South Africa

South Africa combines impressive landscapes, fascinating wildlife and vibrant culture like few other destinations. From the wild coastline along the Garden Route to the vast savannahs of Kruger National Park and the wine regions around Cape Town, the country offers an exceptional variety. Whether safari, road trip or a journey focused on enjoyment, South Africa is an ideal destination for those who want to combine nature, freedom and unforgettable experiences.

Affordable price level

11–16 hours

+1 hour

South African Rand

Adventure: low–medium

Perfect for self-drive

Find your trip

National parks

South Africa offers an impressive variety of national parks and protected areas. Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations and provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. It is complemented by parks such as Addo Elephant or Pilanesberg, as well as spectacular coastal and mountain landscapes in regions like Tsitsikamma or Table Mountain National Park.

Discover all national parks

Cape Town & Table Mountain

Cape Town is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Africa. The iconic Table Mountain, stunning beaches such as Camps Bay and Clifton, and the Cape of Good Hope make the region a perfect starting point for any South Africa journey.

Garden Route

The Garden Route is one of Africa’s most popular travel routes. Along the coastline, you will find lagoons, forests, charming towns and spectacular views. Perfect for a varied self-drive journey.

Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park offers some of the best safari experiences in Africa. Here you can spot the Big Five as well as many other species – both on guided game drives and independently in your own vehicle.

Winelands & culinary experiences

The wine region around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek impresses with world-class wineries, beautiful landscapes and excellent cuisine. Perfect for those who want to combine safari with indulgence.

Beaches in South Africa

South Africa offers a remarkable variety of coastal landscapes. Around Cape Town, beaches such as Camps Bay and Clifton are framed by spectacular mountains and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Along the Garden Route, places like Plettenberg Bay invite you to relax by the sea, while Muizenberg, with its long sandy beach and gentle waves, is especially popular among surfers. On the east coast around Durban, warm temperatures and the Indian Ocean create ideal conditions for swimming and relaxation. Whether as a relaxing end to your journey or as part of your route, South Africa’s beaches offer diverse experiences between nature, open space and tranquillity.

Travel time & climate East Coast

The east of South Africa around Johannesburg and Kruger National Park is characterised by a subtropical climate with warm summers and dry winters. The best time for safaris is from May to October. During this dry season, vegetation is sparse, water sources are limited and wildlife is easier to spot.

The summer months from November to March bring higher temperatures and regular, usually short rain showers. The landscape appears lush and green, although wildlife viewing can be slightly more challenging due to denser vegetation.

Overall, the region is suitable for travel all year round.

Travel time & climate East Coast Diagramm

The chart shows average temperatures and rainfall in the region around Kruger National Park. Typical are warm summers with higher rainfall and dry, pleasantly mild winter months.

Travel time & climate West Coast

The west coast of South Africa around Cape Town and the Garden Route is characterised by a Mediterranean climate with dry, warm summers and cooler, wetter winters. The best time to travel is from November to March, when you can expect plenty of sunshine, pleasant temperatures and ideal conditions for coastal journeys and beach days.

The winter months from May to August bring more rainfall, especially around Cape Town. The landscape becomes greener, but weather conditions can be more changeable and cooler.

Overall, the region is suitable for travel throughout the year. While summer offers perfect conditions for coast and leisure, winter brings a quieter atmosphere, fewer visitors and good opportunities for whale watching along the coast.

Travel time & climate West Coast Diagramm

The chart shows average temperatures and rainfall in the region around Cape Town and the Garden Route. Typical are dry, sunny summers and cooler winter months with increased rainfall, especially in the southwest.

Travel information

Documents

Passport
For entry into South Africa, a Swiss passport valid for at least 30 days after departure is required. The passport must contain at least one blank page.

Visa
Swiss citizens do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days.

Additional requirements
A return or onward ticket may be required. Proof of sufficient financial means may also be requested.

International driving permit
An international driver’s license is required for a self-drive trip. It is valid locally only in conjunction with your national driver’s license and can be obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles in your canton of residence.

Vaccinations & health

Yellow fever
A yellow fever vaccination is only required if entering from a yellow fever risk area or if there has been a transit in such a region.

Malaria
Malaria risk varies by region. In Kruger National Park and surrounding areas there is a seasonal risk, while regions such as Cape Town, the Garden Route or the Winelands are malaria-free. Individual medical advice is recommended.

Recommended vaccinations
Standard vaccinations according to the Swiss vaccination schedule are recommended. Depending on the itinerary, additional vaccinations such as hepatitis A may be advised.

Swiss vaccination plan
HealthyTravel

Good to know

Transport and infrastructure
In South Africa, traffic drives on the left. Roads are generally well developed and ideal for self-drive trips. Driving at night in remote areas is not recommended.

Distances
South Africa is large and diverse. Domestic flights can be useful to cover long distances.

Payment methods
The local currency is the South African Rand. Card payments are widely accepted, including in restaurants and petrol stations.

Safety
In cities and tourist areas, it is advisable to pay attention to personal safety. With good preparation and by following local advice, South Africa can be travelled very well.

Facts

Area: 1,219,090 km² (around 30 times Switzerland)
Population: 64.75 million
Capital cities: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), Bloemfontein (judicial)
Languages: English, Afrikaans and other official languages

Time zone: South Africa is UTC+2 year-round. Compared to Switzerland, the time difference is +1 hour in winter and no difference in summer.

Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)