Durban beach update: 21 beaches open for swimming, 2 closed due to water quality!

The eThekwini Municipality, the local government body responsible for governing and managing Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, has issued updated lists as of 24 December 2024, detailing the status of local beaches and swimming pools. According to the updates, 21 beaches in Durban are open and deemed safe for swimming, while two beaches remain closed due to water quality concerns. Additionally, 33 swimming pools across Durban are open to the public.

The following beaches are open for swimming:
- operating hours 06:00 - 18:30 -

1. uShaka
2. Addington
3. Battery Beach
4. Bay of Plenty
5. Point Beach
6. North Beach
7. South Beach
8. Wedge Beach
9. Thekwini Beach
10. Laguna Beach
11. mDloti Main
12. uMhlanga Main
13. Bronze Beach
14. Westbrook
    
15. uMgababa
16. Brighton
17. Winkelespruit
18. Toti Main Beach
19. Pipeline Beach
20. Warner Beach
21. Reunion
    

Beach(es) closed for swimming:

1. Country Club
   
2. Anstey's Beach

Recreational activities other than swimming at beaches closed for swimming are allowed!

 

SANParks announces Augrabies National Park festive season reception hours!

The South African National Parks (SANParks) management of Augrabies National Park in South Africa's Northern Cape has announced the operating hours for the National Park's reception over the festive season. The recepetion will be open from 07:00 to 14:00 on 25 December 2024 and from 07:00 to 17:00 on 26 December 2024. 

Augrabies National Park is located in South Africa's Northern Cape, near the town of Kakamas. It is centered around the Augrabies Falls, a spectacular 56-meter waterfall on the Orange River. The park covers an area of about 820 km² and is known for its rugged landscapes, unique ecosystems, and dramatic granite formations.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Adjusted Christmas Day shop hours announced!

The management of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has announced that the shops in the National Park will change its operating hours on Christmas Day (25 December 2024). The shops at Nossob Rest Camp and Mata-Mata Rest Camp will operate from 07:00 to 17:00, while the shop at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp will be open from 07:30 to 17:00. Additionally, the Christmas lunch at the Twee Rivieren restaurant will be served between 12:00 and 15:00. Normal trading hours for the shops and restaurant will resume on 26 December 2024.

Zambia waives visa requirements for 53 countries, aiming for tourism growth!

The Zambian Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security has announced a visa waiver for citizens of 53 countries under Statutory Instrument No. 78 of 2024. This decision raises the total number of countries with visa-free access to Zambia to 167. The new policy will come into effect on 01 January 2025.
Zambia anticipates a rise in international tourist arrivals, aiming to reach three million annually by 2026. In comparison, the country recorded over 1.5 million tourist arrivals in 2023.

"While the government is committed to opening doors to international travellers, we are also mindful of the need to maintain national security. This is the reason why the department of immigration is focusing on implementing a mix of pre-entry and post-entry migration management measures", said Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jack Mwiimbu

The 53 countries whose nationals will no longer require a visa to enter Zambia are: 

1. Albania
2. American Samoa
3. Andorra
4. Argentina
5. Aruba
6. Bhutan
7. Bosnia and Herzegovina
8. Bouvet Island
9. Brunei Darussalam
10. Cape Verde
11. Christmas Island
12. Cocos (keeling) Islands
13. Comoros
14. Cook Islands
15. Costa Rica
16. Dominican Republic
17. Faroe Islands
18. French Polynesia
19. French Southern Territories
20. Greenland
21. Guam
22. Guatemala
23. Guyana
24. Hungary
25. Iceland
26. Israel
27. Laos
28. Liberia
29. Liechtenstein
30. Macedonia
31. Madagascar
32. Micronesia
33. Moldova
34. Monaco
35. Morocco
36. Netherlands Antilles
37. New Caledonia
38. Northern Mariana Islands
39. Palau
40. Panama
41. Papua New Guinea
42. San Marino
43. Sandwich Islands
44. Sao Tome and Principe
45. South Georgia And the South Sandwich Islands
46. Suriname
47. Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands
48. Switzerland
49. Turkey
50. Ukraine
51. Vatican City State
52. Virgin Islands
53. Wallis and Futuna Islands

King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban: All e-hailing pick-up and drop-off locations have been relocated!

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced an update regarding the designated e-hailing pick-up and drop-off points at King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban. To enhance convenience and streamline operations, all e-hailing pick-up and drop-off activities have been relocated from the previous Pick-Up Zone to the Multi-Storey Parkade (undercover parking) on Level -1.
This adjustment aims to provide a smoother and more efficient experience for passengers and drivers alike. The new arrangement takes effect immediately, starting today, 20 December 2024. 

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>
Durban Airport One-Way Private Transfer >>

Durban beach update: 21 beaches open for swimming, 2 closed due to water quality!

The eThekwini Municipality, the local government body responsible for governing and managing Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, has issued updated lists as of 18 December 2024, detailing the status of local beaches and swimming pools. According to the updates, 21 beaches in Durban are open and deemed safe for swimming, while two beaches remain closed due to water quality concerns. Additionally, 33 swimming pools across Durban are open to the public.

The following beaches are open for swimming:
- operating hours 06:00 - 18:30 -

1. uShaka
2. Addington
3. Battery Beach
4. Bay of Plenty
5. Point Beach
6. North Beach
7. South Beach
8. Wedge Beach
9. Thekwini Beach
10. Laguna Beach
11. Country Club
12. mDloti Main
13. uMhlanga Main
14. Bronze Beach
15. Westbrook
    
16. uMgababa
17. Brighton
18. Winkelespruit
19. Toti Main Beach
20. Pipeline Beach
21. Warner Beach

Beach(es) closed for swimming:

1. Anstey's Beach
2. Reunion

Recreational activities other than swimming at beaches closed for swimming are allowed!

Durban beach update: 20 beaches open for swimming, 3 closed 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 13 December 2024) open and safe for swimming, closed for swimming and of swimming pools that are currently open to the public. According to the lists, 20 beaches in Durban are currently open for swimming, while swimming at three beaches is prohibited due to water quality. 33 swimming pools in Durban are currently open to the public. 

The following beaches are open for swimming:
- operating hours 06:00 - 18:30 -

1. uShaka
2. Addington
3. Battery Beach
4. Bay of Plenty
5. Point Beach
6. North Beach
7. South Beach
8. Wedge Beach
9. Thekwini Beach
10. Laguna Beach
11. Country Club
12. mDloti Main
13. uMhlanga Main
14. Bronze Beach
15. uMgababa
16. Brighton
17. Winkelespruit
18. Toti Main Beach
19. Pipeline Beach
20. Warner Beach

Beach(es) closed for swimming:

1. Anstey's Beach
2. Reunion
3. Westbrook
   

 Recreational activities other than swimming at beaches closed for swimming are allowed!

France: Air France extends seasonal Cape Town Route until end of April 2025!

The flag carrier of France, Air France, has announced an extension of its seasonal route between Paris and Cape Town. The airline will continue operating its service between Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) until 27 April 2025, covering the Easter period. From 30 March to 27 April 2025, the route will maintain its current schedule of three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, addressing the increased travel demand during this time.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Namibia: Roads Authority opens upgraded 170 km stretch of the MR91!

The Namibian Roads Authority (RA), whose core business is to construct and maintain Namibia's road sector, has announced that a 170 km section of Main Road 91 (MR 91) between Gobabis and Aminuis has been opened. The road was upgraded to bitumen standards.
The MR 91 is approximately 239 km long. It connects the Omaheke Region and the Hardap Region and the Trans-Kalahari Highway, which links the harbor at Walvis Bay in the Erongo Region to South Africa via Botswana.
As part of the project, the RA also upgraded the access road from Aminuis to the Toasis village. The access road serves as a link between the Aminuis Village and Rietquelle Settlement, including the Toasis village, where the Chief Hosea Kutako Memorial Museum and Homestead Shrine are located. This 24-kilometre access road was upgraded to low-volume seal standards.
The remaining section of the MR91 from Aminuis to Aranos is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025.

The Chief Hosea Kutako Memorial Museum and Homestead Shrine honors the legacy of Chief Hosea Komombumbi Kutako (1870–1970), a revered figure in Namibia's anti-colonial struggle. He was the paramount chief of the Ovaherero people and a staunch advocate for justice and human rights during Namibia's turbulent colonial period under German and later South African rule.
The site includes the chief's homestead, which has been declared a national heritage site. It features a memorial shrine and exhibits highlighting Chief Kutako's contributions to Namibia's fight for independence.

Durban: Two 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 10 December 2024) open and safe for swimming, closed for swimming and of swimming pools that are currently open to the public. According to the lists, 21 beaches in Durban are currently open for swimming, while swimming at two beaches is prohibited due to water quality. 33 swimming pools in Durban are currently open to the public. 

The following beaches are open for swimming:
- operating hours 06:00 - 18:30 -

1. uShaka
2. Addington
3. Battery Beach
4. Bay of Plenty
5. Point Beach
6. North Beach
7. South Beach
8. Wedge Beach
9. Thekwini Beach
10. Laguna Beach
11. Country Club
12. mDloti Main
13. uMhlanga Main
14. Bronze Beach
15. Westbrook
16. uMgababa
17. Brighton
18. Winkelespruit
19. Toti Main Beach
20. Pipeline Beach
21. Warner Beach

Beach(es) closed for swimming:

1. Anstey's Beach
2. Reunion

 Recreational activities other than swimming at beaches closed for swimming are allowed!

Cape Town steakhouse ranked among the world’s best!

Time Out, the renowned global magazine for culture, entertainment, and events, recently surveyed its network of editors and international writers about their favourite spots for a steak in their city. Among the standout recommendations, Iron Steak and Bar in Cape Town earned the impressive title of the sixth best steak restaurant in the world. Located on Bree Street, the heart of the city’s culinary scene, Iron Steak and Bar is celebrated for its perfectly cooked steaks, prepared on the distinctive Spanish Vulcano Grez grill. The menu features a range of options, from premium cuts to the exceptional flat iron steak. Congratulations!

Time Out's 10 best steaks in the world:

1. El Toro, Agadir (Morocco)
2. Klaw, Miami (USA)
3. Adega Solar Minhoto, Lisbon (Portugal)
4. La Cabrera, Buenos Aires (Argentina)
5. Clover Grill, Paris (France)
6. Iron Steak and Bar, Cape Town (South Africa)
7. Alfie’s, Sydney (Australia)
8. Fireside, Hong Kong
9. Lana, Madrid (Spain)
10. Le Relais de Venise l’Entrecôte, London (UK)

The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality has closed another popular beach in East London! [update]

update (11 December 2024): The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality has announced that following water quality tests conducted in the last few days, Nahoon Beach in East London has been reopened.

The Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa's Eastern Cape has closed another popular beach in East London on 06 December 2024. According to the Municipality, following a spillage, Nahoon Beach remains closed until officials confirm two cleared days of acceptance lab test results. Eastern Beach in East London is already closed since mid-November 2024 due to exposed rocks, which are an imminent danger to bathers and forming dangerous rip currents.

Nahoon Beach is located in the suburb of Nahoon in East London. It's situated along the coastline, just a few kilometers northeast of the East London city center. The beach lies adjacent to the Nahoon River, which flows into the Indian Ocean nearby, creating a beautiful lagoon area.  Nahoon Reef is famous among surfers for its powerful, consistent waves, catering to both advanced and beginner surfers.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Nossob Rest Camp switches to 24-hour solar power!

The South African National Parks (SANParks) management of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has announced that the Nossob Rest Camp now also has 24-hour electricity supply. SANParks switched from generator power for 17 hours per day to solar power for 24 hours per day. In October 2024, the Mata-Mata Rest Camp switched to 24-hour solar power.

Situated along the Nossob Riverbed, the Nossob Rest Camp is approximately 160 km north of Twee Rivieren Rest Camp, the southern entrance gate to the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The camp has a shop, a fuel station and a swimming pool. While the Nossob Rest Camp itself is accessible by 2WD vehicles, many roads and trails are better suited for 4x4 vehicles, especially after rain.

Travel Update: Refueling challenges at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg! [update #2]

update (11 December 2024): ACSA has released some more information about the refueling challenges OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg experienced on 09 December 2024 between 09:05 and 13:01. According to ACSA, the technical problem was due to a drive shaft that sheared (or shattered). This prevented the pumping of jet fuel from storage tanks to the aprons, which enables the re-fuelling of aircraft. The repair work was conducted in compliance with rigorous safety procedures. This encompasses depressurisation, drainage of fuel, purging the system of hydrocarbons and associated gasses and the implementation of specialised rigging to ensure the safe completion of work.
This refuelling technical challenges directly impacted approximately 177 flights and 22 073 passengers between 09:05 and 13:01 when flights resumed. The knock-on effect of this four-hour delay impacted a further number of flights and passengers, over the 13:00 to 23:00pm period when the backlog was cleared.  The total impact on the ACSA network was 483 flights and 49 429 passengers as well as 31 flights cancelled for the day. This took place against an estimated total number of 1500 flights and 110 000 passengers which are normally processed through ACSA’s network daily. Therefore, about a third of the flights were impacted and about half the daily passengers were impacted.

update (09 December 2024): ACSA just announced that the fuel system at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg is now fully operational, and fuel trucks are on their way to the apron. Operations are currently back to normal. 

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced that OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg is currently facing refueling challenges, affecting the ability of airlines to refuel aircraft as usual. As a result, some flights may experience delays. ACSA has assured the public that technicians are working diligently to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Safe travels!

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

 

Airlink & Air France-KLM signed a new codeshare agreement!

French-Dutch multinational airline holding company Air France-KLM implemented a new codeshare agreement with South African regional airline Airlink, effective 03 December 2024.
This commercial partnership enhances connectivity for travellers, offering Air France and KLM customers access to an extensive range of destinations in Southern Africa via OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. At this stage, the codeshare agreement is active on 14 Airlink domestic destinations in South Africa.
Air France-KLM and Airlink plan to expand the partnership in the future, with additional destinations to come in Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, St Helena, Zambia and Zimbabwe (expansion subject to approval by the relevant authorities).
Air France and KLM currently operate up to 14 weekly flights to Johannesburg and 14 weekly flights to Cape Town on departure from their respective hubs at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in Amsterdam.

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

South Africa: Seasonal rainfall & temperature outlook (December 2024 to April 2025)!

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has released the Seasonal Climate Watch for the period December 2024 to April 2025. According to the seasonal outlook, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently still in a neutral state and is predicted to weaken further. Current predictions indicate the development of a weak La Niña state only during mid-summer and therefore may only affect South Africa’s summer rainfall during the latter parts of the season. There is also still significant uncertainty in the predictions at this stage on whether a La Niña event will occur.
Current predictions indicate above-normal rainfall for parts of the north-eastern central and coastal areas of South Africa, with most parts of the summer rainfall areas expected to recieve below-normal rainfall. During the latter parts of summer (February to April 2025) there is a widespread increase in chances for above-normal rainfall over the summer rainfall areas, potentially indicating a very late influence from the potential La Niña event.
Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be mostly above-normal in South Africa for the
forecast period. However, the southern coastal areas of the country indicate that below-normal temperatures are more likely throughout the summer period.

TAZARA suspends passenger train services in Tanzania for urgent track repairs!

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) has announced the temporary suspension of passenger train services between Dar es Salaam and Mbeya in Tanzania, including the Kilimanjaro Ordinary Train and the Udzungwa train, effective 29 November 2024. According to TAZARA, this decision follows multiple track closures caused by a series of more than ten unforseen incidents. These events have necessitated temporary closures of various sections of the railway line to faciltate urgent repairs. TAZARA is expecting to resume normal operations in Tanzania by 12 December 2024. We'll keep you posted!

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) is a bi-national railway, jointly owned by the Government of Tanzania and the Government of Zambia on an equal share-holding basis. The 1,860 km-rail runs from Tanzania and East Africa’s major seaport of Dar es Salaam into the heart of Zambia's Central Province, terminating at New Kapiri-Mposhi, where it is further linked by road and rail to Zambia's capital city, Lusaka (about 200 km), Zambia's mining nerve centre, the Copperbelt province (about 100 km) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

South Africa: South African Airways (SAA) facing possible strike by its pilots! [update #3]

update (07 December 2024): South African Airways (SAA) has announced that the pilots' strike, which began on 05 December 2024, has been suspended as of 02:00 this morning. This resolution follows successful negotiations between SAA Executive Management and the South African Airways Pilots Association (SAAPA). The airline is expected to return to a 100% flight schedule by 08 December 2024, with more than 100 pilots returning to their duties by 12:00 today (07 December 2024). We'll keep you posted!

update (05 December 2024): According to Khaya Buthelezi, SAA's senior manager of corporate relations, flights to Perth in Australia and Sao Paulo in Brazil have both been canceled as no partner airlines could be found to transfer passengers to.

update (05 December 2024): The pilots started striking this morning at 07:00. According to SAA, the strike's length is unclear. It will impact all SAA-operated flights on domestic and regional routes, including Johannesburg to Cape Town, Durban, Gqeberha, Windhoek, and Mauritius. However, flights by SAA’s codeshare and Star Alliance partners will operate as scheduled.

Did you have a delayed or canceled flight? Get up to £520 compensation per passenger, no matter the ticket price. No win, no fee! [ad]

South African Airways (SAA) is facing a strike by its pilots. The airline announced on 03 December 2024  that after protracted wage negotiations it has received a notification from the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) expressing their intent to embark on a strike action commencing 05 December 2024. According to SAA, the management of the airline is doing everything possible to avoid a strike by pilots, or any disruptions to its operations, especially during the December peak season.

“SAA has only recently regained its operational viability after emerging from business rescue in 2021. In order not to disrupt this momentum, we are committed to ongoing negotiations with SAAPA and to do everything possible to reach a fair settlement that is mutually beneficial to both the pilots and the company”, said SAA Interim Chief Executive Officer Professor John Lamola.

We'll keep you posted!

online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Cape Town: Major upgrades coming to Muizenberg beachfront!

The City of Cape Town has announced that the refurbishment of the Muizenberg beachfront is set to commence by mid-February 2025. The project entails major upgrades to public amenities and replacing the aged seawalls, and will be complete by the end of 2026.
The upgrade of the Muizenberg beachfront, which will be done in phases, will take place at Surfer’s Corner, on the western part of the beachfront along Beach Road, including the connection to the St James walkway, the Surfer’s Corner steps, the main promenade area and the existing informal gravel parking area along the railway line and eastern parking area.
The first work of the project will commence along the western section of Surfer’s Corner, next to the railway line. The beach will remain open and accessible at all times.

The  refurbishment of the Muizenberg beachfront will include the following upgrades and repairs:

• a new stepped revetment coastal protection infrastructure
• clay pavers on the existing parking area along the railway line
• new ablution facilities
• a new pergola
• an upgraded playground
• relocation of all eight beach huts

Muizenberg is located along the False Bay coastline in Cape Town, approximately 25 km from the city center. It is part of the southern suburbs and is easily accessible via road or train. The beach is famous for its wide, sandy shoreline and gentle waves, making it one of the most popular destinations in Cape Town.
 

South Africa: Airlink halts flights to Lesotho over safety soncerns at Maseru Airport! [update]

update (04 December 2025): Airlink has announced that firefighting services at Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU) in Maseru have been restored. As a result, the airline's flights will operate as scheduled from tomorrow, Thursday 05 December 2024.

South African regional airline Airlink has announced the disruption of its daily service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Maseru in Lesotho due to the unavailability of fire and rescue services and equipment at Moshoeshoe I International Airport (MSU). According to the airline, today’s (03 December 2024) flights on the route have all been cancelled. Airlink will resume flights to Maseru as soon as the airport operator has restored the necessary emergency support services. We'll keep you posted!

 online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Early closure of Twee Rivieren shop & restaurant on 6 December 2024!

The management of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park has announced that the shop and the restaurant at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp will be closing earlier than normal on 06 December 2024. This is due to the National Park's annually Awards function:

• Twee Rivieren Shop will be open from 07:30 to 18:00 on 06 December 2024
• Twee Rivieren Restaurant will be open from 08:30 to 18:00 on 06 December 2024

Twee Rivieren is largest rest camp in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and its administrative headquarters. The camp is situated on the banks of the dry Nossob riverbed. Activities and facilities are diverse, as are the animals and plants found both within the camp and in the surrounding areas. Besides the new Interpretation Centre, Twee Rivieren Rest Camp has a reception, shop, fuel, restaurant, information centre and swimming pool. This is the only camp with 24 hrs electricity and cell phone reception in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. 

Durban: Two 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 December 2024) open and safe for swimming, closed for swimming and of swimming pools that are currently open to the public. According to the lists, 21 beaches in Durban are currently open for swimming, while swimming at two beaches is prohibited due to water quality. 33 swimming pools in Durban are currently open to the public. 

The following beaches are open for swimming:
- operating hours 06:00 - 18:30 -

1. uShaka
2. Addington
3. Battery Beach
4. Bay of Plenty
5. Point Beach
6. North Beach
7. South Beach
8. Wedge Beach
9. Thekwini Beach
10. Laguna Beach
11. Country Club
12. mDloti Main
13. uMhlanga Main
14. Bronze Beach
15. Westbrook
16. uMgababa
17. Brighton
18. Winkelespruit
19. Toti Main Beach
20. Pipeline Beach
21. Warner Beach

Beach(es) closed for swimming:

1. Anstey's Beach
2. Reunion

 Recreational activities other than swimming at beaches closed for swimming are allowed!

Festive season 2024/25: Kruger National Park enforces gate quotas for day visitors!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that daily quotas for day visitors will once again apply at the entrance gates of Kruger National Park during the festive season 2024/25. Three time slots have been introduced, of which day visitos can choose from. Visitors are urged to make pre-bookings for their visits prior to their arrival. The three time slots are as follows:

• Time slot 1: 05.30 to 08:00
• Time slot 2: 08:00 to 10:00
• Time slot 3: 10:00 onwards

Pre-booked day visitors are prioritised at the gate but must arrive within their booked time slots. Late arrivals will be treated as non-booked and will not receive preference. It’s also important to note that Wild Card members are not exempt from the pre-booking fee.
Once the daily quota has been reached, only people who made pre-bookings are allowed to enter Kruger National Park. The rest will have to queue and rely on the people moving out of the park to create space for them; this situation does not affect overnight guests.

• All guests (drivers and passengers) will be required to identify themselves upon admission (by producing a South African driver’s license, identity document or passport); please ensure you are in possession of one of these documents and have them ready.
• Pre-booking is crucial for day visitors, as it allows them to secure up to 80% of the Day Visitor Quota per gate. This can be done via SANParks Reservations offices and online.
• Day Visitor pre-bookings are subject to a non-refundable booking fee of R56 per adult and R28 per child, which must be paid in advance. This fee ensures their space because they would have been counted in the number that made the daily quota.
• Day Visitors who have pre-booked will still be required to pay Conservation Fees or use a valid Wild Card to enter Kruger National Park. The Conservation Fee for SA residents as well as Zimbabwe and Mocambique nationals (passport required to prove this) is R128 per adult and R64 per child (between ages 2 – 11). For nationals of Eswatini and other SADC countries, the conservation fees are R257 per adult and R128 per child. The standard conservation fees of R535 for adults and R257 for children apply to all other guests.
• Guests are reminded of the secure and convenient cash-free payment system at the gates (Paul Kruger, Phabeni, Numbi, Malelane and Crocodile Bridge) and fuel stations in the southern part of Kruger National Park. This system ensures a smooth and hassle-free entry and exit from the park.
• Vehicles without licence plates will not be allowed to enter/exit the park at the entrance gates; any vehicle found inside the park without front and rear licence plates will be impounded, and the driver will be charged under the NEMPA ACT and fined.
• Ranger services, SANDF, and Protection Services will be full force to ensure compliance and prevent poaching. The upgraded camera technology will assist them, vigilant law enforcers, and the public, who have shared information to assist in numerous arrests.
• Visitors are urged to observe Kruger National Park's rules, which are primarily intended to ensure safe and pleasant experiences. By respecting these rules, visitors contribute to the preservation of the park’s natural beauty and the safety of all its inhabitants. They are further urged to plan their trips and allow sufficient time to enjoy the bush, relax, and arrive safely at their destination.

South Africa: Airlink expands Nairobi service with additional night flights!

South African regional airline Airlink is set to increase flights to Nairobi in Kenya. The airline will add three weekly night flights to its service between OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi from 30 March 2025. The extra flights provide greater choices travellers flying between the two cities and bolster Airlink’s daily service which it launched last year, when it became the first private sector airline to compete on the route.

Airlink’s 98-seat Embraer E190 jetliners will operate the additional flights on these days and at these times:

• Johannesburg 20:30 > 01:30 Nairobi on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
• Nairobi 02:15 > 05:35 Johannesburg on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays

 online flight booking on TravelComments.com >>