South Africa Travel
Introduction
South Africa is a country full of unforgettable experiences and natural beauty that will delight even the most discerning traveler. From the endless, sun-drenched beaches to vibrant metropolises such as Cape Town, rightly considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, this country offers a diversity that is second to none. With its national parks and game reserves, arid desert landscapes, diverse cultures and a human history that stretches back millions of years, South Africa is a real treasure for any explorer.
You might struggle to plan your trip given the abundance of options - but don't worry, we're here to help. How about a drive along the legendary Garden Route, where you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and explore breathtaking coastal roads? Or perhaps you'd prefer a hike through the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, where nature shines in all its glory? Of course, a visit to Kruger National Park, the crown jewel of nature reserves, is not to be missed - a paradise for animal lovers.
For your next vacation in South Africa, we offer tailor-made experiences that will introduce you to the hidden treasures of this fascinating country. Whether you're standing on the rugged coastline of the Cape of Good Hope or marveling at the sublime Table Mountains in Cape Town, South Africa offers the perfect experience for every adventurer. Let yourself be enchanted by the unique magic of this country and experience a journey you will never forget.
South Africa off the beaten track
Geographical location
Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. Swaziland is one of two landlocked countries alongside Lesotho. The capital Pretoria is located in the north of the country not far from Johannesburg and is the seat of government from July to December. From January to June, the government moves to Cape Town at the southern tip of the country, where parliament also meets.
Three geographical regions dominate South Africa's landscapes: the inland highlands and their mountain ranges, the partly semi-arid to arid desert in the north and miles of coastline. Whether for hikers, mountain bikers or sun worshippers - there is something for everyone. On the coast, there are both sandy beaches and rocky coves, while the hinterland is covered in shrubs and stretches across remote expanses to a breathtaking mountain landscape.
The best time to travel to South Africa
Cape Town and the Garden Route have a maritime climate. It is pleasantly warm from September to April, while there may be more rain in the winter months of May to August. However, temperatures usually do not fall below 10°C.
In the north-east of the country around the Kruger National Park, temperatures are moderate to mild in the winter months. It almost never rains and the sparse vegetation provides the ideal conditions for impressive animal observation. While temperatures drop to 5°C at night during this time, they rise to a pleasant 25°C during the day. The summer months are the rainy season with a hot and humid climate. The lush vegetation makes it difficult to see the animals.
The coastal region around Durban along the Indian Ocean is a subtropical climate zone. In the summer months from December to February, temperatures often rise above 30°C with very high humidity. The winters are mild and warm with an average temperature of 22°C.
Language
In South Africa there are a total of eleven official languages, all of which are equally recognized. English has emerged as the leading lingua franca. Other official languages include Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Sesotho, Siswati, Tsonga, Tswana and Venda.
Religion
Time difference
Power supply
Entry requirements:
German, Austrian and Swiss citizens do not require a visa. They receive a visitor's permit upon entry to South Africa, which is valid for 90 days. In general, all travelers require a valid passport that must be valid for at least 30 days beyond the trip and must have at least one blank page before entry (better several blank pages, especially if you are visiting other countries). Please also note that when traveling with children, an entry in the parent's passport is no longer sufficient; a separate ID document is required.
Entry and transit regulations for minors:
The entry regulations for minors in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana have changed since 2015/2016. The following regulations apply to all 3 countries:
If both biological parents are traveling with a child, they must present a certified, international and unabridged birth certificate (in English) of the child, showing the personal details of the parents and the child.
If a minor is traveling with only one parent, proof must be provided that the parent who is not present agrees to the trip. In this case, in addition to the notarized, international and unabridged birth certificate, a declaration of consent (in the form of an affidavit in English), a notarized copy of the passport and contact details of the parent who is not present are also required. The affidavit must be signed by the parent in front of a notary, who will notarize the signed document. This declaration must not be older than 6 months at the time of entry into South Africa.
If one parent has sole custody, the court order for sole custody or the death certificate (in English) is required. In this case, a certified, international and unabridged birth certificate is also required. Parents can obtain an international birth certificate from the Citizens' Registration Office.
The child may only enter or travel through South Africa with a valid child’s passport.
