Scandinavian Airlines expands codeshare with Virgin Atlantic to South Africa!

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), the flagship carrier of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, has officially broadened its codeshare partnership with Virgin Atlantic, giving travellers seamless access to South Africa. The expanded agreement now includes direct SAS bookings to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) and Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, alongside existing destinations Dubai (DXB) and Malé (MLE; Maldives) for passengers connecting via Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London.
With this update, SAS places its “SK” code on selected Virgin Atlantic flights, enabling passengers to book these international routes directly through SAS’s website or travel channels. The expanded codeshare flights became available for booking on 06 October 2025, with travel commencing from 08 October 2025.

Both SAS and Virgin Atlantic are SkyTeam alliance members, offering enhanced opportunities for frequent flyer point earning and redemption across both carriers. This partnership strengthens connectivity between Europe, South Africa, and popular long-haul destinations, making it easier than ever for travellers to plan seamless international journeys.

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Zambia waives tourist visa requirements for several countries! [update]

update (09 January 2023): According to a statutory instrument issued by the Zambian Government on 02 November 2022, the following 43 countries are on the list of visa-exempt countries. Visa-exempt nationals are allowed to remain in Zambia up to 30 days with an option to extend up to 90 days. The following countries are exempt from visa requirements:
Australia, Canada, Norway, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, US, UK, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and China

The Zambia Tourism Agency announced on 30 September 2022 that Zambia has waived tourist visa requirements for citizens from several countries in a bid to boost tourism. Effective since 01 October 2022, citizens of the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Norway, Australia, China, South Korea, Gulf States and the European Union no longer need a tourist visa to visit Zambia. 

South African Airways and Scandinavian Airlines have terminated their codeshare agreement!

South Africa's flag carrier, South African Airways (SAA), and the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), have terminated their codeshare agreement with effect from 10 December 2020. South African Airways is providing assistance only to ticketed passengers holding a South African Airways' ticket in case the ticket was issued on/before 10 December 2020. Customers holding such ticket will be offered the value of the unused sectors (coupons) as a credit for future travel. The credit can be used within the next 24 months from 10 December 2020. The reissued/reroute request and all travel must be completed on/before 10 December 2022. Refunds are not be applicable.

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Ethiopian Airlines to increase flights between Addis Ababa <> Oslo!

The flag carrier of Ethiopia, Ethiopian Airlines, is set to increase flights between Bole International Airport (ADD) in Addis Ababa and Oslo Airport (OSL) in Oslo, Norway. From 11 December 2018, the airline will operate six weekly return flights on board a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to Norway instead of the current five return flights per week. Ethiopian Airlines launched the route between Addis Ababa and Oslo in March 2017.

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Norway to close its embassies in Zimbabwe & Zambia!

Norway will close its embassies in Harare (Zimbabwe) and Lusaka (Zambia) in June 2016 due to "budgetary constraints and new priorities". Norway has been present in Zimbabwe with an embassy since 1981 and in Zambia with a development office since 1971, and an embassy since 1995.
In case you need assistance from a Norwegian embassy in Southern Africa, contact the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Pretoria (Ozmik House in 165 Lynnwood Road, Brooklyn; Tel# +27 12 3643700; office hours Mon-Fri 08:30 - 16:00).

Qatar Airways added Oslo (Norway) to its route network

Good news for travellers in Scandinavia, and Norway in particular. The flag carrier of Qatar, Qatar Airways, added flights to Oslo to its worldwide flight network. The Norwegian capital is the airline's third Scandinavian gateway after Stockholm in Sweden and Copenhagen in Denmark.
Qatar Airways is operating five flights per week between Doha an Oslo. The route is served with a wide body state-of-the-art Airbus A330 featuring 24 seats in Business Class and up to 236 seats in Economy.
Oslo became destination number 107 in the Qatar Airways' global route map and the 27th city served by the airline in Europe, a continent now representing 25% of the airline’s international reach.

Norwegian Embassy in Pretoria closed for move

The Norwegian embassy in Pretoria will move from its offices in Parkstreet, Hatfield, to Lynwood Road in Brooklyn. This will affect the daily work routine at the embassy and the visa section for approx. 2/3 weeks. The embassy will be closed from 09 May - 13 May 2011.

The new adress of the embassy is:
Ozmik House, North Wing
165 Lynwood Road, Brooklyn, Pretoria.
From 16 May 2011 the following contact number will be in use
Tel: +27 12 364 3700
Fax: +27 12 362 0505/08/09


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Kumuka: Win an Arctic Cruise

Kumuka are giving away 2 Arctic cruises! This is the trip of a lifetime. The lucky winners will explore the breathtaking landscapes of Spitsbergen (Norway) where they will have the chance to observe magnificent wildlife including polar bears, harp seals, walrus, reindeer, puffins and the elusive Arctic fox. Entries close 31 May 2011.

How to enter

1. Play the movie below and listen to the 3 Arctic animal sounds
2. Go to www.facebook.com/kumuka and like us (if you don't already)
3. Tell us what you think the animals are and why you should win a tour to see them - It's easy!

Hint: The animals are mentioned on the Arctic tour webpages (links below). This should help narrow it down.

Good Luck! Play the movie below to hear the Arctic animal sounds.



The Prizes

• 1 berth on the North Spitsbergen Cruise. Departing 26 Jun 2011    
• 1 berth on the North or Around Spitsbergen Cruise. Departing 08 Jul 2011

North Spitsbergen
Duration: 8 Days
Start/Finish: Longyearbyen, Norway
What's Included: All Meals Throughout the Voyage, including Snacks, Tea and Coffee • All Shore Excursions and Activities Throughout the Voyage by Zodiac Landing Craft • Program of Lectures by Professional Naturalists • Leadership by Experienced Expedition Staff • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges

North or Around Spitsbergen
Duration: 10 Days
Start/Finish: Longyearbyen, Norway
What's Included: All Meals Throughout the Voyage, including Snacks, Tea and Coffee • All Shore Excursions and Activities Throughout the Voyage by Zodiac Landing Craft • Program of Lectures by Professional Naturalists • Leadership by Experienced Expedition Staff • All Miscellaneous Service Taxes and Port Charges