Travelogues South Africa
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Vacation in South Africa : Highlights & Travel Tips
South Africa stands out for travelers because it packs extraordinary variety into one trip: dramatic coastlines, world-class wildlife, vibrant cities, acclaimed wine regions, and a deep, complex cultural history. You can watch the sunrise over Table Mountain in Cape Town, drive the Garden Route past beaches and forests, explore the Winelands around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, and head into Kruger National Park or private reserves for the chance to see the Big Five. The country also offers powerful historical experiences, from Robben Island to Johannesburg’s Apartheid Museum, alongside excellent food, scenic road trips, and adventure activities such as hiking, surfing, shark cage diving, and whale watching.
For practical planning, South Africa is large, so domestic flights or a well-paced self-drive itinerary can help you cover more ground comfortably. Seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere, and weather varies by region, so pack layers if combining Cape Town, safari areas, and the coast. Travelers should stay aware of local safety guidance in major cities, use reputable transport at night, and book popular safaris, holiday stays, and top restaurants in advance. With good planning, South Africa rewards visitors with exceptional value, unforgettable landscapes, and one of the most diverse travel experiences on the continent.
Best time to travel South Africa
The best time to visit is September through November, with September and November showing the highest popularity and offering a great balance of pleasant spring weather, blooming landscapes, wildlife viewing, and lively travel conditions. October is also a strong choice, making early spring to late spring the best overall window for most travelers.
Best travel reports from South Africa
Day 11/29 - Knysna to Addo
First we went from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay today to the great café we had already been to ☺️ We had a delicious late breakfast. Anni was able to feed the animals again and run...
Tag 6/29 - Swellendam
We had thrown our plans for Swellendam and the surrounding area overboard due to the temperatures today of up to 39 degrees 🥵 and our broken air conditioning in the car. We...
Day 2/29 - Cape Town
Today we started the day very relaxed. It started with a super delicious breakfast basket 🥰 After we had settled in a bit and explored the beautiful complex, we drove along the...
From Mossel bay to Hermanus
The rain had started already last night after dinner and went on through the whole night. So we had our bfast outside on the stoep (patio) but dressed in a warmer sweater and...
Road day from Tsitsikamma to Mossel Bay via Ratel forest walk and Knysna
Swim in the morning and while we had breakfast, a baboon monkey 🙈 got through a small slit of the window in our room and stole an apple out of a bag. The hotel cleaning lady...
Second part of roadtrip to Addo elephant park from Lemoenfontein
Hitting the road from Lemoenfontein to Addo Elefant 🐘 Park, again another 400km of road trip. Starting the day with a dip in the perfect pool at the game lodge and a couple of...
Things are slowly getting wild...
09/07/2023 Delicious breakfast, friendly people…. Let's go to the Greater Kruger Region. Long, winding but well-developed roads with a considerable number of potholes led us...
Day 6 Fynbos Golf Resort and St Francis Bay
After completing the approximately 90-minute drive from P.E. to Fynbos Golf Resort, we were quickly able to check into our room and then play a round of golf. The atmosphere was...
Towards Tsitsikamma National Park via Jeffreys Bay
Now that I'm back in Cape Town, it's time to talk about the second week of my trip. During this time, I had a change of accommodation daily, had many experiences, and often had...
From Cape Town to Oudtshoorn
Last Tuesday, it was time to say goodbye to my apartment in Woodstock - for another 2 nights, I moved back to the guest house where my journey began before finally starting my...
A night in Franschhoek
After a small trip to Signal Hill on Friday (including touching the clouds) and a long walk along the Seapoint promenade, it was time to leave the city for one night on...
My highlights at the end of the first month
The first month in South Africa has already passed, and especially due to the current developments in Germany, I am incredibly grateful to be able to spend my time in this...
The adventure begins!
Since my wonderful friends started this blog, I will now fill it with life. It's not about writing everything down every day, but rather about capturing special moments /...
Over Chapman's Peak to Somerset West
Chapman's Peak Drive
Over the mountains
Today we went up high. The Table Mountain, which is 1085m high, enchanted us. We were able to climb the new seventh wonder of the world with a Swiss cable car in beautiful...
Colorful Houses
After a rather calm Christmas day, it was colorful and lively today - we visited the oldest and most colorful quarter of Cape Town, Bo-Kaap. Today, about 6000 people live in...
On to Knysna
Unfortunately, everything comes to an end, including our safari in the Shamwari Game Reserve. After the last game drive this morning, it was time to pack up and say goodbye.
Last full day at Shamwari
Today was already our last full day at the Shamwari Game Resort. It went like before, at 5:00 am the WakeUp Call came, then we met with Jason, Kevin and Yvette in the main house...
Doch noch ein Wal gesehen, oder war es nur ein Seehund
Unfortunately, today was the day again when we had to leave Cliff Lodge in Gansbaai, with Gill and Gideon. The weather was also crying, no, it was lightning, thundering, and...
Time to say goodbye!
Saturday, 09.11.19: Wind! A captain's old friend and foe! Today you are my foe! The whale watching trip had to be canceled because of the strong winds 😭 But as we are going to...
Head to Gansbaai
On the way from Cape Town to Gansbaai, via the Chapman's Peak Drive, the Clarence Drive, and around the bay of Hermanus to Gansbaai
Cape Town - Cape Town
A week in Cape Town! Lots of sun, sea, no plans. We are going with the flow. The Waterfront: lively atmosphere, strolling, cotton candy 😊, street performers, music, various...
Heading to the Kalahari!
Today we have a long distance ahead of us, 260km gravel road. Hardly anyone meets us, we pass by a few farms, there is no cell phone network. We are right in the middle of...
When animals play hide and seek...
I'll just make myself very thin, then they'll never see me! 😂 Good idea. What the buffalo can do, I can do as well. I'll just hide behind the bush... If I can't see...
The Addo Elephant National Park
As I had some time yesterday...
A little interim report from the Wild Coast
For the past three...
Cape of Good Hope
Penguins 1
Von Bergen, Elis und Spinnen...
On Tuesday, March 27th, we left Lesotho. We were ready to go at 6:00 in the morning as we had a long drive ahead of us. After crossing the border, we set up our breakfast. It...
Kap of Good Hope
At the end of this trip, the Table Mountain National Park was on the program. You would start with a small bike tour Then we continued with a little 'hiking' to...
Day 31 An adventure comes to an end...
An adventure comes to an end and makes way for the next