Here’s your guide to vegan travel planning in South Africa.
If you’re a plant-based traveller, South Africa might not immediately pop up on your bucket list.
People know South Africa for its meat dishes, such as braai and boerewors.
However, it’s now becoming a vegan-friendly spot for adventurous eaters.
From busy cafés in Cape Town to cosy vegan spots in Durban, there’s so much to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes while you explore!
In this guide, I’ll show you the best vegan cities in South Africa.
Discover top restaurants, local vegan dishes, and helpful travel tips for a fun and easy adventure.
Why Vegan Travel Planning Matters in South Africa
South Africa’s cuisine is diverse and reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage.
However, for vegans, finding options can be tricky.
Many traditional dishes centre around meat, dairy, and seafood, so pre-planning is key.
Knowing where to eat, which markets to visit, and which places have kitchens helps you enjoy your trip. You won’t have to worry about missing out.
The good news?
South Africa is experiencing an increase in plant-based restaurants and markets. This trend is powerful in cities.
More restaurants now serve vegan versions of local favourites like bunny chow and chakalaka. Cafés also emphasise fresh, organic, and cruelty-free ingredients.
With a bit of planning, vegan travel in South Africa can be both easy and memorable.
Top Vegan-Friendly Cities in South Africa
1. Cape Town
Cape Town is often hailed as South Africa’s vegan capital, and for good reason. This city mixes natural beauty with a lively plant-based food scene. It’s a paradise for vegan travellers.
Top Vegan Spots:
- Plant Café – A health-focused café offering smoothies, Buddha bowls, and vegan pastries.
- Lekker Vegan – Perfect for a quick and tasty vegan snack or dessert.
- Raw & Roxy – Specialises in raw, unprocessed vegan dishes for a healthy boost.
Vegan-Friendly Experiences:
- Explore the V&A Waterfront and check out its markets for fresh vegan-friendly products.
- Take a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak, stopping at cafés with vegan options along the route.
Cape Town hosts vegan festivals all year.
One is the Vegan Cape Town Festival. Here, travellers can enjoy local and international plant-based treats.
2. Johannesburg
Johannesburg, or Jozi, is South Africa’s economic heart. But it’s also a vibrant city full of culture and delicious vegan food.
Must-Visit Vegan Spots:
- The Whippet Coffee – Excellent for plant-based breakfast options and speciality coffee.
- The Banana Tree – Offers hearty vegan mains inspired by local and international flavours.
- Marble & Grain – Known for its fresh vegan-friendly menu and cosy atmosphere.
Vegan-Friendly Activities:
- Explore the Maboneng Precinct, which has vegan cafés and artisanal markets.
- Stop by local vegan grocery stores to pick up plant-based snacks for your city trips.
3. Durban
Durban is a coastal city known for its lively food scene. Indian cuisine has a significant influence on its culinary culture. It’s surprisingly vegan-friendly.
Vegan Hotspots:
- Nourish Café – Known for creative vegan bowls, smoothies, and wholesome snacks.
- Vegan Life – Offers vegan Indian-inspired dishes and fresh juices.
Vegan-Friendly Tips:
- Stay in neighbourhoods close to the beachfront for easy access to vegan cafés.
- Don’t miss Durban’s famous curry houses. Many now serve vegan-friendly versions of classic dishes, like vegetable biryani.
4. Other Cities: Pretoria, Stellenbosch, and Port Elizabeth
Smaller cities might have fewer vegan choices. But with some planning, you can still enjoy plant-based travel.
Pretoria: Check out cafés like Vegan Village. They serve plant-based burgers, wraps, and fresh salads.
Stellenbosch: This wine region is surprisingly vegan-friendly. Many wineries now offer vegan wine. Local restaurants also serve vegan versions of traditional meals.
Port Elizabeth: Cosy vegan spots like Earthy Café make this coastal city perfect for light vegan meals and smoothies.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re in a smaller town, many restaurants are happy to adjust dishes to be vegan if you ask politely.
Practical Vegan Travel Planning Tips
Travelling vegan in South Africa is easy when you’re prepared.
Here are some tips to make your journey smooth:
- Use Vegan Apps: Apps like HappyCow and Google Maps help you find vegan restaurants wherever you go.
- Pack Snacks: South African stores may not carry familiar vegan snacks, so bring energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits.
- Communicate Clearly: Learn phrases like “I don’t eat meat, dairy, or eggs” in advance, or have them written down for restaurant staff.
- Accommodation with Kitchens: Look into Airbnb or guesthouses with kitchens. This way, you can cook meals when dining options are limited.
- Check Festival Dates: Vegan and plant-based festivals are great ways to try multiple dishes in one place.
Must-Try South African Vegan Dishes
Even if you’re plant-based, South Africa has plenty of traditional dishes you can enjoy:
- Bunny Chow (veganized) – A hollowed-out loaf filled with curry vegetables or beans.
- Chakalaka – A spicy vegetable relish, often served with bread or pap.
- Vegan Bobotie – A plant-based twist on the classic Cape Malay dish.
- Plant-Based Braai Options
- Grilled vegetables
- Marinated tofu
- Veggie sausages
- Enjoy an authentic South African barbecue!
You can often find these dishes in significant cities, markets, and vegan cafés. They let you enjoy South Africa’s culinary culture while sticking to your diet.
Sample Vegan Travel Itinerary for South Africa
Here’s a simple 7-day vegan-friendly itinerary covering top cities:
Day 1-2: Cape Town
- Breakfast at Plant Café, explore V&A Waterfront, and visit Table Mountain.
- Dinner at Lekker Vegan.
Day 3-4: Stellenbosch & Winelands
- Wine tasting at vegan-friendly wineries.
- Lunch at a local vegan café.
Day 5: Johannesburg
- Explore Maboneng Precinct, brunch at The Whippet Coffee.
- Dinner at The Banana Tree.
Day 6: Durban
- Breakfast at Nourish Café, and enjoy beachfront walks.
- Vegan Indian lunch at Vegan Life.
Day 7: Pretoria or Port Elizabeth
- Morning smoothie and snack, local sightseeing.
- Wrap up your trip with fresh vegan dishes at a local café.
This itinerary offers a blend of city life, culture, nature, and tasty plant-based meals.
FAQs About Vegan Travel in South Africa
Can I find vegan food everywhere in South Africa?
Mostly in significant cities. Smaller towns may require some planning and packing of snacks.
Are there vegan-friendly accommodations?
Yes. Many guesthouses and Airbnb options now cater to plant-based travellers.
What are the best apps for vegan travel planning?
HappyCow, Google Maps, and TripAdvisor are excellent resources.
How do I communicate vegan preferences in restaurants?
Write down phrases like “I don’t eat meat, eggs, or dairy” and carry them with you to show staff.
Conclusion
South Africa has a vibrant vegan scene. You can find trendy cafés in Cape Town and tasty Indian-inspired dishes in Durban.
Plan your vegan travels wisely. You can enjoy fantastic food and see stunning landscapes.
Research your cities ahead of time. Pack some snacks, and enjoy the plant-based treats South Africa offers.
Vegan travel in South Africa isn’t just about food—it’s an adventure. You’ll find rich culture, vibrant flavours, and unforgettable memories.
Plan your journey today! Get ready to explore this fantastic country while sticking to your plant-based lifestyle.
