News from the travelling front

Southern Africa’s travel landscape is alive with change, as historic landmarks are restored, new experiences are unveiled, and ambitious projects take shape along its shores and savannahs.

From Cape Town’s evolving waterfront to Mozambique’s rising eco-tourism circuit, the region continues to offer travellers both timeless heritage and fresh adventure.

• Cape Town’s Waterfront eyes a bold new horizon
The V&A Waterfront has unveiled plans for a R20 billion (US$1.1 billion) phased development at Granger Bay, set to reshape a prime stretch of the Atlantic seaboard. Extending over the next two decades, the project includes land reclamation of 3.2 hectares from Table Bay and promises a mix of residential, hospitality, and leisure spaces. More than 26 000 jobs are expected during construction, with 5 000 permanent roles once complete. Among the highlights are a new “coastal sea park” with tidal pools, walkways, and sheltered waters for boating and kayaking, creating a tourism hub that enhances Cape Town’s appeal while preserving accessibility for locals.

• Cape Agulhas Lighthouse shines again
South Africa’s southernmost lighthouse reopened on 29 August after extensive repairs and restoration. Managed by Agulhas National Park and overseen by the Transnet National Ports Authority, the landmark had been closed for a month following lightning damage. With its beacon restored, the lighthouse continues to guide vessels at the point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet, while offering visitors panoramic views from its historic tower.

• The Castle of Good Hope undergoes a careful renewal
Built between 1666 and 1679, Cape Town’s Castle of Good Hope remains one of the city’s most enduring monuments. Years of wear and neglect have led to restoration efforts now underway, addressing issues such as peeling paint, overgrown gardens, and outdated facilities. The national heritage site remains open during the upgrade, with preservation efforts balancing modern techniques and the unique requirements of a 369-year-old fortress. For travellers, it is a rare opportunity to explore a living piece of history in transition.

• Horseback safaris launch in the Eastern Cape
Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve in Port Alfred has expanded its offerings with new guided horseback safaris. Visitors can choose between a three-hour beach ride along the Indian Ocean shoreline or a two-hour bush trail promising wildlife encounters. Led by a dedicated guide, the experience combines adventure with the tranquillity of riding through diverse coastal and bushveld landscapes. It adds another layer to the Eastern Cape’s growing reputation for distinctive safari experiences.

• Maputo National Park steps into a world-class spotlight
Southern Mozambique’s Maputo National Park has been recognised as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, extending from South Africa’s iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Over the past decade, the park has transformed into a thriving ecosystem with more than 15 000 animals now roaming its 104 000 hectares, including elephant, buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest. A stretch of coastline running 100km, freshwater lakes, and grasslands create a rare combination of habitats. Lodges such as Anvil Bay and Ponta Membene now host international visitors, with new activities on the horizon from turtle safaris to e-biking trails. Its proximity to the South African border and just under three hours’ drive from Maputo make this eco-tourism destination one of the region’s most accessible wilderness escapes.

 • 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 𝚜𝚞𝚋𝚖𝚒𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚘𝚛 𝚛𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠𝚜, 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚝 𝙼𝚊𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚗𝚊 𝚟𝚒𝚊 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕 (𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚘𝚛@𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚟𝚎𝚕𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍.𝚌𝚘.𝚣𝚊).
• 𝙵𝚘𝚛 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚗𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚙𝚜, 𝚖𝚊𝚛𝚔𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚘𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚎𝚗𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜, 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚌𝚝 𝙰𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚟𝚒𝚊 𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚕 (𝚊𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚗@𝚒𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚐𝚞𝚎𝚖𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚊.𝚌𝚘𝚖) 𝚘𝚛 𝚜𝚎𝚗𝚍 𝚊 𝚆𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚜𝙰𝚙𝚙 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎.