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
Constantia trail and Newlands Forest
As you might remember, I've written about "Constantia" before. It is not only one of the more luxurious areas in Cape Town, but above all known for its delicious wines. Our...
Table Mountain hike
In the morning we got a short briefing about our upcoming Volunteer project and about what better to skip or avoid doing our stay in Cape Town. In my case, it’ll be a typical...
Gondswana Game Reserve
A big thank you to Susanne from WildsOfAfrica, it has been sooooo breathtaking 🥰, the amazing impressions, the people, the animals, and the nature. Yesterday, we arrived in...
South Africa Day 4 - Visit to iThemba Labantu
After we had fortified ourselves with breakfast in our hostel, we left at 9 a.m. and made our way to a supermarket where we stocked up on snacks and water for the next two days....
South Africa Day 3 - The first day in Cape Town
The last morning in Stellenbosch had dawned. Our families took us to the Paul Roos Gimnasium at 11 a.m., where we immediately loaded our suitcases into our coach and then said...
Day 15: From Kruger NP to Marloth Park
From Skukuza, we drive to Mlondozi Dam, then to Lower Sabie, from Crocodile Bridge to Marloth Park.
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....
Hiking on top of Lion's head
Today I woke up pretty early (-> around 4:30 a.m.) to get ready for the"Lion". ;-) It's a mountain between Table mountain and Signal hill and peaks around 699m. The mountain...
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...
Bungee jump - Saturday, 18th (2nd day)
And finally, I did it. I jumped 216m into depth from Africa's highest bungee jump bridge, the Bloukrans Bridge. We had to do zip-lining to get to our jumping point. I can tell you...