TYPO3 v13 upgrade for Afrikarma Safaris

Our implementation at a glance

Solution for Afrikarma Safaris

To ensure the complex upgrade from TYPO3 v8 to v13 was carried out safely and in a controlled manner, we divided the project into clearly structured phases. The first step involved a detailed assessment of the existing v8 installation: extensions in use, customisations, page types, content elements, Lodge data and form logic. On this basis, a migration strategy was developed that took into account both the technical requirements of TYPO3 v13 and the functional specifics of Afrikarma.

A modern Docker Compose infrastructure was set up for the new environment, which we now use as the standard basis for new projects. On top of this, we set up a fresh TYPO3 v13 instance and integrated the Bootstrap package as the central front-end framework. Afrikarma now has a future-proof, responsive layout framework at its disposal, which relies consistently on HTML5, CSS and modern best practices and can be easily extended. Content from TYPO3 v8 was transferred via a migration script wherever possible; sections with more complex structural differences were subsequently revised by the editorial team.

Particular attention was paid to the Lodge Extension: the wide range of lodges and destinations is a key added value for Afrikarma. We have implemented an updated Lodge Extension that retrieves its data via a database import and makes it available in TYPO3 with high performance. For the map display, we rely on GeoJSON-based data, which can be rendered in combination with front-end mapping libraries such as Leaflet, Google Maps or Mapbox. This allows lodges and destinations to be displayed, filtered and expanded on maps in a flexible and visually appealing way.

In the area of security and data protection, we have introduced state-of-the-art protection mechanisms. Forms have been equipped with FriendlyCaptcha as an anti-spam measure to effectively prevent automated spam submissions without placing an unnecessary burden on genuine users. In parallel, Cookiebot has been integrated, including a clean configuration of the Content Security Policy (CSP), so that scripts, iframes and tracking services are only loaded once users have actively consented – a key component for the portal’s GDPR compliance.

All customisations were deployed on a secure test instance. Afrikarma was granted backend access (including 2FA) to test functions, layouts, lodges and forms. A content freeze, test plans and the final go-live scenario were defined through joint consultations. The result was a technical relaunch that went far beyond a simple version update: Afrikarma now has a modern TYPO3 v13 platform, a flexible front-end based on the Bootstrap package, powerful lodge and map integration, and a state-of-the-art security and data protection setup.

Do you need similar solutions? Get in touch with us!

Technical Details

The implementation is based on TYPO3 v13 in a containerised Docker Compose environment, which has created a standardised and reproducible development and deployment structure. The Bootstrap package is used as the front-end framework and forms the basis for the responsive layout system within the TYPO3 instance. The lodge data is processed via an import interface in TYPO3 and made available in a structured format. GeoJSON data is used for the map display, enabling flexible integration with mapping technologies such as Leaflet, Google Maps and Mapbox.

In terms of security, FriendlyCaptcha was integrated to secure forms, and Cookiebot – including CSP configuration – was implemented to ensure the controlled delivery of external services. In addition, two-factor authentication was enabled for access to the TYPO3 backend.

The migration also required the technical harmonisation of extensions and data structures that had evolved over time with the requirements of TYPO3 v13, as well as the validation of the transitions via test and staging environments.

See for yourself: Visit the website

Good to know

Afrikarma is a long-standing client of dkd. With the upgrade to TYPO3 v13, the agency has once again been entrusted with the technical development of the website. Thanks to our ongoing collaboration, we were already familiar with the existing structures, specific requirements and accumulated content, and were able to transfer these to the new system in a targeted manner, ensuring a particularly smooth migration.

Even after the successful go-live, dkd continues to support Afrikarma: as part of a support contract, the team is responsible for the ongoing development of the platform, editorial and technical adjustments, and continuous optimisation in the area of search engine optimisation (SEO). The new, modern technical foundation also opens up entirely new possibilities. This means that current topics such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO) can now be addressed in a targeted manner. Initial implementations and improvements in these areas are already underway, with the aim of optimally positioning Afrikarma for the next generation of search and digital visibility.