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South Africa is a diverse and vibrant nation that offers travelers an unparalleled blend of breathtaking natural wonders, a storied cultural heritage, and incredible wildlife encounters. From the iconic Table Mountain that presides over the bustling city of Cape Town, to the untamed wilderness of the Kruger National Park teeming with iconic African wildlife, South Africa presents a veritable feast for the senses. A well-crafted South Africa travel itinerary allows visitors to fit all of these amazing experiences into one incredible trip.

Feel free to use the sections of this detailed South Africa travel itinerary to plan your trip to this incredible country. Not only have I laid out which places to visit on your trip and for how long, but I have also included links to my detailed travel guides for Kruger National Park, Cape Town, and the amazing Garden Route area of South Africa. Using this information, you can plan the perfect South African getaway and save a bunch of time and money at the same time.

South Africa Travel Itinerary Overview

I have designed this South Africa travel itinerary to include something for every type of traveler. After flying into the iconic city of Johannesburg, you will make your way North to the incredible Kruger National Park.

The park provides unparalleled opportunities to witness the majesty of Africa’s iconic wildlife, from majestic elephants and prowling lions to elusive leopards and rhinos. Once you have finished exploring the park, you will head to the coast to enjoy the amazing Garden Route area of South Africa.

Renowned for its breathtaking coastline, it is one of Africa’s most beautiful regions. Finally, you will head to the tip of the continent to end your trip to the spectacular city of Cape Town. Here, you will get to explore the incredible Table Mountain, see African penguins, and enjoy one of Africa’s most incredible food and wine scenes.

Best Times to Visit South Africa

The best time to visit South Africa can vary depending on your interests and preferences, but generally, the country offers a delightful and diverse travel experience year-round. No matter when you choose to go, you’ll be captivated by the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes, from the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town to the vast, untamed wilderness of the Kruger National Park.

The Best Months to Plan Your Trip

During the summer months of December through February, the weather is very hot. While this may be a great time to enjoy South Africa’s beaches, it is the worst time of the year to go on safari. During the summer months in Kruger National Park, the vegetation is much thicker and water more plentiful, which makes the animals much more difficult to spot.

Conversely, while the winter months of June through August are some of the best months for wildlife viewing, it can be very cool along the coast. This makes the winter months far less appealing for beach time and water activities. Which is why I believe the shoulder months of April through May and September through October are the best months to visit South Africa. These times of year often give you both good wildlife viewing and beach conditions.

Best Time to Visit For Certain Activities or Events

However, wildlife viewing and beach time aren’t the only things to consider when deciding when to visit South Africa. I have included a list of other factors you may want to consider when deciding when to visit in this South Africa travel itinerary guide below.

• Wildlife Viewing – July–September is the best time to visit because of sparse vegetation and dry conditions.
• Whale Watching – July–October is whale season, with Hermanus being a great place to visit.
• Beach and Water Activities – December-February offer the best beach conditions.
• Wine Tasting – February–April is harvest season, with hot days and lots of sunshine.
• Festivals – Winter is a good time to visit to attend festivals like the Knysna Festival and the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival.

Where to Start Your Itinerary

The beauty of this 2 week South Africa travel itinerary is that you have a lot of flexibility in how you can use it. In this guide, I have specified that you fly into Johannesburg and then fly home from Cape Town. However, you can just as easily start in Cape Town and end in Johannesburg. There is no right answer, so whatever works best for you. If you would prefer to book a round-trip ticket to South Africa, you can always start and end in the same city as well.

What to Pack for Your South Africa Trip

When planning a trip to South Africa, it’s important to carefully consider what to pack to be prepared for the wide range of environments and activities you may encounter. By packing smart and thoughtfully, you can ensure you have everything you need to make the most of your South African adventure. To help you prepare, I have linked to some of my comprehensive packing guides for you to review in this South Africa travel itinerary guide below.

Understanding the Entrance Requirements

Before you travel to South Africa, you must ensure that you meet all of the requirements for entering the country. The importance of fulfilling all of these requirements cannot be overstated, as failure to do so can result in delays, denied entry, or even the need to abort your trip altogether. To assist you in your preparation, I have linked to my guide to the South Africa entrance requirements for you to review below.

South Africa Travel Itinerary Outline

Now that I have covered the essential information that you will need to prepare for your trip, it is time to review the South Africa travel itinerary itself. In the sections below, I outline each day of this two-week trip to South Africa. To navigate between different sections, feel free to use the hyperlinks I have provided below. For an overview of the travel and the stops included on this itinerary, please review the itinerary map I have included.

Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg

On the first day of this South Africa travel itinerary, you will be flying into Johannesburg. From here, you will either rent a car and drive to Kruger National Park or book a tour that will pick you up from Johannesburg and take you to the park. While it is possible to travel to the park on the day you arrive, I recommend booking a hotel and then arranging your transportation the following day.

Hotel Recommendations

If you do plan on staying a night in Johannesburg before traveling to Kruger National Park, I have included a list of recommended hotels and hostels at different price points for you to review below.

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Day 2: Travel to Kruger National Park

On the second day of your trip, you will be traveling to Kruger National Park to go on safari in one of the world’s most incredible wildlife destinations. If you plan on driving to the park yourself, I suggest checking out my South Africa travel page for some advice on driving in South Africa. Of all the wildlife parks in South Africa, Kruger is one of the easiest parks to self-drive in. So, it isn’t a bad option to rent a vehicle and tour the park yourself.

Recommended Tours

If you aren’t comfortable doing a self-drive safari, another option is to book a safari tour. Many of the top tour operators will pick you up from Johannesburg and then drop you off after your safari. If this option sounds like the right fit for you, then you will want to review the recommended Kruger National Park safari tours that I listed below.

Days 3-6: Kruger National Park Safari

For the next four days, you will embark on one of the greatest wildlife adventures in the world. Going on safari through the vast and untamed wilderness of Kruger National Park is a truly immersive and captivating experience. From the majestic elephants that traverse the sprawling savannas to the nimble, spotted leopards that slink through the dense, shadowy thickets, every moment is filled with the potential for incredible sightings and unforgettable encounters.

The park’s rolling grasslands and acacia-dotted plains provide the perfect backdrop for observing the famed “Big Five” – lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants. In fact, this is one of the best places in Africa to spot all of the Big Five. If you would like some detailed tips on how to maximize your Kruger safari experience, please check out my comprehensive Kruger National Park safari guide that I linked in this South Africa travel itinerary guide below.

Day 7: Travel Back to Johannesburg

After spending four magical days on safari in Kruger National Park, you will head back to Johannesburg to continue this amazing South Africa travel itinerary. From Johannesburg, you will be heading to the iconic Garden Route along the country’s Western Cape. It’s a long drive, so to maximize your time it is ideal to fly from Johannesburg to the city of George.

While you can do this all in one day, it can be tough to do logistically. That’s why I recommend using this day to focus on just returning to Johannesburg and then booking your flight to George, South Africa early in the morning the next day. In addition to being a lot less stressful, giving yourself the whole day to head back to Johannesburg will also allow you to stop at the amazing Blyde River Canyon on your way.

Day 8: Travel to Goerge, South Africa

While your time in the legendary Kruger National Park has come to an end, the fun you’ll have on this South Africa travel itinerary is only getting started. Your next stop is the amazing Garden Route area. To get there, you will fly from Johannesburg to the city of George. I recommend booking an early flight to make sure you have a lot of time to explore when you get there.

Hotel Recommendations

You will be spending a few days on the cape exploring the Garden Route, so you will need to find accommodations in the area. Several cities have hotels and hostels in the Garden Route area. In addition to the city of George, you may also want to look for accommodations in Mossel Bay, Knysna, and Plettenberg Bay. If you are interested, I have included some recommendations at different price points for you to review below.

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Days 9-10: Tour the Garden Route

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most breathtaking stretches of coastline, the Garden Route will take your breath away with its beauty. Spanning approximately 200 kilometers between the quaint coastal towns of Mossel Bay and Storms River, this scenic route blends rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, lush indigenous forests, and tranquil lagoons into a harmonious landscape that seems to have been plucked straight from the pages of a storybook.

Whether you’re seeking a leisurely road trip, an adrenaline-fueled adventure, or simply a chance to reconnect with nature, the Garden Route promises to be an unforgettable stop on your South Africa trip. If you would like some additional information to plan your itinerary in the area, I have linked to my Garden Route adventure guide for you to review below.

Day 11: Travel to Cape Town, South Africa

After spending some amazing time exploring the beauty of the coastline in the Garden Route, today you will be traveling to the city of Cape Town for the last leg of your South Africa travel itinerary. Once again, I would recommend booking your flight early in the morning so that you can maximize your time when you get there.

Hotel Recommendations

Since you will be spending three days in the Cape Town area, you will need to arrange accommodations. Cape Town is a big city, so there are a lot of hotel and hostels to choose from. If you are looking for some recommendations on where to stay, I have included a list of recommended hotels and hostels at different price points for you to review below.

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Days 12-14: Tour Cape Town

With its stunning blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, the incredible city of Cape Town has been captivating visitors for centuries. The iconic Table Mountain, often cloaked in a swirling mist, acts as a sentinel over the city, providing a dramatic backdrop for picturesque hikes and leisurely cable car rides to its summit.

Meanwhile, the bustling V&A Waterfront, teeming with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, offers an immersive experience that reflects the region’s diverse heritage. If you travel down to the Cape Peninsula, you will find incredible such as Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. These are some of the most iconic landmarks in the continent of Africa, and they are easily accessible from Cape Town.

For the animal lovers, the iconic Boulder Beach penguin colony is an absolute can’t-miss spot. If you would like more information on this incredible spot and other things to see and do while visiting the city, I have provided a link to my Cape Town visitor guide for you to review below.

Day 15: Fly Home from Cape Town

All good things must come to an end. Unfortunately, this is also true with this two-week South Africa travel itinerary. After spending some amazing time exploring the city of Cape Town, you will be boarding your flight home on this day. Hopefully, you will be carrying with you memories of an amazing adventure of your time on safari, exploring the coastline of the Garden Route, and amazing experiences in Cape Town.

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