South Africa has officially embarked on a significant geographic renaming initiative, a move that will profoundly affect travelers, tourism marketing, and travel logistics throughout the country. These key name changes were legally gazetted in Government Gazette No. 54101 on 6 February 2026, under the authority of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, in compliance with the South African Geographical Names Council Act. This legislative action signifies a foundational shift in how destinations will be identified and referenced across various official platforms, including travel documents, maps, and booking systems.

For those involved in or experiencing South Africa’s diverse tourism sector, this evolution in place identity is particularly noteworthy, especially within the Eastern Cape. Several historically significant towns in this province have been renamed to honor South Africa’s rich historical and cultural legacies. Travel professionals and planners operating within sub-Saharan Africa are advised to acknowledge these adjustments, as they will influence future itinerary development, destination promotional strategies, and the dissemination of information to travelers for years to come.

Among the most prominent transformations are the renaming of two major tourism hubs: East London has officially been designated KuGompo City, and Graaff-Reinet is now known as Robert Sobukwe Town. Additionally, several smaller towns within the Eastern Cape have also received new names: Aberdeen is now Xamdeboo, Adendorp has been renamed Bishop Limba, and Barkly East will henceforth be known as Ekhephini. These legally binding changes will be integrated across all governmental departments and progressively adopted by travel platforms and signage, marking a new chapter in South Africa’s cultural and tourism narrative.

While traditional names may continue in informal discourse for a period, travelers should increasingly expect to encounter the new names in official contexts. Road signage updates will be implemented in a phased manner, and GPS and mapping services typically integrate these changes following the gazette’s publication. Similarly, booking platforms, airline documentation, and future travel guidebooks will adopt these updated designations. During this transitional period, a dual-naming approach may be observed, where both the old and new names are displayed, for example, flights might still reference King Phalo Airport (ELS) – East London, or accommodation providers might describe locations as “near Graaff-Reinet (Robert Sobukwe).” This method aims to ensure clarity for travelers as the new names gain broader recognition.

KuGompo City, formerly East London, retains its status as a vital coastal gateway in the Eastern Cape. It is celebrated for its picturesque beaches, including Nahoon and Gonubie, and serves as a convenient access point to the breathtaking Wild Coast. The city is also home to the renowned East London Museum, famous for its display of the rare coelacanth fish. As a popular stopover for those undertaking Wild Coast road trips, the name KuGompo City will become increasingly visible in travel itineraries and mapping services throughout 2026 and beyond.

Robert Sobukwe Town, previously Graaff-Reinet, has long been a cornerstone destination within the arid Karoo region, drawing visitors with its dramatic Valley of Desolation, the serene Camdeboo National Park, and its remarkably well-preserved Cape Dutch architecture. Its new name honors Robert Sobukwe, a revered anti-apartheid leader, underscoring South Africa’s dedication to recognizing its rich and diverse heritage. This renaming will gradually influence Garden Route and Karoo itineraries, becoming more prevalent in tourism marketing and official usage.

The government gazette also included new names for crucial mountain passes located in the Eastern Cape Highlands, which are significant for self-drive tourists exploring this scenic region. Barkly Pass (R58) has been renamed Mbombo Pass, and Kraai River Pass (R58) is now known as Tyumbu Pass. Awareness of these updates is crucial for travel agents developing road trip itineraries and for travelers who rely on GPS navigation through these picturesque routes.

To navigate this multi-year transition phase effectively, travel planners and tourists visiting South Africa are advised to adopt a flexible strategy. This includes searching and booking using both old and new place names to ensure comprehensive results, and anticipating varying naming conventions across different maps, GPS devices, and booking platforms. Regular travelers should proactively update their saved GPS locations to reflect the new names. Furthermore, tourism operators must begin revising their marketing materials and itineraries to align with these official designations. This dual-naming approach is designed to facilitate a smooth transition for travelers, minimizing confusion or disruption during their South African experience.