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

KwaZulu Natal: On safari in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park

A safari in one of the many national parks in South Africa is a must! After all, there are so many fantastic animals and landscapes to see here. Of course, we don't miss this...

Day 8: Pilanesberg NP & Sun City

July 5, 2019 This morning after breakfast, we drive to the nearby Sun City Resort, a huge leisure complex with casinos, hotels, shows, and various attractions. As guests of...

Road trip on the West Coast of South Africa

Hello dear people Unfortunately, I have to change my platform. My Word version has expired and now I can't use this Word anymore. So if anyone has a Word registration code lying...

Franschhoek, a Bobotie & a Milktart, Montagu Pass and Swellendam

Wednesday 6.1.2016 At 9.00h we are ready to depart, but we can't find the lady for payment. G. takes a first test round of left-hand driving with a right-hand drive car, and at...

Around Table Mountain & Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

Friday, January 1, 2016 The alarm clock goes off at 8:00 a.m. and at 9:00 a.m. we start walking towards Bree Street to find something for breakfast. We walk past closed shops...

Hiking on Table Mountain

For South Africans, hiking is part of daily life, just like breathing. It's no wonder considering the fantastic mountain landscape that offers a picturesque backdrop to Cape...

What a weekend

A weekend with everything that goes with it

From Plettenberg Bay to Oudtshoorn

At 9 o'clock we started towards Oudtshoorn. We turned inland and made a quick stop in George, a larger city that didn't particularly impress us at first glance, but we just wanted...

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek

Today we're going to the Winelands. This morning's drive out of Cape Town was again oppressive in parts. For kilometers on end, we drove past densely built-up, very poor-looking...

Cape Town between yesterday and today

This morning, we take an Uber taxi to the Waterfront. Our driver Shammy is from Zimbabwe – yet another person who has left their home country for economic reasons and is trying...

Franschhoek

27.-29.12.24 Today, we unfortunately have to leave our dream accommodation and continue towards Franschhoek. After a stop at the beautiful La Motte Winery, ...

South Africa - Somerset West

11.12.24 Arrival in South Africa We depart from Cologne at noon with Turkish Airways to Istanbul. Then we continue with the same airline to Cairo. Luggage is there too, and...

South Africa Day 9, 10 & 11 - Break and transfer to Durban

Day 9 - Saturday: After a final breakfast in George, we loaded our bus and had an obligatory "Grubbafodo". At ten o'clock we rolled off the site in the direction of "Blackwaters...

Namibia 2024: Back to Style

Namibia 2024: Back to Style Today we head to the last accommodation of our trip. The Kambaku Wildlife Resort. But first we will try the state breakfast. Namotoni also...

Tag 12: Sani Pass

Today we travel to Lesotho via the famous Sani Pass, a mountain pass 2,873 metres above sea level in the Drakensberg Mountains that connects Lesotho and South Africa.

Adventure in the Drakensberg mountains

Oh, you beautiful Drakensberg - we fell in love with you! From Johannesburg, we drive about 3.5 hours south to the "Golden Gate Highlands National Park" in the northern...

Dassie Trail

Dassie Trail

Orange River

Day 3, 30.12.22, Orange River Rafting Day 1 Originally, the overnight stay in the small shack was booked for 2 people. In the middle of the night, we noticed that hundreds of...

Somerset West - our everyday life in school & distillery

Somerset West After almost two months, 6000 kilometers of driving, countless hours in the car, and 40 nights in our beloved rooftop tent, we have arrived in Somerset West - our...

Day 22: Aquarium, Llandudno & Chapman's Peak Drive

19th July 2019 Unfortunately, the weather this morning doesn't look much better. According to the weather forecast, it should stop raining around noon, but there are still a lot...

Day 17: We explore the southern Kruger NP

Our last day in Kruger NP spoils us with top sightings including hippos, cheetahs, and leopards!

Day 14: On the road in Kruger National Park

July 11, 2019 Early in the morning at 8 o'clock we leave Pretoriuskop Camp. There is actually nothing left of the fire. However, our clothes smell as if we have been in a...

Day 12: A birthday child, Hippo Jessica & much more

A birthday child, a tame hippo named Jessica, an impressive dam, and (wild) animals!

Day 10: Welgevonden Game Reserve

Mountain biking in Kololo Game Reserve and game drive with cheetah sighting in Welgevonden GR.

Capetown Zusammenfassung

Sonntag 10.11. - Sonntag 17.11.: Nachdem ich mich von der meisten fantastischen Gartentour-Gesellschaft verabschiedet hatte, verbrachte ich eine Nacht im 91 Loop Hostel im...

Again wild animals and drive to Mossel Bay

Monday 18.01.2016 At 5 o'clock the maid comes again with the tray and our second night is over. In weak moments one thinks: Should I stay in bed, I'm sooo tired?! But no, why am...

'Public holiday'...Along the coast to Francis Bay

Tuesday 12.1.16 Today is basically a 'public holiday'. We drive from Knysna to the east under dense clouds and reach the Bloukrans River Bridge as the first bridge. With...

New Year's Eve in Cape Town

Thursday 31.12.15 We arrive at around 7:30 am and are delighted with a very quick entry and friendly passport control officers. There is no customs control and so we head...