These South African burgers are officially among the best in the world

South Africa’s food scene has earned another major international accolade — this time for burgers.

Time Out’s global food team has released its latest ranking of the 14 best burgers in the world, and two South African burger joints made the prestigious list. Cape Town’s Zuney Wagyu Burgers claimed an extraordinary second place globally, while Johannesburg’s Mafia Bite landed eighth place.

For travellers planning a South African city break, foodie road trip or culinary adventure, the ranking is further proof that the country’s dining scene continues to compete with the best in the world.

The list included burger destinations from Tokyo, Madrid, Paris, New York, Sydney and Buenos Aires, placing South Africa firmly among the world’s top burger destinations.

Cape Town’s Zuney Wagyu Burgers ranked second best in the world

Cape Town’s Zuney Wagyu Burgers was the highest-ranked African entry and came second worldwide, losing out only to Tokyo’s Smash Things burger bar.

Located on Kloof Street in Gardens and now also operating at Time Out Market Cape Town in the V&A Waterfront, Zuney has built a cult following around its farm-to-table Wagyu smash burgers.

According to Time Out, the signature Classic Zuney Burger stands out for its juicy Wagyu beef patty, crisp smashed edges, buttery brioche bun, caramelised onions and house sauce that enhances rather than masks the flavour of the beef.

What makes Zuney particularly interesting for travellers is its strong local identity. The Wagyu beef is sourced directly from the Zuney Valley farm in the Eastern Cape, giving the burger a distinctly South African farm-to-table story.

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Cape Town has long been recognised as one of Africa’s leading food cities, but this latest recognition further strengthens its growing reputation as a global burger destination. Visitors exploring the city’s restaurant scene can now add one of the world’s top-ranked burgers to their Cape Town itinerary.

The timing is also notable. Zuney recently expanded into the Time Out Market Cape Town at the V&A Waterfront, one of the city’s busiest culinary hotspots for international visitors. That makes it especially accessible for travellers looking to sample the globally ranked burger during a short stay in the Mother City.

Johannesburg’s Mafia Bite lands in the global top 10

Johannesburg also secured a place on the international ranking thanks to Mafia Bite in Constantia Kloof.

Time Out selected the restaurant’s Frank Lucas Burger as one of the world’s standout creations, praising its nine-hour slow-smoked brisket, glossy honey BBQ sauce, caramelised onion rings and gherkins.

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Unlike many modern smash burger concepts, Mafia Bite leans heavily into slow-smoked Texas-style barbecue flavours, creating a richer and more indulgent burger experience.

Johannesburg's food scene is sometimes overshadowed by Cape Town internationally, but rankings like this continue to highlight how diverse and innovative Jozi’s culinary offering has become. For travellers, the city increasingly rewards food-focused exploration beyond traditional tourist attractions.

Mafia Bite’s inclusion also reflects the growing popularity of premium burger culture across South Africa, where local restaurants are combining high-quality beef, smoked meats and bold flavour profiles with global burger trends.

Burger Tourism Is Becoming a Global Travel Trend

For travellers, burger tourism has quietly become part of modern city travel culture. Just as visitors seek out iconic pizza in Naples or tacos in Mexico City, standout burger destinations are increasingly shaping urban food itineraries worldwide.

With Zuney Wagyu Burgers in Cape Town and Mafia Bite in Johannesburg both ranked among the world’s best, South Africa now officially belongs on that global burger map.

The full Time Out top 14 burger ranking

1. Smash Things — Tokyo
2. Zuney Wagyu Burgers — Cape Town
3. Nolita — Madrid
4. Hanbaagaasuuteeki — London
5. Casse-Croûte MangeDansMonHood — Montréal
6. Spécimen Burger — Paris
7. Eat at ROBs — Sydney
8. Mafia Bite — Johannesburg
9. Kiddo — Buenos Aires
10. Ground Burger — Lisbon
11. Red Hook Tavern, New York City
12. Clan BBQ, Rio de Janeiro
13. Sick! Burger, Hong Kong
14. Grind House 1%, São Paulo 

Why This Matters for Travellers

Food increasingly influences how travellers choose destinations, and international rankings like this help shape global culinary trends.

For South Africa, having two burger restaurants ranked among the world’s best is more than just foodie bragging rights. It reinforces the country’s growing status as a serious global dining destination.

For visitors planning trips to Cape Town or Johannesburg, both restaurants now offer an easy and memorable culinary stop that combines local flavour with international recognition.

And for burger lovers? South Africa suddenly has two more reasons to visit.

What travellers need to know about Botswana’s Moremi Game Reserve reopening

Botswana’s safari industry is gradually returning to normal after authorities reopened the main road into the world-famous Moremi Game Reserve following months of severe flooding in the Okavango Delta.

The strategic access route had been closed since March 2026 as rising floodwaters submerged roads, stranded vehicles and disrupted tourism operations across large parts of the delta. The flooding also affected several airstrips and caused occupancy rates to drop during what is usually one of Botswana’s busiest safari seasons.

For travellers planning an Okavango Delta safari in 2026, the reopening is an important development. While some areas remain difficult to access, tourism operators are once again transporting guests into the delta and most safari camps continue to operate.

According to Moremi Game Reserve manager Kefeletswe Phori, authorities reopened the reserve’s main access road on 13 April 2026 following extensive consultations with tourism stakeholders after an earlier reopening attempt in late March had been postponed due to ongoing flooding and unsafe road conditions.

Some sections of the reserve are still affected by high water levels. Third Bridge remains closed, while roads around Xakanaka and the South Gate-Khwai route are only usable in dry weather conditions. Travellers should therefore expect possible itinerary adjustments, longer transfer times and changing road conditions depending on rainfall and flood levels.

Despite the challenges, many visitors continue travelling to the Okavango Delta, attracted by the region’s spectacular scenery and exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Some safari camps have adapted by shifting from traditional game drives to water-based excursions using boats and mokoros.

Many safari camps remained operational throughout the flooding period by using boats to transport guests and supplies into remote parts of the delta. Although some game drives and walking safaris were disrupted by washed-out roads, the unusually high water levels also created exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, with animals gathering closer to camps in certain areas. The floods have transformed parts of the Okavango Delta into a spectacular water wilderness, and several operators are optimistic about a strong safari season despite the logistical challenges.

Operators say the unusual conditions are creating a unique safari experience, with floodplains transforming parts of the delta into a scenic water wilderness. Several camps are reportedly expecting a strong tourism season despite the logistical difficulties.

At the same time, local safari operators are calling for long-term infrastructure improvements, including alternative access routes and bridges across flood-prone channels, to reduce future disruptions during major flood events.

Travellers visiting Botswana in the coming months are advised to remain flexible, monitor updates from their tour operators and consider combining both land- and water-based safari experiences for the best Okavango Delta experience during the current flood season.

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Eswatini’s Lubombo Region moves closer to a new Big Five safari reserve

Eswatini has taken a major step toward reshaping its future safari tourism landscape with the official launch of an ambitious five-year biodiversity project in the Lubombo region.

The initiative aims to support the development of a connected Big Five nature reserve spanning roughly 87,000 hectares across northeastern Eswatini. For travellers, the project signals more than conservation progress — it points to the emergence of a stronger, more sustainable safari destination focused on wildlife protection, habitat restoration and community-based tourism.

A major conservation investment

The project was officially launched in Mbabane in May 2026 and is being implemented by the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) acting as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) agency.

According to UNDP, the project has secured direct GEF funding of USD 5.23 million as part of a wider programme valued at approximately USD 48 million (around E805 million) over five years. More than USD 43.5 million in co-financing has already been mobilised from government, conservation organisations, development partners and private sector stakeholders.

The initiative focuses on tackling some of the biggest environmental pressures facing the Lubombo landscape, including:

• Habitat degradation
• Invasive alien plant species
• Fragmented wildlife corridors
• Climate-related environmental stress
• Human-wildlife conflict
• Poverty in surrounding rural communities

At the same time, the project is designed to create economic opportunities linked to conservation and tourism development.

Why Lubombo matters for safari travellers

The Lubombo region already ranks among Eswatini's most ecologically important landscapes. It forms part of the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area as well as the UNESCO-recognised Lubombo Biosphere Reserve, giving the area significant international conservation importance.

For safari travellers, the region offers something increasingly rare in Southern Africa: a quieter and less commercialised wildlife experience.

Rather than competing directly with larger safari destinations, Lubombo appeals to travellers seeking smaller reserves, scenic landscapes, community interaction and lower visitor densities. Existing reserves and protected areas already support a growing eco-tourism sector, but the new project aims to connect these landscapes into a more coherent Big Five conservation area over time.

The long-term vision includes improving ecological connectivity for elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo populations while strengthening conservation management across adjoining protected areas and community land.

Community tourism and local livelihoods at the centre

One of the most important aspects of the project is its strong focus on local communities.

UNDP officials have repeatedly emphasised that conservation success in Lubombo depends on ensuring nearby communities benefit directly from tourism and environmental protection initiatives. More than 827 community members were reportedly consulted during the planning phase, with women representing the majority of participants.

The project aims to support:

• Community-based tourism enterprises
• Eco-lodges and local guiding opportunities
• Sustainable harvesting initiatives
• Skills development and conservation jobs
• Improved grazing and land management systems
• Gender-inclusive tourism and conservation programmes

This approach builds on earlier conservation programmes in Eswatini that helped expand protected areas, improve eco-tourism infrastructure and create livelihood opportunities through conservation-linked projects.

Previous UNDP-supported initiatives in Eswatini have already assisted community eco-lodges, wetland protection schemes and locally managed tourism projects that generate income while protecting biodiversity.

What this could mean for travellers

For visitors considering Eswatini as part of a Southern African itinerary, the Lubombo project could significantly strengthen the country’s safari appeal over the coming years.

Potential long-term benefits for travellers include:

• Better wildlife conservation outcomes
• Improved Big Five viewing opportunities
• More connected safari experiences across multiple reserves
• Expanded community-led tourism experiences
• Stronger sustainability standards
• Enhanced conservation tourism credentials

Importantly, Lubombo is still evolving as a destination. Travellers visiting now are seeing a region in transition — one investing heavily in balancing biodiversity protection with tourism growth and local economic development.

A growing eco-tourism destination to watch

Global travel trends increasingly favour destinations that combine authentic experiences with meaningful conservation impact. Many travellers now actively seek safari destinations where tourism revenue contributes directly to wildlife protection and community development.

That is precisely where Lubombo’s new biodiversity project has strong potential.

If implementation succeeds, Eswatini could position itself as one of Southern Africa’s emerging eco-tourism success stories — offering a more intimate and conservation-driven safari alternative within a globally important biodiversity landscape.

For now, Lubombo remains an emerging destination rather than a mainstream Big Five circuit. But with substantial international backing, growing conservation momentum and a strong community tourism focus, the region is becoming one of the more interesting safari developments to watch in Southern Africa.

 

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Planning a Durban Beach Holiday? Here’s the latest water quality update

update (29 May 2026)

The eThekwini Municipality released the latest coastal water quality update today. According to the update, the only temporarily closed beach in Durban is still Reunion beach.

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Travellers planning winter escapes to Durban can breathe a little easier following the latest coastal water quality update from KwaZulu-Natal’s busiest beach destination.

According to the latest testing results released by the eThekwini Municipality on 26 May 2026, 22 of Durban's 23 regularly monitored bathing beaches are currently open and compliant with South Africa’s national recreational water safety standards.

For holidaymakers, surfers, families and international visitors heading to the KwaZulu-Natal coast, the update means that the vast majority of Durban's iconic beaches remain safe and accessible as the region prepares for another busy tourism period.

Most Durban beaches currently open

The municipality confirmed that the following beaches are presently open for swimming, surfing and other recreational activities, subject to continued monitoring:

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

For visitors staying along Durban's famous Golden Mile, the reopening and continued availability of these beaches supports a wide range of coastal experiences, including swimming, surfing, jogging, beachfront dining and family-friendly outdoor activities.

Popular areas such as uMhlanga, uShaka Marine World, North Beach and the Golden Mile continue to attract both domestic and international tourists looking for warm winter weather and easy beach access.

Reunion Beach remains temporarily closed

At present, Reunion Beach remains temporarily closed as a precaution while additional water quality testing continues.

Municipal authorities say the beach will reopen once testing confirms full compliance with national health and safety standards.

Travellers are encouraged to pay attention to official beach signage, municipal notices and lifeguard instructions before entering the water, especially after periods of heavy rainfall which can temporarily affect coastal water quality conditions.

How Durban monitors beach water quality

Durban's coastal water quality programme forms part of an ongoing monitoring system designed to protect both residents and visitors using the city’s beaches throughout the year.

The programme includes:

• Regular seawater sampling at bathing beaches
• Accredited microbiological laboratory testing
• Ongoing public reporting of results
• Continuous monitoring of recreational safety standards

Beaches are only declared safe once testing confirms compliance with South Africa’s national recreational water quality guidelines.

The monitoring programme has become increasingly important for tourism confidence following previous flood-related infrastructure challenges that affected parts of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline in recent years.

Alternative swimming options for families

Families travelling with younger children or visitors seeking calmer swimming conditions can also make use of Durban's extensive network of municipal swimming pools.

The city operates approximately 40 public swimming pools across the metro, many of which are supervised by lifeguards and regularly maintained. These facilities offer an alternative recreational option during periods when ocean conditions become unpredictable.

For travellers planning school holiday trips, surf weekends or winter sun getaways, the latest update provides encouraging news: most of Durban's major beaches remain open, monitored and ready for visitors heading into the busy travel season.

Travel tips for Durban beach visitors

• Always swim between lifeguard flags
• Avoid swimming immediately after heavy rainfall
• Check local beach notices daily
• Follow instructions from lifeguards and municipal officials
• Exercise caution during strong surf or rip current conditions

With warm Indian Ocean waters, year-round mild weather and one of South Africa’s most recognisable beachfront promenades, Durban remains one of the country’s leading coastal tourism destinations for both local and international travellers.

 

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Mozambique Travel Update May/June 2026: Flood recovery, road conditions & tourism outlook

Several months after severe flooding disrupted large parts of Mozambique, the country’s tourism sector is steadily recovering — but conditions still vary considerably depending on where and how you travel.

The good news for travellers is that most mainstream tourism destinations remain accessible, international flights are operating normally, and coastal tourism has rebounded strongly ahead of the southern African winter season. Beach resorts, island lodges and marine tourism operators are again welcoming international visitors, particularly in southern and central Mozambique.

However, flood damage earlier this year exposed once again how vulnerable Mozambique’s infrastructure remains to extreme weather events. While many emergency repairs have already been completed, some inland roads and overland routes continue to experience disruptions, slower travel times and ongoing rehabilitation works.

For travellers planning a Mozambique trip in 2026, the key is understanding that the situation is highly regional rather than uniformly problematic.

What happened in Mozambique earlier this year?

Between late 2025 and early 2026, heavy rainfall, overflowing river systems and tropical weather systems caused extensive flooding across parts of southern and central Mozambique.

The floods affected transport infrastructure, damaged sections of the EN1/N1 highway, disrupted supply chains and temporarily isolated several communities. Gaza Province, sections of the Limpopo basin and parts of the south were particularly affected.

Tourism was impacted primarily through:

• road closures and damaged bridges
• slower overland transport
• interruptions to fuel and supply logistics
• temporary access challenges for some lodges and beach destinations
• flight schedule adjustments during the peak of the crisis

The situation today is far more stable than during February and March, but recovery remains ongoing in several regions.

Is Mozambique open for tourism now?

Yes. Mozambique is fully open for tourism, and most international travellers visiting established tourism areas are encountering relatively normal travel conditions.

The strongest recovery has taken place in:

• Maputo
• Inhambane Province
• Tofo and Barra
• Vilanculos
• Bazaruto Archipelago
• southern coastal tourism zones

These areas continue receiving international visitors and are largely functioning normally from a tourism perspective.

The reality on the ground is currently very different from the emergency headlines seen earlier this year.

Flights and airport operations

Air access remains the easiest and most reliable way to travel within Mozambique in 2026.

International flights into Maputo are operating normally, while domestic services to tourism destinations such as Vilanculos and Inhambane have stabilised considerably compared to the early flood period.

Fly-in holidays are currently far easier and more predictable than long-distance self-drive itineraries.

This is especially relevant for travellers heading to:

• Bazaruto Archipelago
• Vilanculos
• Tofo
• Barra
• luxury island lodges
• diving resorts

Many tourism operators have adapted by prioritising aviation-based logistics and airport transfers over complex road transport.

Road conditions and self-drive travel

Self-drive travel has improved significantly since the floods, but road conditions remain inconsistent.

The EN1/N1 — Mozambique's crucial north-south transport artery — suffered major flood damage earlier this year. Emergency repairs have restored connectivity in many areas, although some sections still experience temporary repairs, uneven surfaces, detours and slower traffic movement.

Travellers driving in Mozambique during 2026 should expect:

• longer journey times
• occasional construction zones
• potholes and degraded surfaces
• localised flood damage
• possible weather-related disruptions after heavy rain

Driving after dark remains strongly discouraged due to road safety concerns, limited lighting and accident risks.

For overland travellers from South Africa or Eswatini, careful route planning remains essential.

Best destinations to visit right now

Maputo

Mozambique’s capital remains fully operational as the country’s main aviation and tourism gateway.

Hotels, restaurants, cafés and urban tourism services are functioning normally, although travellers should continue following standard big-city safety precautions regarding theft and petty crime.

Tofo and Inhambane

The Inhambane coastline has emerged as one of the country’s strongest tourism recovery areas.

Diving, surfing, whale shark excursions and beach holidays are operating again, with many travellers reporting relatively smooth experiences throughout the region. Tourism operators have benefited from improved road access and stable flight operations.

Vilanculos and Bazaruto

Vilanculos and the Bazaruto Archipelago remain among Mozambique's most attractive tourism success stories in 2026.

The region’s dependence on air access rather than long overland transport has helped tourism recover faster than in some inland regions. Island resorts, dhow cruises, snorkelling and marine tourism activities are operating normally again in most cases.

Gorongosa and safari tourism

Safari tourism is recovering more gradually than coastal tourism.

Gorongosa National Park continues operating and remains one of Africa’s most important conservation tourism projects, but overland access conditions can still fluctuate depending on weather and road maintenance.

Travellers visiting remote parks should confirm transfer logistics and route conditions directly with operators before departure.

Safety and security in Mozambique

The overall security picture in Mozambique remains mixed and highly regional.

Southern and central Mozambique

The majority of mainstream tourism routes are located in southern and central Mozambique, where travel generally continues without major security disruptions.

Most international advisories currently classify these areas under “exercise increased caution” guidance due to crime, civil unrest risks and infrastructure limitations rather than active conflict.

Cabo Delgado and northern Mozambique

The security situation in Cabo Delgado remains Mozambique's biggest long-term tourism challenge.

Insurgency-related violence linked to Islamist militant groups continues in parts of northern Mozambique, and most governments still advise against travel to the region.

While security operations involving Mozambican, Rwandan and regional forces have improved stability in some districts, the situation remains volatile and unpredictable.

This primarily affects:

• Cabo Delgado Province
• Quirimbas region tourism
• some northern safari operations
• remote northern coastal itineraries

Importantly, these areas are geographically far removed from the mainstream tourism regions most international visitors use.

Health and travel infrastructure

Mozambique's healthcare infrastructure remains limited outside major cities, and flood recovery efforts continue placing pressure on local systems in some areas.

Travellers should strongly consider:

• comprehensive travel insurance
• medical evacuation cover
• flexible itineraries
• offline maps and navigation
• backup payment methods
• extra travel time buffers

Border crossings and airports are operating normally, although regional health screening measures remain possible in southern Africa due to broader regional disease-monitoring protocols.

So, should you travel to Mozambique in 2026?

For most travellers, yes.

Mozambique is no longer dealing with a nationwide flood emergency, and many tourism areas are functioning surprisingly well considering the scale of the earlier disaster. Coastal and fly-in tourism has recovered far faster than many expected, while self-drive tourism is steadily improving month by month.

Travellers who remain flexible, monitor conditions carefully and focus on established tourism regions can still enjoy one of Africa’s most rewarding beach and marine destinations in 2026.

The key takeaway is simple: Mozambique is open, recovering and increasingly accessible again — but successful travel currently depends far more on smart planning and regional awareness than it did before the floods.

 

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Proflight Zambia reduces regional flights amid rising costs

Zambian regional airline Proflight Zambia has temporarily consolidated parts of its regional flight schedule due to significantly higher operational costs, including rising jet fuel prices and ongoing aircraft maintenance challenges.

The airline confirmed that, until at least 11 June 2026, some flights between Lusaka and Johannesburg will operate at reduced frequencies, with Tuesday and Thursday services dropping from two daily flights to one daily flight. Certain Lusaka–Maun flights have also been cancelled where passenger demand was low.

What travellers should know

Travellers flying within Southern Africa should expect:

• Reduced regional flight frequencies on selected routes
• Higher ticket prices and fuel surcharges
• Increased excess baggage fees
• Possible schedule changes on short notice

The Lusaka–Johannesburg route remains an important regional connection for onward international travel via Johannesburg.

Why this is happening

According to Proflight Zambia, higher global fuel costs and aircraft spare-part shortages are placing additional pressure on regional airline operations.

These challenges are affecting several smaller African airlines, particularly carriers operating regional and safari-focused networks.

Regional network continues despite adjustments

Despite the temporary schedule consolidation, Proflight Zambia continues to operate key regional and safari routes linking destinations such as:

• Livingstone
• Maun
• Cape Town
• Windhoek
• Mfuwe

Travellers are advised to reconfirm flights before departure and allow additional connection time, especially when connecting to long-haul international services.

 

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Etihad Airways resumes Johannesburg flights from June 2026

Etihad Airways will resume direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg on 15 June 2026, restoring an important connection between Southern Africa and the Gulf.

The airline will initially operate the route three times weekly using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The flights are already available for booking.

Why the return matters

The resumed Johannesburg service adds additional long-haul capacity on one of Southern Africa’s most important international travel corridors.

The route is particularly useful for:

• South Africans travelling to India and Southeast Asia
• International visitors connecting onwards to Southern Africa
• Business travellers heading to the UAE and Gulf region
• Travellers seeking alternatives to Dubai or Doha connections

The return of Etihad Airways also strengthens competition among Gulf carriers serving Johannesburg, potentially creating more fare options and routing flexibility for international travellers.

Outlook

While flights initially operate three times weekly, additional frequencies could follow if demand remains strong.

The resumed route is another positive sign for international connectivity to and from Southern Africa as airlines continue rebuilding and expanding long-haul networks in 2026.

 

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Emirates resumes daily Durban flights: What travellers need to know

Travellers flying to South Africa’s east coast now have significantly more flexibility, with Emirates resuming daily flights between Dubai and Durban.

The restored frequency strengthens international access to KwaZulu-Natal and improves connections to destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Australasia via Dubai.

For travellers heading to Durban's beaches, the Drakensberg, northern KwaZulu-Natal game reserves, or the annual Sardine Run, the additional flights make travel planning considerably easier.

Daily Durban flights return

Emirates had previously reduced frequencies amid wider operational disruptions earlier in 2026. The airline has now restored daily Durban services as part of the recovery of its South African network.

The route is operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft, with flights departing Durban in the evening and arriving in Dubai the following morning.

• Dubai 10:15 > 16:35 Durban
• Durban 18:40 > 05:00+1 Dubai

Why this matters for travellers

Durban has traditionally had fewer international long-haul flight options than Johannesburg or Cape Town. The return of daily Emirates services improves accessibility to one of South Africa’s most underrated tourism regions.

The additional flights are particularly useful for:

• beach holidays along the KwaZulu-Natal coast
• safari trips to northern KwaZulu-Natal
• diving and marine tourism
• Drakensberg hiking holidays
• cruise travel via Durban
• business travel

The route also improves multi-destination Southern Africa itineraries, allowing easier connections to Kruger National Park, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Mozambique, and Eswatini.

A boost for KwaZulu-Natal tourism

The restored daily schedule is another positive development for tourism in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the busy whale watching, safari, and summer travel seasons.

For international travellers, Durban is once again becoming a more convenient gateway to South Africa’seast coast — offering easier access to beaches, wildlife, mountains, and road trip adventures beyond the country’s traditional tourism routes.

 

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SANParks introduces new safety measures in Kruger National Park

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced a series of additional security and risk mitigation measures following the shocking discovery of two tourist bodies in the remote Pafuri section of Kruger National Park. The incident, which occurred in the park’s far northern Nxanatseni region near Pafuri, has sent shockwaves through South Africa’s tourism industry and international safari community.

According to SANParks, the tourists were reported missing after they failed to return to camp on 21 May 2026. A search operation led to the discovery of the bodies near a river area the following day, while the couple’s vehicle was also reported missing. Authorities confirmed that this is the first recorded incident of its kind in Kruger National Park's 100-year history.

SANParks responds with enhanced security measures

While the tragedy has understandably raised concerns among travellers planning safaris to Kruger National Park, SANParks has emphasised that the park remains a very safe destination for visitors. In response to the incident, the organisation has already begun implementing a number of targeted security and risk mitigation measures in the northern parts of the park.

The new measures include:

• Deployment of additional ranger teams and monitoring personnel in high-risk areas
• Increased surveillance and upgraded technology systems in remote sections of the park
• Enhanced coordination with the South African Police Service (SAPS)
• Intensified patrols near sensitive border regions close to Mozambique and Zimbabwe
• Ongoing investigations and intelligence gathering related to the incident

These measures are particularly focused on the Pafuri and Crooks Corner region, an isolated area near the junction of South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe that has historically been associated with smuggling activity due to its remote location.

What travellers should know about safety in Kruger National Park

For most visitors, daily safari operations inside Kruger National Park continue as normal. SANParks has stressed that millions of tourists safely visit the park every year, with nearly 1.9 million visitors recorded during the previous financial year.

Importantly, the incident appears highly isolated and unprecedented. Many experienced Kruger National Park visitors and local tourism observers have pointed out that violent crime involving tourists inside the park itself is exceptionally rare.

Nevertheless, travellers should continue following standard park safety protocols, particularly in remote northern regions:

• Remain inside your vehicle except in designated areas
• Avoid isolated stops after sunset or before sunrise
• Stick to official roads and picnic sites
• Inform accommodation staff of expected travel routes where possible
• Ensure fuel tanks are sufficiently filled in remote regions
• Consider guided activities in lesser-visited sections of the park

The northern Pafuri region remains one of Kruger National Park's most rewarding wilderness areas, renowned for exceptional birding, ancient baobabs, nyala sightings and fewer crowds compared to the southern sections of the park.

Tourism industry watches closely

The incident has attracted international attention due to Kruger National Park's reputation as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations. Tourism stakeholders will now closely monitor how SANParks’ enhanced security measures are implemented over the coming weeks, particularly ahead of South Africa’s busy winter safari season.

At the same time, SANParks’ rapid operational response and visible security reinforcement are aimed at reassuring both domestic and international visitors that traveller safety remains a top priority.

For now, safari travellers planning trips to Kruger National Park should stay informed through official SANParks communication channels, while understanding that the park continues to operate normally across the vast majority of its nearly two million hectares.

 

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Kruger National Park Fire Season 2026: What travellers need to know

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that controlled management burns are now underway in the iconic Kruger National Park as part of preparations for the 2026 winter fire season.

The annual fire season in the park typically runs from June to October, but this year visitors can expect more visible burn activity than in recent years due to exceptional summer rainfall across large parts of the park.

Why Kruger National Park is burning more this year

According to SANParks, Kruger National Park experienced significantly above-average rainfall during the recent summer months. While the heavy rains caused widespread flood damage in parts of the park, they also triggered dense grass growth across the savanna landscape.

This increased grass cover creates ideal conditions for veldfires during the dry winter season.

In the Kruger National Park ecosystem, fire is not considered unusual or harmful when properly managed. Instead, it is a natural ecological process that has shaped the park’s landscapes, vegetation and wildlife for thousands of years.

Controlled burns help prevent dangerous uncontrolled wildfires later in the season by reducing excess grass fuel loads before conditions become too dry and unpredictable.

What travellers may experience during winter safaris

Visitors travelling through Kruger National Park between June and October may notice:

• Recently burned blackened landscapes
• Smoke in certain areas of the park
• Temporary road or section closures during active burns
• Increased ranger and fire management activity
• Fresh green regrowth shortly after burns

Despite the dramatic appearance, recently burned areas often become excellent wildlife viewing zones. Grazing animals such as zebra, buffalo and wildebeest are frequently attracted to the nutrient-rich fresh grass that appears soon after a fire.

Predators may also follow these grazing herds into newly regenerated areas.

Fire plays a vital role in Kruger’s ecosystem

Fire is a critical part of maintaining the famous savanna ecosystem of Kruger National Park.

Without periodic burns, grasslands can become overgrown, woody vegetation may spread excessively and biodiversity can decline. Carefully managed fires help maintain the balance between grasslands and bushveld habitats that support the park’s extraordinary wildlife diversity.

SANParks Rangers use controlled burns not only for ecological management, but also to protect tourist infrastructure and neighbouring communities.

Firebreaks are currently being prepared around:

• Tourist camps
• Entry gates
• Staff villages
• Park boundary areas
• Key operational infrastructure

Advanced monitoring during the 2026 fire season

SANParks says it will continuously monitor fire activity throughout the season using both ranger field reports and advanced satellite mapping technology.

Kruger National Park's fire management programme is supported by trained Rangers, firefighting teams and operational staff who have been preparing proactively for the upcoming dry months.

For travellers planning winter safaris, the controlled burns are a normal and important part of conservation management in Kruger National Park — and can even create unique wildlife viewing opportunities during the cooler travel season.

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Durban Beach Water Quality Update (22 May 2026): Which beaches are open for swimming and surfing?

As Durban heads into another busy travel period, the latest coastal water quality update offers reassuring news for holidaymakers, surfers and families planning time along KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline.

According to the latest results released by the eThekwini Municipality on 19 May 2026, 22 of Durban's 23 regularly monitored bathing beaches currently comply with South Africa’s national recreational water safety standards and remain open for swimming and surfing.

Only one beach is currently closed as a precaution while additional water quality testing continues.

Durban beaches currently open for swimming and surfing

The following beaches are presently open for recreational use, subject to continued monitoring and testing:

• Point Beach
• uMgababa Beach
• uShaka Beach
• Wedge Beach
• Brighton Beach
• Country Club Beach
• Westbrook Beach
• mDloti Main Beach
• Anstey’s Beach
• Thekwini Beach
• Laguna Beach
• uMhlanga Main Beach
• Bronze Beach
• South Beach
• Doonside Beach
• Addington Beach
• North Beach
• Bay of Plenty Beach
• Battery Beach
• Toti Main Beach
• Pipeline Beach
• Winklespruit Beach

For travellers visiting Durban, these beaches continue to offer swimming, surfing, beachfront walks and family-friendly coastal activities along the city’s famous Golden Mile and surrounding coastline.

Durban beach currently closed

The following beach remains temporarily closed as a precaution due to ongoing water quality concerns:

• Reunion Beach

Authorities say the beach will reopen once testing confirms full compliance with national recreational water safety standards.

Travellers are advised to check updated municipal notices, beach signage and lifeguard instructions before entering the water, especially after periods of heavy rainfall, which can temporarily affect coastal water quality.

How Durban monitors coastal water quality

The eThekwini Municipality operates an ongoing coastal water monitoring programme aimed at protecting both residents and visitors using Durban's beaches.

The programme includes:

• Regular seawater sampling at bathing beaches
• Accredited microbiological laboratory testing
• Ongoing public reporting of water quality results

Testing is conducted according to South Africa’s national recreational water quality guidelines, with beaches only declared safe once they meet the required health standards.

Alternative swimming options for families visiting Durban

For families travelling with young children, or visitors looking for more predictable swimming conditions, Durban's municipal swimming pools remain a useful alternative during periods of unstable coastal conditions.

The city operates around 40 public swimming pools across the metro, many of which are supervised by lifeguards and regularly maintained. These facilities can provide a safer and more controlled environment for families while certain beaches remain temporarily closed.

For many travellers planning winter sun escapes, surf trips or family holidays in KwaZulu-Natal, the latest update means most of Durban's main beaches remain open and accessible heading into the busy travel season.

 

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South Africa’s Sardine Run 2026: Best places, timing and travel tips

11 June 2026 Update: Sardine Run gathering momentum

Encouraging signs continue to emerge along South Africa's east coast as the 2026 Sardine Run slowly gathers momentum. Since the first sightings reported near Mkhambathi in late May, additional sardine activity has now been observed around Port Edward, while whale sightings are increasing offshore along the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. Although there have not yet been any widely reported large-scale beach nettings, major bait-ball events or confirmed mass shoals moving through KwaZulu-Natal, marine operators remain optimistic that the main migration is still on track for mid-June to early July. For travellers planning a Sardine Run getaway, the coming weeks are shaping up to be the most promising period of the season. 

01 June 2026 update: Early sardine sightings reported, but main run still to arrive

The first encouraging signs of South Africa's 2026 Sardine Run have emerged, with early sardine sightings reported near Mkhambathi on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. Marine operators along the Wild Coast and KwaZulu-Natal coastline continue to monitor favourable winter conditions, and expectations remain high for increasing activity during June. While the main Sardine Run has not yet fully arrived along the beaches, the strongest migration period is still expected between mid-June and early July 2026. At this stage, there have been no widely reported large-scale beach nettings, major bait-ball events or confirmed mass shoals moving through KwaZulu-Natal, meaning the season remains in its early stages rather than the peak phase that attracts thousands of visitors each year. 

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Every South African winter, one of the world’s greatest marine spectacles unfolds along the country’s east coast. Known simply as the “Sardine Run”, billions of sardines migrate northwards along the coastline, triggering a feeding frenzy involving dolphins, sharks, whales, seals and thousands of seabirds.

For travellers, the Sardine Run is far more than a fishing event. It is a once-a-year wildlife phenomenon often compared to the Great Migration in East Africa — but underwater.

In 2026, anticipation is already building along the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape coastline as tour operators, marine guides and local tourism authorities prepare for another winter season of ocean drama.

What is the Sardine Run?

The Sardine Run occurs when massive shoals of Southern African pilchards move from the colder waters of the Agulhas Bank up the eastern coastline of South Africa. The migration usually happens between May and July, depending on ocean temperatures and currents.

As the sardines travel north, predators gather in extraordinary numbers:

• Common dolphins herd the sardines into bait balls
• Cape gannets dive-bomb from the sky
• Sharks attack from below
• Humpback whales cruise alongside the migration route

The result is one of the most intense marine wildlife experiences on Earth.

Sardine Run 2026: Current outlook

As of May 2026, the main Sardine Run activity has not yet fully arrived on KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast, but ocean safari operators and local observers are already monitoring favourable cold-water conditions developing along the Eastern Cape coastline. Early winter fronts and cooling sea temperatures are considered positive signs for the season ahead.

Most tourism operators expect the first significant shoals to appear along parts of the Wild Coast and southern KwaZulu-Natal coastline from late May into June, with peak activity likely during June and early July.

However, travellers should remember that the Sardine Run is a natural phenomenon — not a guaranteed scheduled event. Weather, water temperature, currents and storms can all influence where and when sardines appear.

Best places to experience the Sardine Run

1. The KZN South Coast

The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is the most famous and accessible Sardine Run destination. Towns between Port Edward and Scottburgh often become hotspots for sardine netting, dolphin activity and whale sightings.

Popular viewing areas include:

• Margate
• Port Edward
• Ramsgate
• Scottburgh
• Pennington
• Umkomaas

Travellers can often witness activity directly from beaches when shoals move close to shore.

2. Port St Johns and the Wild Coast

For a more dramatic and remote experience, the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape offers spectacular scenery combined with excellent marine wildlife encounters.

Port St Johns has become internationally famous among divers and wildlife photographers because bait-ball action frequently occurs offshore here.

Even non-divers can enjoy:

• Whale watching
• Dolphin sightings
• Boat safaris
• Coastal hiking
• Cliff-top viewpoints

3. Coffee Bay and Mdumbi

The rugged coastline around Coffee Bay and Mdumbi provides one of the most scenic Sardine Run settings in South Africa.

This region is ideal for travellers seeking:

• Eco-tourism
• Photography
• Relaxed coastal stays
• Wild Coast culture and scenery

The Sardine Run here often feels less commercial and more connected to nature.

4. Durban Beaches

In strong Sardine Run years, shoals occasionally move as far north as Durban. When this happens, beaches around Durban can suddenly become incredibly lively with seabirds, dolphins and beach seine netting.

However, Durban sightings are less predictable than those further south. 

Best time to visit

The general Sardine Run timeline looks like this:

Period	Typical Activity
Late May	Early sightings on the Wild Coast
June	Main migration activity begins
Late June	Peak activity along KZN South Coast
Early July	Continued sightings and whale activity
Mid to Late July	Activity gradually declines

The best travel window for most visitors is usually mid-June to early July.

 

What tourists can expect

Even if you never step onto a dive boat, the Sardine Run can be an unforgettable travel experience.

Typical experiences include:

• Watching dolphins herd sardines close to shore
• Seeing whales breach offshore
• Spotting diving gannets and seabirds
• Experiencing local beach culture around sardine netting
• Enjoying winter beach holidays with fewer crowds

The Sardine Run also overlaps with South Africa’s whale migration season, which means visitors may experience both phenomena during one trip.

Important travel tips

• Weather changes quickly along the east coast in winter
• Pack warm windproof clothing for boat trips and beaches
• Sea conditions can affect tours at short notice
• Book accommodation early in popular areas like Port Edward and Port St Johns
• Follow local swimming advisories, especially where shark nets are temporarily removed during sardine activity

 
Is the Sardine Run worth seeing?

Absolutely.

Although marine scientists note that sardine numbers have fluctuated in recent years due to climate and environmental pressures, the Sardine Run remains one of South Africa's most extraordinary natural events.

For travellers, it combines wildlife, dramatic coastlines, photography, ocean safaris and authentic local culture into a uniquely South African winter adventure.

If conditions align in 2026, visitors to the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast and Wild Coast could once again witness one of the planet’s greatest marine spectacles unfolding right offshore. 

 

 

 

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