Air France brings back direct Paris - Cape Town flights

Travellers flying between Europe and Cape Town will have another nonstop option this southern summer as Air France brings back its seasonal service between Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris and Cape Town International Airport (CPT).

The route is scheduled to operate from 22 September 2026 until 27 March 2027, making it particularly useful for European travellers heading to Cape Town for a southern African summer holiday, a city break or onward travel through the region.

More flights during the peak season

Air France will initially operate the Paris - Cape Town route three times a week:

22 September – 31 October 2026

• Paris > Cape Town (Tue/Fri/Sun): depart 10:25, arrive 22:10
• Cape Town > Paris (Mon/Wed/Sat): depart 00:15, arrive 12:15

One important detail for travellers: despite the departure technically being just after midnight, passengers will need to be at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) on the evening before the departure date.

From 01 November 2026, Air France's Cape Town–Paris service steps up to five flights a week, operating on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and continuing on that pattern until the season ends on 27 March 2027. Confirmed timings so far cover the Cape Town–Paris direction: departure from Cape Town at 08:30, arriving in Paris at 19:20. Air France hasn't published a separate schedule for the return Paris–Cape Town leg, but as this is presented as a single five-weekly-frequency route rather than two independently timed services, it's likely the return flights operate on the same five days — most plausibly departing Paris in the evening for an overnight flight back to Cape Town. Travellers should check Air France's official timetable for the exact Paris departure time before booking.

Why the route matters for visitors to South Africa

The return of Air France's nonstop Paris–Cape Town service gives travellers from France and elsewhere in Europe a direct way to reach South Africa during the 2026/27 summer season, without having to connect elsewhere in Europe or through another African hub.

For visitors planning a Cape Town holiday, a Garden Route road trip or a wider Southern African itinerary, flying directly into Cape Town can make the start of the journey more convenient. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris is also one of Air France's major connecting hubs, offering onward connections across France, Europe and further afield for travellers continuing their journey after visiting South Africa.

The route also provides another option for South African travellers heading to Europe, while adding capacity during the busy summer tourism season, when demand for flights between Europe and Cape Town traditionally increases.

As always, flight schedules and frequencies can change, so travellers should check the latest details when making their booking.

Bottom line

Air France's seasonal nonstop Paris–Cape Town service returns on 22 September 2026, initially with three weekly flights before increasing to five flights a week from 01 November 2026. The route is scheduled to operate until 27 March 2027, giving travellers another direct link between the Mother City and one of Europe's biggest aviation hubs. 

 

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South Africa's Summer Weather Outlook: Hotter and drier conditions expected

Travellers planning a trip to South Africa between September 2026 and January 2027 may want to keep an eye on the weather. The latest seasonal outlook from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) points towards a hotter-than-normal summer, with an increasingly strong El Niño raising the likelihood of drier conditions across large parts of the country.

El Niño is currently strengthening and is forecast to potentially reach a very strong state during the coming months, with conditions expected to persist through at least the end of the 2026/27 summer season. For South Africa, this typically increases the risk of warmer and drier weather.

The outlook is not uniformly dry, however. During spring, favourable rainfall is still possible along parts of the eastern coast and eastern interior. As the country moves into early summer, below-normal rainfall becomes more likely across significant areas, particularly the central interior and far north-east.

There are currently also indications of potentially wetter-than-normal conditions in some eastern parts of South Africa during early summer. SAWS cautions, however, that this part of the forecast remains uncertain as the El Niño event continues to develop.

What could this mean for travellers?

For visitors, the most noticeable impact may simply be the heat. Both minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be above normal across much of South Africa during spring and early summer.

This could make daytime sightseeing, hiking and other outdoor activities more demanding, especially in inland destinations. Travellers heading to national parks and game reserves should also be prepared for potentially changing conditions if below-normal rainfall becomes established.

A drier summer can affect landscapes, water levels and vegetation, while hot conditions may influence the timing of wildlife activity. For safari travellers, early mornings and late afternoons could become even more important for game viewing.

It is still a seasonal outlook rather than a day-to-day forecast, and conditions can vary considerably between regions. Travellers should therefore not assume that the entire country will experience the same weather. Those visiting South Africa over the coming months would be wise to check updated forecasts closer to departure.

For now, the key message is clear: South Africa's 2026/27 summer could become significantly hotter and drier as El Niño strengthens, although regional rainfall patterns may still change as the season develops.

Bontebok National Park Recovery Update: More chalets, camping and hiking trails reopen

Travellers planning to visit Bontebok National Park will find that the park has made further progress in its recovery from the severe flooding that hit the Breede River in May 2026.

As reported previously, the flooding caused significant damage to visitor infrastructure and forced the temporary closure of the park's accommodation area. Since then, South African National Parks (SANParks) has been working to restore access and facilities - and the latest update brings some encouraging news for visitors.

More facilities are now open

Six chalets have now reopened, giving overnight visitors more accommodation options than were available immediately after the floods. The campsite has also reopened.

Three hiking trails are once again accessible:

• Aloe Hill Trail
• Acacia Trail
• Termite Trail

Bontebok National Park main access road to the accommodation area, which was almost completely destroyed by the flooding, has also been repaired. The rehabilitation included stronger reinforcement to help protect the route against future damage.

What is still closed?

Recovery work is not yet complete. Travellers should note that the following are currently unavailable:

• remaining chalets
• Bushbuck Trail
• Ou Tuin Trail
• picnic site

The total cost of repairing the flood damage is estimated at around R12.3 million.

What this means for travellers

Bontebok National Park is open and increasingly accessible, but visitors should not expect every facility to have returned to normal just yet.

For travellers planning an overnight stay or a hiking visit, the reopening of six chalets, the campsite and three trails provides considerably more options. However, if your itinerary depends on a particular chalet, trail or the picnic site, it is worth checking its current status before travelling.

The timing may also be particularly interesting for South African visitors: Bontebok National Park is included in SANParks Week 2026, with free entry available from 07 to 13 September 2026, subject to the usual terms and conditions.

We'll continue to monitor the recovery at Bontebok National Park and update this post if further accommodation, trails or visitor facilities reopen. 

 

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Southern Africa's 2026/27 Rainy Season: Drier and Hotter Conditions Expected Across Much of the Region

Travellers planning a trip to Southern Africa during the 2026/27 rainy season from October 2026 to March 2027 may want to keep an eye on the latest regional climate outlook. The consensus forecast from the Thirty-Third Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-33) points to a generally drier-than-normal start to the season across much of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, followed by below-normal rainfall across large parts of central and southern Southern Africa early in 2027.

The outlook does not mean that it will not rain. Seasonal forecasts describe the likelihood of rainfall patterns over several months rather than predicting the weather on a particular day. For travellers, however, the forecast provides an early indication of what conditions could look like when planning safaris, self-drive holidays and other outdoor trips.

October to December 2026: A potentially dry start across much of Southern Africa

For the first part of the 2026/27 rainfall season, below-normal rainfall is favoured across the bulk of the SADC region.

This could be particularly relevant for travellers visiting traditionally dry areas such as Namibia, Botswana and parts of South Africa, where the first summer rains can have a significant influence on landscapes, water availability and wildlife movements.

More favourable rainfall conditions are forecast further north. Normal to above-normal rainfall is expected across much of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), northwestern Angola, northern Zambia, central Malawi, northern Mozambique, southern fringes of Tanzania and the Comoros.

Above-normal rainfall is particularly favoured over eastern parts of the DRC, most of Tanzania, extreme northern Malawi, extreme northern Zambia and the Seychelles.

Meanwhile, normal to below-normal rainfall is forecast for the southwestern coastal part of South Africa, southwestern Madagascar and Mauritius.

January to March 2027: Drier conditions could continue

The outlook suggests that the drier pattern could persist into the heart of Southern Africa's summer.

For January to March 2027, below-normal rainfall is expected across much of the central and southern SADC region, including large parts of Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and parts of South Africa.

Normal to below-normal rainfall is also favoured over parts of southern Mozambique, northern South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho and Madagascar.

By contrast, wetter conditions are more likely across the northern parts of the region. Normal to above-normal rainfall is expected over the DRC, northern Zambia , northern Malawi, northern Mozambique, parts of Tanzania and the Seychelles, with above-normal rainfall particularly favoured over eastern Tanzania and the Comoros.

Madagascar could see contrasting conditions, with normal to below-normal rainfall forecast for northern and western areas and normal to above-normal rainfall favoured in southeastern parts. Mauritius is expected to experience normal to above-normal rainfall.

Above-normal temperatures also expected

The rainfall forecast is accompanied by a warning that temperatures are likely to be above normal across most of the SADC region between October 2026 and January 2027.

For travellers, this could be an important consideration. Higher temperatures can make midday game drives, hiking and city sightseeing more demanding, while prolonged dry conditions may also affect water levels, vegetation and wildlife distribution.

Central to northeastern parts of the region are the main exception, where below-normal temperatures are expected during the period.

What does the forecast mean for travellers?

It is still too early to predict conditions at individual destinations or on specific travel dates. A below-normal seasonal rainfall forecast can still include periods of heavy rain, thunderstorms or local flooding.

Nevertheless, travellers visiting Southern Africa during the 2026/27 summer season should consider the possibility of hotter and, across many areas, drier-than-usual conditions.

This may be particularly relevant when planning trips to Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola and South Africa between October 2026 and March 2027.

As the rainy season approaches, it will be worth checking shorter-term forecasts and destination-specific updates. Conditions can change considerably between regions, and local rainfall remains especially important for travellers heading to national parks, remote areas and destinations where road conditions or water availability may be affected.

We will continue to monitor updates to the regional climate outlook as the 2026/27 Southern African summer rainfall season develops.

 

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|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Diesel shortage at Sendelingsdrift

Planning a self-drive into the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park via Sendelingsdrift? South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that, due to unforeseen circumstances, diesel there is currently capped at 40 litres per vehicle until further notice.

That's not much in one of South Africa's most remote parks. Distances between waypoints are long, the terrain is demanding, and cellphone signal is scarce, so a low tank is a real problem, not just an inconvenience. Treat Sendelingsdrift as a top-up point for now, not your main fuel stop.

How to plan around it

• Fill up fully before you leave tar – Springbok on the N7 is your last guaranteed stop.
• Carry extra diesel in jerry cans. SANParks itself is encouraging visitors to bring additional fuel to cover their stay.
• Plan your route and distances in advance, rather than improvising once inside.
• Check with SANParks shortly before you travel, as restrictions like this tend to change.

Nearest fuel stops outside the park

• Alexander Bay – ~90km away, but pumps here often run dry. Don't rely on it.
• Port Nolloth – ~180km away, and the safer bet: fuel, shops and accommodation.
• Springbok – ~300km away on the N7, the most reliable stop in the region.
• Rosh Pinah, Namibia – handy if approaching via the Sendelingsdrift pontoon.

Bottom line

Fill up before you need to, carry more diesel than you think you'll use, and treat any fuel point in a remote park as a bonus, not a guarantee. Do that, and this shortage is a minor planning hiccup rather than a trip-ending one.

We'll update this post if SANParks lifts the restriction.

 

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Africa's Top 5 safari destinations for September to December

Travellers planning an African safari between September and December 2026 may find a new ranking by travel eSIM provider Holafly useful as a starting point.

Holafly, which provides international eSIM data plans for travellers, has published its first Autumn/Winter Safari Destination Index. The company ranked safari destinations according to factors including wildlife density, seasonal conditions, accessibility and conservation credentials.

Kruger National Park in South Africa claimed the top spot, followed by Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe and Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Holafly's Top 5 Safari Destinations for September to December 2026

1. Kruger National Park, South Africa
2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
3. South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
4. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe
5. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

For travellers, the timing is particularly interesting. September and October generally coincide with the end of the dry season in several of these destinations, when wildlife can be easier to spot around limited water sources. By November and December, rains begin transforming parts of Southern and East Africa, bringing greener landscapes and changing wildlife movements.

Holafly placed Kruger National Park at number one because of its combination of wildlife, infrastructure, flight connectivity and accommodation options. For independent travellers, the park's extensive self-drive opportunities and range of accommodation also make it one of Africa's most flexible safari destinations.

Hwange National Park was highlighted as a particularly strong option during the late dry season, while the Serengeti National Park ranked highly for travellers interested in the Great Migration as herds move south towards the short-grass plains later in the year.

Of course, there is no single best safari destination for every traveller. Your budget, travel dates and preferred safari experience will ultimately matter more than any ranking. But if you are planning a late-2026 African safari, Holafly's list offers a useful shortlist — with Kruger National Park once again showing why it remains one of the continent's leading safari destinations.

 

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South Africa's Airports Set for Major Upgrades: What travellers can expect

Travellers flying to or within South Africa could see significant changes at the country's airports over the coming years.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) is rolling out a R21.7 billion capital investment programme to upgrade infrastructure, increase capacity and improve passenger facilities across its network of nine airports.

The biggest projects are planned for OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, while King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban, George and several smaller airports are also set to benefit.

So, what does this mean for travellers?

OR Tambo: More reliable infrastructure and better passenger facilities

At Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), a major priority is improving jet fuel infrastructure following recent concerns over the resilience of the airport's fuel supply system.

Passengers are also expected to benefit from more visible improvements, including the continued replacement of escalators and travelators, upgraded toilet facilities, repaired and replaced airport trolleys, and improvements to parking and backup power infrastructure.

Much of the investment will take place behind the scenes, but the aim is ultimately a more reliable airport experience at Africa's busiest airport.

Cape Town International Airport gets the biggest investment

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town is set to receive approximately R11.3 billion, making it the largest individual investment programme in ACSA's current plans.

For travellers, the most important developments include a new domestic arrivals terminal, an expanded domestic departures terminal and additional passenger loading bridges.

More aircraft stands and other airside infrastructure are also planned as Cape Town continues to experience strong growth in domestic and international passenger numbers.

The expansion should eventually provide more terminal capacity and improve passenger flows. However, travellers using CPT over the coming years should expect to see construction activity and occasional changes to familiar routes through the airport.

Durban and regional airports also included

At King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban, major terminal expansion remains a longer-term project, with the largest work currently planned for the early 2030s. In the meantime, travellers may see renovations and security-related improvements.

The investment programme also extends to regional airports. George Airport (GRJ) in George, an important gateway to the Garden Route, is expected to receive significant investment through to 2031.

Other airports included in the programme are Bram Fischer International Airport (BFN) in Bloemfontein, King Phalo Airport (ELS) in East London and Kimberley Airport (KIM) in Kimberley, where runway and taxiway rehabilitation is scheduled to continue until 2029.

For travellers, these projects should gradually mean improved and more reliable airport infrastructure, although construction work may occasionally result in temporary operational changes.

Should travellers expect disruption?

ACSA says it intends to minimise disruption by separating construction areas from passenger operations and scheduling some work at night or during quieter periods.

That means travellers are more likely to encounter temporary routes, changed signage and boarded-off areas than major terminal closures.

If you are flying through JNB or CPT, it is worth arriving with enough time to navigate any temporary changes—particularly if you have not used the airport recently.

Bottom line

South Africa's airport upgrade programme is a long-term project, so travellers should not expect everything to change immediately.

The most noticeable improvements are likely to be better terminal facilities, more capacity and upgrades to everyday infrastructure such as toilets, escalators and travelators. Behind the scenes, investment in fuel, power and airside infrastructure could also help make airport operations more resilient.

For now, the main advice is simple: keep an eye on airport information before travelling and allow a little extra time if construction work affects your usual route through the terminal.

Have you recently travelled through one of South Africa's airports? Let us know in the comments what improvements - or remaining problems - you noticed.

 

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OR Tambo Jet Fuel Supply Update: What the Natref shutdown means for travellers

UPDATE – 01 September 2026: Sasol says it has implemented measures to keep the affected unit at its Natref refinery operational until the end of September. The measures are intended to support more stable jet fuel availability and continued supply to key customers, including those at OR Tambo International Airport. Flights are currently operating normally.  

Travellers flying to, from or through Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) may want to keep an eye on an unplanned shutdown at Sasol's National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa (Natref) Refinery.

The shutdown has affected Sasol's ability to fully meet some of its fuel supply commitments, including Jet A-1 fuel supplied to customers at OR Tambo. For now, however, flights are operating normally and there is no indication that travellers need to change their plans.

OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) is South Africa's busiest airport and a major gateway for international tourists travelling onwards to destinations such as Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Durban and elsewhere in Southern Africa. A prolonged disruption could put additional pressure on airline operations and connecting flights.

At present, travellers should not expect widespread flight cancellations because of the Natref shutdown. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) says flights are operating normally, while airlines are using contingency measures to protect their schedules.

Travellers flying through OR Tambo should continue checking their airline's latest flight information before departure. The situation is nevertheless worth monitoring, particularly if the disruption continues for an extended period.

Bottom line

The Natref shutdown has affected jet fuel supply arrangements at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), but flights are currently operating normally.

Sasol has now implemented measures to keep the affected refinery unit operational until the end of September, which should support more stable jet fuel supplies and continued deliveries to key customers, including OR Tambo.

For travellers, this is reassuring news. There is currently no reason to cancel or change travel plans, although the situation remains worth monitoring as the industry manages the disruption.

 

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South Africa Weather Outlook: El Niño may bring a hotter and drier summer

Travellers planning a trip to South Africa towards the end of 2026 and during the 2026/27 summer should keep an eye on the country's developing weather pattern. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) expects the current El Niño to strengthen further, with its more typical effects of warmer and drier conditions increasingly likely during the coming summer.

According to SAWS's latest climate outlook, El Niño could reach a strong state within the next few months and persist until at least the end of the 2026/27 summer season.

A mixed outlook for spring

The transition from winter into spring currently brings a more mixed picture. South Africa's winter-rainfall areas are expected to see favourable rainfall conditions, while the eastern coastal regions face an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall as they move into their wetter season.

Temperatures are also expected to be above normal across much of South Africa during spring, with both daytime and overnight temperatures likely to be higher than usual.

A drier start to summer possible

The early part of the summer season is already showing signs of potentially significant below-normal rainfall, particularly as the strengthening El Niño begins to influence regional weather patterns.

For travellers, this could mean hotter conditions for self-drive holidays, safaris and outdoor activities. Lower rainfall can also affect landscapes, water availability and, over time, wildlife viewing conditions. However, the outlook is a seasonal forecast rather than a day-to-day weather prediction, and conditions can still vary considerably between regions.

Anyone planning to visit South Africa during the coming spring and summer should therefore check local weather forecasts closer to their trip and remain aware of possible heat, drought and changing fire conditions.

 

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Karoo National Park Road Repairs: What visitors need to know until September 2026

Visitors to Karoo National Park should be prepared for occasional detours over the coming weeks as repair work gets underway following damage caused by heavy rain earlier in 2026.

South African National Parks (SANParks) says roads and culverts will be repaired until the end of September 2026, with intermittent closures and traffic diversions affecting parts of Karoo National Park.

The main area likely to affect self-drive visitors is Lammertjiesleegte, where sections may be closed temporarily while contractors are working. Traffic may be diverted around the affected sections. Visitors using Klipspringer Pass should also expect diversions, with traffic routed past the caravan park and staff village when necessary.

The work may mean slightly longer driving times, so allow some extra time when exploring Karoo National Park and follow any temporary road signs or instructions from staff.

The good news is that these are temporary disruptions rather than a closure of the park's road network. Karoo National Park remains open to visitors, and the repairs should help restore infrastructure damaged during the earlier heavy rains.

Traveller tip

If you are planning a self-drive safari or scenic drive in Karoo National Park before the end of September 2026, check for the latest road information on arrival and remain flexible with your route. A short diversion could be a small inconvenience, but the repairs are intended to keep the park's roads accessible and safe in the longer term.

 

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Durban Beaches Update: All 23 beaches open for swimming

Durban's beaches are fully open for swimming again, according to the latest beach status update issued on 26 August 2026. All 23 monitored beaches listed by eThekwini Municipality are currently open, giving visitors plenty of options along Durban's northern, central and southern coastline.

For travellers planning a visit to Durban, the municipality's latest status report shows that all 23 monitored beaches were open for swimming. The update follows earlier water-quality concerns and temporary closures, meaning conditions can still differ from one beach to another and may change over time. The E. coli samples produced varying results along the coastline. Under the municipality's classification system, readings below 130 are considered excellent, results between 130 and 500 are acceptable, and readings above 500 are classified as poor.

Which Durban beaches are open?

The latest update covers all 23 official beaches along the greater Durban coastline.

Northern Durban beaches open for swimming: Westbrook, Umdloti Main, Umhlanga Main and Bronze Beach.

Central Durban beaches open for swimming: Wedge, Point, uShaka, Addington, South Beach, North Beach, Bay of Plenty, Battery Beach, Country Club, Thekwini Beach and Laguna Beach.

Southern Durban beaches open for swimming: Toti Main, Ansteys, Brighton, Umgababa, Doonside Beach, Winklespruit, Pipeline and Reunion.

The strongest results were recorded at several beaches, including Umdloti Main, Ansteys, Brighton and Point, all with readings of less than 10. Reunion, meanwhile, recorded 481, while Doonside Beach recorded 146; both remain open under the municipality's published classification system.

What this means for travellers

For visitors planning a beach holiday in Durban, the current picture is straightforward: all 23 beaches on the latest monitored list are open for swimming. That includes major tourist favourites such as Umhlanga Main, North Beach, uShaka, Addington and the beaches around Amanzimtoti.

Beach conditions and water quality can change, however, and the municipality says the status will be updated when conditions change. Travellers should therefore check the latest official beach information, particularly after heavy rain or before travelling specifically for a day of swimming.

Durban beach swimming hours

According to the latest update, beaches operate from 06:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 17:00 on Sundays and public holidays.

Bottom line: As of 26 August 2026, Durban's latest beach update is the most positive possible for visitors: all 23 monitored beaches are open for swimming.

Source: eThekwini Municipality beach water quality results, 26 August 2026. 

 

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Cheetahs return to Eswatini after more than 35 years

Four cheetahs have been reintroduced to Eswatini, marking the return of the species to the Kingdom after an absence of more than 35 years. For travellers interested in wildlife, the reintroduction adds another potentially exciting species to Eswatini’s safari offering.

Two females and two males are now living in Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve, where conservationists hope they will establish a breeding population.

Cheetahs return to Eswatini

The four cheetahs are currently the only cheetahs in Eswatini. The females arrived from Nyosi Wildlife Reserve in South Africa in late 2025, while two males from Dinokeng Game Reserve were added in April 2026.

The animals have been monitored closely since their release. The females have already adapted well to their new surroundings, hunting successfully and establishing territories. The males are ranging through the northern and eastern parts of Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve.

Importantly, tracking data shows the males and females now occupying neighbouring areas. This raises hopes that the cheetahs could eventually breed, although there is no guarantee that cubs will be born.

If breeding is successful, the new population could become part of the wider southern African cheetah metapopulation, helping to strengthen the species beyond Eswatini.

Why Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve was chosen

Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve covers around 13,000 hectares and supports a healthy range of prey species, including impala, nyala, kudu, wildebeest, warthog and reedbuck.

The reserve also offers an important advantage for cheetahs: there are no lions and relatively few leopards and hyenas. These larger predators can compete with cheetahs and pose a particular threat to cubs.

The four animals are fitted with tracking collars and are monitored daily, allowing conservationists to follow their movements and respond to potential problems.

What the cheetah return means for travellers

For visitors, the reintroduction gives Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve and the wider Lubombo region another attraction for wildlife enthusiasts.

Seeing a cheetah in the wild is already a highlight of a southern African safari, and the possibility of encountering one in Eswatini adds a new dimension to the country's wildlife experiences. However, travellers should not expect guaranteed sightings. With only four animals in a large reserve, finding them will depend on their movements and the effectiveness of ongoing monitoring.

The more significant tourism benefit may therefore be longer term. If the population breeds successfully and expands to other protected areas, cheetahs could become an increasingly important part of Eswatini's safari offering.

For now, the return of four cheetahs represents an important conservation milestone — and another reason for wildlife-focused travellers to keep an eye on Eswatini.

A first step towards a breeding population

The immediate priority is to establish a viable breeding population. The males and females are already using neighbouring areas, but conservationists caution that successful breeding and raising cubs cannot be taken for granted.

If the project succeeds, however, Eswatini could once again have a self-sustaining cheetah population after more than three decades without the species.

For travellers, that makes this a development worth watching: Eswatini's cheetahs are back, and the next important sighting could be the first cubs born in the Kingdom in decades.

 

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From the Garden Route to Kruger National Park: New direct flights launch in November 2026

Travellers planning a Garden Route trip followed by a safari in the Kruger National Park will soon have a more convenient option. From 16 November 2026, Airlink will operate the first scheduled direct flights between Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP).

The new service will operate three times a week, linking Gqeberha with the airport serving Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), the Kruger National Park and surrounding private game reserves.

Bookings for the new route are already open.

Direct flights between Gqeberha and Kruger Mpumalanga

Airlink will operate the new route on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, using a 44-seat Embraer ERJ140.

The schedule from 16 November 2026 is:

• Mon, Wed, Fri    Gqeberha (PLZ) – Mbombela (MQP)    11:30 > 13:20
• Mon, Wed, Fri    Mbombela (MQP) – Gqeberha (PLZ)    13:55 > 15:35

The flight time is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes in each direction.

As with Airlink's other flights, the ERJ140 has only window and aisle seats, so passengers will not have to contend with a middle seat.

A useful new link for Kruger travellers

For visitors travelling between the Eastern Cape and the Kruger National Park, the new service could make a noticeable difference to travel time and convenience.

Until now, flying between Gqeberha and the Kruger region has generally meant connecting elsewhere, most notably in Johannesburg. A direct flight removes that additional connection and makes it considerably easier to combine a Gqeberha, Sunshine Coast or Garden Route itinerary with a Kruger safari.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) is particularly convenient for travellers heading to Mbombela, the southern and central Kruger National Park and private game reserves in Mpumalanga.

The route could therefore be particularly useful for international visitors putting together a multi-stop South African itinerary, as well as domestic travellers combining a coastal holiday with a safari.

What travellers should know

The three-weekly schedule is not a daily service, so travellers will need to plan their itinerary around the Monday, Wednesday and Friday operating days.

The new route also gives travellers another option when planning a trip between the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga without having to build a Johannesburg connection into their itinerary.

 

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SANParks Week 2026: Free entry to South African National Parks

South African National Parks (SANParks) is once again offering free entry to participating national parks for South African day visitors during South African National Parks Week, which runs from 07 to 13 September 2026.

The annual initiative is a good opportunity for South African residents to explore a national park close to home without paying the usual conservation fee. However, there are some important exceptions — and several parks are only included from Monday to Friday.

When is SANParks Week 2026?

The 21st annual South African National Parks Week takes place from Monday, 07 September to Sunday, 13 September 2026.

South African visitors must present an identity document to qualify for free entry. Children under 18 do not need to provide identification.

The offer covers park entry only. Accommodation, game drives, guided walks and other activities remain subject to their normal fees.

Which national parks are included?

The following parks offer free entry for the full 07–13 September 2026 period:

• Agulhas National Park
• Bontebok National Park
• Table Mountain National Park*
• Tankwa Karoo National Park
• Addo Elephant National Park
• Camdeboo National Park
• Karoo National Park
• Mountain Zebra National Park
• Garden Route National Park
• |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
• Mokala National Park

* At Table Mountain National Park, free entry excludes the Boulders Penguin Colony and Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

Parks with weekday-only free entry

Free access is limited to 07–11 September 2026 at:

• Kruger National Park
• West Coast National Park
• Golden Gate Highlands National Park
• Mapungubwe National Park
• Marakele National Park
• Augrabies Falls National Park

This means that Kruger National Park is not free on the weekend of 12–13 September2026.

The weekday restriction at West Coast National Park is particularly relevant for visitors hoping to combine South African National Parks Week with the 2026 wildflower season, when the park is traditionally very busy.

Parks not included

Not every SANParks destination participates in the initiative.

Namaqua National Park is excluded from South African National Parks Week 2026, while the Boulders Penguin Colony and Table Mountain Aerial Cableway are excluded from the offer despite Table Mountain National Park participating.

What does free entry include?

South African National Parks Week covers the normal conservation/entrance fee for South African day visitors. It does not make other park services free.

Visitors will still pay the normal rates for:

• accommodation
• guided game drives
• guided walks
• other organised activities and attractions

It is therefore particularly useful for a self-drive day visit, where the normal conservation fee would otherwise be the main park admission cost.

A good opportunity to explore

South African National Parks Week has become one of SANParks' biggest public-access initiatives since it was introduced in 2006. More than 105,000 visitors took advantage of the free-entry offer in 2025.

For South African residents, the 2026 edition provides another opportunity to visit a national park — perhaps one that is close to home but has never made it onto the itinerary.

If you are planning to take advantage of the offer, it is worth checking the individual park's opening times and any access restrictions before travelling. Popular parks and gateways can be busy during South African National Parks Week.

International visitors should note that the free-entry offer is aimed at South African day visitors. Foreign tourists should budget for the applicable normal conservation fees.

 

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|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Sendelingsdrift Pontoon to reopen on 01 September 2026

Travellers planning a road trip through the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park have an important update: the Sendelingsdrift Pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift border post is scheduled to reopen on 01 September 2026.

The pontoon crosses the Orange (Gariep) River between South Africa and Namibia, providing a convenient cross-border route for travellers combining the Richtersveld with southern Namibia. It also avoids the lengthy detour around the river.

What travellers need to know

When operational, the pontoon at Sendelingsdrift operates seven days a week, from 08:00 to 16:15, according to South African National Parks (SANParks).

The reopening date is scheduled, so travellers should confirm that the crossing is operating before setting out, particularly as water levels in the Orange River can affect operations.

Sendelingsdrift Pontoon:

• Scheduled reopening: 01 September 2026
• Operating hours: 08:00–16:00 daily
• Location: Sendelingsdrift border post, |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park
• Park reception: +27 (0)27 831 1506

The Sendelingsdrift border post is an important gateway to the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a remote wilderness area straddling the South Africa - Namibia border.

 

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Durban Beaches Update: All 23 beaches open for swimming

If you're planning a beach day in Durban, there is good news. All 23 beaches listed in the latest eThekwini Municipality update are open for swimming. The latest water-quality results,  dated 19 August 2026, show generally good conditions, with most beaches recording excellent E. coli results.

Durban beaches open for swimming

The municipality's 19 August 2026 status update lists 23 beaches as open for swimming, covering Durban's central beachfront as well as beaches to the north and south of the city.

Among the central beaches, uShaka, Addington, South Beach, Bay of Plenty and Thekwini Beach all recorded excellent water-quality results. North Beach and Battery Beach recorded 146 E. coli units, putting them in the municipality's acceptable category, but both remain open.

Further north, Westbrook, Umhlanga Main and Bronze Beach recorded excellent results, while Umdloti Main's result of 185 falls into the acceptable range. All four beaches remain open.

The southern beaches are also open. Ansteys, Brighton, Umgababa, Doonside and Winklespruit recorded excellent results, while Toti Main and Reunion were in the acceptable range.

What this means for travellers

For visitors staying in Durban, Umhlanga or along the city's southern coastline, there are currently no swimming closures among the 23 beaches listed in the municipal update.

The municipality classifies E. coli results below 130 as excellent, 130–500 as acceptable and above 500 as poor.

As beach water quality can change, travellers should still check the latest municipal status before swimming, particularly after heavy rain or other events that could affect water quality.

 

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park Lion Survey Underway: What visitors need to know

South African National Parks (SANParks) and the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) are carrying out a new lion survey in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, with fieldwork continuing until October 2026.

If you are visiting the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in the coming weeks, you may notice research vehicles operating in the park alongside the usual SANParks vehicles. The survey is aimed at building a better picture of the park's lion population — including how many lions there are, where they occur and how they move through the Kgalagadi landscape.

Tracking Kgalagadi's lions

The survey is being conducted by SANParks in partnership with the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and will cover different sections of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

Researchers are using vehicle-based surveys and camera traps to collect information. One particularly useful method involves photographing the whisker spot patterns of individual lions.

Every lion has a unique arrangement of whisker spots around its muzzle. By photographing and comparing these patterns, researchers can identify individual lions and gradually build a more accurate picture of the population.

The resulting data will help SANParks and its partners better understand the size, distribution and movements of lions in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

What does this mean for visitors?

For most visitors, the survey should have little impact on a Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park safari. You may, however, come across SANParks or EWT research vehicles displaying official branding, particularly when researchers are working near lions.

Researchers may occasionally stop close to lions to photograph their whisker patterns. If you encounter a research vehicle or a lion being studied, the same basic safari rules apply:

• Keep a respectful distance from lions and other wildlife.
• Do not crowd animals or research vehicles.
• Give researchers enough space to carry out their work.
• Follow instructions from SANParks staff and research teams.
• Never compromise the safety of yourself, other visitors, researchers or wildlife to get a better photograph.

For visitors, it is essentially another reminder that the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is a working conservation area as well as a spectacular wildlife destination.

Why the survey matters

Reliable information about lion numbers and movements is important for the long-term management of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Lions are a key predator in the park's ecosystem, and understanding how the population changes over time helps conservation managers make better-informed decisions.

The current survey runs until October 2026, with the information collected contributing to the ongoing conservation and management of lions in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

For visitors, there is also a small bonus: if you come across one of the research teams, you may get to see some of the science behind the wildlife sightings that make a Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park trip so special.

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park visitors should therefore give research teams and wildlife the space they need — and enjoy watching the researchers at work from a safe and respectful distance.

 

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