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

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.

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...

South Africa Day 6 - Concert in Hartenbos

This morning it was time to say goodbye to Cape Town. After all the suitcases were loaded and lunch boxes packed, we gathered once again in the lobby of the hostel and sang...

South Africa Day 5 - Penguins!

After breakfast we also went to the supermarket to buy water. Then we took the bus towards the coast. We drove through Bantry Bay, a suburb of Cape Town located on the steep...

Route 62 & Winelands South Africa

From George, we drive in the still pouring rain to Route 62. Unfortunately, we can't see anything from the originally picturesque Outeniqua Pass because of the thick fog. A bit...

Addo Elephant National Park & Port Elizabeth

The next highlight of our South Africa trip awaits us. As the name suggests, the Addo Elephant National Park is known for its many elephants. But there are also the rest of the...

Border crossing

Day 2, 29.12.22, from Vanrynsdorp to Growcery Camp (Orange River) After a coffee on the veranda and a chat with our host, Cindy sets about fixing her puncture. Although...

Visit Langa with Jo Weber - FYN

Today was the day of truth, our visit to the township of Langa with Jo Weber. We took an Uber to Sea Point around 08:30 am, to the accommodation of the Studer's, where we waited...

Panorama Route & Kruger National Park

Panorama Route Before we head to one of our major highlights, the Kruger National Park, we spend a few days on the so-called 'Panorama Route'. As the name suggests, this part of...

Northern Cape

Augrabies Falls National Park First stop of our road trip through South Africa: the Augrabies Falls, which plunge up to 56 meters into the depths before winding their way...

Day 18: A garden full of giraffes & back to Johannesburg

July 15, 2019 Today we leave the Marloth Park and the Kruger NP and drive back to Johannesburg. Since we don't have to leave the house until noon, we don't have much time...

Nature's Valley & Monkeyland

Monday 11.1.16 We have a super relaxed breakfast across from our apartment by the water. The cereal with honey is sensational and we enjoy the mild sun and pleasant...