tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85162482238179230942026-07-18T05:03:36.092+02:00TravelComments.com Official BlogWelcome to the official blog of TravelComments.com - travelling Southern Africa! Trusted daily travel news from Southern Africa – since 2008!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger7393125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-31007818662694757482026-07-17T10:17:56.488+02:002026-07-17T10:17:56.488+02:00Latest Durban beach water quality results: Only one swimming beach remains closedIf you're planning a beach holiday in Durban, there's good news. According to the latest beach water quality results released by the eThekwini Municipality on 16 July 2026, 22 of Durban's 23 regularly monitored bathing beaches are open and safe for swimming.The latest update sees Laguna Beach reopen, while Reunion Beach has temporarily closed after recording elevated E. coli levels.Good news for Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-70781103847839029822026-07-17T06:36:31.344+02:002026-07-17T06:36:31.345+02:00Temporary closure of Tsitsikamma's iconic Suspension Bridge: What travellers need to knowIf you're planning to visit the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park over the next two weeks, you'll need to adjust your itinerary. One of the Garden Route's most popular attractions, the famous Storms River Suspension Bridge, will be completely closed from 20 July to 31 July 2026 while the final phase of refurbishment is completed.The good news is that the project is now Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-62042061748508182132026-07-16T13:25:50.996+02:002026-07-16T13:41:48.722+02:00Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail reopens from 17 July 2026Travellers planning to hike Namibia's famous Fish River Canyon can once again include the trail in their itinerary. After recent high water levels led to concerns about conditions in the canyon, the Fish River Canyon Hiking Trail will reopen on Friday, 17 July 2026.According to Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR), recent water assessments have confirmed that river levels and flow are once again Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-57135671270173391552026-07-15T13:54:03.057+02:002026-07-15T13:54:03.058+02:00Duwisib Castle in Namibia remains closed until further noticeTravellers planning a self-drive adventure through southern Namibia should be aware that Duwisib Castle remains closed to visitors and is not currently accessible as a tourist attraction. The historic castle, located in the remote hills of the Hardap Region near the small settlement of Duwisib, has been closed since 2022 and will remain closed until further notice.The closure originally followed Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-51757019755022500962026-07-15T11:55:12.469+02:002026-07-15T11:55:12.469+02:00Cango Caves reopen after rockfall road closure near OudtshoornTravellers exploring the Garden Route and Klein Karoo can once again include the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn in their itinerary. The popular attraction has reopened after a temporary closure caused by rockfalls and storm-related damage along the access roads. Following clearance work and safety assessments, access via the main access road has now been restored, although traffic controls remain inUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-71145783397130696202026-07-14T15:53:58.702+02:002026-07-14T15:54:12.992+02:00Malaria in Southern Africa in August 2026: Risk areas & travel adviceAugust marks the heart of the dry season across much of Southern Africa. Cooler temperatures and lower humidity generally reduce mosquito activity in many regions, but malaria remains a year-round health risk in several popular safari and holiday destinations. Travellers should not assume that the dry winter months are malaria-free, especially when visiting low-lying areas, river valleys and Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-57374483251282656492026-07-14T11:49:01.063+02:002026-07-14T11:49:41.951+02:00Etosha National Park in August 2026: Wildlife, weather & travel tipsAugust is one of the best months to visit Etosha National Park. With the dry season firmly established, wildlife congregates around the park's permanent waterholes, making game viewing exceptionally rewarding. Sparse vegetation, mild daytime temperatures and virtually no rainfall also make it easier to spot animals across Etosha's iconic salt pan and open plains.If you're planning a Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-40316619683222385082026-07-14T10:06:28.580+02:002026-07-14T10:06:28.580+02:00Durban beaches update: 22 of 23 beaches now safe for swimmingVisitors planning a trip to Durban can look forward to spending time on the city's famous beaches. According to the latest beach water quality results released by the eThekwini Municipality on 11 July 2026, 22 of Durban's 23 regularly monitored bathing beaches currently meet South Africa's national recreational water quality standards, making them safe for swimming, surfing and other water-based Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-83582219082677104222026-07-13T13:44:32.774+02:002026-07-13T13:44:56.258+02:00Okavango Delta in August: Weather, wildlife & safari guideAugust is one of the finest months to visit Botswana's Okavango Delta. The annual floodwaters from Angola have spread across much of the delta, transforming the Kalahari into a vast oasis of shimmering lagoons, papyrus-lined channels and wildlife-rich islands. Combined with cool, dry weather and exceptional game viewing, August offers some of the best safari conditions anywhere in Africa.Whether Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-75028823886022229282026-07-09T16:17:11.324+02:002026-07-09T16:17:11.324+02:00Victoria Falls in August: Weather, water levels, wildlife & travel tipsAugust is one of the most rewarding months to visit Victoria Falls, the spectacular natural wonder on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. During this time of year, the Zambezi River has moved well beyond its peak flood levels, revealing a different side of the falls: clearer views, dramatic rocky gorges, excellent wildlife viewing and some of the most exciting adventure activities on the Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-20732713544769570292026-07-09T15:22:46.443+02:002026-07-09T15:22:46.444+02:00Garden Route travel update: Tsitsikamma Suspension Bridge remains open to visitorsTravellers heading to the Tsitsikamma Section of the Garden Route National Park can still enjoy one of the area’s most iconic experiences. The famous Suspension Bridge at Storms River Mouth remains open to visitors while refurbishment work continues.The upgrade project, which started earlier in 2026, is aimed at strengthening and replacing important structural elements of the bridge to ensure it Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-3774131741970688462026-07-08T13:35:56.163+02:002026-07-08T13:35:56.163+02:00Etihad Airways and fastjet Zimbabwe announce interline, codeshare and frequent flyer partnershipTravelling to Zimbabwe is set to become even easier after Etihad Airways and fastjet Zimbabwe signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new interline partnership, codeshare agreement and frequent flyer partnership.Once implemented, the partnership will allow travellers to book seamless journeys on a single ticket, with convenient onward connections from Harare to Victoria Falls, Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-89449545341120129192026-07-08T12:10:45.337+02:002026-07-08T12:23:08.929+02:00Major Upgrades Planned for Mpumalanga's Nature Reserves: What travellers can expectIf you're planning to explore Mpumalanga's spectacular landscapes over the next year, you'll notice a number of improvements taking shape across some of the province's best-known nature reserves and tourist attractions.From better water infrastructure at Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve to new wild camping opportunities at Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve, a series of projects scheduled throughout Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-48974247782847294742026-07-08T10:44:18.246+02:002026-07-08T10:44:18.246+02:00Kruger National Park in August: Weather, wildlife & travel tipsAugust is one of the very best months to experience Kruger National Park. As winter gradually gives way to spring, the bush remains dry, wildlife becomes increasingly concentrated around permanent water sources, and game viewing reaches its peak. Pleasant daytime temperatures, minimal rainfall, and excellent visibility make August a favourite month for photographers, self-drive travellers, and Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-86993512880104769142026-07-06T16:33:06.956+02:002026-07-06T16:33:06.956+02:00 Mozambique Travel Update July 2026: Post-flood recovery and tourism conditionsMozambique continues its gradual recovery following the severe flooding that affected large parts of the country during the 2025/26 rainy and cyclone season. While the peak disaster phase has passed, the situation on the ground remains uneven: some tourism regions are fully operational again, while others are still dealing with infrastructure repairs, seasonal access disruptions, and lingering Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-46495590487629957702026-07-06T12:24:53.767+02:002026-07-06T12:24:53.767+02:00Addo Elephant National Park's Nyathi Rest Camp to close for renovationsTravellers planning a visit to Addo Elephant National Park later this year should note that Nyathi Rest Camp will temporarily close for renovations from September 2026. According to South African National Parks (SANParks), the refurbishment programme is expected to take approximately six months, during which no accommodation bookings will be accepted.Nyathi Rest Camp is one of Addo Elephant Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-70918343929421425922026-07-06T10:31:47.776+02:002026-07-06T10:31:47.777+02:00Durban beach update: All monitored bathing beaches are open and safePlanning a trip to Durban? There's good news for beach lovers.The latest water quality results released by the eThekwini Municipality confirm that all regularly monitored bathing beaches across Durban currently meet South Africa's national recreational water quality standards, making them safe for swimming, surfing and other beach activities.For travellers, this means you can enjoy Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-76590962692415880922026-07-06T10:07:23.332+02:002026-07-06T10:07:23.332+02:00South Africa Weather Outlook: What travellers can expect from July to November 2026If you're planning a trip to South Africa over the coming months, it may be worth keeping an eye on the latest seasonal weather outlook.The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has released its climate outlook for the period from July to November 2026, pointing to generally warmer-than-normal conditions across much of the country. While seasonal forecasts cannot predict the weather for a specificUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-42034109621686569882026-07-03T06:48:54.631+02:002026-07-06T12:25:08.845+02:00South Africa Travel Update: What the recent protests mean for visitorsIf you've been following international news, you may have seen reports about anti-immigration protests and rising tensions in South Africa over the past few weeks. Understandably, many travellers are now wondering whether it's still safe to visit the country.The short answer is yes.While the protests attracted significant media attention and prompted a major security response, South Africa's Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-28920248944865443582026-07-02T13:28:43.239+02:002026-07-02T13:46:31.117+02:00Cape Point Funicular to close for maintenance from 20 July 2026If you're planning a visit to Cape Point this winter, be aware that the iconic Flying Dutchman Funicular will be out of service for six weeks.The Motsamayi Tourism Group, which manages the visitor facilities at Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope section of Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town, has confirmed that the Flying Dutchman Funicular will close from 20 July to 31 August 2026 for Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-30519011445291753852026-07-02T11:45:32.244+02:002026-07-02T11:45:32.244+02:00Turkish Airlines adds more Cape Town flights from October 2026If you're planning a trip to Cape Town later this year, you'll soon have a few more flight options.From 26 October 2026, Turkish Airlines will increase its direct service between Istanbul and Cape Town from seven to ten flights per week, adding three extra weekly flights for the Northern Winter 2026/27 schedule.For travellers, that's good news. More flights generally mean greater flexibility whenUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-7243516302980160372026-07-02T10:32:18.209+02:002026-07-10T09:28:04.573+02:00Kruger National Park: Letaba Rest Camp campsite reopens after flood damageupdate 10 July 2026According to SANParks, the Letaba camp site in Kruger National Park has been reopened today (10 July 2026). Only limited sites are available due to limited facilities. Bookings can be made via SANParks reservations or at the camps. ----------- Visitors planning a trip to the Kruger National Park have received some welcome news. South African National Parks (Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-24227913874041196172026-07-01T15:57:39.215+02:002026-07-01T15:57:39.215+02:00South Africa makes online Traveller Declarations mandatory from 01 July 2026If you're travelling into or out of South Africa from 01 July 2026, there's an important new requirement you need to factor into your pre-travel planning.The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has introduced a mandatory online Traveller Declaration for most international travellers. The declaration forms part of the Customs process and must be submitted electronically before departure or Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-23578735624173568572026-06-30T10:38:12.284+02:002026-06-30T10:38:12.284+02:00Planning a South Africa trip? Lufthansa Group adds more flights for Summer 2026/27Travellers planning a South African summer holiday will soon have even more options to reach Cape Town and Johannesburg.Lufthansa Group has announced its largest-ever South African northern winter schedule, increasing capacity to 38 weekly long-haul flights between Europe and South Africa from the end of October 2026. The expanded schedule introduces additional flights, better connections and Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8516248223817923094.post-14148018221347923042026-06-29T16:13:25.034+02:002026-06-29T16:14:54.706+02:00Planning a Namibia trip? Here's what the latest tourism figures revealIf you're planning a self-drive holiday through Namibia, a safari in Namibia or an epic road trip through southern Africa, the country's newly released Tourist Arrivals Statistical Report 2025 offers valuable insights into who is visiting, when they travel and how to plan your own adventure.While international visitor numbers dipped slightly compared to 2024, Namibia Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0