Namibia Travel Alert: Orange River flooding disrupts travel between Rosh Pinah and Aussenkehr

Heavy flooding along the Orange River is continuing to disrupt travel in southern Namibia, with the Namibian Roads Authority (RA) confirming the closure of the C13 gravel road between Rosh Pinah and Aussenkehr.

According to an update issued on 14 May 2026, floodwaters have submerged a section of the road approximately 12 km from the Sendelingsdrift Border Post between Namibia and South Africa, forcing authorities to close the route to all traffic until further notice.

In addition, the Sendelingsdrift pontoon ferry has also been suspended due to the high river levels, further affecting cross-border travel between Namibia and South Africa through the remote Richtersveld region.

The disruptions are expected to impact self-drive travellers exploring southern Namibia, the Orange River region and the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park area. Motorists are strongly advised not to attempt driving through flooded sections, as conditions remain hazardous and unpredictable.

The RA says it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as conditions change. Travellers using gravel roads in southern Namibia are encouraged to check the latest road and weather information before departure, remain flexible with travel plans and consider alternative border crossings where necessary.

 

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|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Flood Update 2026: Camps closed, access restrictions & travel advice (May 2026)

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an important operational update for travellers planning a visit to the |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park following significant flooding caused by a sharp rise in Orange River water levels during April 2026.

SANParks emphasises that guest safety remains the highest priority, and as a result, access to several remote camps, routes, and facilities is currently restricted or cannot be guaranteed.

Flood impact in |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park

Recent heavy flows in the Orange River have caused flooding in parts of |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, making some routes, river crossings, and remote camp access roads temporarily impassable. The most affected areas are the park’s more isolated desert wilderness sections, where access is always closely tied to seasonal river conditions and can change quickly depending on water levels.

Affected areas and camps (temporary closures / Restrictions)

• Pontoon Border Crossing
• Pooitjiespram Block C
• De Hoop Block B & C
• Richtersberg Camp
• Tatasberg Camp
• Estimated Closure Periods
• Tatasberg Camp – May to June 2026
• Richtersberg Camp – May 2026
• De Hoop Block B & C – May 2026
• De Hoop Block A – Remains open

Camps and areas remaining open

Despite the flooding impacts, several key visitor facilities remain fully operational, including:

• Sendelingsdrift Campsite & Chalets
• Gannakouriep Wilderness Camp
• Kokerboomkloof Camp

Travellers can still experience parts of |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park's dramatic desert landscapes, though itineraries may need adjustment depending on access conditions and river crossings.

Booking flexibility for affected travellers

For guests impacted by closures or access limitations, SANParks is offering flexible booking options:

• Rebooking into alternative accommodation (no amendment or cancellation fees)
• Credit on Hand (COH) for future travel
• Full refund option

Travellers are encouraged to contact SANParks directly to adjust existing reservations or explore alternative arrangements.

Travel advisory summary

The |Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park remains open in parts, but access is currently variable due to river-driven flooding. Remote desert camps are the most affected, while selected camps and sections continue to operate normally.

Visitors planning trips in May and June 2026 should closely monitor updates and remain flexible, especially when travelling through or near the Orange River corridor.

 

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Travel Alert: Severe weather disrupts West Coast National Park

Travellers planning to visit West Coast National Park are being urged to exercise caution following severe weather conditions affecting parts of the Western Cape.

According to South African National Parks (SANParks), the park has recorded wind speeds of up to 89 km/h, while several sections are currently experiencing flooding after heavy rain and strong winds swept across the region.

Visitors are advised to follow all safety signage, temporary road closures and instructions from park staff, as conditions within West Coast National Park may remain hazardous in certain areas.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has also issued severe weather warnings for the Western Cape, including alerts for disruptive rainfall, damaging winds and possible flooding impacts.

SANParks is encouraging visitors to avoid unnecessary travel in affected sections of West Coast National Park and to continue monitoring official updates, as access conditions may change rapidly depending on the weather.

 

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Travelling through CPT? Here’s what you need to know after the 24 Feb airport fire

last updated 27 February 2026

ACSA released an official press statement last night. According to the release, all domestic and international check-in systems, along with Border Management Authority (BMA) and Customs services, are fully automated and functional.  International arrivals will continue to use an alternate "Meeters & Greeters" route on the ground floor of the International Inner Lane while a final safety assessment of the terminal is being completed. The baggage processing is currently being managed manually. ACSA's maintenance teams are working 24/7 to restore automated service to this area. Temporary accommodations are being arranged for airport partners whose facilities have been impacted by the incident.  

last updated 26 February 2026 

Following the fire at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town on 24 February 2026, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that all check-in counters are now fully operational.

The fire, which broke out in a technical area near the airport’s main check-in concourse, caused temporary disruptions to several operational systems and delayed passenger processing. No injuries were reported, and emergency teams acted swiftly to contain the blaze, allowing a rapid recovery of essential airport functions.

While the Cape Town International Airport (CPT) has resumed normal services, passengers are advised to allow extra time for check-in and security procedures. For the latest flight updates, travellers should check directly with their airline or via the ACSA Mobile App. Visitors collecting international passengers are encouraged to follow on-site signage and official airport communications to ensure smooth access to the terminals.

 

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Cape Town International Airport (CPT) Fire Update – Latest on delays and check-in

last update: 25 February 2026

ACSA has released another update earlier this morning. Airline check-in systems are operational, with the exception of Lift Airlines, which remains on manual processing. The Border Management Authority (BMA), customs and baggage handling are currently operating manually, which may result in delays for international arriving passengers. Technical teams are still hard at work to reinstate systems that are still being restored.
Passengers are advised to allow additional time at the airport and to check directly with their airline or the ACSA Mobile App for the latest flight updates.
Visitors collecting international passengers are requested to follow on-site signage and official airport communications regarding access points. 

last update: 25 February 2026

ACSA has announced that due to ongoing recovery efforts, the usual Meeters & Greeters corridor at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) has been closed.
A temporary Meeters & Greeters area has been established at the International Inner Lane (Ground Floor). Visitors collecting international passengers are requested to:
Exit the terminal via the “Books & Things” exit and proceed to the International Inner Lane. 

last update: 25 February 2026 

Following the earlier fire incident at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, airport technical teams are continuing recovery operations as some operational systems remain partially constrained.

Although power supply has been successfully restored across affected areas, the airport’s network and IT infrastructure are still in the process of being stabilised. As a result, several digital and automated processes are not yet fully operational.

Manual check-in procedures currently in effect

Airlines operating at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) are temporarily conducting manual check-in at airport counters while system restoration efforts continue. This measure ensures flight departures can proceed, but passengers should expect:

• Longer processing times
• Possible departure delays
• Extended queues at check-in counters
• Slower baggage handling procedures

Delays may continue into this morning (25 February 2026) as technical teams work to fully restore all systems.

Passenger advisory: Arrive early and check flight status

Travellers departing from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) are strongly advised to:

• Arrive at the airport earlier than usual
• Follow instructions issued by their respective airlines
• Monitor real-time flight updates before leaving for the airport

For the latest flight-specific information, passengers should check the official Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) Mobile App or contact their airline directly.

Ongoing Monitoring

Airport authorities continue to prioritise passenger safety and operational recovery. Further updates will be issued as full system functionality is restored.

 

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Fire at Cape Town International Airport (CPT): What travellers need to know

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed a fire on the landside of Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, South Africa, today, 24 February 2026. The fire was quickly extinguished, and all passengers, staff, and visitors are safe. Passenger safety remains the top priority, and travellers are advised to check flight updates before heading to the airport.

The incident caused disruptions to network and IT systems, including airport Wi-Fi and other essential systems, prompting temporary operational changes. As a precautionary measure:

• International departures are currently suspended
• Inbound international flights are being diverted
• International arrivals already on the ground are being processed safely

Domestic travellers should note that local flights continue to operate, but passengers are strongly advised to check real?time flight information with their airline or via the ACSA Mobile App before heading to the airport.

Further updates will be published as more details emerge.

 

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Travel Alert: Flooding causes temporary closure of National Roads in Limpopo!

last updated 16 January 2026:

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has released an update regarding the status of national roads in Limpopo  following continued heavy rainfall and flooding experienced across the province.

National Roads currently closed to traffic:

• National Road R527 in the Hoedspruit area within the Maruleng Local Municipality. (Alternative road is the R40 from Acornhoek through Hoedspruit towards Phalaborwa.
• The R40 next to Maseke Game reserve is closed.
• 25km before Phalaborwa, R71 is closed.
• R578 section 2 Road washed away and closed
• R71-3 (Namakgale to Phalaborwa) near the Lulekani turn-off – flooded bridge
• R40-7 (Mica to Phalaborwa) near Grietjie – flooding across the road
• R36-5 (The Oaks to Ofcolaco) near Ofcolaco – pooling water over the road
• R527 – Zandspruit bridge is flooded
• R578 (Selwana road) near Makhuva – pooling of water over the road
• R578 at about km5.4 section 2, bridge washed away and road is closed.
• R578 at about km 20 section 2 is closed
• Greater Letaba bridge from R529 to Eiland road. Water level close to flooding the bridge

Roads still open but affected by heavy rainfall

• National Road R81 in the Giyani town
• R33 between Groblersdal and Stofberg
• R526 section 2, km 12.4 from Gravellotte heading towards Hoedspruit

The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has issued an advisory on 14 January 2026, announcing the temporary closure of several national roads in Limpopo following severe flooding caused by persistent heavy rainfall across the province.

Ongoing adverse weather conditions have resulted in rapidly rising water levels, compromising road surfaces and creating dangerous driving conditions in multiple areas. In the interest of public safety, SANRAL has implemented precautionary closures on affected routes until further notice.

National Roads currently closed to traffic
Motorists and travellers are advised that the following routes are closed to all traffic:

• R527 (Hoedspruit area)
• Located within the Maruleng Local Municipality, this route has been heavily impacted by flooding.
• Alternative route: Use the R40 from Acornhoek through Hoedspruit towards Phalaborwa.
• R578 (South of Phalaborwa towards Giyani)
• Flood-related damage has rendered this road unsafe.
• Alternative route: Travel via the R71 towards Tzaneen, then continue on the R36 and R81 to Giyani.

Roads still open but affected by heavy rainfall
The following roads remain open; however, motorists should proceed with extreme caution due to ongoing heavy rains and potential deterioration:

• R81 in and around Giyani
• R36 between Groblersdal and Stofberg
• R555 between Stofberg and Rosenekal

Travellers, especially those heading to Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit, Phalaborwa, or Limpopo's bush and safari regions, are urged to monitor conditions closely and plan routes carefully.

SANRAL safety advisory
SANRAL Limpopo Provincial Head, Madoda Mthembu, emphasized the importance of road user safety:

“We strongly advise road users to avoid the affected roads and make use of alternative routes where possible. Further communication will be issued once detailed assessments have been completed and the affected national roads are safe to be re-opened to traffic.”

What travellers should do

• Avoid closed routes and strictly follow SANRAL signage and instructions
• Allow additional travel time when using alternative routes
• Stay updated through official SANRAL and provincial traffic channels
• Exercise heightened caution, especially during early mornings and evenings when visibility may be reduced

Further updates will be communicated as conditions improve and once safety assessments have been concluded.

 

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Kruger National Park travel alert: Heavy rains force road closures – visitors urged to exercise extreme caution!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued an urgent advisory to all visitors to Kruger National Park as persistent heavy rainfall continues to impact large parts of the national park. The ongoing wet weather has significantly deteriorated driving conditions, prompting the closure of most roads within the park until further notice.

According to SANParks, saturated surfaces, flooding, and erosion have made several routes unsafe, increasing the risk to both visitors and park infrastructure. As a precautionary measure, road access remains restricted while assessments and maintenance are ongoing.

Important safety guidelines for visitors:

SANParks strongly urges all guests currently in, or planning to visit, Kruger National Park to observe the following precautions:

• Avoid all low water bridges, as many may be submerged or structurally unsafe.
• Do not attempt to use gravel or dirt roads, which have become slippery and impassable in numerous areas.
• Strictly comply with all road closures, barricades, and official signage, which are in place to protect public safety.

SANParks has reiterated that the safety of visitors, staff, and wildlife remains its highest priority. Kruger National Park management is actively monitoring conditions across the reserve and will provide official updates as soon as access can be safely restored.

 

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G20 Summit Johannesburg: Road closures and travel alerts for road users in Gauteng (18–23 November 2025)!

As South Africa prepares to host world leaders for the G20 Summit in Johannesburg (22–23 November 2025), authorities are urging Gauteng residents, daily commuters, and both local and international travellers to plan ahead. Extensive traffic disruptions and significant road closures are expected across Johannesburg, Pretoria/Tshwane, and Ekurhuleni from 18 to 23 November 2025.

In a joint statement, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), Gauteng Traffic Police (GTP), Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), and South Africa Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that high-security routes and major transport corridors will experience rolling closures to accommodate official convoys and summit movements. Travellers using these routes should prepare for delays, limited access, and extended travel times throughout the summit period.

Where to expect the most disruptions

Major national and regional highways
Several main highways forming Gauteng's core mobility network will be directly affected:

• N1 (multiple interchanges including Atterbury, Garsfontein, Botha, Samrand, Olifantsfontein, Allandale, Bucculeuch, Winnie Mandela Drive, Maraisburg, and more)
• N3 north and south, including the major flyover
• N12 (Elands, Voortrekker, Reading, Comaro, Kliprivier, Xavier, Diepkloof)
• N14
• R21 southbound (including Atlas and Voortrekker off-ramps)
• R24 west / N12 west junction

These routes are widely used by airport travellers, commuters, buses, taxis, logistics operators, and cross-provincial traffic.

Johannesburg’s M1 and key urban arteries
The M1, a major north–south route, will see intermittent closures between:

• Woodmead · Marlboro · Grayston · Corlett · Glenhove · Oxford · St Andrew · Jan Smuts · Empire · Smit · Carr · M2 Crown · Booysens · Xavier · Golden Highway

Popular commercial districts, residential areas, and business zones will also be affected:

• Sandton
• 5th Street · Maude Street · Daisy Street · Rivonia Road · Grayston Drive · Katherine Street
• Melrose Arch
• Whiteley Road · Melrose Boulevard · Athol Oaklands Road
• Rosebank, Westcliff, Parkview
• Oxford Road · Glenhove Road · Jan Smuts Avenue
• Fourways
• Winnie Mandela Drive
• Roodepoort
• Hendrik Potgieter Road
• Nasrec (Expo Centre Area)
• Rand Show Road · Booysens Reserve Road · Nasrec Road · Golden Highway

Full closures to take note of

• Grayston Drive: Fully closed on 22 November 2025 (04:00–10:00)
• Golden Highway: Closed from 17 November 2025
• Nasrec Road: Closed 22–23 November 2025  between Rand Show Road and Shaft 17 Road
• Rand Show Road: Northern section closed 22–23 November 2025 (N1 to Nasrec Road)
• Booysens Reserve Road: Limited access 22–23 November 2025 , with several intersections blocked

Expect delays and detours, particularly around Sandton, Nasrec, southern Johannesburg, and key G20 activity zones.

G20 Social Summit in Ekurhuleni (18–20 November 2025)
Travellers moving around the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre should expect delays along:

• 1st Road · View Point Road · North Rand Road · Trichardt Road · Northern Road

These will form part of the official security perimeter.

How convoy closures will operate
When VIP convoys are in motion, roads will be completely closed—with restricted access for:

• motorists
• taxis and buses
• cyclists
• pedestrians

Closures may last 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on movement schedules.

Peak Operations for Rolling Closures

• 22 & 23 November 2025:
• Morning: 07:00 – 10:00
• Evening: 17:00 – 20:00

Plan errands, commutes, airport transfers, school runs, and appointments outside these hours where possible.

Useful alternative routes

• Between OR Tambo International Airport & Pretoria/Tshwane
• Use the M57 instead of the R21.
• Between Johannesburg & Ekurhuleni
• Use regional roads via Germiston, Kempton Park, or Bedfordview instead of the R24/N12.
• Roodepoort / West Rand
• Use Beyers Naudé Drive, Ontdekkers Road, or Christiaan De Wet Road.
• Fourways & Northern Suburbs
• Use Main Road, Cedar Road, and Witkoppen Road.
• Sandton / Rosebank / Parktown
• Use parallel routes including Corlett Drive, Sandton Drive, and 11th Avenue.
• Southern Johannesburg & Nasrec Area
• Use Chris Hani Road, Main Reef Road, Crownwood Road, Soweto Highway, N17, and Adcock Ingram Road.

Travel tips for all road users in Gauteng

• Allow extra travel time—delays of 30–90 minutes are likely.
• Use real-time navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze.
• Check your route before departing, especially for airport transfers or business meetings.
• Expect heightened security around hotels, conference venues, malls, and tourist areas.
• Public transport users should anticipate delays during peak convoy times.
• Avoid unnecessary travel through Sandton, Nasrec, Rosebank, and OR Tambo corridors during restricted hours.

 

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Travel alert: Pide of lions in Kruger National Park shows abnormal behaviour around vehicles!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has issued a travel alert for Kruger National Park. The management of South Africa's most popular National Park has received reports of a pride of lions north of Satara Rest Camp which is showing abnormal behaviour around vehicles such as the biting of tyres. Visitors who come across lions displaying such behaviour should ensure that their windows remain closed and those on open safari vehicles should ensure that they remain silent and keep all arms, heads etc. within the structure of the vehicle. SANParks requests visitors not to get too close to any animals for footage at a sighting, or refrain from placing any items on the vehicle exterior or tyres which might attract and encourage animals to approach the vehicle

SANParks encourages visitors to Kruger National Park, who might have taken photos/video or have feedback on the pride, to share or post these on SANPArks social media platforms. This allows Kruger National Park's management to try to identify whether it is only a specific member of the pride or whether the entire pride has developed this behaviour. The National Park's Veterinary Wildlife Services will be collaring a member of this pride to monitor movements and will also mark all members of the pride to allow for identification.

U.S. Department of State issues travel alert for Zambia

The U.S. Department of State issued a travel alert for US citizens regarding the presidential, parliamentary and local elections in Zambia held on 20 Sept 2011. According to the U.S. State Department, the potential for unrest or disruptions surrounding the elections is high and U.S. citizens planning a trip to Zambia during or immediately following the elections should therefore monitor local news and assess local conditions and travel routes when making travel plans. The Travel Alert expires on 15 Oct 2011.[src.]