Western Cape: CapeNature expands cashless payments to more Nature Reserves

Visitors to 10 CapeNature reserves in the Western Cape can no longer pay for entrance fees, activities and other services in cash. The cashless payment system was introduced at five reserves in February 2026 and extended to another five reserves in September.

The first five reserves to go cashless were Robberg, Keurbooms, Stony Point, Bird Island and Walker Bay. The September expansion added Assegaaibosch, Jonkershoek, Grootvadersbosch, Kogelberg and Geelkrans.

The 10 cashless CapeNature reserves

The cashless system currently applies at:

• Robberg Nature Reserve
• Keurbooms Nature Reserve
• Stony Point Nature Reserve
• Bird Island Nature Reserve
• Walker Bay Nature Reserve
• Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve
• Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
• Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve
• Kogelberg Nature Reserve
• Geelkrans Nature Reserve

Visitors at these reserves need to use an electronic payment method. CapeNature accepts debit and credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard and American Express, as well as mobile Scan to Pay payments. Visitors can also book and pay in advance online or make a telephone booking through the CapeNature Contact Centre on 087 087 8250.

CapeNature recommends booking permits online in advance, particularly as some hiking trails have a limited number of permits available each day. Visitors arriving without a booking can use card payment or QR-code payment options at the reserve.

More reserves will become cashless

The rollout will continue in two further phases.

The next phase will include:

• Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
• Limietberg Nature Reserve
• Marloth Nature Reserve
• Cederberg Wilderness – Algeria
• Cederberg Wilderness – Kliphuis
• Rocherpan Nature Reserve
• Groot Winterhoek Nature Reserve
• De Mond Nature Reserve

A final phase is planned for 2027, when cashless payments will be extended to:

• Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve
• De Hoop Nature Reserve
• Gamkaberg Nature Reserve
• Goukamma Nature Reserve
• Outeniqua Nature Reserve

What this means for travellers

The main point for travellers is simple: cash is no longer accepted at the CapeNature reserves that have already switched to cashless payments.

International visitors can use Visa and Mastercard cards provided they support contactless or chip-and-PIN payments. CapeNature also has backup payment processes in place for connectivity or power problems, with staff available to assist visitors. If the payment system is offline and a visitor does not have cash, CapeNature says visitors can use Scan to Pay or complete a mobile-friendly online booking using the QR codes available at the gate.

For travellers planning a road trip through the Western Cape, it is therefore worth checking the payment arrangements for the reserve before setting off. This will become increasingly relevant as CapeNature continues to expand the cashless system over the coming months and into 2027.

 

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Addo Elephant National Park: Main Camp swimming pool to close for maintenance

The swimming pool at Main Camp in Addo Elephant National Park will be closed for approximately four weeks from 13 October 2026 for maintenance ahead of the summer season.

The temporary closure affects overnight guests at Main Camp who will not be able to use the swimming pool during their stay. The pool is expected to reopen in mid-November 2026, subject to the progress of the maintenance work.

Main Camp is Addo Elephant National Park's principal accommodation facility, offering chalets, cottages, safari tents and camping facilities, as well as a restaurant and shop. Located in the southern section of the park, it provides convenient access to the main game-viewing area, which is particularly known for its large elephant population.

Addo Elephant National Park is located approximately 70 km north-east of Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape and is a popular destination for self-drive safaris.

 

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Durban Beach Water Quality: Most beaches open, Reunion remains closed

Durban's latest beach water-quality results show that most monitored beaches are open for swimming, but Reunion Beach remains closed because of very high E. coli levels.

The latest results, issued on 23 September 2026, show that most of Durban's main swimming beaches currently have an open status. For travellers planning time on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, however, it is worth checking the latest status before heading into the water, as conditions can change.

Reunion Beach remains closed

The main exception is Reunion Beach, south of Durban. Its latest recorded E. coli result was more than 24,196, compared with the municipal limit of 500 for an acceptable result. The beach is therefore closed for swimming.

The municipal classification uses three thresholds:

• Excellent: below 130
• Acceptable: 130–500
• Poor: above 500

The closure means visitors should not swim at Reunion Beach, although other recreational activities can still take place there.

Most major beaches are open

The latest list includes a wide range of beaches in Durban that are open for swimming, including uShaka, Addington, South Beach, North Beach, Bay of Plenty, Battery Beach, Country Club, thekwini Beach, Laguna Beach, Umhlanga Main, Bronze Beach, Umdloti Main and Westbrook.

The individual test results vary considerably. For example, Umdloti Main recorded less than 10 E. coli, while North Beach recorded 135 and Addington 350. All three were nevertheless listed as open in the latest results.
Further south, Amanzimtoti Main recorded 31, Ansteys less than 10 and Winklespruit 20, while Doonside recorded 350. These beaches were also listed as open.

What this means for travellers

For visitors staying in or around Durban, there is currently a choice of beaches where swimming is permitted. Reunion Beach should be avoided for swimming until its status changes.

The important point is that the water-quality situation is not uniform along the coast. Individual beaches are tested and their status can change, so travellers should check the latest municipal information rather than assuming that conditions at one beach apply to the entire Durban coastline.

Beach operating hours listed in the update are 06:00–18:00 on weekdays and 09:00–17:00 on Sundays and public holidays.

Traveller tip: If swimming is an important part of your Durban itinerary, check the beach's current status shortly before visiting, particularly after heavy rain or other events that can affect coastal water quality.

Source: eThekwini Municipality, Beach Water Quality Results and Status of Beaches and Swimming Pools, 23 September 2026. 

 

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Kruger National Park: Orpen Road (R31) detour reopens just in time for Heritage Day weekend

Good news for anyone heading to Kruger National Park's Orpen Gate this long weekend: the temporary detour around the flood-damaged section of the R531 is open again — but only for now.

The R531 is the main route linking Hoedspruit with Orpen Gate, and it's been a headache for travellers since April 2026, when a bridge near the Wits Rural Facility was washed away in heavy rains. Repairs have been ongoing ever since, and the road has been intermittently restricted while work continues.

What's changed

South Africa's Department of Transport has confirmed that the temporary detour around the damaged section is now passable. According to Christine du Preez, Ward 1 Councillor for Maruleng Municipality, the detour will be open for use over the Heritage Day long weekend — welcome timing for anyone with a Kruger National Park trip planned for 24–27 September 2026.

Work on the detour itself isn't finished, but it's currently in a state that allows vehicles to travel through safely.

The catch: it's temporary

This isn't a permanent fix, and the window is short. Repair work resumes on Monday (28 September 2026), and access may be restricted again once crews are back on site to complete the remaining work.

What this means for travellers

• If you're driving to Orpen Gate over the long weekend, the detour should get you through — but budget extra time, as detour sections are typically narrower, unsealed, or single-lane. The speed limit is 40km/h.
• Don't assume the same conditions will apply after the weekend. If your trip falls after Monday, check the latest status before you set off, since restrictions could return while work continues.
• Consider Phalaborwa Gate or Paul Kruger Gate as backup entry points if you're travelling later in the week and want to avoid any uncertainty around the R531.
• Drive cautiously through the detour itself — temporary road surfaces near active construction sites are best tackled at a reduced speed, especially with a loaded vehicle or trailer.

Bottom line

The Orpen Road detour is open for Heritage Day weekend travellers, giving a short but useful window to reach Orpen Gate via the R531. It's a temporary reprieve rather than a full reopening, so anyone travelling after Monday  (28 September 2026) should check for updates before relying on this route.

 

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South Africa's Rhino population grows 4.9%, but poaching remains a threat

South Africa marked World Rhino Day on 22 September 2026 with an update on its rhino population — still the largest in the world. Here's what the numbers actually mean if you're planning a safari.

South Africa remains home to more rhinos than any other country on Earth, and the latest figures suggest the population is heading in the right direction. But the update also comes with a reminder that the threat to these animals hasn't gone away.

The population: up 4.9%

At the end of 2025, South Africa's minimum national rhino population was estimated at 15,096 animals, made up of at least 2,565 black rhinos and 12,531 white rhinos. That's a 4.9% increase since 2024 — a meaningful rebound for a species that has spent decades under pressure from poaching.

Poaching: trending down, but still significant

From January to the end of August 2026, 230 rhinos were poached across the country, down from 248 over the same period in 2025. Kruger National Park, the epicentre of South Africa's poaching crisis, recorded 114 rhino deaths in the first eight months of 2026, compared with 123 the year before.

Poaching accounted for 2.2% of the national rhino population in 2025 — below the 3.5% threshold that conservationists consider the tipping point for population decline. It's a positive trend, though not one to get complacent about: every rhino lost removes a potential breeding animal and can leave calves orphaned.

What's driving the improvement

A few concrete interventions are being credited with the turnaround:

• Dehorning programmes in high-risk reserves, reducing the incentive for poachers
• Additional rangers and rhino monitors deployed in Kruger National Park through the Rhino Renaissance Initiative
• Layered security, tech-assisted monitoring and stronger law enforcement, including more coordinated investigations and prosecutions
• A new 10-year Biodiversity Management Plan for black and white rhino, published in April 2026, aimed at growing and securing populations over the long term
• A dedicated task force targeting the full trafficking chain — from poachers to the financiers profiting from the illegal horn trade

What this means for travellers

If a rhino sighting is on your safari list, the numbers are reassuring: South Africa's national parks remain a strong bet, and conservation investment is visibly paying off. Guides in parks like Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal are often well placed to talk you through the anti-poaching measures in place, which can add real depth to a game drive beyond the sighting itself.

It's also worth knowing that dehorning is increasingly common in high-risk areas — so don't be surprised if the rhino you spot looks a little different from the postcard image. It's a deliberate, effective protection measure, not a sign of a struggling population.

Travellers who notice anything suspicious involving wildlife — in a park or elsewhere — can report it to South Africa's environmental crime hotline on 0800 205 005 or SAPS on 10111.

Bottom line

South Africa's rhino population grew by 4.9% in 2025, and poaching numbers continued to fall through the first eight months of 2026. The country's rhinos are far from out of danger, but the trend is a positive one — and for travellers, it's another reason a safari through Kruger National Park or KwaZulu-Natal's reserves remains one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences on the continent.

Source: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), World Rhino Day media release, 22 September 2026.

 

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Free access to selected Cape Town nature reserves over Heritage Day weekend

The City of Cape Town is giving travellers and locals a good reason to get outdoors in Cape Town this Heritage Day weekend. From Thursday, 24 September to Sunday, 27 September 2026, entry to four of the city's usually-paid nature reserves will be completely free.

The free-entry offer applies to:

• Blaauwberg Nature Reserve
• Helderberg Nature Reserve
• Table Bay Nature Reserve
• Tygerberg Nature Reserve

These four reserves normally charge an entrance fee, so if you've been putting off a visit, this long weekend is the time to go.

What travellers may not know: most City reserves are free year-round

Here's the part that's easy to miss. Beyond the four reserves above, the City of Cape Town manages a much larger network of nature reserves and conservation areas across Cape Town — and most of these are free to enter year-round, no special promotion required.

Which reserve should you visit?

With close to 20 reserves scattered across Cape Town, there's something within reach no matter where you're based. A few options to consider:

Coastal and wetland spots

• Table Bay Nature Reserve (Rietvlei section) — main entrance at the southern end of Grey Avenue, Table View. Good for birdlife and open water views.
• False Bay Nature Reserve — covers both the Rondevlei section (corner of Perth Road and Fisherman's Walk, Grassy Park/Zeekoevlei) and the Zeekoevlei section (01 Shoreline Drive).
• Zandvlei Nature Reserve — Coniston Avenue, Marina Da Gama, Steenberg.
• Wolfgat Nature Reserve — Baden Powell Drive, Mitchells Plain, with an environmental education centre at 5 Pyrenees Road, Tafelsig.

Mountain and fynbos reserves

• Blaauwberg Nature Reserve — Eerste Steen Resort, Otto du Plessis Drive (M14), north of Bloubergstrand. Famous for its Table Mountain views across the bay.
• Tygerberg Nature Reserve — Totius Street, Welgemoed.
• Helderberg Nature Reserve — Verster Avenue, Somerset West, with Cape fynbos and hiking trails.
• Schapenberg Nature Reserve — Romulus Street, Rome Glen, Somerset West.

Smaller and lesser-known reserves worth exploring

• Bothasig Fynbos Nature Reserve — border of Visserhof, Bosmansdam and Potsdam roads, Bothasig.
• Botterblom Nature Reserve — Botterblom Road, Vierlanden, Durbanville.
• Bracken Nature Reserve — 2 Reservoir Road, Brackenfell.
• Durbanville Nature Reserve — Racecourse Road, Durbanville.
• Edith Stephens Nature Reserve — Govan Mbeki Road, Philippi (off Jakes Gerwel Drive).
• Harmony Flats Nature Reserve — 11th Avenue, Strand.
• Paardevlei Nature Reserve — De Beers Avenue, Paardevlei.
• Steenbras Nature Reserve — Faure Marine Drive (R44), about 9 km from Gordon's Bay.
• Uitkamp Wetland Nature Reserve — Mosselbank Road, Durbanville.
• Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve — Atlantis Dunes, Dassenberg Drive (R307), Atlantis.

What this means for travellers

If you're in Cape Town this week — or planning a trip around it — it's a good opportunity to tick off a reserve you've never visited, or to string a few together into a day of exploring further-flung corners of the city, like Atlantis's dune-fynbos at Witzands or Somerset West's Helderberg trails.

One thing to keep in mind: the free entry only covers admission. Paid recreational activities within the reserves — water sports and similar bookings, for example — will still be charged at the normal rate. So if your plan includes kayaking or a guided activity, budget for that separately.

It's also worth checking each reserve's opening hours before setting out, since these can vary, and some of the smaller reserves (like Bothasig Fynbos or Botterblom) are compact enough to combine with other errands in the same part of town.

Bottom line

From 24 to 27 September 2026, Blaauwberg, Helderberg, Table Bay and Tygerberg nature reserves join the rest of the City of Cape Town's reserve network in being free to enter. It's a low-cost way to spend a long weekend outdoors — just budget separately for any paid activities on-site.

 

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Cape Town Beach Alerts: New tool lets travellers check beach water quality

Travellers heading to Cape Town’s beaches and tidal pools now have a new way to check coastal conditions before heading to the water.

The City of Cape Town has launched Cape Town Beach Alerts, an online platform covering beaches and tidal pools along the Atlantic and False Bay coastlines. It brings together recent and longer-term water-quality results, coastal alerts, weather information and lifeguard details in one place.

The platform allows users to search for an individual beach or tidal pool in Cape Town and view its latest available water-quality result, as well as the eight most recent samples and longer-term results over a rolling 365-day period.

Results are shown using a simple colour system: green indicates a result within the national recreational water-quality guidelines, amber indicates a single failed result, while red indicates two consecutive failed results. The site also shows when the last failed result occurred and how frequently a location is tested.

For travellers, the service goes beyond water quality. Individual beach pages also include current weather and a three-day forecast, wind direction and strength, active coastal alerts, and information about seasonal lifeguard services and Blue Flag status.

The City says its monitoring programme covers more than 300 km of coastline, with samples collected every week at more than 100 locations. Water samples are independently analysed for enterococci, an indicator used to assess recreational coastal water quality.

One important point for visitors is that water-quality results are based on samples collected previously rather than real-time measurements. According to information provided by the City, it can take at least 72 hours from sampling to an independently tested result being published.

Cape Town Beach Alerts is available at:

Cape Town Beach Alerts

The service is also available through the City of Cape Town mobile app, where users can register for push notifications about environmental and pollution-related incidents affecting beaches and tidal pools.

For visitors planning beach days in Cape Town, it is a useful page to check alongside the weather and other local safety information—particularly when deciding between different beaches or tidal pools.

 

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Eastern Cape Free Access Week 2026: 11 reserves waive entry fees from 24 September

The Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency (ECPTA) will offer free day access to 11 provincial nature reserves in the Eastern Cape from 24 September to 04 October 2026.

The Free Access Week 2026 promotion waives both gate and conservation fees for day visitors at participating reserves. It does not include accommodation, activities or other additional costs.

The free-access promotion applies to day visitors at the following reserves in the Eastern Cape:

1. Thomas Baines Nature Reserve
2. Waters Meeting Nature Reserve
3. Tsolwana/Commando Drift Nature Reserve
4. Mpofu/Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve
5. Oviston Nature Reserve
6. East London Coast Nature Reserve
7. Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve
8. Silaka Nature Reserve
9. Mkambati Nature Reserve
10. Hluleka Nature Reserve
11. Groendal Nature Reserve

The participating reserves cover several parts of the Eastern Cape, from the coastal reserves around East London and the Wild Coast to inland conservation areas.

The promotion is therefore particularly relevant to travellers planning day trips or self-drive itineraries in the Eastern Cape. Overnight visitors will still have to pay for accommodation, while activities remain subject to the usual charges.

ECPTA says the promotion may be amended or cancelled without notice, so travellers should check directly with their chosen reserve before visiting.

 

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Sendelingsdrift pontoon closed in |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that the the Sendelingsdrift Pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift border post in the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is temporarily closed from 21 September 2026 due to high water levels.

The crossing will remain closed until water levels have receded and safety inspections have been completed. Travellers should therefore check the status before planning to enter the park via Sendelingsdrift.

The Sendelingsdrift 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.

Alternative route from Namibia

Visitors travelling from Namibia can still reach the park via the Oranjemund–Alexander Bay border route:

Rosh Pinah > Oranjemund > Alexander Bay > Sanddrift > Sendelingsdrift

The final approximately 95 km between Alexander Bay and Sendelingsdrift is gravel and can be heavily corrugated. A high-clearance vehicle or 4x4 is strongly recommended, particularly for this section and for travel within |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.

Travellers should also ensure that all required vehicle and cross-border documentation is in order and allow plenty of time for the journey. This is a remote area with limited services.

 

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Durban Beaches Update: 19 of 23 beaches open for swimming

Durban's beaches remain partly open for swimming, but the latest municipal water-quality results show a deterioration at several locations since the previous update.

As of 18 September 2026, 19 of Durban's 23 monitored beaches are listed as open for swimming, while four beaches — Doonside Beach, Reunion Beach, Thekwini Beach and Laguna Beach — are closed.

The latest status is based on water-quality samples taken between 14 and 17 September, with E. coli results ranging from 10 to 1,439 across the monitored beaches. The municipality classifies results below 130 as excellent, 130–500 as acceptable and results above 500 as poor.

Which Durban beaches are open?

The latest municipal status lists the following 19 beaches as open for swimming:

Northern beaches: Westbrook, Umdloti Main, Umhlanga Main and Bronze Beach.

Central beaches: Wedge, Point, uShaka, Addington, South Beach, North Beach, Bay of Plenty, Battery Beach and Country Club.

Southern beaches: Toti Main, Ansteys, Brighton, Umgababa, Winklespruit and Pipeline.

For travellers, this means swimming remains possible at a number of the city's main beachfront areas, including Umhlanga and the central Golden Mile.

Four beaches are currently closed

Four monitored beaches are currently closed for swimming:

• Doonside Beach – E. coli result of 798
• Reunion Beach – 1,439
• Thekwini Beach – 557
• Laguna Beach – 644

All four results are above the municipality's poor-water-quality threshold of 500.
The latest results represent a change from the previous update. On 03 (10) September 2026, 22 of the 23 monitored beaches were open, with only Reunion Beach closed after recording an E. coli result of 638 (583).

Water quality varies between beaches

The results also show why it is useful for travellers to check the individual beach status rather than treating Durban's coastline as having one overall water-quality rating.

Several beaches recorded low E. coli readings. Umdloti Main recorded 10, Brighton 10, Ansteys 20, Westbrook 20 and Umhlanga Main and Bronze Beach both recorded 31.

Other beaches currently open for swimming recorded results within the municipality's acceptable range. These include Umgababa at 437, Point at 425, uShaka at 336, Toti Main at 153 and Winklespruit at 132.
An “open” status therefore does not necessarily mean that the latest result falls into the municipality's excellent category.

What does this mean for travellers?

If you're visiting Durban and want to swim, there are still 19 monitored beaches available, but four locations should currently be excluded from swimming plans.

The situation can change as new water-quality samples are taken. Travellers planning a beach day should therefore check the latest municipal status before swimming, particularly if they are heading to Doonside, Reunion, Thekwini or Laguna.

The municipality says recreational activities can continue at closed beaches, but swimming is not permitted.

Durban beach swimming hours

The municipal notice lists operating hours of 06:00–18:00 on weekdays and 09:00–17:00 on Sundays and public holidays.

Bottom line

As of 18 September 2026, 19 of Durban's 23 monitored beaches are open for swimming. Doonside, Reunion, Thekwini and Laguna beaches are closed after recording E. coli results above the municipality's poor-water-quality threshold.

For visitors, the key point is that Durban still has a range of beaches open for swimming, but the latest results show that conditions can vary significantly between locations and change from one update to the next.

Source: eThekwini Municipality, Beach Water Quality Results and Status of Beaches and Swimming Pools, 18 September 2026.

 

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Survey: FlySafair named best low-cost airline in Africa 2026!

South African regional carrier FlySafair has been awarded Best Low-Cost Airline in Africa at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards for the second year running, successfully defending the title it first won in 2025. Zimbabwe-based Fastjet took second place this year, swapping positions with South African domestic carrier LIFT, which finished third after placing second in 2025. FlySafair also placed 8th among all African airlines overall, ahead of several long-established full-service carriers on the continent.

South African Airways (SAA) was named Cleanest Airline in Africa for 2026, reclaiming the title after losing it to Airlink last year. SAA also placed 6th among all African airlines and 72nd in the World's Top 100 Airlines overall, down slightly from 68th in 2025.

Air Mauritius was the region's top performer in the overall rankings, climbing from 64th to 52nd in the World's Top 100 Airlines and placing 3rd in Africa — ahead of SAA, and a 12-place jump on last year's result.

Fastjet and LIFT both featured prominently in the wider African rankings too, placing 9th and 10th respectively among all African airlines.

Across the continent, Ethiopian Airlines was named the top-ranked African airline overall, followed by Egyptair in 2nd and Royal Air Maroc in 4th, with RwandAir and Kenya Airways also featuring in the continent's top 10 alongside the Southern African carriers above.

Globally, Singapore Airlines was named the World's Best Airline for 2026, with Qatar Airways in 2nd and Cathay Pacific Airways in 3rd place. 

The 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards were based on the results of a global passenger satisfaction survey conducted between September 2025 and June 2026. More than 100 nationalities participated, with responses carefully screened to remove duplicate or ineligible entries. Over 325 airlines were included in the final results, making the Skytrax Awards one of the most comprehensive airline rankings in the industry.

 

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British Airways increases London–Cape Town flights for northern summer 2027

British Airways will increase its London Heathrow–Cape Town service from seven to 10 flights per week during the 2027 summer season, giving travellers more flexibility when planning trips between the UK and South Africa.

The additional frequencies will be useful for travellers using Cape Town as the starting or final point of a Southern African itinerary, as well as those connecting through London Heathrow from other destinations.

There is an important seasonal distinction. The increase to 10 weekly flights applies to summer 2027. British Airways is separately scheduled to operate up to 21 flights per week between London Heathrow and Cape Town during the 2026/27 Northern Hemisphere winter, from December 2026.

The 10-weekly summer schedule therefore represents an increase compared with the previous summer schedule, rather than a year-round increase to 10 flights per week.

British Airways is also expanding its wider African network for summer 2027, including the return of flights to Tanzania.

 

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Kruger National Park: Malelane Gate to close temporarily on 22 September 2026

update 22 September 2026: SANParks confirms that following a peaceful march today by unemployed youth from the neighbouring Nkomazi area, Malelane Gate is now open and safe for use. Normal operations have resumed, and guests, staff, suppliers, and visitors may access Kruger National Park through the gate as usual. 

Travellers planning to enter or leave the Kruger National Park through Malelane Gate on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 should make alternative arrangements.

South African National Parks (SANParks) says the gate will be temporarily closed from 08:00 on 22 September because of a planned march by unemployed youth from the Nkomazi area bordering the park.

The protest is expected to focus on concerns affecting unemployed young people in the area. SANParks says the march is intended to be peaceful, but the gate will remain closed as a precaution to protect visitors, staff and protesters.

What this means for travellers

Anyone planning to use Malelane Gate to enter or exit Kruger National Park on Tuesday should use another park entrance where possible. The closure will remain in place until the protesters have left the affected area and SANParks considers it safe to resume normal operations.

This could affect itineraries involving Malelane, Berg-en-Dal, Pretoriuskop and the southern Kruger National Park area, particularly for visitors with accommodation bookings or onward travel arrangements based around the gate.

Travellers should therefore allow extra time if using an alternative entrance and check the latest SANParks information before setting out.

SANParks has not given a fixed reopening time and says it will provide updates if the situation changes or Malelane Gate can reopen earlier.

Travellers should check the gate status before travelling to Malelane Gate on 22 September 2026.

 

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Cape Town's Kalk Bay among the world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2026

Kalk Bay on Cape Town’s False Bay coast has been named one of the world’s 40 coolest neighbourhoods for 2026 by Time Out.

The small coastal village ranks 31st on the magazine’s 2026 list and is the only South African neighbourhood included.

Time Out highlights Kalk Bay’s working fishing harbour, independent shops, cafés, restaurants, galleries and strong local character. Its location also makes it a useful stop for travellers exploring the Cape Peninsula.

Kalk Bay is close to Muizenberg, St James, Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach. The village itself is compact enough to explore on foot, with the harbour, Main Road and Dalebrook Tidal Pool among the main attractions.

Kalk Bay can also be reached from Cape Town by train, although travellers should check current Metrorail services before travelling.

The Time Out ranking puts further international attention on a part of Cape Town that has long been popular with locals and visitors. For travellers planning a Cape Town trip,Kalk Bay makes a useful addition to a Cape Peninsula itinerary.

Getting there

Kalk Bay sits about 25–30 km south of Cape Town’s city centre along the False Bay coast, roughly a 40-minute drive via the M3 and M4, although journey times can be considerably longer in peak traffic.

Kalk Bay can also be reached by train from Cape Town on Metrorail’s Southern Line, which follows the False Bay coast via Muizenberg and St James. Services currently operate through Kalk Bay, with trains continuing to Simon’s Town on weekdays. However, schedules and weekend services can differ, so travellers should check the latest timetable before travelling. 

Best time to visit

September and October are among the better months for whale watching in False Bay, when southern right whales can be seen close to shore. The elevated coastal road around Boyes Drive offers good views across the bay.

Cape Town's spring and summer months, roughly September to March, generally offer favourable conditions for exploring the Peninsula. However, weather can change quickly, so a light jacket or windbreaker is useful throughout the year.

 

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|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park: Fuel up before you arrive — Sendelingsdrift's 95 unleaded fuel pump Is down

update (28 September 2026): SANParks has confirmed that the technical issue affecting the 95 unleaded fuel pump at Sendelingsdrift has been resolved, and an adequate supply of fuel is once again available. 

Planning a self-drive into the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park via Sendelingsdrift? South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that the 95 unleaded fuel pump at Sendelingsdrift is currently experiencing technical difficulties.

Visitors are being asked to fill up with 95 unleaded fuel outside the park before arrival, until further notice.

What this means for your trip

The pump fault affects unleaded 95 only — there's no indication diesel is affected by this particular notice, though |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park's fuel supply has had a rocky few months generally, so it's worth checking both fuel types before you set off.

How to plan around it

• Fill up fully before you leave tar — Springbok on the N7 is your last guaranteed stop.
• Carry extra 95 unleaded fuel in jerry cans.
• Plan your route and distances in advance rather than improvising once inside.
• Check with SANParks shortly before you travel to confirm whether the pump is back in service.

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 — just over 300km away on the N7, the most reliable stop in the region.
• Rosh Pinah, Namibia — handy if approaching via the Sendelingsdrift pontoon.

 

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Ethiopian Airlines to launch daily Addis Ababa <> Durban flights

Ethiopian Airlines will launch daily non-stop flights between Addis Ababa  and Durban from 11 December 2026, creating a new option for international travellers heading to and from KwaZulu-Natal.

The new service will operate as follows:

• Addis Ababa 08:35 > 13:25 Durban
• Durban 14:15 > 21:00 Addis Ababa

All times are local.

For international travellers, the new route provides a direct connection between Durban and Ethiopian Airlines' Addis Ababa hub, with onward connections to destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

This includes one-stop options from Durban to cities such as London, Paris, Frankfurt, Mumbai, Delhi and Washington, making the new service particularly relevant for travellers combining KwaZulu-Natal with other destinations in (Southern) Africa or travelling to South Africa from further afield.

For South African travellers, the route opens additional options for reaching Ethiopia and Ethiopian Airlines' wider international network from Durban, without first having to travel to Johannesburg or Cape Town.

The route is currently scheduled to operate daily from 11 December 2026. 

 

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Malaria in Southern Africa in October 2026: What travellers need to know

October marks an important change in the malaria picture across Southern Africa. Temperatures are rising, the first rains are beginning in parts of the region and mosquito activity generally increases as the rainy season gets underway.

For travellers, October is therefore a good time to take malaria prevention seriously. The risk remains highly variable, however. A safari in Kruger National Park, a trip to the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Zambia or Malawi carries a very different malaria risk from a visit to Cape Town, Windhoek or Lesotho.

Malaria recommendations also depend on your exact itinerary, accommodation, season of travel and individual health circumstances. If you are travelling to a malaria-risk area in October 2026, check current travel-health advice before departure and discuss whether antimalarial medication is appropriate for you.

Malaria risk areas in Southern Africa

Malaria transmission is not uniform across Southern Africa. Altitude, temperature, rainfall, proximity to rivers and wetlands, mosquito populations and the time of year all influence the risk.

The following is a practical October 2026 overview for travellers. It should not replace destination-specific medical advice, particularly for longer trips or travel to remote areas.

South Africa

Malaria risk in South Africa is concentrated in the north-east of the country and is seasonal.

Important risk areas include:

• Kruger National Park
• low-altitude parts of Mpumalanga
• low-altitude areas of Limpopo, particularly near the borders with Mozambique and Zimbabwe
• parts of northern KwaZulu-Natal
• border areas adjoining Mozambique and Zimbabwe

The main malaria transmission season in these areas runs from September to May, making October an important month for travellers visiting Kruger National Park and the Lowveld. Current travel-health guidance recommends antimalarial medication for some higher-risk areas during this transmission season, while other areas require bite avoidance without routine chemoprophylaxis.

There is no malaria risk in most of South Africa, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, the Garden Route and most of the Western and Eastern Cape.

Mozambique

Mozambique remains one of the region's most significant malaria-risk destinations. Malaria transmission occurs throughout the country, including popular coastal and safari destinations.

Travellers should take particular care when visiting:

• Maputo and southern Mozambique
• Inhambane and Vilanculos
• the Bazaruto area
• Beira and central Mozambique
• Gorongosa National Park
• Nampula
• Pemba and Cabo Delgado
• Niassa and other northern wilderness areas

Current travel-health guidance classifies Mozambique as a high-risk malaria country and recommends antimalarial medication for travellers, alongside mosquito-bite prevention.

October is especially relevant because the transition towards the rainy season can increase mosquito breeding opportunities.

Zimbabwe

Malaria risk varies with altitude and location in Zimbabwe. The Zambezi Valley and other low-lying areas remain important risk areas for travellers.

Popular destinations where malaria precautions are particularly relevant include:

• Victoria Falls
• Hwange National Park
• Zambezi National Park
• Lake Kariba
• Mana Pools
• Matusadona National Park
• Gonarezhou and the south-eastern Lowveld
• other low-lying areas along the Zambezi Valley

Current travel-health guidance considers the Zambezi Valley a year-round risk area. In much of Zimbabwe below 1,200 metres, the higher-risk transmission season begins in November, while July to October is generally considered a lower-risk period. October is therefore a transition month rather than a malaria-free month.

Travellers heading to Victoria Falls or the country's major safari areas should continue to use mosquito-bite precautions.

Zambia

Zambia remains a significant malaria-risk destination, including during October.

Malaria prevention is particularly relevant for travellers visiting:

• Livingstone and Victoria Falls
• South Luangwa National Park
• Lower Zambezi National Park
• Kafue National Park
• the Luangwa Valley
• the Zambezi Valley
• northern and eastern Zambia

Current travel-health guidance classifies Zambia as a high-risk malaria country and recommends antimalarial medication for travellers, together with bite avoidance.

For safari travellers, the combination of evening and nighttime exposure and accommodation in relatively open environments makes mosquito protection particularly important.

Botswana

October is a particularly important month for malaria awareness in Botswana.

The main risk is in the northern half of the country, including:

• Okavango Delta
• Moremi
• Chobe National Park
• Kasane
• Chobe and Linyanti
• the Kwando region
• Ngamiland

Current travel-health guidance identifies a high malaria risk in northern Botswana from October to May. During the remainder of the year, the same region is considered lower risk.

This makes October a significant seasonal transition for travellers planning an Okavango Delta or Chobe safari. The risk should not be judged simply by how dry the landscape looks: mosquito activity can increase as temperatures rise and seasonal rainfall develops.

Southern Botswana has considerably less malaria risk.

Namibia

Malaria risk in Namibia is concentrated mainly in the north and north-east.

Important areas include:

• Kavango East
• Kavango West
• Zambezi Region
• northern Kunene
• Omusati
• Oshana
• Ohangwena
• Oshikoto
• parts of Omaheke and Otjozondjupa

Current travel-health guidance identifies a high malaria risk throughout the year in Kavango East, Kavango West and the Zambezi Region. In several other northern regions, the risk is lower from May to November and increases during the wetter months.

For travellers, this means that October is a useful point to reassess malaria precautions, particularly if an itinerary combines Etosha National Park with the northern regions, Kavango or the Zambezi Region.

Windhoek, Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and most of southern Namibia have little or no malaria risk.

eSwatini

Malaria risk in eSwatini is considerably more localised than in neighbouring Mozambique.

The main areas of concern are the eastern Lowveld, particularly areas towards the Mozambique border. Higher-altitude areas, including Mbabane and much of the Highveld, have little or no malaria risk.

October is still generally a lower-risk period than the peak summer months, but travellers staying in the Lowveld should use mosquito-bite precautions. The seasonal pattern can change with temperature and rainfall, so an itinerary-specific assessment is preferable to treating the whole country as either “safe” or “unsafe”.

Malawi

Malaria is a major travel-health consideration throughout Malawi.

This includes popular destinations such as:

• Lake Malawi
• Liwonde National Park
• Majete Wildlife Reserve
• Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve
• the Lower Shire Valley
• Lilongwe
• Blantyre

Current travel-health guidance considers Malaw a high-risk malaria destination and recommends antimalarial medication for travellers, in addition to mosquito-bite prevention.

The fact that October falls at the beginning of the rainy season in many parts of Malaw should not be interpreted as a sudden start to malaria risk: transmission occurs throughout the country.

Lesotho

Lesotho is different from most of its neighbours.

Malaria transmission does not normally occur in Lesotho, largely because of the country's high elevation and cooler climate. Travellers visiting Lesotho alone therefore do not normally require malaria prophylaxis specifically for their stay there.

The situation can change if a trip combines Lesotho with malaria-risk destinations elsewhere in Southern Africa. Your overall itinerary should therefore be considered when discussing malaria medication with a travel-health professional.

Angola

Malaria remains an important health risk throughout Angola, including in urban and lowland areas.

Travellers should not assume that staying in Luanda eliminates the risk. Much of the country has conditions suitable for malaria transmission, particularly warmer lowland and tropical areas.

For travellers combining Angola with other Southern African destinations, malaria prevention should therefore be considered as part of the overall itinerary rather than assessed only by individual stops.

Why October matters for malaria awareness

October is an important month for malaria awareness because Southern Africa is moving more decisively into the warmer part of the year.

Across many parts of the region, temperatures are rising and seasonal rainfall is beginning or becoming more frequent. Rainfall creates additional standing water and, together with warmer temperatures, can provide more favourable conditions for mosquitoes.

This is particularly relevant in northern Botswana, where October marks the start of the higher-risk malaria season according to current travel-health guidance. In South Africa, October falls firmly within the September-to-May malaria transmission season in the north-east.

October is also a popular month for Southern African travel. Safari destinations such as Kruger National Park, Chobe, the Okavango Delta, Hwange, Victoria Falls and South Luangwa remain attractive, while Mozambique's coast is another popular destination.

One common misconception is that malaria risk disappears when a destination looks dry. It does not. Malaria transmission depends on several factors, and risk can remain present even during relatively dry conditions.

Another important point is that malaria symptoms can initially look like many other illnesses. Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, nausea and fatigue are common symptoms. Plasmodium falciparum, the malaria parasite responsible for most malaria in Africa, can cause severe disease rapidly if treatment is delayed.

If you develop a fever during a trip to a malaria-risk area or after returning home, tell the healthcare professional that you have travelled to a malaria area. Do not assume that malaria has been ruled out because you took preventive medication.

Malaria prevention tips for travellers

There is no single measure that provides complete protection against malaria. The best approach combines mosquito-bite avoidance with antimalarial medication when it is recommended for your destination and personal circumstances.

Before travelling

• Check your exact itinerary. Malaria risk can change substantially between neighbouring regions.
• See a travel-health professional before departure. Ideally, arrange an appointment around four to six weeks before travelling, although it is still worthwhile to seek advice at shorter notice.
• Discuss antimalarial medication. Whether you need prophylaxis depends on your destination, season, accommodation, activities and personal health circumstances.
• Take prescribed medication exactly as directed. Different medicines have different schedules before and after travel.
• Pack an effective mosquito repellent and make sure you know how to use it correctly.

While travelling

• Use an insect repellent containing an effective active ingredient such as DEET or picaridin (icaridin).
• Apply repellent to exposed skin according to the product instructions.
• Wear long trousers and long-sleeved clothing, particularly from dusk through to dawn.
• Choose accommodation with air conditioning, screened windows or other effective mosquito protection where possible.
• Sleep under an insecticide-treated mosquito net where one is provided.
• Keep doors and windows screened or closed when mosquitoes are active.
• Consider treating clothing or mosquito nets with permethrin where appropriate; permethrin should not be applied directly to skin.

Malaria-carrying Anopheles mosquitoes are predominantly active between dusk and dawn, so evening protection is particularly important on safari, at lodges and in other open-air accommodation.

After your trip

Don't forget about malaria once you have returned home.

A fever after travelling to a malaria-risk area requires prompt medical attention. Symptoms can develop after returning from Africa, and malaria can still occur despite having taken prophylactic medication.

Tell the doctor or emergency department that you have recently travelled to a malaria area and where you travelled. This information is important for diagnosis.

Malaria can progress quickly, particularly when caused by plasmodium falciparum. Anyone with suspected malaria should therefore be assessed urgently rather than waiting to see whether the fever improves on its own.

Final thoughts

October is an important point in the Southern African malaria calendar. The region is becoming warmer, seasonal rainfall is returning in many areas and mosquito activity can increase.

The risk nevertheless varies enormously. Northern Botswana enters its higher-risk season, north-eastern South Africa is in its main transmission season, while Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi remain significant malaria-risk destinations. Zimbabwe is entering a seasonal transition, Namibia has substantial regional differences, and Lesotho remains malaria-free.

For travellers, the most useful rule is simple: don't judge malaria risk by the month or country alone. Check your exact itinerary.

If you are travelling to a malaria-risk area in October 2026, obtain current travel-health advice before departure, use consistent mosquito-bite protection and take antimalarial medication when it has been recommended for you.

Disclaimer: This article provides general travel-health information and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Malaria recommendations can vary according to your itinerary, age, pregnancy status, medical history, medication and the current local epidemiological situation. Malaria risk can also change following changes in rainfall, mosquito populations and local transmission. Always consult a qualified travel-health professional before travelling to a malaria-risk area.

 

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