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
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...
Back from the bush - the Kruger National Park
'What takes a long time...'
Arrival in South Africa - first weekend
A year ago, I applied to Volunta for a one-year FSJ and I have already arrived in South Africa. Before my arrival, I could only imagine very little about South Africa. Even...
Finally some vacation
Vacation on the Garden Route, from relaxation to extreme adrenaline
Enchanting Cape Town
The Table Mountain in the Picture Frame
Higher and Higher
An early morning, starting so fascinating. To fully arrive here and realize what a wonderful country this is, you must go hiking. And really do it! The perfect start to a new...
Visit from home
Hi guys, Klara and I are quite popular as tour guides at the moment, because as soon as our friends flew home, our family was ready to pick us up at the airport. Of course, we...
From Tsitsikamma to Plettenberg Bay
What a day! Incredible and unexpected temperature fluctuations have challenged us today. But let's start from the beginning. We got up very early as usual and had already had...
From Knysna to Tsitsikamma
South Africa/ Day 8 (Mon.) - 29.8.2016 Gerhard's bird was back! What a joy for everyone involved. After breakfast, we left, said goodbye to Gerhard, and drove to the city to...
From Mossel Bay to Knysna
We were sad to say goodbye, but we were also excited for new adventures, so we headed towards Knysna after breakfast.
Salt River art (and food) discovery
Yesterday, I walked along the "Salt River" area, being bordered by the districts Woodstock and Observatory (-> where I am living now). It is an area which used to be the...
Cango Caves - Saturday, 18th (2nd day)
After viewing the elephants we drirectly headed to the so-called "Cango Caves", being located 30 km north of the town of Oudtshoorn. All together, the cavess are 5,4km Long. There...
Franschhoek, Lavender Farm
This morning we headed to Franschhoek to the Lavender Farm. Once again passing by beautiful landscapes. Since we arrived a bit early, we decided to explore the charming town of...
Elephant Hide, Knysna
And it continues…. After today's morning safari (I'll just say: getting up at 5:00 AM on a Sunday🤯😴) and breakfast at the Gondwana Game Reserve, we headed towards Knysna. We...
Little Karoo
12.21.-12.23.24 River View Lodge Calizdorp The next morning, the Rain-Cuckoo announces rain, and it actually rains briefly. Lucas had told us about this. After breakfast, we say...
Cape Agulhas/Struisbaai
southernmost tip of Africa
Gansbaai
15.12.24- 17.12.24 On the way to Gansbaai. Along the beautiful coast in the heavy rain. After breakfast by the pool in the wind, we set off eastward to our next destination. ...
#3 - Cape Town - Safari - Big Five
Oh shit, it's right on my side!
North Cape - South Africa 🇿🇦
Early in the morning, we set off in Cape Town. First, we had breakfast for all of us, and then our Lando (that’s what we call our bus) was packed. All the backpacks inside, a...
South Africa Day 16 - The last concert
Our penultimate day in South Africa had arrived. We spent the first part of this Saturday individually with our host families. Some visited the mall, others went bowling,...
South Africa Day 14 - Concert in Pietermaritzburg
After a delicious breakfast, we set off at around 9:30 to the Laddsworth Primary School in Hilton, which is located on a beautiful, spacious campus. Boys and girls from grades...
South Africa Day 13 - Oldest German School in South Africa
After enjoying a delicious breakfast in the morning and packing everything up, we set off by bus to Hermannsburg German School around 9 o'clock. Shortly before our arrival, we...
Cape Town/South Africa
24.5.2024 Cape Town Today I had to get up at 3:30 a.m. so I could shower, drink coffee and pack in peace. At 4:30 a.m. our two buses drove to the airport. At the entrance to the...