South Africa

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 7 - Pilanesberg National Park

July 4, 2019 The alarm clock goes off at 6:45 AM. Yawn. We drag ourselves out of bed, it's still pitch dark outside. Bundled up, we walk to the restaurant building. It's...

The first breathtaking days in South Africa: From Johannesburg via Swaziland to Durban!

After many days off, I am now back with a long entry. We have experienced so much in South Africa so far and our days have been so full that I hardly had time to write....

Big 5 of the Seas

Last night at AfriCamps was a bit uncomfortable, with the wind blowing strongly around our tent. Unfortunately, there was no chance of sleep… early in the morning we headed to the...

Just a quick hike up Table Mountain

A must-do... that's what we were told 🥴 Heard, done: packed our hiking shoes and up we went ⛰️. If you think this is comparable to the boring family hikes in Tyrol or South...

Boulders Beach

After the wonderful breakfast, we headed to Boulders Beach. The Table Mountain was shrouded in clouds and dense fog surrounded the mountain, so we decided to visit the penguins....

Cape Town

Cape Town - here are some tips that aren’t in every guidebook

Südafrika Tag 17 - Good bye South Africa

At 9:30 a.m. our host families dropped us off in the parking lot of the University of Pretoria. The luggage was loaded, lots of photos were taken and a few tears were shed....

South Africa Day 8 - Cancelled Concert

Originally, a very nice concert was planned for this evening in Oudtshoorn. Unfortunately, the organizing community of the concert canceled it immediately before our departure...

Unlimited Possibilities: Beautiful Cape Town

Our Airbnb in Cape Town is located in the building of a small mall, in the Woodstock district. We are waiting for the check-in with coffee and cake, which is only possible from...

Tag 20: Cape of Good Hope

We explore the stormy Cape of Good Hope and visit the Flying Dutchman

Day 19: Cape Town! Table Mountain, Beach & Penguins

July 16th, 2019 We leave early in the morning from the Aero Guest Lodge and drive towards the airport. Here are a few pictures of the lodge 'Oasis' in the middle of Johannesburg...

Day 16: Rest day in Marloth Park with 'Pumba' & Co

We enjoy the day at Savanna Pride holiday home with a private zoo of ostriches, Pumba, and Co.

Day 13: Along the Panorama Route to Kruger NP

From Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes to Kruger NP - including a huge fire!

Day 9: From Pilanesberg NP to Kololo Game Reserve

From Pilanesberg NP via Rankin's Pass to Limpopo to Kololo Game Reserve

Day 6: Pilanesberg National Park

July 3, 2019 The alarm clock rings at 7 am! Today, we have a lot on our agenda! After breakfast, we drive to the Voortrekker Monument, which we already saw from the Union...

Über Hermanus und Betty's Bay nach Camps Bay

Wednesday 20.1.2016 In the morning it is somewhat cloudy and it is lucky that we can still take a warm shower. Because of the enormous wind, the electricity for the whole town...

Wild animals in Addo Elephant Park

Thursday, 14.1.2016 After breakfast, we leave the i-lollo-Lodge , quickly get some money and G. buys a ostrich leather bag. By 9:15 am, we are in the car heading North – from...

Swartberg Pass & Ostriches

Friday 8.1.16 It is already clear at breakfast at 9:00 am: It's going to be hot today. At 9:30 am we set off, actually want to go to the Cango Caves first, but somehow get lost...

Everything a bit wilder - The Wild Coast of South Africa

Hello everyone! I apologize for not getting in touch for so long. I could hardly keep up with capturing all the impressions. But now it's time for some news from me! The...

The Big Five

08/09/2018 Elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros! We actually saw them all. Yeeeeeeaaaah! Because that's not so obvious, especially the leopards like to be scarce. ...

Hop-on through Cape Town

Yesterday Cape Town greeted me with bright sunshine and perfect winter weather. You just have to get out and explore the mother city of South Africa. What better way to do that...

South Africa - Doringbay

The Jetty Restaurant from Fryers Cove Wine Estate right by the sea

the LAB Robertson

Today our journey took us from Knysna to Robertson, to the wonderful hotel the LAB. On the recommendation of our guide Natasha from the Gondwana Game Reserve, we took a small...

Christmas Days in Stellenbosch

23.12.-27.12.24 Christmas Days in Stellenbosch Via Route 62, which is about 850 km long, the Cape Route is considered one of the most beautiful travel routes through South...

Mosselbay

19.12. -21.12.24 Today we continue to Mosselbay or Dana Bay The roads are all paved today. Via Swellendam and Heidelberg we head to the next B&B. Since...

#5 - Cape Town - At the Cape of Good Hope

Before the trip, we considered whether we would take a tour to the Cape of Good Hope. On the safari, we met a German woman who highly recommended the tour because of the...

Namibia 2024: On horseback

Namibia 2024: On horseback Tonight was accompanied by the voices of animals. Again and again the silence of the night was interrupted by the sounds of wild animals. After...

Exploring Joburg with Locals

After an eventful week in Johannesburg, it seemed like a good idea to revive my blog. Even though the title 'Max in the Jungle' may not seem as fitting anymore, it feels like I...

Oribi Gorge NP & South Africa's Wild Coast

After about 5 hours drive from St Lucia via Durban (with a short lunch break), we arrive at our accommodation in Oribi National Park. We quickly check in to our beautiful...