As a vegan traveller blogger in South Africa, I love exploring this beautiful country.
Seeing it through a plant-based lens adds adventure and joy. It adds creativity to every experience.
South Africa surprises me at every turn.
From café hopping in Cape Town to finding vegan-friendly lodges on safari, there’s so much to explore. The mix of traditional foods in small towns is a delight. It’s vibrant, diverse, and genuinely welcoming for vegan travellers.
In this guide, I’ll share what I’ve learned from years of travelling, filming, photographing, and writing about South Africa as a vegan.
Planning a trip? Seeking travel inspiration? Want to start your own vegan travel blog?
This guide is for you!
What It Means to Be a Vegan Traveller Blogger in South Africa
As a vegan travel blogger in South Africa, I blend plant-based living with local adventures and stories.
South Africa has a vibrant blend of cultures, landscapes, and flavours.
This variety is excellent for content creation. You can explore beach getaways, bushveld safaris, busy city markets, and cosy farm retreats.
Veganism is on the rise in South Africa. It’s especially popular in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban.
This helps make travel content easier. It celebrates compassionate, sustainable, and tasty living.
Why This Niche Is Growing
- Growing awareness of veganism in mainstream South African culture.
- More vegan restaurants and plant-based menus in significant cities.
- Interest in ethical travel, eco-tourism, and sustainable eating.
- Rising demand for authentic travel storytelling in Africa.
Why South Africa Is a Dream Destination for a Vegan Traveller Blogger
South Africa’s diversity makes it an excellent spot for vegan travel bloggers.
One day, I’m tasting artisanal vegan cheese at a Cape Town market. Next, I’m sipping rooibos tea in a quiet Karoo town. It has a surprisingly good vegan menu.
The country’s rich agriculture makes plant-based meals easy, affordable, and accessible.
Fresh fruits, legumes, grains, herbs, and vegetables are all readily available.
Vegan Travel Trends I See Everywhere
- Vegan-friendly safaris with cruelty-free amenities.
- Bustling vegan markets (Cape Town especially).
- Eco-lodges that cater for plant-based diets.
- South African wineries offering vegan wines.
- A push toward sustainable, ethical tourism.
Planning Like a Vegan Traveller Blogger: Seasons, Budget & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit South Africa
South Africa has different climates, so when to visit depends on what you want to do or see.
- Cape Town & Garden Route: Best in summer (November–March).
- Safari regions: Dry season (May–October) offers better wildlife viewing.
- Durban: Warm and humid almost year-round; great for beach lovers.
Budgeting for Vegan Travel
A typical daily budget can vary depending on your style:
- Backpacker budget: R400–R800/day.
- Mid-range: R900–R2,000/day.
- Luxury travellers: R3,000+/day.
Pro tip: Checkers, Woolworths, Pick n Pay, and Food Lovers Market in South Africa have many affordable plant-based staples.
You can get lentils, sweet potatoes, fresh produce, sourdough, tofu, oat milk, and vegan convenience foods.
Safety, Transport & Connectivity
- Domestic flights are reliable and frequent.
- Buses like Intercape and City to City connect major destinations.
- Self-driving is popular, especially along the Garden Route.
- Buy a local SIM card for strong data coverage (Vodacom, MTN).
Top Vegan Traveller Blogger Cities & Routes in South Africa
Cape Town: South Africa’s Vegan Capital
If you follow vegan travel bloggers, you’ve likely seen Cape Town pop up a lot. There’s a good reason for that.
It’s the most vegan-friendly city in Africa. You’ll find vegan cafes, bakeries, markets, and restaurants in nearly every neighbourhood.
Don’t miss:
- Oranjezicht City Farm Market — a weekend vegan paradise.
- Vegan bakeries in Observatory, Sea Point, and Woodstock.
- Table Mountain, Muizenberg, Bo-Kaap, and Clifton for photography content.
Johannesburg & Pretoria: Urban Vegan Adventures
Johannesburg is a fast-growing vegan hub with trendy cafés, Afro-fusion vegan dishes, and weekend vegan markets. It’s a good base for street photography, fashion, art, and culture content.
In Pretoria, look out for vegan-friendly coffee shops, quiet coworking spaces, and markets.
Durban & KwaZulu-Natal: Curry & Coastline
Durban’s Indian-rooted food culture makes it incredibly vegan-friendly. From bean curries to bunny chow, you’ll find rich, flavourful meals without much effort.
Garden Route & Winelands
The Garden Route is great for slow, mindful travel. You’ll discover vegan-friendly farm stalls, lovely beaches, green forests, and quaint small towns.
Bonus: Many South African wineries now produce certified vegan wines.
Vegan Safaris, Eco-Lodges & Wildlife Experiences
Finding Vegan-Friendly Safaris
More safari lodges now cater to vegan travellers. They offer full plant-based menus and cruelty-free amenities.
Always email ahead and ask about:
- Vegan meals.
- Use of leather-free decor.
- Animal welfare policies.
- Eco-certification.
Ethical Wildlife Encounters
One key aspect of vegan travel in South Africa is picking ethical wildlife experiences.
Stay away from places with captive wildlife. Instead, support sanctuaries, conservation parks, and responsible safari lodges.
Creating Vegan Safari Content
I enjoy mixing helpful tips, like packing lists and lodge reviews, with my personal stories.
These stories highlight my experiences with wildlife in its natural habitat. Vegan safari content performs well on Instagram, YouTube, and blogs.
Tools Every Vegan Traveller Blogger in South Africa Should Use
Apps for Finding Vegan Food
- HappyCow: The most reliable vegan food directory.
- Google Maps lists: I save vegan-friendly spots for each city.
- Offline maps: Super helpful when travelling rural roads.
Finding Vegan-Friendly Accommodation
I always check reviews, menus, and photos before booking. Look for places that offer:
- Vegan breakfast options
- Cruelty-free bathroom products
- Sustainable or eco-certifications
Connecting With Local Vegan Communities
- South African Vegan Society
- South African vegan Facebook groups
- Vegan markets & festivals
- Instagram hashtags like #vegansa, #vegancapetown, #veganjhb
Content Strategy Tips for Vegan Traveller Bloggers in South Africa
Content Ideas That Perform Well
- City vegan food guides (“Vegan in Cape Town”)
- “24 Hours Vegan in…” travel challenges
- Vegan road trip itineraries
- Vegan-friendly safaris
- Behind-the-scenes travel vlogs
- Traditional South African meals made vegan
SEO, Storytelling & Monetisation
- Use keywords naturally in your titles, headings, and image descriptions.
- Affiliate partnerships with hotels, tours, and travel gear.
- Create digital products: guides, checklists, itineraries.
- Collaborate with vegan brands or tourism boards.
- Build an email list for your readers.
FAQs – Vegan Traveller Blogger South Africa
Is South Africa a good destination for vegan travellers?
Yes! Many big cities have vibrant vegan scenes. Smaller towns are also becoming more plant-based friendly.
How do I find vegan restaurants in South Africa?
HappyCow, Google Maps, local markets, and vegan Facebook groups are your best tools.
Are safari lodges vegan-friendly?
Many are! Email ahead and let them know your preferences.
Is Cape Town really the vegan capital of Africa?
Absolutely — it’s one of the most vegan-friendly cities in the world.
How do I start a vegan travel blog in South Africa?
Begin with one city guide. Share photos regularly. Stay consistent and write from your own experiences.
Conclusion: Why the World Needs More Vegan Traveller Bloggers in South Africa
South Africa is truly unique. Seeing its beauty through a vegan lens makes each trip even more special.
As a vegan travel blogger, I’ve met amazing people and discovered hidden plant-based gems. I also embrace the movement for kind and sustainable travel.
If you’re planning a vegan trip or want to be a vegan travel creator, South Africa is a
