South Africa is a diverse country in every respect, and its overall fascination cannot be summarized briefly. Accordingly, every South Africa vacation is unique. There are eleven official languages in the country, reflecting the cultural and ethnic diversity of the country. It is also impossible to identify a typical culture, as the many population groups maintain their own cultures. The country is therefore rightly called the Rainbow Nation. Touristically, the country has something to offer for every interest: The national parks for animal lovers, an exotic plant world for botanists and also the big cities are inferior to western metropolises in almost nothing more. The history of the country is mainly moved by racial unrest and the time of apartheid. Even today, black and white inhabitants live spatially separated. If you want to spend your vacation in South Africa, you should know: to get to know the country properly, you would have to make a round trip through the whole country. Sights and tourist attractions are spread all over the country, there are no real tourist strongholds. The variety of landscapes, which the country owes to the large number of climatic zones, gives each area a special touch: from white sandy beaches in the southeast of the country, to botanical diversity in the west, to the table mountain in the north, there is a climate for every taste.
Facts and figures for your South Africa vacation
- Area: 1.219.912 km² Inhabitants: approx. 46.880.220
- National languages (official languages): Afrikaans, English, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Northern Sotho (Sepedi), Sesotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga
- Population density: approx. 38 Inhabitants per km²
Capital: Tshwane/Pretoria with 1.985.984 inhabitants and an area of 2.198 km² - Vehicle registration number: ZA
- International dialing code: +27 to South Africa. From South Africa to Germany 0049 , to Austria 0043 , to Switzerland 0041
- Emergency call: police 10 111, ambulance 10 177
- Form of government: presidential republic with federal elements
President and head of government: President Thabo Mbeki - Special holidays: 21. March: Human Rights Day 27. April: “Freedom Day” (national holiday, anniversary of the 1. democratic elections) 16.June: “Youth Day” (anniversary of the Soweto race riots) 24. September: Heritage Day 16. December: “Day of Reconsiliation” (anniversary of the Battle of Blood River)
- Local currency: Rand (ZAR) 1 ZAR = 100 cents
- Time zones: CET + 1 No summer/winter time changeover
- Religions: predominantly Christian (80%), others: Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, traditional African religions
- Administration of the country: 9 provinces 52 districts
The history of South Africa
- 1652 A supply station is established at the Cape of Good Hope on behalf of the Dutch East India Company (VOC)
- 1797 Troops of the Kingdom of Great Britain occupy the region around the Cape of Good Hope
- 1802 After the Peace of Amiens, the country is returned to the Netherlands
- 1806 Reconquest by the British, establishment of a crown colony
- 1833 The British Parliament abolishes slavery
- 1867 Discovery of diamonds; resulting economic growth and immigration of Europeans; discrimination against the original population
- 1880-1881 First Boer War
- 1886 Discovery of gold; resulting economic growth and immigration of Europeans; discrimination of the original population
- 1899-1902 Second Boer War
- 1910 Foundation of the Union of South Africa from the colonies of Natal, Transvaal, Orange Free State, Cape Colony
- 1989 Frederik de Klerk becomes president and declares the failure of the apartheid policy
- 1993 Nelson Mandela and Fredrik Willem de Klerk receive the Nobel Peace Prize for their contributions to ending apartheid in South Africa
- 1994 First democratic elections, Nelson Mandela becomes the country’s first non-white president, South Africa is readmitted to the Commonwealth
- 1996 The first democratic constitution is adopted
Cultural information for your South Africa vacation
South Africa is a country of ethnic diversity, therefore customs and interests differ according to region and skin color. To spend your vacations in South Africa means to get to know this diversity. South Africans are sports fanatics: For the black population, soccer is a popular pastime, while whites are interested in rugby and cricket. But the country not only has a lot to offer in terms of sports, the region also has a lot to offer in terms of music and literature. There is a diverse music scene, which has even given rise to its own style of music: In Kwaito, rhythms from rock’n’roll and swing are combined with lyrics in traditional African languages. In the literary field, South Africa has produced a Nobel laureate in literature, Nadine Gordimer (1991). The ethnic diversity of the population is also expressed in the national anthem “Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika” (Lord, bless Africa). The stanzas of the anthem are in the four most spoken languages and sing of the struggle for freedom and against apartheid.
Provinces and Territories of South Africa
Eastern Cape Information for your South Africa Vacation
In the southeast of the republic is the province “Eastern Cape” with an area of 169.580km² and 6.436.763 inhabitants. It is divided into seven districts. The region is one of the poorest in the country and in the 19. In the 19th century it was the scene of bloody border wars between white settlers and black tribes. The richness of this region lies in its diversity of landscapes, ranging from subtropical forests to grasslands and briar savanna. The evergreen forests in the Tsitsikamma National Park and the steep cliffs on the Wild Coast are famous. The town of Graff-Reinet is fascinating for its historical architecture. The cities of Port Elizabeth and East London are the most important industrial centers of the province. Capital of Eastern Cape is the city of Bisho.
Gauteng (means “place of gold”) Information for your South Africa vacation
“Gauteng” is at 17.010 km² in area, it is the smallest province in the country, but the most densely populated (ca.13,200,300 inhabitants) and has a strong population growth. Capital is the metropolis Johannesburg. The region is the economic heart of South Africa: 9% of the gross national product of the entire African continent is generated here. Scenically, the small province is not very interesting, but the metropolises Johannesburg and the national capital Pretoria make up for this with their diversity and are definitely worth a visit during your South Africa vacation.
Limpopo Information for your South Africa Vacation
The province of “Limpopo” is located in the far north of South Africa and has 5.273.642 inhabitants on an area of 123.910 km². It has five districts and twenty municipalities. The capital Polokwane (Pietersburg) is known for its jacaranda trees and offers many cultural attractions. In the province lies the northern part of the “Kruger National Park”. In the middle of dense forests and tea plantations lies the town of Tzaneen, which is located on the eastern escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains. The Waterberg region is known for its lonely mountain landscapes.
North West Information for your South Africa vacation
In the northwest of the country lies the province “North West”, which on its 116.320 km² area hosts part of the Kalahari Desert. It is divided into four districts and has 3.669.349 inhabitants. “Northwest” is characterized by the contrast of wide field landscapes and glittering world. Main attraction of a South Africa vacation in this area is the gambler’s paradise “Sun City”, which is traded as the South African answer to Las Vegas. The national park “Pilanesberg Game Reserve” is embedded in the crater of an extinct volcano. The city “Potchefstroom” reminds of the country’s burgher tradition and is an important center for cattle breeding and peanut cultivation.
Western Cape Information for your South Africa Vacation
“Western Cape” is a province in the southwest of the Republic of South Africa. Cape Town is the capital of the province, which borders the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. On an area of 129.370 km² live 4.524.335 inhabitants distributed in 6 districts and 24 municipalities. The Western Cape Province attracts with its diversity within South Africa the most foreign visitors on South Africa vacation. The “Garden Route” along the south coast, the wine growing areas in the Stellenbosch district and also the hiking trails up Table Mountain, which is located in this region, make Western Cape a South African tourist attraction.
Freestate information for your South Africa vacation
The province “Free State” is located in the interior of the country between the rivers Vaal and Oranje. It is divided into five districts and twenty municipalities and has an area of 129.480 km². Capital is Bloemfontein. In the Free State, you will find idyllic villages, such as Bethlehem, which bear witness to the prosperity of the region. This stems from the region’s agricultural economy, as evidenced by the many pastoral landscapes and cattle herds. In addition, the richest gold and diamond mines in the world are located in the Free State. In the east of the province you can admire the Rooiberg with its bizarre sandstone formations. It is also home to the Golden Gate National Park with its fascinating landscape, which should not be missed on a South African vacation. The capital Bloemfontein is the seat of the Supreme Court of South Africa.
KwaZulu-Natal information for your South Africa vacation
The province is located on the east coast of South Africa, on the Indian Ocean. It has an area of 92.100 km², 9.426.017 inhabitants and is divided into eleven districts. The region is a popular destination for surfers and beach holidaymakers, who get their money’s worth in the coastal town of. The province is also called the “Garden Province”. The landscape is divided into flat coastal areas, hilly inland plains and two mountainous zones. The Drakensberg Mountains are in the west of the country and the Limpopo Mountains in the north. The capital is Pietermaritzburg.
Mpumalanga information for your South Africa vacation
“Mpumalanga” is located in the northeast of the republic. On an area of 79.512 km² live 3.364.579 inhabitants. The capital is Nelspruit. It is divided into three districts and eighteen municipalities. It is also called “Land of the Rising Sun” and is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa. Mpumalanga has a long gold mining tradition, of which you can get an impression in the gold mining town Pilgrim`s Rest. An imposing mountain world in the “Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve” and extensive long farming areas around the town of Sabie are worth seeing in this region. Famous is the southern part of the “Kruger National Park”, which is located in this region. Here live the “Big Five” (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhinoceros) and are attracting safari tourists on South Africa vacation.
Northern Cape Information for your South Africa Vacation
The province “Northern Cape” is located in the northwest of South Africa and occupies with an area of 361.830 km ² almost 30% of the country and is with 822.727 inhabitants very sparsely populated. The very dry region is a popular destination especially for nature lovers on South Africa vacation. Highlights are the diamond lines of the capital Kimberley at the “Big Hole”, the Kgalagadi Transfronier Park with its red sand deserts and the lonely coastlines of Alexander Bay at the Atlantic Ocean. Northern Cape is divided into 5 districts and 28 municipalities.
Places of interest for your South Africa vacation
South Africa is a country full of cultural diversity and scenic attractions. Only the most famous attractions are listed here. The most popular destination of South Africa vacation is the “Kruger National Park”. Here the wildlife and nature of South Africa can be admired by tourists. A great view over the country on a clear day is offered by the high plateau of “Table Mountain. The mountain can be climbed on hiking trails of all levels of difficulty or by cable car. The “Garden Route” is also popular: this route stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, passing small towns and nature parks. Historically interesting is the island “Robben Island. The high security prison, where among others Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999. Luxurious and thus counterpoint to the poverty in the country is the game reserve “Sun City”, which is located west of Johannesburg. If you want to gamble during your vacation in South Africa, you will be happy here: with gambling halls, sports facilities and entertainment shows it is the Las Vegas of South Africa.
National Parks Information for your South Africa Vacation
Those who vacation in South Africa often do so because of its national parks; South Africa has a number of national parks to offer, some of which have attained international fame. The most famous park in the world is the “Kruger National Park”. It is easily accessible due to its proximity to the metropolis of Johannesburg and is probably the most famous game reserve in the world. Other national parks are no less impressive, but somewhat more remote. For the observation of the animal world are among other things the “Tembe Elephant Park”(elephants and large animals), the “Table Mountain National Park” (antelopes and many bird species) and the “Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park” (lion observation). Known for nature experiences is the high mountain park “Royal Natal National Park” (waterfalls and torrents), the “Golden Gate National Park” (sandstone formations) and the “Augrabies Falls National Park” (waterfalls, desert vegetation with quiver trees). Depending on the size of the park, the scope and comfort of accommodation varies. From camping in your own tent or caravan to accommodation in luxury lodges, a wide range of accommodation is available in the large reserves. The parks can be explored on your own, but a professional guide is recommended due to the size of the parks. Also sightseeing flights in old propeller machines can be booked in some parks.
The most important cities for your South Africa vacation
Cape Town
The third largest city in South Africa is located in the southwest of the country, in the province of Western Cape, of which it is the capital. It has 2.375.910 inhabitants. The city is considered the mother city for white South Africans. The architecture of the city still shows the effects of apartheid: The white inhabitants live in the more attractive and central residential areas, while the black population still lives in less central areas. This condition is changing only slowly. Many foreigners have made Cape Town their adopted home, making the city a melting pot of cultures. Since 2004 it is the headquarters of the South African Parliament. Its seat (“Houses of Parliament”) is located in the center of the city and can be visited. Most popular sights of the city are the “Table Mountain”, the offshore island “Robben Island”, where Nelson Mandela spent many years of his imprisonment and the “Victoria and Alfred Waterfront” – a restored harbor district, which offers a South Africa vacation many shopping opportunities and a wide selection of gastronomy. Here you can also find the “Two Oceans Aquarium”, which shows the ecosystems of river and sea. Here rays and sharks can be seen up close. In the city center there are many museums and historical buildings. Thus the “Castle of Hope”: The oldest building in South Africa. Also interesting are the “City Hall”, the National Gallery and the National Museum.
Cape Town has won the title of the most beautiful and best city in the world for the third time in a row.
Attractions near Cape Town:
Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
Table Mountain
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Castle of Good Hope
Two Oceans Aquarium
Long Street
Greenmarket Square
Cape of Good Hope
Houses of Parliament
City Hall
Museums in Cape Town
Robben Island (in the former prison Nelson Mandela had spent almost two decades as a prisoner).
Johannesburg
The city of Johannesburg is often mistakenly called the capital of South Africa. However, it is “only” the capital of the province Gauteng, which is located in the northeast of the country. The city has 4.434.827 (October 2011) inhabitants. It is also called the “City of Gold” and is the economic center of South Africa. It is the largest city in southern Africa and one full of contrasts. Johannesburg a big city with an attractive nightlife and luxurious shopping possibilities. The city itself is not a typical tourist destination. However, it is a good starting point for excursions to Cape Town, Durban or the Kruger National Park. Johannesburg is not a city of beautiful architecture, yet it has something to offer culturally. In the “Sheffield House” is a Jewish museum with a small collection on the Jewish community of South Africa. In the “Museum Africa” you can learn a lot about the history of mankind in southern Africa from early times until today. Seek relaxation on your South Africa vacation? The “Botanical Gardens” in the center of the city offer the opportunity to do so. Here you can find medicine and spice gardens next to one of the largest rose gardens in the world.
Port Elizabeth
The third largest port city in South Africa is located in the Eastern Cape region and has 737.000 inhabitants. Port Elizabeth is known for its car industry and for its long sandy beaches. An outstanding sight is the Campanile: A 53-meter-high observation tower that provides an overview of the city. Located in the historic center of the city is Market Square. On Saturdays there is a flea market on this square. There is also the City Hall, in whose garden “Mayors Garden” you can see a copy of the “Diaz Cross”. Tourist highlight of a South Africa vacation in Port Elizabeth is also the “Bayworld”: The Oceanarium is located 1 km outside the city and offers daily dolphin shows. In the associated snake park over 1000 reptiles can be admired. The Port Elizabeth Museum provides information about the history and culture of the region.
Pretoria (Tshwane)
Pretoria is the official capital of South Africa. It is located in the northeastern province of Gauteng and has 1.884.046 Inhabitants. Since 2005 the official name of the city is “Tshwane”, which means “We are all the same. The city has long been overshadowed by the large neighboring city of Johannesburg. In the meantime, however, it has also gained a reputation as a vibrant metropolis that offers visitors on South Africa vacations a wide range of leisure activities, shopping opportunities and an interesting nightlife. In addition to urban life, Tshwane also has a lot to offer culturally. The historical center of the city is Church Square, which has a statue of former president Paul Kruger in its center. Around this square are several buildings of historical and architectural interest: The Palace of Justice (Justisiepalais), the Old City Hall (Ou Radsaal), the “Old Capitol Theatre” and the Main Post Office (Hoofdpostkantoor). The city is one of the leading university towns in South Africa.
Durban
The city is located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal on the southeastern coast of the country of South Africa and has 3.346.799 Inhabitants. Here water sports enthusiasts and sun worshippers on South Africa vacation find their happiness. The city on the coast enjoys year-round sunshine, which makes for pleasantly warm temperatures in winter and sultry heat in summer. The city is well suited for a beach vacation. Well known is the aquarium “uShaka Marine World”, which houses the world’s largest dolphinarium. In the “Fitzsimmons Snake Park” in the northern part of the city live about 80 species of snakes. Architecturally interesting in the center of the city are the “Durban City Hall”, the “Umgeni Road”, where three Hindu temples are located at once, and the Indian business district “Juma Mosque”. The “Killie Campbell Africana Library” displays rare books and manuscripts from all over the world. About the Zulu tribal culture in South Africa you can learn something in the “Mashu Museum of Ethnology”.
Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein is the capital of the South African province Free State and has about 250.000 inhabitants. If you want to spend your vacation in South Africa, you should make a stop here: Due to its abundance of flowers and the annual Rose Festival, the city is also nicknamed the “City of Roses”. Worth seeing in the city is the “Naval Hill”: the hill is located in the middle of the city. It is home to giraffes, wildebeests, ostriches and zebras. It is also an excellent vantage point. In the city center, many sights are located next to each other: The “City Hall” with a magnificent marble interior, the “Fourth Raadsaal”, the parliament building of the former Orange Republic. The city is today the seat of the Supreme Court of Africa.
Bisho
Bisho is the capital of the Eastern Cape Province and has 137.300 inhabitants. The river “Bisho” flows through the city, which gave the city its name. The modern city inspires South Africa vacationers with its post-modern architecture, which can be seen all over the city. Especially famous and worth seeing are the diverse views of the “Amatola Mountains”, which can be enjoyed from various points of the city.
Kimberley
The city is the capital of the province of Northern Cape and has about 160.000 inhabitants. Kimberley is South Africa’s “diamond metropolis” – the city has been growing since the 19th century. The city was built in the nineteenth century around a large diamond mine. The mine is the largest hole ever created by man and is called the “Big Hole”. It is the biggest tourist attraction in the city, even though the mine has long since been shut down. Around the mine the “Kimberley Mine Museum and Bighole” has been built: An open-air museum that recreates the city’s glory days during the diamond boom in the 19th. Reconstructed in the nineteenth century. Another attraction of a South Africa vacation in Kimberley is the “Duggan-Cronin-Gallery”. Here is exhibited a collection of photos of the population of the country. The focus of the exhibition is the black miners with traditional clothing and hair ornaments.
Mafikeng
Mafikeng is the capital of the province North West and has ca. 242.000 inhabitants. If you want to visit striking cities on your South African vacation, this is the place to be. Characteristic of the image of the city are the transport network, the airport and a stadium, all of which were planned and built out of proportion to such a small population. You can learn about the eventful history of the city in the “Mafikeng Museum”. The “Kanon Kopje” – a restored fortress from the 19th century.The 19th century church – can be visited and offers a good view over the city. Interesting is also the “Lotlamoreng Dam”, which is located just outside the city center. On the banks of this river are traditional villages where the inhabitants work according to traditional handicrafts and sell their goods at markets.
Nelspruit
Nelspruit is the capital of Mpumalanga Province in the northeast of the country and has ca. 24.000 inhabitants. The city is the commercial center of the surrounding fruit-growing region Mpumalange, it is traded especially with citrus fruits and nuts. The “Lowveld National Botanical Garden” in the west of the city, one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in South Africa, is particularly worth seeing. The city is located on the Crocodile River, on the banks of which is a crocodile farm.
Pietermaritzburg
The city is the capital of the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal and has ca. 230.000 inhabitants. The city is also called “City of Flowers”, because magnificent bougainvilleas decorate the streets and squares in summer. In September the annual “Garden Show” takes place here. In Pietermaritzburg you can admire the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the world. The historic city center has a lot to offer to a South Africa vacation consequently. The “Natal Museum” shows exhibitions on scientific and cultural topics. About the history of the 19.The “Voortrekker Museum” and the “Macrorie House” inform about the history of the 19th century. With the gallery “The Tatham” one of the best galleries in the country is located in Pietermaritzburg. Besides Picasso and Matisse, contemporary African artists are also exhibited here.
Polokwane
Polokwane is the capital of the Limpopo province in the north of South Africa. The German name of the city is “Pietersburg” and it has 45.000 inhabitants. One of the most important sights is the “Civic Square”: a square with gardens and water features, where you can also find a music pavilion from the 1920s. In the “Art Museum” you can see a collection of paintings by African artists. A photo exhibition on the history of the city offers the “Hugh Exton Collection”, which is highly recommended for culturally interested on South Africa vacation.
Nature and wildlife information for your South Africa vacation
The nature of South Africa is very diverse and full of contrasts. Accordingly, a South African vacation can be very diverse: Deserts are juxtaposed with green landscapes with gushing waterfalls. The Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet at the southern tip of the country. On the coast there are wide beaches and in the north there is the big Table Mountain. The whole diversity of the country is best discovered on a round trip. Along the “Garden Route” one discovers the maritime atmosphere of the south coast. The “Wine Route” leads past the most important wine estates in South Africa at Stellenbosch in the southwest of the country. The wilderness can be admired especially well during a safari through one of the numerous national parks. The “Big Five” (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard) can be seen up close in their natural habitat. A sightseeing flight over the landscapes of South Africa shows the contradictory nature of the landscapes at a glance.
Leisure activities& Excursions for your South Africa vacation
South Africa is a country that has something to offer for every interest. The metropolises Johannesburg, Cape Town and Tshwane are attractive for people who are looking for the big city life with shopping possibilities and night life. Nature lovers on South Africa vacation can discover a varied fauna and flora in the numerous national parks. Sports enthusiasts will find their paradise on the south coast, where the beaches invite you to do water sports. In addition, rugby and soccer are the national sports in South Africa, which can be practiced and watched everywhere. Culture lovers will find galleries, theaters and museums in many cities. However, the major cities are not always the first port of call here. There are also important exhibitions in lesser known cities. Therefore, if you want to spend your vacation in South Africa, you should not limit yourself to the big cities.
Food and Drink Information for your South Africa Vacation
South Africa is a country of ethnic diversity, which is also reflected in the country’s cuisine. There is no national dish and no typical cuisine of the country. South Africa offers travelers a selection of the best dishes from around the world. Chinese, Indian, European, American and African food can be found in the restaurants of the country. Traditional African food used to be cooked in a three-legged pot over an open fire. Carrots, potatoes, roots and corn products were cooked in a kind of stew. This type of production can still be found in traditional restaurants. Also of central importance for the African food culture are meat dishes of all kinds, which are prepared over an open charcoal grill. Furthermore, South Africa developed into a major wine producer. Some of the best wineries in the world are located in the Cape area.
Climate and best time to visit South Africa
South Africa has a large number of climatic zones. The general climate is predominantly dry and sunny. Rainfall decreases from the southeast to the northwest, while temperatures increase at the same time. Due to the size of the country and factors such as different altitudes, the climate varies between different parts of the country: On the west coast, the climate is cool and dry. The east coast has a rather humid and warm climate. As South Africa is located in the southern hemisphere, the seasons are opposite to the European ones. In winter (June to August) there can be snow around Johannesburg. At night it is very cold, during the day temperatures rise to about 23 °C, in summer to 30 °C. In the region around Cape Town there is a cool climate in winter with drizzle. From November to March it is warm to hot and dry there. In the northern coastal areas and along the east coast, humidity is high, but there is usually a cooling breeze. Temperatures are between 25 and 35 °C all year round.
Travel information for your South Africa vacation
What is the best way to start your South Africa vacation? The easiest and fastest way to reach South Africa is by plane. The country’s main airports are located in Cape Town, Durban and Tambo. Most flights departing from Europe are night flights and last 8 to 10 hours. The cost for one way is about. 700 euros. The major airlines offer one or two flights a day from major European cities to Cape Town. At the airport there are “porters” to help you with the luggage transport. Here it is necessary to take care to choose only an official porter. These can be recognized by their orange uniform and bear the seal of the “Airports Company of South Africa” (ACSA). The ACSA also offers a shuttle service from the airports to the most central areas. Also within the country there is a dense flight connection network. Every major airport is served by the larger airlines at least once a day. A domestic flight is already available from ca. 130 Euro.
Entry requirements for your South Africa vacation
Before the South Africa vacation can begin, there are some specifics to consider. German citizens are generally exempt from the South African visa requirement for a period of ninety days. You may be issued a visitor`s permit for this period, counting the day of entry and departure. In order to stay in South Africa without a visa, the German citizen must have a passport valid for at least thirty days beyond the date of departure from the Republic of South Africa, with at least two free pages for endorsements. In addition, documents confirming the purpose and duration of the stay must be presented. This includes proof of a valid return ticket or payment of a cash deposit, which is refunded after the foreign national has left the country permanently or after a permanent residence permit has been issued to the foreign national. There are also special regulations for children on vacation in South Africa: German children’s ID cards are only accepted with a photograph and should have at least two free pages for endorsements at the start of the trip. It is also possible to register a child in the passport of one of the parents.
