Travelogues South Africa
718 Travel reports · 100 travel bloggers · 14.5K photos · Best time to travel: September & November · Create a travel blog · About Vakantio
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.
All travel reports from South Africa
Day 8 Robberg Plettenberg Bay
On the 8th day of our tour, we visited Robberg in Plettenberg Bay, which is only 10 minutes away from our accommodation. As the name suggests, Robberg is a national park where...
Day 2 Guided Safari
On the second day, at 05:00 in the morning, we went on a guided safari in Kruger National Park with Ranger Shadrack. As soon as we arrived in the park, it took just 10 minutes...
Paternoster - Bloubergstrand - Paarl - Stellenbosch - Muizenberg - Fish Hoek
Today we had our longest distance to cover (over 300 km), as it was time to leave Dunes Boutique Guest House in Paternoster, where we spent the past weekend. In Vredenburg, we...
Table Mountain - Picnic - Dinner at the Waterfront
On Tuesday, Philippe wasn't feeling well. The plan was to go to Table Mountain. We were in constant contact with Liliane and Philippe and decided to cancel the plans at short...
City tour Cape Town
After focusing on the more remote areas yesterday on the city tour, today it was the turn of the city center of Cape Town. We met with Studer's at 2 Ocean Aquarium at 10:00 AM...
Sunday in Cape Town
Today was our Hop on - Hop off day, we took the blue tour to Kirstenbosch, a botanical garden (which is part of the World Cultural Heritage) in the shadow of Table Mountain,...
PicNic at Warwick - Cavalli Estate
Wednesday was PicNic themed, we actually wanted to visit the new Winery Quion Rock and enjoy a PicNic there, but that failed because they were not reachable the day before and...
Transfer to Stellenbosch Eikehof - Franschhoek Motor Museum - Delaire Graff - Stellenbosch - Restaurant Helena
Today was the day to say goodbye to Franschhoek. Shortly after 10 o'clock, everything was done and the cars were loaded. We set off in convoy to the Eikehof vineyard, a small...
Robertson - Sanbona / Dwyka Tented Lodge
After a good night at Ballinderry with Luc and Hilde, we enjoyed our first breakfast in South Africa. The selection was huge, even though only two couples stayed at Ballinderry....
Arrival & 1st day
After a calm and pleasant flight, we landed today on Thursday. Immediately, a steel blue sky and nice warm weather welcomed us in Cape Town. As it usually goes, there were some...
2 nights in a Private Game Reserve
On Saturday, I continued directly to the Eastern Cape. Here, I spent two nights in a Private Game Reserve - an absolute highlight in every way. I already knew beforehand that...
End of the first week
And already the first week is over - I spent my free Friday very touristically: sightseeing with the red hop-on hop-off double-decker bus. The first tour went around Table...
Kruger National Park
Landing in Johannesburg, the first important tasks of withdrawing money and buying a SIM card were quickly completed. I then took the bus to the accommodation, from which I was...
Predator feeding
After a night in Jeffreys Bay which is considered an absolute surf spot, we continued to Addo. In Addo, we were able to go on a morning safari again in the famous Addo Elephant...
Day 2 - Robertson
Day 2 - Robertson We slept well the first night. Corina dozed off after 5 minutes, while Kosi fought against a mosquito for several hours. The day started with excellent coffee....
Finest Chardonnay and Wild Cats
Sunday, 29.12. - Stellenbosch is located only 10 minutes away from our hotel in Somerset West. One of the oldest wine regions in the Cape. We couldn't miss this opportunity and...
Stroll through town and wine tasting Kleine Zalze
In the morning we went to Stellenbosch again and paid another visit to Hilda and her son in the shop "Perles par Rousseau". Then we strolled a little through Stellenbosch. Around...
Shamwari Game Resort - Day 2
Dear readers, today was our first full day at Shamwari Game Resort, and our daily schedule is as follows:
About the Swartberg Pass
After a good night's sleep, we were already at breakfast at 08:15 this morning because we had a lot planned. At 09:00, we started by refueling in Oudtshoorn, and then the R328 led...
Head to Barrydale
On Saturday morning, it was time to leave Franschoek and head towards Barrydale. After breakfast, we packed together, loaded the luggage, and checked out of the accommodation. We...
Matopos, Kruger National Park and Johannesburg
Psst, rhinos may have poor eyesight but they have good hearing.
Camps Bay - Relaxing
Thursday 21.01.2016 Total relaxation day. So this is considered the first relaxation day of the vacation, if we disregard a half day at the beach in Knysna. G. treats herself to...
Experiences of the first days! Johannesburg (06.-08.09)
After much consideration, I have finally decided to write a travel blog. This blog will capture my memories and give you the opportunity to get a glimpse of my journey. So feel...
Cape Town
Since the Garden Route did not meet my expectations, I arrived in Cape Town a little earlier than planned. But it's great. There is a lot to see and do every day. For example, I...
Ostrich Farm - Returning after 12 years
14th to 16th January: Our first trip together as a couple to South Africa is 12 years ago and we have a particularly great memory of the 'Skeiding Guest Farm' ostrich farm in...
Cooking School - Table Mountain - extreme water scarcity
January 8th to 12th, 2018: Cape Town and surroundings Already at the airport we are confronted with posters and signs about the extreme water scarcity in the Cape Town region....
Welcome Clemi and Wildlife
After our big reunion at the airport, we went straight to the car rental station to pick up our vehicle. And sure enough, we got our car (almost...) without any complications....
Cape Town & Table Mountain
In Cape Town we checked into a great hostel. We went to the V & A Waterfront where we visited the harbor with the Clock Tower and Cape Wheel, and strolled through the...
Tour to Cape of Good Hope
We start our tour by driving to Camps Bay where we enjoy some African snacks with a wonderful view. We then continue along the coast on a scenic road to Hount Bay. After another...
Mom, Cape Town, Goodbye
Time is running out. Just two days ago, my mom was here and my room was lively, with two beds, suitcases, and clothes everywhere. After a very sad second goodbye to my mom, it's...