South Africa brings two trips together: Cape Town, between Table Mountain and the ocean, with the Cape Peninsula and the penguins of Boulders Beach, and safari in the private Kruger reserves, where vehicles can leave the track to follow leopards and lions. Good roads, frequent domestic flights, many malaria-free areas.
When to go
You can travel all year round, but the two sides of the country have opposite seasons. Cape Town is at its best from October to April, in the southern summer; in winter it rains and is cool. Safari in the Kruger area is best from May to September, in the dry season, when the vegetation thins. Month by month: when to go to South Africa.
Documents and entry
Italian citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days: a passport is enough, with at least two blank pages and validity beyond the date of departure (six months is better), plus a return ticket. For minors it is advisable to carry a birth certificate showing the parents’ names. FCDO travel advice for South Africa. Full details: visa and documents for South Africa.
Health
No compulsory vaccinations for travellers arriving from Europe. Cape Town and the Garden Route are malaria-free; the Kruger and the nearby reserves are in a low-risk area, where prophylaxis should be discussed with your doctor.
What to see
Cape Town: Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. Cape Peninsula: Cape Point, the Chapman’s Peak drive and the penguins of Boulders Beach. Kruger and private reserves: Timbavati and Sabi Sand, among the best places for leopards. Garden Route: the coast between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay, with forests and lagoons.
