Latest News

Whale season in full swing !

16/10/2023

Whale season is in full swing. The weather is magnificent and the whales are putting on a show, every day!
Officially :

First whale count of 2023!
Today, thanks to the amazing Jean Tresfon, we conducted our first aerial #southernrightwhale count survey of the year! As in previous years, we flew the coastline between Hermanus New Harbour and Witsand, an area known to cover some of the main nursery areas for the species along our coast.
During our flight, we counted 556 mothers with calves (1,112 whales) and 24 adults without calves (for a total of 1,136 whales). Half of these were in front of Koppie Alleen (236 mothers with calves) at De Hoop Collection Nature Reserve, whereas 172 mothers with calves were counted between Agulhas and Struisbaai, and 55 in Walkerbay.
The graph shows the total count compared to previous count surveys conducted in August.
A HUGE thank you to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and Denel Overberg Test Range for accommodating us.
#science

@University of Pretoria Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria Mammal Research Institute

COVID: No more entry requirements as per 23.6.2022

16/10/2023

Health Minister, Joe Phaahla, on Wednesday 22 June 2022 repealed the several COVID19 regulations relating to the wearing of face masks, gatherings and persons entering the country. As far as COVID is concerned, no more entry requirements.

Entry requirements to South Africa as per 11.5.2022

11/05/2022

It is getting easier to travel to South Africa.

Travel into South Africa is permitted provided:
• Fully vaccinated people must, upon arrival, produce a valid vaccination certificate; and
• Unvaccinated people must, upon arrival, provide a valid certificate of a negative Covid-19 test, recognised by the World Health Organisation, which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel. They may also produce a negative antigen test provided it was not taken 48 hours before travel, or a certificate showing they have tested positive for Covid within the last 90 days.

Children between the ages of five and 12 years no longer need to provide a negative PCR test when travelling to South Africa. The regulations now only require this from children over 12 years of age.

Good news: the health situation in South Africa is improving

14/09/2021

13 September 2021
Following a drastic decrease in active cases of COVID-19 and an acceleration of vaccinations, the president has announced an easing of lockdown measures. The country has now been lowered to level 2, which means, for visitors :

• The hours of curfew will now start at 23h00 and end at 04h00.

For further details on how to enter South Africa, see the 13 Aug news item below.

Update on entry requirements for South Africa

13/08/2021

Here are the requirements as per 26 July 2021:

  • All international travellers arriving at the international airports must provide a valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 test, recognised by the World Health Organisation, which was obtained not more than 72 hours before the date of travel.
  • In the event of the traveller’s failure to submit a certificate as proof of a negative COVID-19 test, the traveller will be required to do an antigen test on arrival at his or her own cost and in the event of a traveller testing positive for COVID-19, he or she will be required to isolate him or herself at his or her own cost, for a period of 10 days.


Other noteworthy information :

The wearing of a face mask is mandatory for every person when in a public place, excluding a child under the age of six years.

Every person is confined to his or her place of residence from 22H00 until 04H00 daily, unless a person-
(a) has been granted permission through directions by the relevant Cabinet member or a permit, which corresponds with Form 7 of Annexure A, to perform a service other than a service related to an activity listed under Table 2; or
(b) is attending to a security or medical emergency; or
(c) arrives on a flight or is travelling to or from an airport which necessitates travelling during restricted hours of movement: Provided that the person traveling is in possession of a valid boarding pass as proof of flight or a copy of the airline ticket.

Great news, restrictions lifted on visiting South Africa!

16/11/2020

What do all travellers need to do in order to enter South Africa?
On arrival, all travellers will need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result certificate not older
than 72 hours from time of their departure. The certificate must bear the name of the medical practitioner and it must be signed by the medical practitioner. Travelers will not be allowed to board without a negative PCR test result. Furthermore, all travellers who visit South Africa must hold proof of valid travel insurance.
All travellers will be subjected to screening by Port of Health Officials upon arrival. All travellers detected with symptoms (which include elevated body temperatures and flu-like symptoms) or in contact with an infected person, will be expected to take a mandatory COVID-19 test in South Africa. This test will be at the traveller’s cost. If the COVID-19 test comes back positive, the traveller will be subjected to a 10-day quarantine at a designated site determined by the South African authorities.
The accommodation at a quarantine site will be at the traveller’s cost.

Southern Africa region’s entry requirements

04/11/2020

We are excited to share with you some recent updates to the Southern Africa region’s entry requirements that will enable your clients to travel stress free through our beautiful destinations.
South Africa has opened its borders to all but 22 countries (significantly reduced from the initial 57 countries listed) Please click HERE (http://www.dha.gov.za/index.php/list-of-high-risk-covid-19-countries ) to view the official revised list of high-risk countries currently not able to travel to South Africa for leisure. This list is revised every two weeks. If the passport of a traveller from a high-risk country indicates that they have spent 10 days or more in a low-risk country before departure, they will be considered to be arriving from a low-risk country and subject to the low-risk entry requirements.
Health screening and COVID-19 protocols
• Arriving passengers must present a valid certificate of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, obtained not more than 72 hours (3 days) from the time of departure for South Africa. The test must be conducted by a certified medical practitioner and the certificate must have the name and signature of the practitioner who conducted the test.
• Arriving passengers will be screened for any COVID-19 symptoms and/or for contact with people who have been infected with the virus.
• Arriving passengers will be asked to download the COVID Alert South Africa mobile app – more information here.
• All foreign national visitors must have travel insurance that covers the cost of any testing or quarantine.
Mandatory quarantine
Not required unless:
• Arriving passengers fail to present a valid and negative COVID-19 PCR test. This will require quarantine at own cost.
• Travellers display any symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with an infected person. A mandatory COVID-19 test will be required at their own cost. If this test result is positive, travellers will be subjected to a 10-day quarantine at a designated site, at their own cost.
Great news: Namibia has opened its borders to all countries and travellers! For international travellers looking to visit South Africa but unable to travel directly because they are coming from a ‘high risk’ country then Namibia is a perfect stop over. Why not offer your clients wishing to visit South Africa a 10 day add on to Namibia so they can meet the South African entry requirements, and enjoy an incredible 10 day visit to Namibia!
Health screening and COVID-19 protocols
• All passengers arriving on international flights must present a negative PCR COVID-19 test result, conducted within 72 hours of boarding the flight to Namibia.
• All travellers will undergo health screening and temperature testing, and must submit their full itinerary on arrival.
• Re-testing after 5 days in the country is NO LONGER required.
Mandatory quarantine
• Not required, unless a traveller's PCR test is older than 72 hours (but less than seven days) – supervised quarantine of seven days is then required.
Zimbabwe is open to international travel, via its International Airports only at present, land borders remain closed.
Health screening and COVID-19 protocols
• All travellers will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, obtained from a recognised facility within 48 hours of departure for Zimbabwe.
• All travellers will undergo health screening and temperature testing.
• Social distancing, hand sanitisation and the wearing of masks are mandatory.
Mandatory quarantine
• Not required unless travellers show symptoms of the virus or don't have a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate on arrival – they are then required to stay at a designated isolation facility for 7 days, then self- isolate for another 7 days. A fee of $60 will be levied on travellers tested at ports of entry. Isolation is at travellers’ own cost.
Zambia is open to foreign nationals and issuing visitor visas upon entry into the country. Depending on your nationality, travellers can arrive without a visa, obtain a visa on arrival, or apply for an e-visa before travelling to Zambia – visit the Zambia Department of Immigration website for more info.
Health screening and COVID-19 protocols
• All arriving passengers must have a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test that has been conducted within 14 days of arriving in Zambia.
• Visitors will be expected to adhere to COVID-19 regulations like physical distancing, wearing face masks, and personal hygiene. They will also need to monitor themselves daily for 14 days post arrival for symptoms of the virus and report any occurrence to the nearest health facility.
Mandatory quarantine
• All international visitors are screened on arrival. If you show any signs of COVID-19, you will have to quarantine for 14 days.
The latest encouraging news comes from Botswana who announced this past Friday that their borders will open from 01 November to private charter flights, we are still waiting for further details regarding more specific travel restrictions and regulations.

Great news : South Africa open its borders from 1 Oct ! Welcome back

29/09/2020

South Africa will open its borders for international flights on October 1, announced President Cyril Ramaphosa in his latest address to the nation earlier this evening, Wednesday, September 16.
This comes as the country moves to national lockdown alert level 1 at midnight on Sunday, September 20, on the back of the daily rate of infections continuing to slow down to fewer than 2 000 per day. At peak, the number of infections was up to 10 000 to 15 000 per day. The recovery rate is currently at 89%.
The opening of borders will be based on certain restrictions and those countries with high infection rates may be prevented from entering South Africa. Ramaphosa said a list of the countries that fell into the high-risk category would be published over the next few days.

International travellers will also be required to present a COVID-19-free certificate that is dated no later than 72 hours within their date of arrival.
Those who do not have a certificate will face a mandatory quarantine period at their own cost.

In reaction to the news, CEO of the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa – who has been lobbying for borders to open to enable the survival of a sector on its knees – said in a Facebook post: “Let’s go to work and welcome our international guests. The fight has been long and it’s not close to be finished. Aluta continua.”
He added that tourism could be South Africa’s economic lifeline. “Every day we have been closed to international travel we have lost R336m (¤17.4m) of spend and the government has lost vital tax revenue. Opening up our tourism sector will have a direct and immediately positive impact on Government’s coffers at a time when it most needs it.”
Enabling environment for tourism
Government’s decision to reopen to international travel and tourism gave the industry an opportunity to get back on its feet, said David Frost, CEO of SATSA, the voice of inbound international tourism.
According to him, the sector cannot grow to its full potential and contribute more meaningfully to South Africa’s economy unless several interventions are introduced swiftly to improve the competitiveness of the country as a tourism destination and drive demand.
Some of those interventions include the removal of quarantine requirements for visitors and improved visa access.
“Now more than ever comes the opportunity for the public and private sector to collaborate in word and deed and to leverage South Africa’s competitive advantage as a global tourism player. This is the industry that has been earmarked as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth. As such, tourism should be prioritised if it is going to make the contribution it has the potential to make to pull the South African economy out of these stormy waters,” said Frost.
Reopening safely
Under the TBCSA, the entire value chain of tourism has devised and rolled out stringent health and hygiene safety programmes and protocols under the banner, Travel Safe – Eat Safe, said Lee Zama, CEO of Fedhasa, the national trade association for the hospitality industry, which includes the accommodation and catering sectors.
“These protocols have been based on international best practice and endorsed by the World Travel and Tourism Council. Our industry is ready to receive guests. We have protocols in place to mitigate any risk associated with COVID-19 and have developed a Travel Safe-Eat Safe mobile app to ensure that the information of guests and participating establishments are logged electronically. South Africa is Travel Ready,” she said,
Details on the new regulations around level 1 will be published shortly.

Namibia reopens its borders on September 1 - Flights resume from Europe

08/09/2020

With Namibian borders opening on September 1, the Lufthansa Group has announced that – subject to all necessary government approvals being granted – Eurowings will once again serve Windhoek with three weekly flights from Frankfurt.

“These plans form part of reviving the local tourism and commercial sector in Namibia,” said Dr André Schulz, GM: Southern Africa & East Africa for the Lufthansa Group, which operates the low-cost carrier, Eurowings.

On September 19, the first Eurowings flight will depart Frankfurt at 20h00 and arrive in Windhoek at 06h20 the next day. Thereafter, flights will depart Frankfurt for Windhoek at 20h00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The return flight will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing Windhoek at 08h20 and arriving in Frankfurt at 18h50.

Schulz said Namibia remained an important part of the Lufthansa Group’s Africa network. “Even throughout this unprecedented crisis, we were able to successfully operate several repatriation flights to and from Windhoek. Our commitment remains to offer regular commercial services that link Namibians to Germany, Europe and the rest of the world.”

Coronavirus : no risk in South africa

02/03/2020

GOOD NEWS FOR TRAVELLERS : To date, there are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus in South Africa
As of 21 February 2020, there are no reported or suspected cases of Coronavirus in South Africa, the NICD has confirmed.
Egypt announced its first Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) case on 14 February, making it Africa’s first documented infection.
According to the NICD this is not unexpected, and South Africa remains vigilant for cases of COVID-19. As of 15 February, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) has tested 82 individuals for COVID-19. Results are all negative.
There is no impact on visitors to South Africa and no travel or trade advisories or restrictions have been put in place for travelling to South Africa, except those imposed on Chinese citizens by the Chinese government.

Airports and airlines
South African health authorities and hospitals are on high alert and temperature screening remains in place at most international airports in South Africa. This is a routine precaution that was instituted at airports in 2010.
Any passenger found to be ill or exhibiting fever symptoms on arrival will be reviewed at airport clinics. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirms that South African hospitals are prepared to deal with any Corona-related problems and laboratories have facilities in place to test for the respiratory disease.
On 6 February, OR Tambo Port Health Services has implemented additional screening measures.
As part of the additional screening measures, Port Health officials will conduct thermal screening onboard the flights. Passengers will be asked to remain seated until they are advised by Port Health officials that they can disembark.
Based on the information available, additional screening measures will be concentrated on the following flights:
* Cathay Pacific
* Singapore Airlines
* Hong Kong
* Emirates
* Etihad
* Qatar
For all other international flights, Port Health officials will liaise with cabin crew to ascertain whether there are health risks onboard.

Entry of minors in South Africa - Good News

28/02/2020

Following a change in South African regulations in November 2019, accompanied foreign minors can travel to South Africa with their valid passport only. The passport must be valid for more than four months from the date of travel and have at least two blank pages.

Foreign minors travelling unaccompanied must present the following documents:
copy of birth certificate;
letters of parental consent;
copy of passport(s)/identity document(s) of parents/legal guardian(s) ;
contact details of parents/legal guardian(s);
letter from the person who is to receive the child in South Africa, indicating his/her address and contact details in South Africa where the child will reside;
copy of the valid identity document/passport and visa or permanent residence permit of the person who is to receive the child in South Africa.

The Most Beautiful Country In The World

22/08/2015

According to a recent report on www.buzzfeed.com/travelguru/ - South Africa was listed as No 1 among the 20 most beautiful countries in the world.

This country sweeps international travel prizes and has travellers raving about its beauty so much that it has the highest repeat tourism of any long haul destination in the world! Considering how crazy people are about the place, it’s not surprising that South Africa takes the top spot in the beauty stakes.

Not only does the country have stupendous natural beauty, but it’s urban-amazing too. The town of Franschhoek has been named amongst the five loveliest in the world, and the metropolis of Cape Town is more often than not picked as the most beautiful city on earth by travel lists and tourists alike, because of both its unparalleled natural setting and gorgeous architecture.

This setting is on a coastline hailed as the most beautiful on earth. In fact the country has three of the world’s ten most beautiful coastal drives including Clarens Drive and Chapman’s Peak. These were number one and number two most beautiful coastal drives respectively.

South Africa also has an astonishing variety of marine life, with almost twice the number of marine species as the whole Mediterranean in a coastline only 2000 miles long. It’s the best place in the world to view whales from shore, and to swim with great white sharks. The world’s largest migration of Ocean life occurs here, and is one of the two largest migrations of any kind on earth.

With some of the finest national parks in the world, including the Kgalagadi, Isimangaliso, Hluhlue Imfolozi and Tsitsikamma, South Africa has been rated the finest wildlife destination on earth and is Africa’s most bio diverse. That’s much of where it leaps ahead of other countries in terms of beauty.

What’s better than a great sunset? A great sunset with giraffes or elephants in front! The Greater Kruger National Park and Limpopo Transfrontier Park has more species of large mammal than anywhere else in the world. Surrounding Cape Town is the world’s densest plant kingdom by species count. The King Protea flower is a gorgeous bloom the size of a dinner plate!

Surrounded by Cape Town is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain. When viewed from across Table Bay this world wonder provides one of the greatest views on Earth, and has been named one of the world’s greatest mountains.

Incredibly, two of the eleven mountains chosen for this honour are located entirely within South Africa, more than is claimed by any other country. The other is the Amphitheatre, a gigantic cliff regarded as one of the most impressive in the world. Its cliff face is around ten times the size of the main South Western face of Yosemite’s El Capitan and six times the size of the North Face of Switzerland’s Matterhorn!

The Amphitheatre is found in the Drakensberg, one of the world’s most beautiful and utterly distinctive mountain ranges. It has been named the third in the list of must see mountain ranges you’ve probably never heard of. Falling off its face is possibly the tallest waterfall on earth, though officially the second tallest, which is about twenty times the height of Niagara! ‘The Tugela Falls’ plunge over 3000 feet in 5 abrupt steps! This, together with the Augrabies falls, is one of two South African falls named in the Top 10 waterfalls in the world. In the North of the Drakensberg is one of the greatest and most beautiful canyons in the world, the subtropical Blyde River.

Other mountain ranges in the country include the best-exposed fold mountains in the world, The Swartberg or ‘Black Mountains’. Unlike their name suggests, these mountains display astonishing Technicolor sandstone cliffs folded in all directions through what geologists call anticlines and synclines. They house one of the most beautiful cave systems in the world, the Kango. Four of the ten oldest mountain ranges in the world are found in South Africa, including the breathtaking Waterberg and the stunning Makhonjwa range, the oldest in the world

This is a country of astounding age, and is the place where both the oldest fossils and the oldest gold have been found. Even the deserts in this country are astonishingly beautiful, from the powdered red sands of the Kalahari to the Karoo and Namaqualand. The latter is an incredible arid area larger than California that turns into the world’s largest garden each spring in a floral display unrivalled anywhere on earth. Thousands of species of flowers bloom and transform the landscape unimaginably. It, together with Technicolor city suburbs like the Bokaap, is part of why the country has been called the worlds most colourful.

Unsurpassed wildlife and mountains, whales and waterfalls, architecture and antiquity, the world’s most beautiful city, and the world’s most stunning Spring, plus a host of natural treasures make South Africa “The Most Beautiful Country In The World”, and a must-see traveller’s dream.