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Foods to Try in South Africa

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Best Restaurants in Johannesburg

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Things to Do in South Africa

Things to Do With Kids

Best Beaches

Best Surfing

Best Dive Destinations

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Kruger National Park

48 Hours in Johannesburg

Things to Do

Apartheid Museum

Airport Guide

Table Mountain

Game Reserves Near Cape Town

Best Time to Visit

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Driving in South Africa

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How to Spend 10 Days in South Africa

The Perfect Itinerary for a 10 Day Trip to South Africa

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South Africa is a vast country, filled with world-famous game reserves, UNESCO World Heritage Sites , stunning beaches and multicultural cities. To explore it fully would take a lifetime. However, those of us that don't have endless vacation time or unlimited resources may have to be content with a much shorter visit . If you only have a few days, don't despair—you can still see several of South Africa's highlights before heading home. In this article, we prove that short trips can still be rewarding by creating the perfect 10 day itinerary.

Top Tip: Whether you choose this itinerary or decide to create your own, don't spread yourself too thin. South Africa is so large that if you try to see everything in 10 days, you'll spend more time traveling than actually experiencing each destination. Pick your must-see places and build your trip around them. 

Arrive in Cape Town, arguably the most beautiful city in the world. As your plane circles above the airport, make sure to look out of the window for iconic Mother City landmarks, including Cape Town Stadium and of course, Table Mountain . Spend an hour or two settling into your accommodation (whether you opt for a cozy B&B, or an iconic 5-star option like The Twelve Apostles . If it's your first time in the city, book tickets for an afternoon cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain, where breathtaking views of the city await.

If you've been before, you can skip this rite of passage and spend the afternoon recovering from your jet lag in beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens . An hour or two before sunset, make your way to Blouberg Beach to watch the kite surfers and take sunset snaps of the mountain on the other side of the bay. Head to nearby restaurant The Blue Peter for dinner. It's a local landmark and a great place to sample a few pints of South African craft beer while tucking into an oversized steak. 

After a leisurely breakfast, grab your camera and hop into your hire car for a tour of Cape Town's scenic suburbs. Drive south to Boulders Beach , home to a colony of endangered African penguins. Here, a boardwalk winds through the nesting site, allowing you to see these comical little birds up close. Next on the itinerary is Hout Bay, a picturesque fishing town accessed by Chapman's Peak Drive—a winding route famous for its stunning cliff views. When you get there, treat yourself to a fresh seafood lunch.

Afterward, it's time to head back to the city center for an afternoon trip to Robben Island . Sightseeing boats leave from the V&A Waterfront, and include a tour of the island on which Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for 18 years. Here, ex-prisoners explain the story behind the world's most notorious prison, and the role it played in South Africa's fight for freedom. When you get back to the Waterfront spend an hour or two strolling the vibrant boardwalk before choosing one of its many restaurants for dinner. 

Check out early and drive west into the world-famous Western Cape winelands. There are three main areas—Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek, all of them beaming with private wine estates. You can pick one (like the iconic Spier Wine Farm ), and spend the day touring the vineyards, tasting different vintages and dining on fine seasonal cuisine. If you can't decide which estate to visit, consider booking a trip on the Franschhoek Wine Tram. This hop-on, hop-off tour takes you on an unforgettable journey through the mesmerizing scenery of the Franschhoek Valley, stopping along the way for tastings at different estates. Sleep off the day's indulgences at one of the region's luxury hotels.

Your fourth day in South Africa brings you back to the coast—to the idyllic town of Hermanus, known as one of the best whale-watching spots in the southern hemisphere. From July to November, southern right whales can be seen in the town's deep bay, often within a 100 meters of shore. The best place to spot them from is Gearing's Point, a rocky promontory with elevated ocean panoramas. Alternatively, book a whale-watching tour with a local company like Southern Right Charters . Even if you're not traveling during whale season, Hermanus is a worthwhile stop, with a wealth of gourmet restaurants— Burgund y is special not only for its excellent menu but for its seaside views as well. 

Drive east from Hermanus to Mossel Bay, and from there, join up with the Garden Route—a 186 mile/ 300 kilometer stretch of coastline that includes some of the best spots in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces. The beauty of the route is that it allows you to stop wherever you want. Pause in the town of Wilderness for a stroll along the town's beautiful, windswept beach; or sample one of Knysna's famous oyster restaurants. George is home to one of the best golf courses in South Africa, while The Crags is an ideal stop for families thanks to interactive wildlife sanctuaries like Monkeyland and Birds of Eden . The area around The Crags is full of B&Bs, allowing you to get a good night's sleep after a busy day.

Spend a relaxing morning enjoying the South African hospitality at your B&B before continuing northwards towards Port Elizabeth. There are plenty of opportunities for adventure along the way. Stop at Bloukrans Bridge to throw yourself off the world's highest bridge bungee jump ; or park your car and join a ziplining canopy tour in beautiful Tsitsikamma National Park. Jeffreys Bay is also well worth a visit if you have time—especially if you happen to have an interest in surfing. Home to some of the best waves in Africa , this charismatic town has played host to top pros like Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, and South Africa's own Jordy Smith. Spend the night just north of Port Elizabeth at idyllic Dungbeetle River Lodge . 

Day 7, 8, and 9

No South African adventure would be complete without a safari. Save the best for last by spending your final three days in nearby Addo Elephant Park . It's not as famous or as vast as Kruger National Park, but it is far less crowded. It has the same incredible variety of wildlife—including all of the Big Five. Best of all, Addo is an affordable option for everyone, since it's possible to explore in your own vehicle for a fraction of the cost of a guided game drive.

If you want the expertise of a local tracker, you can still book game drives through your accommodation, or at the main reception. Addo is especially famous for its huge elephant herds—on a hot day, you're likely to see hundreds of them at waterholes like Rooidam and Gwarrie Pan. In addition to lion and leopard, the park also has its fair share of smaller predators —many of them quite rare. Keep an eye out for caracals, aardwolves and bat-eared foxes. 

Sadly, your time in the best country on Earth is coming to a close. Head into Port Elizabeth for one last brunch, before returning your hire car and catching a flight back to Cape Town for your return trip home. Don't be too sad, though—there's still so much of South Africa left to explore that you'll have plenty of reasons to return. 

The Best Time to Visit Cape Town

20 Best Things to Do in South Africa

South Africa Guide: Planning Your Trip

Hermanus, South Africa: The Complete Guide

10 of the Best Private Game Reserves in South Africa

10 Destinations to Top Your Africa Bucket List

The Top 18 Things to Do in the Western Cape, South Africa

18 Best Places to Visit in South Africa

The Garden Route, South Africa: The Complete Guide

The Top 18 Things to Do in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province

Where to Find South Africa’s Marine Big Five

How to Cage Dive with Great White Sharks in South Africa

10 of the Best Small Towns in South Africa

The Best Time to Visit South Africa

The Top 10 Things to Do in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

12 Best Things to Do in Cape Town, South Africa

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The Ultimate 2 Weeks in South Africa Itinerary

A 2 week South Africa itinerary is all about adventure: this beautiful country tops bucket lists around the world for good reason.

Where else can you see majestic animals like elephants and lions up close in the wild, indulge in a fantastic food scene that rivals the best cities around the world, admire stunning coastline, sip delicious local wines, road trip to your heart’s content, camp on a budget one night and then spend thousands on a luxurious lodge the next–all in one place?

South Africa is a truly amazing country, and it quickly rocketed its way up the list to be one of our very favorites.

And, after wrapping up this 2 week South Africa itinerary, we bet you’ll feel the same way.

Here’s how to plan the perfect 14 day trip to South Africa!

Table of Contents

How We Structured This 2 Week South Africa Itinerary

Cape town: 4 days, cape winelands + cape peninsula: 2 days, garden route (+ hermanus): 3 days, kruger national park: 3 days, more than 2 weeks in south africa, getting around south africa, safety in south africa, the best time to visit south africa, what to pack for 2 weeks in south africa.

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South Africa is a large country, and depending on whether you are flying in and out of Johannesburg, Cape Town, or a mix of both, you’ll likely want to order this 2 week South Africa itinerary in a different way.

For travelers flying into Johannesburg, we recommend starting with Kruger National Park, before flying from either Nelspruit (next to Kruger National Park) or Johannesburg (about 6 hours of driving from Kruger National Park) to Cape Town.

If your schedule allows it, consider pausing for one day before heading to Kruger National Park in order to check out some of the best things to do in Johannesburg .

If you’re flying into Cape Town, we’d recommend starting in the Western Cape and then booking a round-trip flight to Nelspruit to experience Kruger National Park.

On the other hand, if you’re, say, flying into Cape Town and out of Johannesburg, you may want to drive all the way to Port Elizabeth along the Garden Route after experiencing the Western Cape and then fly to Nelspruit from there.

For reasons of practicality, then, consider each of these suggested stops on our 2 weeks in South Africa itinerary to be mix-and-match destinations that can be re-ordered depending on the logic of flight patterns.

We wrote the itinerary from the perspective of someone who is landing in Cape Town, traced a logical pattern through the Western Cape and Garden Route, and then added Kruger National Park and Johannesburg to the end of the itinerary to be placed where they make the most sense for your South Africa trip.

Since a portion of this itinerary for South Africa is a road trip, you’ll also need a rental car for part of your journey (though if you’d prefer not to drive, there are some workarounds).

Shop rental cars for your trip to South Africa today!

Cape Town quickly became one of our favorite cities in the world.

Known for its easy access to incredible nature, beautiful coastline, and great food scene, Cape Town is an invigorating city that is easy to fall in love with.

Top Things to Do in Cape Town

Hike lion’s head..

This short afternoon hike is the perfect way to experience Cape Town’s outdoor culture and to get fantastic views of both Table Mountain and the city of Cape Town.

Ride the cable car up Table Mountain.

Recently named one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, Table Mountain dominates Cape Town’s skyline and is an unmissable feature of the city.

Bear in mind that Table Mountain does have a tendency to be covered in clouds, so if you wake up one morning of your stay and see it clear and visible, head to the top immediately!

Visit Bo-Kaap.

Cape Town’s colorful Cape Malay neighborhood of Bo-Kaap is a bit Instagram-famous these days, but that’s no reason to stay away: it’s beautiful!

Eat all the food.

Cape Town is bursting with incredible restaurants, from burger joints (Jerry’s Burger Bar) to brunch spots (Clarke’s Bar and Dining Room), to the often-voted best coffee in the world, served with a heaping side of elaborate steampunk decor (Truth Coffee).

Be sure to build plenty of time into your South Africa itinerary to enjoy Cape Town’s food scene!

Things to Consider in Cape Town

Uber is a popular way to get around..

Other options include navigating the somewhat limited public transportation system and renting a car.

We considered Uber to be by far the simplest option for navigating Cape Town, and it is quite affordable in the city!

…And on that note, Cape Town isn’t incredibly walkable.

Sure, you can walk around downtown safely enough, especially during the day–but practically speaking, Cape Town is a very sprawling city. Think Los Angeles, not Lisbon .

Major attractions like Table Mountain require a dedicated chunk of time and a car or bus ride in order to reach them, and some popular spots (like Muizenberg Beach and their colorful beach houses, or Chapman’s Peak Drive) are half an hour or more away from the city center.

Keep this in mind when deciding how much sightseeing you can fit into one day, and also where to stay while in Cape Town!

If you want to visit Robben Island, you’ll need to book ahead.

You can book your tour here , and they often sell out several days in advance.

Keep in mind that the ferries are weather-dependent, too!

Where to Stay in Cape Town

Urban Hive Backpackers  — Featuring great reviews and a prime location right along Long Street, you’ll be right in the center of the action staying at Urban Hive Backpackers!

There are plenty of restaurants, bars, tour companies, and even a souvenir market within a short walk from the doorstep.

Check rates & book your stay at Urban Hive Backpackers!

Number 5 Guesthouse  — Located on a quiet road but just minutes away from the action on Kloof Street, Number 5 Guesthouse boasts excellent reviews, a delicious included breakfast, and an attentive staff at midrange prices.

Check rates & book your stay at Number 5 Guesthouse!

Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa — If you would like to be pampered during your 3 days in Cape Town, look no further than Cloud 9.

Here you’ll find an excellent location within short walking distance of plenty of restaurants and boutiques, on-site spa services, a rooftop pool, and an incredible view of Table Mountain!

Check rates & book your stay at Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa!

Wine and penguins: what could possibly be more fun than that?

After leaving Cape Town, we recommend renting a car and making the second stop of your 2 weeks in South Africa itinerary the Cape Winelands and Cape Peninsula.

Choose a vineyard for a night or two of relaxation and tastings and enjoy experiencing a completely different side to South Africa from Cape Town.

Prices range from extremely reasonable to ridiculously high, depending on the level of luxury you’re seeking.

After enjoying a night or two in wine country, take a short drive to the Cape Peninsula to say hello to the wild penguins who live on Boulders Beach and to see the famous Cape Point!

Top Things to Do in the Cape Winelands & Cape Peninsula

Attend a wine tasting (or several)..

The Cape Winelands are covered in wineries, from large operations with elaborate tasting rooms to small, family-run businesses.

Be sure to sample several varieties, and aim for different pairings, too!

Locally made cheese, biltong, and even chocolate are served, depending on the winery in question.

Visit Boulders Beach.

Nearly everyone who is planning a 2 week South Africa itinerary is looking forward to the penguins–they’re one of the best-known features of the area!

Though Boulders Beach and its penguin colony are popularly advertised as something to do in Cape Town, the truth is, they’re located about 45 minutes outside the city.

So, with 2 weeks in South Africa, it makes sense to dedicate some time to heading out to them individually, rather than squeezing in a day trip.

There is a small fee to enter the beach, and while there is a swimming area (and occasionally penguins head over there for a visit), people are not allowed to get on the beach or swim in the area that the bulk of the penguins congregate.

Drive along the Cape Peninsula to Cape Point.

Cape Point was long considered to be the southern tip of Africa–and even though we’ve since learned that honor actually belongs to Cape Agulhas, this beautiful national park is still worth a quick visit.

The drive from Boulders Beach to Cape Point is one of the prettiest we have ever taken, and the views from Cape Point aren’t bad, either!

Things to Consider in the Cape Winelands & Cape Peninsula

Depending on how you structure your wine tastings, you may need to arrange safe transportation..

This could come in the form of a tour, a shuttle, an Uber, or a taxi–but if everyone in your traveling group plans to partake in the wine, you’ll definitely need a driver.

We didn’t leave any of our tastings in a safe state to drive!

If you aren’t a wine drinker, consider heading straight to the Cape Peninsula.

The Cape Winelands are beautiful, but the wine is definitely their biggest selling point.

With only 2 weeks in South Africa, consider using your time elsewhere if you avoid alcohol.

On your way out of Cape Town, consider stopping at Muizenberg Beach if you haven’t already.

This is the famous surfing beach that is home to colorful beach huts lined up along the sand.

If you aren’t a surfer, you probably won’t make it over to Muizenberg Beach during your time in Cape Town, simply because of the distance–it’s about a 30-minute drive from the V&A Waterfront.

If you’d like to see it, be sure to stop by and check out the beach while you have a car available and are headed in that general direction!

Where to Stay in the Cape Winelands

The Cape Winelands are far too broad to give a thorough list of suggestions for your 2 weeks in South Africa.

Whether you want to stay close to Cape Town, hit up the popular Stellenbosch, or find a country property far from any town, you’ll have a plethora of options.

We can certainly recommend the property we stayed at as an affordable option that makes semi-geographic sense between Cape Town and the Garden Route:

Leipzig Country House & Winery — This property is so beautiful, that the prices seem almost too good to be true!

The rooms are lovely, the views delightful, the wine tasting, and there are plenty of other vineyards nearby for tastings as well.

Just make sure to give them 24 hours’ advance notice if you’d like to have dinner served–we booked at the last minute and unfortunately missed out.

Check prices & book your stay at Leipzig Country House & Winery!

The Garden Route runs along South Africa’s southern coast from the town of Mossel Bay all the way to Eastern Cape, is often ranked as one of the most beautiful roads in the world , and is a fantastic addition to a 2 week South Africa itinerary!

Though it isn’t technically part of the Garden Route, I’m including the town of Hermanus in this section as well.

Hermanus is a popular and logical stop between Cape Town and the Garden Route, known for its beautiful coastline and its nearby Great White Shark population!

Top Things to Do on the Garden Route

Admire the beautiful nature views..

The Garden Route is ultimately about the views: the coastline, the forests, the gorges, the wildlife.

Whether you’re admiring it from your car, from the beach, or from a hike, be sure to enjoy the views during this part of your South Africa itinerary.

Swim with seals.

Talk about a wildlife encounter that you won’t forget anytime soon!

Seals are very playful, and we were so sorry to miss this fantastic experience due to the weather during our South Africa trip.

Hopefully, you can squeeze it into your 2 weeks in South Africa itinerary!

Enjoy some hiking.

The Garden Route is covered in amazing hikes that show off South Africa’s nature at its best.

Be sure to find a couple nearby wherever you decide to stop!

Seek out some adventure.

Does bungee jumping, paragliding, and/or cage diving with Great White Sharks sound like the adventure for you?

The Garden Route has you covered (but we do highly suggest doing some research into the ethics of the whole shark diving thing).

Things to Consider on the Garden Route

Familiarize yourself with the norms of driving in south africa..

We’ll get into this in a lot more detail below, but to keep things short and sweet: check your insurance before renting a car in South Africa, stay vigilant about safety, and, of course, remember that South Africans drive on the left!

Sketch your stops ahead of time.

Do you want to stop in Hermanus, Wilderness, Kn ysna, Plettenberg Bay, or all of the above?

If you follow this 2 week South Africa itinerary, you should have about 3 days for the Garden Route, so unless you are willing to cut time elsewhere, you won’t be able to cover it all.

We recommend picking a couple of must-see spots or activities and going from there.

Luckily, the driving distances aren’t long–Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape is only a little over 8 hours driven straight through–but time management will be key to getting the most out of the Garden Route in 3 days.

Where to Stay Along the Garden Route

Similar to the Cape Winelands, the Garden Route spans an enormous geographic area, and what areas you choose to focus on will determine where you stay (and what kind of trip you’re on–for example, do you need family-friendly hotels in South Africa ?).

That being said, we had a fantastic experience at our property in Wilderness and can highly recommend it!

Sea La Vie — This boutique guesthouse is adorable!

Located just a short walk from the center of Wilderness and with a clear view of the beautiful beach, Sea La Vie has everything you could want in a boutique property: a friendly manager, two dogs who live onsite, a delicious breakfast, and great decor.

We would love to return one day!

Check rates & book your stay at Sea La Vie!

With its enormous size, impressive animal population (including plenty of big cats ), and easy accessibility, it’s no surprise that Kruger National Park is one of the most popular places for a safari in the world!

Kruger National Park is a must-see on any 2 week South Africa itinerary, and even though it is geographically separated from the rest of these destinations, it is absolutely worth the effort required to reach it.

Top Things to Do in Kruger National Park

Stare in awe at all the animals..

Really, a visit to Kruger National Park doesn’t require a long list of things to do: spotting incredible animals on a safari is what the park is all about!

True, you’ll need to decide whether to self-drive or not–we get into that a bit below–but ultimately, all your time in Kruger National Park will more or less be dedicated to admiring wild animals in their natural habitat.

Try to spot the Big Five.

Don’t know exactly which animals these are?

We didn’t either until we arrived.

The Big Five are the lion, leopard, elephant, water buffalo, and rhino (both white and black).

Fun fact: these animals are not known as the Big Five because of their beauty, elusiveness, or anything having to do with how they interact in the wild–they were named the Big Five because hunters considered them the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot.

The nickname has stuck, but these guys are far from the only impressive animals to see in Kruger National Park.

Things to Consider in Kruger National Park

To self-drive or not: that is the major question..

In Kruger National Park, most visitors choose between self-driving (which is exactly what it sounds like), booking game drives (these are held in the large trucks that are synonymous with safaris and come with a guide), or a mix of both.

Enterprising visitors can also take walking safaris, but they need to be booked well in advance!

The major benefits of doing a game drive are having a guide to help spot animals… and also having all the other guides help spot animals, as the guides communicate via radio and will let each other know where something exciting has been spotted.

It’s also, of course, more relaxing–no one has to drive!

Alternatively, self-driving is cheaper, more personal, and comes with tons of freedom.

We considered booking a game drive during our time in Kruger, but ultimately we had too much fun exploring alone to bother spending the extra money to book an experience.

Animals were everywhere –we had no problem spotting on our own–with only the elusive leopard evading us during our time in Kruger.

Frankly, we adored the freedom of driving around for hours at a time (roads were in great condition), and our self-driving game drives were one of the highlights of our time in South Africa.

If you do choose to self-drive, we recommend searching via Discover Cars to find the best rental company (with the best reviews) for your dates.

Shop rental cars for your Kruger National Park safari today!

Try to eat lunch at Lower Sabie Rest Camp one day.

Looking for insider tips for visiting Kruger National Park ?

Be sure to eat lunch at Lower Sabie Rest Camp!

The restaurant here overlooks a major watering hole, and we couldn’t believe the views during lunchtime!

Between arriving at the restaurant a bit before midday and leaving an hour or so later, we spotted dozens of animals making their way to the location.

Lounging hippos, a prowling hyena, a family of elephants, tons of giraffes, plenty of water buffalo, and more all showed up to delight us as we ate lunch.

For the love of elephants and sanity, don’t get out of the car!

This should seriously go without saying, right?

But alas: despite dozens of signs and instructions stating to stay in the car, we still saw multiple people get out of their cars in the presence of wild animals while in Kruger–a couple of them even walking toward elephants that had babies with them!

Stupid. Dumb. Reckless.

Don’t do this.

If there’s only one safari tip you follow, make it this one: for the sake of both you and the wildlife, stay in your car.

You probably don’t need a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

This is a common question, and when you’re planning your 2 week South Africa itinerary it’s bound to come up.

A four-wheel-drive vehicle is unnecessary for Kruger, especially if you’re planning on sticking to the more-traveled southern half of the park (most people do: Kruger National Park is roughly the same size as Israel and Wales).

We got by just fine in the tiniest, most compact car the rental company had on hand, and our fuel bill thanked us for it!

Where to Stay in Kruger National Park

Choosing where to stay in Kruger National Park essentially comes down to one question: would you rather stay on a private game reserve off-site, or within the park itself at one of the rest camps?

Private reserves can offer more luxury but also require driving into the park for each game drive, which can eat up lots of time that could be better spent admiring animals.

Personally, unless you’re after a true luxury experience, we recommend staying within the park itself.

You’ll be a lot closer to the action, and these aren’t campsites like you would think of on hiking trips!

Cabins and restaurants onsite are the norm for the popular rest camps (there are some smaller ones that are for self-catering visitors).

You can book campsites here , and be sure to do so as soon as you’re sure of your dates–they fill up fast!

We stayed at Satara and enjoyed it, though would have slightly preferred staying at Lower Sabie had we been able to get in (they were fully booked when we booked a month in advance).

If you’re looking for something away from the crowds, Olifants is beautiful and further north than the other two I mentioned.

Alternatively, if you’re self-driving throughout your time in Kruger, you could book one night at several camps and slowly make your way through the park without needing to double-back.

This method will be our first choice when we make it back to Kruger National Park!

Two weeks in South Africa isn’t nearly enough to cover the entire country–which is perfectly fine because it makes it easy to justify coming back to cross more spots off your South Africa bucket list !

If you have more than 2 weeks in South Africa, consider adding on time in the coastal city of Durban (there are lots of fun things to do in Durban ), visiting the Addo Elephant Park, road tripping the Wild Coast (the less-stylized cousin of the Garden Route), exploring Johannesburg , and, checking out the stunning Drakensberg Mountains.

For luxury seekers, out-of-this-world safari lodges and a ride on the decadent Blue Train might call your name.

You could also easily spend far more time in Cape Town–we based ourselves there for a month and never got bored–or extend your trip into the small countries almost or entirely enveloped by South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland.

More than any other country we have visited, South Africa reminds us of our homeland of the USA, and a major reason for that is the car culture.

South Africa is a large country that is not densely populated, and the result is that it is–for better or worse–a fantastic country for a road trip.

You won’t necessarily need a car to check out the best things to do in Johannesburg or Cape Town, or even in Kruger National Park if you choose to exclusively explore via organized game drives, but to complete the Garden Route and see the Cape Winelands, renting a car is practically a must.

If you absolutely do not want to drive during your 2 weeks in South Africa, backpackers can consider the Baz Bus that travels throughout South Africa’s main tourist highlights (it has mixed reviews and a difficult-to-manage schedule, but it is an option).

Spendier travelers might consider booking organized tours to take them out to various highlights.

Coming from the USA and having rented cars in several countries including Ireland, Costa Rica, Croatia, Italy, and Mexico, we found the driving perfectly fine in South Africa.

The roads were primarily in very good condition, the traffic organized and reasonable, and once we got used to the whole driving on the left thing, we found road tripping in South Africa to be a positive experience.

Tips for Driving in South Africa

South africans drive on the left..

Simple, I know, but definitely a change to be aware of for those of us used to driving on the right!

Not all rentals come with unlimited kilometers.

If yours doesn’t, be sure to add up the approximate number of kilometers you plan to drive and add any extra charges to your rental car budget.

We found the costs very reasonable, but it’s best to be aware of what you are getting into.

Use Discover Cars to find the prices, reviews, and requirements of several companies at once–both local and international.

Rental insurance is a must.

We found driving in South Africa to be a very comfortable experience, but it is still a country with quite a bit of car-related crime (we’ll get to that in a second) and, for many of us, unfamiliar driving practices.

Be sure to ensure the vehicle you rent, be aware of any excess/deductible you will be responsible for in the event of an issue, and if you plan to use your own policy rather than one through the rental company, double-check that they will cover driving in South Africa.

Carjackings are a problem in South Africa.

This sentence sounds scarier than it is, truly–we never once felt unsafe driving in South Africa–but for this reason, it is recommended to stick to well-traveled, touristic paths and to avoid driving at night.

… And neither are thefts and smash-and-grabs.

Suffice it to say, it’s best to fly under the radar while driving during your 2 weeks in South Africa.

Never leave valuables (or, as numerous signs will warn you, anything ) visible inside your car when you park it, stick to well-lit, watched-over locations, and again–buy insurance.

Tip the car watchers.

Due to the issues with car crime outlined above, South Africa has developed a cultural practice of “car watchers”.

These are people–usually men, and usually fairly down on their luck–who hang around parking spaces to informally guard the cars that are parked there in exchange for tips.

As this is common and expected in South Africa, it’s best just to go along with it and tip a few rand each time you park.

Gas stations are not self-service.

When you pull up to the pump, an attendant will approach you and ask “how much”.

Usually, one person will then pump the gas while the other cleans the windshield and windows.

It’s best to tip a few rand here, as well.

It’s possible to drive rental cars outside of South Africa, but you need to disclose it.

Hoping to expand your 2 week South Africa itinerary and take a side trip into Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, or beyond?

It’s possible–but you’ll need to disclose it to the rental car company to acquire the proper paperwork to cross the border, and that usually comes with a fee.

Certain countries are easier to access than others, as well.

It’s fairly standard practice to drive a South African car into Namibia, but most rental car agencies will not allow you to drive into Mozambique (and those that do expect you to pay handsomely for the privilege).

Flying in South Africa

Domestic flights in South Africa are fairly cheap, and we recommend considering taking advantage of at least one or two of them during your 2 weeks in South Africa, especially when flying to and from Kruger National Park (Nelspruit is the airport right next to the park, Johannesburg is within a day’s drive from Kruger).

South African Airlines is South Africa’s best-known airline, but budget options like Mango, SA Airlink, and Kulula are also popular.

We flew with both South African Airlines and Mango during our time in the country and had no complaints about either.

When discussing traveling in South Africa, discussing safety is inevitable.

In certain areas, South Africa has developed a reputation as a dangerous country.

In some ways, this is outdated advice that applied more to the tumultuous 1990s than the current times, but in others, it’s still very apparent.

Like in some places in Latin America, security is a major, obvious concern in South Africa.

Barbed wire lining the top of concrete walls blocking out private homes, signs warning against leaving valuables in your car, and advice about avoiding driving at night are prevalent.

As discussed above, carjackings are petty theft are both concerns in South Africa, and they shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Now–all that said–the safety situation on the ground in South Africa for tourists is far less dire than one might think.

This 2 week South Africa itinerary follows popular tourist routes that thousands of people take every year, South Africans, in general, are open and friendly people, and we personally see absolutely no reason to stay away due to the current safety concerns.

Like in most places in the world, the areas of South Africa that are most stricken by crime are not the ones that tourists tend to flock to.

We never once felt threatened while in South Africa, and usually felt extremely comfortable.

We did take more safety precautions while traveling, especially when we had a rental car, than we would in Italy or France–we treated our safety with the same vigilance that we would in Colombia or Cambodia.

Our advice regarding staying safe in South Africa is to be vigilant, and to research up-to-date information on specific destinations before you arrive–but to try not to overthink it too much, either.

There’s a good chance that you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how safe you feel during your 2 weeks in South Africa!

There’s no such thing as a bad time to visit… but the best time to visit South Africa does depend on what you’re looking for.

Summer in Cape Town (November to February) is perfect for those looking for warm beach escapes, while hikers may want to consider spring or fall for cooler weather.

On the other hand, July to November (aka winter) are the best times to visit if you’re hoping to spot whales during your 2 weeks in South Africa.

In Kruger National Park, the summer (wet) season makes for prettier landscapes in photos, but the winter (dry) season brings easier animal sightings.

If you have a wide variety of choices regarding when you experience this itinerary for 2 weeks in South Africa, we recommend structuring it around the best time to do your most sought-after activity, whether that’s surfing, safari, hiking, or something else, and letting the rest of the pieces fall into place from there.

Of course, if you’re coming from the northern hemisphere like us, be sure to remember that the seasons are flipped in South Africa!

We definitely made some mistakes on our own South Africa packing list–here’s what we recommend you bring along for 2 weeks in South Africa.

Travel Insurance   — Definitely be sure not to visit South Africa without travel insurance!

We use and recommend  Safety Wing  for their ease of purchase and the clarity of their contract.

For visiting South Africa, we actually upgraded to the highest level of coverage with World Nomads because it covers more adventures (and includes CDW for rental cars).

Double-check the list before purchasing to make sure you get the right coverage for your trip!

This safe makes it incredibly easy to keep valuables safe abroad, and we used it throughout South Africa.

Be sure to add adapters to your packing list when planning your South Africa itinerary.

Don’t forget to put some on your packing list for South Africa!

Come prepared and put a pair of Sea Bands (I swear by these, they’re amazing) and some Non-Drowsy Dramamine!

Be sure to check out our full suggested packing list for South Africa before you go!

About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

19 thoughts on “The Ultimate 2 Weeks in South Africa Itinerary”

Gahhh this post has me wanting to go so badly! Maybe it’ll be my 30th birthday gift to myself ;D

Yes! I like that plan. South Africa is right up your alley. 😀

South Africa has been on the top of my list for way too long. Hoping to finally get there in 2019. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, Eden! Fingers crossed that 2019 is the year it works out for you.

Hello. Thanks for the thoroughly explained itinerary. Question: is it possible to follow your schedule if flying in/out of Johannesburg or do you recommend flying into one and out off the other so that one can rent a car and drop it off at the end of the trip?

Either way is absolutely fine! There are plenty of inexpensive budget flights in between Cape Town and Johannesburg, so you can easily do it either way–just depends on your flight plan and how much you care to drive.

Hi Kate, first of all thank you for a wonderfully detailed but easy to follow itinerary for two weeks in South Africa, and for your advice on things to see and do. I’m thinking about visiting SA in December 2019 (14-28th) alone…do you think it is a place suited to solo travelers? My concern is more around the safety side of it as I hear not to go out at night, don’t go hiking alone etc. I have travelled to many places in the world alone, at been out at night without issue. I’m also quite flexible because i’m travelling alone, I was thinking one week CT followed by a drive along the Garden route and stopping at some of your suggested places. I would plan to fly in/out of Cape Town but could possibly do Jo Burg. Your advice would be appreciated. Thanks, Matt

Obviously we’re not solo travelers, so can’t offer much personal advice in that regard, but I will say I know several people who have taken solo trips to South Africa and loved it. I think it can be a wonderful solo travel destination. CT/the Garden Route are very well-traveled and you’ll almost certainly meet other solo travelers there.

I’d recommend being more cautious than in your average European city or backpacker haunt in SEA, and strongly consider going on a tour if you want to hike at sunset or later, but I definitely don’t think you should stay home! I’d treat it much like any other trip, but err on the side of caution and joining a group for anything particularly out of the way or at night.

Hope that helps and that you have a fabulous trip!

Love how detailed the post is.Please, let us know in which month you have visited? We are considering end of may 2020 and we would like to follow your itinerary. Adding in the bungee jumping and paragliding in garden route as well.

We were in South Africa from August-October, with a side trip into Mozambique at the beginning of September. We drove the Garden Route in mid-October!

Ahhh… my lovely, beautiful country! The most beautiful country in the world. All people should have it on the top of their bucket list!

You have an absolutely beautiful home! We’d love to return one of these days.

Fingers crossed for 2021, August through October. Planning to begin in Johannesburg for 2 weeks; Kruger NP and Panorama Route for 2 weeks; Durban/Drakensberg/Sani Pass for 2 weeks; Port Elizabeth for 1 week; Mossel Bay and Garden Route for 1 week; Cape Town and Winelands for 1 month.

Flying into JNB, Nelspruit, Durban, then considering Baz Bus for Durban to Cape Town. Rental car for Kruger and Panorama Route only.

I am so excited and ready for this experience!!!!!

My fingers are crossed for you too! August-October was the exact timeframe of our trip a couple of years ago, and we absolutely adored it. Hope you have an amazing trip! 🙂

Thank you so much for the advice. After being on my bucket list for over 30 year’s I am finally going to SA next year for my 50th SOOOO excited. I’m just trying to get my head around itinerary and transport as we are hoping to go to watch British lions match in Johannesburg and also do a few days voluntary work at the AMAZING Goedgedacht Trust Farm. I was a bit fearful of self drive but having read your post I think we could possibly brave hiring a car. Thanks again for the inspiration and top tips.

Congratulations on such a bucket-list trip!! I hope that it’s everything you’ve dreamed of. South Africa is absolutely stunning, and I don’t think you’ll regret hiring the car in the slightest! Some of my favorite travel memories of all time are from self-driving Kruger. 🙂 Good luck!

Just came across this post. Extremely well-written, helpful, and informative. Will definitely be checking out your other articles. Happy travels!

Thanks so much, Ryan! Hope you love your trip to South Africa as much as we loved ours. 🙂

I have lived in SA all my life and must say, your comments about things to see in South Africa are spot-on! Thanks for the wonderful photos. Pity you missed the amazing Drakensberg mountains. With the current exchange rate, you probably found South Africa one of the cheapest countries in the world as well. Next time you are here, let me know. I will offer you free accommodation and show you around.

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Wild Junket

The Perfect 2-Week South Africa Itinerary

Last Updated on June 6, 2024

Dreaming of an epic South Africa trip? Check out my detailed 2-week South Africa itinerary that brings you from the coast to the savanna.

If you think  South Africa is all about wildlife safari, think again. The country is one of the most diverse I’ve been — with cosmopolitan cities along dramatic coastlines that fringe wild savannas and rugged mountain range.

You can easily go from game-driving in the African bushveld to surfing on the beach or wine-tasting at lush vineyards in a matter of hours. Plus it’s home to many historical sites that have witnessed some major turning points in world’s history.

I love South Africa so much that I’ve been 4 times! On each trip, I’ve discovered a different side to the multi-faceted country. For first-timer visitors, I have put together this South Africa itinerary to pack in the best of South Africa in 2 weeks.

Table of Contents

Explore V&A Waterfront

Visit nelson mandela’s cell on robben island, wander around bo kaap, watch sunset at camps bay, where to stay in cape town, hike up table mountain, take the cable car down, try paragliding over table mountain, visit the townships of cape town, spend the evening at long street, visit charming fishing villages, hike along trails and boardwalks, do the chapman’s peak drive, visit spier wine farm, taste peter falke wine, ride the wine tram, visit apartheid museum, explore soweto township, dine at carnivore restaurant, where to stay in johannesburg, south africa itinerary day 7: cradle of humankind, itinerary days 8-10: welgevonden game reserve, where to stay in welgevonden, where to stay in kruger, south africa itinerary day 14: fly home, garden route, saint lucia, drakensberg mountains, how to get to south africa, travel insurance for south africa, by car rental, best time to travel south africa, how much does this south africa itinerary cost, travel independently or on guided tour, health and vaccines in south africa, enjoy your trip to south africa, travel resources, the ultimate south africa itinerary.

With 2 weeks in South Africa, you’ll barely scratch the surface of this mega-diverse country. But you will still be able to experience the best of South Africa in 2 weeks, if you follow this itinerary.

In this South Africa itinerary, we will get to explore mainly the Cape, Johannesburg and Kruger areas. I recommend hiring a car in each area and flying between Cape Town and Jo’burg.

Summary of this South Africa Itinerary:

• Days 1-3: Cape Town
• Day 4: Day Trip to Cape Peninsula
• Day 5: Day Trip to Cape Winelands
• Day 6: Fly to Johannesburg
• Day 7: Day Trip to Cradle of Humankind
• Days 8-10: Welgevonden Private Reserve
• Days 11-13: Kruger National Park
• Day 14: Fly home!

South Africa Itinerary Day 1: Cape Town

Start your South Africa itinerary in the Mother City: Cape Town, one of my favorite cities in the world . Cape Town is a stunning coastal city fringed by dramatic beaches and crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain.

Get your bearings at the V&A Waterfront , home to South Africa’s oldest harbor. If you’re lucky (like me), there are high chances of seeing sea lions swimming around the harbor or suntanning on the deck here.

With epic views of the Table Mountain and a central location, the waterfront is a popular hangout spot for Capetonians. Today it is a collection of restaurants and shops offering fresh produce and local products.

The V&A Waterfront is where you can catch the ferry to Robben Island (which departs every 1-2 hours). Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years of political imprisonment here on the island.

The Robben Island tour is led by a former political prisoner, who’ll bring you to key sites on the island whilst recounting his own personal story of imprisonment here. It gives a sobering but insightful peek into the oppression of the apartheid regime. Book your tour here!

After the eye-opening visit, head to Cape Town’s most colorful neighborhood:  Bo Kaap . This small downtown neighborhood is the Cape Malay Quarter and is famous for the multicolour single-story Cape Dutch houses.

The origins of the area date back to the 1700s when the Dutch colonisers imported slaves from Malaysia, Indonesia and Africa to Cape Town. When slavery was abolished in the 1830s, the slaves painted their homes in bright colors to celebrate their freedom.

Thanks to its location by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is blessed with beautiful beaches and a surfing culture. One of the best beaches to catch sunset is Camps Bay, poised along the foothills of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range.

Camps Bay is lined with palm trees, white sand and buzzing beach bars. Do a romantic picnic with your partner or sit in one of the cool beach bars and watch the sun fade into the Atlantic Ocean with a cocktail in hand!

There are a few areas most travelers stay in: the V&A Waterfront has mostly luxury hotels, Long Street has mid range boutique hotels, while Camps Bay is great for affordable apartments with excellent seaviews.

Airbnb: Camps Bay Apartment

This beautiful 2-bedroom apartment (for 4) in Camps Bay has stunning views of the mountains and sea. It also has a pool and huge terrace. Surprisingly affordable! Check rates here.

Mid Range: The Grand Daddy

On my second trip, I stayed at this quirky boutique hotel and absolutely loved it. Its rooftop has several Airstream trailers (where you can stay in!) and an outdoor bar with cinema nights. Check rates here.

Luxury: The Table Bay Hotel

I stayed at this iconic landmark hotel (pictured) on my first trip to South Africa and it left an amazing first impression. Located at the V&A Waterfront, the 5-star luxury hotel has beautiful views of the harbor and Table Mountain. Check rates here.

South Africa Itinerary Day 2: Cape Town

What makes  Cape Town such a stunning place is not the city itself, but rather the location. Table Mountain dominates the city, looming over the City Bowl and Camps Bay area. There are two ways to summit Table Mountain – by cable car or on foot. I recommend hiking to the top and descending by cable car for the full experience.

Hiking Table Mountain is a wonderful way to explore the indigenous fynbos (type of forest), spot wildlife like the  dassies  (rock hyrax), and enjoy spectacular views.

The easiest and quickest route to the top is via  Platteklip Gorge , which leads hikers through a ravine on the face of the mountain. This route takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete and is the most popular.

At the summit, there’s an opportunity to explore the mountain top along three easy trails affording 360-degree views of the city, Atlantic Seaboard and the mountain chain stretching across the Cape Peninsula.

To get down, catch the Table Mountain aerial cableway . Tickets are around USD $20-25 per adult. They have been ferrying passengers to the top of Table Mountain for almost 90 years, and with its 360* rotating floor and epic views its definitely worth taking the ride.

If you’re an adventure seeker, there are plenty of exciting ways to explore the Table Mountain National Park. Abseil off the top of Table Mountain or go mountain biking with a group. I went paragliding off Lion’s Head and it was a surreal experience flying so close to the top of Table Mountain! Book Your Experience here.

South Africa Itinerary Day 3: Cape Town

To get under the surface of Cape Town, head out to the townships or informal settlements, or townships. These ramshackle towns that spill out for miles along the highways are the most visible scars of the apartheid era, when non-whites were forced out of their homes.

Visiting townships can be controversial, but I believe that traveling with a responsible operator can make a big difference and bring attention to people who need help.

I went on a township cycling tour through Masiphumelele , a township at the edge of Kommetjie. The tour brought us into the township, meeting locals and getting to know them. We had pap (maize porridge) and braai (barbecue) at a local eatery, and visited a sangoma (traditional healer). It was absolutely insightful and definitely worth the experience.

Running through the centre of Cape Town is Long Street, a vibrant road flanked by local eateries and bars. This is the palpitating heart of Cape Town and it truly comes alive at night.

I stayed at Long Street on one of my trips to South Africa, and had such a good time hanging out with locals here. Don’t miss Mama Africa that serves food from all over Africa, as well as Long Street Cafe , a Cape Town institution set in an old Victorian-style building.

South Africa Itinerary Day 4: Cape Peninsula

Next day, rent a car and go on a scenic drive to the Cape Peninsula , and southwesternmost point of the African continent! If you don’t drive, check out this Cape Point day tour.

The road hugs the cliff, meandering along the edge of the  Table Mountain  all the way to Cape of Good Hope. On one side, the steep slopes plunge dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean; and on the other, needle-sharp peaks soar into the sky.

Start out from  Muizenberg (known for the colorful houses on the beach) and make your first stop at  Kalk Bay , a bohemian village littered with a flurry of antique shops, flea markets and indie boutiques.

Continue down to  Simon’s Town , the third oldest town in South Africa. The town is best known for the African Penguin colony that inhabit the nearby  Boulders Beach . A wooden boardwalk weaves through the penguin’s habitat, allowing intimate encounters with the cute little animals.

After making a stop at the Cape of Good Hope, continue driving towards the Cape Point lighthouse , set dramatically against the crashing ocean. Cliff trails wind around the vegetation and lead to the lighthouse, we took just twenty minutes to hike along the trail, before we were treated to expansive views of the ocean.

Drive back via the Atlantic Seaboard through the town of Scarborough and the gorgeous surfing beach of  Noordhoek . The day trip culminates at  Chapman’s Peak Drive , where you can drink in a view of the crescent-shaped bay and spot sealions and sharks swimming beneath.

South Africa Itinerary Day 5: Cape Winelands

On your last day in Cape Town, drive out to the beautiful Cape Winelands (1 hour away) and visit some of South Africa’s most famous wine estates.   You can also book a Cape Winelands tour or winelands ebike tour that includes a few tastings.

The most popular town of the Cape Winelands is Stellenbosch , and it’s definitely worth visiting for its photogenic setting. If you have some extra time, don’t miss the equally beautiful Franschhoek just a 30-minute drive away.

This is one of Stellenbosch’s oldest working wineries, with a heritage dating back to 1692. The owners are passionate art lovers and the winery is home to one of the largest collections of contemporary South African art in the world.

Enjoy wine tasting at the Groenvlei Estate, and admire the traditional 18th century Cape Dutch buildings. The pretty winery is open for tastings from Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm.

Then, hop on the vintage Franschoek wine tram , to tour wineries without getting behind the wheel of a car. You can hop on and off whenever you want and visit up to 5 wineries in a day. You need to book your tickets in advance.

South Africa Itinerary Day 6: Johannesburg

It’s time to explore more of South Africa! Catch a domestic flight to Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city. Flights from Cape Town usually cost around US$70 each way.

Many people skip Jo’burg altogether, but they miss out on many insightful museums and historical sites that are quintessential to any South Africa trip. The city is now dedicated to preserving the memories of heroes who transformed the country into what it is today.

NOTE: Safety is still an issue in Johannesburg. Don’t walk around at night, and don’t leave anything visible in the car.

Rent another car and make a beeline for the Apartheid Museum, a must-see in my opinion. It is a sobering experience, but an essential one if you want to understand South Africa’s history and identity.

The museum shows the rise and fall of the apartheid system through spine-chilling film footage, photography and historical artifacts. It’s an emotional and eye-opening experience — prepare to shed some tears. Book a guided tour in advance here.

Short for “South Western Township”, Soweto is the epicenter for many important turning points throughout South Africa’s history. It’s easy and safe to explore Soweto on your own, but if you prefer to have a guide, check out this guided township tour .

The most famous spot in Soweto is Vilakazi Street – once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Mandela’s former abode is now a museum, and Archbishop Tutu still resides in his Soweto home.

Another Soweto museum thats recount the struggle to end apartheid include the somber Hector Pieterson Museum that honors the schoolchildren slain in a police massacre.

One of the most famous restaurants in Jo’burg is Carnivore , located in Muldersdrift (you’ll need a car or taxi to get here). It offers authentic African braai (barbecue) and a buffet of grilled venison meat and South African side dishes. Book a table here!

Johannesburg is a lot more spread out than Cape Town — you’ll need a car no matter where you’re staying. Maboneng has some hipster boutique hotels, while Sandton (upscale residential area) offers plenty of well-priced Airbnb and luxury apartments.

Airbnb: One Hyde Park

One Hyde Park has affordable, luxurious 1/2-bedroom apartments in Sandton, perfect for couples or families. This particular Airbnb has a fully equipped kitchen and pool. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Hallmark Hotel

I’ve stayed at this hotel a few times and always enjoyed my stay. It’s a unique boutique hotel right in the heart of Downtown Jo’burg, serving excellent food in their restaurant. Check rates here.

Luxury: Odyssey Luxury Apartments

On our most recent trip, we stayed at Odyssey (pictured) as the apartment is spacious (for families) and not overly expensive. It’s also a 5-minute walk from Morningside Shopping Centre in Sandton. Check rates here.

Next, rise early for a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: The  Cradle of Humankind . It is internationally recognised as the place where humankind began.

Discovered in 1924, the first-ever hominid fossil is on display here at the Maropeng Visitor Centre. There are13 excavation sites, including the Sterkfontein Caves. You can also catch a glimpse of pre-human skull dubbed “Mrs Ples”, and a near-complete hominid skeleton called “Little Foot”.

Also situated within the World Heritage site reserve is the  Lion and Safari Park , a 1,000ha (2,471-acre) animal sanctuary. You can book a guided game drive or go wildlife-watching in your own rented vehicle. If you’re not driving, check out this day tour.

Finally, it’s time to head into the African bushveld to see the Big Five ! There’s no shortage of national parks and reserves near Johannesburg — I recommend Welgevonden as it’s 3 hours from Jozi and it breaks down the long drive to Kruger National Park.

Welgevonden is a small, private reserve. There’s a limit on vehicles allowed in the park, so it’s not as saturated as many Kruger. I actually prefer small reserves as animals are more concentrated and easier to spot. I recommend at least 2 nights here as you’ll have only 2 game drives/day.

Welgevonden is home to over 50 different mammals, including the  Big Five , hippo, kudu, giraffe, zebra, warthog, and cheetah. The reserve also has one of the largest populations of white rhino of any of Africa’s private reserves. We saw plenty, which is a great sign of the work they’re doing against poaching!

What You Need to Know about Game Drives

Game drives are always around dawn (6-9am) and dusk (5-8pm). Each game drive can run up to three hours long, and can sometimes involve a lot of driving and no signs of animals. 

Some reserves allow self-drive safaris , while others don’t. We have done both, and recommend doing guided game drives as wildlife guides are much better as spotting animals and can share interesting info on wildlife. Read my detailed safari packing list.

In Africa, a lodge isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s where you’ll be doing relaxing and spending all your time at. When choosing your safari lodge, consider these points:

• Are game drives included? Most lodges include 2 drives/day.
• Is it a fenced property? Some lodges are not fenced i.e. you might find a zebra outside your door in the morning!
• Does the lodge have a waterhole where animals come for water everyday? If yes, you’ll get to view animals right from your porch.
• Is there a pool? It can be a great way to cool down in the afternoons.
• What facilities does it have? Don’t have expect to find WiFi at even the most exclusive safari lodge.
• If you’re going on safari with kids , check if they accept children. In South Africa, many safari lodges have a minimum age requirement — typically 6 or 8.

Unfortunately safari lodges are expensive and there are no budget options in private reserves like Welgevonden. But keep in mind that all your meals, lodging and game drives are included.

Budget: La Rive Waterberg Accommodation

At 14 miles (22km) from Welgevonden Game Reserve, this guesthouse has an outdoor pool and comfortable rooms with mountain views. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Ekuthuleni Lodge

We stayed at this lodge on our recent trip and had the best time. Read my detailed review. With only 5 suites, this intimate safari lodge is exclusive and luxurious. The 2-level bungalows are fantastic for families on African safari with kids .   Check rates here.

Luxury: Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway 

Located on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Sterkstroom River, this luxury lodge features suites with private terraces and plunge pools surrounded by the indigenous bushveld. Check rates here.

Itinerary Days 11-13: Kruger National Park

We’ve saved the best for the last — prepare for the highlight of your South Africa trip! Kruger is undoubtedly the largest and most popular national park in South Africa . Here’s where you will get the best wildlife watching opportunities.

The national park has a high density of wildlife — including all kinds of bird life and the Big Five. I had my closest wildlife experiences here in Kruger: being charged by an elephant, seeing lions mate, and watching the lilac breast roller showing off his rainbow colored feathers.

You’ll want to spend at least 3 nights in Kruger. Every single game drive is unique and you’ll get different experiences. I recommend booking guided game drives as guides are trained to spot animals from a distance.

Kruger is massive, and there are many camps within the national park itself and in the Greater Kruger area, but they are pricey. If you’re on a budget, I suggest staying in Hazyview just outside the park. However, you’ll be missing out on the chance to sleep in the bush and wake up to sounds of wildlife outside your window.

Budget: Tjimaka

Located outside of Hazyview, Tjimaka features self-catering accommodations 20 minutes’ drive from Kruger. Overlooking a small lake, rooms are equipped with cooking facilities and an outdoor pool. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Sabie River Bush Lodge

On the banks of the Sabie River, this bush lodge overlooks the river and national park. The luxury bush tents offer great value for money   with an outdoor deck, pool and playground. Check rates here.

Luxury: Hamiltons Tented Camp

Located within Kruger NP, this 5-star luxury tented lodge is surrounded by ancient trees and wildlife. Decorated in colonial style, its luxury tents feature teak floors and vintage furnishings reminiscent of safaris in the early 20th century. Check rates here.

Sadly your 2 weeks in South Africa have come to an end. It’s a 6-hour drive back to Johannesburg from Kruger National Park. Make sure to give yourself enough time to catch your flight home.

I suggest staying at an airport hotel to rest up before flying home the next day. Protea Hotel by Marriott Transit is located inside the airport terminal and is an excellent place to rest before flying.

More South Africa Itinerary Ideas

If you’ve got more than 2 weeks in South Africa, there are definitely a lot more of the country worth exploring. Here are some parts of South Africa that I’ve been and would recommend visiting.

Adventure seekers alert! Just 1-2 hour’s drive from Cape Town is the town of Gaansbaai, famous for its dense population of great white sharks. Here you can go cage shark diving , an exhilarating experience where you get up close to the great white. Learn how misunderstood these creatures are and get to know them on a deeper level.

One of the most famous road trips in South Africa, the Garden Route is a scenic and ecologically diverse region near Cape Town. It stretches 300-kilometers (190 miles) from Mossel Bay (a 5+ hour drive from Cape Town), ending in Storms River. You can definitely add this to your itinerary if you have 3 weeks in South Africa. Don’t miss the Addo Elephant National Park, one of the best national parks in South Africa .

Home to the iSimangliso Wetland Park, St Lucia is an adventure hub offering lots of outdoor activities and wildlife safari opportunities. Take a cruise in the estuary and spot hundreds of hippos and crocodiles,   or go on a whale watching excursion to see humpbacks in the Indian Ocean.

Durban is a hip, coastal city with the energy and character of an African city intertwined with British heritage and Asian influence. Stay at the iconic Oyster Box Hotel , admire colonial architecture in downtown Durban, try a dish of bunny chow that Durban is oh-so-famous for, or take a long stroll along the beachfront boulevard of Umhlanga Rocks.

Known affectionately as the Berg, the mighty Drakensberg Mountains are absolutely spectacular. The rugged mountains are often described as a ‘barrier of spears’, which runs along the border of South Africa and Lesotho. We spent a few days here when traveling to Lesotho and were absolutely floored by the dramatic landscapes.

South Africa Travel Guide

The main gateway to South Africa are the Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). South African Airways is the national airline and serves many major cities in the world.

This South Africa itinerary starts and ends in Cape Town. You can find  flights from New York to Cape Town via Istanbul for around US$750 return. For those in Europe, you can fly  direct from London to Nairobi  (9hours) for around $550 return.

Regardless of how long you’re traveling, it’s important to have travel insurance. It’ll cover you in case of incidents or mishaps like theft, loss of luggage and flight cancellation. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.

Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.

How to Get Around South Africa

The best way to get around South Africa is by car hire. Most roads are in good condition and all road signs are in English. We’ve driven South Africa several times, and never had any issue.

You don’t need a 4WD and car rental is really affordable here (prices as low as $200 for 2 weeks in South Africa).  You can even do  self-drive safari in certain national parks and reserves. I suggest hiring a car in Cape Town at the airport and another one in Johannesburg.

As the country is big, you’ll need to fly to get from the Cape Town to Johannesburg. Domestic flights are rather cheap — you can find the cheapest flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town on Mango Airlines for US$70. Mango flights are some of the cheapest you’ll find.

It’s also possible to fly from Johannesburg to Nelspruit (nearest town to Kruger NP)on Airlink for just $70 each way. Flying cuts down the travel time from 6 hours by road to just 40 minutes.

South Africa is a year-round destination. Depending on where you travel in South Africa, each region has different climate and wildlife opportunities.

In general, the best time to visit South Africa is f rom May to September. These are the cooler winter months in the northern regions (Johannesburg area), which bring superb conditions for viewing big game.

Summer in South Africa runs from November to February. During these months, the southern coast (Cape Town area) has beautiful, hot, dry weather. The average temperature is around 73-79 °F (23-26°C). The best time to visit the Cape for whale watching is between July and November.

South Africa isn’t a cheap destination compared to the rest of Africa, but it is definitely more affordable than most of US, UK and Canada. Car rental is cheap, you can find rates as low as $15/day. Accommodation is also affordable — you can find luxury apartments on Airbnb for $70/night.

However, wildlife safaris are generally expensive, with lodges charging a minimum of $250/night. Keep in mind that all your meals, lodging and game drives are included. The cheapest  3-day budget safari in Kruger you can find is $450/ person.

Expect to spend at least $2000 over 2 weeks in South Africa. This is based on midrange accommodation and hiring your own car.

South Africa is relatively easy to explore independently, especially in the area surrounding Cape Town. I recommend hiring a car and doing the South Africa trip on your own.

If you don’t drive, it might be easier to join a guided tour. Having a guide, especially in the national parks, can make a big difference as wildlife guides are trained to spot animals and have a wealth of knowledge on wildlife.

On my first trip to South Africa, I went on this 28-day Southern Africa Overland tour with G Adventures. I’ve traveled with G Adventures many times (to Antarctica, Brazil, Mongolia and Nepal) and had a blast on every single trip. For those with just 2 weeks in South Africa, check out this 10-day Cape Town to Kruger trip.

If you’re only looking for budget camping safaris, check out these budget wildlife safari that include transport from major cities:

• From Johannesburg: 3-Day Affordable Safari in Kruger
• From Johannesburg: 6-Day Classic Kruger Safari
• From Cape Town: 2-Day Safari in Aquila Reserve
• From Cape Town: 3-Day Garden Route & Safari

Certain parts of South Africa have malaria and yellow fever risks. Kruger National Park, for instance, is a malaria zone. There are a few suggested vaccinations and medications for South Africa, but none are mandatory.

For malaria, consult your doctor and bring malaria medication from home (Malarone is the most popular). Note that they might have side effects. You’ll need to start taking them a few days before your trip and continue for a few weeks after your South Africa trip.

Don’t leave this until the last minute. Check the  CDC website to see what vaccinations you need.

Suggested vaccinations for South Africa:

• Yellow fever
• Hepatitis A and B

2 weeks in South Africa will definitely allow you to experience the best of the country.  I hope this South Africa itinerary will help you plan your own adventure. Feel free to bookmark it or print it out and bring this itinerary with you on your South Africa trip.

In our opinion, this is the best South Africa road trip you can do. It’s the perfect balance of wildlife, outdoor, historical and cultural experiences. It’s not too rushed and you’ll get to see South Africa at a comfortable pace.

Here are some other articles I’ve written on Africa:

• Best Safari Parks in Africa
• African Safari with Kids
• 2-Week Kenya Itinerary
• Swaziland Travel Guide
• The Annual Migration at Masai Mara
• What to Pack for Safari
• The Ultimate Kenya Travel Guide

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. I’ll get a small commission when you book anything through my links, at NO extra cost to you. I only recommend companies I have personally used and enjoyed.

Inspired? Pin it!

Over the years (and traveling to 140+ countries), I’ve learned a thing or two about travel planning. I’ve put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! For more details, check out my travel tips resource page .

• Booking Flights : Kayak is brilliant for finding the best dates to fly as it allows you to search for the lowest airfares within a 3-day period. Then I use Skyscanner as they’ve consistently given me the lowest airfares.
• Accommodations:  I always use  Booking.com   to book hotels, mainly because of the flexible cancellation policy and good customer service. You can also find short-term rental apartments there (I prefer not to use Airbnb due to the extra charges).
• Travel Insurance:  It’s important to have travel insurance, regardless of whether you’re traveling for a few days or months. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers any healthcare expenses I may have worldwide. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
• Health Advice:  I always refer to the travel guides on the   CDC website  for recommended medications and vaccines. You can get them at your travel doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
• Tours:  If you’re looking for all-encompassing tours, I recommend small-group adventure tour outfitter, G Adventures . I’ve traveled with them to Antarctica, Mongolia, Svalbard, and Nepal, and loved every single trip. For day tours, I always book with  Viator  and  GetYourGuide ; they have easy booking systems and free cancellations.
• Car Rental: I always book car rentals on Discover Cars , as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and customer service (with free cancellations). We’ve used them in Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Mexico.
• Transportation : Whenever possible, I book local transportation online using  Bookaway and Busbud . They’re more reliable than many local transport websites and cover trains, buses, and car hire.
• Restaurants: TripAdvisor is my go-to resource for restaurant reviews and bookings. I also make restaurant reservations on OpenTable .
• Travel WiFi: I always travel with my Travel WiFi Sapphire 2 device; it’s the most convenient way to get internet data on the go. Instead of getting a local SIM card in every country I travel, I get an internet data package online and the device works immediately when I land.

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

Hi! My fiancé and I want to travel to South Africa for our honeymoon. I can’t find any flights for lower than approx. $1,800 per person—you mentioned that they are obtainable for approx. $750. Any advice for finding more affordable flights? Thanks in advance!

hi Savannah, prices have skyrocketed this summer. Try to avoid traveling during the holiday season. The low season in South Africa is between March to May and September to November, when airfares are lowest. Also, you can use the ‘+-3 days’ function on Kayak to find the cheapest dates to fly. Another alternative is to fly from another airport near you that might have cheaper fares. Hope this helps!

Hi Nellie A very informative and dedicated site! Everyone visits the Northern Drakensberg and no one really knows about the Southern Drakensberg and the Sani Pass into Lesotho and visiting /interacting with Basotho people! Why is this ?

hi Ray, we wanted to do the Sani Pass into Lesotho actually! But everyone recommends having a 4WD for that, so we took a different route. We drove into Lesotho and had a great time there. I think the Sani Pass is pretty famous and many people know about it!

Excellent write up!!! The way you have described each destination and the details provided will surely help any first timer to be confident about their bookings! Loved it !

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10 Days in South Africa: Itinerary for an Amazing Trip

South Africa has something to offer every type of traveler. World-renowned food, adventure, fantastic wine, wildlife beyond expectation, beautiful mountains, and large, eclectic cities await you in this amazing country! We decided to make our trip to South Africa our honeymoon after our beautiful wedding in Eureka Springs . Here’s your perfect 10 day South Africa itinerary.

If you’re reading this post, you likely know South Africa is one of those places you must visit and should be on everyone’s bucket list. This itinerary for 10 days in South Africa will help you see some of the best places in the country. I’ll also include some optional add-ons you will want to consider at the end!

Table of Contents

This itinerary also assumes you have 10 full days. If you do not, I’d recommend eliminating days 2 and 6 and instead flying from Johannesburg to Cape Town to save those days for travel.

Cost: $2400 a person through Exoticca. We upgraded things in our itinerary below with credit points, which made luxury possible and was terrific! See my travel hacking guide and affordable travel course for more.

 Plan to budget $10-30, depending on where you eat and drink in a day. Uber is typically around $2-$7 per trip. Grab my  free vacation budget planner by subscribing !

Things to Know Before You 10 Days in South Africa

Overall, South Africa is safe to travel to as long as you remain vigilant. The crime rate is high, and incidents including petty theft, armed robberies, and carjacking are common. The good news is that the sunset is relatively late, making it easy to grab dinner before returning to your hotel. You can also Uber safely in South Africa.

• You can DIY a trip to South Africa, but many people book through a tour company to simplify things . I think the safari would have been most difficult to do alone. You can spend your time in Cape Town independently easily. 
• Be realistic about how much you can do and see in 10 days . South Africa is huge and impossible to see in just 10 days. I’ll give some suggestions and considerations toward the end of this post to extend your trip.
• Hot water, electricity, and wifi are available everywhere, but outages are possible , even in the nicest parts of town. Stay flexible and plan ahead to go with the flow!
• You will probably need an adapter when visiting South Africa. Here’s a great universal adapter . If you are from the UK, Australia, or South Korea, there’s no need to bring one along on your trip.
• The standard voltage in South Africa is 230C with a frequency of 50Hz. The plugs are type C, D, M, and N. Most sockets take a type M plug, but your hotel should also have other sockets. If you are bringing a hair dryer or straightener, invest in a converter too.
•   There is no subway or metro in South Africa, but Uber is readily available. There are also hop on, hop off tour bus companies in Cape Town and Johannesburg, which stop at nearly all the tourist spots.
• Renting a car is easy in South Africa , but like many places in Europe, you will pay a lot more for an automatic. They also drive on the left side of the road, which is an adjustment for those of us used to driving on the right! Leave your car doors locked, and when leaving the vehicle, leave nothing of value visible in your car.
•   Rand (ZAR) is the currency (approximately 1 USD = 15.11 ZAR) , and while it is easy to use your credit card, it is good to have cash on hand for tips and shops.
• ATMs are easily accessible in most shopping malls, petrol stations, and supermarkets if you want to withdraw money. It’s best not to travel South Africa with large amounts of cash.

Photo by Clodagh Da Paixao on Unsplash

Day 1 Explore Johannesburg

Spend the day exploring South Africa’s largest city Johannesburg. It’s the best place to start the trip because of its location close to Kruger and as a major airport. airport.

Note: Some people choose to fly straight to Kruger from Johannesburg on the same day. This largely depends on the timing of your flight or if you decide to take a car. I’ll talk more about this later, but for now, more about Johanne take a car. I’ll talk more about this later, but for now, more about Johannesburg!

You can see the majority of Johannesburg’s main sites in a day. The hop-on-hop- off tour bus makes it easy to get around to significant sites, or you can book a tour that includes Soweto and see the city!

I always think taking a tour on the first day of your trip to a new country is a good idea. You can get suggestions from a local, orient yourself, and learn about where you are about to spend the next 9 days! 

About Johannesburg

Located in the Gauteng province, it began as a 19th-century gold-mining settlement. It is still a central hub for business in South Africa. The city is a real cultural hub and a great place to catch live music performances and indulge in trendy bars and restaurants. I recommend the Sandton neighborhood for this!

What to See in Johannesburg

While spending your day in Johannesburg, here’s a few things you can’t miss.

• Apartheid Museum will help you explore the history and the struggle for freedom in South Africa at this highly acclaimed museum. It provides a powerful and insightful look into the country’s past and its journey towards democracy.
• Soweto Township was once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Mandela’s former residence is now the Mandela House Museum and well worth a visit. It’s recommended you take a tour to visit this area. 
• Constitution Hill is an important historic site that was once a prison complex and is now home to the Constitutional Court of South Africa. Through interactive exhibits and guided tours, visitors can learn about the country’s journey to democracy and human rights struggles.
• Neighbourgoods Market will help you explore Johannesburg’s vibrant food and arts scene at the Neighbourgoods Market in the trendy neighborhood of Braamfontein. Sample delicious street food, shop for locally-made crafts, and enjoy live music and entertainment.

For your two nights in Johannesburg, I’d recommend staying somewhere in Sandton. Sandton is a commercial and residential district north of the city. It has several fabulous restaurants, cafes, and very walkable shops . One of the main attractions in Sandton is Sandton City, which ranks among the largest shopping centers in Africa.

EAT: Our dinner at The Bull Run in Sandton was one of our favorites of the whole trip! The steak was delicious, and the drinks were fantastic here.

STAY: Protea by Marriot Balalaika Sandton ($78 – $100 a night)

Hilton Sandton  ($90-$110 a night)

Day 2 Drive (or fly) to Kruger

After you’ve spent your first day in Johannesburg, it’s time to head to Kruger. There are three main options to get to Kruger: 

• Fly to Johannesburg and then drive just over four hours to the park
• Take an internal flight from Johannesburg to Kruger Mpumalanga airport and then drive an hour
• Take an internal flight from Johannesburg straight into Skukuza.

Before booking anything, decide if you want to do it yourself, as outlined below, or have someone organize it for you. Choose a place to stay that will organize things for you! I will outline some of those options in the next section, self-guided or organized tours . 

The closest city and international airport is Johannesburg. Your flight to South Africa will likely land there. There are a few different ways to get from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park.

There are two main airports. Some luxury safaris will fly you  directly  into their safari camp.

But let’s be real. That will cost you thousands, so it’s more likely that  you’ll fly into one of the two below and get picked up.

Most lodges either include airport pick-up or charge a small fee. If you choose this option over driving, I recommend having them pick you up rather than trying to find transport once you’re there.

You can also  rent a car  once you land at one of the two airports below to do a self-guided safari.

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport

Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport is located 27  kilometers  northeast of Mbombela in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Fly To Skukuza, Airport Inside Kruger National Park

This is by far the most convenient option. Skukuza Airport is the only commercial airport located inside Kruger National Park.

It is inside the Skukuza Rest Camp,  one of the park’s  most popular rest camps.

If you want to try staying in the park, you can fly right into this camp,  check-in , and use their guided game drives without  renting  a car. There is also an Avis Car Rental option here.

I recommend choosing the easy option for  a  honeymoon in Kruger National Park .   Either the drive through the Panorama Route is included in your trip, or you fly directly to your safari camp to make things easier.

The even easier option is booking a full tour for a multiday trip through somewhere like  GetYourGuide  or  Viator . They will take care of everything for you!

The drive from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park is 4-5 hours long. The quickest route is 392 km via the N12 and N4. You can also drive along the Panorama Route, which is one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever done. Stop at Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world, and God’s Window for amazing views and vistas. More on this below.

As mentioned, you can easily  rent a car in South Africa (we did this while in Cape Town), but beware that you will likely default to a manual transmission, and an automatic will be a lot more expensive.

Driving Panorama Route

Our package included a drive that was absolutely stunning through what is known as the Panorama Route along Blyde River Canyon. It’s the third-largest canyon in the world and has many beautiful places to stop along the drive. If you choose to drive this, it will take you longer than 4 hours, but it adds a lot of adventure and beauty to your trip!

Four stops along the Panorama Route you’ll want to make are:

• Blyde River Canyon
• The Three Rondavels
• God’s Window
• Bourke’s Luck Potholes

Days 3 – 5  Kruger National Park

Once you’ve arrived, your experience will vary depending on the lodge you choose to stay at. Most safari lodges include food or offer it as an add-on. While Kruger is a major destination, there aren’t places to eat close to most lodges, so you’ll need to plan to eat there for many of your meals unless you drive on your own.

I recommend spending at least two to three days here. I’ve been on a one-day safari before in Botswana while visiting Victoria Falls , and it was exhausting. We were up so early to get there and out late with insufficient sleep or time to truly enjoy it. Having a few days allows you to relax and experience Kruger truly.

The other reason is that you might miss seeing some animals on the first day, and the next few days will allow you time to see any animals you missed. Animals change their location daily, so you’ll want time to drive in different parts of the park. It’s enormous, and having the extra time is vital!

These are camps that were recommended to me or that I personally stayed at through our tour group—starting with the most expensive to least expensive. I also share details about each and what makes the experience unique there!

Royal Malewane ~$3000 Located in Thornybush Private Game Reserve, Royal Malewane is a secluded luxury retreat adjacent to Kruger National Park. The lodge has a dining area overlooking a waterhole with game viewing opportunities. 

Guided game drives with expert rangers and trackers are conducted in the morning and afternoon aboard specialized open-top Land Rovers.

Kruger Shalati  ~$600-$800 Kruger Shalati offers two types of accommodation: 24 Carriage Suites located on the Train on the Bridge and 7 Bridge House Suites located adjacent to the bridge in a picturesque garden setting with the train’s gentle glow as your backdrop. This luxury hotel is in the most unique location in the Kruger National Park – the historic bridge, where the very first visitors had a pioneering stay within the carriages.

I want to go back just so I can stay here! It looks stunning and is located close to several shops and restaurants inside Kruger. The wildlife viewing from here is also excellent. We visited a restaurant right here and loved the views.

andBeyond Phinda  ~$400-500 Phinda has six different luxury properties in their private game reserve outside Kruger National Park. A variety of incredible adventures are available, including twice-daily game drives, nature walks, conservation and community experiences, sleepouts, village tours, night drives, specialist safaris, as well as nearby ocean activities.

Nkambeni Safari Camp ~ $200 This camp is ideally located in Kruger National Park close to the Numbi Gate; it features a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a garden in Hazyview. They offer private transfers to their safari camp, and game drives twice a day are included in some packages.

I would recommend staying here for your honeymoon. This is where our tour company originally booked us, and I was so excited. It ended up that there was a problem with the booking, and we stayed elsewhere. We also loved that spot, but they do not arrange safaris on their own, so we left it off this list. if you’re interested in a self-guided safari, consider staying at Stille Woning, pictured above.

Lower Sabie Rest Camp ~$60-$100 This camp is located on the Sabie River in the southern region of Kruger. Lower Sabie has a Mug & Bean, which offers easy food options and WiFi making this a more lux option. They also have a pool and car rentals available onsite. They offer safari game drives, airport pick-up and drop-off, guided hikes, and more for an additional charge.

Crocodile Bridge Safari Camp ~$100 – 150 This is an “Adult Friendly” Safari Lodge that boasts spectacular views over Kruger Park and lies on the banks of the Crocodile River, which Crocodile River, which allows one to view game directly from the lodge.

Cool off in the viewing pool, sipping drinks as you wait to be treated to each evening’s unique African sunset, which displays stunning colors. For an additional charge, they offer safari game drives, airport pick-up and drop-off, guided hikes, and more.

Subscribe  to get my editable PDF  safari packing list .

Self-Guided or Organized Tour?

You will see many different people driving through Kruger National Park during the day in regular cars, you will also see many people driving in safari vehicles with a guide. There are pros and cons I will outline below for you. with a guide. There are pros and cons I will outline below for you.

Self Guided Pros

• Flexibility: you can choose where you go, when, and how long you spend.
• You have your own vehicle to get around.
• You won’t have to deal with anyone else. No groups, no waiting for other people, no obscured views in the vehicle.

Self Guided Cons

• You likely aren’t familiar with the park and roads. While things are clearly marked, our phones did not work while in Kruger. If you aren’t comfortable with maps or potentially being on your own in the wilderness, I would not recommend it.
• You won’t know where animals like to hang out. Our guide was really familiar with Kruger and where to find particular animals. He knew the best areas to take us and what time of day. Similarly, he knew all the other guides, and they would call each other when they saw different animals. We would have missed a lot of animals without our guide.

Organized Tour Pros

• Guides know all the fun facts, names of animals and plants, best places to go, and places to stop. They will be able to take you places you may have missed on your own.
• Tours can plan special moments for you. We had welcome drinks, dinner included nightly with special desserts for our honeymoon, and more. They worked to make things really wonderful for us!
• They handle the details, you won’t have to think about it. You just show up at the right times, get up early in the morning, and enjoy your day looking for animals, asking questions, and taking it all in.

Organized Tour Cons

• You will end up waiting on others.
• You may have too many people.
• You may want to stay longer in a spot, but have to move on.

Overall, for a bucket list trip like this, especially if it’s your honeymoon, I would recommend booking through a tour company who can make it special for you. Make sure you choose a small group option or private game drives if you are worried about some of the cons.

We used  Exoticca and upgraded to their superior category.  GetYourGuide and  Viator also have some great options. They will take care of everything for you! We were with a small group of 6 people instead of 30 and we had the BEST guide we could ask for during our safari. 

He was so knowledgeable, and we saw all of the big 5 because of his hard work and knowledge of the park. It was well worth it to book through a tour group!

Our local tour guide in Kruger was through Africa Spears, and his name was Derrick. He was amazing and we couldn’t recommend him enough. The upgrade paid off, and we had a small group of 6 that were on our safari with us. It was amazing! 

Day 6 Pretoria & Flight to Cape Town 

After your three days at Kruger, it’s time to head to Cape Town! To get there faster, you can fly. Airlink is the only airline flying nonstop from Skukuza, Kruger National Park, to Cape Town. It is more likely you will drive back to Johannesburg or your flight will have a layover there.

If you decide to drive back, make a stop in Pretoria! Pretoria is South Africa’s administrative capital, serving as the seat of the executive branch of government and as the host to all foreign embassies to South Africa. 

Pretoria straddles the Apies River and extends eastward into the foothills of the Magaliesberg mountains. It’s home to the Union Buildings, which house the offices of the President of South Africa.

Pretoria is popularly known as Jacaranda City because of the many trees, which turn the city blue and purple when they flower in spring. The jacaranda trees, far from their native Brazil, bloom every October, so this can be a lovely stop that time of year especially. We were there in November and saw a few trees still in bloom! It reminded me of Washington, DC, cherry blossoms.

If you choose to fly, you’ll get to arrive earlier in Cape Town to start enjoying your time there.

Where to Stay in Cape Town  Some areas to consider staying in Cape Town are Foreshore, V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, The Gardens, or De Waterkant. Below are some hotel suggestions starting with luxury to basic.

Twelve Apostles Hotel is a luxury hotel near Hout Bay along the ocean. It has a beautiful ocean view and is well known for its many different pools, spa, and restaurants. We did a massage and lunch here, but I want to return and stay! $250-$300 a night

Park Inn by Radisson Foreshore is a 4-star hotel in Cape Town’s business district. Park Inn by Radisson Cape Town Foreshore is just minutes from the International Convention Centre (CTICC) and the iconic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Centrally located and affordable while still very nice! We enjoyed staying here and loved their rooftop for drinks. $80-90 a night

Urban Oasis Aparthotel Urban Oasis Aparthotel is a sustainable condo hotel in the center of Cape Town. The units at the condo hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a kitchen, a dining area, and a private bathroom with a hair dryer, a walk-in shower, and complimentary toiletries. $40-50 a night

Day 7 Explore Cape Town 

I recommend spending a few days exploring the different neighborhoods, restaurants, and sites around Cape Town. As I mentioned previously, there’s not a strong public transit system here (there are buses), but Uber is accessible and available. I’d recommend using it to get around while in Cape Town. Below is how I’d recommend spending two days exploring Cape Town.

Camps Bay and Clifton Beach

Start your first morning with a coffee from Mynt Cafe and take a walk along one of the best beach neighborhoods in Cape Town. The white sand, beautiful blue water, and background of the mountains make for a beautiful walk!

We loved going earlier, around 9 am, before many people were out and about to have the area all to ourselves. It was a great way to get started with seeing the natural beauty and beaches there.

I recommend walking from Mynt Cafe to Maiden’s Cove for a great view of Camps Bay. If you want a longer walk, keep walking to The Rock .

The water here tends to be very cold, so you won’t see many people swimming, even if it seems warm enough to get in! It’s still worth strolling along the beach and enjoying the views!

Massage and Lunch at Twelve Apostles Hotel

This was by far the most romantic and relaxing thing we did in Cape Town. Twelve Apostles Hotel is a luxury hotel near Hout Bay along the ocean. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive from Camps Bay, where you’ll stroll in the morning! Consider staying here as well for a luxury stay.

The views from this hotel are incredible, and the service is impressive. We booked an experience through the spa called the Outdoor Bliss Package . It included a 90-minute massage in a gazebo overlooking the ocean and lunch with champagne at the cafe in the hotel.

When I tell you, this was the best massage of my life… It was amazing!

We also had the best french fries at the restaurant. We loved them so much that we asked for the spices on the fries so we could make them later on our own. This was the perfect thing to bring home from our trip, every time we use it, it reminds us of our time in Cape Town!

Afternoon at Table Mountain

This is a must for anyone visiting; the views are breathtaking, and to experience it with your special person is even better! There are so many different beautiful views at the top. There are also several different trails to walk along the top. The longest trail is about 45 minutes. There’s a gift shop and cafe at the top that offer food and alcohol as well.

There are several ways of getting to the Table Mountain Cableway. If you’re using public transport, you’ll get dropped off at the Lower Tafelberg Road stop. If you’re using Uber, Bolt, or City Sightseeing Hop on Hop Off Bus , you can hop off at the Upper Tafelberg Road stop.

There are morning and afternoon tickets available. Both are great options depending on when you’d like to visit.

I’d recommend planning in advance for this since it is a popular attraction in Cape Town, and changes can happen due to weather. Cape Town can get extremely windy, so you’ll want to check the chance for strong winds before going and know that even if you are up there, the cable car could close, and you may have to walk down or wait at the top.

Tickets  are R60 – R1050 and can be combined with the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour, so if you decide to do this as well, I recommend getting the combo ticket to save some money and enjoy both!

Dinner in The Gardens at Kloof Street House

If you want a cute and romantic spot for dinner, head to The Gardens at Kloof Street. Set in a magnificent Victorian house, Kloof Street House is a very special experience. It is a collection of interesting rooms and spaces, each bursting with its own character . The venue offers something for every occasion—romantic candlelit dinners in the dining rooms or cocktails under the trees in our garden. Delicious meals, cozy ambiance, and friendly staff will make you feel at home.

Day 8 Explore Cape Town

Spend the Morning on Robben Island

Robben Island is a must visit while in Cape Town. Robben Island is a unique symbol of “the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, suffering, and injustice” with a rich 500-year-old multi-layered history. A visit to Robben Island will help you understand and honor the important aspects of South Africa’s history that the Island represents.

The ferries depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront. The tour takes 3.5 hours, including the ferry trip to and from the Island (depends on the boat used as they have different travel times). You have to book a tour to go, and it’s highly recommended you book in advance due to how popular it is to visit. You can buy your tickets here .

One of the most powerful things about visiting is that former prisoners of the island conduct tours. Many ex-prisoners were actively engaged in the post-apartheid political scene, and three of them were elected South African presidents: Nelson Mandela, Kgalema Motlanthe, and Jacob Zuma. You’ll hear their first-hand stories of the impact of apartheid and how South Africans actively fought against it.

This was a powerful part of our trip and something everyone should do when visiting Cape Town.

Lunch and Shopping in V&A Waterfront

After spending the morning on Robben Island, you’ll be in V&A Waterfront! The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town located right on the Atlantic Shore, with views of Table Bay Harbour, the City of Cape Town, and Table Mountain. You’ll find great shopping here and many restaurants with great views.  

We opted for V&A Waterfront Food Market for lunch. There are several different great food options here. There’s something for everyone inside this food hall, and I had a super delicious pasta here! 

Note: I did get food poisoning somewhere along this trip; I likely got it in Cape Town, which is why I do not recommend a specific restaurant for your second night. night.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

They also have concerts and events in the evenings, so check the schedule for things that might be happening. Picnics are allowed in the gardens, which could be an additional way to make your visit even more fun.

Standard Adult tickets are R210 and can easily be bought when you arrive or online . We chose to take an Uber to get there, which was around $4 from V&A Waterfront. I would highly recommend this!

Day 9 Winery Day on the  Franschhoek Wine Tram

Wine has a long tradition in Cape Town, with wine farms beginning production in the 1600s. The wine regions are stunning and offer many unique experiences near Cape Town.

There are six main areas near Cape Town. Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Robertson, and Wellington are the most popular. We chose Franschhoek for our visit as it was the closest to Cape Town, and we wanted to take the wine tram and stay at a wine farm.

To do this, we  rented a car for two days for the wineries and the coastal drive the next day. We opted to do this because we wanted to explore at our leisure and not rush our visits to wineries. We also opted to stay here overnight to relax and make a giant loop through the region. Driving from Cape Town here and then on to False Bay makes an easy loop too. More on that in day 10!

You can also book a day trip  with a tour guide who will take you for the day from Cape Town. Here are a few highly-rated tours:

• From Cape Town: Winelands Full Day Tour and Wine Tasting
• Stellenbosch Wine Tour half day from Cape Town
• Private Tour of Top 5 Stellenbosch Wineries From Cape Town

Franschhoek Wine Tram

The  Franschhoek Wine Tram is a hop-on-hop-off tour and is the best way to explore Franschhoek Valley’s vineyards. You can choose from eight different lines and spend as much time as you’d like at each stop. We loved using this to get around to the different wineries. Our overnight stay picked us up and dropped us off from Vrede en Lust, making it even easier!

You can also get a transfer from Cape Town to the wine tram for an additional fee. It was such an easy way to get around and enjoy the wineries at our own pace.

Note: I did get food poisoning somewhere along this trip; I likely got it in Cape Town, which is why I do not recommend a specific restaurant for your second night.

Arrival to  Angala

One of the nice things about the  Franschhoek Wine Tram is it will allow you to start from any of the wineries! So we were able to check in early to our stay at Angala, and they drove us directly to the wine tasting room where their property was located.

When we checked in, we were greeted with champagne and had people bring our bags to our room.

This is a very  gorgeous property , and we recommend staying here! Here’s a whole list of  where to stay on the Franschhoek Wine Tram  as well. 

Wine Tasting on the Deck at Vrede en Lust

We arrived around 10:30 am and began our winery trip at Vrede en Lust. This winery had the best view of the Franschhoek Valley of all the wineries we visited! Sit outside on the terrace and enjoy the view with some delicious wine.

Picnic at Boschendal

Boschendal is one of the oldest and largest wine farms in Franschhoek. They offer several different tastings, but we loved having a picnic and restaurant lunch there. Make sure you stop by their wine-tasting room and shop for handmade goods at their store! 

Charcuterie at Babylonstoren

The prettiest charcuterie board I’ve ever seen was at Babylonstoren! They offer a variety of boards along with wine tasting in their tasting room right when you arrive. Do a tasting and enjoy a charcuterie board with farm-made goods, the perfect way to spend the afternoon. Their wine farm also has many beautiful gardens and spaces to walk through.

Dinner and Relaxation at  Angala

Angala  offers beautiful views, luxury rooms, multiple pools, a sauna, a steam room, delicious meals, and more. This is such a romantic place to stay and truly a luxurious experience. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a hot tub with such a beautiful view.

The spa and hot tub led to a romantic and relaxing start to our evening. We also added dinner at sunset to add to the romance, which we loved!

We had a delicious three-course dinner here (additional charge) while the sun was setting, which was absolutely a highlight of the trip. This is a very  romantic hotel , and we recommend staying here!

The following day they had a full breakfast ready for us and helped send us back toward Cape Town with full stomachs and happy hearts!

Day 10 Drive the Coast

Cape Town is a coastal city, and the Western Cape is breathtaking. We wanted to take some time to explore some nearby areas of Cape Town at our own pace and enjoy our last day. To do this, we started our drive in Franschhoek and headed along the Cape Peninsula. 

While this is an easy drive to do on your own, several tour companies offer tours of the Cape Peninsula. Here’s a highly rated one that includes many of the stops below.

Don’t want to do the drive on your own? Here’s some tour options:

• Cape Peninsula Tour & Good Hope from Cape Town!
• Cape Peninsula Private Tour In Cape Town South Africa

Muizenberg Beach is a famous surfer beach, and you can take in the beautiful view, watch the surfers, and even surf yourself! Bring a blanket to relax on the beach, or plan ahead and book a surfing lesson for some fun! 

While the little houses on the beach are cute, most were falling apart when we visited, so I would not recommend trying to go inside one. They add a nice, colorful, and fun vibe to this beach! 

There’s also a long beach walkway above the beach if you are in the mood for a nice walk without being in the sand.

Stop 2: Boulder Beach

You can’t go to Cape Town without seeing the famous penguins, and you’ll find them at Boulder Beach. These African penguins are only found on the coastlines of Southern Africa (South Africa & Namibia) and are on the verge of extinction, so it’s a unique experience to see them!

We chose to book a kayaking trip to see the penguins .  This extraordinary adventure is responsible and the best way to meet the Penguins as well as learn more about sharks and the beautiful creatures that inhabit the unique kelp forests.

If you don’t want to do a whole excursion, you can visit Boulder Beach on your own. The penguins are protected by the Cape Nature Conservation and are part of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). The Boulders section of TMNP consists of 3 pristine beaches, one penguin viewing of 3 pristine beaches, one penguin viewing area, and three boardwalks.

The boardwalks were built to allow for safe viewing of these wonderful birds boardwalks were built to allow for safe viewing of these wonderful birds while keeping them safe from poking fingers, so please stay on the boardwalks at all t times within the viewing area.

Nearby, Folly Beach offers a space to swim and get close to the penguins. These are endangered animals, and you always need to stay 6 meters away (about 20 feet).

Boulders Gates is a cash-free environment and only accepts payments via debit and credit cards. It costs R176 per adult per day to visit. More on the TMNP website here .

Stop 3: Kalk’s Bay

Of all the towns along False Bay, Kalk’s Bay was our favorite! It’s home to many cute boutiques, shops, and fishing boats. You can easily spend an afternoon shopping and strolling through the cute streets of this small fishing town. There are also many vintage shops and antique stores here that are so cute. 

Kalk’s Bay is also known for its fish and chips. There are several options in the harbor, so stop in for a fancy or quick option at one of the spots along the water! After grabbing some food, stop at Cape to Cuba for great Mojitos and vibes along the water.

I recommend getting lunch here and then walking around because most things in town close by 5 pm. We struggled to find any shops and things open after 5! 

Stop 4: Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point

If you’re running out of time, you can skip this stop. Many confuse the Cape of Good Hope with being either the most southern point of the African continent or where the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean meet (a bit of a tourist trap, if you ask me!). The southern point of Africa is Cape Agulhas, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic.

The Cape was initially named the Cape of Storms in the 1480s by the Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias. It was later renamed the Good Hope to attract more people to the Cape Sea Route that passed people to the Cape Sea Route that passed Africa’s southern coast.

Briefly hike around the vegetation and keep your eyes open for wildlife—seafowl, ostrich, and chacma baboons are common here. You can also go to the Two Oceans Restaurant for a glass of wine or an early dinner. 

More details on visiting can be found on South Africa’s National Park website .

Stop 5: Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak is a famous drive road located between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast on the southwestern tip of South Africa. It’s now a toll road, so bring road, so bring some cash with you. It’s a beautiful 30-minute drive without stops, but you will want to stop along the way!

This drive is best done at sunset when the views along the cliffs and ocean are just amazing. That’s why I recommend it as the last stop of your day along the peninsula. peninsula. Many people stopped along the road before sunset in anticipation of the sun slipping over the ocean.

I’d suggest getting some picnic foods and wine from a winery you visited the day before and stopping your car along the drive in a great spot to enjoy the sunset with a picnic! Perfect last evening of your trip! with a picnic! Perfect last evening of your trip.

Most vehicles are R 57R; buses and larger vehicles cost more.

If you’re worried about driving in the evening, you can opt to head back into Cape Town and get a drink at a rooftop hotel at the Radisson Foreshore. The rooftop bar has great views of Cape Town! It has couches, seating areas, and a small indoor area as well, but you want to sit outside for the view. They had a massive menu of mojitos and other drinks with a view which was fun to enjoy after a day in Cape Town.

Other things to consider in Cape Town:

• Explore Bo Kaap : We did this after the Botanical Gardens and discovered that everything here closes very early. If you want to do this, you may want to go earlier in the day! to go earlier in the day!
• Hike Lions Head or Signal Hill : These hikes looked stunning, and if we had more time, I would have loved to do one or more of these.
• Boat Cruise from V&A Waterfront : Several different boat cruises leave from V&A Waterfront, and it can be very romantic to take a boat out of the harbor and enjoy the views. There are sunset cruises, dinner cruises, whale-watching tours, and more. whale-watching tours, and more.

Options to Swap Out or Extend Your Trip:

• Durban : Durban, a coastal city in eastern South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, is known for its African, Indian, and colonial influences. Refurbished for soccer’s 2010 World Cup, the seafront promenade runs from uShaka Marine World, a huge theme park with an aquarium, to the futuristic Moses Mabhida Stadium. The Durban Botanical Gardens showcases African plant species. My friend visited a few years ago and loved it. This could be a 2-3 day add on to your trip.
• Victoria Falls : Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world and is located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Due to its proximity to South Africa and being an easy flight, it’s a popular add on to a trip to South Africa. You can make this trip in 2-3 days.
• Garden Route : The Garden Route is a scenic and ecologically diverse region in South Africa (and one of the most famous road trips in the country!). It stretches 190 miles from Mossel Bay (a 5+ hour drive from Cape Town), ending in Storms River. It’s recommended to have at least 4 days for this. It highlights some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, with epic coastlines, towering mountains, and lush forests.

Related posts

7 Unique Day Trips from Cape Town – By a Local

11 Reasons Why You Should Visit South Africa

Cape Town vs Johannesburg: A Tale of Two South African Cities for Travelers

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A Super Efficient 2-week South Africa Itinerary

South Africa is easily becoming one of the most popular places to travel on the continent, and after my recent trip I can say I totally understand why. This country is so diverse , this two-week South Africa itinerary takes you through landscapes ranging from desert to jungle to beaches to rolling hills blanketed with vineyards. You’ll also see a lot of amazing sunset photos in this post, though I believe you have to see it to really understand how gorgeous they were.

Keep reading for inspiration for your own, two-week itinerary for South Africa , as well as recommendations for where to stay, where to eat, and places where I would’ve loved to extend our trip. Enjoy and as always, leave me comments with your feedback or recommendations for my next trip!

South Africa trip summary

I visited South Africa during the early Summer, which is in December for the Southern Hemisphere. The best time of year to visit South Africa can heavily depend on which activities you want to do. Winter is mild, although rainy in many parts of the country. Many say that winter is the best season for safari because the bush is thin, so it’s easier to spot animals. On the other hand, Summer sees lush vegetation and sunny skies so you can’t go wrong then either, and we got to see essentially all the animals on safari we would’ve liked.

Duration 14 days Dates visited 3 Dec - 17 Dec Recommended accommodation in South Africa These are places that I stayed while traveling South Africa that I really enjoyed and would love to stay in again.

• Greenhouse Boutique Hotel – Cape Town Excellent location for exploring the urban part of Cape Town (it’s within walking distance to the V&A Waterfront!). They also have parking spots away from the street, which is a big plus when we opted to Uber around in the evenings. It can be hard to tell which neighborhoods are safe in Cape Town, and we definitely felt safe while we were staying here.
• Val d'Or Estate – Cape Winelands (Franschhoek) The grounds of this country house are second to none. You can just chill out and watch the sunset reflecting in the pool. The staff were also so helpful with recommending and reserving us a restaurant, which turned out to be the best meal of the trip. If you’re staying longer in the Cape Winelands, go check out my complete Franschhoek accommodation guide .
• Motswari Private Game Reserve – Kruger National Park Incredible safari experience, from end to end. Friendly and helpful staff, eventful game drives sighting both lions and rhinos, comfortable air-conditioned rooms, delicious food, and fun to interact with the other guests. Read my full review if you’re considering going on safari in South Africa.

Recommended South Africa travel guide This South Africa guidebook was ultra helpful, especially for our visit to Kruger and Blyde River Canyon which had large, dedicated sections. Especially useful as you don’t have cell coverage in some parts of Kruger!

Two week South Africa Itinerary

Day 1-4. explore cape town and the cape peninsula.

• Day 5. Wrap up Cape Town and drive to wine region

Day 6. Begin the tour of wineries

• Day 7. Explore wine country and drive to Hermanus

Day 8. Drive through Karoo to Knysna

Day 9. the garden route, day 10. addo elephant park.

• Day 11-13. Travel to Kruger National Park for 3 days of safari

Day 14. Blyde River Canyon to Johannesburg

♦ ♦ ♦ A must-see | ♦ ♦ Liked it | ♦ Point of Interest

Cape Town is called the “Mother City” in South Africa, and it’s not so hard to see why that is. I’m not sure how many cities I know that offer what Cape Town does: beaches, mountains, affordable prices, excellent food, and beyond friendly people.

You are spoiled for choice when deciding how you want to spend your time in Cape Town.

That said, of anywhere in the country, Cape Town highlights the inequality that the country is struggling with as the fabulously rich live in beachfront homes and many of the poor live without running water. Keep your eyes open and see a gorgeous city with massive potential being realized, but don’t gloss over the reality for many of its residents either.

Things to do in Cape Town

As I said before, there is so much to do in Cape Town, you could spend the entire two weeks just in the city if you wanted to. We’ve got four days, so I’ve just listed some of the activities we did, as well as other popular activities we didn’t have time for. In those four days we’re also going to visit the Cape Peninsula , which is the most popular road trip from Cape Town!

In large part, I recommend that you decide what you do on which day based on the weather . Some things, like going up Table Mountain , heavily depend on the weather for the best experience (being able to see Cape Town from above). For instance, if you want to do the Platteklip Gorge Hike to the top of Table Mountain, you’re going to want clear skies!

For tons more details and in-depth reviews, you can read my Cape Town itinerary for places to eat, tours to try, photography locations, and costs and opening hours for different attractions. It was just too much to fit into one article!

• Soak up the sun at Camp’s Bay – Camp’s Bay is one of the most popular beaches in the city. You can go for food, sit on the beach, or visit the tidal pools. From this beach you can see two of the most recognizable mountains in Cape Town: Lion’s Head and the Twelve Apostles mountain range.
• Take a helicopter tour over Cape Town – The Cape of Africa is famously where two oceans meet: the Indian and Atlantic oceans. You can get an ultra special view over Cape Town and these two oceans from the sky. I definitely have to do this on my next trip! Be sure to check the availability of helicopter tours in advance.
• Go on a cruise from the V&A Waterfront – There is so much to do at the Victoria and Alfred waterfront, whether that’s shopping, sipping cocktails, watching the boats go by, or observing a chess game on a human-sized chess board. One of the most popular boat trips is the Sunset Champagne Cruise , which lets you experience South Africa’s stunning sunsets from the water, followed by a three-course dinner!
• Urban Cape Town – In the center of Cape Town, there are a couple of main streets that are the most lively, with lots of places to shop, eat, drink, and see live entertainment. These include Bree Street , Long Street , and Kloof Street . We didn’t have time for it, but you can also visit the District 6 Museum which documents apartheid in South Africa, specifically its effect in Cape Town in displacing entire communities.

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On taking a township tour in Cape Town

I really struggled with whether it was appropriate to do a township tour as part of my South Africa itinerary – on the one hand, you only really know what it’s like when you see it with your own eyes. On the other hand, depending on how it’s done, it can feel exploitative.

After going on a township tour in Langa , led by a girl who grew up and lives there. She shared with us what it was like growing up in Langa, and the living conditions of many in the township: lacking running water, communal bath rooms, unsafe eletricity over exposed wires, and eight people living together in shipping containers without heat or air conditioning.

Some of the money they earn goes directly into the community, people whose homes you visit. I would encourage you to be open to finding an ethical township tour to really round out your experience in Cape Town.

More tours in and around Cape Town

There are so many fantastic day trips from Cape Town , I could only bake a few of them into this 2 week South Africa itinerary. Each of these top experiences is covered in detail throughout the next sections, however there are SO MANY more things you can do being based in Cape Town. Whether it’s safari trips, coastal drives, or anything in between.

The area around Cape Town, South Africa is bursting with natural wonder. Enjoy the best day trips from Cape Town and experience everything from wine to wildlife, from sea to desert sand on these Cape Town tours.

What to see along the Cape Peninsula

Spend a day exploring the Cape Peninsula by car. You can rent a car in South Africa at very affordable prices. If you’re too freaked out by driving on the left or you’re simply basing yourself in Cape Town, you can use small-group guided tours to explore the Cape Peninsula just as effectively.

Boulder’s Beach ♦♦♦

If you’ve already done any research on South Africa, there’s a good chance you’re interested in seeing penguins in South Africa and Boulder’s Beach near Simon's Town is one of the best places to see them. If want to see penguins but aren’t renting a car, you can also see penguins on a guided tour of Cape Point , which also visits all the main points I’m sharing below as part of the itinerary.

There are two sides to the beach – one are where you can go swimming and see up close a few penguins hanging out on the rocks. This is the best place where you’ll actually get to hang out up close to penguins. There are a lot of signs up to remind you that penguins will bite so you should not try to feed them!

On the other side, you can see the massive penguin colony and watch them swimming! This side is a lot more crowded. There are also some walking baths through natural areas nearby, where you’ll see other creatures scurrying across wooden paths.

TIP – Bring binoculars to South Africa! Even if the animals aren’t so far away, binoculars make it easier to see animals in detail you can’t get, even with a telephoto lens. I bought and recommend these binoculars made by Olympus.

Chapman’s Peak Drive ♦♦♦

Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most photogenic roads in the Cape area, winding around rocky ridges and offering beautiful views over the sea and around Hout Bay . The road itself is not very long, but there are a number of really nice look out points you can stop by either on your way out or on your way back. Even if you don’t go all the way down the cape, this scenic route demands a place on your South Africa itinerary for its stunning sunsets and rocky landscape.

One of the best spots to stop is Chapman’s Peak view point itself to watch the sunset. There’s even a small cave you can check out if you’re not afraid to climb a fence that says not to climb it… 😂

TIP – There is a toll for driving on Chapman’s Peak Drive, so be sure you have cash handy. Most toll roads in South Africa do not accept international credit cards so be prepared!

Cape of Good Hope ♦♦

This is our first national park on this trip! You can spend the whole day in the park depending on the time that you have, but there are a couple of must-visits while you’re here.

TIP – Before you go to South Africa, check which national parks you want to visit to see whether it makes sense for you to get a WILD card. It costs about $230 for two people. Depending on how many parks you visit, it could be a good deal. On our trip we wouldn’t have broken even, but it depends on your planned itinerary.

Visit Cape Point and walk up to the old lighthouse. There is also a tram you can take up, but the walk is not so bad. From here you can see where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet.

Visit the Cape of Good Hope, the most south-westerly point in Africa. If you want to visit the southernmost point you’re out of luck, but here you can climb up to the top of the mountain and have a look out over the sea.

Stop on your way back to see Cape Town by night. Driving back over Chapman’s Peak Drive you’ll likely see Cape Town as the sun sets, bring a tripod for shots of the city by night!

Day 5. Wrap up Cape Town and drive to Franschhoek

At some point today, it’s time to make it out to the most famous wine regions of South Africa, namely Stellenbosch and Franschhoek . While South Africa has many different wine regions, largely concentrated in the west of the country, these two areas are easily the most recognizable. Similarly to Cape Point, if you aren’t renting a car it’s still really easy to make it to the Cape Winelands. There are loads of guided tours that will take you around the whole area, such as this highly-rated wine-tasting tour .

Should you visit Franschhoek or Stellenbosch?

Whether you would more enjoy Franschhoek or Stellenbosch is not much of a question, given that you can surely explore wineries in both areas during a single trip. What you should know is that Stellenbosch is a university town and much more of a proper town. That means it has more shops and restaurants in the center. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something smaller and more rustic, you might enjoy that Franschhoek is a smaller town with just one main road .

Each is lovely in its own right, and there is a good chance that you’ll drive between wineries anyways, staying outside the town centers for most of your time here.

Things to do in Franschhoek

We chose to concentrate on Franschhoek, mostly because we read great blog posts about it and we liked that it seemed a bit quieter than Stellenbosch. What also makes Franschhoek interesting is the French influence , present because this is where the Hugenots fled to after they were driven out of Europe. You can see that many of the street and place names, as well as food and drinks, show the French heritage of the residents of this town. Here are a couple of the best things to do in Franschhoek :

• Visit Franschhoek’s center – The center is pretty small with one main street, but lovely historic buildings and great places to eat. Again, excellent French food in this area and it would be a sin not to try it.
• Ride the wine tram – Tour wineries without driving! This hop-on-hop-off option is great for people who want to indulge responsibly. There are many different lines to pick from so you can decide based on the wineries you want to visit most.
• Franschhoek View Pass – A 10-15 minute drive out of the valley for beautiful view. Bring your camera and enjoy! It can be very windy so tie down your hat.
• Visit Wineries – Is this the number one thing to do in Franschhoek? I’ll let you decide, but there are tons of fabulous wineries in the area and a wine tasting costs just $3-5 😉
• Visit nearby Stellenbosch – One of the most iconic towns in South Africa, come here for the wine and walk down Dorp Street for a scene often memorialized in paintings!
• Stay at an authentic wine estate – One of my favorite things about staying in Franschhoek is also the chance to stay in a historical building. Basse Provence Country House in particular was super conveniently located.

Franschhoek is one of South Africa's premiere wine regions, but often gets looked over in favor of Stellenbosch. Here are awesome things to do in Franschhoek, whether you love to eat French food, drink wine, or see beautiful South African nature!

View from the back of Basse Provence Country House , which we saw on our way to the nearby Rickety Bridge winery.

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Get up early, because today is about riding around and trying all the different wines! Each use the wine tram, or if (like me) you have a non-wine-loving boyfriend, then you’re in even more luck because you can handcraft your itinerary. Here are the wineries we visited, though there are many more we did not get a chance to visit. Do note that some wineries may be closed on some days of the week, so plan in advance which ones you want to visit, and bump any that are closed today to the previous day.

Wineries to visit in Franschhoek

Babylonstoren was easily the most impressive winery we visited . You can book a free garden tour in order to get a feel for the history of the place.

Book a meal at Babel, the onsite restaurant at Babylonstoren. You can easily book a lunch after your garden tour, and enjoy a meal made completely from ingredients from the garden! Book a month or more in advance.

Babylonstoren might be one of the best wine farms to visit in South Africa, with expansive gardens, free tours, and a world class restaurant serving food grown just meters way.

Rickety Bridge Winery – We ended up visiting Rickety Bridge because our hotel, Basse Provence Country House , gave us each a voucher for a free wine tasting and we could easily do a short walk along vineyards to reach the winery. This winery is also part of the wine tram tour, so even if you don’t stay at the same hotel as us, it’s easy to get to the winery.

Haute Cabriere – Easily the BEST meal I ate in South Africa, it also has wine tastings and an incredible view over the valley. Call ahead and make sure to get a reservation, it can be really busy in good weather.

Dieu Donne – A great alternative if you can’t get a table at Haute Cabriere, also has a gorgeous view over the valley and super friendly staff. Come for the sunset if you are able to!

Boschendahl – This is a huge commercial winery, quite different from many others. You can buy a picnic here, do a wine-tasting paired with chocolate, and just enjoy the massive grounds. Do be careful, it’s easy to get lost!

Eikehof – A cute, super nice family-owned winery. Come to talk to the people who are actually growing the wine, for some amazing peaches, and for possibly the best cheese plate of any winery we visited.

Eikehof has a lovely view over their vineyards, and you sit under massive oak trees. Pictured above are our welcome drinks , a glass of their Rosé.

Best cheese plate! Two varieties of peaches and the spicy jam were out of this world.

Day 7. Wrap up wine country and drive to Hermanus

Anything wine-related you missed the following day, and you can wrap up before we head to Hermanus , the world’s best land-based location for whale watching. When we were there in December the whales had all but moved on (their main time in the bay is between June and November). According to our host at The Nantucket , Hermanus receives its breeze from Antarctica, and has long been prescribed as a location for medical patients who benefit from its “champaigne air”. Some people pass up Hermanus on their South Africa itinerary, instead heading to Mossel Bay to start the garden route directly, but Hermanus is somewhere I would definitely recommend visiting. It’s beautiful and easy to explore, and you might see whales!

Things to do in Hermanus

For such a small town, you can spend more time here than you realize. Sadly we had just one night, and if we had more time we would’ve loved to extend our time in Hermanus.

Whale Watching

At the end of September, there is a large whale watching festival in Hermanus, although you can watch them for much of the Spring between June and November. There are numerous companies that offer whale watching tours, though we did not do whale watching so I cannot recommend a specific tour personally.

As I said, Hermanus is famous for what you can even see from land in terms of whale watching. Cliff Path is one of the best spots to see whales from land (though you can also see them from the rooftop balcony at The Nantucket , as our neighbors attested to). Talk a walk along Cliff Path and enjoy the gorgeous bay.

Enjoy oysters or grilled meat

Our top two restaurant recommendations in Hermanus are Lemon Butta and Char'd , depending on if you want seafood or barbeque respectively. As we approach the Garden Route, you’ll have plenty of oppotunity for fresh seafood so get ready!

Today we’re taking the long route to get from Hermanus to Knysna, and it’s quite a lot of driving. If you have the time, I would recommend spending some more time in the area to appreciate it. This region also has a number of wineries, in case your time in Franschhoek left you wanting more!

Klein Karoo ♦♦

There’s no official definition of what the Karoo’s borders are, but this lower part of it is usually called the Klein Karoo (or, “Little Karoo”). Driving through here feels like driving through a different country than what we’re used to around Cape Town. Here you’ll see farming as far as the eye can see, arid landscapes and mountains.

A small city, it’s easy to drive right through. Stop at De Krans for a wine tasting if you need a break from the drive.

Famous for ostriches and selling ostrich feathers back in the day when it was all the rage to put one in your cap. You can visit ostrich farms or buy other ostrich-related goods, like ostrich eggs or feathers.

Swellendam ♦

Swellendam is one of the oldest towns in South Africa, and its church is without a doubt the most famous landmark. Honestly I’m not sure if there is a whole lot to do here, but you can enjoy driving around a bit to see some nice Cape Dutch-style architecture.

Mossel Bay ♦

Technically, Mossel Bay is the beginning of the Garden Route (more on the Garden Route in the next section) and is the spot that brings us back to the coast. While the city itself was not particularly beautiful (rather industrial), we did stop for oysters and were not disappointed. If you’d like an afternoon stack, stop in Oyster Bar .

Arrive in Knysna, ideally in time for sunset over the lagoon. We’ll spend tomorrow morning exploring Knysna before starting on the Garden Route in ernest. Easily the most popular place to visit in Knysna are the Knysna Heads , famous for being one of the most difficult places to pass by boat.

STAY – Cloud 9 , with this incredible sunset view from the front porch.

Spend the morning around Knysna, whether it’s going through town or enjoying the many scenic outlooks. After that, we’re continuing along the Garden Route. Soon it’ll be clear why it’s called the Garden Route – even along the highway it’s super lush and green. There are tons of opportunities to stop along the way, so be spontaneous if you see something you would enjoy visiting.

On our itinerary we are foregoing a lot of time on the Garden Route to make time for safari later, but there are people who spend an entire week or more exploring the Garden Route . So do add a few days in this area if you have the time!

Things to do on the Garden Route

Here are some of the highlights for places to stop and things to do along the Garden Route. If you want more details for each of these stops, check out my dedicated garden route itinerary . It includes more options of different activities you’ll find along the Garden Route!

Given that Mossel Bay isn’t particularly scenic, I wouldn’t spend an evening here, but do stop in for oysters or other seafood. There is also the Dias Museum right near the Oyster Bar, where you can learn about the history of the region, specifically about the era of exploration. The museum is named after a Portuguese explorer who sailed around the tip of Africa without realizing it 😂

As I already shared, Knysna’s main draw is the beautiful views and the fact that you can explore both the sea and a lagoon from nearby. Drive up to the Heads for beautiful photos of where the lagoon meets the sea. If you’re looking for a place to eat, head down to the Knysna Waterfront for a ton of different options, including the great value spot 34 degrees south which has something for everyone: seafood, sushi, and local wines and craft beers.

Plettenberg Bay ♦♦

Lovingly referred to as “Plett”, Plettenberg Bay is a great spot to spend some time at the beach or taking a break for lunch along the Garden Route. Some popular things to do in the area include Birds of Eden , a free-flight bird sanctuary, Robberg Nature Reserve , a popular spot for hiking trails, Monkeyland , a free-roaming monkey sanctuary, and the Plettenberg Bay Elephant Sanctuary .

Bloukrans Bridge ♦♦

Ever wanted to go bungee jumping? You can do that here at Bloukrans Bridge , the site of the world’s highest commercial bridge bungee jumping. Even if you don’t want to do it yourself, you can watch jumpers from the comfort of the sidelines (like me). Besides jumping, it’s also possible to zipline out to a bridge on the underside of the bridge where you can look down into the canyon.

Tsitsikamma and Storm’s River Mouth ♦♦♦

Not to be confused with the town named Storm’s River, Storms River Mouth National Park is famous for its suspension bridges, which you can reach with a short hike of about 20 minutes. The national park is also popular for kayaking, camping, and other hiking trails. You could definitely extend your trip here to enjoy more of the forrested part of the Garden Route.

Jeffreys Bay ♦

We went at the end of the day for a quick pit stop, but didn’t find much about the beach at Jeffrey’s Bay to give us a reason to stick around. This city has become famous for surfers, so may be somewhere worth checking out if you’re interseted in surfing in South Africa. Otherwise, I think this town is somewhere you can omit from your South Africa itinerary.

Port Elizabeth ♦

Port Elizabeth marks the end of our Garden Route whirlwind tour! If there’s any tip I can give you, is not to worry about trying to see much in Port Elizabeth – all the houses have 3-meter high walls and electric wire surrounding them, making most of the residential areas look more like self-imposed prisons. What we’re interested in near Port Elizabeth is rather Addo Elephant Park , which is about an hour’s drive away.

Addo Elephant Park was surely a highlight of our trip , where we experienced safari for the first time. Doing a self-drive safari in Addo is one of the most budget-friendly options for safari in South Africa . If you prefer a guided game drive, you can book a guided safari for the same day at the reception where you buy your day pass to enter the park. They offer guided safaris during the day, as well as special occassion safaris like sunset, sunrise, and nighttime.

Only when you get up close to an elephant do you realize just how massive these creatures are!

Going on safari is the number one item on top of many tourists' lists when visiting Africa. No matter what your budget is, there is a safari option that will fit your budget. Here are different ways you can get the safari experience and their pros and cons!

Some of the most fun during safari in Addo was watching different kinds of animals interact with each other – like elephants chasing zebra away from their watering hole.

Tips for self-drive safari in Addo Elephant Park

I need to write a full blog post on this topic, but until then, here are a few of my top tips for making the most out of a self-drive safar in Addo.

• Visit the watering holes during high sun. Elephants love the sunshine and love taking mud baths to cool off when it’s hot. You’ll get a map when you enter the park which will help you find the watering holes.
• Check the sighting board before you go out. You’ll have no trouble finding elephants in the park, but if you want to spot other animals it might help to check the board at receptions where people place magnets in the spots they’ve seen animals that day.
• Make sure your windshield is clean and you have food and water. There is a gas station near the entrance to the park where you can fuel up or wash your windshield.
• Check for guided safaris. We started around 11:30AM and got the last two spots on the sundowner guided safari. So you don’t need to be crazy early, but don’t hesitate to book – you only reserve a seat and need to come back to pay before the game drive actually starts.

Photography gear used on safari

One of the first questions you think about after booking a safari is what camera is best for safari? Which safari photography equipment do I need? Here are my top tips and learnings from photographing my first safari!

Day 11-13. Fly to Kruger National Park for 3 days of safari

Luckily our hotel in Port Elizabeth was just a 9 minute drive from the airport, where we returned our rental car and caught an early morning flight out of Port Elizabeth to Hoedspruit through Johannesburg. Port Elizabeth’s airport is pretty small so it doesn’t take long to get through security to the gate.

Kruger has four connecting airports , so which airport you want to land in will depend on where exactly your safari lodge or camp is located. At this point you’ll need to customize your itinerary based on whether you want to stay in a camp or a lodge.

• Skukuza Airport
• Hoedspruit Airport
• Kruger/Mpumalanga International Airport
• Phalaborwa Airport

How to choose a safari lodge in Kruger

We knew that we wanted to get the full experience, so we splurged a bit on staying at an all-inclusive safari lodge. There are a lot of choices to be made when picking a lodge, so I just want to highlight a few considerations you’ll want to keep in mind when you pick a safari lodge.

• How many game drives can you do per day?
• How long are the game drives?
• How many people are in each game drive group?
• Does the area the game drives cover have the Big Five?
• Is the lodge in a reserve that is directly connected to Kruger, without fences?
• How’s the food? It’s all you’ve got!

Convenient links for finding lodges

Here are a few of the main areas we considered for our safari lodge. All of them are directly connected to Kruger, meaning that animals can roam freely between the Kruger Park and these reserves. Each of these reserves is considered part of the “Greater Kruger Park”.

Safari lodges in Timbavati Game Reserve – This is the reserve we stayed on. It’s directly connected to Kruger, and is home to lions (we saw them twice!). This reserve has all of the big five, if that’s your main criteria for choosing a lodge.

Safari lodges in Sabi Sand Game Reserve – Easily the most exclusive area (and one of the oldest) for safari in South Africa. If you’re looking to splurge and have the full experience, check this area out.

Safari lodges in Klaserie Private Game Reserve – Has some of the most gorgeous lodges around Greater Kruger Park, just like at Sabi Sand, the reserve is connected directly Kruger so animals can freely roam in and out of the reserve.

Why we picked Motswari Private Game Reserve

I already wrote a whole blog post reviewing the lodge so I won’t repeat that information. I’ll just quickly share the main considerations that made us tip the scale in favor of Motswari, compared to other lodges we looked at. Motswari Private Game Reserve is:

• Directly connected to Kruger and has no fences between it and Kruger.
• Known to host all of the Big Five, and is especially famous for being the place white lions were discovered.
• Offers two game drives daily plus a bush walk.
• Food photos looked good (turned out to be correct!)
• Not “overly modern” looking, still has an authentic safari vibe.
• Easy to get to from the Hoedspruit airport, so we don’t lose too much time traveling.

It can be really hard to pick a safari lodge in South Africa with so many great options. Here is my incredible experience at Motswari, a private game reserve in part of the Greater Kruger National Park.

What to do while you’re on safari

Just be on safari! This is the one part of the itinerary you don’t really need. Just sit back, relax, let safari happen to you. The lodge will take care of everything and you don’t need to plan whatsoever.

If I can tear you away from your safari lodge, it’s time to make our way back to Johannesburg through the stunning Blyde River Canyon . If you have the time, do add an extra day here. You can easily spend two days here if you have the spare time in your schedule.

Things to do in Blyde River Canyon

God’s window and rainforest path.

Come see actual rainforest in South Africa. The rainforest used to stretch much further, today there are only small pockets. You’ll really be amazed when you come here and hear the sound of the rainforest. It’s like stepping into another world, and such a departure from the rest of the nature we’ve experienced thus far.

Unfortunately there was recently a fire in the area, so a lot of vegetation has burned. Thankfully we could see that the area was already recovering, with plenty of plants coming out of the charred remains of trees that used to be there. It’s still plenty beautiful depsite the fire damage.

TIP – Bring cash to pay for entry! The nearest ATM is about 10km away.

Three Rondavels

This is the iconic view of the Blyde River Canyon, which you’ve seen in just about every photo. You get an impeccable view over the river, and can see the three peaks called the “Three Rondavels” that this viewpoint is named for. Be advised that the area can be pretty packed with tourists, so come in the morning to have the best views all to yourself.

This was totally scary but also awesome! 😂

Lisbon Falls

Lisbon Falls and neighboring Berlin Falls are both beautiful waterfalls you can visit along the Blyde River Canyon Route. Again, bring some cash to pay for entry, and take the time to walk around the side of the waterfalls instead of stopping at the main viewing deck. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful views.

Drive back to Johannesburg and fly home!

TIP – There are multiple tolls collected between Blyde River Canyon and Johannesburg. These toll booths only accept South African cards, so make sure you have cash! We had to make THREE pitstops for cash.

Time to hit the road and head back to Johannesburg. If you have time, spend it checking out the city. We unfortunately didn’t have the time, but we will be back!

Are you inspired to build your own South Africa itinerary? Have you been already?

Share your thoughts in the comments and let me know if you have more tips for me to add to my itinerary next time!

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About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

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South Africa in 2 Weeks: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

Everyone I know who has visited South Africa has rated it one of their favorite destinations.  They were unanimous in saying “You have to go to South Africa. You will love it”. They raved about the beautiful scenery, the wildlife and the great food and wine.

As we started planning a trip to South Africa we were excited to discover how diverse the country is. From world class cities, the opportunity to go on safari, UNESCO National Parks, world famous wine regions, spectacular beaches to challenging hiking. The list just went on and on! There are so many options for a road trip in South Africa in 2 weeks!

Here we share our 2 week itinerary and recommendations for an incredible South Africa trip.

• 1 Itinerary Overview: South Africa in 2 Weeks
• 2.1 Apartheid Museum
• 3.1 Hiking Rainbow Gorge to the Cascades
• 3.2 Royal Natal National Park
• 3.3 Other things to do in the Drakensberg Ranges
• 3.4 Where to Stay in Drakensberg Ranges
• 4.1 Clarens
• 5 Day 7: Addo
• 6.1 Jeffreys Bay
• 6.2 Ziplining at Storms River
• 6.3 Storm River Bridge
• 6.4 Bungee Jumping at Bloukrans Bridge
• 6.5 Robberg Peninsula Hike
• 6.6 Where to Stay in Plettenberg Bay
• 7.2 Farm Stay at Oudtshoorn
• 8 Day 14: Cape Agulhas
• 9 Day 15: Franschhoek
• 10.1 Cape Town Waterfront
• 10.2 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
• 10.3 Hiking Table Mountain
• 10.4 Camps Bay
• 10.5 Where to Stay in Cape Town
• 11 Best time to visit South Africa
• 12 South Africa Itinerary options
• 13.1 Plan your trip: South Africa in 2 weeks

Itinerary Overview: South Africa in 2 Weeks

As we researched more about the best places to visit in South Africa, we settled on a 2 week road trip . We could easily have spent more time, and throughout this itinerary we highlight where you could make changes with more or less time.

Our two week itinerary started in Johannesburg. Our plan was to head east, past the Drakensberg Ranges, then head south and west along the famed Garden Route to Cape Town.

The trip would finish in Cape Town, one of the most spectacular cities in the world.

Map created at  travellerspoint.com

Days 1 – 2: Johannesburg

We arrived in Johannesburg after spending 9 days in Botswana, considered one of the safest countries in Africa, where we had been on a self-drive safari . 

We handed back our 4wd bush camper and rented a car for two weeks in South Africa. There is no doubt we had some fears about driving in South Africa, but we actually found the country very easy to explore independently. The car gave us complete freedom to road trip at our own pace.

Seeking a little comfort we were lucky to find a great last minute deal staying at the Westpoint Executive Suites  in Sandton. There are a large number of serviced apartment buildings in the Sandton area, which is considered one of the safest places to stay in Johannesburg.

After sleeping in roof tents in Botswana it felt like complete luxury to have two bedrooms, a kitchen and a laundry in our apartment.

On our first night we took advantage of the great pool area, fast WI-FI and the comforts of home while admiring the sunset views from our balcony.

Expert Tip: If you want to add 2 days in Kruger National Park, we suggest you reduce time in Johannesburg and head straight to Kruger NP, 4-5 hours drive away.

Apartheid Museum

If you have time to explore Johannesburg, we recommend a trip to the Apartheid Museum  across town. The drive took us through wealthy suburbs with beautiful tree lined streets and large homes surrounded by even larger walls, often protected with security guards. In stark contrast, at just about every set of lights there were people begging.

It is a confronting sight coming from a country like Australia. It prompted discussions with the kids about poverty, inequality and apartheid. It made for an interesting drive and was perhaps a good introduction to the Apartheid Museum, which offers a thought provoking and moving look at South Africa’s tumultuous history.

The Apartheid Museum documents the rise and fall of apartheid in the country and the devastating impact it has had on its citizens. Although the museum is confronting and somber, I highly recommend a visit. It helped us understand the recent history of South Africa and was a timely history lesson before we set off to explore the country.

It was, however, difficult to engage the kids. There is a lot of written text to read and many of the topics were too complex for them to fully understand.

While it meant we moved through the museum quickly, it was worth a visit with the kids. It gave the kids a basic history lesson which was a good base to build on as we began our road trip through the country.

Related: Best Anti-Theft Backpacks for Travel

Days 3-5: Drakensberg Ranges

Although we hardly scratched the surface of Jo’burg, we were keen to head out of the city and start our road trip to Cape Town. We drove for about 4 hours south on a motorway through fields and spectacular plains to the Drakensberg Ranges.

The Drakensberg is the eastern portion of the escarpment that marks the border between South Africa and the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho. It stretches for over 1000 km and includes spectacular rocky peaks over 3000 m tall. The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park was listed as a UNESCO heritage site in 2000.

The region is peppered with small towns with access to the surrounding mountain ranges offering spectacular hiking and walks. We made our way to the Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge just outside Bergville, our base for a few days.

If you love the outdoors and hiking, a few days visiting the Drakensberg Ranges is a worthwhile inclusion in your South Africa itinerary.

Hiking Rainbow Gorge to the Cascades

The challenge when planning our hiking in the Drakensberg Ranges was that many of the trails seemed technical. We also found it difficult to find detailed information about the hikes to confirm if that was the case.

We concluded from what we could find that the Tugela Falls hike might be a bit tough for the kids. I would love to come back when the kids are older to tackle this hike. Instead we set off on a self-guided 4 hour hike to the Cascades.

To get to the trailhead was about an hour drive from Bergville to Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve (120 Rand entry).

On the way we passed many small villages with very basic housing. This was a common sight in South Africa and seems to be a sign that change is slow in the country. The locals would wait on the roadside for one of the many minibuses that ferried them from place to place. Hitching a ride is commonplace and there were plenty of people seeking a ride.

Parking is at the luxurious Didima Camp Lodges and the trail makes its way up into one of the canyons of the Drakensberg foothills. The staff at Didima have a hiking register you can sign before you set off.

The first part of the hike was through grassland and low scrub. We were lucky to have a clear morning and the views across to the Drakensberg Ranges were gorgeous.

After spending time in Botswana where roaming animals included lions, wild dogs and elephants, we were all a little nervous as we set off! Fortunately we were alone except for a number of baboons who looked on from a distance.

It was a bit of a climb and hot in the sun. The track was overgrown in places and was obviously not used much. We only passed two people during the hike.

The trail eventually led into a damp forest alongside a mountain stream with big boulders and a cascading stream. We followed this for a while until we found a nice spot and had a picnic lunch on the rocks by the stream.

We returned the same way, just making it to the car in time to beat the rain. It was sunny by the time we returned to our accommodation we had a well deserved swim in the pool.

Royal Natal National Park

The next day we drove to the nearby Royal Natal National Park (120 Rand entry).

Our first stop was a guided walk to see some of the famed rock art by the San people who called the Drakensberg home since the stone age. There are many rock art sites throughout the area and educational centers at Didima and Kamberg.

To be honest, the paintings were in a dilapidated state. The ones we saw are not well protected and been vandalized in places. However, the guide provided a good history lesson and the view of the high rock walls of the Amphitheatre was superb.

A short distance from here further along the road was a campground where we parked and started an easy 30 minute walk along a mountain stream. The path led to series of swimming holes between some lovely cascading waterfalls.

There was quite a crowd of people here cooling down in the chilly water. We had a dip and found a spot for lunch before another quick swim. We braved the cold water to go under the waterfall but didn’t stay under for long!

Again the bad weather rolled came in and we headed back to the car as rain threatened. We drove up the valley a bit further to try and see Tugela Falls. Unfortunately, cloud and light rain meant we couldn’t catch sight of it.

We head back to our accommodation and by the time we arrived the rain had stopped and it was time for a swim in the pool and a game of ping pong.

Other things to do in the Drakensberg Ranges

You could spend much more time in the Drakensberg as there are loads more hikes . The hike to Tugela Falls is on our list for next time.

It is also possible to organize a guided tour to visit the mountain kingdom of Lesotho from here via the renowned Sani Pass .

Where to Stay in Drakensberg Ranges

We stayed at Amphitheatre Backpackers Lodge , not far out of the town of Bergville. It is a remote and quirky little place with a mix of basic bungalows, dorms and campsites.

The Lodge was simple but suited our needs and was very affordable. The name comes from the view across to the peaks and rocky walls that form the escarpment known as “The Amphitheatre”.

The hostel can organize hiking trips to the nearby Tugela Falls, the second highest waterfall in the world. They also provide maps for a number of other hikes in the area.

With a communal kitchen, pool and plenty of space to play, it was a friendly and comfortable stop with incredible views across the mountains.

Day 6: Aliwal North

We had debated for many days which direction to take to make our way towards the coast. The kingdom of Lesotho rises up from the plains and it is a long way around either way!

We decided to head to the west and south around Lesotho. We had two big driving days ahead of us to make it to the coast. The first day would be about 5 hours to the small town of Aliwal North.

Save time: Drive back to Johannesburg and fly to Port Elizabeth. It would be possible to achieve this in a single day instead of spending two days driving to the coast!

Our first stop on the way to the coast was the town of Clarens.

The landscape was impressive on the drive to Clarens through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. It was dry and rocky and the skies were big and blue. It looked similar to the landscapes in South Western USA.

We stopped at Clarens and it was unlike any other town we had seen so far in South Africa. Most towns we passed through on the way to the Drakensberg had townships on the outskirts of town with the center filled with rows of identical small and basic housing.

Clarens had a township on the outskirts but the center of town was far more developed with old buildings, restaurants, and cafes. It was obviously more touristy and felt a bit like Bright (a town in northern Victoria, Australia). We treated ourselves to a coffee and cake and bought some Dry Wors (a kind of dried thin salami stick) to try.

The drive continued through bare, rocky and dry landscapes. The scenery was spectacular and made the long journey much more bearable.

We arrived in Aliwal North in the late afternoon with enough time to pick up supplies and find a place to stay a few kilometers out of town at the Toll Inn Guest Farm . It was a little B&B set among pretty gardens and made a convenient stop on our way to the coast. Click here to read more about Toll Inn.

Day 7: Addo

Another big day of driving as we head 4 hours further south to the small town of Addo, famous for the nearby Addo Elephant National Park.

As we got closer to Addo we passed over a mountain pass and as we made our way down the other side the landscape was immediately different. It was much greener, although still mainly scrubby vegetation. We passed a number of private game parks and saw quite a few zebras as we made our way to Addo.

Addo Elephant National Park is a great park to visit and see elephants, lion, and rhino if you didn’t include Kruger National Park in your itinerary.  There is a range of accommodation available close by from basic to luxury. It is possible to do self-guided or guided game drives in the park. You can find more details here .

We stayed at Avoca River Cabins , a fenced oasis of villas in a beautiful garden setting by the river amongst citrus plantations.

There was a kids playground with a fun (but slightly dangerous) flying fox that the kids enjoyed and we took a brief swim in the cold pool. The cabins were basic but had everything we needed and the pool and creek were fun for the kids to play.

Days 8 – 11: Plettenberg Bay

Our next destination was Plettenberg Bay, a pretty town on the Garden Route where we planned a longer stop.

If you are short on time, you could easily pack more into a shorter visit at Plettenberg Bay than we did. I would recommend at least a 2 night stop to have time for some of the many outdoor activities.

Jeffreys Bay

It was a 3-hour drive from Addo to Plettenberg Bay. We made our way through the outskirts of Port Elizabeth until we hit a motorway running by the ocean and followed this through the city and headed towards the garden route and our first pitstop, Jeffreys Bay.

Friends had given us the tip to stop at Jeffreys Bay and have lunch at a restaurant called Walskippers .  It is right on the beachfront and has an interesting setup with a sand floor and is open to the sea on two sides giving lovely views.

The seafood lunch was wonderful. The fish is cooked on brais above hot coals. The chefs collect the hot coals on large shovels from a chute at the bottom of a huge furnace. Wood was continually added to the top of the furnace which burned ferociously to create the coals. The view was pretty good too!

As we headed further west along the coast the vegetation became lush and green, which made sense as this is the start of the renowned “Garden Route”.

We traveled through pine plantations between the ocean and a large mountain range and into the Tsitsikamma National Park where we crossed bridges spanning massive gorges.

Plettenberg Bay is a town situated on the side of a very steep headland with beaches on either side.

It is a popular holiday destination for South Africans and our plan was to get some beach time. Unfortunately, we woke to a cold and wet day. So instead we had a lazy day, explored the small town and chilled out hoping the weather was going to improve!

Ziplining at Storms River

The following day the weather was grey and cool with the occasional rain shower.  The area around Plettenberg Bay is renowned for its many adventure activities including bungee jumping, rafting, and ziplining.

We decided to brave it and head out to try our hand at ziplining. We chose Tsitsikamma Falls Adventure  as the prices were more affordable than other companies in the area.

The kids had never ziplined before and they were both nervous as we geared up. We were in a group of 12 with 4 German girls in their 20s and an English family with kids about the same age as ours.

Harvey was especially worried at the start but loved it after his first go. The zip lines ran across and through a small gorge with most about 90m and the longest 211m.

Before long we were all grinning madly as we clipped in and whizzed away. It was well run and great fun.

Storm River Bridge

On the way back to Plettenberg Bay we stopped at Storm River bridge. The bridge runs over a deep and narrow gorge and there is a (scary) narrow walkway across the bridge. You can park at the service station on the Plettenberg Bay side of the bridge and walk back a short distance to walk across the bridge.

It was about 100m down to the bottom of the gorge and the trucks flew by only a couple of meters from us. It is a disconcerting walk but the view through the gorge is worth it.

We also bought some ostrich biltong (dried meat) to try, another food South Africa is famous for. Perhaps ostrich was not the best choice as it was very gamely and chewy and I was the only one who ate it.

Bungee Jumping at Bloukrans Bridge

We couldn’t resist stopping again a bit further along at the road at the even bigger Bloukrans Bridge.

At 216 m high, they have the highest bungy in Africa and one of the highest in the world. We watched as brave souls threw themselves into the deep gorge. That is a person on the end of the rope in the photo!

Near the bungy cafe there was a company with trampolines doing inverse bungy and our resident daredevil Amelie decided to give it a go.

A guy bounced on the tramp below her, grabbed and released her legs and Amelie soared high into the air.

She had so much fu and managed to do back and front flips and even one double front flip. Sign her up for the circus!

Robberg Peninsula Hike

On our last day in Plettenberg Bay the sun finally broke through and we decided to do the Robberg Peninsula hike. I had read about this hike and the pictures looked so spectacular.

This hike goes in a loop along a long and narrow peninsula that extends from the point a few kilometers further west of Plettenberg Bay.

If you like to get outdoors we highly recommend you add this hike to your South Africa itinerary.

We started along the east side of the island. The trail is along cliffs high up from the water. You could look down the sheer cliffs to the water below where hundreds of seals were frolicking in the clear seas.

We also saw some cute little dassies sunning themselves on rocky outcrops. The whole way huge colorful grasshoppers jumped away as we neared them on the trail.

It took us about 2 hours to get to the end of the peninsula, roughly the halfway point.

We found a nice spot on the rocks and had some lunch with gorgeous views down to the rock platform where large waves crashed and seals were playing a dangerous game surfing in the waves.

The trail then wraps back on the west side of the island where the path hugs the waterline and we had to scramble over boulders past rock pools.

Occasionally we had to climb up the steep cliff where the ocean came right up to the cliff.

We stopped halfway back, where there is a massive and steep sand dune. The kids and I climbed the dune and ran down the dune at breakneck pace. Always good fun.

There was a nice little beach but we felt the water and it was freezing. None of us braved it.

We walked back a bit further to another little beach, played on the sand and made the obligatory sandcastle. It was fun to see seals playing in the waves only meters from us. Look closely at the photo below!

We walked the last steep climb back up to the carpark to end a really good hike, one of the highlights of our 2 weeks in South Africa. It was about 10 kilometers and steep in a few places. The kids did really well and we all enjoyed themselves.

Where to Stay in Plettenberg Bay

We stayed in Plettenberg Bay for 4 nights in a 2 bedroom apartment in the River Club Villas complex near town. This is a series of apartments and houses in a fenced and gated community complete with a guardhouse.

We were able to secure a great deal as it wasn’t peak season. There are a large number of rental apartments in the area as it is a local holiday destination and it is worth contacting local real estate agents to secure the best deal.

Days 12-13: Oudtshoorn

Along the Garden Route there are countless great stops on the way to Oudsthoorn. We continued along for about an hour to Knysna. This is another big holiday town set on a large shallow inlet.

On another tip, we made our way to the East Head Cafe for breakfast. The cafe is positioned close to and looking out to sea through the narrow rocky heads of the inlet.

After coffee we explored the rocky shore in front of the cafe. It was an explorers heaven, full of rockpools with anemone and big starfish. A strange light fog hung in the air and it was quite cool. However, every now and again it would suddenly get about 5 degrees warmer and stay like that for a few minutes before switching back. Weird.

We drove further down the coast to the seaside town of Wilderness. This is meant to be another nice seaside town but the weather turned very nasty as we approached. A strong westerly wind was blowing and at one stage we drove through a mini dust storm.

With our thoughts of visiting the beach again dashed, we stopped at the lookout on the cliff driving out of town. The rain was holding off and we enjoyed the view back down the beach and noticed a huge pack of about 100 dolphins playing in the waves. There were a bit far away but it was great to watch them surfing and jumping out of the water.

Farm Stay at Oudtshoorn

We passed through the outskirts of George and headed over a spectacular mountain pass towards Oudtshoorn. As soon as we crossed the mountain pass the scenery turned arid, rocky and dry as it had been before Addo.

Oudtshoorn is famous both for its Ostrich Farms and The Cango Caves.  If you want to visit the Cango Caves you will need to book in advance as they are very popular. We had intentions to visit both an Ostrich Farm and the caves, but were thwarted by a flash storm, as we explain below!

We stopped in Oudtshoorn for a late lunch and then headed about 30 minutes out of town to Oudemuragie Guest Farm where we were staying the next 2 nights. Our stay at the farm was one of our most memorable stops of the trip.

The farm is a little hard to find, but we found it eventually! As we turned off the main road onto a dirt road we head down a valley through some olive plantations.

After about 9 kms we turned into a driveway that went through an olive plantation then over a causeway and up a hill to expose some verdant green fields and a large house set in nice gardens. The backdrop was spectacular with rocky mountains soaring up from the far edge of the paddocks.

We were greeted by Maggie, the owner of the farm, as though we were long lost friends. She showed us to our cabin and gave us a fresh loaf of bread.

The only issue was the electricity which was not working since a storm went through the previous night.

Helping out on the Farm

We settled in and at 4:30pm we (along with 2 other families and a couple staying there) helped herd the sheep into their pen for the night. There were a number of lambs, including one born the night before.

The kids took turns feeding the lambs with bottles of milk as their mothers did not have enough milk to feed them.

The whole time Maggie was talking, mixing between Africaans and English. She was a real character and full of energy. She had some help from a couple of farmhands but you could tell she was the kind of person that never stops.

That night we lit a fire on the brai (barbeque) to cook dinner. We still had no electricity and were using candles for light and the gas stove to cook some potatoes.

To the west we could see a big electrical storm with lightning but it was quite still and it seemed the storm would pass us by. However, it became increasingly obvious this would not be the case as the lightning came closer and wind picked up.

Finally, there was a huge gust of wind and the heavens opened. I grabbed our food off the fire and ran inside for cover. We closed all the windows as the rain drove in.

It was bucketing down and the rain came through some of the windows and under one of the doors. I finished cooking dinner on the stove and we had dinner under candlelight as the storm raged and thunder boomed.

Eventually, the rain stopped and the wind dropped. The kids went to bed and I could hear a roaring noise. I opened the window and realized it was the stream, about 100 meters away at the bottom of the paddock. With all the rain running down from the mountains it sounded like a raging river torrent.

Stranded on the Farm

The following day we planned to drive to Cango Caves. As we drove down the driveway, we were nervous about the state of the causeway we had crossed on our way in.

Muddy water about shin deep was rushing across the causeway. I was not going to chance losing the rental car down the creek so we turned around. Instead, we spent the day exploring the farm, wondering how long we may be stranded for!

We walked up to the dam, set in the hillside above the farm at the base of the huge mountains. On the way, we realized the extent of the damage from the storm the previous night. The water level had risen by a couple of meters and branches and whole trees were fallen and strewn across the stream.

We used a fallen tree to cross the creek and followed the path upwards into a blackened and bleak landscape. We found out later from Maggie that a fire had destroyed the vegetation earlier that year and narrowly missed wiping out her farm.

The next morning the kids were up early to help Maggie, who had promised them a long ride on the tractor and an ice cream. As we packed we heard the tractor and looked out to see Harvey sitting on Maggie’s lap driving the tractor up the road.

The tractor was towing a trailer with Amelie, two dogs and two other young girls and their parents. Amelie also took a turn driving the tractor. For two city kids this was heaven! They loved every minute of it.

We were sad to leave the farm. The lovely Maggie gave us a bottle of jam and suggested a few places we should stop on our drive and wished us well. She is an amazing lady and we were so glad we stopped here.

Day 14: Cape Agulhas

We decided to skip the Cango Caves as we needed to keep making our way to Cape Town. So we made our way back on to the Garden Route and to Cape Agulhas on the coast.

The drive took us through arid countryside and mountains with a brief stop in Ladismith where we bought some cheese and dried fruit (which they are famous for).

We then continued on a bit further to Barrydale where Maggie said a place called Diesel had the best milkshakes in SA. It was an interesting little roadside place with old petrol pumps, signs and paraphernalia. The milkshakes indeed were awesome and I had a good burger there too.

From Barrydale we turned towards the coast up and over an incredibly scenic mountain pass.

The road followed a canyon that cuts through the mountain range. There had been fires here too and once we crossed the mountain pass we left the arid terrain, now replaced by fields of farming land.

We continued on for a bit over an hour to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa.

At sunset, we drove down to the cape to where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.

The coastline is very rugged and windswept. The kids played on the rocky shore and we stopped by a shipwreck to watch the sunset. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon. It felt pretty special to arrive at the southernmost tip of Africa.

Day 15: Franschhoek

From Cape Agulhas we drove the coastal road towards Cape Town. The weather was still grey so unfortunately, the famed coastline did not look at its best.

We may be biased but we all agreed the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia was better!

However, the last stretch between Rooi-Els and Gordon’s Bay was very spectacular with the tall mountains plunging down to the sea and the road clinging to the side of the mountain.

Instead of heading to Cape Town we drove on to Franschhoek, a small town set in a valley of vineyards and fruit farms between huge rocky mountains.

The setting is absolutely breathtaking. We stopped at Moreson Wine Farm, where they have a restaurant and cafe called Miss Molly. There we treated ourselves to charcuterie and cheese boards with wine tastings. .

The town is a busy little place with many stores and restaurants.

Where to stay in Franschhoek

There are many guesthouses, lodges and hotels in Franshhoek. We stayed at La Bourgogne Wine Farm a few kilometers out of town.

Here they grow pears, olives, grapes and make wine. They have a lovely set up with tables overlooking a grassy area with kids play equipment.

As we were staying at the farm we were treated to a complimentary wine tasting and a free bottle of wine. Plus there was a pool. We were all in heaven. It was the absolute bargain accommodation of the trip.

Next morning we stopped in town to have a browse through the shop windows and stopped at De Villiers chocolate shop where the kids did a chocolate tasting (and gave us a bit too).

We were a bit sad to leave Franschhoek as it was stunning and there were so many beautiful wineries to visit. A stay in Franshhoek to visit the wineries and experience South African hospitality at its best is essential in a two week itinerary South Africa.

Days 16 – 18: Cape Town

We head into Cape Town,  just 2 hours drive for our last stop in Africa. We spent 4 nights in Cape Town and loved it. The city has a spectacular setting, located on a big bay at the foot of 1000 meter high Table Mountain.

There is so much to do in Cape Town. We underestimated how much and could easily have spent more time in this enjoyable city. To see a full list of activity ideas and prices for Cape Town click here .

Cape Town Waterfront

The next day we considered hiking up Table Mountain but the weather was overcast and cold so we postponed it for another day.

Instead, we went to the waterfront to explore the retail and restaurant district. The shopping center was full of high-end retail stores. This was a bit of a surprise but I guess the relative wealth in Cape Town is quite high compared to much of the country and they get many tourists.

Continuing the chocolate theme, we went to the Lindt shop where the kids did a workshop to make their own gold chocolate bunny.

It was 2 days before Easter so this was a fun activity for them to do. Plus they took a Lindt chocolate bunny away at the end!

Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

For lunch, we drove to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens where we had lunch at Moyos. This is a large restaurant chain that specializes in African cuisine.

On our South Africa road trip we mostly self-catered so this was our chance to try some local specialties. We decided to splurge and purchased the banquet which had over 50 meals to try.

The food was OK but the real treat was tasting so many different local foods like bobotie , potjies and boerewors. For the kids, the treat was to keep going back for more! Amelie made at least 3 trips to the dessert bar!

Afterward, we walked our meal off in the gardens. Kirstenbosch has to be the best botanical garden in the world.

It is huge and beautifully laid out on the lower slopes of Table Mountain.

Highlights were the treetop walk of a metal gangway that swayed as you walked and climbing the huge wild almond trees. It is easy to spend a couple of hours here so plan an afternoon to explore and relax.

Hiking Table Mountain

The wind howled overnight and we woke to clear blue skies but it was still quite windy.

We had hoped to hike up Table Mountain and catch the cable car down but it seemed unlikely the cable car would run with the high winds and gusts up to 100km/hr.

We knew that many roads were blocked for the annual marathon so we couldn’t plan a day trip out of the city either. So we stuck with our plan to hike Table Mountain and drove up and parked just down the road from the lower cable car station.

The cable car was closed so we had to hike both up and down the mountain. We were confident the kids would manage and were also pleased it meant the top wouldn’t be as crowded!

It was warm in the sun as we started the steep climb up to the contour path at the base of the rocky cliffs. Below, the blue bay glistened in the sun. We made it to the contour path and then followed it along for maybe 1km to Platerklip Gorge.

Here the path zig-zagged pretty much straight up a narrow gorge culminating in a narrow canyon right at the top of the mountain. There were loads of people doing the hike. A few guys were even trail running it!

The climb was very steep on a seemingly endless number of rocky steps. The icy wind blew down the gorge straight into our faces. A few times it gusted so much we lost our balance.

It got pretty cold and we were happy to have fleeces and our rain jackets in the top section that was in the shade and very windy.

Amelie grumbled a bit on the climb and there were a few moments when I wondered if we would make it but after 2 hours we made it to the top. We were rewarded with spectacular views out to sea and over the city.

Because the cable car was not running the cafe and toilets at the top were also closed. Fortunately, we had brought our own food which we ate in a sunny spot out of the wind and we found some bushes for a toilet stop!

It was too cold to stay at the top for long so down we went. Thankfully it took less time but was still tough and Rachel’s legs were like jelly by the bottom. It was not easy but I am glad we did it.

Booking tickets for the Table Mountain Cable Car

If you plan to take the cable car to the top, keep an eye on the weather. Table Mountain is notorious for being blanketed in cloud. Which is why we don’t recommend you book tickets in advance. Watch the weather and when you have a blue day, book online and make your way up.

The next day was sunny and the wind had dropped a bit so we took a day trip to Camps Bay. It is quite a beautiful beach and good choice if you need a relaxing day while in Cape Town.

We found a spot, made sand castles and played soccer. Hawkers on the beach with eskies (coolers) were selling cold drinks and ice creams. People were sunbaking to get the last rays before winter.

The water was freezing and a few people in full wetsuits were riding body boards in the small waves but we did not brave the cold for a swim.

There are seafood restaurants all the way along the promenade. We had lunch here, bought the obligatory ice creams and head back to the apartment.  It was a great way to finish our trip to Cape Town.

Where to Stay in Cape Town

We booked an Airbnb apartment in Cape Town. It was located in a small old block of apartments at the base of Table Mountain.

It was the first Airbnb we rented that was an actual lived in house. It felt cozy and the kids loved playing with the toys and reading the books of the girl who lived there.

There are a lot of accommodation choices in Cape Town, from Airbnb, serviced apartments and hotels.

It is a popular tourist city, so it is best to book in advance, especially during holiday periods. Click here to get an idea of hotel prices and availability.

Best time to visit South Africa

I don’t think there is any best time to visit South Africa. It really is a year-round destination.

We visited South Africa in April. We found April good for hiking as the temperatures were mild although we did encounter a lot of thunderstorms!

Some activities are better suited to certain months (such as whale watching which is best July-November) or Safari Tours in Kruger (best August-September).

As we traveled during shoulder season we didn’t need to book our accommodation and we made bookings a couple of days in advance along the way.

Our two week road trip South Africa was one of the highlights of our 12 month trip around the world with the kids. It is one of the destinations we plan to return to one day to explore more.

We can now join the chorus of people who will tell you to visit South Africa. You won’t regret it!

South Africa Itinerary options

Okay, ours was a 2.5 week road trip! But the travel itinerary is easily customized to become a 1 week, 2 week or 3 week South African itinerary.

If you have a week in South Africa we suggest you fly to Port Elizabeth and drive the Garden Route, finishing in Cape Town.

To shorten this to a 2 week itinerary, we think you are best to reduce the number of nights in Johannesburg and Plettenberg Bay. You could also consider flying between Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth.

If you have 3 weeks in South Africa , we suggest you head straight to Kruger National Park straight from Johannesburg then drive to the Drakensberg Ranges via St Lucia.

If you are lucky enough to have a month for a South Africa trip , then on top of adding Kruger and St Lucia we recommend exploring the Wild Coast on the eastern side of the country, more time in the Drakensberg Ranges and longer in Cape Town.

Parting thoughts

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip through South Africa. It is an easy country to self-drive and despite our initial fears we found it to be quite safe. We took the necessary precautions, kept our valuables secure and didn’t have any problems.

There were some long driving days which were challenging with the kids, but driving really is the best way to see the country. So as long as you prepare for the drives they are manageable.

The people we met were friendly, upbeat and happy. We learned about the history of the country and saw how the country is recovering from the apartheid period.

We spent a week in Botswana to get our fix of wild animal safaris but this is all possible in South Africa as well.

South Africa is a spectacular place to visit with amazing scenery and great outdoor activities. I have no doubt we will be back to this country to explore more of what it has to offer.

Plan your trip: South Africa in 2 weeks

Flights to South Africa –  Skyscanner is our favorite site to search for flights.  It compares hundreds of sites and millions of flights to show you the best deals available.

Most international flights arrive into Johannesburg, but there are a number of budget airlines operating within South Africa including Mango and SAFAir. Click here to review current ticket prices and availability.

South Africa Accommodation – In South Africa we found the largest range of accommodation on SafariNow. Check the range of properties and prices here.

Car Rental in South Africa – Discovercars.com  offers cars from over 500 partners in more than 10,000 destinations to bring you the best car hire deals. Click here to search for South Africa car rental prices and availability.

Travel Insurance for South Africa – World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

What do you love about South Africa? Is there anything you would like to know? Leave us a comment!

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2 thoughts on “South Africa in 2 Weeks: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary”

Do you guys pay for everything or do you get sponsored for these trips? Eg the car rental, safari self drive etc? Thanks

Hi James, we travel independently and save for and fund our own travel. A lot of our travel would be categorised as budget travel. We try to keep costs down as much as possible by cooking meals, finding deals on flights and staying in cheaper accommodation. Thanks for your question!

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2 Weeks in South Africa: The Perfect South African Itinerary

There’s simply no beating around the bush when it comes to South Africa – this country has it all and then some. And if you’re planning on heading out on an epic trip, you’ll need an epic South Africa itinerary to suit.

So, you’re planning a trip to South Africa ? Lucky you.

I fell in love with the country when I visited a few years ago. From the excellent vino that can be found in the wine country to the breathtaking safari opportunities, this destination really does have something to offer every kind of traveller.

And that’s before we even scratch the surface on the captivating things to do in Cape Town (although those are pretty great).

In fact, I’m so enamoured with this place that I decided it was time to share how to make an ordinary trip to South Africa into an extraordinary one…

And the key to that, eager traveller, lies within this epic South Africa two-week itinerary.

Handy Tips for Planning Your South Africa Itinerary 

Group tour or independent travel.

The beauty of any 2-week trip to South Africa is that it’s guaranteed to be unforgettable regardless of how you choose to do it. 

While I usually like renting a car and heading out solo, there can be plenty of benefits to taking a group tour – mainly for those who enjoy structure and having the stress of planning taken away from them.

If you’re after wildlife, there are great options, including this 2-day safari from Cape Town and this Pilanesberg Nature Reserve safari from Johannesburg. 

Or perhaps, head out on this whale and dolphin watching boat trip from Hermanus or this Cape of Good Hope tour ? The possibilities for group travel are immense. 

However, if you’re more of a go-it-alone type of explorer, you’ll be happy to know that South Africa is the perfect place for solo adventures. This gives you more freedom and flexibility, which, in a place like this, means you make the memories on your own time.     

What to Pack for Your South Africa 2-Week Itinerary

The number one thing to remember when plotting out your packing list ideas for your trip to South Africa is that you’ll need to pack for various experiences. 

Keep in mind this is a country where cosmopolitan cities set along dramatic coastlines meet wild savannas and mountain landscapes.

Ultimately what you pack depends on what you will do during your South African excursion. 

If you plan on getting the most out of its beaches, remember long-lasting high-SPF sunscreen. Bring along a bathing suit or two and a beach towel , and pack your comfiest sandals .

If you’re heading into the bush of the Kruger National Park, pack clothing for both hot and cold weather. Days get hot, but nights cool down quickly. And, if you’re heading to the Drakensberg, days are cool, and nights are even colder, so pack layered clothing.

As for activity-focused clothing, South Africa teems with hiking opportunities, so bring along your hiking boots and refillable water bottle . 

On wildlife safaris, a pair of binoculars and bug spray comes in extremely handy. And don’t forget your universal travel adapter and portable USB charger .

Useful Resources 

Before heading out on your two weeks in South Africa, there’s a few resources you can use to save you time and money. Here are my top picks:

• Skyscanner — One of the best flight booking sites around if you’re looking for convenience and affordability.
• Booking.com — Bringing together accommodation options to suit any budget makes finding a hotel easy.
• Tripadvisor — Use Tripadvisor if you need real-time reviews on attractions, destinations, activities, and restaurants.
• Get Your Guide — Need help planning what to fill your itinerary with? Get Your Guide lets expert tour operators do the job for you.
• RentalCars.com — For easy and affordable rental cars, no matter where you go.

Getting Around 

Getting a rental car is the easiest way to get around South Africa. Besides being very driveable, the country is beautiful to see while undertaking an epic road trip. Rental prices are also really affordable.

On the other hand, South Africa is huge, so you can fly from one major city to the other to help with travel times. 

Luckily there are numerous domestic airports in the country. The ones you’ll likely be flying to/from are OR Tambo International in Johannesburg and Cape Town International in Cape Town.

2 Weeks in South Africa Itinerary 

Day 1 – 4: Cape Town

Cape Town – or the Mother City , as it’s often known – has a distinct kind of charm that I completely fell in love with on a previous visit.

Why? Very few cities can offer what this gem does. It has stunning beaches, gorgeous mountains, tantalising cuisine, friendly locals, and is incredibly affordable. 

Things to Do in Cape Town

Ascend table mountain.

Okay, this one might seem like an obvious first impression of your 2-week trip in South Africa. Heading up Table Mountain is an adventure all its own, and the views from the top are incredible.

So whether you take the cable car as part of a Cape Town tour or tackle one of the hikes to the top, you’re in for a good time. 

If you are the hiking type, the Platteklip Gorge trek is the shortest to the top but steep and quite the workout.

Soak Up the Sun in Camps Bay

One of the most popular beaches in the city – beyond its striking coastline, Camps Bay is a thrill for anyone yearning for the best spot for beach bumming in the region. 

Perfect for daytime lounging, grabbing a bite to eat, and soaking up the African sun — what more could you want?

Well, if you’re someone that loves aesthetic beauty (there’s a lot of it here), wait till sundown. It’s undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking sunsets I’ve ever seen, and this was my falling-in-love moment with Cape Town.

Head Out on a Cruise from the V&A Waterfront

If there’s one thing Cape Town does right, it’s offering the best in retail therapy, cuisine, and entertainment. If this sounds like a tall order, head to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for an unparalleled world of shopping, food and drink, and fun-filled activities.

But, all that aside, a must-do when at the V&A is to splurge and embark on a sunset champagne cruise . Seeing an African sunset from the ocean while indulging in a delectable three-course meal is bliss. 

Getting to Cape Town

Considering you’ll kick off your South Africa Itinerary of 2 weeks in Cape Town, you’ll want to book your international flight to Cape Town International Airport (CPT). 

Keep an eye on Skyscanner to ensure you get the cheapest flight regardless of where you’re flying from. 

Suggested Stay for Cape Town on your South Africa Itinerary

Cloud 9 boutique hotel & spa.

Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa is a chic base for your Cape Town stay. 

Alternatively, check all accommodation in Cape Town  

Day 5 – 6: Cape Winelands

You simply can’t visit South Africa without sampling at least *a few* of the country’s finest wines. And luckily, it’s a pretty easy task from Cape Town, thanks to the close proximity of the Cape Winelands. 

Two of the most buzz-worthy wine destinations within the Winelands are Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. So, which one do you visit? Let me make the decision easy for you. Visit both.

Things to Do in the Cape Winelands

Tour the franschhoek wineries.

Again, an obvious thing to do, but you’re in the Cape Winelands. How could you expect anything else? 

With its distinctive French influence throughout the town and surrounding vineyards, the unique blends crafted here are almost otherworldly.

The most noteworthy wineries include Babylonstoren, Rickety Bridge Winery, Haute Cabriere (fantastic wine and food here), and Dieu Donne. And if you have the time, visit a household name in SA, Boschendal Wines . 

Tour the Stellenbosch Wineries

This is wine country at its best, boasting over 150 wineries that eagerly open their cellar doors to visitors. With each featuring a distinctive take on wine culture and considering it’s the birthplace of the Pinotage, what more could you want?

Some of the best wineries to visit while in Stellenbosch include Waterford Estate, where you should indulge in wine and chocolate tasting. Other standouts, such as Tokara Wine Estate, Peter Falke Wines, and Delaire Graff Estate, make it a match made in wine heaven.

Tip: Get the best out of the Cape Winelands with this full-day wine-tasting tour from Cape Town.

Getting to The Cape Winelands

Heading out from Cape Town, the 24-mile drive to where the Cape Winelands begins is an easy road to follow. It’s a direct route along the N1 National Highway from Cape Town through Paarl, Worcester, and De Doorns.  

Suggested Stay for the Cape Winelands on your South Africa Itinerary

Van der stel manor.

A restored Dutch-Colonial manor set close to the centre of Stellenbosch, the stunning Van Der Stel Manor is the perfect place to kick start your wine excursions. With gorgeous landscaped gardens and tastefully decorated rooms, it’s a fantastic home away from home. 

Alternatively, check all accommodation in The Cape Winelands  

Day 7 – 9: The Garden Route 

One of my favourite places in South Africa isn’t just one place. Instead, it’s the lavishly green stretch of countryside known as the Garden Route, to which I dedicated an entire itinerary . 

The route stretches from the scenic harbour town of Mossel Bay and winds along epic coastlines, through thick forests, over massive gorges, and brims with wildlife.

Things to do Along the Garden Route

Discover knysna.

One of the main draws of this awe-inspiring route is the town of Knysna. It’s strikingly green, surrounded by lush forests, and features fantastic natural attractions. 

You can also head to the Knysna Waterfront for shopping and dining in town.

A must-visit landmark of the Garden Route, the Knysna Heads is a pair of stunning sandstone cliffs that separate the ocean and lagoon close to Knysna. Perfect for some Instagram-worthy snapshots.

Explore Plettenberg Bay

Locals simply call it “Plett”, but you’ll soon call it one of the best spots along the Garden Route. A world away from the jungles of Knysna, this is pure coastal bliss, and the town features a massive host of attractions.

Check out the free-flight bird sanctuary, Birds of Eden, or go hiking at the Robberg Nature Reserve. If those don’t catch your attention, head to Monkeyland, a free-roaming monkey sanctuary, or the Plettenberg Bay Elephant Sanctuary.

Bungee Jump Off Bloukrans

So, who wants to jump off a bridge? Sorry, let me rephrase – who wants to (safely) bungee jump off the world’s highest commercial bungee bridge? 

Well, along the Garden Route, you’ll find Bloukrans Bridge.

And you guessed it, here you can be the ultimate thrill-seeker and jump head first into a gorgeous ravine. Even if you don’t want to do it yourself, you can spectate from the sidelines or zipline to a bridge beneath the bungee point to get some epic photos.

Getting to the Garden Route

To reach the starting point of the Garden Route, Mossel Bay, you’ll head out of Stellenbosch along the N2 National Highway. This 223-mile road leads through Swellendam, Heidelberg, and Riversdale and will take about 4 hours.

Suggested Stay for The Garden Route on your South Africa Itinerary

Under milkwood resort.

While not in Knysna, Under Milkwood Resort is the perfect place to stay as you venture along the Garden Route. It’s on the shores of Knysna Lagoon and offers stunning wooden chalets set within a picturesque landscape.

Alternatively, check all accommodation in Knysna

Day 10 – 11: Addo Elephant Park

It’s the final stop on the Garden Route and your next visit for one of the best South Africa itineraries: the Addo Elephant Park. It’s the perfect introduction to the South African bush. 

Although not as famous as the Kruger National Park, it’s filled with amazing activities and is undoubtedly a highlight of this trip. 

Things to Do in Addo Elephant Park

Go on a self-drive safari.

If you’re wondering how to use a 2 week in South Africa budget effectively, there’s no better activity than a self-drive safari at Addo Elephant Park. The park is home to roughly 300 elephants, and while you should be able to spot a few, there is much more to see.

Also at home in the park is the famous Big 5. So if you’re looking to see lions, leopards, black rhinos, elephants, and buffalo, this is one of the best ways to do it. You’ll get a map as you enter the park. 

Tip: If you’d rather go on a guided safari, book this full-day tour from Port Elizabeth (Gqebera).

Getting to Addo Elephant Park 

You’ll continue on the N2 National Highway towards Port Elizabeth from Plettenberg Bay. You’ll base yourself in this city for this leg of your South Africa itinerary for 14 days. 

To reach Addo, you’ll take the R335 out of the town for 42 miles. This will take you about 70 minutes. 

Suggested Stay for Addo Elephant Park on your South Africa Itinerary

Singa lodge — lion roars hotels & lodge.

Offering rustic luxury close to the heart of Port Elizabeth, Singa Lodge is the perfect place to explore the city and use as a base for your Addo adventure. Featuring a mix of Eastern and African decor, the lodge features tasteful decor focusing on providing impeccable service. 

Alternatively, check all accommodation in Port Elizabeth (Gqebera)

Day 12 – 14: Kruger National Park

It wouldn’t be the perfect itinerary for South Africa if I left the Kruger National Park out. And thanks to its mesmerising quality and fame, it’s the final stop. 

It’s one of Africa’s largest game reserves (for context – it’s bigger than the entirety of The Netherlands), so proper prior planning is essential.

Beyond housing the Big 5, the Kruger is also a wonderland filled with various other mammals and a plethora of bird life. Of course, there are also the natural landscapes of the park that are equally as captivating as its inhabitants. 

Things to Do in Kruger National Park

Head out on a safari.

It’s Kruger National Park, after all. With its variety of animals and landscapes, there’s simply no escaping from the fact that most of your time here will revolve around seeing its fauna and flora.

You can choose to go on a self-drive of the Kruger, and for this, I suggest entering the park from Nelspruit or Crocodile Bridge. Alternatively, book a guided game drive of the park. 

Both have a distinct vibe, and, considering you’ll spend a few days here, I recommend mixing the two.

Indulge in a Meal

There are a few places to enjoy a bite to eat inside and outside the park. But, the best option is to head into the park and indulge while doing some wildlife spotting. For this, head to the Lower Sabie Rest Camp.

It overlooks a vast watering hole, so you’re guaranteed a meal with a view. Ideally, arrive here around midday to see lounging hippos, prowling hyenas, giraffes, and even elephants on good days.  

Getting to Kruger National Park

The easiest way to reach the Kruger National Park is from Nelspruit (Mbombela). But you don’t want to drive the almost 15-hour journey from Port Elizabeth. 

Book a domestic flight that heads directly to Nelspruit. From here, it’s a short 55-minute drive along the N4 National Highway to reach the Malelane Gate for the park. 

Suggested Stay for Kruger National Park on your South Africa Itinerary 

Motswari private game reserve.

Directly connected to the Kruger, Motswari Game Reserve has no fences between it and the park, ensuring an intimate stay while you explore the park. With an authentic safari look, you can also head out on two game drives per day and a bush walk.

Alternatively, check all accommodation in Nelspruit (Mbombela)

South Africa Travel Itinerary – Map

South Africa Itinerary: Read More South African Guides

• An Incredible Garden Route Itinerary
• Cool Places to Visit in Cape Town
• Visiting Addo Elephant National Park
• The Top Things to do in South Africa

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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South Africa Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 10, 2023

Offering amazing safaris, rugged mountains, world-class wineries, an endless coastline, and lively cities like Cape Town , South Africa is a magical destination that is often overlooked by budget travelers.

Annexed by the Dutch and British before gaining independence in 1931, South Africa struggled with apartheid from 1948 all the way until 1990. The remnants of that dark time can still be seen around the country today, however, things have been improving and the country has been moving forward in leaps and bounds.

While South Africa still struggles with corruption and petty crime (be sure to watch your stuff while you’re here) , its rich but tumultuous history, incredible natural beauty, and international culture make it a worthwhile stop on any round-the-world itinerary. It also has the most UNESCO sites in all of Africa!

This travel guide to South Africa can help you plan the perfect trip without breaking the bank to ensure you make the most of your time in this incredible country.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on South Africa

Top 5 Things to See and Do in South Africa

1. Enjoy Cape Town

Hike up Table Mountain, explore Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, tan on pristine beaches, visit Robben Island, and go on a wine tour. Cape Town has it all, so spend as much time as you can here. There’s also lots to see outside the city, including Boulders Beach ( where you can see penguins ) and Cape Point.

2. Learn about Apartheid’s tragic past

Gain a deeper understanding of South Africa by visiting the Apartheid Museum in Joburg, taking a tour of Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison), and exploring Soweto (SOuth WEstern TOwnships), a township created by the Apartheid government in Gauteng. It’s a dark, eye-opening era to learn about.

3. Explore Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is the biggest, most popular, and busiest game reserve in the country. It’s a huge park with over 2 million hectares (almost 5 million acres) of space brimming with wildlife (including the Big 5). A basic three-day budget safari costs about 12,000 ZAR.

4. Drive the Garden Route

This route stretches along the Indian Ocean from Mossel Bay to St Francis, offering beautiful landscapes, serene beaches, picturesque towns, scenic wetlands, and sprawling wineries along the way. The journey is only about 200 kilometers (125 miles), but don’t rush — it’s best to spend a few days stopping and exploring as you go.

5. Day trip to Eswatini (formerly Swaziland)

Formerly called Swaziland, this tiny country was renamed in 2018 (Eswatini means “land of the Swazis”). There are several large game parks and reserves here, making it a great destination for more wildlife spotting. Be sure to visit Hlane Royal National Park. Borders can be a bit slow, so check the wait times before you go.

Other Things to See and Do in South Africa

1. partake in extreme sports.

South Africa offers over 100 extreme sports, including bungee jumping, sandboarding, skydiving, parasailing, jungle zip-lining, scuba diving, and more! Prices vary but expect skydiving to cost around 2,800-3,100 ZAR and bungee jumping to cost around 1,400 ZAR. The world’s third-highest bungee jump point, at Bloukrans Bridge, is here in South Africa (it’s 216 meters/708 feet). If you’re going to go cage diving with sharks, make sure you avoid companies that chum the waters to entice the sharks as that isn’t an ethical or sustainable practice.

2. Explore KwaZulu-Natal

People flock to the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on the east coast to relax, tan, ride the waves, eat amazing food, drink, and spot animals. KwaZulu-Natal’s game-rich Zululand and Elephant Coast in the north provide great wildlife spotting. This is also the birthplace of so many famous and powerful South Africans, including former presidents, the founder of the African National Congress, anti-apartheid leaders, and one of the most influential monarchs of the Zulu Kingdom, Shaka Zulu (1787-1828). KZN has diverse landscapes, interesting activities, and a mix of city life and rural-tribal life. One thing that’s consistent throughout the region is the level of pride in the Zulu culture.

3. Surf the waves

Dungeons Beach, near Cape Town, is a great place to spend some time if you have experience riding gigantic waves. Really — only surf here if you’re a seasoned professional, as the cold water and unpredictable waters are dangerous for new surfers. Beginners should visit Jeffreys Bay (J-Bay), about 75 kilometers (47 miles) west of Port Elizabeth, which is famous for its awesome right-hand point breaking waves. Muizenberg on False Bay is one of the best options for winter longboarding when the north-westerly wind picks up, and Durban has waves ideal for newbies and pro surfers alike. Group surfing lessons cost around 350 ZAR, including equipment.

4. Explore the Cango Caves

These caves, located in the Swartberg Mountains in the Western Cape Province, are 20 million years old and stretch for 4 kilometers (2.5 miles). You can see the exquisite stalagmite formations during the subterranean tours and learn about its history from the Interpretive Center. The standard tour costs 150 ZAR, while a more adventurous (and longer) tour is 220 ZAR, though you should only take this tour if you’re comfortable crawling through very tight spaces. Wear sensible footwear when visiting.

5. Hike Table Mountain

One of the best things in Cape Town is hiking up Table Mountain. It’s a steep, tiring climb that takes around two hours, but the views are worth it. There’s a nice little cafe and a cobblestoned area to walk around at the top so you can relax and admire the view when you’re done. Once you successfully reach the summit, you can take the cable car back down. A one-way ticket is 210 ZAR for adults or 320-390 ZAR for round-trip tickets. Be sure to dress appropriately and bring water as the weather can change quite quickly.

6. Admire the Big Tree in Tsitsikamma National Park

Estimated to be about 800 years old, this majestic Yellowwood tree is located in the Tsitsikamma National Park along South Africa’s Garden Route. This tree of epic proportions stands 36.6 meters (120 feet) high and has a trunk circumference of 9 meters (30 feet). There is a 500 meter (1,640 foot) wooden walkway through the indigenous forest leading to this tree, and from there, you can journey onto a 3-4 kilometer (1.5-2.5-mile) walk if you follow the Ratel Nature Walk signposts. Admission is 12 ZAR. While you’re here, you can also hike many of the other trails in the park, which stretches 80 kilometers (50 miles) along the coastline.

7. Sleep in Gandhi’s house

Did you know that Mahatma Gandhi spent 21 years in South Africa? While he was there, Gandhi’s close friend and German architect Hermann Kallenbach designed and built this farmhouse in 1907, which then served as Gandhi’s South African base from 1908-09. The house is called Satyagraha House and is situated in Orchards, Johannesburg. It’s the spot from which Gandhi developed his plan for passive resistance against the British Empire. It’s been beautifully restored and provides free day visits or overnight stays in one of its seven rooms (prices from 3,080 ZAR).

8. Drive the Namaqualand Flower Route

The Namaqualand Flower Route is a 650-kilometer (404-mile) drive from Yzerfontein to Richtersveld National Park. While you can drive it in one day, most people break it up into sections and take a few days to do it. This region bursts into a sea of color every spring (mainly mid-August and mid-September, peaking in August) when over 4,000 species of flowers bloom. Head north to Springbok, and then make your way down in a southerly direction so the flowers are facing you. The flowers are best viewed on non-overcast days between 10:30am-4pm, so plan your trip accordingly. The Goegap Nature Reserve provides picnic areas and overnight facilities as well. Expect to pay between 320-1,200 ZAR per night.

9. Visit the wineries

South Africa is one of the biggest wine exporters in the world, exporting over 300 million liters (80 million gallons) of wine each year. Visit the vineyards to taste some incredibly fresh wine against a serene, mountainous backdrop. Cape Town is most popular for these tours, but there are great wine regions all over the country, including the Coastal Region, Klein Karoo, Breede River Valley, Olifants River, and Cape South Coast. Jump on an 8-hour day tour that goes from winery to winery, sampling all sorts of wine while learning all about the history of winemaking in South Africa. Tours start at 950 ZAR for a half-day tour.

10. Drive the Sani Pass to the Roof of Africa

Drive the Sani Pass Mountain route in Lesotho — the only route over the Drakensberg escarpment into the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho. Since it first opened in 1955, the Sani Pass has offered an exhilarating journey as it twists and turns upwards through rocky cliffs that peak at 2,873 meters (9,425 feet) above sea level (hence the name “the Roof of Africa”). Only 4×4 vehicles are allowed on the road, which is treacherous and has been the site of countless accidents. As an alternative to attempting the drive yourself, several tour operators offer day tours, generally costing 940 ZAR. Afterward, bask in your victory as you enjoy a drink at Sani Mountain Lodge, known for being the highest pub in Africa!

11. See the Durban Beachfront

For decades the Golden Mile beachfront in Durban has been popular with cyclists, joggers, and leisurely strollers. You can also explore the Indian District, where dealers in traditional kurtas and saris hawk incense, ornately embroidered fabrics, and aromatic spices. Other sights in the city include visiting the KwaMuhle Museum, the Durban Botanical Gardens, the Tala Game Reserve, the Inanda Heritage Trail, or seeing a Sharks rugby game. Surfing is another popular activity here thanks to the ideal oceanic conditions.

12. Tour Riemvasmaak Community Conservancy

In 1973, under apartheid, 1,500 people were forcibly removed from this area. After the elections in 1994, they were able to return and now welcome visitors to their community. The park is located in the Kalahari Desert, making for some stark — but beautiful — landscapes, with unique rock formations and translucent green fluorite mineral deposits. There are many 4×4, hiking, and mountain biking trails here, as well as plenty of hot springs. There are small guesthouses and camping plots if you’d like to stay overnight.

13. See the penguins

The African penguin is the only penguin to breed on the continent. You can see them at Boulders Beach or Stoney Point Nature Reserve at Betty’s Bay (both locations are a short drive from Cape Town). You don’t often get to see penguins outside of zoos, so it’s definitely worth the drive to see this colony of penguins living their best lives on the beach. Try to arrive before 11am to get the best view of the penguins with the fewest crowds around. Entrance fees range from 25-152 ZAR and full-day guided tours cost 780 ZAR.

14. Surf the waves at Muizenberg Beach

Known for its iconic multi-colored huts on the boardwalk, this is a laid-back neighborhood in Cape Town with a multi-cultural vibe. If you want to hit the waves, you can rent a board for as little as 250 ZAR and a wetsuit 150 ZAR for the day (also available for cheaper by the hour). If you don’t know how to surf, you can also register for SUP or surf lessons at one of the surf shops nearby. Group surf lessons are 235-310 ZAR.

15. Safari in other national parks

While Kruger gets all the love, check out Pilanesberg National Park, Addo National Park, Umfolozi National Park, and the St. Lucia Wetlands. Without the crowds of Kruger, you’ll have ample opportunity to get up close to elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and more. From Johannesburg, the Madikwe Game Reserve, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, and the Dinokeng Game Reserve are just some of the options for nearby safaris.

16. Go whale watching

South Africa is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching. If you’re visiting between June and November, there’s an excellent chance of spotting Southern right whales, Bryde’s whales, and orcas. The town of Hermanus, located 120 kilometers (75 miles) southeast of Cape Town, is the base for many of the best whale-watching companies in the country. Some reputable companies include Southern Right Charters, Hermanus Whale Cruises, and Xplora Tours. Expect to pay around 900-1,020 ZAR for a two-hour tour.

  For more information on specific cities in South Africa, check out these guides:

• Cape Town Travel Guide

South Africa Travel Costs

Accommodation – A bed in a 4-8-bed hostel dorm costs 250-300 ZAR per night, and around 215-230 ZAR per night for a dorm with 10 or more beds. A private double room costs 600-935 ZAR. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast and/or have a kitchen, as well as a swimming pool.

For those traveling with a tent, campgrounds can be found all around the country. Expect to pay between 100-400 ZAR per night, depending on the facilities and location.

If you are looking for a hotel, budget hotels range from about 850-1,200 ZAR for a twin or double in big cities and get cheaper in more rural areas. Standard amenities include Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and air-conditioning. For a hotel with amenities like free breakfast and a swimming pool, expect to pay at least 900 ZAR per night.

Generally, accommodation prices are higher in Cape Town and Johannesburg and inside of any national parks. If you want to cut your prices, think about staying away from the city center, in lesser visited towns, and outside of the national parks when you’re going on a safari.

In the low season, you can find hostels and hotels for 10-20% cheaper.

Airbnb is also an option around the country, though it’s most commonly available in larger urban areas. A private room costs 300-600 ZAR per night while an entire home or apartment costs at least 700-900 ZAR.

Food – Due to its history of colonization and immigration, South African cuisine is a mix of indigenous, Dutch, British, Indian, and Malaysian culinary traditions.

Above all, South Africa is known for its meaty meals. A favorite pastime of South Africans is the braai , an open-air barbeque that originated in the townships of Johannesburg. Often served with your plate of barbeque are chakalaka , a dish of onions, tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and beans, and pap, a maize porridge.

Other popular dishes include bobotie (a baked dish of curry-spiced minced meat with egg on top) and potjiekos (a stew with meat, veggies, and potatoes). Common desserts include melktert (a custard tart) and malva pudding (like sticky toffee pudding).

Overall, restaurants in South Africa are pretty affordable. At a café, some coffee and a small meal cost 100 ZAR. At a casual restaurant serving traditional South African cuisine, expect to pay around 150 ZAR for a meal.

In terms of traditional barbeque, prices for one person vary, but are usually between 100-220 ZAR. Be sure to try biltong (thinly sliced air-dried meat), droewors (air-dried sausage), and boerewors (farmers sausage) if you’re a meat-eater.

A delicious dish that originated in the Indian community is bunny chow, a spicy curry served in a bread bowl that can also be served vegetarian. This dish is usually found at street food and takeaway spots, costing around 65-90 ZAR. At a sit-down Indian restaurant, expect to pay 90-140 ZAR for a typical curry meal.

In terms of fast food, a meal at Nando’s or another fast-food chain costs about 60-85 ZAR per person. A Chinese takeout meal costs around 75-125 ZAR.

At a nicer restaurant, a three-course meal with wine costs 280-320 ZAR per person, though you can find some main dishes for around 120 ZAR. In the same types of restaurants, a burger is 100-130 ZAR, a whole pizza is 120-160 ZAR, and a pasta dish is 90-155 ZAR.

Expect to pay around 30-35 ZAR for a beer and 50-70 ZAR for a cocktail. A glass of wine is 45-60 ZAR, while a bottle costs 120-250 ZAR. A bottle of water is 11 ZAR, soda is 20 ZAR, and a cappuccino is 25 ZAR.

The low-cost alternative to eating out is to buy groceries. A week’s worth of basic groceries for one person costs around 400-550 ZAR. This gets you basic staples like rice or pasta, seasonal produce, and some meat or fish. If you want to keep costs low, avoid expensive items like chicken, beef, and cheese.

Backpacking South Africa Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker’s budget of 850 ZAR per day, you can stay in a hostel, cook most of your meals, limit your drinking, do mostly free activities (walking tours, enjoying nature), and use public transportation to get around.

On a mid-range budget of about 1,900 ZAR per day, you can stay in a private hostel or Airbnb room, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like going on a safari or taking surf lessons.

On a “luxury” budget of 3,600 ZAR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, rent a car, do more safaris and adventure sports, drink more, and do whatever else you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in ZAR.

South Africa Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

It doesn’t cost a lot of money to travel around South Africa. Except for adventure sports and tours, everything is relatively cheap. But that doesn’t mean you can’t save more money! Here are some tips for saving money in South Africa:

• Pitch a tent – Most hostels have yards that they allow travelers to pitch a tent in. It costs much less and you still have the option to use the bathroom, kitchen, and other amenities.
• Work for your room and board – South Africa has plenty of farms and an active WWOOFing community. If you’re looking to stay for a while, cut your food and accommodation costs by spending some time working on a winery or farm.
• Sleep on the train – The Shosholoza Meyl train service connects Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London, Komatipoort, and Musina. Prices vary depending on where you are going, but a one-way ticket from Cape Town to Johannesburg costs around 690 ZAR and takes over 24 hours.
• Rent a car – Renting your own car is the best way to get around South Africa since the buses can be quite slow. Prices vary depending on what sort of vehicle you get, but they are generally around 500 ZAR per day.
• Drink in hostels – Most hostels have a small bar where socializing after a day of sightseeing is the thing to do. Local beer and wine can be purchased cheaper here than most bars and restaurants. If you’re going to drink, this is the place to do it!
• Cook your own food – Purchase groceries at discount supermarkets like Pick n’ Pay or Checkers to prepare meals at your hostel. This will cut down your costs significantly!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is generally not safe outside of urban areas so bring a reusable water bottle with a filter to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in South Africa

Looking for a budget-friendly place to rest your head in South Africa? Here are some of my suggested places to stay:

• 91 Loop (Cape Town)
• Never at Home Green point (Cape Town)
• Curiocity Backpackers (Johannesburg)
• Kruger Inn Backpackers (Kruger)
• The Kingdom Resort (Pilanesburg)
• 1322 Backpackers International (Pretoria)

How to Get Around South Africa

Public Transportation – Public transportation is available in the larger cities, though it is notoriously unreliable (and I wouldn’t recommend taking buses or vans within the cities for safety reasons). I also definitely don’t recommend taking the metro around Pretoria or Johannesburg as they’re not safe.

If you must use public transportation, I only recommend MyCiTi buses in Cape Town, which costs 7-13 ZAR for up to 20 kilometers (12 miles), and the People Mover in Durban (6 ZAR per ride, or 16.50 ZAR for a day pass).

Taxi – Instead of buses, minibusses, or shared taxis, I suggest calling for a private taxi. Rates are generally low and vary between cities. In Cape Town, rates average 12 ZAR per kilometer, often with a minimum charge of 30 ZAR.

Ridesharing – Even safer than taxis is Uber, which is available in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Port Elizabeth. This is how I recommend getting around if you’ll have phone service while you’re there.

Bus – Buses are generally the most reliable public transportation between cities, with trips costing anywhere from 250-700 ZAR. The most popular operators are:

• City to City

Since Greyhound pulled out of South Africa in 2021, Intercape is now the main bus provider, with an extensive reach throughout the country. For longer distances, you can choose a more comfortable reclining seat on their overnight Sleepliner bus.

City to City offers a less expensive, no-frills service that goes to many off-the-beaten-track places, including townships and mining towns.

In terms of prices for main routes, the 18-hour bus from Cape Town to Johannesburg costs around 380-600 ZAR, while the 8.5-hour bus from Durban to Pretoria is 225 ZAR.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – Train rides are less common but more comfortable and safer than buses. Shosholoza Meyl (South African Railways) has long-distance trains that serve Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Durban, East London, Johannesburg, Queenstown, and East London. They’re comfortable and safe, making various stops at smaller towns along the way. Both tourist and economy classes are affordable options.

The overnight journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town costs around 750 ZAR and is a gorgeous ride with a dining car, showers, and accommodation in a two- or four-berth compartment (if available, couples are given coupes and single travelers and groups are put in compartments). If you are traveling alone and you want a coupe to yourself, you’ll need to buy two tickets.

The economy class is fine for shorter daytime trips; however, it doesn’t have sleeping carriages and is not a comfortable or safe option for overnight travel.

Tourist-class sleepers can get fully booked a month or so ahead, especially on popular routes, so plan ahead.

For those who are interested in luxury, the famous Blue Train , which runs from Pretoria to Cape Town, costs 38,000 ZAR for a luxury double berth. The trip lasts a few days and includes wine, cigars, great food, and comfortable compartments. It’s the fanciest way to see the country!

Flying – Depending on the route, domestic fares are generally affordable. It costs 750 ZAR from Cape Town to Johannesburg, 1,000 ZAR from Cape Town to Durban, or 600 ZAR from Pretoria to Durban. The main budget airlines are Kulula and FlySafair.

Car Rental – If you plan on exploring a lot, a small car can be rented for 500 ZAR per day. Check with your hostel to see if they recommend a certain company to book from. Otherwise, Around About Cars, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and other car rental companies exist in South Africa. Make sure you get insurance and keep all the paperwork as accidents are not uncommon.

You can use your driving license from your home country, provided it is in English (or you have a certified translation). However, if you get stopped by the police, they usually ask to see your passport too so keep at least a photocopy in your car.

When to Go to South Africa

The best time to visit South Africa’s parks is from May to September. This is the dry season and wildlife is easier to spot because there’s less vegetation around waterholes, so you can see the animals as they gather to quench their thirst. As this is winter, mornings and nights are chilly.

May and September are wonderful times to visit because it is less cold and, especially in September, the wildlife viewing is excellent. Most days are sunny, there is little to no rain, and there are very few mosquitos.

The winters are mild and produce average highs of approximately 17°C (63°F). This is the low season, so the parks are not crowded (save for Kruger during school holidays).

The wet season (summer) runs from October to April. This is after the first rain, so the scenery turns green and the country looks lush and fresh. This is the best time for bird watching because most of the migratory birds are around. When it does rain, it doesn’t rain for long so you can usually wait it out. Seeing animals is harder since there are more lush landscapes and more places for the animals to be hidden or blocked by trees and bushes.

Parts of South Africa see summer highs get up to 28°C (81°F), with averages closer to 25°C (77°F). Prepare for much larger crowds in the national parks when there are school holidays.

Generally speaking, temperatures are more consistent throughout the year at the coast, while the arid/mountainous areas of the interior see the greatest fluctuation in seasonal temperatures. Even in the Kalahari Desert, nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. It’s a good idea to pack for all occasions, as often people joke about how you can experience all four seasons in one day in South Africa.

How to Stay Safe in South Africa

South Africa requires extra vigilance because there’s a lot of petty crime here. While you’re unlikely to ever be in any real physical danger, petty crime and harassment are rampant. Avoid carrying expensive gear and lots of money, especially late at night. Always keep your valuables secure and never dress flashy. Do your best to fit in at all times so you don’t stand out as a target.

Don’t walk around alone late at night. If you have a rental car, keep your doors locked at all times to prevent theft and carjacking. Never leave anything in your vehicle overnight as break-ins can occur.

Solo female travelers will want to be cautious here. Avoid traveling alone when you can and don’t travel alone at night. Always keep an eye on your drink when out at the bar and be extra careful in crowded areas as sexual harassment isn’t uncommon.

Crime rates are higher in the townships (settlements established during apartheid for forced racial segregation), but that doesn’t mean avoid them altogether. Just visit during daylight hours, especially with a local guide.

Be extra careful in Johannesburg, where crime rates are the highest in the country (although again, it’s mostly petty crime). If you’re driving, pay attention to what’s happening behind your car as well as in the front. If someone exits a car and starts approaching you, move on quickly.

If you’re going to visit Hillbrow, Berea, Joubert Park and Yeoville make sure you do it with a local as these are riskier neighborhoods to explore on your own.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 10 111 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct and make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in South Africa, check out this post we wrote that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

South Africa Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

South Africa Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling South Africa and continue planning your trip:

How to Save Money When You Visit Cape Town

The 5 Best Hostels in Cape Town

The 12 Best Things to Do in South Africa

Cape Town Itinerary: What to See and Do in 4 (or More) Days

Six of the Greatest Safaris in Africa

24 Photos from My Safari to Kruger National Park

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The Ultimate South Africa Itinerary: 2 Weeks

• June 17, 2021
• Updated on April 23, 2024

If you think South Africa is all about wildlife safaris, you’re in for a surprise. The country truly has it all: stunning beaches, cosmopolitan cities, incredible wildlife, breathtaking coastal drives, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Delicious local wine, delectable cuisine, and thrilling adventure sports all add to the overall experience. This one-of-a-kind African vacation deserves to be on your bucket list. South Africa is Africa’s most tourist-friendly country, and you are in for a thrilling adventure. Even though two weeks is insufficient time to fully explore South Africa, you can see the majority of the country’s highlights in this short period. This two-week itinerary provides an excellent introduction to South Africa.

South Africa Itinerary for 2 weeks

There are numerous ways to spend two weeks in South Africa, and no itinerary can be perfect. The suggested itinerary begins in Johannesburg and ends in Cape Town and is undoubtedly one of the best ways to see all of South Africa’s major attractions in 14 days.

South Itinerary Day 1: – Fly Into Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg to begin your adventure in South Africa. If you turn up late in the city, simply unwind and recover from jet lag. You want to be energized to hit the road the following day. If you have the time, spend the day visiting Johannesburg’s museums and historical sites. The Apartheid Museum, the Wits Art Museum, the township of Soweto (Nelson Mandela’s House), and neighborhood markets are just a few options. The public transportation system is adequate, and taxis must be reserved in advance. Driving is the most convenient and secure mode of transportation in the city. You can also do a self-drive safari in Kruger National Park. Johannesburg is not the safest city, so exercise caution while venturing out of your hotel .

South Itinerary Day 2-4: – Kruger National Park

A safari through Kruger National Park is unquestionably the highlight of any trip to South Africa. The Kruger National Park is Africa’s largest and one of the world’s largest game reserves. The park is extremely popular with visitors due to its easy accessibility and abundance of wildlife.

The distance between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park is 283 miles, which takes about 5-6 hours. You can rent a car or hire a private transfer. Kruger does not have a direct bus service. If you leave early, you can go on your first game drive on the same day. The National Park provides excellent possibilities to observe the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, rhinoceros, and buffalo) in their natural habitat. Aside from the Big Five, you can see zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, hippopotami, hyenas, crocodiles, deer, and a variety of birds.

Spend the next two days on safari, going on bush walks at dawn, relaxing in your camp or lodge, touring the cultural village, and enjoying regional cuisine and dances. Safaris are held in the early morning, late afternoon, and late night. Don’t pass up the opportunity to go on a night safari because this is when the nocturnal animals move around looking for prey. You should plan to go on at least three safaris during your stay, as each one will be exciting and different. You might be lucky enough to see lions mating, a leopard pouncing on a deer, animals fighting among themselves, and other rare wildlife encounters.

Where to stay in Kruger National Park?

Kruger National Park is divided into two parts. One section is a state-run national park open to the public. Accommodation in Kruger National Park is reasonably priced, with options ranging from campsites and safari lodges to guesthouses and bungalows. You can drive your own car, but you have limited mobility and can’t drive off-road. There are strict operating hours, and visitors are not allowed to explore after sunset.

The other section, known as ‘Greater Kruger Park,’ is located next to Kruger National Park. The fences that divided the two parks were removed in 1993, allowing animals to roam between the two wilderness areas freely. The sightings in both parks are equally impressive; the difference lies in the overall experience. Guests staying in the Greater Kruger Park may visit the Kruger National Park, but not the other way around.

Greater Kruger Park is divided into private game reserves, each with their territory. The game reserves share their boundaries, and guided tours can take you anywhere in the unfenced protected park. Vehicles are allowed to travel off the beaten path, conduct night safaris, and set up bush breakfasts and dinners for better viewing opportunities. Private reserves offer exclusive, authentic, and less crowded safaris.

The camps and lodges in the Greater Kruger Park are more luxurious , intimate, and all-inclusive , and come with more amenities and activities. This is one place where an all-inclusive luxury lodge is well worth the investment. Some of the popular private game reserves in Greater Kruger Park include the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Klaserie Nature Reserve, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, and MalaMala Game Reserve.

South Itinerary Day 5: – Johannesburg Via Blyde River Canyon

We’ll be returning to Johannesburg today via the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon. The 26-kilometer-long Canyon is the world’s third-largest canyon and home to a diverse ecosystem. The canyon follows the path of the Blyde River, providing breathtaking panoramic views at every turn, earning the area the name “Panorama Route”. Choosing to stop here will reward you with breathtaking views of the dramatic vistas, gushing waterfalls, and striking rock formations. Three Rondavels, The God’s Window, Pilgrim’s Nest, and The Pinnacle are the main highlights. It is one of South Africa’s most beautiful natural landmarks. Stay in Johannesburg overnight.

South Itinerary Day 6: – Port Elizabeth

After a two-hour flight, you will arrive in Port Elizabeth. The overnight bus from Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth takes nearly 13 hours. If you arrive in Port Elizabeth before 2 p.m., you can visit Addo Elephant National Park. Elephant herds live in the park, and on hot days, hundreds can be seen at waterholes. If you’ve had your fill of wildlife in Kruger, you can check out the area’s other attractions. Take a brewery tour, stroll around town, relax on the sun-kissed beaches, or have fun at the Boardwalk Casino Complex.

South Itinerary Day 7-9: – Garden Route

The Garden Route is a 300-kilometer stretch of rocky coastline along South Africa’s southwest coast. It’s one of the world’s most scenic drives, passing through vast wetlands, sandy beaches, charming towns, indigenous forests, idyllic lakes, ancient mountain ranges, vibrant lagoons, and sprawling nature reserves. It is best to rent a car to take in the awe-inspiring landscapes along the way. There are numerous attractions and rest stops along the Garden Route. The preferred towns are Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Tsitsikamma Forest, Struisbaai, George, Plettenberg Bay, Storms River Village, and Jeffery’s Bay. So, based on what you want to see and do, plan your night’s stops. Here are my suggestions for the three stops, with one night in each town.

• Knysna –Knysna is a charming holiday town with an interesting selection of accommodations and eateries. It is one of the most favored Garden Route stops. You can take a boat cruise to the ‘Heads’, a walking tour of the Featherbed Nature Reserve, or a hike to see the amazing vistas of the picture-perfect beaches and lush forests.
• Oudtshoorn – Oudtshoorn, South Africa’s ostrich capital, is another loved destination along the Garden Route. The town is well-known for its ostrich farms, where you can learn about the world’s largest birds. Do not miss the Cango Caves. The breathtaking natural wonder is an intricate underground labyrinth filled with narrow stone passageways, expansive caverns, and gigantic stalagmites and stalactites.
• Mossel Bay – The charming harbor town is one of the Garden Route’s many impressive spots. Mossel Bay has numerous hiking trails, historical sites, and miles of windswept beaches. The main attractions are the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, Botlierskop Game Reserve, and Santos Beach. Mossel Bay marks the end of the Garden Route.

South Itinerary Day 10: – Hermanus

Leave early as the drive from Mossel Valley to Hermanus takes 3.5 hours (308 km). The idyllic coastal town of Hermanus, known as the Whale Capital, is the world’s best land-based whale-watching location. You can see whales from the shore in Hermanus from July to November. Gearing Point is an excellent spot for spotting southern right whales. You can also book a whale-watching tour to get a close look at whales and dolphins. Visit Fernkloof Nature Reserve for magnificent vistas of Walker Bay as an alternative to whale watching. If you’re up for the challenge, try Great Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai, a nearby town. Stay in Hermanus for the night.

South Itinerary Day 11-14: – Cape Town

Cape Town, our final destination, will take approximately 1.5 hours to reach. Cape Town, crowned by the majestic Table Mountain and bordered by the pristine white beaches of the southern Atlantic Ocean, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Also referred to as the “Mother City,” Cape Town is a vibrant metropolis with awe-inspiring views, fascinating historical landmarks, delectable food, and a bustling nightlife. An incredible city where diverse cultures, landscapes, and cuisines coexist harmoniously. Uber is easily accessible. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to get around town, the MyCiti Bus is a great option.

From exploring Robben Island, Table Mountain, and Cape Point to visiting nearby wineries, cafes, and shops, Cape Town has plenty to keep you occupied for a few days. We have only three days to explore the city. I’ll compile a list of the most popular activities in Cape Town for you to choose from. You can schedule them so that you can visit two or three attractions in a single day. On the fourteenth day, fly back home from Cape Town International Airport.

Top Things to Do in Cape Town

• Take a cable ride to the plateau at the top of The Table Mountain. You can enjoy fantastic panoramic views of Cape Town, Robben Island, Table Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean from the iconic mountain.
• Explore Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. It is an island in Table Bay and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Plan a day trip to the Cape of Good Hope – a rocky headland on the Atlantic Coast of Cape Peninsula. The picturesque Chapman’s Peak Drive will take you to Cape Point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. En route, take a stop-over to admire the African penguins at Boulder’s Beach.
• Visit Western Cape Winelands – one of the world-renowned wine regions that produce excellent, distinctive wines. There are three main regions – Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. Pick one of them, take a tour of the different vineyards in that area, and indulge in some wine tasting.
• Head to the colorful neighborhood of Bo Kaap, take some striking pictures, and grab dinner at a Cape Malay restaurant.
• Take a boat ride to admire the Cape Fur seals at Hout Bay. On weekends, local vendors and artisans come to the Bay Harbor Market to sell their products.
• Relax, eat, and shop at the V&A Waterfront – home to South Africa’s oldest harbor. It is a favorite hangout for locals as well as visitors.
• Hit the beaches. Camps Bay is lined with palm trees and is one of the most popular beaches in Cape Town. You can relax on the white sand, enjoy a picnic, visit the tidal pools, and enjoy the scenic views.

Things to know before visiting South Africa

• November to May is the best time to visit South Africa. November – February is the summer month in the Southern Hemisphere, but the temperatures are moderate and pleasant. Plan your trip between March and May if you want to avoid the crowds. The winter months (July-November) are good for whale-watching. The drier winter months, from May to October, are ideal for game viewing. It gets cold, but you won’t need thermals or anything. Overall, South Africa is a year-round destination.
• The cheapest international flights to Southern Africa typically arrive in Johannesburg or Cape Town.
• Credit cards are widely accepted in South Africa, but you will still need cash throughout your trip. When you arrive, use the ATM to withdraw money. The machines provide a better exchange rate than a currency exchange service at the airport.
• South Africa is a relatively safe destination. Just be cautious, apply common sense, and refrain from flashing your valuables or walking around after dark.
• Domestic flights in South Africa are reasonably priced, and you should use them to cover long distances during your 2-week vacation
• Renting a car simplifies life in South Africa. The roads are in generally good condition, all signs are in English, and traffic is well-organized and manageable. Any license that is printed in English can be used to drive in South Africa. South Africans drive on the left side of the street.

• Carjacking and petty theft from vehicles are fairly common in South Africa. Never leave valuables in your vehicle, and use the services of ‘car-watchers’ who can be found in parking lots. They guard your cars informally.
• Uber can be found in the majority of South African cities. It is less expensive than metered taxis while remaining quite reliable and convenient.
• South Africa has a tipping culture, with 10-15% considered acceptable in most establishments.
• Zulu is the most widely spoken language in South Africa, followed by Xhosa and Afrikaans. Most South Africans are multilingual. English may not be spoken, but it is widely understood in urban areas.
• The South African Rand (R; ZAR) is the country’s official currency. Currently, one dollar equals approximately 19 ZAR.
• South Africa has some of the cleanest tap water in the world. It’s completely safe to drink directly from the tap.
• Bring insect repellent with you. Many areas in South Africa are malaria risk zones, so consult your doctor and bring the necessary medications.
• Cape Point is not Africa’s southernmost point, as is widely assumed. Cape Agulhas, located approximately 200 kilometers southeast, is Africa’s most southerly point.

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This is nice informatics for South African travels. Thanks.

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

One Week in South Africa | Travel Itinerary and Guide

The 7 Day South Africa Travel Itinerary

South Africa is a big country and thus difficult to travel all over the country in one week. I’d suggest focusing on one region instead of trying to visit many places that are far apart. One week is a perfect time for visiting the Western Cape and Cape Town. In this 7 day South Africa Travel Itinerary and Guide , you’ll be able to explore the most beautiful city in Africa, see African animals on a safari drive, visit some of the finest wine estates in the country and admire the diverse marine life of the Pacific Ocean. The Western Cape is a great place to visit for culture lovers, food and wine connoisseurs, adventure junkies and wildlife admirers.

Moreover, South Africa group tours are a beloved option for those who adore this magnificent country. These tours allow you to embark on a remarkable journey, exploring the very best that South Africa has to offer. With a group tour, you can effortlessly experience multiple regions in a relatively short span without any sense of being overwhelmed or rushed.

However, before proceeding further, its a good idea to check out where to stay in Cape Town, as you’ll be spending 3 nights out of 7 Nights of your Trip to South Africa in Cape Town.

If you are visiting South Africa with kids and wondering, What to do, be assured that there are tons of things to do with kids in Johannesburg , and in South Africa in general.

• Best areas to stay in Cape Town

Staying close to the City Bowl is the best option for short-time visitors , V&A Waterfront and Green Point are our top picks here. Both areas are pretty safe, close to the city center and several routes of the Cape Town Red Bus start and end here.

Budget Accommodation in Cape Town  –   Never@Home Cape Town | A Sunflower Stop Backpackers |

Middle priced –    House on the Hill | Fairmile on Main

Luxury Accommodation in Cape Town –    Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Waterfront Breakwater Lodge | Victoria & Alfred Hotel 

Day 1 – Cape Town

Day 2 – cape town, day 3 –  cape winelands: stellenbosch & franschhoek, accommodation recommendations in franschhoek.

Day 4 – Safari drive in Aquila Private Game Reserve

Accommodation Recommendations in Cape Agulhas

Accommodation recommendations in hermanus, day 7 – the scenic drive along the coast, safety tips for travellers planning a trip to south africa, the 7 day south africa travel itinerary – summarised, share this:.

Morning –  Take a tour to Robben Island , the prison where Nelson Madela spent 18 of 27 years in prison. It’s definitely the place to include in your Cape Town itinerary . The tour includes a 30-minute boat ride from V&A Harbour to the island and back and a 2-hour prison tour.  On the way you’ll get a chance to see Cape Fur seals swimming in the shallow waters of the harbor. The views of the Waterfront with Table Mountain and Lion’s Head on the background from the boat are spectacular.

Afternoon –  To continue learning about the history of South Africa visit The Castle of Good Hope , the birthplace of Cape Town and District Six Museum where you can find out more about the life in South Africa during the Apparteid.

As an option instead of visiting the Castle you can spend a couple of hours at Two Ocean Aquarium where you can see the marine fauna and flora native to the region. The Aquarium is a great place to visit for travelers with children, they’ll enjoy watching the daily feeding of penguins, sea turtles and sharks.

Evening –  Watching the sunset from the top of Lion’s Head is a must-do in Cape Town . Joining a sunset Red Bus tour is probably the easiest way you don’t have to worry about finding a parking spot and making it in time for the sunset. You can finish the day with dinner at one of the restaurants close to your hotel.

Pro Tip – Renting a car is the best and the easiest way to explore the surroundings, and cover all the destinations, recommended in this 7 Day South Africa Travel Itinerary.

However, in Cape Town – rush hours traffic in the city centre is quite hectic and finding a parking spot sometimes is hard even for locals. To move around the city the Cape Town Red Bus is a good and comfortable option. These busses have several routes that take tourists to the city’s main sights and attractions.

Travelers who don’t want to rent a car will be able to visit Cape Town’s surrounding areas with tours. There are many day tours from the city e.g. safari drives, wine tasting, scenic drives, etc.

Morning –  It’s time to visit the most iconic attraction in Cape Town, i.e –  Table Mountain . To get to the top of Table Mountain you can walk along Platteklip Gorge (the most popular hiking route) or take a cable car. The walk up is quite tough – steep rock stairs all the way. It takes 1 – 1 hour and 30min to hike to the top. The cable car ride is only 15 minutes. You can buy tickets online or at the Cable Car station. The views from the top of the Mountain are spectacular, the best views of Cape Town and its surroundings. The surface area of Table Mountain is quite big; you can spend a couple of hours walking on the top and taking photos.

PS – Make sure to take a jacket, as sometimes it gets very chilly up there.

Afternoon –  On the way from Table Mountain to the City Bowl stop at Bo Kaap , the most colorful of Cape Town’s neighbourhoods. This Malay district became one of the tourists’ favorite attractions in the city. Every house here is painted in bright colors; green, red, orange, blue, yellow, purple are just some of them. Bo Kaap is another awesome spot for Instagram photos.

From Bo Kaap head to Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden –  a green paradise within the city limits. You can set a picnic on the grass in the shade of massive trees. You can bring a picnic basket with you or buy it at Moyo Restaurant inside the Garden where there are basket sets for vegetarians, gluten free and pescaterians. The Tree Canopy Walkway is not to miss in the Garden, as you can get amazing views from up there.

Evening –  Taking a Sunset Champagne cruise from the Waterfront is a perfect way to finish the day 2 of this 7 day South Africa Travel Itinerary.

Distance (Cape Town City Bowl – Stellenbosch) – 55km

Driving time – 1 hour

There are two ways of visiting the Winelands from Cape Town ; first, renting a car and second, joining a tour . If you want to have more flexibility and stay overnight in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, renting a car is the way to go. If renting a car and driving around sounds like too much of a mission then joining a tour with a transfer from your hotel in Cape Town is a perfect option for you. The tour will take you to several wine farms where you can do tasting and have lunch or snacks. 

If you decide to rent a car, the best way of visiting the Winelands is staying for the night at one of the wine estates in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. It’s a much better option than driving back to Cape Town, especially after visiting a couple of wine farms.

Morning –  I’d recommend having breakfast in Stellenbosch downtown at one of the arty coffee shops. There are many interesting places to visit in Stellenbosch . After breakfast, spend some time walking around the town; stroll along Dorp Street , visit the University and the Botanical Garden.

Afternoon –  It’s time to do wine tasting ! There are many beautiful wine estates around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. I’d suggest starting with a wine and chocolate pairing at Spier Wine Estate , it’s a very special experience. Every chocolate is made to complement a specifique wine. In between to clean the palate you are offered Spier’s Méthode Cap Classique.

Another estate I definitely recommend visiting is Waterford , a little corner of Italy in Africa . The scenery and the main farm building reminds of a wine farm somewhere in Tuscany. The wines here are great, definitely try the local Cabernet Sauvignon.

To continue the day head to Tokara Wine Estate , one of the most beautiful farms around Stellenbosch. The scenery here is truly breathtaking and their wines are top quality. There is a restaurant at the estate where you can combine wine tasting with lunch. Tokara has a couple of luxurious bungalows that you can rent for a night.

From Tokara you drive to Franschhoek (French Corner in Afrikaans) a small town that is famous for its exquisite cuisine and fine wines. Before visiting one of the estates in Franschhoek do a scenic drive over The Franschhoek Pass for some breathtaking views of the valley. On the way down from the Pass stop at Haute Cabriere estate to continue with wine tasting.

From there drive to Dieu Donne Vineyards , our favorite wine farm in Franschhoek. Every time we are in the area we come here for tasting. For white wine lovers the local Wooded Chardonnay is a must-try. The estate has a great outside tasting area with some stunning views. If all these driving and tasting made you a bit hungry you can complement the wine tasting with a cheese platter.

As an option after driving over the Pass you can park your car in the town and jump on a wine tram that will take you to several wine farms where you can continue the tasting. An advantage of this is that you don’t have to drive so you can just relax and enjoy the wine.

There are many accommodation options in Franschhoek. I’d recommend staying at one of the farms, in a rustic cottage in the vineyards.

Evening –  Don’t forget to book your dinner beforehand there are many first-class restaurants in the town and many of them require advanced booking. I can recommend Grande Provence Estate a beautiful venue with delicious food, a perfect place for a romantic dinner.

Le Petit Paris | Lavender Farm Guest House | Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa |

PS – Useful Travel Resources to use while ticking off this South Africa 7 Day Travel Plan  – 

• Book your Rental Car in South Africa on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
• Book the best South Africa Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
• Book your Accommodation in South Africa on Agoda or Booking.com
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to South Africa
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in South Africa.

Distance (Franschhoek – Aquila Game Reserve) – 150km

Driving time – 1h30min.

On the way out of Franschhoek, stop for breakfast at Big Dog Cafe , a great place with a beautiful garden and the best coffee in the town.

To make the most out of your day 4 of this One Week South Africa Travel Itinerary, I’d suggest staying at Aquila for the night this way you’ll get to do a day and a night drive in the Reserve. The Reserve has rooms and cottages for rent, the complex includes a spa center, a restaurant, an infinity pool and a bar.

Aquila is a 10 000 hectares reserve where African animals roam freely in their natural habitat. The Reserve is a home for many animals including the famous African Big 5; elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. If you’re lucky you might see all of them and many other animals in one day. You can do a morning, an afternoon, a sunset or a night safari drive.

For those who decide not to rent a car and rather be based in Cape Town for the entire duration of the 7 Day Trip to South Africa, it’s possible to visit the Aquila Game Reserve as a day tour from the city. 

Day 5 – Cape Agulhas

Distance (Aquila Game Reserve – Cape Agulhas) – 230km

Driving time – 3h.

Morning –  In the spring, October – December, the route is especially beautiful. Many Blue Jacaranda trees in blossom along the road make you want to stop at every corner for taking photos. The route goes through the vineyards and the wheat fields back to the coast. In a couple of hours you get to see the green hills covered in vineyards, the rolling wheat fields and the ocean.

Cape Agulhas is famous for being the Southernmost point of the African continent. The town itself is small and quiet, mostly holiday houses and small hotels. At the Cape there is a monument – a big metal map of Africa with its main natural attractions. The Agulhas Lighthouse at the Cape is the second oldest operating lighthouse in the country.

Afternoon –   Arniston, a small fishermen’s village 45km from Cape Agulhas is another interesting place to visit. It’s more off the beaten track place that not many tourists know about. Arniston is famous for its traditional white fishermen cottages and the Waenhuiskrans Cave. The Cave is quite big and impressive, it can be visited only at low tide, at high tide the entrance to the cave is under water.

Evening –  Watch the sunset at the beach in Cape Agulhas and enjoy dinner at one of the small local restaurants.

Agulhas Ocean House | Villa Cape Agulhas | Tides’ Song

Day 6 – Hermanus

Distance (Cape Agulhas – Hermanus) – 130km

Driving time – 2h.

Morning –  It’s time to observe some gracious and scary marine animals like whales, sharks, dolphins and seals. August to October is the best time to see Southern Right Whales in the waters near Hermanus. Other marine animals like Great White Sharks, Bryde’s Whales, dolphins, Cape Fur seals, African penguins are here all year round. If you’re very lucky you might see the Marine Big 5; three different species of whales (the Southern Right, Humpback and Bryde’s Whales), the Great White shark and the Cape fur seal.

If you like adventurous activities try shark cage diving, where you get a chance of a close-up meeting with the Great White shark or the Bronze Whaler shark. 

Afternoon –   Hermanus is famous for its wine farms and seafood restaurants. After the marine adventure you can spend the second half of the day relaxing and enjoying great wine and delicious food. In the peak season you can see Southern Right Whales from one of the seaside restaurants.

Evening –  Go for a refreshing walk along the sea, enjoy the sunset, have a glass of wine and a nice dinner at one of the restaurants.

The Nantucket | Windsor Hotel Hermanus | One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel  

Distance (Hermanus – Cape Point – Cape Town) – 250km

Driving time – 6-8 hours including stops on the way

I’d definitely recommend driving all the way along the coast. The parts from Hermanus to Strand, from Muizenberg to Cape Point National Park and Chapman’s Peak Drive are truly spectacular. Chapman’s Peak drive is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the country ; rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, huge boulders, the road waving along the ocean.

Must-stop places along the route – 

Betty’s Bay – Beautiful white-sand beaches and Stony Point Penguins Colony with thousands of cute African penguins.

Muizenberg – The most popular surfing spot in Cape Town. Check out the colorful beach cabins, one of the popular Instagram spots; bright wooden cabins, white sand, blue waters.

Simon’s Town – Another spot to see African penguins on a small beautiful white-sand beach surrounded by the huge boulders.

Cape Point National Park – The stunning scenery, dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, two lighthouses, many hiking trails and a popular spot marking one of the southernmost points of the African continent. You can spend hours exploring the Park, make sure to visit Dias Beach, to take the funicular to the Old Lighthouse, to walk to Cape of Good Hope and to the Tip of Africa.

Kommetjie – a small surf town with long sandy beaches and great waves.

Chapman’s Peak drive – there are several amazing look-outs along the route.

Camps Bay – The most expensive neighbourhood in Cape Town, with perfect white-sand beaches and ice-cold waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Evening –  Have dinner at one of the restaurants at V&A Waterfront and enjoy another sunset in Cape Town. If you want something more unusual you can arrange a romantic dinner at The Cape Wheel. A 30-minute ride with stunning 360° panoramic views of the night city and a picnic basket – a very special way to spend the last night, of this 7 Day Trip to South Africa, in Cape Town.

When visiting South Africa it’s important to remember about following simple rules to stay safe. It doesn’t mean you have to be scared or worried all the time, just take some precautions to make sure nothing will spoil your perfect holiday.

• If you want to go hiking do it in Cape Point Nature Reserve or on Table Mountain always during the day not after the sunset and don’t hike alone.
• Lock the car doors immediately after getting in.
• Don’t leave anything (not even a jacket or a book) in your car when you leave it, put things in the boot or hide under the seat.
• If you return late to your hotel from a bar or a restaurant ask them to call you a taxi, don’t walk at night around the city.
• Don’t stop to pick up passengers.

Day 1 – 2 – Cape Town Exploration

Day 3 – Cape Winelands –  Stellenbosch & Franschhoek

Day 7 – Drive Along The Coast | Hermanus to Cape Town

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The complete 10 day south africa travel itinerary.

January 28, 2024

Last updated on March 2nd, 2024 at 06:19 pm

Thinking of visiting a place that has incredible beaches, unforgettable safaris, and more wine than you could ever drink? Then it sounds like South Africa is the perfect place for you to visit! Here you’ll find the perfect 10 day South Africa itinerary, which you can either customize depending on which airport you fly into and what time of year you visit!

K eep in mind that this site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact my honest reviews and comparisons. I only make recommendations based on personal experience(s), in order to help you make the best decisions while traveling!

Day 1: Flying into South Africa

For many visitors to South Africa, chances are that you’ll be fly ing directly into Johannesburg International Airport (JNB) or Cape Town International Airport (CPT). This particular itinerary starts by flying into Johannesburg (JNB) but it’s important to note that you can do this whole thing in reverse which I’ve also done before.

My preferred airline is United Airlines so my typical route is SFO – EWR – JNB but there are also direct flights from Newark to Cape Town with United! For travelers from the US, I think Delta is another good option because they fly direct from Atlanta but I’m personally a United Airlines girlie for life.

Days 2-5: Kruger National Park Exploration

Once you land in Johannesburg, you can choose to overnight in Joburg or continue on directly to Kruger National Park . Depending on your budget, how you feel, and your appetite for long travel days – I would recommend flying directly into one of the many airports surrounding Kruger National Park . However, if flying is out of the budget, then I would recommend renting a car from JNB and/or hiring private transportation to get to the bush. We rented a car directly from JNB and it cost us about ~$90 for 4 days . The pickup/dropoff process was also super quick and seamless.

Once you get to the bush, you honestly won’t really need a car as most game lodges include all meals, game drives, and additional amenities however it’s nice to have one if you want to explore other parts of Kruger during the day since most game drives happen super early so the majority of your day is free until the afternoon game drive. Since my partner is from South Africa, we also didn’t want to leave his poor mom without a car for a week so we decided to just rent.

On the other hand, if you end up deciding to overnight in Johannesburg, check out this list of ways to experience the city like a local .

Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most infamous wildlife reserves. Renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, a visit to Kruger is an absolute must for any first time visitor to South Africa. Here, you can encounter the Big Five, explore diverse landscapes, and immerse yourself in the magic of the African bush.

Within Kruger, the land is divided up further into different private game reserves. A few of the main reserves include Timbavati, Sabi Sands, Klaserie and Balule.

We spent 3 unforgettable nights at Baobab Ridge (which is located within the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve) and had the most incredible time. The service was outstanding and the morning game drives were truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Game viewing is relatively on par across all the private reserves. However, people have mentioned that Sabi Sands might be more consistent due to the sheer amount of lodges and guides in that area. We got pretty lucky and managed to see all of the Big Five on our first day. Prior to your first game drive, make sure to check out my other post on what to expect on an African safari .

Click here for a detailed review of our stay at Baobab Ridge in Kruger National Park.

Days 6-7: Wine Country Near Cape Town (Stellenbosch or Franschhoek)

After you’ve seen enough giraffes and elephants for a lifetime, you’ll make your way back towards Johannesburg and hop on a quick two-hour flight towards the beautiful region of Cape Town. Once you land in Cape Town (CPT), you’ll head directly to South Africa’s incredible wine country, specifically Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. (Don’t worry – I promise you’ll come back and explore all of Cape Town later). Similar to the logistics of Kruger, I would recommend hiring private transportation or renting a car. You can also use Uber which is what we’ve done in the past. From the airport, it typically takes ~40 minutes to reach the wineries and will cost around ~$50 USD.

The two main wine regions, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, are each renowned for their breathtaking vineyards, world-class wines, and rich history. Personally, I’m not someone that likes to move around a lot so I’d recommend basing yourself in either or and using uber to travel between the two regions. (If you rented a car , you can easily drive between the two but I imagine most people will be doing a bit of wine tasting in between).

Listed below are a few of my favorite accommodations and wineries worth exploring in both regions!

Where to stay in Stellenbosch

With so many beautiful places to choose from, it can be exhausting trying to figure out where to stay and which wineries to visit. Luckily for you, I’m dating a South African that was born and raised near Cape Town. Our favorite boutique hotel accommodations include Oude Werf Hotel , Clouds Estate, Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa, and my personal favorite – Delaire Graff Estate (my literal dream wedding venue lols).

Wineries to visit in Stellenbosch

For wineries, I am an absolute sucker for a beautiful view, a delicious glass of pinot, and some tasty light bites. When visiting Stellenbosch, I highly recommend visiting Ernie El’s, Delaire Graff, Waterford, and Tokara. Most of the wineries in this region will range from $8-$20 USD per tasting – which is an absolute steal if you’re a California native like me and you know that tastings at home cost twice (sometimes 3x) as much.

Where to stay in Franschhoek

Located only a half hour away from Stellenbosch, Franschhoek is another major wine region in South Africa. Personally, I find Franschhoek a bit more quaint and intimate than Stellenbosch, but both places are an absolute must when visiting the area.

For accommodation, I recommend checking out these boutique hotels: L a Clé Lodge , L’Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau and Villas , La Cotte Farm , and the Protea Hotel by Marriott Franschhoek (I know this is a chain which I’m usually allergic to but I’ve stayed at quite a few Protea by Marriott’s in South Africa and I think they are great value for money, and the location of these hotels can’t be beat).

Wineries to visit in Franschhoek

Similar to Stellenbosch, there are just SO MANY wineries to choose from in Franschhoek. To avoid rushing to see it all, these are my top 3 recommendations for Franschhoek wineries: Haute Cabrière (absolute must), Rupert & Rothschild, and Dieu Donné Vineyards.

Bonus: Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour

Instead of spending a couple nights in wine region, some people prefer to stay in Cape Town and just visit for the day which is also a great option! If you prefer to spend more time in Cape Town or are shorter on time, then you absolutely need to book the Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour which includes roundtrip transportation, access to the hop-on hop-off wine tram with the option of two different routes, and a complimentary tasting sized glass of wine while on the tram. We booked this via GetYourGuide back in 2022 when I first visited South Africa and it was so much fun!

Depending on your budget, you can also use this as a way to get to the area and explore the different wineries and then just call an uber back to Cape Town which is what we did because we wanted to stay longer to watch the sunset at Haute Cabrière.

Days 8-10: Cape Town’s Iconic Landmarks

For your final few days in South Africa, there’s no better place than to spend it in Cape Town. Assuming you’ve done some research already before landing on my page, you probably already saw for yourself how beautiful the beaches are here and how there’s no shortage of attractions and things to do.

Where to stay in Cape Town

I’ll admit – it can be a bit overwhelming when it comes to deciding on where to stay in Cape Town. There are just SO MANY different options to choose from – and there are a lot of equally amazing and affordable hotels in this area. When choosing a place, I think it really just comes down to what you want to be closest to. I think most of you know this by now but I’m very much Team Hotel (specifically boutique hotels) so apologies in advance that you won’t find any Airbnb recommendations below.

If you want to be walking distance to all the bars, restaurants, and main tourist attractions – then I would recommend staying near the V&A Waterfront (this is also where the Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour departs from so it’s a good choice for those wanting to do a day trip to the wineries). Some of my favorite boutique properties in this area include O’Two Boutique Hotel, Queen Victoria Hotel Cape Town , Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront (we stayed here for NYE a couple years ago and loved it), and the Radisson RED V&A Waterfront.

A few other properties in and around Cape Town that have gorgeous aesthetic, impeccable design, and phenomonal hospitaly include Gorgeous George , The Silo Hotel , The Winchester Hotel & Spa , and Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel (hotel goals if you ask me).

If you’re like me and prefer to be near the ocean, then I highly recommend booking a place in Clifton or Camp’s Bay which is located a bit further south from the city center. On our last visit over Thanksgiving, we spent 3 nights at POD Camp’s Bay and I’m already counting down the days until we get to go back.

The location of POD Camp’s Bay is unbeatable – literally 20 steps away from the beach and 2 blocks away Victoria Road – which is the main street that’s filled with trendy restaurants, bars, shops, and more.

Things to do and see in Cape Town

I think one of my favorite things about Cape Town is that there’s something to do for everyone. Whether you’re visiting with family/children, on your special honeymoon, or doing some solo travel – it’s just one of those destinations that caters to every kind of traveler.

Swim with penguins on Boulder’s Beach in Simon’s Town

If you’re looking for a totally Instagrammable moment – then this is it! And even if you don’t have social media, you definitely don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity where you get to swim with the cutest penguins in the world! I would suggest using Uber again to get to Simon’s Town or booking a day tour with GetYourGuide. There are a few options that include Cape Point aka Cape of Good Hope as well. I’ve done both and highly recommend either one – both options are easy to organize.

Discover the beauty of Lions Head and Table Mountain

Lace up your hiking boots and make your way to THE #1 viewpoint in all of South Africa – Lions Head and Table Mountain. It’s best to start early in the day and make sure you pack the sunscreen, wear comfortable clothes, and carry lots of water! The African heat is no joke.

Soak up the sun at Clifton Beach

Nowhere else in the world does summer better than South Africans on Clifton Beach (okay maybe Australia comes close). I’ve visited a lot of incredible beaches around the world and Clifton Beach is easily in my Top 3. For me, it’s the incredible turquoise hues of the ocean and white sandy beaches combined with the backdrop of the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Not to mention, there are FOUR beaches of Clifton to choose from with each of them offering something special.

Explore the colorful neighborhood of Bo-Kaap

What’s better than warm weather and colorful streets? I highly recommend making a stop to see the vibrant hues of Bo-Kaap’s historic streets which reflects the deep history of South Africa during Apartheid. The streets are so colorful because originally, the houses in Bo-Kaap were rented to southeast Asian slaves, and during this time, it was mandatory for all houses to be painted in plain white. Eventually, the slaves gained the opportunity to purchase these homes and upon becoming owners, they transformed the houses by painting them in bright and beautiful colors, symbolizing a celebration of freedom and happiness.

Enjoy lunch and an all-day game drive at Aquila Game Reserve

If you didn’t get enough animals in the first part of your trip – then don’t fret! You can go on a day trip to the nearby Aquila Game Reserve for more game drive and safari fun! Although since your visit to Kruger, you probably know by now that no one in South Africa actually refers to game drives as “safaris”. If you’re near Cape Town, I highly recommend this day tour which includes a thrilling all-day game drive and lunch! (If you’re visiting the Garden Route as well on this trip, I also can’t recommend Botlierskop Private Game Reserve enough ).

Check out the nightlife in Cape Town!

There are so many amazing restaurants and nightlife in Cape Town! My favorite part is to head down to Camp’s Bay and go bar hopping along Victoria Road which has a bunch of different restaurants, lounges, and bars to choose from. My favorites are Café Caprice (an absolute staple), Tiger’s Milk, and Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen!

Go for a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak

Chapman’s Peak Drive is renowned for being one of the most picturesque coastal routes globally, often referred to as the “Chappies” by locals. Spanning approximately 5 miles, this beautiful winding road offers panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. This is where having a rental car is an absolute must so you can take your time stopping along all the beautiful viewpoints on the way! Pro tip: Head to the end first and plan your day around heading back towards Cape Town just in time for sunset!

Day 10: Traveling Home from South Africa

Well, you’ve officially made it to your final day in South Africa. If you’re like me, you’re probably leaving the country filled with an abundance of happiness from all the $10 filet mignons and red wine you’ve indulged in over the last 10 days. You’re also probably leaving with hundreds of photos of all the incredible wildlife you witnessed over the last 10 days – which will be perfect for sifting through on your long journey back home.

Visiting other parts of South Africa?

Check out my other travel guides on Africa here .

Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?

Check out all my international travel guides here!

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The Ultimate South Africa Itinerary with map (2023)

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A South Africa road trip is one of the most amazing road trips on the planet. South Africa is a huge country with lots to see and do and this can make planning a road trip to capture the best of the country a daunting task. After a month-long epic 6,000km road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town, taking in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and Lesotho, we wanted to share our ultimate South Africa road trip itinerary and route. For any of you planning a South Africa road trip here is our guide for making the perfect South Africa Itinerary.

Table of Contents

South Africa Itinerary Route

We chose a point to point route, flying into Johannesburg and departing from Cape Town, opting for a one-way car rental. This allowed us to explore lots of South Africa and take in many of its must-see sights: the beautiful Panorama Route, an unforgettable safari in Kruger National Park, an off-road adventure across the Sani Pass into Lesotho, the stunning Garden Route , Eswatini, the wildlife in Addo Elephant Park and the love at first sight  Cape Town as well as everything in between!

South Africa itinerary tip:  This is an action packed route which we covered in four to five weeks. It involves significant amounts of driving so we’d definitely recommend two drivers or stretching the trip out over a longer period.

South Africa Route Map

Our suggested route across South Africa is below:

Johannesburg – Panorama Route – Kruger/Sabi Sands – Swaziland – iSimingaliso Wetland Park – Sani Pass – Lesotho – Valley of Desolation – Garden Route – Cape Town

Click here for the detailed Google map

How to Use This Google Map: Click on the grey star at the top of the map and this map will be added to your Google Maps account. You can then view it on your phone or computer in Google Maps by clicking on the menu button, going to “Your Places” and selecting this map. We use these maps all the time as you can set out your itinerary ahead of time and quickly reference the saved maps.

Renting a Car

Renting a car in South Africa is the best way to explore the country plus driving is relatively easy in the country (check out our tips for renting a car in South Africa tips for renting a car in South Africa ). Having your own car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace a see places that are simply not possible on group tours or public transport.

We’re huge fans of road trips and have driven rental cars in almost 50 countries so we have a lot of experience renting cars in foreign countries. Book your car now with RentalCars.com , where you will find the best rental car prices

Click here for the best rental car prices

South Africa Guidebooks

Check out some of our favourite South Africa Guidebooks for more trip inspiration.

Buy now on Amazon!

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: arrive in johannesburg.

We arrived in Johannesburg after a full day of travel from Dublin, Ireland and opted to catch up on some much-needed sleep before starting our journey through South Africa.

Where to Stay in Johannesburg:

• Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Parktonian All-Suite: After a long day of travel we wanted somewhere close to the airport to rest our heads and opted to spend the night in Johannesburg. It was clean and comfortable and we woke up refreshed and ready to begin our journey – click here for best prices!

Click here for the best Johannesburg Hotel Prices

Day 2: Johannesburg and Cradle of Humankind

We started our morning with a whistle-stop tour of Soweto, the most well-known township in South Africa, where we stopped at Vilakazi Street which was once home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. A visit to the Apartheid Museum is an essential part of any Johannesburg itinerary.

After Johannesburg, we drove to the Cradle of Humankind, one of South Africa’s 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites which documents the evolution of humans over time.

South Africa itinerary tip: We’re obsessed with  UNESCO World Heritage sites  so, if you don’t fancy the 3 hour detour to the Cradle of Humankind, staying in Johannesburg for a second night may be a better option.

Where to Stay :

• African Pride Mount Grace: Where we stayed and close to Cradle of Humankind, and loved our villa with its private plunge pool – Click here for best prices!
• If you opt to stay in Johannesburg The Residence is pure luxury in the city while the Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Parktonian All-Suite  is an excellent less expensive option.

Click here to book this hotel now!

Day 3 and 4: Hazyview and the Panorama Route

We left Johannesburg with our sights set firmly on the safari plains of Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve and spent two nights in Hazyview, a town on the cusp of both the park and the Panorama Route. The iconic Three Rondavels, beautiful viewpoints and stunning waterfalls make up the Panorama Route and it’s worth spending the day exploring ( check out our favourite stops on the Panorama Route ).

Where to stay in Hazyview :

• Protea Hazyview: Where we stayed  and well located for us to explore the Panorama Route and continue to our safari in Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands – click here to book now!

Click here for the best Hazyview hotels

Days 5 to 7: Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Kruger National Park

Kruger, South Africa’s largest game reserve and home to the Big 5, was our park of choice for our first foray into safari and we opted to spend two nights in Sabi Sands, a bordering private game reserve. Given it was our first safari we decided on a 2-night trial to see if we enjoyed safari life. We absolutely loved it and have since returned to Namibia and Botswana for more Africa wildlife adventures ! Both Kruger and Sabi Sands are amazing safari options in South Africa so you may want to set aside some additional time for this part of the trip. Check out our safari photos here .

South Africa Itinerary Tip:  Sabi Sands is a private game reserve which shares unfenced borders with the publicly accessible Kruger National Park. Unfenced means the animals move freely between the two parks and this makes for an equal chance of game sighting in both. We choose a private game reserve as we wanted to be taken on game drives rather than do a self drive and loved that we would have the opportunity to go off road for sightings.

Where to Stay in Sabi Sands:

• Inyati Game Lodge: We opted for the Inyati Game Lodge in Sabi Sands and never regretted it – we were totally spoiled from start to finish. Incredible rooms, beautiful food, excellent staff and a stunning riverside location all made for an idyllic stay. Our amazing guide introduced us to the Big 5 within our first 24 hours and were were hooked!  Read our review  Inyati Game Lodge in Sabi Sands here   – and –  Click here to book this hotel now!

Click here for the best lodges in Sabi Sands

Days 8 and 9: Safari in Eswatini

Swaziland is the smallest country in the southern hemisphere and, if you want to include another African country in your adventure, post-Kruger is the perfect time to make the drive into Swaziland. Safari is a highlight of a Swaziland adventure and both the Hlane Royal National Park and Mkhaya Game Reserve offer the opportunity to spot the Big 5.  After a relatively quick border crossing at the Mananga border crossing, we opted for Hlane which is home to 4 of the Big 5 with elephant, lion, leopard and white rhino roaming it’s grounds.

South Africa Itinerary tip:  Hlane has some fenced off sections which, although less natural than the unfenced Kruger, mean wildlife spotting is almost guaranteed.

Where to Say in Eswatini : 

• Hlane Royal National Park: The lodge is rustic with no electric in the huts but it is right in the midst of the action just 400 metres away from the lion enclosure – click here for prices!

Day 10: Sibebe Rock and Mantenga Village

Day 10 saw us heading west towards the capital city Mbabane which is home to the colourful souvenir filled Swazi market. Other stops close by include the Mantenga Village in Ezulwini which is home to a traditional village and, if nature peaks your interest, Sibebe Rock is the second largest freestanding rock in the world after Ayers Rock in Australia.

South Africa road trip itinerary tip:  A visit during its annual Umhlanga Reed dance ceremony, when tens of thousands of Swazis girls participate in an 8 day song and dance festival, is an important date in the Swaziland calendar and a feast for the ears and eyes.

Where to Stay:

• The Royal Swazi Spa Hotel:  is located just outside Mbabane and it was a welcome return to modern day amentites with a swimming pool, spa and golf course – click here for prices!

Click here for the best Swaziland hotel prices

Day 11 and 12: Hluhluwe and iSimingaliso Wetland Park

After leaving Swaziland via the Golela border crossing we drove to Hluhluwe where we based ourselves for two nights to visit the iSimingaliso Wetland Park. Spend the night at the Protea Hluhluwe   and schedule an early start to arrive at iSimingaliso National Park for opening. iSimingaliso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the highlights being Cape Vidal, Mission Rocks Beach, the wetlands and St Lucia with its hippo, crocodile and flamingos.

South Africa Itinerary Tip:  Hluhluwe Rhino Reserve has a large population of black and white rhino. We had some incredible rhino encounters in Sabi Sands so we opted to skip this, however we had high recommendations from fellow travellers we met on the trip.

Where to Stay in Hluhluwe: 

• Protea Hluhluwe: We stayed at the Protea Hluhluwe which was hotel was reasonably priced with great food, secure parking and nice rooms. Perfect for exploring the iSimingaliso Wetland Park – Click here for the best prices!

Click here for the best hotels at iSimingaliso Wetland Park

Day 13: Underberg 

If you want to visit Hluhluwe Rhino Reserve this morning is a good opportunity before setting of on the five hour drive to Underberg, the town closest to the beginning of the Sani Pass and the gateway to Lesotho. We spent our evening in Underberg eating an excellent meal at  Malachite Manor  and chilling out before our early morning start for Lesotho.

Where to Stay in Underberg: 

• Malachite Manor: We stayed at the gorgeous boutique style Malachite Manor, which is a short drive from the start of the Sani Pass. The rooms were beautiful, the Thai restaurant on site was delicious and the lady who runs it is a treasure! – click here for best prices!

Click here for the best hotels in Underberg

Day 14: Sani Pass and Lesotho

The Sani Pass is a mountain pass that cuts through the UNESCO designated Drakensberg mountain range linking South Africa with the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. As the only road link between southern Lesotho and South Africa, it was an important trade route to enable the landlocked Kingdom of Lesotho to trade with South Africa. More recently it has become a magnet for tourists and 4×4 adventurers, eager to experience the challenging off-road drive and magnificent views of the Drakensberg mountain range. It’s also one of Africa’s highest mountain passes and home to the highest pub in Africa at the top! Check out our Sani Pass adventures here!

South Africa Itinerary Tip:  rent a 4×4 vehicle if you want to cross the Sani Pass as it is essential. Some companies offer day trips over the Pass if you prefer to leave the driving to someone else.

Where to Stay in Lesotho

Accommodation options are limited outside Lesotho’s capital city of Maseru so we opted to spend the night at the Sani Mountain Lodge which is located beside the highest pub in Africa and looks out on the Sani Pass. Accommodation is basic but it was our only option to break the drive between Underberg and Maseru.

Day 15: Lesotho

After leaving the Lesotho border we headed for the capital city of Maseru. Lesotho has some fantastic sights: the Katse Dam, the Maletsunyane Falls (the highest Falls in Southern Africa), the Ha Baroana rock art east of Maseru and the beautiful Sehlabathebe National Park. Driving through the villages of Lesotho and witnessing daily life is also a fantastic experience.

Where to Stay in Lesotho  

• There are few good options for hotels in Maseru, but the AVANI hotels are a choice in Maseru. There’s the Avani Lesotho Hotel and Casino  and the Avani Maseru Hotel   are perfect for an overnight stopover in Maseru.

Click here for the best hotels in Maseru

South Africa Itinerary tip:  the children of Lesotho love to approach the tourist cars asking for some sweets so pick up some in South Africa if you want to make their day.

Day 16: Bloemfontein

Leaving Maseru, cross back into South Africa at the Maseru Bridge border crossing. We opted to spend the night in Bloemfontein which is a few hours from South Africa – Lesotho border. Bloemfontein is the birthplace of Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien before he moved to England and we made a little detour to the Hobbit Boutique Hotel where a plaque stands in his memory.

Where to Stay in Bloemfontein:

• Protea Hotel Willow Lake: We spent the night here at this perfect overnight hotel which overlooks the zoo next door. So you can waken to the animals in the morning out your widow! – Click here for best prices!
• Lord of the Rings fans may prefer to stay at the Hobbit Boutique Hotel where rooms are named after Lord of the Rings characters.

Click here for the best hotels in Bloemfontein

Day 17: Graaff-Reinet

Graaff-Reinet is half way between Bloemfontein and Port Elizabeth and is home to the incredible geological phenomenon known as the Valley of Desolation. The vertical cliffs and the freestanding hundred metre high columns are breathtaking and the sunsets spectacular. This was one of our favourite stops on our South Africa road trip and we would absolutely include it on your itinerary!

Where to stay in Graaff-Reinet: 

• Drostdy Hotel: one of our favourite hotels of our South Africa road trip, we stayed in the Drostdy Graaff-Reinet . The rooms are stunning and our breakfast and evening meal in the restaurant were both beautiful. The grounds, secluded swimming pools and fantastic staff made our stay here unforgettable. Nothing was too much trouble and a really good bottle of wine was around US $10! – Click here for best prices!

Click here for the best Graaf-Reinet hotel prices

Day 18 and 19: Port Elizabeth and Addo Elephant Park

Addo Elephant Park is home to one of the densest elephant populations on earth as well as rhino, lion, buffalo and leopard. We spent two full days self-driving in Addo before starting the Garden Route and we were totally addicted to the abundance of wildlife. With 450 elephants our elephant encounters were truly magical and we will never forget the moment a family of elephants walked alongside us in the setting sun.

South Africa road trip itinerary tip: If you’ve travelled the Garden Route previously or opt to return east then Route 62 is the scenic inland alternative with lots of kitchy small towns to explore. It’s the longest wine route in the world and highlights include the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden and Ronnies Sex Shop.

Where to stay in Port Elizabeth: 

• Protea Marine Port Elizabeth: We stayed in this hotel which was the perfect retreat after a day at Addo Elephant Park before we hit the Garden Route – Click here for best prices!

Click here for the best hotels in Port Elizabeth

Day 20 and 21: Plettenberg Bay | the Garden Route

The Garden Route is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world and is an absolute must see on any South African road trip. The spectacular coastal drive stretches from Storms River Mouth in the Eastern Cape to Mossel Bay in the Western Cape and, for us, it was love at first sight as we set off to explore the best sights. We based ourselves in Plettenberg Bay for the first two nights and visited Storms River Mouth, jumped off Bloukran’s Bridge and took long walks on the beach at Plettenberg Bay. Read more about our Garden Route adventures here.

Where to Stay in Plettenberg:

• Singing Kettle: we spent an incredible few nights at the Singing Kettle in Plettenberg Bay. This was one of the best self catering accommodations we’ve ever stayed at, the restaurant below was fantastic and the views over the Indian Ocean were spectacular – Click here for best prices now!

Click here for the best hotels in Plettenberg Bay

Book the Singing Kettle now

South Africa Itinerary Tip:  The architecturally stunning Bloukrans Bridge is, at over 200 metres, the highest in Africa and arches dramatically over the gorge below. As well as being visually stunning, it is also home to one of the highest bungy jumps in the world. Dave immediately signed up, leaped off that bridge like a pro and had the time of his life so if you’re feeling brave … bungy jump!!

Day 22 : Knysna | the Garden Route

Knysna, a waterfront town along the Garden Route, is a gorgeous base for one night to check out the Knysna Heads. The Knysna Heads are two imposing sea cliffs that protect the entrance to the Knysna lagoon from the unrelenting Indian Ocean. Despite our sea drenching from a bumpy boat ride to the Heads it was spectacular to watch the sea thrash through the narrow gap and drink in the stunning scenery.

Where to Stay in Knysna : 

• Protea Hotel Knysna Quays: we stayed here on the waterfront and the views and sunsets were stunning – Click for best prices now!

Click here for the best hotels in Knysna

Day 23: George | the Garden Route

As the Garden Route draws to a close The Map of Africa and Kaaimans River Bridge are beautiful stops near Wilderness and The Post Office Tree is the highlight of Mossel Bay, the final stop on the Garden Route.

The Map of Africa viewpoint has a spectacular view overlooking the Kaaimans River Basin, where the flow of the river has formed a piece of land shaped exactly like a map of the African continent.  As for the Post Office tree, the story goes that in 1501 a Portugese sailor sought refuge in Mossel Bay during a storm and he left a written account, with an address, in an old boot. The report was found by the person it was addressed to and the tree then served as a post office.

South Africa Itinerary tip:  It’s still possible to post letters at the old Post Office Tree and we took the opportunity to send ourselves a postcard from the boot shaped post box!

Where to Stay in George

• Protea Outeniqua: After a fun day of sightseeing we opted to spend the next night in George where we opted for the Protea Outeniqua, a great road trip hotel which was excellent value for money and had excellent rooms – Click here for best prices!

Click here for the best hotels in George

Day 24: Gansbaai

As we left the Garden Route for Cape Town we couldn’t resist a detour to check out Cape Agulhas, the most southern point in the African continent and the dividing point of the Indian and Atlantic Ocean. The rugged wilderness, the crashing waves where two oceans meet and the stunning African sunset took our breaths away. Gansbaai is a stunning stopover en route to Cape Town and its natural beauty is mesmerising. The rugged coastline is as spectacular as the sea life in its waters: whales, seals, penguins and sharks are abundant in the area and it’s known as the Great White Shark capital of the World. Gansbaai is also one of the most popular spots for cage shark diving if you so desire!

Where to Stay in Gansbaai : 

• Bellavista Country Place : The beautiful Bellavista Country Place was our final hotel before Cape Town and we indulged in some well deserved luxury and glorious views – Click here for best prices!

Click here for the best hotels in Gansbaai

Book the Bellavista Country Place now

Days 25 to 30: Cape Town

We spent 5 nights in Cape Town and it was the perfect amount of time in what we consider as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. From the iconic Table Mountain and the historic Robben Island to the surrounding world class vineyards and the stunning coastal drives, Cape Town was incredible. When in Cape Town check out:

• its incredible sights ,
• drive to the Cape of Good Hope (stopping at the penguin filled Boulders Beach),
• hike to Lion’s Head for incredible views of Table Mountain  and
• take a day trip to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, some of South Africa’s most famous wine regions.

Where to Stay in Cape Town

• Protea Waterfront Breakwater Lodge: we stayed at the Protea Waterfront Breakwater Lodge.  This waterfront hotel is an excellent choice if you want a V&A location at a lower price. The rooms in the main hotel building were our favourites and we loved being two minutes walk from the waterfront – Check prices now!
• POD Camps Bay : Camps Bay is a stunning Cape Town suburb within easy reach of the city and an awesome alternative to staying in Cape Town itself. The rooms are compact but gorgeous and the views are incredible with miles of ocean, a mountain backdrop and magical sunsets. – Check prices now!
• Long Street Boutique Hotel: if you want to be in the middle of the action Long Street, surrounded by restaurants, shows, cafes and bars is a great option. This quirky hotel is a fab boutique choice for leisure travellers and is good value by Cape Town standards – Check prices now

Click here for the best Cape Town Hotel Prices

South Africa Itinerary tip:  budget a few days for Cape Town as there is lots to do and the weather can be unpredictable. Our initial booking to Robben Island got cancelled just as we were about to board the ferry due to high winds and it was three days before Table Mountain finally peeked through the clouds.

Driving in South Africa

We were given two pieces of advice upon renting the car and they’re crucial for driving in South Africa:

• Always ask locally at your hotel for advice on the best route (Google Maps may send you on a terrible road because the distance is slightly shorter) and check the distances and times on Google Maps and ensure that the drive is manageable before setting off. We split the driving between two drivers and are both comfortable and practiced in driving long distances.
• Avoid driving after dark in South Africa especially in rural areas: roads are often unmarked and unlit, animals are a frequent sighting on the road and it’s hard to spot them after dark and we often encountered people walking along the roads with no reflective gear.

Rent your car now for South Africa

For more driving tips check out our  guide to driving a rental car in South Africa .

South Africa itinerary tip: make sure to inform your car rental company if you are planning on taking the car outside of the country of rental. At the time of rental we were given letter of authority to show at border crossings which allowed us to take the car into Swaziland and Lesotho

Extending the itinerary

Our detailed itinerary is ideal for a three week or month-long trip but there are other South Africa highlights which you might wish to include if you have additional time:

• Safari:  South Africa is a safari dream and, if you love safari, allocate extra time to the game parks.
• Lesotho and Eswatini:  spend more time exploring these African gems! We would have dedicated more days if we had the time!
• North West Province:  big 5 game reserves, hikes, mountains and quaint towns make up one of South Africa’s least visited provinces. If you have a few extra days continue north to Namibia and Fish River Canyon.
• Route 62:  route 62 is the scenic inland alternative to the Garden Route with lots of kitchy small towns to explore. It’s the longest wine route in the world and highlights include the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden and Ronnies Sex Shop.

South Africa Itinerary tips

• Currency: get some South African rand before you leave home or at the airport on arrival.
• Fuel: on long drives in the Eastern part of the country pick up fuel regularly in the major towns as there can be long distances between stations. Credit cards are accepted in the larger stations but some smaller stops were cash only.
• Supplies: snack and drinks are available at most of the fuel stops and the bigger towns had a well stocked Spar. We picked up a cool box on arrival to keep our liquids cool.
• Maps/GPS: we downloaded maps onto our phone which were accessible offline and they worked really well. We kept a paper map in the glove box just in case!
• SIM cards: it’s easy to pick up a pay as you go SIM in the airports as well as local mobile network stores. Vodafone was awesome for us.
• Internet: widely available and our Vodafone SIMs had a generous data allowance.

11 thoughts on “The Ultimate South Africa Itinerary with map (2023)”

Thank you for a well detailed summary of your wonderful travel through parts of southern Africa. It is helpful to me and other travelers.

Thanks Clarence, glad it’s helpful!

Excellent blog. Your detailed itinerary is extremely helpful and the photos are amazing. I plan to visit SA in May for two weeks, and I’m wondering if you would be able to recommend a route? My trip will begin in Johannesburg, and if I can find a one way car rental then I will fly out from Cape Town.

If you’re into safari I’d recommend doing some safari in Kruger or one of the private reserves then flying over to Cape Town and spending 5 days there and maybe the garden route. If you don’t find a one way rental there’s loads to do on the east coast too – the Panorama route, Hluhluwe Game Reserve has a great chance of seeing black and white rhino and some of the towns of the East Coast are great.

Hope that helps Elaine

Great post. Do you recommend any quite beach to spend some time? I see that all beaches are with waves. Did you find any quite one or perhaps some lake to swim?

Cape Town has some fab beaches and there’s load of great options – Muizenberg, Camp’s Bay, Boulder’s Bay and the Clifton beaches are all gorgeous. We loved the tidal pools at Camp’s Bay for a swim. There’s some lovely beaches along the Western and Eastern Cape and Durban has a beautiful Golden Mile as well. We don’t spend a lot of time at the beach but those were our favourites and were busy when we visited!

could you please tell me which month you travel in South Africa , the weather look fine on pictures . Even in Lesotho .Did you have storms or mainly rain . Did you really like Swatziland because the pictures are not so telling. Thanks Domi

The pics in this article are from March and the weather was mostly sunny with the exception of afternoon rains in Sabi Sands and some heavy rain storms in Johannesburg. We just returned from a December/January trip and had similar weather.

We really liked Swaziland but it really depends what you want when you travel – it’s an interesting mix of nature, game viewing and the culture and tradition that comes with a King reigning over the country. Safari is a highlight, then there’s the Mantenga Village in Ezulwini which is home to a traditional village and then Sibebe Rock is the second largest freestanding rock in the world after Ayers Rock in Australia.

Hi Thanks for your helpful trip diary. I just got back from a road trip in South Africa which was much shorter but still managed to see a lot of the things you mentioned !

Thanks Hamed, glad you saw so much 🙂

hey i would like to have same experience but with some modifications so only need to know about the transportation costs and the if there are some nice hostels you have met in your way of your trip .

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Home » Itineraries » South Africa Itinerary

South Africa Itinerary

Over a year of planning and a lifetime of dreaming went into preparing our South Africa itinerary. We wanted to see as much as possible and maximize the time investment (24+ hours in transit each way), so we uncharacteristically took two full work weeks for this magnificent trip.

Safaris, wine tasting, history, and relaxation – you can’t ask for much more than that. As with many of our vacations, what we thought was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure quickly evolved into a when-can-we-go-back trip.

Two-Week South Africa Itinerary

Day 1 – arrive in johannesburg, days 2-5 – safari in the klaserie private game reserve, days 6-8 – zambia and victoria falls, day 9 – travel to cape town, day 10 – cape point route and hermanus, days 11-12 – hemel-en-aarde valley and constantia wine region, day 13 – back in cape town, day 14: stellenbosch wine region, travel recommendations.

Our activities began immediately after arriving in Johannesburg. We met our tour guide for the day at the airport and set out to take in the city. Our stops included a mildly depressing visit to George Harrison Park, an historic mining site that has become home to local squatters, and a drive through the gritty downtown area. On the brighter side, we could feel the passion of the guides and visitors at the tiny Nelson Mandela house.

A little outside of the city, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Cradle of Humankind gave us an underground glimpse into significant archaeological discoveries that have informed current understanding of human evolution. We spent the night at the elegant Morrells Boutique Estate in Johannesburg. After two nights spent on planes, nothing could have been more perfect.

Very early in the morning, we returned to the Johannesburg airport to meet our transport company, Ashton’s. We followed Route 12 and then Route 4 on our way toward our game park destination, Klaserie Private Game Reserve.

For 4.5 days, we alternated between then excitement of safari game drives and the relaxation of enjoying the South African bush. We spent two nights at nThambo Tree Camp and two nights at Africa on Foot just one kilometer away. Between the knowledgeable guides (who made sure we saw all the Big 5 animals), the delicious food, and the setting, we wanted to stay forever.

Early on the morning of day 6, we left Africa on Foot bound for Hoedspruit airport for our flight to Livingstone, Zambia. Our primary goal in visiting Zambia was to see Victoria Falls , the world’s largest waterfall, which was near peak flow during our visit. We also visited the Maramba market—a local market featuring everything from food to furniture—and the village of Siankaba, a small nearby enclave, to see how people typically live.

We spent one of our days in Zambian just relaxing in the stunning beauty of our surroundings at our resort, the Islands of Siankaba . There were massages, sunset cruises, the rushing rapids of the Zambezi River, and more food than any two people could need. Heaven.

Not every day on the road is exciting. Sometimes it’s just about getting to a new destination. We spent Day 9 on flights – first from Livingstone, Zambia to Johannesburg, and then from Johannesburg on to Cape Town. It was a long day, and we were glad when we arrived at our accommodations for the evening and the next stop on our South Africa itinerary, Long Street Hotel in the heart of Cape Town.

The weather was nice at the coast but was not expected to be in the following days, so we changed our plans and got a slightly late start on our drive of the Cape Point route . We headed out on the picturesque Chapman’s Peak Drive toward the M65, which we took all the way to Cape Point (and the visitor’s center there) and the Cape of Good Hope.

Along the way, we stopped to gaze at the unusual plants and animals in the area and the beautiful views along the coast. After some time exploring the area, we headed north up the M4 to see the penguins at Boulder’s Beach. Who doesn’t love penguins?

Since we had changed our plans to make the best use of the weather, we were a bit far from our accommodations for the evening. From the Cape, we headed East on the N2 followed by the M43 past the town of Hermanus. Just before (the exceptional 4-course wine pairing) dinner, we arrived at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, a luxury reserve in every sense, which showcases the exceptional biodiversity of the area along the coast.

On day 11, the weather turned stormy and very windy, leading to the cancellation of our great white shark diving expedition. But that didn’t leave us at a loss for things to do. Thankfully, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus is not only beautiful but is also home to a number of different wineries. We enjoyed a delicious wine and food pairing at Creation Wines and a visit to Suma Ridge winery.

Day 12 included a visit to several wineries in the Constantia wine region , including the famous Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia wineries. Both nights were spent at Hout Bay at the welcoming and elegant Tintswalo Atlantic .

After a leisurely breakfast at Tintswalo Atlantic and a quick check of the weather, we determined that Day 13 was—at long last—the day to venture to Table Mountain and explore Cape Town . Following our visit to the dramatic landmark, we headed for our new digs, Lawhill Luxury Apartments near the V&A Waterfront. We spent the afternoon having a late lunch at the Market on the Wharf and browsing through the craft markets and shops that line the area. Dinner was at the delicious Asian fusion restaurant Umi just off the beach in Camps Bay.

On our last day in South Africa, we headed about 45 minutes from Cape Town to the Stellenbosch wine region . A quick drive east on the N2 and south on route 304 landed us in this region famous for its distinctive reds. We visited several wineries—including one that was hosting a food and craft market—before beating the blustery weather back to our apartment to pack up for our flight home the next morning.

Hotels : There’s a wide range of accommodation options in South Africa. You can find a broad range of accommodation options at Booking.com , which has a large number of properties across South Africa.

Rental Car : We recommend renting cars from brand name, larger international companies or from reputable rental car sites . They tend to be more reliable and willing to help you if you have a problem, they tend to be more reliable. Before you go, we recommend getting a copy of our book, The Essential Guide to Driving Abroad , which demystifies and simplifies the process of renting overseas.

Travel Insurance : Visiting South Africa is a trip of a lifetime. Given the relative cost of the trip, this would be one instance where we’d buy travel insurance. We bought our travel insurance from Travel Guard .

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14-day Itinerary for South Africa

• April 22, 2024

A custom 14-day itinerary for exploring South Africa

Table of Contents

When it comes to exploring South Africa, the ideal time frame and itinerary are in your hands. Opt for an action-packed, fast-paced itinerary to experience the best of South Africa in two weeks. Or enjoy meandering travel at a leisurely pace by extending your stay by a few days to delve deeper into South Africa’s culture, heritage, and wildlife. The choice is yours, as per our flexible recommendations.

Our 14-day itinerary allows you to experience South Africa’s hearty hospitality, vibrant culture, and lush biodiversity. We start our trip in Cape Town, the Mother City, and take you along the Garden Route in a circular direction past some of the best wine farms near Cape Town.

For those who are not restricted by time, we suggest extending your trip to include Johannesburg. From Johannesburg, you can either experience a guided safari at a private game reserve in the Welgevonden Game Reserve, make a self-drive to the Kruger National Park or join the world’s most luxurious train, Rovos Rail, for a once-in-a-lifetime train safari.

Let’s get straight into our fourteen-day itinerary for South Africa.

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Vibrant Cape Town and the Garden Route

Our action-packed 14-day itinerary lets you experience Cape Town, the picturesque Garden Route and South Africa’s world-renowned wine farms.

Please note that even though we might receive some compensation from a few travel partners, we will never recommend anything that we didn’t enjoy or that didn’t meet our quality standards. Moreover, our articles comply with ethical journalism travel standards.        

We have an article about most of our recommendations below on our travel blog or significant highlights on our Instagram page about a particular experience. Click on the links (where indicated) to read our feature articles, which tell you when to go, what to experience, opening and closing times, and fees where appropriate.

Day 1 to 3: Explore Cape Town

Activities near cape town.

• Go up Table Mountain with the cable car .
• Visit the colourful houses at Bo-Kaap.
• Visit a wine farm in Constantia or Durbanville. Constantia has about ten wine farms, of which Beau Constantia is our favourite. In Durbanville, we highly recommend visiting a few wine farms, such as Durbanville Hills, Diemersdal, and De Grendel. Visit our Instagram page highlights.
• Admire the sunset from Signal Hill.
• Visit Bloubergstrand for exceptional views of Table Mountain.
• Stroll along the promenade or go jogging in Sea Point along the coastline.
• Visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and walk the famous Boomslang Tree Canopy Walkway.
• Take a helicopter flight from the V&A Waterfront to get a bird’s eye view of Cape Town and its surroundings.
• Enjoy a legendary high tea at The Cellars Hohenort in Constantia .
• Admire South Africa’s Floral Kingdom. Did you know that 30% of South African Fynbos can not be seen anywhere in the world? The best places to admire Fynbos are the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Table Mountain National Park, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, and the West Coast National Park .

Where to stay in Cape Town?

• Depending on your budget, we recommend staying at the fabulous 4-star Cloud9 hotel, “Where Luxury meets Heritage,” in vibey Tamboerskloof. The highlight of this exceptional boutique hotel is its award-winning rooftop bar, Mountain Club Bistro, which offers unprecedented 360-degree views of Cape Town and Table Mountain.
• For those wishing to splurge on a luxury stay, we recommend the Silo at the V&A Waterfront or Tintswalo Atlantic Beach Hotel.
• Also, read our article: Top 8 hotels with the best views in Cape Town and surroundings

Where to eat in Cape Town?

• Sonny and Irene in Sea Point offers stunning food in a prime spot in Cape Town.
• If you are looking for a dazzling café in the city centre, we recommend Hemelhuijs, a trendy restaurant serving original, local flavours in exceptional meals.
• Café Caprice at 37 Victoria Road in Camps Bay is a cosmopolitan restaurant with a café-style menu and artisan cocktails. We love the sidewalk seating area for people-watching any time of the day. If you are a leaf-eater like Bernie, we highly recommend their Scheckter’s Raw burger. Apparently, this is the best burger in South Africa, even for non-vegetarians.
• There are several outstanding restaurants in Cape Town and the surrounding area; again, we have our favourites. The award-winning Tangram restaurant at Durbanville Hills Wine Farm will have you talking about their food for years to come. Here, you can enjoy exceptional sunset views of Cape Town and Table Mountain while savouring the first-class meals. Bernie recons this restaurant served the best meal she had enjoyed in her entire life! Can that be possible? You have to try it so we can verify her recommendation.
• Kloof Street House is also a fabulous choice. This fairy-like dining oasis is set in a renovated Victorian House; this restaurant is a content creator’s dream location. It is more than just a restaurant; it is an interesting collection of timeless pieces that blend effortlessly into the charming spaces, creating a homely ambiance. The food is exceptional, and the service is impeccable.

Related article

• Why Cape Town is a must-visit destination

Cape Town – Top 7 attractions

Day 4 to 6: stellenbosch and surroundings.

From Cape Town, take the scenic route or the faster N2 highway to your stay at Vergenoegd Löw Wine Estate.

For the scenic route, take the M6 Victoria Road, past Camps Bay and Clifton, and towards the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range in the direction of Hout Bay. From Hout Bay, take Chapman’s Peak drive towards the bohemian town of Kalk Bay.

If you picked the faster N2 route, take the offramp onto Baden Powell Drive, R310. The wine estate is about 32 km from Cape Town.

PRO Tip 1: If you want to make some detours along the way, remember to avoid places like Mitchel’s Plain and Khayelitsha.

Activities in Stellenbosch and surroundings

• Drive along the world-famous Chapman’s Peak.
• Explore Kalk Bay en route from Chapman’s Peak. You may wish to stop at the former fishing village, Hout Bay harbour, with its long sandy beach framed by mountains.
• Explore the Cape of Good Hope and go up with the funicular. There is an entrance fee of R 360 (Internationals) and R 90 for locals to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. The Cape Point Funicular is R 70 one-way or R 85 return per adult. The opening hours are from 9 am to 5:50 pm daily.
• Get up close with penguins at Boulders Beach near Simons Town . Don’t forget to follow our tips for finding the best places to see the penguins on our Instagram page.
• Stroll the streets of Kalk Bay and enjoy shopping at some of the most unique boutiques, such as Jane Valke, Saint Siena, and Mystic Rose. Our favourite shop for quilts and other linen is Oh So Boho. There are several great places to enjoy lunch with stunning sea views. However, our favourite places are Brass Bell (take the passage next to the station to get underneath the railway line) and Cape to Cuba (visit our Instagram page for more info).
• Visit the Franschhoek Motor Museum and Anthonij Rupert Wine Farm by taking the R310 in the direction of Stellenbosh. It is approximately 16 km from Vergenoegd Wine Farm. We recommend purchasing the Estate Package (available Tuesday to Sunday), which includes a scenic tram ride, wine tasting, lunch and a visit to the Motor Museum. Look out for our feature article about our fun day at this wine farm.
• We recently visited Vergelegen which is one of the most picturesque wine farms.

Where to stay near Stellenbosch

Vergenoegd Löw, a prestigious and historic wine farm (dating back to 1696) with two heritage buildings, offers exclusive cellar tours, vineyard walks, and unique wine-tasting experiences. These include the indigenous food and wine pairing experience, a culinary journey curated by South Africa’s renowned chef, Bertus Basson. 

The picturesque white chapel makes for a perfect wedding venue, and their vintage Rolls Royce  add to the sense of exclusivity. Follow our Instagram for a glimpse of our ride in the  ‘Old Lady’ .

The farm is renowned for its beautifully restored buildings and impressive flock of 1600 Indian Runner Ducks. Every morning at 9:00 and again mid-day at 12:00, visitors can witness the spontaneous spectacle as hundreds of ducks waddle to and from the wine yards. Even though the ducks are spectacular to watch, they do an important job on the farm by ensuring excellent wine quality and keeping the farm pest-free. Moreover, the Estate proudly promotes sustainable tourism by being almost 80% of the grid due to its functional power plant. 

Besides our fascination with the ducks, we enjoyed staying in one of their recently built luxurious (did we mention spacious and tranquil?) guest cottages with a private heated pool. Yes, heated! What is more, all the suites and cottages on the estate either have private pools or Jacuzzis.    

Their top-rated spa offers guests the ultimate pampering. The spa has a locally sourced approach. We highly recommend their Eikenbosch Aromatherapy massage.

Look out for our full feature article coming soon about this opulent yet personal boutique winery near Somerset West. Weather you are a historian or luxury traveler with a fascination for history, the repurposed historical dairy and slave quarters will captivate your imagination. Moreover,  the beauty of the white-washed walls, thatched roofs, wooden floors and gables will take you back to a bygone era ensuring you feel relaxed and revived upon departure.

Where to eat near Stellenbosch

Breakfast and Lunch

Vergenoegd Löw serves a great breakfast at Geuwels, which is set against the backdrop of serene winery countryside. The on-site restaurant, Guewels (in English Gables) Restaurant, offers inside or Al Fresco dining on the summer terrace, from which you can marvel at their magnificent flock of Indian runner ducks. Enjoy a variety of exceptional dishes from renowned chef Bertus Basson.

Clara’s Barn Restaurant is a fine dining restaurant in one of the oldest barns in the Western Cape. They serve a 5-course meal under the guidance of chef, Dirkus Brink. Food connoisseurs will marvel at the seasonal and creative meals. Visit our ‘food’ highlights on our Instagram page for a taste of our experience.

Day 7: Hermanus

From Vergenoegd Wine Estate, take the N2 to Somerset West. Again, you have two options for reaching Hermanus: the faster N2 route or the scenic route (highly recommended Clarence Drive) on the R44 past Strand, Gordon’s Bay, Rooi-Els, Pringle Bay, Betty’s Bay (where you can visit a less-crowded with tourists penguin colony), and Kleinmond. From Arabella Country Estate, you turn onto the R43 to Hermanus. Hermanus is the whale capital of South Africa. Depending on your time of travel, you may be lucky to spot some whales en route.

Activities near Hermanus

• Enjoy lunch at one of the many seaside restaurants.
• Visit nearby towns like Stanford (read our related article, Waterblom Cottage: A hidden gem of Stanford) , Kleinmond, and Gansbaai (known for shark diving experiences).
• Spend a day at picturesque Vöelklip beach in Hermanus.
• During whale season, go for a whale-watching excursion.

Where to stay in Hermanus?

We recommend staying at The Marine , one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Enjoy unprecedented views from your suite or walk the scenic cliff path. Click here to read our feature article about the Marine.

Where to eat in Hermanus?

Breakfast and dinner

• The Marine’s restaurant, The Pavilion, serves gastronomic meals at very affordable prices. Enjoy Breakfast on the patio with exquisite mountain and ocean views.
• Our favourite place for lunch is Fick’s Pool in Hermanus. This ocean-side restaurant offers some of the best lunch views in Hermanus on a beautiful day.
• Bientang’s Cave is also located right at the water’s edge near the cliff side.

Day 8 to 11: Explore the picturesque Garden Route

We toured the Garden Route in November of 2023 and discovered a few gems along the way. Depending on your preference, you may choose to either stay in Knysna or Plettenberg Bay.

Knysna is a busy, traditional holiday destination mostly known for its catamaran cruises on the Knysna lagoon, visits to the Knysna Heads, and scenic hiking routes. On the other hand, Plettenberg Bay is a classy ocean-side town with superb beaches and several award-winning hotels, such as Emily Moon River Lodge, the Plettenberg, and Tsala Treetop Lodge.

Activities near Kynsna and Plettenberg Bay

We recommend the following activities and experiences in both Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, as the towns are only 34 km apart on the N2:

• Enjoy a catamaran cruise on the Knysna Lagoon with ocean sailing charters. View our Instagram Stories for more info.
• Enjoy a relaxed lunch or dinner at Knysna Harbour.
• Visit Brenton-on-sea and Buffels Bay. Watch our YouTube video about our trip to the Graden Route.
• Go to the Knysna Heads lookout point for exceptional views.
• Enjoy a relaxing beach day at Victoria Bay.

Where to stay in Knysna?

• We recommend staying at either on the lagoon-side at  St. James of Knysn a or the Turbine Hotel on Thesen Island. We stayed at both hotels and found it difficult to choose our favourite as each one offered something unique. We loved that we could enjoy a complementary lagoon cruise at St. James of Knysna, with its massive, Georgian-style rooms.
• The Turbine Hotel, on the other hand, has a fantastic spa, interesting history and architecture.

We suggest you read our full reviews about these two hotels to pick the one that best suits your needs.

Where to stay in Plettenberg Bay?

Spoil yourself and splurge on the 5-star Plettenberg Bay Hotel. Its stunning rim-flow pool offers exquisite mountain, ocean and beach vistas. The hotel’s on-site restaurant prepares out-of-this-world sustainable seafood dishes under the guidance of executive chef Kyle Macaskill. Here, Petra enjoyed the ‘best calamari’ she ever had in South Africa. In fact, she enjoyed it so much that she had it twice in a row for lunch and again for dinner. We enjoyed sipping on delicious cocktails while admiring the opulent interior throughout the hotel.

Where to eat in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay?

Plettenberg Bay

• Nguni Restaurant for its traditional South African dishes served with nostalgic charm.
• 34 Degrees South at the Knysna Waterfront serves great food against a beautiful harbour backdrop.
• Butterfly Blu at Brenton-on-Sea is perched atop a dune with phenomenal panoramic sea views. 

PRO Tip 2: Arrive early at Butterfly Blue in Brenton-on-Sea to witness a spectacular sunset from the clifftop.

Related articles

• Plettenberg Bay – Popular holiday destination on the Garden Route
• Knysna, South Africa – The heart of the Garden Route
• Garden Route accommodation, Top 5
• Garden Route: The ultimate guide for a road trip

Day 12 to 14: Get up close to nature in Oudtshoorn

If you want to experience South Africa’s vibrant culture and diverse people, there is no better place than Oudsthoorn, known as the ostrich capital of the world. Here, young and mature (LOL! we prefer being labelled mature rather than old) can experience unique activities within a few kilometres of the city centre, such as camel or ostrich rides, a unique zipline, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, a wildlife safari and picturesque routes along stunning mountain passes.

Activities near Oudsthoorn

• Visit the Cango Caves.
• Visit an ostrich farm. We recommend Safari Ostrich Farm, which is only 6km from the city centre.
• Experience wildlife adventures with the Five Shy Meerkats at De Zeekoe Guest Lodge.
• Take the kids for a camel ride at Wilgewandel Holiday Farm.
• Visit the Rus en Vrede Waterfalls.
• Drive along the picturesque Meiringpoort and Swartberg Pass.

Where to stay near Oudtshoorn?

During our Garden Route Tour, we stayed at Wildehondekloof Lodge . Read our feature article about our unique stay and safari. If you wish to stay closer to town, we recommend staying at their sister lodge, De Zeekoe Guest Farm.

Where to eat near Oudtshoorn?

Wildehondekloof is, without a doubt, the best for Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You cannot beat their exceptional food served in the most peaceful environment.

• What to do in Oudtshoorn: Attractions, activities and accommodation

Day 14: Enjoy the picturesque Franschhoek

Franschhoek is a small town in the Western Cape Province known for its majestic mountain scenery, lush vineyards, and stylish French vibe.

Activities near Franschhoek:

• Visit the Franschhoek Motor Museum
• Enjoy a wine-tasting experience either using the famous wine tram or on horseback.
• Enjoy wine tasting at some of the country’s most famous wine estates, such as Boschendal, L’Ormarins (Anthonij Rupert wines), or Babylonstoren.
• Stroll the street of Franschhoek for unique boutiques, shops, and restaurants.

Head to the Cape Town International Airport and reminisce about your most memorable holiday ever. Depending on your time, you can fly home or take a quick two-hour flight to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport to continue your journey from here. We highly recommend adding the next leg to your South African trip.

On this leg of your journey, we suggest experiencing the ultimate safari in Welgevonden Game Reserve, the Kruger National Park or a train safari with Rovos Rail.

Day 14 to 16: Experience the vibrancy of Johannesburg and its history

Activities in Johannesburg

• Visit a farmers’ market such as Fourways Farmers Market , Prison Break Market or Rosebank Rooftop Market.
• Enjoy a truly South African spa treatment at the Four Seasons or Saxon Hotel.
• Take the City Sightseeing Red Bus in Johannesburg to visit Soweto, Vilakazi Street, the Apartheid Museum, and Gold Reef City Theme Park, among others.
• Visit the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens.
• Visit Montecasino’s magnificent Bird Park.
• Visit the Cradle of Human Kind.

Where to eat in Johannesburg?

Few places in Johannesburg offer a more delicious breakfast than the Four Seasons Westcliff.

• We have a few favourite restaurants in the vicinity region of the Four Seasons, Westcliff.
• Kolonaki Greek Kouzina and Modena Restaurant in Parkhurst offer exceptional food.
• Pablo House boutique hotel has an excellent restaurant called Dois Manos that offers exquisite views over Johannesburg and outstanding food. 

Where to stay in Johannesburg?

• If you can splurge a bit more on the second leg of your trip, we suggest staying at the Four Seasons, Westcliff, in Johannesburg. The Westcliff Hotel not only has the best view over Johannesburg, but it also offers extraordinary dining options.
• If you need a more authentic experience, we recommend staying at Pablo House Boutique Hotel in Melville. The hosts are super friendly and helpful and enjoy assisting guests with planning their activities in the area.

• What to do in Johannesburg over a weekend
• Johannesburg – Top 5 city breaks

Day 17 to 19: Experience a safari in the Welgevonden Game Reserve

If you want to experience up-close encounters with wildlife, we highly recommend going to Welgevonden Game Reserve. Besides being conveniently located within three hours of Johannesburg, it is also home to the Big 5 and within in a malaria-free environment. 

We have two feature articles for our favourite lodges, namely Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge and Elephant Crossing. Although these lodges offer the same activities, their ambiance is vastly different in terms of accommodation and food.

• Sediba Luxury Safari Lodge: The Big 5 Game Lodge
• Private Game Lodge in Welgevonden Reserve, South Africa
• 12 Best Romantic getaways for a couple’s trip in South Africa

Day 17 to 19: Kruger National Park

Although our itinerary suggests a three-night stay, we highly recommend extending your stay to four or five nights to experience the vast and diverse landscape of the Kruger National Park. There is a big difference in animal concentration and vegetation from the North to the South of the park. 

We have written several very informative articles about where to stay, what to see, and when to go to Kruger National Park. We recommend reading our most popular article about Kruger,  “How to do a self-drive to Kruger,” and downloading our Kruger guide, which provides a four-night itinerary.

We often get asked, “What is the best way to experience South Africa’s wildlife?”. 

Depending on your preference, if you want to enjoy a safari without worrying about logistics and planning your activities, then a guided safari at Welgevonden Game Reserve is for you. We enjoy the fact that we don’t need to go and look for animals, which could take many hours if you don’t know expert knowledge of the terrain and animal behaviour. The lodges have highly skilled and experienced game rangers who remove the guesswork to ensure you get up close to the Big 5. 

On the other hand, if you enjoy planning your daily trips by following maps and preparing meals, then Kruger National Park is for you. The landscape is so beautiful, and even if you don’t see anything, you will be in awe of this magnificent terrain with abundant wildlife. 

The other key factor to consider is that in private game reserves, you can enjoy exceptional sunsets and sunrises while sipping on the best South African wine or enjoying an early morning coffee surrounded by wildlife. In the Kruger National Park, you may only get out of your vehicle at designated picnic spots, and there are camp closing times to adhere to.

In contrast to private Game Reserves, night drives are not permitted in Kruger with private vehicles. Several camps offer sunrise, sunset and night drives at an additional cost. Read our related articles for more in-depth information on Kruger.

• Kruger National Park: Top 5 accommodations nearby
• Kruger National Park: When is the best time to go
• Kruger National Park: Top 10 luxury private lodges

Alternatively

Join the Most Luxurious Train in the World, Rovos Rail, for a train Safari

Day 17 to 19: Join the world's most luxurious train

Does the word Rovos ring a lavish bell? You said it! Rovos Rail offers a proudly South African experience on more than 11 routes through Africa. Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for bespoke train safaris with the biggest suites on any train in the world. This opulent train maintains the spirit of a bygone era with all-inclusive beverages and exceptional room service. To stay true to a bygone era of glamour, they encourage guests to wear their most lavish evening attire for dinner while enjoying meticulously crafted meals with exceptional South African flavours. Travelling at a speed of 60km per hour, you are spoiled with the most scenic landscapes Africa has to offer. Imagine staring out of your carriage’s window to admire the breathtaking landscape or taking in the views from your Victorian claw-foot bath (Royal suites only).

Interestingly, there are no TVs or Wi-Fi on board, and cellphones and laptops are restricted to cabins. Moreover, where will you find an owner, Rohan Vos, and his close-knit family members meeting-and-greeting guests upon departure or arrival from the Capital Park Station? Rovos Rail’s private station in Pretoria is on an impressive 60-hectare facility offering secure parking, a museum, and an interesting workshop where trains are built and maintained (tours of the workshop are facilitated by either Rohan or one of his expertly trained staff). And the cherry on top? Rovos Rail only supports local trade, suppliers and communities.

We are planning a full-feature article about Rovos Rail in the next coming months. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive a notification when the article is published.

In conclusion

Even though we highly recommend you tour South Africa on your own with our custom-designed itinerary, there are also some excellent guided tours available. For tours throughout Africa, we highly recommend John Finch Tours. For luxury destination tours, we recommend Nala Tours & Safaris. Read our interview with Evan from Nala Tours and find out why you should join them on an unforgettable South African Safari.  

You are welcome to leave a question on any of our recommendations in the comments section below. We are excited to hear from you and enjoy reading how you found our articles helpful.

We wish you an unforgettable stay in South Africa. We know you are going to create memories to last a lifetime.

Until next time, your Travel Buddies, Bernie and Petra

• 75+ Things to do in South Africa .
• Driving in South Africa: Everything you need to know
• South Africa for foodies
• Loadshedding: Should I visit South Africa now or wait?
• Is it worth visiting South Africa?
• How safe is South Africa?

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About author.

As a freelance travel journalist and seasoned business professional, Bernie van der Linde has made it her mission to explore the world's most unique and luxurious destinations. With a PhD in business studies from the University of South Africa, Bernie has channeled her passion for travel, web design, and writing into founding the travel blog Travel Buddies Lifestyle. Here, she shares her adventures alongside her best friend and travel business partner, Petra, who seamlessly translate and compile articles relevant to their German and European audience.

Bernie's love for exploring new places has taken her to some of the world's most exotic locations. Whether gazing out at the glittering skyline of Dubai or enjoying the tranquillity of a private beach in Mauritius, Bernie is always looking for unique experiences that will inspire and entice her readers to travel.

Through her thoughtful writing and unparalleled passion for travel, Bernie van der Linde has made a name for herself in the world of travel writing. Her knack for uncovering hidden gems and sharing her experiences with her readers has made her a trusted source of inspiration for those looking to explore the world in style.

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• 7 Days in South Africa: The 5 Best Itineraries for First Timers 2024

While 7 days may not be enough to explore all of South Africa, it is possible to have a fulfilling and memorable experience by hitting the highlights or focusing on specific regions or aspects of the country.

To help you make the most of your visit, we have curated five unique 7-day itineraries that showcase the best of South Africa's offerings.

1. 7-Day South Africa Highlights Tour: Cape Town and Kruger Safari

Experience the best of South Africa in just 7 days with our South Africa Highlights Tour, combining the cosmopolitan charm of Cape Town with the thrill of a Kruger safari.

This tour is perfect for first-timers, offering an ideal introduction to safaris and culture in South Africa . Whether you're a family looking for a memorable vacation or a couple in search of a romantic getaway, this tour has something for everyone.

Sample itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town Day 2: City tour (Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront) Day 3: Cape Peninsula tour (the Cape of Good Hope and penguins at Boulders Beach) Day 4: Cape Town to Kruger National Park Days 5–6: Safari in Kruger National Park Day 7: Depart Kruger via Johannesburg

Highlights of this itinerary include witnessing the stunning views from the top of Table Mountain , getting up close to African penguins at Boulders Beach, and embarking on thrilling game drives in Kruger National Park, where you would have the chance to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat.

For families , the tour offers educational experiences, such as visiting local communities and learning about South African culture and history. Kids would love the penguin encounter and the excitement of spotting wild animals.

Couples could enjoy a scenic wine tour if interested or opt for a hot-air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes of Kruger National Park.

Just let us know who you are traveling with and your preferences, and we will personalize a tour for you .

2. 7-Day Family Adventure: Cape Town, Garden Route, and Safari

Explore the beauty of coastal South Africa with your family on our 7-Day Family Adventure, encompassing Cape Town, the Garden Route, and an unforgettable safari experience.

This journey is specially crafted for families seeking a blend of outdoor exploration, wildlife encounters, and cultural discovery along South Africa's stunning coastline.

Sample itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Cape Town Day 2: Cape Town exploration (Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront) Day 3: Cape Peninsula and penguins Day 4: Garden Route adventure: Knysna and Tsitsikamma National Park Day 5: Garden Route and Oudtshoorn Day 6: Safari in Addo Elephant National Park Day 7: Safari and departure

This 7-day coastal South Africa tour covers a vast spectrum of landscapes and rich family-friendly experiences.

Beginning in Cape Town , you would ascend the captivating and majestic Table Mountain and discover the historical significance of Robben Island. Then, you would encounter African penguins at Boulders Beach and take in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Cape of Good Hope.

The Garden Route introduces you to the lush beauty of Knysna and the dramatic landscapes of Tsitsikamma National Park. In Oudtshoorn, you would explore ostrich farms and venture into the mystical Cango Caves.

The adventure culminates with a thrilling safari experience in Addo Elephant National Park , where you would have the opportunity to witness Africa's iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.

Let us know your preferences and interests — our specialists are here to personalize a trip for you .

3. 7-Day Exotic Couple's Getaway: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Chobe National Park Safari

Embark on a 7-day Southern Africa getaway, an extraordinary journey that unveils the remarkable beauty of Cape Town, the awe-inspiring wonder of Victoria Falls, and the untamed wilderness of Chobe National Park.

This adventure is designed for couples who are seeking a captivating blend of culture, nature, and romantic moments.

Sample outline itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Cape Town, a city tour, and Table Mountain Day 2: Cape Peninsula exploration or Winelands tour Day 3: Fly to Victoria Falls Day 4: Victoria Falls adventure Day 5: Victoria Falls to Chobe National Park Day 6: Chobe National Park safari Day 7: Farewell and departure

This itinerary takes you through an incredible range of experiences and locations. Begin your journey in Cape Town , where you would explore the Cape Peninsula, visit iconic landmarks, such as Table Mountain, or opt to indulge in the exquisite wines of the Cape Winelands.

Then, fly to the spectacular Victoria Falls , one of the world's most renowned natural wonders, and immerse yourself in thrilling activities.

Finally, you would enjoy a private game drive in Chobe National Park , where you could have a more personalized safari experience. Your guide would take you on a journey through the park, ensuring that you have ample time to admire the wildlife and enjoy each other's company.

For couples looking to add a touch of romance, we could arrange a romantic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls. Some cruises even include champagne and gourmet dinners. We could also arrange a candlelit dinner at a secluded spot or overlooking the Zambezi River.

Remember that your tour can be customized to cater to your specific interests , ensuring that your South Africa safari is a personalized adventure tailored to your preferences.

4. 7-Day In-Depth Kruger Safari

Embark on a 7-Day In-Depth Kruger Safari, an immersive journey that delves deep into the wilderness of Kruger National Park. This adventure is tailored for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, promising extraordinary wildlife encounters and unparalleled natural wonders.

Sample outline itinerary: Day 1: Johannesburg Day 2: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park Day 3: Bushwalk and wildlife tracking Day 4: Full-day game drive Day 5: Full-day game drive Day 6: Explore the iconic Panorama Route Day 7: Kruger to Johannesburg and departure

This itinerary takes you on an in-depth exploration of Kruger National Park, one of Africa's premier wildlife sanctuaries.

Venture into the heart of the park with full-day game drives, where you can witness the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and a multitude of other species in their natural habitat.

Experience the thrill of tracking wildlife on a guided bushwalk, explore the breathtaking Panorama Route with its stunning vistas and waterfalls, or opt to gain insight into the local culture with a village visit.

For some special experiences, we could arrange a private sunset game drive followed by a romantic dinner under the stars or a hot-air balloon ride over the park for a truly unforgettable experience.

With us, your tour would be personalized to cater to your individual interests , ensuring a perfectly tailored Kruger safari experience.

5. 7-Day South Africa and Zimbabwe Highlights Tour: Kruger and Victoria Falls

This 7-Day South Africa and Zimbabwe Highlights Tour covers two of Africa's most iconic destinations — the breathtaking landscapes of Kruger National Park in South Africa and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

This tour is perfect for those who want to see the highlights of Southern Africa in a limited time.

Sample outline itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg, South Africa Days 2–3: Explore the world-renowned Kruger National Park Days 4–6: Fly to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Day 7: Departure from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

One of the highlights, Kruger National Park , offers incredible wildlife encounters, where you could witness elephants bathing in watering holes, majestic lions prowling through the savannah, and elusive leopards hiding in the treetops.

At Victoria Falls , marvel at one of the world's largest waterfalls, where the mighty Zambezi River cascades into a chasm, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Experience the thunderous roar and the mist that engulfs the surroundings while standing on the edge of the falls.

Contact one of our specialists to tailor a tour for you , ensuring a personalized experience that exceeds your expectations.

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3 Week South Africa Itinerary (+ Map)

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Looking for the best 3-week South Africa itinerary? South Africa is an amazing place to explore and one of those countries that’s so deserving of being on your bucket list!

A destination that boasts so much, you’ll find everything from sprawling safari reserves to romantic wine regions and beautiful beaches. There’s also culture, cool cities and so much to see and do.

I fell in love with South Africa when I visited. It’s a country that I’d wanted to visit for so long and I couldn’t wait to see for myself what it was like.

Because of its size, and the sheer amount of things to do and experience, you’ll need several weeks to see the best of South Africa. This will give you the time to visit more than one region and be able to enjoy it all without feeling too rushed. 

However, with all this choice, it can feel overwhelming trying to plan your perfect South Africa vacation! 

If you don’t know which parts are best to explore, I’m here to help you out! This 3 week South Africa itinerary takes in the best bits and covers Cape Town, Cape Winelands, the Garden Route and the Eastern Cape. 

Why visit South Africa

South Africa is arguably one of the world’s most beautiful countries. As well as scenic safari plains, there are photogenic cities and a pristine glittering coastline.

It’s also a destination that ticks the right boxes no matter your interests or travel style. Whether you want to head on a safari, learn more about history and culture, enjoy a city break or go on a road trip, there’s so much you can pack into one trip!

Plus, with incredible, luxury accommodation it’s amazing for a honeymoon or a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket list adventure.

Best areas to visit in South Africa

You could spend months in South Africa and still find more to explore. However, there are a few key places you’ll want to add to your list.

In my opinion, Cape Town is a must-visit, as is the gorgeous Cape Winelands – it’s a magical, fairytale setting close to the city.

You’ll also want to road trip the Garden Route. It’s one of the world’s most famous drives and takes in breathtaking scenery along the southern coast.

You obviously can’t miss a South African safari either. Kruger National Park is the most famous, and biggest, park in South Africa.

However, my recommendation is to head to the Eastern Cape instead because it’s the best place to combine with Cape Town and the Garden Route.

Kruger National Park also has a different climate to other parts of South Africa so it’s not always best to combine with Cape Town. Plus, if you head to the Eastern Cape for a safari, you won’t have to worry about malaria.

How to get around South Africa

While you can fly between destinations in South Africa, driving is the best way to explore. Just keep in mind that some areas in South Africa aren’t as safe as others, so have a plan for where you’re going, keep your car locked and avoid driving at night.

🚗 Check out Discover Cars to find the best rental cars

Best time to visit South Africa

As such a big country, there are several climates across South Africa. For Cape Town and the Garden Route, it’s best to visit during summer (November to March) , which is when you’ll have the best weather.

The Eastern Cape is considered a year-round safari spot so it’s also good at this time of the year. However, if you want to visit Kruger National Park, the best time to go is May to October when it’s the dry season.

Getting to South Africa

How you get to South Africa will depend on where you’re travelling from. If you’re a Brit like me, there are direct flights from London to both Johannesburg and Cape Town that take around 11 hours. 

If you’re travelling from elsewhere, there are several direct flights from the Eastern US, as well as a few countries in Europe. From Australia, you can fly directly to Johannesburg from Sydney.

For this 3 week South Africa itinerary, you’ll want to fly into Cape Town (CPT). The itinerary ends closest to Port Elizabeth Airport (PLZ) where you can connect back to Cape Town or on via Johannesburg.

3-week South Africa itinerary from Cape Town

This South Africa 21-day itinerary starts in Cape Town and ends with a safari in the Eastern Cape. This is the best itinerary for South Africa if you want to experience a little bit of everything!

It can also obviously be adjusted (or you could do the itinerary in reverse) but I think it’s nice to end with a safari and a few relaxing days towards the end of your trip.

Day 1-5 Cape Town (5 nights)

Cape Town is the perfect starting point for a South Africa itinerary. Often you’ll have direct flights into Cape Town and, from the UK, there’s hardly a shift in time zone so you won’t have jet lag either.

Depending on the time your flight arrives, you could check in to your hotel and explore on your first afternoon. If not, you’ll still have 4 full days to see the best of this beautiful city.

Top things to see and do in Cape Town

There’s loads to see and do in Cape Town. Top of your bucket list has to be Table Mountain . You can hike to the top if you have the energy, or take the cable car, to get iconic views across the city and ocean.

Within the city, you’ll want to explore Bo-Kaap as well as the vibrant V&A Waterfront which is a cool entertainment area with restaurants, shops and attractions.

You could also take a free walking tour to get recommendations and to hear tales and lesser-known facts about the city. This is also a good option if you want to get your bearings and you’re worried about safety.

For a history fix, you can head on a tour over to Robben Island which is where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. 

If you’re craving time in nature, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is a tranquil spot in the suburbs. You could also hike to the Lion’s Head summit – it’s a popular 5km route that boasts beautiful views.

If you want the beach, Camps Bay is a must with its sweeping coastline.

It’s a trendy neighbourhood in Cape Town where you’ll find beautiful white sands bordered by restaurants, bars and hotels. It can get busy in peak season but it’s a lively spot to enjoy the sun.

There are also brilliant day trips from Cape Town. If you’ve exhausted everything within the city, consider hiring your car on your last full day in Cape Town and driving to Boulders Beach and on to Cape Point . 

At Boulders Beach you’ll see the famous colony of African penguins, which is a lovely day out. If you travel here via Chapman’s Peak Drive you’ll also get the most dramatic, wild ocean and mountain scenery.

Where to stay in Cape Town

There are loads of brilliant places to stay in Cape Town but Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel is a lovely choice. This five-star hotel has just seven suites so it’s a great choice for an intimate escape. It’s also well located in the heart of the city.

Cape Town at a glance

📸 Cape Town attractions: Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, free walking tours, Bo-Kaap, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, Boulders Beach, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Point 🏡 Best hotel: Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel   ✈️ Getting there: There are direct flights from several major destinations to Cape Town International Airport (CPT).

Day 6-7 Cape Winelands (2 nights)

The glorious Cape Winelands is next on your South Africa 3-week itinerary. This gorgeous spot is an absolute must if you’re visiting the Western Cape.

While you can do day trips to the Winelands from Cape Town, it’s worth staying here a few days to make the most of what’s on offer.

Even if you’re not into your wines, the Winelands are still essential just to take in the beauty!

This is a part of the world that’s extremely picturesque – you’ll find vast wine estates with sunkissed vineyards set against mountain peaks… It’s a fairytale setting and is especially perfect if you’re travelling to South Africa for your honeymoon . 

Top things to see and do in Cape Winelands

There are three main destinations in the Winelands – Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl .

Stellenbosch is known as the capital of the Cape Winelands and it’s probably the most famous, but each town offers something a little different so it’s a good idea to visit them all.

They’re close to each other, too, so you can base yourself in one and easily visit the others.

As a culinary destination that produces some of the world’s finest wines, a lot of your time will be spent wine tasting. South African wine is some of the best – I fell in love with Pinotage!

Most wineries across the region offer open wine tastings, but you’ll also find tours and excursions to join. You could also hire bikes and cycle between wineries.

Another fun thing to do in the Cape Winelands is to jump aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram . You’ll be able to hop on and off at different wineries across the region. It’s one of the top things to do in this part of South Africa!

Away from the wine, there are interesting sites to explore in the Cape Winelands, too. Franschhoek is a charming and super pretty location where you can find a lovely choice of art galleries and boutique shops.

Over in Stellenbosch, you’ll be able to go on a guided walking tour, visit galleries, take in the architecture, as well as visit the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden .

Where to stay in Cape Winelands

This part of South Africa has some of the plushiest luxury accommodation, so if you want to splurge or treat yourself to a bucket list stay – you’re in the right place!

One place I’ve fallen in love with is the beautiful Delaire Graff Estate . It’s a gorgeous property with lodges that offer sweeping vineyard views.

Cape Winelands at a glance

📸 Cape Winelands attractions: Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, Paarl, wine tasting, bike tours, Wine Tram, Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden 🏡 Best hotel: Delaire Graff Estate 🚗 Getting there: It takes about an hour to drive from Cape Town to Stellenbosch.

Day 8-9 Betty’s Bay + Hermanus (2 nights) 

From the Winelands, it’s on to Hermanus (via Betty’s Bay) for the next part of your South Africa self-drive itinerary. These coastal towns are close together so they can be done on the same journey.

You’ll want to head to Betty’s Bay first, spend a few hours there, and then drive on to Hermanus.

Top things to see and do in Betty’s Bay + Hermanus

Betty’s Bay is a seaside spot that’s known for its colony of wild penguins . If you didn’t get the chance to visit Boulders Beach from Cape Town, this stop is a must on your itinerary.

And if you’ve already seen penguins… You can’t go wrong with seeing some more! This is also a less known spot so it can be quieter than Boulders Beach.

From here, it’s on to Hermanus, which takes about an hour by car. Hermanus is known as being one of the best whale watching destinations in Africa.

However, this depends on when you go – if you want to see the whales, you’ll want to visit between June and December.

Aside from whale watching, this is a great spot for soaking in the coastal scenery. You’ll be able to visit the beautiful Grotto Beach , which stretches for 11 miles.

The Hermanus Cliff Path is also a must. It’s a 7.5-mile coastal trail that offers gorgeous views of the bay. 

If you want more hiking, you’ll also be able to explore Fernkloof Nature Reserve and Walker Bay Nature Reserve . 

Where to stay in Hermanus

There are several luxury and boutique options in Hermanus, but a favourite is Birkenhead House . This hotel is thoroughly romantic and is set on a cliff edge above Walker Bay. You’ll find 11 individually decorated luxury suites, as well as an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. 

Betty’s Bay + Hermanus at a glance

📸 Betty’s Bay + Hermanus attractions: Wild penguins, whale watching (Jun-Dec), Grotto Beach, Hermanus Cliff Path, Fernkloof Nature Reserve, Walker Bay Nature Reserve 🏡 Best hotel: Birkenhead House 🚗 Getting there: It takes around 1.5 hours to drive to Betty’s Bay from Stellenbosch. From Betty’s Bay to Hermanus, it’s about an hour.

Day 10-12 Knysna (3 nights)

After visiting Hermanus, you’ll get started on the famous Garden Route! The route officially begins in the town of Mossel Bay, and your first overnight stop will be further on in Knysna.

The Garden Route itself takes in 300km across the southern coast and is exceptionally breathtaking so it’s an amazing place for a road trip.

You’ll probably find places along the way where you’ll want to stop for photos or time to explore. Wilderness is a good spot to stop en route to Knysna. 

Once you reach Knysna itself, you’ll find yourself in a small and pretty town where there’s lots to see and experience.

Top things to see and do in Knysna

Knysna is a popular holiday spot for good reason. It’s a seaside setting on a shimmering lagoon and offers lots of opportunities for hiking and cycling , as well as lounging on the beach.

While you’re there, you’ll want to see the iconic Knysna Heads . These rocky cliffs are the headlands of two peninsulas at the entrance of the lagoon. The eastern head is the easiest to access and has great views.

A good way to explore Knysna and the surrounding area is by boat. You’ll find lots of boat trips – from wildlife tours to sunset cruises. 

You’ll also want to explore the town’s Thesen Island . On this marina development in the lagoon, you’ll find boutique shops, galleries and restaurants. You can also kayak through its waterways or try stand-up paddle boarding .

Elsewhere around Knysna, you’ll find lots of opportunities for hiking and taking in the scenery. Consider visiting Featherbed Nature Reserve or try the Harkerville Perdekop Trail.

If you want the beach, the Buffalo Bay Trail is also a good option. Buffalo Bay (also known as Buffels Bay) is the perfect beach for sunbathing and relaxing. It’s slightly outside of Knysna and can get busy, so get there early if you’re visiting during peak season.

Where to stay in Knysna

Head Over Hills is a stylish boutique retreat in Knysna. Set on the cliffs of the Knysna Heads, this is an award-winning luxury hotel with an amazing backdrop. The property has just 8 rooms, so it’s an intimate spot for a peaceful stay in the area.

Knysna at a glance

📸 Knysna attractions: Knysna Heads, boat trips & wildlife tours, Thesen Island, kayaking, Featherbed Nature Reserve, Harkerville Perdekop Trail, Buffalo Bay Trail, Buffels Bay 🏡 Best hotel: Head Over Hills 🚗 Getting there: It’s about a 5-hour drive from Hermanus to Knysna, but plan for longer if you want to stop anywhere en route.

Day 13 Plettenberg Bay (1 night)

It’s not a long journey to the next stop on your itinerary. Plettenberg Bay is one of the best places along the Garden Route and is just 30 minutes from Knysna.  

Top things to see and do in Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay is a pretty and laid-back coastal town with glittering golden beaches. It’s a great spot to enjoy some time relaxing at the beach or taking a refreshing sea dip. 

They’re are several good beaches in the area including Lookout Beach , Central Beach and Robberg Beach .

While you’re in Plett, you’ll definitely want to visit Robberg Nature Reserve , which is a haven for wildlife and hiking trails.

Plettenberg Bay is also known for its marine life. You’ll be able to go whale watching from June to November, as well as spot dolphins and seals off the local beaches.

There are plenty of boat tours and trips to experience the marine wildlife in the area.

Plus, you could go sea kayaking and canyoning in Plettenberg Bay, too.

Where to stay in Plettenberg Bay

Built in 1777, The Old Rectory has been converted into a chic and authentic boutique hotel. Close to the beach, you’ll be in a prime position to explore the best of Plettenberg Bay. Within the hotel, you’ll find a gorgeous decked garden and a spa so it’s also perfect for downtime.

Plettenberg Bay at a glance

📸 Plettenberg Bay attractions: Lookout Beach, Central Beach & Robberg Beach, Robberg Nature Reserve, whale & dolphin watching, boat tours, sea kayaking, canyoning  🏡 Best hotel: The Old Rectory 🚗 Getting there: It’s a 30-minute drive from Knysna to Plettenberg Bay.

Day 14 Tsitsikamma (1 night)

Up next on your 3 week South Africa itinerary is Tsitsikamma National Park. Known for its marine reserve and lush scenic trails, Tsitsikamma is a must-visit and is a great last stop on the Garden Route.

The park is a protected area and it boasts gorgeous dramatic scenery as well as loads to see and experience!

It’s a really pretty spot and is also a great chance for some last beach opportunities before heading inland for a few days of safaris.

Top things to see and do in Tsitsikamma 

Whether you want marine life, wild hiking, beaches or adventure, there’s something you’ll love in Tsitsikamma. 

Tsitsikamma National Park is a paradise for nature lovers where you’ll find everything from lush forests, waterfalls, and rivers to sparkling coastal scenery.

The park also extends out into the sea to protect the reefs and marine life – you’ll often see dolphins playing in the waves.

There are endless hiking trails and walks in the area. The Otter Trail is the most famous but it’s a multi-day hike. If you want a shorter day hike or a more leisurely trail there are lots of options, including the Suspension Bridge Walk . 

For adrenaline seekers, there’s loads to enjoy in Tsitsikamma, too – from bungee jumping, zip lining and abseiling to blackwater tubing . You could also kayak along Storms River, go snorkelling and try mountain biking .

Where to stay in Tsitsikamma

There are a few accommodation options in the surrounding area. The Fernery Lodge & Chalets is a picturesque choice at the base of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. It’s an isolated hotel but it’s a peaceful spot surrounded by pretty scenery.

Tsitsikamma at a glance

📸 Tsitsikamma National Park attractions: The Otter Trail, Suspension Bridge Walk, snorkelling, kayaking, dolphin watching, adrenaline activities 🏡 Best hotel: The Fernery Lodge & Chalets   🚗 Getting there: It’s about an hour’s drive from Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma.

Day 15-20 Eastern Cape (6 nights)

It’s time to say goodbye to the Garden Route as you head on safari! The main city in the Eastern Cape is Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), so you have the option to break up the journey here en route.

You could also drop off your rental car and catch a taxi or transfer to your safari lodge from P.E.

I’ve included several days on safari as part of this 3-week itinerary. You could do less, but I loved going on daily safari drives – it also means you’ll have more chance of spotting all the animals you want to see!

Plus, it’s a good opportunity to rest, relax and unwind after the adventure of the last 2 weeks.

Top things to see and do in the Eastern Cape 

My recommendation is to settle into one luxury safari lodge for the duration of your time in the Eastern Cape.

These are usually all-inclusive so you’ll have daily game drives and meals as part of your package. You’ll also be able to use your lodge as a base for anything else you want to do in the area.

Aside from daily safari drives at your chosen game reserve, you’ll definitely want to spend a day at Addo Elephant National Park .

This is the third biggest park in South Africa and is home to over 600 elephants. I absolutely loved visiting Addo Elephant Park – we saw so many elephants and other animals during our trip!

You can do a self-drive tour if you still have your car, or choose to have a guide. I personally think having a guide is best because they’ll be able to help you spot more, and they’ll give you insights and information as you travel around the park.

Where to stay in the Eastern Cape

When I visited South Africa, I volunteered at Amakhala Game Reserve, so I’d recommend staying there – it’s a beautiful, ethical safari reserve .

You have a choice of accommodation within the reserve itself. I stayed at Amakhala Safari Lodge on my weekend off, which has cosy suites with private plunge pools. 

Hlosi Game Lodge is another great option in Amakhala. This hotel has a really great pool and outdoor area overlooking a waterhole which is home to several hippos!

Eastern Cape at a glance

📸 Eastern Cape attractions: Private Game Reserves with daily safari drives, Addo Elephant National Park 🏡 Best hotel: Amakhala Safari Lodge 🚗 Getting there: It takes around 2 hours to get from Tsitsikamma National Park to Port Elizabeth. You have the option to drop your car off here and transfer onto your chosen game reserve. It’s about an hour to Amakhala from Port Elizabeth.

Day 21 Onward travel

After 3 amazing weeks in South Africa, it’s time to head home! The nearest airport for the Eastern Cape is Port Elizabeth (PLZ) where you can connect home via Cape Town or Johannesburg. 

South Africa FAQs

Is South Africa worth visiting?

I think it’s safe to say that South Africa is absolutely worth visiting! After 3 weeks travelling across the southern coast, you’ll be able to tick off so many bucket list experiences.

Whatever your interests, there’s definitely something to love about South Africa. You’ll get the perfect mix of cities, beaches, nature and safaris – it’s the ultimate dream getaway!

How many days do you need for South Africa?

I think 3 weeks is the perfect amount of time for a vacation in South Africa. You won’t be rushed to take everything in and you’ll get to soak up all the best bits. It also gives you time for some relaxation in a luxury safari lodge at the end of your trip. 

If you only have time for a 2 week South Africa itinerary, you also have the option of flying between destinations rather than road tripping across the Garden Route.

You could still visit Cape Town and the Winelands, before flying to Port Elizabeth, where you could take day or overnight trips to areas within the Garden Route.

How much money do you need for 3 weeks in South Africa?

The amount of money that you’ll need for 3 weeks in South Africa will really vary depending on your travel style.

It’s possible to travel around South Africa on a budget… in general, South Africa is a relatively affordable country, so things like eating and drinking can be inexpensive. We had meals for as little as £6, with glasses of wine at £2. 

However, flights, safaris and accommodation will increase your costs – especially if you want a luxury, bucket-list experience. You can often expect to pay £500+ per night for a safari lodge and flights to South Africa can be around £900 from the UK. 

You’ll also want to factor in car hire, petrol and activities. Renting a car can cost between £20-£60 per day.

Where is the most beautiful place in South Africa?

There are so many beautiful places in South Africa. The sprawling game reserves are breathtaking while the Garden Route is one of the world’s most photogenic drives.

If you’re looking for picture-perfect scenery, you also can’t go wrong in the Cape Winelands.

Is it better to visit Kruger National Park or the Eastern Cape reserves?

I didn’t visit Kruger National Park so I can’t say which is better. However, I’d say that the Eastern Cape is best to combine with the Garden Route and Cape Town because of the climate.

If you want to visit Cape Town and the Garden Route in the summer (when it’s best), Kruger Park will be in its humid, wet season which isn’t as recommended because game viewing can be harder.

Kruger can still be a year-round destination and there are perks of visiting at this time, but you’ll also have to bear in mind the higher risk of malaria in summer.

My main reason for choosing the Eastern Cape was that there was no malaria risk. And, being the summer, it also meant it wasn’t as cold in the mornings or evenings. Plus, we got amazing game viewings so I never felt I missed out having not visited Kruger.

Is South Africa safe?

Safety is always a big question when booking a trip to South Africa. Of course, this is a country that’s known for its crime, but that shouldn’t put you off. Loads of tourists visit South Africa each year and have a trouble-free getaway! 

You’re unlikely to be at high risk during your trip to South Africa , just be mindful of the dangers and keep your wits about you (as you would anywhere!).

A lot of the crime happens in townships and away from the tourist spots, but be aware of pickpockets so keep your valuables safe, don’t go wandering around at night, and keep your car locked while driving.

It’s also a good idea to join group / guided hikes rather than going on your own – especially around Cape Town.

South Africa really is a one-of-a-kind destination. There’s a ridiculous amount to do, and so many dream experiences that it will be an unforgettable vacation.

From city to coast and safari plains, South Africa is the perfect destination in every way. I hope this 3 week South Africa itinerary helps you plan your best trip ever!

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Hannah Marie is the founder of Mariee Travel. For 8 years she worked as a wedding magazine editor, writing about the world’s best honeymoons and romantic escapes. Having travelled to 5 continents and numerous bucket-list destinations, she helps her readers plan their next dream getaway.

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South Africa Travel: A Sample Itinerary

You might also be interested in  The JJC’s Guide to SA as well as how we spent our time ..

Here’s the itinerary we followed….

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The team put together an excellent… The team put together an excellent itinerary and trip for us to South Africa. It was exceptionally good from drivers, ...

Want to discover South Africa ? Keep reading to explore our exciting South Africa itineraries that will take you through this fascinating country with genuine spirit and zeal, whether it's the vibrant Johannesburg, the serene splendor of Kruger National Park , or the historic significance of Cape Town.

Itinerary tips from Zorica: your South Africa Travel Expert

Recommended south africa itineraries, 7-day south africa itinerary, 10-day south africa itinerary, 14-day south africa itinerary.

• South Africa's Garden Route

South Africa Itinerary 1 - The Frontier

South africa itinerary 2 - western cape circuit, south africa itinerary 3 - the east, the best time for a south africa holiday.

Our South Africa travel expert Zorika believes that mapping out an itinerary for South Africa is a journey in itself. She emphasizes the critical importance of a well-thought-out plan.

South Africa is a diversity of cultures, landscapes, and experiences. From the vibrant streets of Johannesburg to the tranquil expanse of Kruger National Park , each place boasts its unique appeal. That's why a customized itinerary will enhance your visit and lead you to the undiscovered wonders and rich cultural attractions that distinguish South Africa.

With Zorika's extensive knowledge and wealth of experience, she will guide you through every step of the planning process. Whether you want to visit vast wildlife parks, sample dynamic local cuisine, or stroll through breathtaking scenery, a carefully designed itinerary ensures a seamless and rewarding journey.

Let's work together to create an itinerary that suits your tastes, rhythm, and interests and make your South African adventure truly unforgettable.

Tips from Zorica V

South Africa Travel Expert

I recommend embracing South Africa's diverse experiences in your itinerary. Mix urban culture, scenic landscapes, and wildlife encounters for a comprehensive experience. Always include flexible days to allow for spontaneous adventures or rest, making your trip uniquely memorable.

Travel ideas for South Africa, created by local experts

Cape Town and Garden Route - a luxury guided tour

Cape Town and the Garden Route have it all - a fascinating culture, safaris, chocolate and wine tasting, and much more. Discover the coastal city of Cape Town and the Peninsula before heading out to the Garden Route with Knysna and Mossel Bay, where you'll experience some game drives.

The Cape Peninsula and Safaris in Kruger and Pilanesberg

Wildlife in South Africa is still truly wild, a fact that you'll be able to discover in this fascinating two weeks trip. Enjoy whale watching in Cape Town and first safaris in Aquila before heading up north: the famous Kruger and Pilanesberg national parks with all its wildlife await.

Explore the North of South Africa: Sun City and Madikwe game reserve

For those short on time, staying close to Johannesburg may make sense. On this trip, you'll arrive and depart in Johannesburg and then transfer to the theme park Lost City before continuing to Madikwe for a few days of game drives to spot plenty of wildlife.

Secret gem in South Africa - Northern Cape Self Drive

Embark on an epic self-drive adventure from Cape Town to the Northern Cape. Witness the breathtaking floral displays of Namaqualand, marvel at the diverse wildlife in Karoo National Park, and be captivated by the awe-inspiring cascades of Augrabies Falls.

A family self drive in South Africa & Swaziland

Take the family on an African adventure in your own rental car, it's the ideal companion to discover Kruger National Park at your own pace. Further on to Swaziland and then Hluhluwe, this trip focuses on wildlife and exploration, all at your leisure.

A Kruger adventure

Kruger National Park is one of the best known national parks in South Africa and always worth a visit. Starting and ending in Johannesburg is the most convenient one, the perfect stop to then take a domestic flight towards George or Cape Town for the rest of your trip.

If you're planning your trip to South Africa, use these expert-craft itineraries as a starting point. For more information read our South Africa travel tips and dive into our itineraries for different durations: 7 days - 10 days - 14 days

Begin your introduction to the country on a 7-day adventure through South Africa , starting in vibrant Johannesburg, and exploring its rich history and markets. On day two , head to the Cradle of Humankind to marvel at our ancestral roots. 

Day three takes you to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains for hiking and breathtaking views. On day four , head to the scenic Garden Route to enjoy coastal scenery and outdoor activities. 

On day five , head into the heart of the Winelands to sample exquisite local wines. Day six will then introduce you to the unique landscapes and biodiversity of the Cape Peninsula. 

Conclude your journey in historic Cape Town on day seven by climbing Table Mountain, exploring the colorful Bo-Kaap and Robben Island, and immersing yourself in the cultural and scenic beauty of South Africa.

Matjiesfontein wild flowers, South Africa © Shutterstock

Begin your 10-day South African odyssey in Cape Town, where you'll explore Table Mountain and the historic district of Sixth. On day two , travel through the Cape Wine Lands, sampling wine and local cuisine. Travel around the Cape Peninsula, visiting Cape Point and Boulder's Beach on day three. 

On the fourth day , fly to Durban , where golden beaches and lively street markets await. On day five , you'll head to the Drakensberg Mountains for hiking and viewing San rock art. On day six , the wild shores of the Eastern Cape await you with its unspoiled beaches and traditional Xhosa culture. On day seven , head into the heart of the Garden Route for adventure sports and nature walks. 

Spend the eighth day at Addo Elephant National Park enjoying a safari. On the ninth day , explore the historical richness of Johannesburg's Soweto neighborhood and visit the Apartheid Museum. End your journey with a visit to the Cradle of Humankind to reflect on the origins of humanity.

Choosing the right season can greatly enhance your travelling experience.  Our guide to the best time to visit Cape Town will help you understand the nuances of the weather and make the right choice.

Surfing in Durban, South Africa @ Shutterstock

For a more in-depth introduction to the country, embark on a 14-day journey through South Africa , starting in Johannesburg, where you'll learn about its history and vibrant life. On the second day , visit the Apartheid Museum and Soweto. Then visit the Cradle of Humankind, marveling at the ancient history of mankind. On the fourth day , head to the Panorama Route for breathtaking scenery.

On the fifth day , go on a safari in Kruger National Park to see wildlife and natural beauty. Continue your adventure to Eswatini, Swaziland, exploring its cultural heritage on day six . Then head to the coastal city of Durban to relax on the beach and experience Indian-African culture.

Midway through, head to the Drakensberg Mountains for hiking and artwork. On the ninth day , head to the Eastern Cape Wild Coast for unspoiled nature. On the tenth day , explore the Garden Route, enjoying the beaches and forests.

On the eleventh day , spend the eleventh day in Oudtshoorn, visiting ostrich farms and Kango Caves. On the twelfth day , head to the Cape Wine Lands for wine tasting. On the thirteenth day , take in the sights of Cape Town, including Table Mountain and Robben Island. End your trip with a tour of the Cape Peninsula, visiting Cape Point and the penguin colony at Boulder's Beach.

Namaqualand, South Africa © Marie-Anne AbersonM/Shutterstock

South Africa's Garden Route

Begin your charming South African adventure along the famous Garden Route by traveling to the historic town of Mossel Bay. Here, step back in time at the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex and laze on sun-drenched beaches. Head inland to the ostrich capital of Oudtshoorn, where you can visit ostrich farms and immerse yourself in the subterranean wonders of the Cango Caves, marveling at their ancient stalactites and stalagmites.

Then head to the heart of the Garden Route, the town of Knysna, nestled between wooded hills and a sparkling lagoon. Take a leisurely ferry ride to Featherbed Nature Reserve for unspoiled beauty and panoramic views. Continue on to Plettenberg Bay, a serene seaside harbor where you can spot dolphins and whales and relax on expansive sandy beaches.

Your adventures will peak in Tsitsikamma National Park, a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. Hike among ancient trees, cross the Storms River suspension bridge, and if you dare, bungee jump off the world's highest bungee jump at Bloukrans Bridge. End your journey in Port Elizabeth, where cultural heritage and vibrant city life come together.

South Africa, Tsitsikamma National Park, wooden bridge suspended above Storms River on Garden Route

Discover the dry interior of the Great Karoo and the contrastingly verdant Wild Coast. Allow three weeks to explore these historic stomping grounds of Dutch trekboers, English settlers and Xhosa herders.

Start your three-week journey in Port Elizabeth, where English settlers arrived in 1820 and enjoy its safe sandy beaches. Then head to Big Game Country near Addo, home to the Big Five and top game reserves such as Shamwari and Kwande.

Next visit Graaff Reinet, an 18th-century Cape Dutch settlement surrounded by Camdeboo National Park, famous for its Valley of Desolation. Continue to Cradock, a frontier town on the banks of the Great Fish River, marking the historic boundary between the English colonies and Xhosa lands.

Head to Grahamstown, a university town rich in colonial history, and then on to Hogsback, a highland resort reminiscent of Little England above the valleys.

Experience Madiba country with a visit to Qunu, Nelson Mandela's childhood village, and learn the story of his life at the nearby Mthatha Museum.

Finish your Wild Coast journey with a stay at Bulungula Lodge, immersing yourself in Xhosa culture amidst unspoiled traditional villages, rolling hills, dense forests and vast unspoiled beaches.

South African lions © Shutterstock

South Africa’s oldest urban centres are in the Western Cape, a province that packs a huge variety. You could cover its highlights in three weeks, but four would be more comfortable.

Start in Cape Town, the oldest city in Southern Africa, known for its stunning natural setting, historic architecture and vibrant city life.

Next, head to the Wine Lands, where Cape Dutch estates nestled among vineyards and mountains offer some of South Africa's best restaurants and accommodations.

Continue to the Whale Coast, visiting De Hoop Nature Reserve with its monumental dunes, wild surf and exceptional whale watching opportunities from land.

Follow the iconic Garden Route along the N2 highway, experiencing the charm of coastal towns like Sedgefield and Knysna and exploring national parks known for their ancient forests and dramatic coastlines.

Head inland along the R62 through the semi-arid Little Karoo with its mountain passes, sculpted rock formations, hot springs and historic villages.

Explore Swartland, especially Darling, to see the old-growth forests bloom with wildflowers in spring - it's the closest place to Cape Town for such views.

End your journey in the Cederberg region, famous for its San rock art sites and striking rock formations that create an otherworldly atmosphere in the Western Cape's mountainous wilderness.

The tropical Diaz beach, also known as Cape of Good Hope © Shutterstock

The eastern flank of the country most easily conforms to stereotypical Africa: game reserves, beaches, and ethnic culture. You’ll need three weeks for this tour.

Begin your journey in Johannesburg, Africa's bustling economic center, where a thriving art scene, café culture, and the lively town of Soweto await.

Then immerse yourself in the vast wilderness of Kruger National Park, one of Africa's premier game reserves teeming with a variety of wildlife.

Continue to Swaziland, an absolute monarchy rich in tribal traditions and cultural ceremonies offering a unique perspective on local life.

Explore iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for excellent diving in Sodwana Bay, and nesting sites for loggerhead and leatherback turtles.

Head to KwaZulu-Natal game reserves such as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi and see big cats, rhinos, and elephants, as well as other reserves such as Ithala, Mkhuze, and Phinda.

Immerse yourself in the culture of the region in the heart of the Zulu people, where you can admire geometrically patterned baskets and take part in local festivals such as Shaka Day.

Head to the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg, where dramatic landscapes offer breathtaking hikes and the chance to see ancient San rock paintings.

Finish your adventure in Durban, a city with subtropical vegetation, a lively beach, and a unique blend of Zulu, Indian, and English colonial influences, ensuring an unforgettable stay.

Reddish Mountains across Orange River in Richtersveld National Park © Geoff Sperring/Shutterstock

The best time to vacation in South Africa depends largely on your activities and destinations in the country. Generally, the most favorable times are the South African spring ( September to November ) and fall ( March to May ). 

These periods are characterized by moderate temperatures and less rainfall, which is ideal for wildlife watching, outdoor activities, and beach visits. The spring season is particularly interesting for watching the vibrant wildflower blooms in the Western Cape and whale watching on the coast. 

Autumn, on the other hand, is ideal for exploring the bustling cities and enjoying the wine lands, as temperatures are comfortable and the scenery is stunning with autumn colors. There are also fewer crowds during these seasons, making for a more relaxed and enjoyable vacation. 

Wildlife enthusiasts may prefer the dry winter months ( June to August ) for safaris in the northern regions, as animals congregate near water sources, making them easier to spot.

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updated 03.06.2024

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South Africa Luxury Tours: Safari and Beyond

Micah Drimmer

https://www.foratravel.com/guides/E75BJU/south-africa-luxury-tours-safari-and-beyond-micah-drimmer

Adventure Travel

Food & Wine

Luxury Travel

South Africa

Local Culture

Curator’s statement

I have long dreamed of a safari adventure. My recent trip to South Africa far exceeded my expectations — and convinced me that a return trip with my family is a must! South Africa is breathtakingly beautiful, and I was in love from the moment I landed. I started my South Africa luxury tour in Cape Town, a gorgeous seaside city with the iconic Table Mountain as the backdrop. Next, I visited Grootbos Nature Reserve, a spectacular marine and botanical reserve offering incredible floral diversity and the Marine Big Five. I continued on to Constantia, South Africa’s oldest wine region, with lush vineyards and scenic beauty. Finally, I travelled to Thornybush and Sabi Sands for my first safari experience, where I saw the Big Five roaming freely in the heart of the African wilderness. Read on to learn more about these South Africa luxury tours.

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Where to stay

Mount nelson, a belmond hotel, cape town.

A historic standout in pink at the base of Table Mountain, stay here for the storied history, art-focused activities and luxe spa.

Afternoon/evening tea for two.

Breakfast daily.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Peaceful lodge with luxury rooms offering views of Milkwood forest.

The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel

This charming hotel boasts 51 elegant guest rooms and suites with breath-taking views of South Africa’s iconic Table Mountain range and the property’s extraordinary gardens.

$50 hotel / resort credit.

Thornybush Game Lodge

Experience the ultimate safari adventure at Thornybush Game Lodge, where luxury suites, stunning wildlife views and gourmet dining blend seamlessly with classic safari charm and modern elegance in the heart of the Greater Kruger Park.

Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

Modern all-inclusive lodge located in the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve with minimalist-chic rooms and suites.

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Day 1: Arrival at Belmond Mount Nelson & Cape Town exploration

Our South Africa tour began with a stay at the gorgeous Belmond Mount Nelson, an iconic property that perfectly blends historic charm with modern luxury. Located at the foot of Table Mountain in the heart of Cape Town, this stunning hotel — nicknamed "The Nellie" — offers an incredible introduction to the city's rich heritage and vibrant culture.

Mount Nelson's location is ideal for exploring Cape Town. The hotel offers easy access to major attractions like Table Mountain and is only a few minutes’ walk to the lively Kloof Street, known for its trendy cafes, boutiques and art galleries.

Day 2: Nature reserve & arrival at Grootbos

After fueling up on breakfast in The Nellie's Oasis Bistro, we headed out with our guides for a stunning drive up Signal Hill, stopping at the top to look out at Table Mountain with sweeping views of Cape Town and the sea below. Next, we drove along the spectacular shores of False Bay to the Stony Point Nature Reserve. Located in the charming coastal town of Betty’s Bay on the Western Cape, the Stony Point Nature Reserve is home to a unique colony of African penguins. Stony Point offers the public the chance to observe the penguins going about their daily activities in their natural habitat without disturbing them. We stopped for lunch in the adorable coastal town of Hermanus — once a poor fishing village and now the whale-watching capital of South Africa — and then continued on to the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens, located in the Cape Fynbos region within the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve. We saw a family of baboons before taking a relaxing stroll through the gardens to a peaceful waterfall. After a packed day, we arrived at our home for the evening, the five-star eco-paradise Grootbos. This jaw dropping property is positioned between the mountains and the sea. With an abundance of floral diversity, guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the stunning landscape on complimentary guided flower safaris and hikes through the ancient milkwood forest and fynbos-clad mountains. The reserve is also home to the renowned Marine Big Five — whales, sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins — offering unparalleled wildlife encounters from the coastline or on thrilling boat trips. We were welcomed to our spectacular six-bedroom villa, which had stunning views overlooking Walker Bay. With state-of-the-art amenities, a private chef, butler and private guide, we decided we never wanted to leave. In the evening, we ate in the restaurant at the adults-only Forest Lodge, where every dish was presented as a colorful piece of art. With most of the ingredients sourced as close to Grootbos as possible, with many coming from their own organic farm on the reserve, the meal was an experience in and of itself. The day ended with star-gazing on the balcony and the sound of waves crashing in the distance.

Day 3: Grootbos hike & transfer to Cellars-Hohenort

One of my favorite things about visiting South Africa in May was my ability to see the sunrise at a not-so-ungodly hour (I am not a morning person). At 7 am, our guide Jono treated us to a sunrise hike through Grootbos' fynbos-covered hills and the ancient milkwood forests. As the sun rose over the hills, Jono gave us an in-depth look at some of the incredible flora and fauna on the preserve (Grootbos features more than 900 plant species, some of which are under threat of extinction). After the hike, we visited the on-site botanical art gallery, which has a unique collection of botanical illustrations by local artists. After our hike, we drove about two and a half hours back toward Cape Town to the town of Constantia, the oldest wine producing region in South Africa, where we checked into Cellars-Hohenort. Set within nine acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, the hotel feels like a secluded retreat. With its gorgeous, lush fabrics, chic wallpaper and vibrant colors, the property has a playful and contemporary flair which pairs perfectly with the natural beauty of the property’s surroundings. The food at Cellars-Hohenort was exceptional. After lunch at Greenhouse, the hotel's award-winning restaurant, we enjoyed a hike nearby before visiting Beau Constantia Vineyard , where we tasted a variety of delicious wines.

Day 4: Arrival at Thornybush & safari

Safari day! The day had finally come: my long-awaited bucket-list experience was finally here! I was giddy with excitement during the three-hour ride to Thornybush Game Reserve, located in Greater Kruger National Park. The drive is not for the faint of heart (or those who get carsick). A quick and easy alternative, which I recommend, is a fast charter flight from Cape Town. We arrived at Thornybush and, upon driving in, we saw an impala, which is a medium-sized antelope native to Africa. We quickly took out our cameras to the bemusement of our driver (we would find out later that impalas number in the thousands; we would later see large herds of these lithe, athletic creatures). At Thornybush, we were welcomed by the warm and friendly staff and offered a cool, citronella-scented towel and welcome drink. We checked into our room, a standalone villa with a safari-chic aesthetic (the leopard wallpaper was created as a nod to the mother-son leopard duo who we would meet up close and personally — more on that later). I loved the unique touches such as the custom, handmade bathrobes (we were all disappointed they weren’t for sale), along with the gorgeous bedding and luxurious bath products. We then set off for our afternoon game drive, the first of four drives we would experience at Thornybush. What was I expecting? Looking back, I’m actually not sure — but whatever it was I thought would happen, the reality far exceeded my expectations. Driving into the bush, the guide and tracker were communicating through an unspoken language. They were communicating with the land itself as well: the prints in the sand, the snap of a branch. Our first major sighting was a two-year-old male leopard. As our vehicle came to a stop near his perch, the most surreal thing happened. The leopard curiously wandered right up to me (truly, he was no more than a foot away from me). What may have been a terrifying moment was in fact quite the opposite — it was a magical interaction with a young animal who simply wanted to understand the world around him. Continuing on, we spotted buffalo, impala (lots of impala!), rhinos, hyenas, giraffes, zebras and elephants. Incredible as all of these majestic creatures were, it was tough to top my up-close encounter with the leopard, who I continued to think about as I drifted off to sleep that evening.

Day 5: More safari adventures

Safaris generally have a similar rhythm: After our early morning wake-up call (leave time for your first coffee of the day overlooking the riverbed), the open game vehicle departed into the bush. The experienced guides and trackers shared their extensive knowledge, and, after an exhilarating hunt for tracks to see what the animals have been up to during the night, we stopped for a coffee and tea break in the bush. For those chilly mornings, guests receive hot water bottles and warm blankets on the vehicle, which we gladly accepted. Our afternoon game drive was preceded by high tea and extended into the evening, and, again, we stopped in the bush, in a remote, scenic spot to watch the iconic African sunset with sundowners — gin & tonics were our drink of choice! Of course, the evening wouldn’t be complete without the delicious dinner prepared by the chefs at Thornybush, who put extreme love and care into every dish they prepared.

Days 6-8: Luxury experiences at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge

The Thornybush website states the following: “Our purpose at Thornybush is to create out-of-the-ordinary safari experiences for our guests, while also enriching the lives of our staff and the well-being of the surrounding communities. We understand that while our guests enjoy the comfort and luxury of our lodges, what they’ll remember most are the people they meet, the experiences in the wilderness and how both combine to give them that special Thornybush feeling.” This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of Thornybush. Our guides, Kayden and Johnny “The Best,” felt like family after a mere two days together. We thoroughly enjoyed our final game drive at Thornybush, but were extremely sad to say goodbye to our newfound friends. About an hour and a half later, we arrived at our final destination, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, located in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which offers a unique blend of luxury and sustainability in the heart of the African bush. Known for its innovative design that seamlessly integrates with the natural surroundings, Earth Lodge provides guests with an unparalleled safari experience. Each suite features eco-friendly architecture, elegant decor, private plunge pools and stunning views of the landscape. The dining experience at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge perfectly complemented the lodge's luxurious and eco-friendly ambiance. We were treated to gourmet meals crafted by expert chefs who use locally sourced ingredients to create a fusion of traditional African flavors and contemporary cuisine. On the first night, we had the pleasure of dining under the stars in the outdoor boma , and on the second night, we enjoyed a private dinner in the wine cellar surrounded by a remarkable collection of South African wines.

Need to Know

My journey through South Africa was filled with unforgettable experiences, from the vibrant cityscape of Cape Town to the serene shores of Hermanus, the lush beauty of Grootbos Nature Reserve and the thrilling safaris of Thornybush and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. I truly cannot wait to return to this majestic country.

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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to South Africa . Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Fora Advisor Jennifer Lopez's guide, A South Africa Honeymoon .

10 Best Things To Do In The Coastal City Of Durban, South Africa

T he typical tourist visiting South Africa has an itinerary that looks something like this: Fly into Johannesburg, head to Kruger for a safari, and then head to Cape Town for some wining and dining. While that’s got the makings of a fantastic trip, it does mean most visitors miss out on Durban, the third-largest city in the country. Often overlooked in favor of Cape Town or Johannesburg, Durban is quite possibly South Africa’s best-kept city secret.

Joburg may be trendy and Cape Town may be glamorous, but Durban is cool. Best known for its beaches and Afro-Indian culture, Durban has plenty to see and do. An hour by plane from Johannesburg and 2 hours from Cape Town, Durban is a great place to visit year-round thanks to its fantastic weather. So, if you are planning a trip to South Africa, make sure to add Durban to your itinerary.

Let’s delve a little deeper into Durban and discover some of the best things to see and do.

1. The Golden Mile

Probably the best place to start is the Golden Mile, which takes its name from a series of golden sandy beaches that stretch for 3.7 miles along the edge of the city’s business district. The paved promenade is the perfect place to walk, run, cycle, skateboard, or do a segway tour. The sandy beaches are a massive playground; take a dip in the blue Indian Ocean, stroll along the beach, try your hand at a sandcastle, or relax and work on that tan. This is probably the safest surfing spot in South Africa; hundreds of surfers take to the water here every day and there are shark nets and lifeguards year-round. Even if you’re not a surfer, this is a great place to watch the action.

Too hot for a stroll? Then “take the back seat” in a Zulu rickshaw. A century ago, more than 2,000 of them crowded Durban’s streets and docks. Now, only about 20 registered pullers remain, all wearing beaded headdresses and pulling similarly decorated rides.

The Golden Mile is also home to uShaka Marine World and Moses Mabhida Stadium (more about them below). You can take care of any souvenir shopping at the Amphitheatre Flea Market, held every Sunday at the beachfront.

2. uShaka Marine World

At one end of the Golden Mile is The Point, overlooking the mouth of Durban’s harbor. Once infamous for its gangsters and dockside prostitutes, The Point is now home to high-end condos. The main attraction here is uShaka Marine World — a water park, the largest aquarium in the country, and one of the most popular attractions in Durban. The highlight of a uShaka visit is the Ocean Walk experience, when you get to walk across the bottom of the Open Ocean Exhibit and observe all sorts of marine life, including several species of shark, tons of sardines, and rays. You can actually do more than just watch; uShaka also offers several snorkeling and scuba-diving activities. And if you fancy a bite, book a table at The Cargo Hold and you’ll be dining underwater!

3. Moses Mabhida Stadium

At the other end of the Golden Mile is the city’s sports complex, dominated by the Moses Mabhida Stadium built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The stadium is now used for a number of events, including concerts, cricket, football, golf practice, motorsports, and rugby games. If there’s no match on, it’s worth climbing the 500 steps, or riding the Sky Car to the top of the arch that stretches over the field, giving you unrivaled 360-degree views out over the coast and the city. Looking for an adrenaline high? Jump into the void 347 feet above the pitch and swing out in a huge 720-foot arc under the iconic arch; this is the world’s highest rope swing. It’s also the only stadium swing in the world and is even open for children under 18 (as long as they weigh over 90 pounds), should you have an adventurous teenager in tow.

4. Durban Botanic Gardens

The oldest surviving botanical gardens in Africa, founded in 1849, the Durban Botanic Gardens provides a captivating insight into the flora of the region. The property also has some captivating smaller gardens, like the breathtaking Orchid House, the award-winning Sensory Garden, the tea garden, and the herbarium. There’s an impressive collection of living fossil plants — pre-dinosaur cycads — known to have existed for more than 250 million years and now at risk of extinction. The gardens are also home to more than 50 species of resident birds. The gardens regularly host musical concerts, exhibitions, and an indigenous plant fair every September. Entry to the gardens is free and paid guided tours are available.

5. KwaMuhle Museum

The KwaMuhle Museum documents Durban’s urban growth as well as celebrating the efforts of those who fought to end apartheid. It’s a great place to learn more about the history of the city. The museum is housed in the former Native Affairs Department building, an infamous place responsible for enforcing apartheid legislation. Exhibits include photographs, documents, and video testimonials of township life, black migration, the apartheid years, and the contributions made by people responsible for the city’s development. It is one of four museums in Durban that tells the story of the city’s past. The other three are the Old House Museum, the Port Natal Maritime Museum, and the Old Court House Museum.

6. Florida Road

Florida Road used to be an elephant trail to the marsh that is now Durban’s Greyville Racecourse. Known for its well-preserved, 100-year-old Victorian and Edwardian buildings, today, this is one of Durban’s trendiest areas. Lined with cafés, cocktail bars, designer boutique stores, galleries, and eateries, the street comes alive after the sunset with locals and tourists who come to eat, shop, and enjoy Durban’s endless summer. Art lovers can enjoy the African Art Centre , Elizabeth Gordon Gallery , and the Artisan Contemporary Gallery. This is also one of the best places in the city to taste “bunny chow,” a staple Indian-Durban dish made from a loaf of bread that’s hollowed out and filled with curry.

7. Muthi Market

The muthi (traditional Zulu medicine) market in central Durban is an outdoor network of stalls stocked with everything from herbs to animal carcasses. Inyanga (traditional healers) offer lotions, potions, medicines, and other treatments for various ailments. You can purchase “ingredients” like snake skins, crocodile teeth, plants, bird claws, powders, talismans, and more. This tour is definitely not for everyone — the carcasses can be gory and the smells pungent — but it’s an interesting way to learn about Zulu culture and the world of traditional African healing. It’s best to go with a guide, as many vendors are not fluent in English. Street Scene is one tour company that offers visits here.

8. Indian Quarter

Durban has a large Indian community and lots of Indian heritage. It goes without saying that one of the best things to do in Durban is explore its Indian Quarter. Encompassing Victoria Street Market and Juma Masjid Mosque (the largest in the southern hemisphere), Durban’s Indian Quarter is a multicultural mix of sights, sounds, and exotic aromas. Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, and Somali vendors haggle along the narrow pavements, selling spices, saris, incense, intricate handmade jewelry, embroidered fabrics, beaded sandals, and more. Savvy shoppers will get some bargains here and the restaurants boast some of the most authentic Indian cuisine in Durban — make sure to sample the tasty street food.

9. Inanda Township And Heritage Trail

About 20 minutes northwest of Durban is the Inanda Valley, a densely populated semi-rural settlement that played a large role in shaping the history of South Africa. This is where Mahatma Gandhi came up with his passive-resistance philosophy in 1904. It’s also where one of South Africa’s oldest girls’ schools — the Inanda Seminary — was founded by American missionaries in 1869. President of the African National Congress, Dr. John Dube, was born here in 1871 and Nelson Mandela cast his vote here in South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994. If you are not self-driving, join a tour like the one offered by African Angel .

10. Umhlanga Rocks

Ten miles north of Durban is Umhlanga Rocks (pronounced Umshlanga), a popular, upscale resort town where water sports enthusiasts will find plenty of things to do. Surfing, deep-sea fishing, whale watching, dolphin viewing, scuba diving, and kiteboarding are just some of the activities on offer.

There are long golden beaches and a terrific promenade for runs and walks. The Umhlanga Pier has been called one of the most beautiful in the world, with “whale bones” forming a ribcage over the walkway, colorful mosaics, grates where you can watch the water underfoot, and a lovely viewing platform at the end. One of the nicest sights in the area, particularly at sunset, is the lighthouse, which you can spot on a walk along the beach or from the terrace at the Oyster Box Hotel — one of South Africa’s best spots for a sundowner. The Oyster Box is also renowned for its curry buffet, where you can choose from at least 11 curries, including the traditional Durban lamb curry and red-hot beef vindaloo, as well as naans and homemade chutneys.

Thanks to safety nets, shark attacks at Durban’s beaches are rare. The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board maintains the nets that protect the city’s beaches and, while you are in Umhlanga, it’s possible to book an early morning boat ride with the crew that maintains them. It’s rare to see a shark around the nets, but for those that really want a Jaws moment in their lives, there are public shark dissections at the Board’s visitor center.

Pro Tip: A useful resource for your Durban travels is to download the Durban Walking Tour – South Africa’s Melting Pot audio tour guide. It allows you to play and pause as you wish and provides a day or two of entertainment for less than $5. The guide includes maps and directions, as well as insider tips and photos. It’s like having an expert guide in your pocket, who’s available 24/7 on your schedule!

Related Reading:

• 9 Best Things To Do In Johannesburg, South Africa
• 6 Best Places To Stay In Johannesburg, South Africa
• Why The Most Luxurious Train In Africa Should Be On Your Travel List

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits