Summer 2025/26 weather outlook: What South Africa’s weak La Niña means for travellers!

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has released its latest Seasonal Climate Watch for the period December 2025 to April 2026. According to the outlook, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is still in a neutral state; however, it is closing in on transitioning to a weak La Niña state. Predictions indicate that South Africa is moving towards a weak La Niña event during the coming summer season. Most predictions indicate that there will be a short and weak La Niña state during mid- and late summer. The usual effect of La Niña on South Africa is for an increased likelihood to receive above-normal rainfall over the north-eastern parts of the country during summer.
Most of the areas that receive significant rainfall in the coming summer are situated in the north-east of South Africa. Most of these areas are expected to receive above-normal rainfall during the forecast period up until late-summer.
Minimum temperatures are largely expected to be above-normal for most parts of South Africa during summer, with maximum temperatures likely to be below-normal for the north-eastern parts of the country and above-normal for the south-west. This increased likelihood of below-normal maximum temperatures indicates prolonged cloud cover and gives extra confidence in an above-normal summer rainfall season.

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South African Airways & TAAG Angola Airlines launch new codeshare agreement to boost regional & global connectivity!

South African Airways (SAA), the national carrier of South Africa, and Angola’s state-owned TAAG Angola Airlines have announced a new strategic codeshare agreement designed to strengthen regional and long-haul connectivity across Africa, Europe, and South America. Ticket sales are now open, with travel under the new partnership having commenced on 01 December 2025.
This new collaboration positions Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Luanda as major connecting hubs, enabling easier, faster, and more convenient travel for passengers across the combined networks of both airlines.

Expanded route access for seamless travel
Under the partnership, SAA will place its flight code on TAAG-operated services from Johannesburg (JNB) and Cape Town (CPT) to Luanda (LAD). Travellers also gain smooth onward connections from Luanda to two key intercontinental destinations:

• Lisbon, Portugal
• São Paulo, Brazil

In return, TAAG customers will enjoy access to several important points within SAA’s Southern African network, including:

• Durban (DUR)
• Gqeberha (PLZ)
• Cape Town (CPT)
• Harare (HRE)
• Lusaka (LUN)

One ticket, one journey: A better passenger experience
The codeshare agreement allows both airlines to jointly market and sell tickets, offering travellers:

• A broader selection of destinations
• The convenience of booking a single ticket in their local currency
• Integrated check-in and baggage handling
• Smoother connections between regional and international flights

Overall, the partnership delivers enhanced flexibility and a more streamlined travel experience across both airline networks.

Strengthening intra-african connectivity
Beyond passenger benefits, the SAA–TAAG cooperation supports wider goals of improving air connectivity across Africa. The agreement facilitates easier movement for business travellers, boosts tourism flows between Southern and Central Africa, and strengthens trade and diplomatic ties. By improving access to regional and global markets, the partnership contributes to economic growth and enhanced international engagement.

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Durban: All 23 beaches safe for swimming ahead of the 2025 festive season!

The eThekwini Municipality has confirmed that all 23 beaches along Durban’s coastline are safe for swimming as of 01 December 2025, following the latest round of water quality testing. With the festive season approaching and visitor numbers expected to increase, the announcement provides timely clarity for travellers planning trips to KwaZulu-Natal.

Durban’s coastline ready for summer
Durban remains one of South Africa’s leading coastal destinations, known for its subtropical climate, Golden Mile, and accessible beachfront amenities. The city’s warm Indian Ocean waters, broad sandy beaches, and popular promenade continue to attract both local and international visitors throughout the year.
Ongoing water quality monitoring by the eThekwini Municipality supports safe and environmentally responsible beach use. Regular testing and published updates form part of the city’s efforts to maintain high health and safety standards along the coastline.

Beaches open for swimming
All 23 Durban beaches have passed the latest water quality checks and are open daily for swimming, with lifeguards on duty from 06:00 to 18:30.

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

Beach closures
There are no beach closures at this time.

Durban’s public swimming pools
For visitors who prefer a controlled environment, Durban also operates 40 public swimming pools across the metro. These facilities are suitable for families, fitness swimmers, and those looking for alternatives to open-water swimming. All pools are monitored by trained lifeguards and maintained to ensure safe use.

 

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Cape Town: Cape Town International Airport (CPT) restores jet-fuel supply after brief disruption!

Travellers flying through Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town can now relax - the airport’s recent jet-fuel supply concerns have been fully resolved. According to the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA), the Burgan Cape Terminal has officially reopened for jet-fuel deliveries, allowing airlines to uplift fuel as normal once again.

The temporary disruption was caused by an operational issue at the Burgan Cape Terminal, a key facility responsible for supplying jet fuel to the airport. The situation briefly raised concerns about potential delays, diversions, or refuelling challenges for airlines operating at one of South Africa’s busiest international gateways. Jet-fuel stability is essential for Cape Town's role as a major tourism and business hub, particularly heading into the holiday season.

With fuel supply now restored, flights are operating smoothly, and no further operational impact is anticipated. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) and industry partners continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted fuel supply going forward.

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/Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park update: Sendelingsdrift pontoon ferry closed!

South African National Parks (SANParks) has temporarily closed the pontoon at the Sendelingsdrift border post in the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park due to high water levels in the Orange River. Visitors planning to enter the park are advised to use the Alexander Bay gravel road as an alternative route to reach Sendelingsdrift.

The Sendelingsdrift border post is a vital gateway to the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park, a remote and rugged wilderness straddling the South Africa - Namibia border. Known for its dramatic desert landscapes, unique flora, and panoramic scenery, the park attracts adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

The pontoon ferry at Sendelingsdrift offers an adventurous and scenic way to cross the Orange River, but its operation is water-level dependent. Currently, extreme conditions have necessitated its closure.

Travellers are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. For those seeking adventure in one of Southern Africa’s most striking desert landscapes, the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park remains accessible via alternative routes.

 

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Eastern Cape: Addo Tourism issues route advisory for safer access to Addo Elephant National Park!

Addo Tourism, the regional tourism association representing more than 70 tourism businesses in the Greater Addo area, has issued a travel advisory for visitors heading to Addo Elephant National Park from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Travellers are strongly encouraged to avoid the R335 via Motherwell and instead use the Matyholweni Gate in Colchester or reach the Addo Main Gate via Paterson, both of which offer safer and more comfortable access to the park.

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About Addo Elephant National Park
Located just an hour from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Addo Elephant National Park is South Africa’s third-largest national park and a major Eastern Cape tourism icon. Famous for its thriving elephant population, diverse wildlife, and spectacular landscapes stretching from dense thicket to dune fields and marine environments, Addo Elephant National Park offers excellent game viewing, family-friendly activities, and easy self-drive experiences year-round.

By following Addo Tourism’s recommended routes, visitors can ensure a smoother journey and enjoy everything the Greater Addo area has to offer.

 

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Kruger National Park update: Orpen Gate temporarily inaccessible – use alternative routes! [update]

update (01 December 2025): SANParks has confirmed that the previously announced community protest issue at Orpen Gate has been resolved. Orpen Gate is now open for guests travelling to and from Orpen. Protesters have since dispersed and the road cleared of any and all blockades.  

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced that Orpen Gate, located on the western boundary of Kruger National Park between Hoedspruit and Acornhoek, is currently inaccessible due to a community protest related to land-claims issues. As a result, visitors are temporarily unable to enter or exit the Park through this gate.

Travellers planning to access the central and southern regions of Kruger National Park are advised to use alternative routes until SANParks issues further updates. Recommended alternative entry points include:

• Phalaborwa Gate – ideal for reaching central Kruger National Park areas such as Letaba and Mopani.
• Paul Kruger Gate – a convenient option for guests heading towards Skukuza, Lower Sabie or Berg-en-Dal.
• Phabeni Gate – suitable for access to the southwestern regions of Kruger National Park.
• Numbi Gate – offering an additional southwestern entry point (check for security updates before travel).
• Malelane Gate – perfect for visitors travelling from Maputo Corridor or N4 towards southern Kruger National Park.

Guests travelling toward Orpen, Satara, Tamboti, or Maroela areas should adjust their itineraries accordingly and allow additional travel time.

SANParks will provide updates as soon as the situation changes.

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