Driving into Zimbabwe: What you need to know about temporary import permits

Travellers driving into Zimbabwe in foreign-registered vehicles should take note of stricter controls on Temporary Import Permits (TIPs). The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) announced the changes in Public Notice No. 60 of 2026, issued on 21 October 2026, following concerns about abuse of the permit system.

The main point for travellers is that TIPs will ordinarily be issued for a maximum of 30 days. Longer stays may be approved on a case-by-case basis, but the total period cannot exceed three months.

Zimbabwe TIP requirements in 2026

Under the new measures, travellers bringing foreign-registered vehicles into Zimbabwe temporarily should be aware of the following requirements:

• Permit validity: Ordinarily up to 30 days, with longer stays subject to approval and a maximum total period of three months.
• Vehicle documents: The original vehicle registration book is required; a copy is not sufficient.
• Non-owner drivers: A letter of authority or affidavit is required if the vehicle is not being driven by its registered owner. Additional verification may apply.
• Extensions: Applications must be submitted before the permit expires and supported by valid reasons and relevant documentation.
• Leaving Zimbabwe: The vehicle must be re-exported before the TIP expires unless an extension has been granted.

These requirements are particularly relevant to overlanders planning longer trips through Southern Africa and travellers using vehicles registered in someone else's name.

Documents required at the border

According to ZIMRA, applicants should have the following documents:

• A valid passport.
• The original vehicle registration book.
• A letter of authority or affidavit if the registered owner is not driving.
• A work, employment, study or residence permit if the driver is a Zimbabwean citizen residing abroad.

ZIMRA may carry out additional checks, particularly for vehicles driven by someone other than the registered owner. Travellers using borrowed or company vehicles should arrange the necessary authorisation before departure.

The notice does not specify the requirements for rental vehicles. If you plan to drive a hire car into Zimbabwe, confirm the applicable procedures with your rental company and ZIMRA before travelling.

How much does a Zimbabwe TIP cost?

ZIMRA lists the following charges in its public notice: 

Charge	Amount
Carbon tax	US$10
Third-party insurance	US$30
Bridge toll (Beitbridge only)	US$9
Zimborders fee (Beitbridge only)	US$28
Total at Beitbridge	US$77

Note: The total includes only the charges listed above. Other fees may apply.

The bridge toll and Zimborders fee apply when using Beitbridge Border Post. The notice does not clarify whether the listed charges are new or unchanged, nor does it provide a comprehensive list of any other fees that might apply.

Travellers should confirm the charges applicable to their crossing before departure and carry sufficient funds to cover the costs.

Important conditions for TIP holders

A vehicle entering Zimbabwe under a TIP must remain under the control of the permit holder and cannot be disposed of in Zimbabwe without ZIMRA's approval.

The vehicle must also leave the country before the permit expires unless an extension has been granted. Permit holders should not leave Zimbabwe without their vehicle unless they have made prior arrangements with the nearest ZIMRA office.

If you need to extend your stay, submit your application before the existing permit expires and provide supporting documentation. Do not assume that an extension will be granted automatically.

Where to get further information

Travellers who are unsure about the requirements should contact ZIMRA before setting off, particularly if they plan to stay in Zimbabwe for more than 30 days or are driving a vehicle that is not registered in their name.

ZIMRA provides the following email contacts in Public Notice No. 60 of 2026:

• Beitbridge: BeitbridgePrivateImports@zimra.co.zw
• Plumtree: PlumtreePrivateImports@zimra.co.zw
• Harare: HararePortMotorTraffic@zimra.co.zw

Travellers returning to South Africa should also check the separate South African customs requirements for foreign-registered vehicles. These are not covered by ZIMRA's notice.

For most visitors, the ordinary 30-day TIP period should be sufficient. However, anyone planning a longer stay should confirm the arrangements in advance and ensure that the vehicle leaves Zimbabwe before the permit expires.

 

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Addo Elephant National Park receives R136.5 million upgrade

South African National Parks (SANParks) is investing R136.5 million in upgrading accommodation and visitor facilities at Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape.

Eight new family accommodation units are already open, while further accommodation upgrades, a refurbished guest house and a swimming pool are expected to be ready in December 2026. A new spa is also operational.

A new 10-unit Community Lodge is scheduled to open in January 2027, alongside the commissioning of a 705-kW solar power plant. Upgrades to Addo Elephant National Park's main sewer and electrical infrastructure have already been completed, while road maintenance is ongoing.

Despite the progress, further improvements are still needed. SANParks has identified ablution facilities and hiking trails as priorities for additional work.

What this means for visitors: Travellers planning a stay at Addo Elephant National Park over the coming months should check accommodation availability and the status of visitor facilities with SANParks before travelling. Road maintenance and ongoing upgrades may affect access to certain facilities or game-viewing routes. Check with SANParks or return to umhambi.blogspot.com for further updates. 

 

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Lufthansa Group expands Cape Town and Windhoek flights for summer 2027

The Lufthansa Group is increasing its Southern Africa flight offering for the northern summer 2027 season, with more flights to Cape Town and additional services to Windhoek from Munich. The changes give travellers from Europe more options for reaching South Africa and Namibia during the popular travel period.

Lufthansa will increase frequencies on its Frankfurt–Cape Town route, while Discover Airlines will add two weekly flights between Munich and Windhoek, bringing the route to five weekly departures. Swiss leisure airline Edelweiss will also increase its seasonal Zurich–Windhoek service to three flights per week from July 2027. Lufthansa Group's summer 2027 schedule is available for booking, although travellers should check individual dates and flight availability before making plans.

What travellers need to know

• Cape Town: Lufthansa will increase the number of flights from Frankfurt during summer 2027. The airline has not specified the revised frequency in its schedule announcement.
• Windhoek from Munich: Discover Airlines will operate five weekly flights from April 2027, including two additional departures on Mondays and Thursdays. Combined with its Frankfurt services, Discover Airlines will offer 12 weekly flights to Windhoek from Germany.
• Windhoek from Zurich: Edelweiss will start its seasonal flights on 16 March 2027, increasing the service to three flights per week from July.

The expanded schedules offer more flexibility for travellers planning trips to Cape Town or Namibia, particularly those looking for direct flights from Germany or Switzerland. As flight frequencies vary by season, it is worth checking the timetable for your intended travel dates before finalising an itinerary.

 

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Proflight Zambia adds Johannesburg and Cape Town flights ahead of the festive season

Proflight Zambia is increasing flights between Lusaka in Zambia and South Africa ahead of the 2026/27 festive season, giving travellers more options for trips between the two countries.

The airline has introduced a third daily return service between Lusaka and Johannesburg on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The additional weekend flights began on 19 September 2026, with a new evening departure from Johannesburg at 18:25, arriving in Lusaka at 20:25. A further 54 flights will operate on the route during December 2026 and January 2027.

From 11 December 2026, Proflight Zambia will also add a fourth weekly flight between Lusaka and Cape Town. The new Friday service complements the existing Monday, Wednesday and Saturday flights. Departures are scheduled for 10:40 from Lusaka and 15:55 from Cape Town, with the service operating via Livingstone.

The additional Cape Town flight also provides another weekly connection to Livingstone, making it easier to combine a visit to Victoria Falls with a trip to South Africa. Connections are available to other Zambian destinations, including Mfuwe, Ndola and Solwezi, subject to the published schedules.

Travellers planning a festive-season trip should check flight availability and timings directly with Proflight Zambia before booking. No flights will operate on Christmas Day, 25 December 2026.

 

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South Africa's best and worst-rated beaches revealed

Dias Beach at Cape Town's Cape Point has been named South Africa's best-rated beach in a new ranking based on Google reviews. At the other end of the list, Monwabisi Beach, located along the False Bay coastline in Khayelitsha, received the lowest average rating.

The research by SEO Backlinks analysed 119 public beaches in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, using Google review data collected on 05 October 2026. The Western Cape dominates the top ten, while seven of the ten lowest-rated beaches are in KwaZulu-Natal.

South Africa's 10 Best-Rated Beaches

Rank	Beach	Location	Rating
1	Dias Beach	Cape Point, Western Cape	4.87/5
2	Robberg 5 Beach	Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape	4.75/5
3	Struisbaai Main Beach	Struisbaai, Western Cape	4.75/5
4	Keurbooms Beach	Keurboomstrand, Western Cape	4.75/5
5	Coney Glen Beach	Knysna, Western Cape	4.73/5
6	Sardinia Bay Beach	Gqeberha, Eastern Cape	4.72/5
7	Llandudno Beach	Cape Town, Western Cape	4.71/5
8	Bakoven Beach	Cape Town, Western Cape	4.71/5
9	Pringle Bay Beach	Pringle Bay, Western Cape	4.71/5
10	The Point	Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape	4.71/5

Source: SEO Backlinks. Google review data collected on 05 October 2026.

Dias Beach leads the ranking with an average score of 4.87 out of five from 333 reviews. Located within Table Mountain National Park at Cape Point, it is a more remote option than Cape Town's easily accessible urban beaches.

The Garden Route also features prominently, with Robberg 5 Beach, Keurbooms Beach and Coney Glen Beach among the top five. In the Eastern Cape, Sardinia Bay near Gqeberha and The Point in Jeffreys Bay make the top ten.

South Africa's 10 Lowest-Rated Beaches

Rank	Beach	Location	Rating
1	Monwabisi Beach	Khayelitsha, Cape Town	3.67/5
2	Brighton Beach	Gqeberha, Eastern Cape	3.78/5
3	Alkantstrand Beach	Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal	3.82/5
4	Orient Beach	KuGompo City (East London), Eastern Cape	3.85/5
5	Blythedale Beach	KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal	4.10/5
6	St Winifred's Beach	Kingsburgh, KwaZulu-Natal	4.20/5
7	Hibberdene Beach	Hibberdene, KwaZulu-Natal	4.21/5
8	Blue Lagoon Beach	Durban, KwaZulu-Natal	4.21/5
9	Thekwini Beach	Durban, KwaZulu-Natal	4.25/5
10	Westbrook Beach	Westbrook, north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal	4.26/5

Source: SEO Backlinks. Google review data collected on 5 October 2026.

Monwabisi Beach recorded the lowest average rating in the study, at 3.67 from 353 reviews. Alkantstrand Beach in Richards Bay was the lowest-rated beach in KwaZulu-Natal.

These ratings should be treated as a guide rather than a definitive assessment of beach quality. Google reviews reflect visitors' overall experiences and do not necessarily indicate water quality, swimming safety or the condition of facilities.

Which province has the highest-rated beaches?

The Western Cape recorded the highest average rating, followed by the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Average Beach Ratings by Province

Rank	Province	Beaches Surveyed	Average Rating
1	Western Cape	66	4.58/5
2	Eastern Cape	15	4.42/5
3	KwaZulu-Natal	38	4.39/5

Source: SEO Backlinks. Average ratings calculated across the surveyed beaches in each province.

The study included beaches with at least 200 Google reviews and covered only these three coastal provinces. It therefore does not represent every beach in South Africa.

For travellers planning a coastal road trip, the rankings offer a few ideas for beach stops along the way. The Western Cape's highly rated beaches can be combined with a journey along the Garden Route towards Plettenberg Bay, while those continuing east towards Gqeberha and Jeffreys Bay will find two Eastern Cape beaches in the top ten. Further north, KwaZulu-Natal offers an extensive coastline to explore, despite its lower average rating in the study.

Google ratings are only a starting point, however. Check local swimming advisories and water-quality updates before visiting, as conditions can change and a high rating does not necessarily mean a beach is suitable for swimming.

 

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Namibia: Gross Barmen Resort’s indoor swimming facilities temporarily closed

Travellers planning a visit to Gross Barmen Resort in Namibia should be aware that its indoor swimming facilities have been temporarily closed to allow for repair work.

Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), which operates the resort, announced the closure on 15 October 2026 with immediate effect. The repairs are intended to address issues affecting the facilities, which will remain closed until the necessary work has been completed and the swimming areas have been confirmed safe for use.

No reopening date has been announced. NWR says it will provide further updates once more information becomes available.

Visiting Gross Barmen Resort

Gross Barmen Resort is situated approximately 100 km north of Windhoek and 25 km west of Okahandja, on the banks of a tributary of the Swakop River. Its natural hot springs are the main attraction, with the resort offering thermal swimming facilities, accommodation and camping. The resort is a popular destination for day visitors and a potential stop on a road trip through central Namibia.

For travellers with an upcoming stay, it is worth checking directly with NWR before arrival, particularly if access to the indoor thermal pool is an important part of the visit.

 

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South Africa named one of the World's 10 Best Countries for Food in 2026

South Africa has been ranked the 10th-best country for food in the world in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards, placing the country among the top culinary destinations recognised by the travel magazine's readers.

The ranking gives travellers another reason to explore South Africa's food culture, which reflects a mix of indigenous traditions and influences from Malay, Indian and European communities. From traditional braais and Cape Malay dishes to Durban's Indian-influenced cuisine, the country's regional specialities offer plenty to discover beyond its better-known wildlife and natural attractions.

Exploring South Africa's food culture

South Africa's cuisine varies considerably between regions, making food an interesting part of a journey through the country.

In Cape Town and the Western Cape, travellers can try Cape Malay specialities such as bobotie and fragrant curries, alongside the region's seafood and contemporary restaurant scene. The Cape Winelands, including Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, offer opportunities to combine local cuisine with visits to wine estates.

Durban, meanwhile, is known for its Indian-influenced food. One of the city's best-known specialities is bunny chow, a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. Further inland, Johannesburg, Pretoria and other urban centres offer a wide range of restaurants serving traditional South African dishes and contemporary interpretations of local ingredients.

A traditional braai is another experience worth seeking out. Grilled meat, boerewors and a selection of side dishes are central to this popular South African way of cooking and socialising.

South Africa in the 2026 food ranking

The Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards are based on reader ratings and reflect travellers' experiences and preferences. South Africa achieved a score of 94.26%, placing it tenth in the magazine's 2026 ranking of the world's best countries for food.

Italy topped the list with 96.92%, followed by Greece (96.72%) and Portugal (96.57%). Croatia ranked ninth with 94.39%, immediately ahead of South Africa.

The ranking is based on readers' experiences and preferences, so it is not a definitive verdict on which country's food is best. Still, South Africa's place in the top ten is a welcome reminder that the country's culinary traditions deserve a place alongside its better-known attractions.

For visitors planning a trip, the result is a reminder to look beyond the country's established attractions. Regional dishes, local restaurants and traditional cooking experiences can add another dimension to a South African itinerary, whether travelling along the coast, visiting the major cities or exploring the country's wine regions.

 

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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Shop closures in October 2026

Travellers visiting the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park in October 2026 should be aware of temporary closures at the shops in Mata Mata, Nossob and Twee Rivieren. South African National Parks (SANParks) will close the shops for several hours on separate dates to conduct annual stocktakes.

The closures may affect visitors who rely on Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park shops for food, drinks and other essential supplies. The following dates and opening times will help you plan shopping around your itinerary.

Kgalagadi shop closure dates and times

Shop	Date	Closed	Opening hours
Mata Mata	22 October 2026	09:00–15:00	07:00–09:00 15:00–19:15
Nossob	27 October 2026	09:00–15:00	07:00–09:00 15:00–19:15
Twee Rivieren	29 October 2026	05:00–15:00	15:00–19:15 only

All times are local South African time (SAST).

What visitors need to know

The closures affect one shop at a time, on three separate dates. The Mata Mata and Nossob shops will remain open in the early morning and reopen at 15:00. The Twee Rivieren shop will be closed from 05:00 until 15:00, opening only in the afternoon on 29 October.

Visitors staying at the affected camps or travelling through them on these dates should purchase any essential supplies outside the closure periods. This is particularly relevant for self-drive travellers who depend on Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park shops while moving between camps.

Planning your Kgalagadi visit

The temporary closures are limited to the scheduled stocktake periods. Travellers should check their itineraries against the dates above and ensure they have sufficient food, drinks and other necessities before the relevant shop closes. 

 

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SANParks conservation fees increase from 01 November 2026

South African National Parks (SANParks) will increase daily conservation fees at most of its national parks in South Africa from 01 November 2026, when the new tariffs for the 2026/27 financial year take effect. The higher fees will affect travellers planning safaris, self-drive trips and day visits to destinations such as Kruger National Park, Addo Elephant National Park and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

The new rates apply until 31 October 2027 and vary according to the park visited and the visitor's nationality. South African citizens and residents pay the lowest standard rates, followed by visitors from other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. Travellers from outside the region pay the standard international conservation fee.

For international visitors in particular, the increase adds to the cost of a Southern African itinerary, especially when several national parks or multiple days of game viewing are included.

New SANParks conservation fees for 2026/27

The following table highlights the daily conservation fees at selected national parks and attractions popular with travellers. The figures are for adults aged 12 and older and apply from 01 November 2026 to 31 October 2027.

SANParks daily conservation fees: 01 November 2026 – 31 October 2027. Rates are per adult, per day.

National park / attraction	South African citizens and residents	SADC nationals	Other international visitors
Kruger National Park	R140	R296	R692
Addo Elephant National Park	R115	R242	R565
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park	R134	R283	R662
Table Mountain National Park – Cape of Good Hope	R115	R242	R592
Table Mountain National Park – Boulders	R57	R118	R282
Augrabies Falls National Park	R73	R149	R325
Garden Route National Park – Storms River Mouth	R85	R179	R422
West Coast National Park – outside flower season	R85	R141	R166
West Coast National Park – flower season	R127	R206	R352

Important: Adult rates apply from age 12. Children aged 2–11 pay separate child rates, and children under 2 are exempt from conservation fees. SADC rates are subject to applicable transfrontier arrangements. The West Coast National Park flower-season tariff applies in August and September. Rates are in South African rand (ZAR) and are subject to change without prior notice.

Source: Official SANParks conservation fee schedule 2026/27.

How much are Kruger National Park entrance fees increasing?

Kruger National Park remains one of South Africa's most popular safari destinations, and the new tariffs mean visitors will need to budget more for park entry.

From 01 November 2026, the daily conservation fee for an international adult will rise from R602 to R692, an increase of R90, or approximately 15%. South African adults will pay R140, up from R134, while the rate for SADC adults will increase from R275 to R296.

For international travellers, the difference becomes more noticeable over several days. Two international adults visiting Kruger National Park for three days will pay R4,152 in conservation fees alone, compared with R3,612 under the previous tariff. This represents an additional R540 for the same visit.

These amounts cover park entry only. Accommodation, fuel, food, guided activities and other travel expenses must be budgeted separately. 

Higher Fees at Addo, Kgalagadi and other parks

The adjustment is not limited to Kruger National Park. Several other popular destinations will also introduce higher conservation fees, although the size of the increase varies by park and visitor category.

At Addo Elephant National Park, the daily international adult fee will rise from R492 to R565, an increase of R73. South African adults will pay R115, compared with R110 previously.

At Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the international adult rate will increase from R576 to R662, while the South African adult rate will rise from R129 to R134.

Visitors to Cape Point, part of Table Mountain National Park, will pay R592 per international adult per day, up from R515. At Boulders Beach, the international adult fee will increase from R245 to R282.

Not every park has the same percentage increase. For example, the adult conservation fee at Augrabies Falls National Park remains R325 for international visitors and R73 for South African citizens and residents. Travellers should therefore check the tariff for each destination rather than assume that every park's fees have increased by the same amount.

What the new fees mean for South African families

South African citizens and residents continue to benefit from lower conservation fees, provided they present the required identification or other accepted proof of eligibility.

In Kruger National Park, the new daily rate is R140 per adult and R70 per child aged two to 11. A family of two adults and two children will therefore pay R420 per day in conservation fees, compared with R402 under the previous tariff.

For international families, the equivalent daily cost will be considerably higher. At Kruger National Park, the new standard international rates are R692 per adult and R345 per child. Two adults and two children will pay R2,074 per day, or R6,222 for three days, in conservation fees alone.

Children under two are exempt from daily conservation fees. Adult rates apply from age 12, while the child tariff applies to visitors aged two to 11.

SADC visitors: Which conservation fee applies?

Visitors from SADC countries should check the separate SADC tariff rather than automatically using the South African or international rate. Eligibility is based on nationality and the applicable documentation, including a valid passport.

There is an important exception for nationals of SADC countries covered by relevant transfrontier agreements or treaties. SANParks states that these visitors may qualify for the South African resident rate at the relevant park. For example, eligible Mozambican and Zimbabwean nationals visiting Kruger National Park, and Botswana nationals visiting Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, pay the South African rate rather than the standard SADC tariff.

As these arrangements are park-specific, travellers should confirm their eligibility and required documents with SANParks before arrival.

Is a SANParks Wild Card worth considering?

Travellers planning to visit several participating parks may want to compare the new daily conservation fees with the cost of a SANParks Wild Card.

A Wild Card can cover conservation fees at participating parks, subject to the membership category and applicable terms. It may offer savings for travellers visiting multiple parks or spending several days at destinations where daily fees are relatively high.

SANParks also states that members of its WILD loyalty programme do not pay conservation fees when they present their WILD card and proof of identity on arrival.

However, coverage depends on the relevant membership and destination. Travellers should compare the cost of individual entries with the appropriate Wild Card option and check which parks and activities are included before purchasing a membership.

Planning a South African National Park visit from November 2026

The new conservation fees take effect on 01 November 2026. Travellers visiting before that date should use the tariffs applicable to their visit, while those entering parks from November onwards should budget using the 2026/27 schedule.

A few points are worth keeping in mind when planning a trip:

• Check each park's tariff. Daily conservation fees differ between parks and attractions.
• Use the correct visitor category. South African citizens and residents, SADC nationals and other international visitors may pay different rates.
• Budget for children. Children aged two to 11 pay reduced fees, while children under two are exempt.
• Consider a Wild Card. If several participating parks feature in your itinerary, compare the membership cost with the total entrance fees.
• Check additional costs. Conservation fees do not automatically include accommodation, guided activities or separately operated attractions.
• Confirm the latest rates before travelling. SANParks states that fees are subject to change without prior notice.

For travellers planning a self-drive safari or a multi-park itinerary, checking the new fees in advance will help avoid underestimating the overall cost of a trip. 

 

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Durban Beach Water Quality Update: All 23 swimming beaches open

update (22 October 2026): All 23 monitored beaches in Durban remain open for swimming, according to the latest eThekwini Municipality beach status update dated 16 October 2026.  

All 23 monitored beaches in Durban remain open for swimming, according to the latest eThekwini Municipality beach status update dated 13 October 2026. The latest E. coli results range from excellent to acceptable, with Thekwini Beach recording the highest reading among the monitored beaches.

For travellers planning a visit to Durban, there are currently no swimming closures listed in the municipal update. However, water quality varies along the coastline, and the latest sample dates differ between beaches.

Central beaches

All 11 monitored central beaches are open for swimming. The latest results range from 85 at uShaka Beach to 487 at Thekwini Beach. 

Beach	E. coli result	Sample date
Wedge	203	12 October
Point	134	13 October
uShaka	85	13 October
Addington	96	13 October
South Beach	171	12 October
North Beach	216	12 October
Bay of Plenty	189	12 October
Battery Beach	303	12 October
Country Club	213	12 October
Thekwini Beach	487	12 October
Laguna Beach	377	12 October

 

Northern beaches

All four monitored northern beaches remain open for swimming. Umdloti Main recorded an E. coli result below 10, while Umhlanga Main recorded 10. 

Beach	E. coli result	Sample date
Westbrook	110	13 October
Umdloti Main	< 10	13 October
Umhlanga Main	10	13 October
Bronze Beach	20	13 October

 

Southern beaches

All eight monitored southern beaches are also open for swimming. The latest published results range from below 10 at Pipeline Beach and Toti Main Beach to 408 at Reunion Beach. 

Beach	E. coli result	Sample date
Toti Main	< 10	5 October
Anstey's Beach	52	5 October
Brighton Beach	20	5 October
Umgababa	10	5 October
Doonside Beach	20	8 October
Winklespruit	52	6 October
Pipeline Beach	< 10	5 October
Reunion Beach	408	8 October

 

What travellers need to know

The eThekwini Municipality classifies beach water quality as excellent when E. coli levels are below 130, acceptable between 130 and 500, and poor above 500.

Although all 23 beaches in Durban are currently listed as open, several recorded results in the acceptable category. Thekwini Beach, Laguna Beach and Reunion Beach had readings of 487, 377 and 408 respectively.

Water quality can change between sampling rounds, so travellers should check the latest results before swimming.

Source: eThekwini Municipality, Beach Water Quality Results and Status of Beaches and Swimming Pools, 13 October 2026.

 

 

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7th World Culinary Awards 2026: These are Southern Africa's top restaurants

The winners of the 7th World Culinary Awards have been announced, recognising restaurants and hotel dining experiences around the world. In Southern Africa, establishments in South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Eswatini feature among the winners.

South Africa was named Africa's Best Culinary Destination 2026, while Cape Town received the title of Africa's Best Culinary City Destination.

La Colombe in Constantia, Cape Town, was named both South Africa's Best Restaurant 2026 and Africa's Best Restaurant 2026. Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic in Hout Bay received both the South African and African titles for Best Hotel Restaurant, while Journey – Urchin Restaurant in Cape Town was recognised as South Africa's and Africa's Best Fine Dining Experience 2026.

For travellers planning a trip to the region, the awards offer some ideas for dining experiences to consider alongside safaris, city breaks and coastal holidays.

 

Africa's Best Restaurants of 2026 in Southern Africa

• Africa's Best Restaurant 2026: La Colombe — Constantia, Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa's Best New Restaurant 2026: Precious Hidden Valley Restaurant — Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Africa's Best Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant 2026: Bellagio — Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: Chefs Warehouse @ Tintswalo Atlantic — Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa's Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant 2026: Babel @ Babylonstoren — Simondium, Cape Winelands, South Africa
• Africa's Best Brunch Venue 2026: JARRYDS Brunch & Bistro — Sea Point, Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa's Best Fine Dining Experience 2026: Journey – Urchin Restaurant — Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa's Best Landmark Restaurant 2026: Life Grand Cafe Waterfront — Cape Town, South Africa
• Africa's Best Japanese Cuisine Restaurant 2026: Hoseki at Delaire Graff Estate — Stellenbosch area, South Africa
• Africa's Best New Hotel Restaurant 2026: Room 32 @ Park Hyatt Johannesburg — Johannesburg, South Africa
• Africa's Best French Cuisine Restaurant 2026: Le coin Français by Darren Badenhorst — Franschhoek, South Africa

Southern Africa's top culinary establishments by country

Angola

• Angola's Best Restaurant 2026: Restaurante Vitrúvio — Luanda
• Angola's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: Kimera @ EPIC SANA Luanda — Luanda

Botswana

• Botswana's Best Restaurant 2026: Two Six Seven Kitchen + Bar — Gaborone
• Botswana's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: Xigera Restaurant @ Xigera Safari Lodge — Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve

Eswatini

• Eswatini's Best Restaurant 2026: Ramblas Restaurant — Mbabane
• Eswatini's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: The Lihawu Restaurant @ The Royal Villas — Ezulwini Valley

Mozambique

• Mozambique's Best Restaurant 2026: Salt Restaurant & Bar — Maputo
• Mozambique's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: Bistro @ Avenida Hotel Maputo — Maputo

Namibia

• Namibia's Best Restaurant 2026: Butcher Block Steakhouse — Windhoek
• Namibia's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: Platform One Restaurant @ Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre — Swakopmund

South Africa

• South Africa's Best Restaurant 2026: La Colombe — Constantia, Cape Town
• South Africa's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: Chefs Warehouse @ Tintswalo Atlantic — Hout Bay, Cape Town
• South Africa's Best Culinary Experience 2026: Journey – Urchin Restaurant — Cape Town

Zambia

• Zambia's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: The Curate Restaurant @ InterContinental Lusaka — Lusaka

Zimbabwe

• Zimbabwe's Best Restaurant 2026: The Boma — Victoria Falls
• Zimbabwe's Best Hotel Restaurant 2026: The Kitchen Restaurant @ Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles — Harare

Planning a culinary stop in Southern Africa

The 2026 World Culinary Awards provide a starting point for travellers interested in exploring the region's restaurant scene. The winning establishments range from city restaurants in Cape Town, Luanda, Gaborone, Maputo and Windhoek to hotel dining and safari-lodge experiences.

South Africa has several recognised options around Cape Town, while Botswana's Xigera Restaurant offers a dining experience in the Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta. In Zimbabwe, visitors can consider The Boma when staying in Victoria Falls.

For more information, see the official World Culinary Awards 2026 winners list.

 

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New direct flights between Zambia and Namibia from November 2026

Zambian regional airline Proflight Zambia will introduce direct flights between Lusaka and Windhoek in November 2026, making it easier for travellers to combine Zambia and Namibia in one Southern African itinerary.

The new route will provide a direct air link between the two capitals, offering an additional option for travel between the neighbouring countries.

Proflight Zambia Lusaka–Windhoek Flight Schedule

The service is scheduled to operate on the following days:

• November–December 2026: Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays
• 04 January 2027 – 28 February 2027: Thursdays and Sundays

For the January and February 2027 schedule, the flights are listed as follows:

• Lusaka 10:35 > 12:40 Windhoek
• Windhoek 13:20 > 15:30 Lusaka

All times are local. Travellers should confirm the operating days and flight times when booking, particularly for travel during the transition between the two schedules.

Connecting Zambia and Namibia

The new Lusaka–Windhoek route makes it easier to include both countries in a Southern African itinerary. Namibia offers attractions such as Etosha National Park, the Namib Desert and the coastal town of Swakopmund, while Zambia is home to destinations including Livingstone and Victoria Falls.

Travellers wishing to visit Livingstone and Victoria Falls as part of the same trip may also be able to connect via Lusaka, using Proflight Zambia's existing services between Lusaka and Livingstone. These connections are separate from the new Lusaka–Windhoek route, and travellers should check schedules and connection times when booking.

The new service also provides an additional travel option for business travellers between Zambia and Namibia.

 

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Durban Beach Water Quality Update: Thekwini and Laguna beaches closed

Most of Durban’s beaches remain open for swimming, but travellers should avoid Thekwini Beach and Laguna Beach, which are closed following very high E. coli readings.

The latest beach water quality results, dated 08 October 2026, show that Thekwini Beach recorded an E. coli result of 5,794, while Laguna Beach recorded 3,609. Both readings are well above the municipality’s poor-water-quality threshold of 500.

Thekwini and Laguna beaches closed

The results for 08 October 2026 show a marked difference between individual beaches. Thekwini and Laguna beaches are closed for swimming, while Reunion Beach has reopened following an earlier closure.

Reunion Beach recorded an E. coli result of 408, which falls within the municipality’s acceptable range of 130–500.

Other beaches with relatively low readings include Doonside Beach (20), North Beach (20), South Beach (31) and uShaka Beach (below 10).

Most Durban beaches remain open

The latest report lists most beaches across Durban’s northern, central and southern coastline as open for swimming. These include popular central beaches such as North Beach, South Beach, Addington, uShaka and Point, as well as Umhlanga Main, Bronze Beach and Amanzimtoti Main.

Water quality varies considerably between beaches, so travellers should check the status of their intended swimming spot rather than assume that conditions are the same along the entire coastline.

The municipality classifies E. coli results below 130 as excellent, between 130 and 500 as acceptable, and above 500 as poor. Most results in the latest report were recorded on 05 or 06 October 2026, with the latest samples for Thekwini, Laguna, Reunion and Doonside dated 08 October 2026.

What travellers should know

Travellers planning a beach visit to Durban should avoid swimming at Thekwini Beach and Laguna Beach while the closures remain in place. Other beaches remain available for swimming, but it is worth checking the latest water quality information before heading to the coast.

The municipality notes that recreational activities other than swimming may continue at closed beaches, subject to local restrictions.

Beach water quality can change, so check the latest updates before entering the sea.

Source: eThekwini Municipality, Beach Water Quality Results and Status of Beaches and Swimming Pools, 08 October 2026.

 

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Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Addo Elephant National Park: What travellers need to know

South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in kudu in Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. A second set of diagnostic tests on samples from affected animals came back positive.

SANParks says tourism operations remain open, but stricter biosecurity measures are now in place. At present, no other wildlife species in the park is showing symptoms consistent with FMD.

How was the disease detected?

SANParks’ wildlife health surveillance noticed an increase in lameness among kudu and informed the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture. The initial tests were negative, but follow-up investigation and testing confirmed FMD in kudu within Addo Elephant National Park.

What is not yet known?

The positive result confirms that the virus is present in the sampled animals. It does not, on its own, show where the infection came from, in which direction it spread, or whether it is linked to other outbreaks in the Eastern Cape. These questions are being investigated by the veterinary authorities.

What is FMD?

FMD affects susceptible cloven-hoofed animals. It is not considered a risk to human health.

What has changed in the park?

SANParks has strengthened biosecurity controls:

• Vehicle disinfection: Vehicles are disinfected before leaving designated game-viewing areas.
• Movement controls: No cloven-hoofed animals may enter or leave the park without approval from the veterinary authority after a risk assessment. This is mainly relevant to wildlife management, not to day visitors.
• Wider coordination: SANParks is working with the Department of Agriculture, neighbouring landowners and livestock producers. Further controls will follow if the veterinary authorities advise or animal-disease legislation requires it.

What does this mean for travellers?

Visitors can still plan a trip to Addo Elephant National Park, but should be prepared for biosecurity checks. Vehicle disinfection when leaving game-viewing areas may add some time to your exit, so allow a little extra for it, especially if you are travelling on to another destination the same day.

SANParks asks visitors to follow all access, movement and biosecurity instructions issued by the park. Because the situation is still developing and further measures may be introduced, check with SANParks for the latest information shortly before you travel.

SANParks says it will continue to monitor the affected kudu, other susceptible wildlife and possible risk pathways, and will issue further public updates when verified information becomes available.

 

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