One Week Itinerary
Exploring South Africa in a week is a thrilling adventure through its most iconic landscapes and experiences, focusing on Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and the Kruger National Park.
Day 1-3: Cape Town
Day 1: Arrival in Cape Town
Explore Table Mountain, V&A Waterfront, and enjoy a sunset cruise.
​Transport: Fly in, use taxis, rideshare, or buses.
Day 2: Cape Peninsula
Tour Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, and Boulders Beach penguins.
​Transport: Guided tour or rent a car.
Day 3: Cultural and Historical Sites
Visit District Six Museum, Robben Island, and Botanical Gardens.
​Transport: Buses, taxis, or rented car.
Day 4: The Winelands
Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
Enjoy wine tasting and tours. Explore towns and dine royally.
​Transport: Drive or day tour.
Day 5-7: Kruger National Park Area
Day 5: Travel to Kruger
Fly to Kruger area, transfer to safari lodge.
​Transport: Flight and lodge transfer.
Day 6-7: Safari Experience
Join game drives and bush walks for wildlife encounters.
​Transport: Included in lodge packages or self-drive.
Additional Tips
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR). Cash is essential in rural areas.
- Health: Consider vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis.
- Safety: Follow urban safety practices and park rules.
- Packing: Layered clothing for varying temperatures.
This itinerary offers a snapshot of South Africa's diverse experiences, from Cape Town's urban culture to Kruger's wildlife adventures.
Two Week Itinerary
A two-week journey through South Africa allows for an expansive exploration of its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. This itinerary includes Cape Town, the Garden Route, Johannesburg, and a safari in the Kruger National Park.
Week 1: Cape Town, Garden Route, and Johannesburg
Day 1-3: Cape Town
Activities: Explore the highlights of Cape Town, including Table Mountain, Robben Island, the V&A Waterfront, and the Cape Peninsula. Visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and enjoy the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay.
​Transport: Fly into Cape Town International Airport. Use taxis, rideshare apps, or rent a car for flexibility.
Day 4-6: Garden Route
Activities: Day 4: Drive to Oudtshoorn, visit the Cango Caves and an ostrich farm. Day 5: Travel to Knysna, explore the Knysna Heads and take a boat cruise on the lagoon. Day 6: Visit Tsitsikamma National Park for hiking and the Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump.
​Transport: Rent a car in Cape Town and embark on a self-drive tour along the Garden Route. Oudtshoorn is about a 4.5-hour drive from Cape Town, Knysna an additional 2 hours from Oudtshoorn, and Tsitsikamma about 1.5 hours from Knysna.
Day 7: Johannesburg
Activities: Fly to Johannesburg. Explore the Apartheid Museum and take a township tour to Soweto to visit the Mandela House.
​Transport: Flights from George Airport (near the Garden Route) to Johannesburg take about 2 hours. In Johannesburg, taxis or rideshare apps are recommended.
​Week 2: Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, and Surrounds
Day 8-9: Johannesburg and Surrounds
Activities: Day 8: Visit the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and Maropeng Visitor Centre. Day 9: Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Maboneng and Braamfontein.
​Transport: Rent a car or join guided tours, especially for the Cradle of Humankind, about an hour's drive from Johannesburg.
Day 10-13: Kruger National Park Safari
Activities: Embark on a safari adventure in Kruger National Park or one of the private reserves adjacent to it. Enjoy game drives to see the Big Five, guided bush walks, and the rich biodiversity of the area.
​Transport: Fly from Johannesburg to one of the airports near Kruger (Nelspruit, Hoedspruit, or Skukuza). Many lodges offer airport transfer services. Alternatively, rent a car for a self-drive safari experience.
Day 14: Return to Johannesburg
Activities: Use your last day to relax and reflect on your journey. If time permits, enjoy last-minute shopping at Sandton City or visit the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens.
​Transport: Return to Johannesburg by flight from Kruger. Spend your final night near the airport or in the city center depending on your departure time.
Additional Tips
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR). ATMs are widely available, but carrying cash is advisable in remote areas.
- Health: Consult with a travel clinic for vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis, especially for the Kruger National Park.
- Safety: Exercise caution in urban areas, secure belongings, and use reputable taxi services. Follow guidelines and instructions in wildlife areas.
- Packing: South Africa's weather can vary, so pack layers. Include comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a hat for outdoor activities.
This two-week itinerary offers a comprehensive view of South Africa's natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural depth, providing a memorable and diverse experience of what the country has to offer.
Three Weeks Itinerary
A three-week journey through South Africa allows for an immersive exploration of its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-renowned wildlife. This itinerary spans from the vibrant streets of Johannesburg to the scenic Cape Peninsula, the lush Garden Route, and the majestic wildlife of Kruger National Park, with several key destinations in between.
Week 1: Johannesburg, Panorama Route, and Kruger National Park
Day 1-2: Johannesburg
Activities: Explore the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill to understand South Africa's history. Visit the vibrant Maboneng Precinct for arts, crafts, and cuisine.
​Transport: Fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg. Use taxis or rideshare apps for city travel.
Day 3-4: Panorama Route
Activities: Drive to the Panorama Route. Visit Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels.
​Transport: Rent a car in Johannesburg and drive to the Panorama Route (about 4-5 hours). The route is self-drive friendly.
Day 5-7: Kruger National Park
Activities: Embark on a safari in Kruger National Park to spot the Big Five. Enjoy guided game drives, bush walks, and bird watching.
​Transport: Drive from the Panorama Route to Kruger (about 2 hours to the nearest gate). Consider staying in different rest camps or lodges within the park to explore various areas.
​Week 2: Eswatini (Swaziland), iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and Durban
Day 8-9: Eswatini (Swaziland)
Activities: Visit the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary for hiking and wildlife viewing. Explore the Mantenga Cultural Village for Swazi culture and traditions.
​Transport: Drive from Kruger to Eswatini (about 4 hours). A passport is required for crossing the border.
Day 10-11: iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Activities: Head to iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Enjoy game drives, bird watching, and boat tours on the estuary to see hippos and crocodiles.
​Transport: Drive from Eswatini to iSimangaliso (about 5-6 hours). The park and nearby St. Lucia town are best explored by car.
Day 12-13: Durban
Activities: Relax on the Golden Mile beaches. Visit the uShaka Marine World and explore the Durban Botanic Gardens.
​Transport: Drive from iSimangaliso to Durban (about 3 hours). Durban is navigable by car, taxis, or rideshare apps.
​Week 3: Drakensberg, Eastern Cape, and Cape Town
Day 14-15: Drakensberg
Activities: Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains. Visit the Royal Natal National Park to see the Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls.
​Transport: Drive from Durban to Drakensberg (about 2-3 hours). Hiking trails are accessible from various accommodation points.
Day 16-17: Eastern Cape
Activities: Explore the Addo Elephant National Park near Port Elizabeth for a chance to see elephants and other wildlife.
​Transport: Drive from Drakensberg to Addo (about 7-8 hours). Consider breaking the journey in the Eastern Cape or flying from Durban to Port Elizabeth.
Day 18-21: Cape Town and Surrounds
Activities:
Day 18: Drive the Garden Route towards Cape Town, stopping in towns like Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Day 19-20: In Cape Town, visit Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Cape Peninsula.
Day 21: Explore the Cape Winelands in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
​Transport: Drive or fly from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town (flight about 1 hour). Cape Town and surrounds are best explored by rental car.
Additional Tips
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR). ATMs are widely available, but carrying cash is advisable in remote areas.
- Health: Consult with a travel clinic for necessary vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis, especially for Kruger and the Eastern Cape.
- Safety: Exercise caution in cities. Secure belongings and use reputable taxi services. Adhere to park rules in wildlife areas.
- Packing: South Africa's weather can vary greatly; pack layers. Include hiking boots, sun protection, and a hat.
This three-week itinerary offers a comprehensive tour of South Africa's must-see destinations, from its historical cities and scenic drives to breathtaking natural wonders and thrilling wildlife encounters, ensuring a memorable and diverse travel experience.