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
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...
Cape Town
Three days in Cape Town and our first stay here in the city. First, we arrived - immersed ourselves - and got an overview. We did this well with the Hop on Hop off bus. We saw...
Cape Town Day 3
26.5.2024 Cape Town In the morning I took the shuttle bus from the hotel to the waterfront. From a distance I could watch the "Serenade of the Seas" arrive. I walked to the...
Day 24/29 - Cape Town
The morning started with the sound of the sea and a view of the waves. Well, we could get used to that 🌊🤩 After yesterday, we didn't really notice the problem with the ash,...
Tag 22/29 - Safari
Yesterday we spontaneously booked another safari. We really wanted Anni to see her beloved lions 🦁 before we flew back home. So we went on safari to the Aquila Private Game...
Tag 10/29 - Knysna
Today was our last day in Knysna. Tomorrow we go to Addo Elephant Park. We found great accommodation nearby and will stay there until Sunday, do a bit of a safari and hopefully...
Tag 9/29 - Knysna
Wow we had a lot of highlights today 🤩 We were at the Knysna Elephant Park, a sanctuary for rescued elephants and founder of the AERU (African Elephant Research Unit). There...
Day 7/29 - from Swellendam via Mossel Bay to Knysna
Today we continued from Swellendam via Mossel Bay to Knysna, where we will stay until Thursday. The Garden Route begins in Mossel Bay. The landscape became super green again and...
Robben Island Tour and Museum
Started a bit earlier today to be on time for our boat trip to Robben Island to visit the prison where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. It is an UNESCO world...
Tsitsikamma and the leap into nowhere
September 19, 2023 After a strengthening breakfast we went to the Tsitsikamma National Park, where a few days earlier a devastating flood had cleared away the restaurant on the...
Day 15 Helicopter Sightseeing & Mini Golf
And here we are, on the last full day of this wonderful (exciting) trip. Our day started with breakfast at the hotel. Then we took an Uber to the heliport. Today, we had another...
Day 7 Tsitsikamma National Park & Journey to Plettenberg Bay
We left Fynbos Golf Resort around 10am in the morning and headed to Tsitsikamma National Park, which is 45 minutes away. The entrance fee was 280 Rand (16.50€) per person. Once...
Day 1 Panorama Route
On the first day, we drove the so-called Panorama Route with our VW Polo. Highlights on this route include: - Lisbon and Berlin Falls - God's Window with a small rainforest -...
Journey's end
Day 29, 01/25/23, from Clanwilliam to Hout Bay Things don't always go as planned. Overnight, a nasty virus sneaks into Cindy's stomach and continues to cause her discomfort...