Staff in Africa 2024 award and the Africa: The Cleanest Airports 2024 award, while King Shaka International Airport (DUR) won the Best Regional Airport in Africa 2024 award and its staff was named second best in Africa 2024.
The Intercontinental Johannesburg O.R Tambo Airport in Johannesburg scooped the Best Airport Hotel in Africa 2024 award. Congratulations!
SKYTRAX' annual World Airport Awards™ are prestigious accolades for the airport industry, voted by customers in the largest, annual global airport customer satisfaction survey. They are regarded as the quality benchmark for the world airport industry, assessing customer service and facilities across over 500 airports. The survey and awards are independent of any airport control, influence or input. The survey, which evaluates traveller experiences across different airport service and product key performance indicators, was conducted from August 2023 until March 2024. Over 100 customer nationalities participated in it.
online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>
Namibia: Visa on arrival at Walvis Bay Harbour!
The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) has announced the introduction of visas upon arrival at Walvis Bay Harbour in Walvis Bay with immediate effect. According to Etienne Maritz, the Executive Director of the MHAISS, this initiative will simplify travel logistics for tourists and business visitors as it eliminates the need for prior visa applications, thereby reducing bureaucratic obstacles and waiting times. The cruise passenger liner industry previously expressed concern about the immigration process at Walvis Bay Harbour, which they described as lengthy.
Walvis Bay is the second largest city in Namibia and the largest coastal city in the country. Walvis Bay Harbour serves as Namibia's principal port and plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade, particularly for landlocked countries in the southern African region. It has two(?) berths specifically designed to accommodate cruise ships of various sizes and is equipped with a dedicated cruise terminal building to handle passenger arrivals and departures.
Namibia's visa on arrival is priced at 1,200 Namibian dollars and offers a validity of 90 days. Travellers can also apply for visas on arrival at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, Walvis Bay Airport (WVB) in Walvis Bay, Katima Mulilo Border Post (Zambia), Ngoma Border Post (Botswana), Impalila Border Post (Botswana), Trans-Kalahari Border Post (Botswana), Oshikango Border Post (Angola), Mohembo Border Post (Botswana), Ariamsvlei Border Post (South Africa), Noordoewer Border Post (South Africa) and Oranjemund Border Post (South Africa).
Qatar Airways increases flights to Luanda (Angola)!
Qatar Airways, the flag carrier of Qatar, has announced that it will extend the frequency of flights between Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha and Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport (LAD) in Luanda, the capital of Angola. According to the airline, Luanda will see a frequency increase from one weekly flight to four weekly flights with a combined service to N'djili Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa in the DR Congo which Qatar Airways will serve for the first time. The frequency increase on the Luanda route and the launch of flights to Kinshasa will both commmence on 01 June 2024.
18 April 2024
Norse Atlantic Airways launches flights between London <> Cape Town! [update]
update (18 April 2024): Norse Atlantic Airways' new service to Cape Town will operate seasonally.
Norwegian low-cost, long-haul airline Norse Atlantic Airways is set to launch scheduled direct flights between London Gatwick (LGW) in London, England, and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, South Africa. The airline will operate three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from London to Cape Town and on Tuedays, Thursdays and Sundays from Cape Town to London. The new service will commence on 28 October 2024.
Norse Atlantic Airways is an airline specializing in low-cost, long-haul, direct flights to a range of exciting destinations on the intercontinental market. The company’s first flight took off from Oslo to New York on 14 June 2022. The airline holds two Air Operator’s Certificates (AOCs), one in Norway and one in the UK. The new service between London and Cape Town will be operated by Norse Atlantic UK Ltd, a fully integrated subsidiary of Norse Atlantic Airways.
17 April 2024
Durban: Ten beaches are currently closed for swimming due to water quality!
The eThekwini Municipality, the local government body responsible for governing and managing Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, has released updated lists of beaches that are currently (as of 16 April 2024) open and safe for swimming, closed for swimming and of swimming pools that are currently open to the public. According to the lists, 13 beaches in Durban are currently open for swimming, while swimming at ten beaches, namely Country Club, uMhlanga Main Beach, Bronze Beach, Anstey's Beach, Brighton, Pipeline Beach, Winkelespruit, Warner Beach, Toti Main Beach and Reunion is prohibited due to water quality. 32 swimming pools in Durban are currently open to the public.
The following beaches are open for swimming:
- operating hours 06:00 - 18:30 -
- Point Beach
- Wedge
- Bay of Plenty
- South Beach
- Addington
- North Beach
- Thekwini Beach
- Battery Beach
- uShaka
- Laguna Beach
- uMgababa
- mDloti Main
- Westbrook
Beach(es) closed for swimming:
- Country Club
- uMhlanga Main Beach
- Bronze Beach
- Anstey's Beach
- Brighton
- Pipeline Beach
- Winkelespruit
- Warner Beach
- Toti Main Beach
- Reunion
Recreational activities other than swimming at beaches closed for swimming are allowed!
KwaZulu-Natal: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife initiated a rhino dehorning programme in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park!
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the governmental organisation responsible for maintaining wildlife conservation areas and biodiversity in KwaZulu-Natal, that is has, in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund South Africa (WWF South Africa), initiated a rhino dehorning programme in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park (HiP) on 08 April 2024. KwaZulu-Natal lost a total of 325 rhinos in 2023 to poaching, with a significant 307 of those illegally killed within Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park.
“It is with a heavy heart that the organisation has decided to dehorn. Rhino dehorning goes against the grain of what we stand for, but the persistent threat posed by poachers has necessitated more drastic measures to protect our rhinos”, said Ezemvelo CEO Sihle Mkhize.According to the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), a total of 499 rhinos were poached across South Africa in 2023. 406 of those were killed on state properties and 93 on privately owned parks/reserves/farms. This was an increase of 51 rhinos in comparison to 448 rhinos poached in 2022.
16 April 2024
Cape Town: Free entry to selected Iziko museums on Freedom Day!
The 27th April 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa's first democratic elections. This day, now known as Freedom Day in South Africa, is commemorated every year to pay tribute to the courageous heroes and heroines who bravely fought for freedom, justice, and equality in South Africa. Iziko Museums of South Africa will be offering free entry to selected museums in Cape Town on Freedom Day 2024. This includes the Bo-Kaap Museum (71 Wale Street), South African National Gallery (Government Avenue, Company’s Garden), Slave Lodge (Corner Adderley and Wale Streets) and the South African Museum (25 Queen Victoria Street).
- Bo-Kaap Museum
- Mondays to Saturdays from 09:00 – 17:00
- South African National Gallery
- Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00
- Slave Lodge
- Monday to Saturday 09:00 – 17:00
- South African Museum
- Monday to Sunday 09:00 – 17:00
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.
15 April 2024
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Auchterlonie picnic spot gets an upgrade!
The management of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has announced that the Auchterlonie picnic spot is set to get an upgrade. The ablution facilities at the picnic spot will get renovated between 22 April 2024 and 20 May 2024. During the upgrade, the facilities will not be available to guests.
The Auchterlonie picnic spot is located adjacent to the Auchterlonie museum in the the dry Auob riverbed about 35km north of Twee Rivieren Rest Camp.
The Auchterlonie museum consists of a restored stone-and-thatch cottage that offers visitors insights into the cultural and natural history of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and its surroundings. It features exhibits on various aspects of the park, including its wildlife, geology, and the cultural heritage of the indigenous people who have inhabited the area for centuries. The museum is named after Captain H.T. Auchterlonie, who was the park's first game ranger.
Zimbabwe introduces a new currency!
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has introduced a new gold-based currency, the ZiG (Zimbabwe Gold), which replaces the the Zimbabwean dollar (ZW$) as Zimbabwe's legal tender. It's the country's sixth attempt at creating a new currency since 2008. The ZiG is backed by foreign currencies, gold and precious minerals. The new ZiG banknotes come in eight denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 ZiG. The coins will come in two forms, Half ZiG and Quarter ZiG. The new ZiG banknotes and coins will begin circulating on 30 April 2024. The new ZiG currency will be operating alongside other currencies under a multi-currency system, which includes the (dominant) USD as well as Euro, Rand, Pound Sterling, Yen, etc..
South Africa’s National Parks are growing!
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) South Africa has announced that four of South Africa’s National Parks have increased in size. The expansion comes with a declaration on 02 February 2024 which incorporates an additional 20 206 hectares of land into Namaqua National Park, Mokala National Park, Karoo National Park and Agulhas National Park.
The largest of these expansions was for the Namaqua National Park in the Western Cape which has grown by 18 391 hectares. The size Mokala National Park in the Northern Cape was increased by 844 hectares, Karoo National Park in the Western Cape grew by 397 hectares and Agulhas National Park, also located in the Western Cape, was expanded by 574 hectares.
The expansion of the four National Parks was made possible through the work of the National Parks Trust of South Africa (NPTSA) and WWF South Africa. The NPTSA, which is managed by WWF South Africa, helps South African National Parks (SANParks) to acquire land to expand South Africa’s National Parks to meet conservation targets and create spaces where our country’s unique fauna and flora can thrive.
The expansion of Namaqua National Park covers an array of threatened veld types and will help to protect rare, threatened and endemic plant species, among them the iconic kokerboom (or quiver tree). In addition, it encompasses a 6km section of a 41km stretch of the Buffels River and the upper catchment of the Swartlintjies river system, both of which are important for the overall ecological functioning of the park.
Mokala National Park provides grazing for a range of rare antelope (such as sable and roan) and other species, including disease-free buffalo. Its expansion includes Northern Upper Karoo vegetation of which less than 1 percent is under formal protection.
Karoo National Park is home to Cape mountain zebras, 20 pairs of breeding Verreaux’s eagles, 864 species of plants and has the highest density of tortoises in the world (five species), while the Agulhas National Park encompasses the southernmost tip of the African continent and features threatened habitats of the Cape Floristic Region on the surrounding Agulhas plain.
12 April 2024
Garden Route National Park: Ebb and Flow Rest Camp reopens!
South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park has been reopened. The Rest Camp was temporarily closed due to flooding since 09 April 2024. The accommodation facilities have not been affected by the floods and accommodation and camping is available for bookings. SANParks further announced that the Tsitsikamma section and the Knysna section of the Garden Route National Park remain open to the public. However, the following hiking trails and facilities remain closed: Half Collared Kingfisher trail, Gallinule bird hide, Brown Hooded Kingfisher trail, Waterside boardwalk, Woodville Big Tree, Outeniqua Hiking trail and Canoe activity. We'll keep you posted!
South Africa: FlySafair increases flights between Johannesburg <> Bloemfontein!
South African regional low cost-carrier FlySafair is set to introduce an additional flight to its existing route between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Bram Fisher International Airport (BFN) in Bloemfontein. Currently the airline offers Friday and Sunday flights between the two cities. The new flight on Wednesday afternoons will depart Johannesburg at 14:30 and will arrive in Bloemfontein at 16:40. The return flight will depart Bloemfontein at 16:15 and will arrive in Johannesburg at 17:20.
South African National Parks: Removal of bat houses in Kruger National Park!
South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that, following consultation with internal divisions such as tourism operations, scientific and conservation services, it has started a project to remove all bat houses in Kruger National Park. The operation aims to minimise the number of bats that roost inside the National Park's Rest Camps. According to SANParks, the removal of bat houses is starting at Lower Sabie Rest Camp, which is mainly affected by bat influx.
The bat houses provided alternative accommodation for bats and in most cases the bats move onto nearby structures when the bat houses fill up. This is a long-term process as it can be affected by weather conditions such as rainfall events.
Over the years, Lower Sabie Rest Camp has experienced an unpleasant odor of bat droppings and bat noise in some of its buildings including guest accommodation, which led to visitor complaints. SANParks hopes to delicately manage the situation to the satisfaction of both nature and the guests.
SANParks is aware that it is a complicated matter to keep bats out of buildings as they originate from the surrounding natural bush. However various other mechanisms will be explored after the bat houses removal to deter bats from taking up residence in the tourist accommodation units. We'll keep you posted!
also read: Kruger National Park: Project to minimise bat infestation at rest camps to be rolled out! >>
11 April 2024
Zambia: Proflight Zambia announces 2024 flight schedule to Kafue National Park!
Zambian scheduled airline Proflight Zambia has announced its annual scheduled flights to Kafue National Park, the oldest and largest of Zambia's National Parks. Effective 01 June 2024, the airline will connect Kenneth Kaunda International Airpot (LUN) in Lusaka and Chunga Airfield in the Kafue National Park, with a three-times-weekly service on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to run until 31 October 2024.
Positioned near the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and African Parks Headquarters, Chunga Airfield is considered to be the central hub of the Kafue National Park and is centrally positioned to service both the North and the Southern parts of the National Park.
Proflight Zambia's service between Lusaka and Kafue National Park will be operated by ProCharter, Zambia's largest charter operator.
Kafue National Park is located in the centre of western Zambia. It covers a massive 22 400 km², which makes the National Park one of the largest reserves in the whole of Africa. Kafue National Park is home to 158 mammal species, of which 21 are antelope, 515 bird species, 70 reptile species, 58 species of fish and 36 amphibious species. The National Park is regarded as one of the best places in Africa to find leopard.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Park shops with changed opening hours due to stocktaking at the end of April 2024!
The Management of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has announced that due to monthly stocktaking all shops in the National Park will have to temporarily change its operating hours on selected dates at the end of April 2024. The shops at Nossob Rest Camp (on 24 April 2024) and Mata-Mata Rest Camp (on 25 April 2024) will only be open from 07:30 to 09:00 and from 15:00 to 18:45, while the shop at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp will only be open from 15:00 to 18:45 on 30 April 2024.
Zimbabwe: Rainforest in the Victoria Falls National Park to temporarily close!
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has informed the public on behalf of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks) on "x" that the rainforest in the Victoria Falls National Park in Victoria Falls will temporarily close because of a "special event" happening the National Park on 15 April 2024 from 16:00 onwards. ZimParks urges visitors to adjust their itineraries for the day (!) accordingly. This might indicate, that the rainforest reopens to the public on 16 April 2024. We'll keep you posted!
10 April 2024
Durban: Eleven beaches are currently closed for swimming due to water quality!
The eThekwini Municipality, the local government body responsible for governing and managing Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, has released updated lists of beaches that are currently (as of 09 April 2024) open and safe for swimming, closed for swimming and of swimming pools that are currently open to the public. According to the lists, 12 beaches in Durban are currently open for swimming, while swimming at eleven beaches, namely Country Club, Thekwini Beach, Battery Beach, uShaka, Laguna Beach, Anstey's Beach, Brighton, Pipeline Beach, Winkelespruit, uMhlanga Main Beach and Bronze Beach is prohibited due to water quality. 32 swimming pools in Durban are currently open to the public.
The following beaches are open for swimming:
- operating hours 06:00 - 18:30 -
- Point Beach
- Wedge
- Bay of Plenty
- South Beach
- Addington
- North Beach
- uMgababa
- mDloti Main
- Westbrook
- Warner Beach
- Toti Main Beach
- Reunion
Beach(es) closed for swimming:
- Country Club
- Thekwnini Beach
- Battery Beach
- uShaka
- Laguna Beach
- Anstey's Beach
- Brighton
- Pipeline Beach
- Winkelespruit
- uMhlanga Main Beach
- Bronze Beach
Recreational activities other than swimming at beaches closed for swimming are allowed!
Namibia: Major upgrade projects in Etosha National Park and Hardap National Park!
The Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has announced that it is currently engaged in the renovation of three of the four main entrance gates to Etosha National Park. Anderson Gate on the southern end of the National Park, Von Lidquist Gate in the east and King Nehale Lya Mpingana Gate is in the northern end of Etosha National Park will receive a total face lift. Renovations have already started at Anderson Gate. The MEFT further announced that in addition to the three entrance gates, eight sanitation facilites will be upgraded to "comfort stops", consisting of toilets, picnic areas, information displays, viewing platforms and adequate parking areas. All facilities will be safely enclosed. The eight sanitation facilities are Olifantsbad, Homob, Thatch Roof, Okerfontein, Andoni, Sprokieswood, Springbokfontein and Sonderkop. Two new "comfort stops" will be contructed at the M'Bari waterhole (Ozonjuitji m'Bari), located along the road between Okaukuejo Rest Camp and Dolomite Camp.
The entire renovation project in Etosha National Park is expected to be completed by July 2025 and to cost N$40.7 million.
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Hardap National Park in Namibia's southern Hardap Region will also receive a face lift. According to the MEFT, the three existing entrance gates to the National Park (Main Gate, Fish Route Gate and Game Park Gate), as well as two existing ablution facilities or picnic spots (Lorralei (Lorelei?) and Bakvis) will be upgraded. In addition, four new ablution and picnic spots will get constructed.
The entire renovation project in Hardap National Park is expected to cost N$7.2 million.
Both projects are financed by the Government of Namibia (NamParks V Project) and co-financed by the Goverment of Germany (KfW Bank). [src.]
09 April 2024
Garden Route National Park: Ebb and Flow Rest Camp & hiking trails closed due to flooding!
South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed that heavy rains have caused flooding at the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park, so that the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp has been temporary closed. Mop up operations are already underway and guests who were camping at the Rest Camp have been safely evacuated to the Forest Cabins. All the hiking trails including the trails at Ebb and Flow Rest Camp, Swartvlei, Woodville Big Tree, Farleigh and Goudveld - Outeniqua hiking trail and Circles in the Forest are closed until further notice. The Touw River Mouth was mechanically breached at 06:20 on 09 April 2024. Potential damage to infrastructure and tourism facilities is getting evaluated. Garden Route National Park is currently experiencing power cuts and SANParks' technical team together with the municipality are working on resolving the matter. We'll keep you posted!
Johannesburg: The Apartheid Museum increases admission fees!
The Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg is set to increase its admission fees. The management of the museum announced that the annual price increase will take effect from 01 May 2024. The admission fee for adults will go up from R150.00pp to R175.00pp, while the fee for pensioners, students and children will increase from R100pp to R120.00pp. The admission fee is includig an audio tour. A guided tour will cost R190.00pp. Please note that pensioners must produce an identification card and students a student card on entry. Due to the graphic nature of the Apartheid Museum's content, it is not deemed suitable for children under the age of 11 years.
The Apartheid Museum, which is part of the Gold Reef City complex in Johannesburg, opened in 2001 and is acknowledged as the pre-eminent Museum in the world dealing with 20th century South Africa, at the heart of which is the apartheid story. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00 and on public holidays.
Namibia: Windhoek's oldest building gets long needed facelift!
The oldest surviving building in Windhoek will soon get a facelift. The Namibian Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has confirmed that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Namibia Craft Centre in order to transform the "Alte Feste" into a Centre of Excellence for the creative industry while retaining the building's historical significance. The "Alte Feste renovation and repurposing project" will be supported by the US Embassy in Windhoek through its Cultural Preservation Fund.
According to the Ministry, the renovation of the "Alte Feste, which became severely dilapidated because of the limited maintenance that was carried out, will be done in stages. During the the first phase, the main focus will be on stabilizing the structure of the building and making it functional again for diverse activities. Upon completition, the "Alte Feste" will host a museum chronicling the building's history, a craft market, an art gallery, training workshops, art studios, restaurant/café, as well as a courtyard event space and offices.
The launch of the "Alte Feste renovation and repurposing project" is taking place on 10 April 2024.
The "Alte Feste" is located in Robert Mugabe Avenue in Windhoek, next to the Independence Memorial Museum. The foundation of the fortress was laid on 18 October 1890. By 1893 the "Alte Feste" had been completed and was extended to its present shape after 1901. It served as a barracks and shelter for women and children during the 1904 Herero war. During the First World War the "Alte Feste" served as headquarters for the Schutztruppe, the colonial troops in the African territories of the German colonial empire. From 1915 onwards it served as headquarters for the South African troops. From 1925 it was used as a hostel and classrooms by the Windhoek high school. The "Alte Feste" was later declared a National Monument in 1957 and in 1962 it became the home of the historical section of the National Museum. The "Alte Feste" has been closed for renovations since 2014.
Kruger National Park: Road from Hazyview to Paul Kruger Gate blocked at Mkhuhlu! [update #4]
update (12 April 2024): SANParks has confirmed that the R536 route to Kruger National Park's Paul Kruger Gate previously closed and blocked by community protesters has now been cleared and open for use. The sand heaps and trees used to block the road have all been cleared. Paul Kruger Gate is now accessible to visitors again.
update (11 April 2024): SANParks informed that the R536 Hazyview - Paul Kruger Gate Road is blocked at Sabie River Bridge by Mkhuhlu community protesters. Access to Phabeni Gate still open.
update (10 April 2024): SANParks just confirmed that the road closure situation in Mkhuhlu remains the same. The community members continue to block the road access from Mkhuhlu leading into Kruger National Park's Paul Kruger Gate. The R536 remains affected, guests are advised to continue using alternative gates to enter and exit the park until such time
update (10 April 2024): According to "X"-user @EdwardthembaSa, the protest action at Mkhulu is still ongoing. See pic.
South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public that the road from Hazyview to Kruger National Park's Paul Kruger Gate (R536) has been blocked at Mkhuhlu by the traffic lights. The community blocked the road due to service delivery disputes.
However, last time a road leading to Paul Kruger Gate was blocked, SANParks advised travellers to use alternative gates such as Phabeni Gate to exit and enter Kruger National Park, until such time an update is available. We'll keep you posted!
08 April 2024
Cape Town: Several attractions & facilities in Table Mountain National Parks temporarily closed due to adverse weather conditions! [update]
update (09 April 2024): South African National Parks (SANParks) has has reopened all previously closed trails and sites in Table Mountain National Park, following the adverse weather conditions experienced in the Cape.
Be advised that the Newlands Forest picnic site is temporarily closed until further notice due to the water supply disruption resulting in the ablution facilities being out of service.
South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that due to the current severe weather conditions experienced across the Western Cape, coupled with heavy rain and strong winds throughout the Cape Town area, several attractions and facilities in the Table Mountain National Park have been temporarily closed.
Oudekraal, Newlands picnic site, Deer Park hiking trails, Rhodes Memorial, and Lions Head trails are closed for safety reasons until further notice. The Cape of Good Hope (Cape Point) remains open,but the "The Flying Dutchman" funicular service is temporarily suspended due to high winds. Boulders Penguin Colony remains accessible for visitors.
SANParks urges all visitors to exercise extreme caution if planning to visit Table Mountain National Park and recommends to postpone the visit until conditions improve. We'll keep you posted!
Sani Pass: Lesotho introduced an "attraction fee and tourism levy" at Sani Pass Border Gate!
The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) has introduced a tourism levy at Sani Pass Gate in Lesotho's Mokhotlong district. Effective since 01 April 2024, all visitors with foreign passports, expect for children under the age of 13 years, must pay an attraction fee and tourism levy of M100* upon entering the Sani Pass Gate.
According to LTDC Public Relations Manager Mr. Molapo Matela, the levy will be collected by accommodation owners, tour operators as well as events organisers on behalf of the LTDC.
Sani Pass is a mountain pass located in the West of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa on the road between Himeville and Mokhotlong in Lesotho. The South African/Lesotho border is at the summit of the pass and not at the South African border control point. Sani Pass therefore lies entirely within South Africa.
*The Lesotho loti is pegged to the South African rand on a 1:1 basis through the Common Monetary Area, and both are accepted as legal tender within Lesotho.
Kruger National Park: Operating hours of the Giriyondo Border Gate have been amended!
South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the operating hours of the Giriyondo Border Gate between Kruger National Park in South Africa and Limpopo National Park in Mozambique have been amended effective from 01 April 2024. The Giriyondo Tourist Access Facility is now open from 08:00 until 15:00 (April – September) and from 08:00 until 16:00 (October – March). The Border Gate is only open for 4×4 vehicles as the roads within the Limpopo National Park are still being developed. It is also not open to commercial traffic as its role is to facilitate tourist movement within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP).
05 April 2024
South Africa: Seasonal rainfall & temperature outlook (April 2024 - July 2024)!
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has released the Seasonal Climate Watch for the period April 2024 to July 2024. According to the seasonal outlook, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently in a strong El Niño state and is predicted to rapidly decline into a neutral state by early winter. However, as the summer has ended, SAWS expects minimal influence from the current El Niño event that is still in effect.
The SAWS multi-model rainfall forecast indicates mostly below-normal rainfall over most of South Africa during April 2024 and July/August 2024, except for some parts over KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Free State for the period from April to June 2024 where above-normal rainfall is expected.
Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be mostly above-normal in South Africa for the forecast period (April 2024 to July 2024).
04 April 2024
Golden Beach Award 2024: This beach in Cape Town ranked second best in the world!
BeachAtlas, a UK-based start up that specializes in world beaches, has recently released its Golden Beach Award 2024. Based on diverse criteria such as the value to the local community, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), lifestyle offerings, and cultural significance, the ranking - at least according to BeachAtlas - shines a light on those beach gems that typically don't make it onto traditional, unidimensional 'best beach' lists.
Two beaches in Southern Africa, one in South Africa and one Namibia, made it to the Top 10 in BeachAtlas' ranking. Boulders Beach in Cape Town, South Africa, has been ranked second out of 100 beaches by BeachAtlas’ Golden Beach Awards 2024, while Namibia's Skeleton Coast was ranked at number nine. Two other beaches in South Africa made it to the Top 100 - Cape Town's Bloubergstrand was named 33rd best beach and the Clifton Beaches were ranked 68th. Overall winner of the Golden Beach Award 2024 is Bora Bora in French Polynesia.
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| Photo by Kym Ellis on Unsplash |
Durban: Nine beaches are currently closed for swimming due to water quality!
The eThekwini Municipality, the local government body responsible for governing and managing Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, has released updated lists of beaches that are currently (as of 02 April 2024) open and safe for swimming, closed for swimming and of swimming pools that are currently open to the public. According to the lists, 14 beaches in Durban are currently open for swimming, while swimming at nine beaches, namely Country Club, Thekwini Beach, Battery Beach, uShaka, Laguna Beach, Anstey's Beach, Brighton, Pipeline Beach and Winkelespruit, is prohibited due to water quality. 32 swimming pools in Durban are currently open to the public.
The following beaches are open for swimming:
- operating hours 06:00 - 18:30 -
- Point Beach
- Wedge
- Bay of Plenty
- South Beach
- Addington
- North Beach
- uMgababa
- uMhlanga Main Beach
- Bronze Beach
- mDloti Main
- Westbrook
- Warner Beach
- Toti Main Beach
- Reunion
Beach(es) closed for swimming:
- Country Club
- Thekwnini Beach
- Battery Beach
- uShaka
- Laguna Beach
- Anstey's Beach
- Brighton
- Pipeline Beach
- Winkelespruit
Recreational activities other than swimming at beaches closed for swimming are allowed!
03 April 2024
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Roads north of Nossob Rest Camp unaccessible for normal sedan vehicles until further notice!
The Management of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has announced that the roads north of Nossob Rest Camp are curently unaccessible for normal sedan vehicles until further notice. This is due to a significant amount of rain Nossob Rest Camp and the surrounding area received overnight (18mm at Nossob Rest Camp). We'll keep you posted!
Nossob Rest Camp is situated within the dry riverbed of the Nossob. The camp is surrounded by tree savannah and is famous for spectacular predator sightings. The camp has a reception, swimming pool, predator information centre, shop and fuel facilities. A generator provides electricity for 16.5 hrs per day. No phone reception is available at the Rest Camp. Nossob Rest Camp is 3,5 hour drive from Twee Rivieren Rest Camp, the largest rest camp and administrative headquarters of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
Western Cape: Lambert's Bay Bird Island Nature Reserve closes for planned maintenance!
CapeNature, the public institution with the responsibility for biodiversity conservation in South Africa's Western Cape, has announced that the Lambert's Bay Bird Island Nature Reserve will be closed on 04 April 2024 for planned maintenance and will reopen on 05 April 2024.
Bird Island lies about 100m off the shore of Lambert's Bay, a small fishing town in the Western Cape province of South Africa situated 280 kilometres north of Cape Town. The island, which is almost three hectares in size, is connected to the mainland via a breakwater. It is an important breeding and roosting site for seabirds, particularly Cape gannets and cormorants. Cape fur seals can be seen sunning themselves on the island’s rocks.
Kruger National Park: R536 Paul Kruger Gate road unaccessible at Cork Village! [update]
update (04 April 2024): SANParks yesterday evening informed the public that the R536 road is now completely opened at Cork Village. The sand piles have been cleared off the road and guests can now use the road go exit and enter Kruger National Park through the Paul Kruger Gate.
South African National Parks (SANParks) just informed all travellers intending to enter Kruger National Park through the Paul Kruger Gate that the R536 is currently unaccessible at Cork Village. The road has been barricaded by the local community, which is protesting regarding service delivery.
Guests are advised to use alternative gates such as Phabeni Gate to exit and enter the park, until such time an update is available. We'll keep you posted!
02 April 2024
Namibia: New rhino poaching figures!
According to the Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT), Namibia has lost 19 black rhinos and nine white rhinos to poaching the first three month of 2024. Out of these 28 rhinos, 19 were poached in the Etosha National Park, of which 10 were found during a campaign in March 2024 to dehorn rhinos to reduce the risk of them becoming poaching targets. Five rhinos were killed on private farms in Namibia, three rhinos were poached in rhino custodianship farms, and one in the Kunene 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 free-roaming black rhinos as well as the largest population of black rhinos in protected areas.
Namibia extended its visa on arrival programme to five additional border posts! [update #2]
update (19 April 2024): The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security (MHAISS) has announced the introduction of visas upon arrival at Walvis Bay Harbour in Walvis Bay with immediate effect. READ MORE
update (04 April 2024): According to the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), visitors from the following countries can apply for a visa upon arrival in Namibia:
Argentina, Belarus, Cambodia, Chile, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Cape Verde, Croatia, Eritrea, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Comoros, Cote d’ Ivoire, Gabon, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Ecuador, Estonia, Greece, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mexico, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Rwanda, South Korea, Liberia, São Tomé and Principe, Thailand, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Niger, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkey, Mauritania, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vetican/Holy See, Vietnam and Western Sahara Republic.
It is recommended that travellers planning on visiting Namibia always confirm whether or not a visa is required. This is because the above lists may change from time to time. According to the Namibian Embassy in the US, the visa upon arrival will be issued upon payment of visa fee of N$1080.00.
Namibia has extended its visa on arrival programme to five additional border posts. According to the Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, visitors from countries exempted from visa requirements and those that qualify for visas on arrival can now enjoy this service provisions at five more border posts namely Ariamsvlei (South Africa), Mohembo (Botswana), Oshikango (Angola), Oranjemund (South Africa) and Noordoewer (South Africa). This provision is only applicable to bona fide tourists (excluding tour guides), potential investors coming to explore business opportunities in Namibia, visitors coming to attend meetings, seminars, workshops (excluding those coming to present training or other work related trips), Friendships and Family related visits, medical related visits.
The following Namibian border posts are offering visas upon arrival:
- Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek
- Walvis Bay Airport (WVB) in Walvis Bay
- Katima Mulilo Border Post (Zambia)
- Ngoma Border Post (Botswana)
- Impalila Border Post (Botswana)
- Trans-Kalahari Border Post (Botswana)
- Oshikango Border Post (Angola)
- Mohembo Border Post (Botswana)
- Ariamsvlei Border Post (South Africa)
- Noordoewer Border Post (South Africa)
- Oranjemund Border Post (South Africa)
Kruger National Park Calendar - May!
Weather:
- autumn
- warm to hot days
- warm to rather cold evenings
- occasional rain only
Temperatures:
- between 13°C - 28°C (Fahrenheit: e.g. 28°C = [(28x9)]/5 + 32 = 82.4°F)
- visit our webcam page for live footage from Kruger National Park!
Landscape:
- the bush starts drying out
- landscape changes from green to yellow, orange and brown
- the waterholes in the mopaneveld are drying out first
- the baobab trees are dropping their last pods
Animal Activity:
- Elephants begin migration into northern Kruger
- game seeking for warmer areas
- Impala rut continues
- Wild Dog breeding season