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

update - 07 September 2026): South African National Park (SANParks) has confirmed that diesel supply at Sendelingsdrift in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park has been restored. Guests can now refuel as normal, with no restrictions in place. 

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 – 08 September 2026: The anticipated period of reduced jet-fuel availability from the Natref refinery has now begun. This is because the refinery’s repair and recommissioning work is temporarily limiting the amount of locally produced jet fuel available to the market. South Africa's fuel industry has secured additional Jet A-1 imports and is using alternative pipeline, rail and coastal supply arrangements to protect fuel supplies at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) Sasol says the measures put in place at Natref leave a low probability of a jet-fuel shortage. Flights are currently operating normally, and there is no indication that travellers need to change their plans.  

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 disruption is now entering its expected impact period, meaning that the refinery’s planned repair and recommissioning work is taking place during the period when reduced local jet-fuel production could begin to affect supplies, but there is currently no indication of widespread disruption to flights at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). Additional Jet A-1 imports and alternative supply arrangements have been put in place to protect the airport's fuel supply.

For travellers, the situation is therefore one to monitor rather than a reason to change travel plans. As always, check your airline's flight information before travelling through OR Tambo International Airport (JNB).

 

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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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Botswana plans phased ban on single-use plastic bags

Botswana is planning to phase out single-use plastic bags, with the government announcing the start of a gradual implementation process. The country's Ministry of Environment and Tourism announced the phased implementation of a single-use plastic bag ban on 19 August 2026. The aim is to gradually eliminate non-essential single-use plastic bags while giving businesses time to switch to more environmentally friendly alternatives.

No immediate change for travellers

For visitors to Botswana, there is no immediate impact.

The Ministry has not yet published the detailed rules or timetable for the phased rollout. It says further consultations with government departments, industry and other stakeholders will take place over the coming weeks, followed by guidelines setting out how and when the ban will be implemented.

This means travellers should not expect a sudden change at Botswana's borders, shops or supermarkets at this stage.

Botswana already has measures aimed at reducing plastic bag use, including a plastic bag levy. The new policy will go further by gradually phasing out single-use plastic bags.

For travellers, this is therefore mainly a development to keep an eye on, rather than something requiring any whatsoever changes to current travel plans.

Plastic bag bans elsewhere in Southern and Eastern Africa

Botswana is not the first country in the region to tackle single-use plastic bags. Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Mauritius and Seychelles already have national restrictions or bans, while Malawi and Zambia have restrictions on certain types of plastic bags.

South Africa, meanwhile, regulates plastic carrier bags and applies a plastic bag levy rather than having a nationwide ban. Namibia prohibits plastic bags in national parks and other protected areas.

Despite a high-profile May 2024 announcement by Eswatini's Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs of a total ban on single-use plastic carrier bags - originally set to take effect 01 December 2024 - the ban was twice postponed and ultimately suspended by Parliament in April 2025 for a further seven years.

Botswana's phased approach will therefore add another country to the region's growing efforts to reduce plastic waste.

The exact scope and timetable of Botswana's ban remain to be announced. We will update this post once the Ministry publishes the detailed implementation guidelines.

 

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Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) Faces Jet Fuel Shortage: What travellers need to know

UPDATE (31 August 2026): There are now clear signs that the disruption caused by the Jet A1 shortage is easing. Aviation publication ch-aviation reports (28 August 2026) that Discover Airlines has resumed regular flights from Windhoek, indicating that the airline's temporary refuelling stops in Luanda, Angola, are no longer required.

This is the first clear indication that normal operations are being restored on the affected Europe-bound services. However, as no detailed public statement on the full restoration of Jet A1 supplies at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) has yet been found, we are awaiting further confirmation that the wider fuel shortage has been fully resolved. 

UPDATE (29 August 2026): There are signs that the Jet A1 supply situation in Namibia may be improving. According to the latest available reporting, one replacement fuel consignment has already been cleared for use and dispatched to customers, while another consignment has been shipped to Walvis Bay. Authorities had previously expected the shortage to continue until around this weekend.

However, we have not yet seen confirmation that normal Jet A1 fuelling operations at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) have been fully restored or that Discover Airlines' refuelling stops in Luanda have ended. Travellers should therefore continue checking their individual flight status until the fuel supply situation has been officially confirmed as back to normal. 

UPDATE (25 August 2026): Namibia's Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy has provided further details on the Jet A-1 shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH). A consignment of aviation fuel was quarantined at Walvis Bay after routine quality-control testing required further verification. The ministry stresses that the fuel never entered the aviation supply chain and no off-specification fuel was supplied to aircraft.

The ministry says a replacement Jet A-1 consignment is expected to arrive in Namibia on Saturday, 29 August. Until then, fuelling restrictions remain in place and some long-haul flights continue to require operational adjustments, including Discover Airlines' refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola.

For travellers, this means the situation is not yet resolved, but a potential end to the disruption is now in sight. Passengers flying from Windhoek should continue to check their individual flight status, particularly if travelling on Discover/Lufthansa Group services or with onward connections.

The ministry says airport operations will continue and that restoring full passenger and cargo fuelling capacity is an immediate priority. 

UPDATE (24 August 2026): The Jet A1 shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is continuing to affect some long-haul flights from Windhoek. Local reporting on 23 August 2026 confirmed that Discover Airlines' Europe-bound services are still making a refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola, because of the shortage. The first affected Windhoek–Frankfurt service arrived about 90 minutes late after stopping in Luanda for fuel.

There is still no indication of an airport-wide disruption or closure, and the issue appears to remain concentrated on the long-haul Europe services. Travellers flying with Discover/Lufthansa Group to Frankfurt or Munich should allow extra time and check their individual flight status before travelling. 

UPDATE (21 August 2026, 14:00 SAST): Lufthansa Cargo has confirmed it is currently unable to transport freight out of Windhoek due to the ongoing Jet A1 shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH). According to Namibia's opposition party, the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Lufthansa Cargo notified customers in writing on 19 August 2026 that the restriction runs to 23 August 2026 — though the notice itself states that date is subject to change. Reuters reported it saw a screenshot of the notice but could not independently verify its authenticity.

Passenger flights continue to operate, though some - particularly non-stop services to Europe - are requiring a refuelling stop en route, consistent with the pattern already seen on Discover Airlines' Frankfurt and Munich flights via Luanda, Angola.

For travellers, the practical takeaway remains the same: passenger operations are continuing, but anyone shipping cargo through WDH in the coming days should check directly with their freight forwarder or airline, given the cargo suspension reportedly running through 23 August 2026. 

UPDATE (21 August 2026): The cause of the Jet A1 shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is becoming clearer. According to Reuters, a shipment of aviation fuel delivered to Walvis Bay failed routine quality tests and was removed before entering circulation. Vivo Energy Namibia, a Vitol subsidiary and fuel supplier in Namibia, says the affected fuel was quarantined and that it is investigating the problem while looking for alternative supplies. No firm timeline for replacement supplies has yet been given.

For travellers, the main confirmed impact remains on Discover Airlines' Frankfurt and Munich services, which are using Luanda, Angola, as a refuelling stop. There is still no indication of a general closure of Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) or widespread disruption across all flights.

Travellers flying from Windhoek should continue to check directly with their airline, particularly if travelling on Lufthansa Group/Discover services or with onward connections in Europe. 

UPDATE (20 August 2026, 16:45 SAST): The Jet A1 fuel shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is now affecting flight operations. Discover Airlines has confirmed that its flights from Windhoek to Frankfurt and Munich are making a refuelling stop in Luanda, Angola, before continuing to Europe. Reuters reports that one flight was affected on Wednesday and another on Thursday.

For travellers, the main implication is longer journey times on affected Lufthansa Group/Discover services, although flights have so far continued to depart Windhoek as scheduled. Passengers with onward connections in Frankfurt or Munich should allow extra time and check their flight status with the airline.

The problem appears to be a local and temporary supply issue involving the airport's fuel suppliers. Discover told Reuters that it was not directly caused by the wider fuel-supply situation linked to the war in Iran.

The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) is working with the airlines and fuel suppliers to restore normal fuel availability. At present, there is no indication that Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) itself is closing or that all flights are affected.  

We are continuing to monitor the situation, particularly for any impact on other international and regional services from Windhoek . 

UPDATE (20 August 2026, 07:00 SAST): As of this morning, we have found no confirmed reports of flight cancellations, delays or diversions directly linked to the Jet A1 shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH).

One flight-tracking service briefly displayed an unusual routing reference to Windhoek Eros Airport (NBJ) alongside tonight's two Lufthansa Group long-haul services operated by Discover Airlines: one to Frankfurt at 19:15 and one to Munich at 20:35. Discover's published schedule continues to show the Frankfurt service, 4Y133, and the Munich service, 4Y143, operating non-stop from Hosea Kutako International Aiport (WDH) to Frankfurt and Munich.

We have not been able to confirm the meaning of the NBJ reference with Lufthansa, Discover Airlines, Swiss or Austrian, and it is not corroborated by other sources we have checked. Eros is primarily a domestic and regional airport, while WDH is Namibia's main international gateway. We are therefore treating the routing reference as unverified and are not reporting it as an actual diversion or airport change.

Regional services, including flights to Cape Town, Johannesburg and Victoria Falls, continue to show as scheduled at the time of writing.

For now, there is no confirmed evidence of widespread operational disruption at WDH as a result of the Jet A1 shortage. Travellers flying from Windhoek today should nevertheless check their individual flight status with their airline before heading to the airport.

We will continue monitoring the situation and update this post as soon as confirmed information becomes available from the airlines or Namibia Airports Company (NAC). 

Travellers flying to or from Namibia should currently keep an eye on the fuel situation at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek. The airport is facing a shortage of Jet A1 aviation fuel, which could have an impact on flight operations if the situation continues.

The shortage is particularly relevant for airlines operating international and regional services into Windhoek, as aircraft need sufficient fuel not only for the planned flight but also for operational reserves and possible diversions.

What does the fuel shortage mean for travellers?

At this stage, the fuel shortage does not mean that flights at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) have been cancelled across the board. However, airlines may need to adjust their fuelling arrangements depending on available stocks and the aircraft being operated.

Possible consequences for passengers could include:

• aircraft arriving with additional fuel loaded elsewhere
• refuelling stops being added to some services
• changes to flight schedules or aircraft
• delays if additional fuel arrangements are required

For travellers with upcoming flights to Windhoek, it is therefore worth checking directly with the airline before travelling to the airport.

Why is Jet A1 supply important at Hosea Kutako?

Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is Namibia's main international gateway and lies around 45 km outside Windhoek. The airport has dedicated Jet A1 infrastructure, with the Namibia Airports Company (NAC) listing Puma and Engen Namibia among the fuel service providers at the airport.

The current situation is particularly noteworthy because Namibia had previously reported relatively strong Jet A1 storage capacity. In May 2026, the Namibia Airports Company said Hosea Kutako International Airport had sufficient capacity to refuel six Boeing 747-8 aircraft and that national storage capacity, including Walvis Bay, provided considerable additional resilience.

The present shortage therefore appears to be a supply issue rather than a lack of airport fuel infrastructure.

Could flights to Namibia be affected?

Potentially, yes. The effect will depend on how long the shortage lasts and how quickly additional Jet A1 supplies reach Windhoek.

Airlines have already faced significant fuel-supply pressures elsewhere in Southern Africa during 2026. Earlier this year, shortages at Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) even resulted in international carriers using Hosea Kutako International Airport for additional refuelling.

That makes the current situation at Windhoek particularly important for airlines operating long-haul services to Europe and regional connections within Southern Africa.

For passengers, however, there is currently no reason to assume that a booked flight will automatically be cancelled.

Travelling to Namibia? Here's what to do

If you are flying to or from Windhoek in the coming days, the sensible approach is simply to keep checking your flight status.

Before leaving for Hosea Kutako International Airport:

• Check your airline's latest flight information.
• Allow some flexibility in your itinerary, particularly if you have a tight onward connection.
• If you are connecting to a safari flight or another domestic service, avoid unnecessarily short connection times.
• Keep an eye on airline notifications in case fuelling arrangements result in a schedule change.

For travellers already in Namibia, the situation is unlikely to affect self-drive trips, accommodation or access to Namibia's national parks. The issue concerns aviation fuel, not the availability of petrol or diesel for rental cars.

Bottom line

The Jet A1 fuel shortage at Hosea Kutako International Airport is something travellers should monitor, but it is not currently a reason to cancel a trip to Namibia.

The key question is how quickly supplies can be restored. If the shortage is resolved without significant disruption, most passengers will probably notice little more than possible operational changes behind the scenes. If supplies remain tight, however, airlines could increasingly need to tanker fuel into Windhoek or make additional refuelling arrangements elsewhere.

We'll update this post as more information becomes available.

 

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