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
30th January - A Day in Hermanus
Unfortunately, this morning we noticed that 2 of our fellow travelers weren't feeling well, their stomachs were acting up a bit. But nothing that couldn't be solved with a...
January 28 - a day full of food
After a restful night, Marc and I went to Lustigs (a suite next door) and woke up Karina with an African Happy Birthday song! Yes, she celebrated her Sweet Sixteen today ;) Then...
The Big 5 of the Sea
As the last stops on my journey, the places De Kelders and Hermanus awaited me. These places are especially popular between June - November, when whales come to the bay to give...
About the Robberg Nature Reserve to Knysna
Since only places & activities that I have not seen yet were planned on this trip, today was an absolute highlight. There was no time for this place on the last trip and...
I'm at Addo Elephant National Park.
Today was all about the elephants at Addo Elephant National Park. Since I've been on several safaris before (and for cost reasons), I decided to drive with my own rental car,...
Art & Nature
And another weekend is over. On Friday, I explored a bit of Woodstock with its street art and the Old Biscuit Mill. In the afternoon, I also went to Camps Bay beach. The view of...
Unpacking in Woodstock
On Monday, my 4 luggage pieces and I finally moved into and unpacked the booked AirBnb in Woodstock - after 3 days of living out of a suitcase, this was much needed! Before...
Day 14 - Cape Town
Day 14 - Cape Town The day started with a historical beginning. During the morning roundtable, after examining a disturbing green mass which is commonly known as Avocado stuff,...
Day 13 - Cape Town
Day 13 - Cape Town Today we slept a bit longer. Since we had to kill some time before we could check in at the house in Cape Town, we went to the Cliff Path again and admired...
Day 9 & 10 - Knysna / Hermanus
Day 9 & 10 - Knysna / Hermanus Yesterday we unfortunately didn't have any pictures to upload as we spent the last day and evening in our house. It started raining during the...
Day 5 - Addo
Day 5 - Addo After a hearty breakfast, we set off towards Addo. Our route took us out of Oudtshoorn along the N12. We drove past Swartberg towards Willowmore before turning onto...
Day 1 - Robertson
Day 1 - Robertson After a sleepless night in a flying sardine tin, we landed safely. Afterwards, we were able to pick up our vehicle. However, these South Africans all drive on...
Walking in Gansbaai
Today we take it easy, we let ourselves be spoiled for breakfast by our hosts (Jill and Gideon) and their staff, then we go on foot to the nearby nature reserve to discover the...
Nan ts'ngonya... the lion king
Thursday, 07.11.19: My alarm clock goes off at 04:00 am. Every one who knows me just a little, is aware what that means for me ;) But today it's ok, cause we are going to Addo...
Forests, snakes and beaches
Tuesday 05.11.19: Today we drove over the beautiful Outeniqua Mountain pass, went for a kanu tour and hike into the Wilderness National Park. Stunning indigenous forests with...
We have the Big Five!!!
Now we have already left St. Lucia again, but the last two days were also all about animals. On Sunday, after our first swim in the Indian Ocean, we went on a boat tour towards...
Township- Kinder
In South Africa there is a strong gap between the rich and the poor. This can be easily seen in the cities. People with good financial status live in fenced houses that are...
Zeitz MOCAA - from art in art
As I step out of the hostel and am still undecided whether I would rather see the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden or the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA), the sun...
Addo Elephant NP - FINALLY a lioness
January 18th to 20th: In Addo NP, the longing of our seven-year-old Fa is finally fulfilled. We discover a sleeping lioness in the thicket. Fa is excited and her vision of...
South Africa / Cape Town, the mother of all cities
29 Nov 2016 After 3 weeks of 'nature pure' in Namibia, we have now arrived in South Africa. Our tour along the Garden Route begins in Cape Town and takes us to Port Elizabeth....
Botanical Garden - Kirstenbosch
The botanical garden in Kirstenbosch is not very big, but it is beautiful. According to residents, it is even among the top five most beautiful gardens in the world. Apparently...
Quad biking the second + Sandboarding
Another quad bike experience, but this time at "Atlantis Dunes", which is approximately about 45-50 min. from the city. It wasn't more difficult to drive the quad here but you...
Let the journey begin :)
After a full and busy day, which actually started with work, we’ve (-> André and I) started our journey from Dresden City to Frankfurt Airport. We’ve never been there before,...
Day 21/29 - Stellenbosch
Today we had a really great day 🥰 We went to the Blaauwklippen Family Market. A cute little market with serenades with handmade items, food from all over the world, live music,...
Van Loveren biodiversity trail
Started off the day with a nice n easy yoga session of 45min and headed out for another walk at the biodiversity trail in the Van Loveren wine estates. Really getting...
Montagu nature garden and Blu’s winery
Started the day with a beautiful breakfast on the terrace at Fraaie Uitzicht and took the car to head to Montagu for a hike in Siloood forest which was closed to some landslides...
From Wellington to Robertson stopping at Franschoek
We left Dunstone and headed off to Franschhoek to visit the city where the Hugenottes landed long time ago. The place has lots of art galleries and beautiful statues. After a...