Fastjet Zimbabwe adds new early morning flight on Johannesburg <> Harare route!

Fastjet Zimbabwe has announced the launch of an additional early morning flight frequency on the busy Johannesburg (JNB) <> Harare (HRE) route. Starting 29 September 2025, the new service will operate daily except Saturdays, providing travellers with more flexibility and convenience when flying between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The new frequency will be operated by Fastjet’s reliable Embraer ERJ145 aircraft and is already available for booking. This additional service is expected to support growing demand on the route, benefiting both business and leisure travellers.
The additional flight will depart OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg at 06:55 and arrive at RG Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Harare at 08:40. The return leg leaves Harare at 19:00, landing in Johannesburg at 20:50. The service will operate daily except Saturdays.

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Namibia expands Visa on Arrival (VoA) list! [update]

update (25 September 2025): The Ministy of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Secuity has  confirmed that 36 countries have been added to the list of countries eligible for Visa on Arrival (VoA). The Ministry furthemore announced  that the new N$400 administration fee for manually submitted Visa on Arrival (VoA) applications will get implemented in due course as internal processes first need to be undertaken. Once the fee has been gazetted, the public will be informed accordingly. We'll keep you updated! 

Namibia’s Cabinet has approved several significant measures aimed at facilitating international travel and strengthening the country’s tourism sector. According to an official press statement issued on 09 September 2025, the decisions were taken during the 19th Cabinet Meeting on 02 September 2025.

Key resolutions include:

• The addition of 35 36 new countries to Namibia’s Visa on Arrival (VoA) list.
• The introduction of a N$400 administration fee for manually submitted Visa on Arrival (VoA) applications.
• The initiation of plans for operational improvements at Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek to enhance the passenger experience.

New countries eligible for Visa on Arrival (VoA)
Nationals from the following 35 36 countries and territories will soon be able to obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) upon entry into Namibia:
Aland Islands, American Samoa, Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei Darussalam, Central African Republic, Cyprus, Georgia, Grenada, Haiti, Kiribati, Maldives, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Palestine, Panama, Samoa, Slovenia, Sovereign Order of Malta, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Suriname, Sweden, North Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia), Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Dominican Republic.

Planned airport improvements
The proposed upgrades to Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) in Windhoek, Namibia's principal international gateway, are designed to:

• Reduce processing and waiting times for travellers
• Streamline immigration procedures
• Improve overall operational efficiency and passenger comfort

These measures form part of Namibia's broader strategy to position itself as a premier travel destination in Southern Africa and to support the continued growth of its tourism economy.

 

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Eastern Cape "Free Access Week" 2025: Enjoy free entry to select provincial nature reserves!

The Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency (ECPTA) has officially announced the dates for its popular "Free Access Week" for 2025. From 04 – 12 October 2025, day visitors can enjoy free entry to a selection of the most beautiful nature reserves and game reserves in the Eastern Cape.
This annual initiative is designed to encourage locals and travellers to connect with nature, experience the province’s incredible biodiversity, and promote eco-tourism.

Participating ECPTA-managed nature reserves in the Eastern Cape:

• Great Fish River Nature Reserve
• Thomas Baines Nature Reserve
• Waters Meeting Nature Reserve
• Tsolwana Game Reserve / Commando Drift Nature Reserve
• Mpofu / Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve
• Oviston Nature Reserve
• East London Coast Nature Reserve
• Ongeluksnek Nature Reserve
• Dwesa Nature Reserve
• Silaka Nature Reserve
• Mkhambathi Nature Reserve
• Hluleka Nature Reserve
• Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve

Important to note:

• Free Access Week only applies to day visitor gate entry fees.
• Accommodation, overnight stays, and paid activities remain charged at standard rates.

Whether you are passionate about wildlife photography, birdwatching, hiking, or simply looking for a peaceful day in nature, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the Eastern Cape’s wild side at no cost.

 

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Heritage Day 2025: Explore Cape Town Museums for free with Iziko Museums of South Africa!

Iziko Museums of South Africa is once again bringing South Africa’s history and culture to life with the in_herit Festival 2025. This annual celebration of the country’s rich and diverse heritage will include free entry to selected Iziko Museums in Cape Town on Heritage Day, 24 September 2025.

Visitors can explore some of the Mother City’s most iconic cultural sites for free, including:

• Iziko South African Museum – showcasing natural history, fossils, and archaeology
• Iziko South African National Gallery – home to local and international art collections
• Iziko Slave Lodge – telling the stories of Cape Town’s complex slave history
• Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum – celebrating Cape Malay heritage and culture
• Castle of Good Hope – South Africa’s oldest surviving colonial building
• Groot Constantia Manor House – part of the historic Constantia wine estate

Important: Free entry does not apply to the Iziko Planetarium and Digital Dome.

Iziko Museums of South Africa manages 11 national museums across Cape Town, along with specialized libraries, a Social History Archive, and the most advanced Digital Planetarium and Digital Dome on the African continent.

Make the most of Heritage Day 2025 by exploring Cape Town's history, art, and culture - free of charge!

 

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South African Weather Service releases Seasonal Climate Watch: September 2025 – January 2026 outlook!

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has released its latest Seasonal Climate Watch, covering the period September 2025 to January 2026. According to SAWS, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently in a neutral phase, but climate models suggest that South Africa may transition into a weak La Niña event during the upcoming summer. While it is still too early to make precise forecasts about ENSO’s full impact, more reliable predictions are expected in the coming months as models improve.

Rainfall outlook
The North-Eastern regions of South Africa - including Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal - are likely to see above-normal rainfall during spring and early summer. This could be welcome news for farmers, nature lovers, and travellers planning safaris, as wetter conditions typically bring lush green landscapes and excellent wildlife sightings.
Although some uncertainty remains, a continued trend toward La Niña would significantly strengthen confidence in above-average summer rainfall.

Temperature outlook
Both minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be above-normal across most of South Africa during spring. Travellers can expect warm days, which are ideal for outdoor adventures - but should also prepare for possible afternoon thunderstorms in summer-rainfall regions.

 

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Durban Beach Update: 21 beaches open for swimming (10 September 2025)!

Durban, the lively coastal hub of of KwaZulu-Natal, is renowned for its golden beaches, warm Indian Ocean waters, and subtropical climate, making it one of South Africa's most popular year-round holiday destinations. To ensure visitors enjoy a safe and memorable beach experience, the eThekwini Municipality provides regular updates on the status of Durban's beaches and public swimming pools.

Durban beaches open for swimming (as of 10 September 2025)
A total of 21 Durban beaches are currently open and safe for swimming. Each beach undergoes strict water quality testing, complies with all safety standards, and is fully staffed with lifeguards daily from 06:00 to 18:30.

Open Beaches in Durban:

• Point Beach
• uMhlanga Main Beach
• uMgababa Beach
• uShaka Beach
• Addington Beach
• North Beach
• Bay of Plenty
• South Beach
• Wedge Beach
• mDloti Main Beach
• Battery Beach
• Brighton Beach
• Pipeline Beach
• Toti Main Beach
• Bronze Beach
• Westbrook Beach
• Anstey's Beach
• Thekwini Beach
• Laguna Beach
• Country Club Beach
• Doonside Beach

These beaches are among the top tourist attractions in Durban, offering the perfect setting for swimming, surfing, bodyboarding, or relaxed seaside walks. Whether you’re a local family planning a fun day out or an international traveler exploring KwaZulu-Natal's coastline, these beaches guarantee a safe and vibrant ocean experience.

Durban beaches currently closed (no swimming)
Due to elevated water contamination levels, the following beaches in Durban remain temporarily closed for swimming:

• Reunion Beach
• Winklespruit Beach

While swimming and water sports are not allowed, visitors can still enjoy sunbathing, jogging, or scenic strolls along these coastal stretches. The municipality will reopen the beaches once water quality improves.

Public swimming pools in Durban
For those who prefer calm waters or when certain beaches are closed, Durban offers 40 public swimming pools across the city. These municipal pools provide safe facilities for recreational swimming, fitness training, and family outings, serving as an excellent alternative to the ocean. 

 

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Virgin Atlantic updates London <> Johannesburg flight schedule from October 2025!

Virgin Atlantic has announced a significant adjustment to its flight schedule between Heathrow Airport (LHR) in London and Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB), set to take effect from 26 October 2025. The updated timings are designed to offer greater travel convenience and improved onward connectivity for both leisure and business travellers.
The schedule change forms part of Virgin Atlantic’s broader expansion in South Africa, which also includes an extended seasonal service to Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town, further strengthening the airline’s footprint in the region.

New Virgin Atlantic flight schedule (from 26 October 2025):    

• London (LHR) > Johannesburg (JNB)
• New departure: 18:50 (previously 22:30)
• New arrival: 07:50 (previously 11:30)
• Johannesburg (JNB) > London (LHR)
• New departure: 21:45 (previously 19:30)
• New arrival: 06:50 (previously 04:50)

What the new schedule means for travellers:

• Earlier arrival in Johannesburg: Passengers can now connect more smoothly to domestic and regional flights across Southern Africa.
• Later evening departure from Johannesburg: Offers travellers additional flexibility for business meetings, safari transfers, or same-day connections.
• Improved UK connectivity: The earlier London departure and later UK arrival enhance onward links from Heathrow to Europe, North America, and beyond.

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