South Africans also need a Schengen visa when visiting Europe.
The two Embassies know all about the camino and are very good about accepting our applications.
What they ask is that we type out an itinerary of our intended walk (you don't have to stick to it when you get there) and name all the pilgrim refuges that we will stay in. Also to make a note that we cannot book these ahead and that most are donation only.
Something from
http://www.godesalco.com/plan will do for you. eg: 11 days from Leon to Santiago
FROM LEóN TO SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA THROUGH THE
CAMINO DE SANTIAGO
Table generated by Godesalco.com on 29 November 2007.
SUMMARY
Longest stage: Melide - Rúa: 32.1 km.
Shortest stage: Rúa - Santiago de Compostela: 20.7 km.
Total distance: 312.3 km. Stages: 11. Average: 28.4 km each walking day.
STAGES
1) León - Hospital de Órbigo 32 km 32 km 2R, P, C, H
2) Hospital de Órbigo - Santa Catalina de Somoza 25.6 km 57.6 km R, P
3) Santa Catalina de Somoza - El Acebo 27.6 km 85.2 km R, 2P
4) El Acebo - Cacabelos 31.2 km 116.4 km R, H
5) Cacabelos - La Faba 31 km 147.4 km R
6) La Faba - Triacastela 25.6 km 173 km R, 3P, H
7) Triacastela - Barbadelo 28.9 km 201.9 km R, H
8) Barbadelo - Gonzar 26.3 km 228.2 km R
9) Gonzar - Melide 31.3 km 259.5 km R, H
10) Melide - Rúa 32.1 km 291.6 km H
11) Rúa - Santiago de Compostela 20.7 km 312.3 km R, P, C, H
ABBREVIATIONS
R: pilgrims public hostel.
P: pilgrims private hostel.
A: youth hostel.
C: campsite.
H: hotel, inn, lodging house...
FR: outside the pathway.
Hope this helps,