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South Africa round trips: safari, nature, vacation and enjoyment

Discover South Africa.

With all your senses.

Feel the power of nature. From a semi-desert landscape to lush green forests, from pristine coastlines to the peaks of the majestic mountains, from the wild freedom of nature to refined luxury — South Africa is so diverse that the common adjectives such as picturesque, impressive, fascinating and exhilarating are barely enough to do justice to the country.

It is an indescribable country. Your options are endless. Open vehicle safaris on gravel roads, sleeping under the stars as the only refuge in one of our prestigious, environmentally sensitive luxury lodges or getting to know the people responsible for producing your favorite South African wine while watching an unforgettable African sunset. This is all possible when you feel at peace, when you know that you live with people who see an environmentally friendly future for our children, and when you maintain a fair trade policy.

Spend a wonderful vacation and discover our South Africa tours:
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Cape and Garden Route Circular
14

South Africa

Cape and Garden Route Circular

Cape Town - Franschhoek - Hermanus - Gondwana Game Reserve - Knysna - Oudtshoorn
14
days
Self drive tour
South Africa
Ajimba logo CO2 compensates

Combine the view of one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world with stage destinations that will impressively expand your emotional world and horizons. Be it in Cape Town, the Winelands or on the coast at Hermanus, the most famous whale watching spot in the world...

2599
2599
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Zwei Pfeile zur Reise
Icon Kleingruppenreise
Traveling with a small group
Icon Individualreise
Individual trip - booked especially for you
Icon Hotel
Accommodation in Hotels & Lodges
icon Zelt
camping
icon Lodge und Hotel
Mixed accommodation in hotels & lodges and camping
Icon Mietwagen
Round trip in a rental car
Icon Geländewagen
Round trip with a rental off-road vehicle
Icon Minibus
Round trip in a minibus
Icon Safari Truck
Round trip in a special safari bus
Icon Limousine
Round trip with a driver in a car
Icon Beteiligung erwünscht
You should take part in this trip, for example when preparing food or doing the dishes
Icon Beteiligung nein
No involvement in set-up, meal preparation, etc. is expected during this trip.
Icon Trainings
This trip includes a course or training
South Africa - Rainbow Route
Entdecker Reise
17

South Africa

South Africa - Rainbow Route

Mumpalanga - Kruger NP - eSwatini - Zululand - Drakensberg - Wild Coast - Addo Elephant NP - Garden Route - Hermanus - Cape Town
17
days
Mini Group Tour
South Africa
Ajimba logo CO2 compensates

The Rainbow Route brings you closer to South Africa and the neighboring kingdom of eSwatini. The tour includes many highlights and focuses on the national parks.

2550
2550
Show more
Zwei Pfeile zur Reise
Icon Kleingruppenreise
Traveling with a small group
Icon Individualreise
Individual trip - booked especially for you
Icon Hotel
Accommodation in Hotels & Lodges
icon Zelt
camping
icon Lodge und Hotel
Mixed accommodation in hotels & lodges and camping
Icon Mietwagen
Round trip in a rental car
Icon Geländewagen
Round trip with a rental off-road vehicle
Icon Minibus
Round trip in a minibus
Icon Safari Truck
Round trip in a special safari bus
Icon Limousine
Round trip with a driver in a car
Icon Beteiligung erwünscht
You should take part in this trip, for example when preparing food or doing the dishes
Icon Beteiligung nein
No involvement in set-up, meal preparation, etc. is expected during this trip.
Icon Trainings
This trip includes a course or training
Cape to Vic Falls - Grand Explorer
Entdecker Reise
21

South Africa - Namibia - Botswana - Zimbabwe

Cape to Vic Falls - Grand Explorer

Cape Town - Cedar Mountain - Gariep River - Fish River Canyon - Namib Desert - Swakopmund - Damaraland - Etosha NP - Windhoek - Kalahari - Okavango Delta - Maun - Makgadkgadi Pans - Chobe - Vic Falls
21
days
Mini Group Tour
South Africa - Namibia - Botswana - Zimbabwe
Ajimba logo CO2 compensates

Comprehensive, action-packed and epic: If you're looking for a classic adventure in southern Africa, the trip from Cape Town to Victoria Falls is unbeatable. Along the way, you'll experience the most beautiful sides of Namibia and Botswana.

3695
3695
Show more
Zwei Pfeile zur Reise
Icon Kleingruppenreise
Traveling with a small group
Icon Individualreise
Individual trip - booked especially for you
Icon Hotel
Accommodation in Hotels & Lodges
icon Zelt
camping
icon Lodge und Hotel
Mixed accommodation in hotels & lodges and camping
Icon Mietwagen
Round trip in a rental car
Icon Geländewagen
Round trip with a rental off-road vehicle
Icon Minibus
Round trip in a minibus
Icon Safari Truck
Round trip in a special safari bus
Icon Limousine
Round trip with a driver in a car
Icon Beteiligung erwünscht
You should take part in this trip, for example when preparing food or doing the dishes
Icon Beteiligung nein
No involvement in set-up, meal preparation, etc. is expected during this trip.
Icon Trainings
This trip includes a course or training

Traveling to South Africa — Questions and Answers

When is the best time to travel to South Africa?

Basically:
South Africa can be visited all year round, but varies greatly from region to region:

  • Western Cape (Cape Town & Winelands): Mediterranean climate — Summer Nov—March is ideal for beach & events; Winter Jun—Aug rather cool/rainy.
  • Kruger & Northeast: Dry season May—September best for safari (clear visibility, little vegetation); Summer Nov—March hot/humid, green, lots of young animals & birds.
  • Garden Route: Mild; generally sunny Oct—April, more rain to the Western Cape in winter.
  • Drakensberg Mountains: Best hiking times March—May and Sep—Nov; summer (Nov—Feb) thunderstorms, winter cold nights, partly snow.

By travel theme:

  • Safari (Kruger/Private Reserves): May—September top; Nov—March green season with offspring & abundance of birds.
  • Cape Town & surrounding area: December—March for beach/outdoor; Blossom season West coast/Namaqualand mostly Aug-Sep.
  • Whale watching (Hermanus): Grob June—November, Peak September—October.
  • Garden route/outdoor: Spring (Sep—Oct) and summer (Nov—Apr) are particularly popular.

Practical planning tips:

  • High season & holidays: South African summer vacation Dec—Jan (in high demand) + Easter — book early.
  • Wind: In Cape Town, the “Cape Doctor” blows mainly Nov—Feb — plan for windproof clothing.
  • Layering: Very changeable weather per region — plan for the onion principle.

What vaccinations/health advice applies to South Africa?

Basically:
Check/refresh STIKO standard vaccinations; hepatitis A frequently recommended. yellow fever: no risk in the country; Certificate only when entering from YF risk areas/transit (1-dose certificate is valid for life).

Travel vaccinations depending on travel itinerary:
Hepatitis B, typhoid fever, rabies (especially country/ outdoor), possibly rabies in contact with farm/wild animals.

Malaria:
Risk in northeastern lowlands: Kruger/Lowveld (Mpumalanga, Limpopo) and Northeast KwaZulu-Natal; Highest season Sep—May. Depending on the route Chemoprophylaxis consider + mosquito repellent.

More notes:
Avoid fresh water (schistosomiasis areas, especially Limpopo/KwaZulu-Natal); consistent sun protection.

Wichtiger Hinweis:
Diese Hinweise ersetzen keine individuelle reisemedizinische Beratung. Impfungen, Malariaschutz und ggf. Gelbfieberzertifikat hängen von Route, Saison, Vorerkrankungen und Aktivitäten ab – bitte spätestens 4–6 Wochen vor Abreise ärztlich beraten lassen; bei Last-Minute-Reisen so früh wie möglich.

What are the entry requirements for South Africa?

Basically:

  • Germans/Austrians/Swiss: visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism/business.
  • Passport: valid for at least 30 days after departure; at least 2 blank pages for stamps.— Customs/registration: Online Traveller Declaration (SARS) is in roll-out; currently often optional, use is recommended (QR/confirmation via email).
  • Traveling with minors: If traveling alone or with just one parent, a declaration of consent may be required — have appropriate forms ready.

Wichtiger Hinweis:
Airlines kontrollieren Einreisedokumente streng; Abweichungen/Änderungen sind möglich. Bitte prüfen Sie zusätzlich die Webseiten der jeweiligen Botschaften/Konsulate und der Fluggesellschaft.

How much is customary to tip in South Africa?

Basically:
South Africa has a clear tipping culture. Payment is usually in ZAR; in safari areas, USD is also accepted. Check whether service is already on the bill (“Service Charge”).

Indicative values by service:

  • Restaurants/bars: 10— 15% (15— 20% with excellent service).
  • Safari guide: 150-300 ZAR per person/day
  • Tracker: 80-150 ZAR per person/day
  • Lodge/camp staff (pool): 50-100 ZAR per person/night
  • Taxi/Uber/Transfers: Round up or approx. 10%/50-150 ZAR depending on the route.
  • Hotel-Porter: 10-20 ZAR per bag.
  • Housekeeping: 20-50 ZAR per room/night
  • Gas station: 5 — 20 ZAR depending on the service.
  • Car Guard (parking): 5-10 ZAR (even more if parking for a longer period of time).

Practical tips:
Have smaller notes ready; at lodges, give a bundled tip at the end (management will distribute).

Hinweis:
Trinkgeld ist freiwillig und abhängig von Servicequalität, Reisedauer und Gruppengröße. Manche Betriebe sammeln im Team-Pool. Wenn eine Servicepauschale ausgewiesen ist, entsprechend weniger oder gar nicht zusätzlich tippen.

How good are mobile phone/internet connections in South Africa?

Basically:
Very good network coverage in cities/metropolitan areas (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Garden Route), in many places 4G/5G. Supply fluctuates in rural regions/parks.

Details:

  • Safari & rural areas: Kruger/Private Reserves often network in/around camps, outside gaps.
  • Speed: Fast enough for streaming/video calls in cities; in rural areas, only 3G.
  • SIM/eSIM: Prepaid SIMs widely used; eSIM available from many providers/devices.
  • WiFi: Common in hotels/guesthouses, often with good speed; occasionally throttling/volume limits.

Practical tips:
Use eSIM/physical SIM with a sufficient data package, set up a hotspot for the team. Activate offline navigation during longer trips; power outages can occasionally affect mobile phone cells — including a power bank.

Hinweis:
Roaming aus der EU ist oft teuer/limitiert – lokale (e)SIMs mit Datenpaket sind meist die günstigste Lösung. Abdeckung und eSIM-Verfügbarkeit unterscheiden sich je Anbieter/Region; vor Ort im offiziellen Shop beraten lassen.

What do I need to bear in mind when driving a hire car in South Africa?

Basically:
Very good network coverage in cities/metropolitan areas (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Garden Route), in many places 4G/5G. Supply fluctuates in rural regions/parks.

Details:

  • Safari & rural areas: Kruger/Private Reserves often network in/around camps, outside gaps.
  • Speed: Fast enough for streaming/video calls in cities; in rural areas, only 3G.
  • SIM/eSIM: Prepaid SIMs widely used; eSIM available from many providers/devices.
  • WiFi: Common in hotels/guesthouses, often with good speed; occasionally throttling/volume limits.

Practical tips:
Use eSIM/physical SIM with a sufficient data package, set up a hotspot for the team. Activate offline navigation during longer trips; power outages can occasionally affect mobile phone cells — including a power bank.

Allgemeine Hinweise:
Dokumente: Führerschein + internationaler Führerschein, Reisepass, Mietvertrag, Versicherungsnachweise stets griffbereit.
Sicherheit: Immer angeschnallt, keine Handybedienung am Steuer, ausreichend Pausen.
Grenzübertritte: Vorher mit Vermieter klären; ggf. „Letter of Authority“, Zusatzversicherung und Zulassungskopien nötig.
Notfälle: Notrufnummern und Pannenhilfe abspeichern; bei Unfall Fahrzeug sichern, Ruhe bewahren, Vermieter/Versicherung informieren.
Umwelt & Parks: Auf Wegen bleiben, keine Tiere füttern, Parkregeln respektieren.

What are the top highlights in South Africa for first-time visitors?

Basically:
South Africa is diverse: metropolis, coast, wine, mountains and safari. Two combos are particularly popular for the first trip: Cape Town & Garden Route (with winelands) or Cape Town & Kruger Safari (12-16 days).

Top highlights:

  • Cape Town & Table Mountain: Town, beaches, Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape of Good Hope.
  • Winelands (Stellenbosch/Franschhoek): Wineries, cuisine, landscape.
  • Garden Route: Coastal landscapes, lagoons, hiking trails (e.g. Tsitsikamma), Oudtshoorn (Cango Caves).
  • Kruger National Park & Private Reserves: Very good big five opportunities, high-quality lodges.
  • Drakensberg Mountains (optional): Hiking, passes, wide views.
  • Whale watching (seasonal, Hermanus): Roughly June-November.

Sample routes (12-16 days):
A) Cape Town (4-5 nights)Winelands (1—2)Garden Route (4—6) — Return flight from George/PE/Cape Town.
B) Cape Town (3-4) — domestic flight — Kruger/private reserve (3—5)Panorama Route (1—2) — Return flight from Nelspruit/JNB

Practical tips:

  • Domestic flights save long distances.
  • Car rental ideal for flexibility (good roads, left-hand traffic).
  • Book popular travel times (Dec—March at the Cape, Jul—Oct safari) early.

How much money should I budget per day for food, fuel, etc. in South Africa?

Basically:
Very good value for money when it comes to food; fuel varies with route/vehicle. In cities, the offer is wide (from cheap to upscale).

Food & drink (p. p./day):
cca 200—400 ZAR (Mix of cafe/restaurant; self-catering cheaper).

Refueling (per vehicle/day):
indicative value ZAR 2.5—4 per km (SUV/4×4)
example: 200 kilometers ⇒ 500—800 ZAR.

Other (per day):
30—100 ZAR (water, snacks, parking, toll sections extra).

Optional activities/admissions:
wine tastings, table mountain/cable car, safaris, etc.; rough 50-600 ZAR p.p. per activity.

When is the best time to observe animals in South Africa?

Basically:
Safari in the Northeast (Kruger & Reserves) is May—Sep most predictable. “Green Season” Nov—March: Young animals & birds, but denser green.

By region/type:

  • Kruger/Private Reserves: May—Sep best view; Nov—March lots of young animals, spectacular birding.
  • Hluhluwe-Imfolozi & KZN Reserves: similar to Kruger — dry season clear sightings.
  • Kgalagadi: predators year round; after rain Jan—March great action with predators & raptors; winter June—Aug clear air.
  • Addo Elephant Park: elephants year round, particularly dry months.
  • Marine & coast:
    • Southern right whales (Hermanus): June—Nov, Peak Sep—Oct.
    • Sardine Run (east coast): mostly May—July (variable).
    • Penguins (boulders): year round.

practice:
Plan for morning/evening, break at noon. Plan more time on site during the green season as animals are more dispersed.

Hinweis:
Beste Zeiten sind Tendenzen – jedes Jahr verläuft wetterbedingt etwas anders. Für punktgenaue Planung (z. B. Migration, Fluthöhen) lohnt ein kurzer Check wenige Wochen vor Abreise und ggf. die Wahl von Camps/Lodges, die zur Saison passen. Wir unterstützen Sie hierbei gerne!

How safe is South Africa for individual travellers?

Basically:
South Africa has a higher crime rate in some urban areas. Traveling is easy with good planning: choose routes, stay in well-known areas, minimize trips at night and follow consistent safety routines.

Most common risks & practical tips:

  • Cities (Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban): Do not walk in unknown areas after dark; use registered taxis/ rideshares.
  • In the car: Lock doors, raise windows; leave nothing visible (even during short stops).
  • parking: Secured parking; particularly alert in tourist hotspots (Waterfront, Signal Hill, Beach).
  • Hiking/beaches: In groups, during the day, marked trails; follow local instructions.
  • ATMs: Only in malls/secured areas; no help from strangers.
  • Road trips: National and regional roads are good; avoid driving outside cities at night as much as possible (animals, unlit sections).
  • accommodation: Close doors/windows; use safes; take host tips seriously.

Allgemeine Hinweise:

  • Sicherheit ist lokal und tagesaktuell – vor jeder Etappe kurze Lage-Checks (Unterkunft, Guides, aktuelle Hinweise).
  • Reisedokumente & Notfallkontakte digital und analog bereithalten; Familie/Partner:innen mit grobem Reiseplan versorgen.
  • Versicherungsschutz (Reise-/Kranken-/Rücktransport) prüfen; lokale Notrufnummern speichern.
  • Wenn etwas komisch wirkt: Ort wechseln, Hilfe beim Hotel/Guide suchen – Bauchgefühl zählt.

South Africa round trips — An unforgettable adventure

Discover the magic of South Africa on a round trip that brings you closer to the breathtaking nature, fascinating culture, impressive wildlife and vibrant cities of this diverse country. Round trips in South Africa are the perfect way to experience the diverse facets of this unique travel destination.

Start your trip in Cape Town, the “Mother City,” where the majestic Table Mountain watches over the city and offers breathtaking views. Visit historic Robben Island and stroll the lively streets of the Bo-Kaap district, known for its colorful houses and rich cultural heritage. The V&A Waterfront invites you to stroll, shop and enjoy, while the nearby Cape Wineland wineries enchant you with first-class wines and picturesque landscapes.

Safaris are a must on your round trip through South Africa. Experience the fascinating wildlife in the famous Kruger National Park, where you can watch the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo — in their natural habitat. The spectacular landscapes and abundance of wildlife make every safari an unforgettable experience.

In addition to safaris, South Africa also offers paradisiacal beaches along the Garden Route and the Wild Coast. The pristine beaches invite you to relax, swim and enjoy water sports activities. Explore charming coastal towns such as Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, which amaze with their natural beauty and warm hospitality.

Immerse yourself in South Africa's rich culture and history by visiting vibrant Johannesburg. This dynamic city is the economic heart of Africa and offers a wealth of museums, galleries and cultural attractions. The Apartheid Museum and the historic township of Soweto are just a few of the many places that tell the moving story of the country.

South Africa's natural wonders are also impressive. From the majestic Drakensberg Mountains that rise above the landscape to the impressive canyons of the Blyde River Canyon, the beauty of nature will captivate you. The lush forests, spectacular waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints make South Africa a paradise for nature lovers.

Round trips in South Africa also offer the opportunity to enjoy the country's diverse and delicious cuisine. Taste traditional dishes such as Bobotie, Biltong, and Boerewors, and experience the culinary diversity shaped by the country's diverse cultures and influences.

In summary, round trips in South Africa are an unforgettable experience. The mix of breathtaking nature, fascinating culture, exciting safaris, fantastic beaches and lively cities offers something special for every traveller. Let yourself be enchanted by the diversity and beauty of South Africa and experience a trip that you will remember forever.

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