14 days in South Africa - 3 travel itineraries

South Africa has a way of leaving a lasting impression on all who visit. If you’re planning a two-week trip,  you can be sure to experience days filled with vibrant city explorations, awe-inspiring landscapes, and deep culture. From the buzzing streets of Cape Town to the wild savannas of Kruger National Park, here are some of our expert pointers for creating the perfect 14 days South Africa itinerary.

Is 14 days enough for South Africa?

While you could easily spend months exploring this country, two weeks is definitely enough time to do South Africa justice.

You'll want to strike a balance between packing your days with adventure and allowing yourself some downtime to recharge. You may want to consider adding a couple of extra days to your itinerary for leisurely exploration and maybe a nap or two by the pool. Be sure also to consider travel times between destinations and take into account the weather at the time of your visit. 

Feeling overwhelmed by all the nitty-gritty details of trip planning? Don't worry, we've got your back!  Our tailor-made service can help by taking care of the planning and booking. Our trips are planned by local travel experts and are customizable to your every preference. 

Mountain range in Limpopo, South Africa. Marakele National Park © Jurie Maree/Shutterstock

Marakele National Park © Jurie Maree/Shutterstock

Itinerary #1: Best of South Africa

On this 14-day South Africa itinerary you will have the chance to experience the finest that South Africa has to offer. Your South African journey begins on day one in the vibrant city of Cape Town. Kick things off with a half-day city tour, checking out landmarks like City Hall and the Castle of Good Hope. But the real highlight? A ride up Table Mountain via cableway for jaw-dropping views that'll leave you speechless.

Day two takes you on a full-day guided tour of the Cape Peninsula, visiting Hout Bay, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and Cape Point. You’ll then return via Simon's Town, Kalk Bay, and Constantia. 

Indulge in a full-day private Winelands tour on day three, sampling wines and cheeses in Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. Transition to Oudtshoorn on day four for an ostrich farm visit, followed by a heritage tour on day five, exploring the Cango Caves before cruising the Knysna Lagoon and exploring Tsitsikamma National Park. 

You’ll encounter wildlife at Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary on day six and embark on a dolphin-watching cruise on day seven. From there, you’ll explore Plettenberg Bay and George Town on day eight before heading to Kruger National Park on day nine. Immerse yourself in the park's natural wonders and cultural sites on days ten and eleven, visiting archaeological sites and observing wildlife. 

Conclude your journey with a memorable stay at Rhino Plain Camp on day twelve, experiencing bush walks and game drives. Then, it's off to Johannesburg for some urban exploration before bidding farewell to South Africa on day fourteenBook this trip.

Great sardine run, South Africa © wildestanimal/Shutterstock

Great sardine run, South Africa © wildestanimal/Shutterstock

Blyde River Canyon, South Africa © AdobeStock

Blyde River Canyon, South Africa © AdobeStock

Itinerary overview

Check out this 14 days South Africa itinerary:

Day 1

  • Welcome to Cape Town.
  • Half-day city tour.
  • Visit City Hall, Castle of Good Hope.
  • Cableway ride to Table Mountain.

Day 2

  • Cape Peninsula Tour.
  • Full-day guided tour.
  • Visit Hout Bay, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Point.
  • Return via Simon's Town, Kalk Bay, Constantia.

Day 3

  • Cape Town - Winelands.
  • Full-day private Winelands tour.
  • Visit Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek.
  • Wine tasting and cheese sampling.

Day 4

  • Transfer to Oudtshoorn.
  • Visit ostrich farm.

Day 5

  • Heritage Tour in Oudtshoorn.
  • Visit Cango Caves.
  • Transfer to Knysna.
  • Lagoon cruise to Knysna Heads.

Day 6

  • Tour to Tsitsikamma.
  • Visit Tsitsikamma National Park.
  • Monkeyland and Birds of Eden visit.

Day 7

  • Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Dolphin watching cruise.

Day 8

  • Transfer to George.
  • Explore Plettenberg Bay.
  • Tour of George town.

Day 9

  • Transfer to Kruger National Park.
  • Experience a night safari to observe nocturnal animals such as hyenas, leopards, and owls.

Day 10

  • Kruger National Park full-day game drive.
  • Full-day 4x4 game drive.
  • Take a self-drive safari along the park's network of roads and tracks, exploring at your own pace.

Day 11

  • Explore more of Kruger Park.
  • Visit archaeological sites and learn about the park's cultural heritage, including rock paintings and ancient settlements.

Day 12

  • Rhino Plain Camp Experience.
  • Morning bush walk.
  • Afternoon game drive.

Day 13

  • Transfer to Johannesburg.
  • Morning bush walk.
  • Flight to Johannesburg.
  • Free time for exploration.

Day 14

  • Transfer to Johannesburg airport.
  • Free time before departure.
  • Optional city tour or shopping.
  • Departure from Johannesburg airport.

Feeling curious? Take a step forward and book this trip now.

A girl is standing on the suspension bridge in Storms River Mouth national park in South Africa © Deyan Denchev/Shutterstock

Suspension bridge in Storms River Mouth National Park © Deyan Denchev/Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: Northern Cape self-drive

This itinerary is a 14-day self-drive adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa. Kick things off in Cape Town on day one, where you'll grab your rental car and hit the road. Day two is all about exploring the Mother City at your own pace, checking out iconic spots like City Hall, the Castle of Good Hope, and the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap.

On day three, drive along the stunning Cape Peninsula, taking in sights like the Cape of Good Hope and Boulders Beach. Day four sees you driving to Hermanus via the scenic R44 Panoramic Route for an unforgettable whale-watching boat trip. 

Continue your journey on day five with a drive to Paternoster, where you'll explore the West Coast National Park. 

Day six is all about soaking in the beauty of Namaqua National Park, with stops at the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens and Hamilton Russel Estate to admire the blooming flowers. Drive to Augrabies Falls on day seven to explore Augrabies Falls National Park and camp inside the park. Day eight sees you driving to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park via Upington, where you'll begin your safari at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp. 

Spend days nine and ten on safari, spotting wildlife in the park's stunning landscapes. On day eleven, drive to Karoo National Park and spend the night at Karoo National Park Main Rest Camp. 

Days twelve and thirteen are dedicated to safari and leisure time at Karoo National Park, before returning to Cape Town airport on day fourteen to drop off your rental car and depart from Cape Town. Book this trip.

South Africa safari lion © Shutterstock

South Africa safari lions © Shutterstock

Matjiesfontein wild flowers, South Africa © Shutterstock

Matjiesfontein wild flowers, South Africa © Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check out this 14 days South Africa itinerary:

Day 1

  • Arrive in Cape Town.
  • Pick up your rental car.

Day 2

  • Self-guided exploration of Cape Town.
  • City Hall.
  • Castle of Good Hope.
  • Company's Garden.
  • Signal Hill.
  • Bo-Kaap.

Day 3

  • Drive along the Cape Peninsula.
  • Cape of Good Hope.
  • Buffelsbay Beach.
  • Cape Point Nature Reserve.
  • Boulders Beach.

Day 4

  • Drive to Hermanus via R44 Panoramic Route.
  • Whale-watching boat trip.

Day 5

  • Drive to Paternoster.
  • Explore West Coast National Park.

Day 6

  • Drive to Namaqua National Park via Clanwilliam.
  • Visit Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, Hamilton Russel Estate.
  • Explore the floral displays.

Day 7

  • Drive to Augrabies Falls.
  • Explore Augrabies Falls National Park.
  • Camp inside the park.

Day 8

  • Drive to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park via Upington.
  • Begin safari at Twee Rivieren Rest Camp.

Day 9

  • Safari at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
  • Full day of wildlife spotting.

Day 10

  • Second safari day at Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.
  • Another day of safari.

Day 11

  • Drive to Karoo National Park.
  • Overnight at Karoo National Park Main Rest Camp.

Day 12

  • Safari at Karoo National Park.
  • Explore wildlife at Karoo National Park.
  • Overnight at Karoo National Park Main Rest Camp.

Day 13

  • Leisure day at Karoo National Park.
  • Enjoy another day at the park.
  • Overnight at Karoo National Park Main Rest Camp.

Day 14

  • Return to Cape Town airport - Drop off rental car.
  • Departure from Cape Town.

Inspired? Don't waste any time and book this trip now.

Traditional south african lamb chunks © Shutterstock

Traditional south african lamb chunks © Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: South African Hidden Gems

Get ready to uncover the hidden gems of South Africa on a 14-day journey that's bound to leave you breathless. Your adventure kicks off in the vibrant city of Cape Town on day one with a half-day city tour.

Day two takes you on a full-day guided tour of the Cape Peninsula, exploring Hout Bay, the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and Cape Point. On day three, delve into history with a half-day tour of Robben Island, before immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Victoria and Alfred Waterfront on day four

Get ready to kick things up a notch on day five with a heart-pounding Great White Shark Cage Diving experience – talk about adrenaline!

After all that excitement, it's time to unwind with a full-day private tour of the Cape Winelands on day six. Sip on exquisite wines in Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek, and indulge in gourmet delights along the way. Day seven is all about taking it easy in the Winelands, soaking in the laid-back vibes and maybe enjoying a leisurely lunch or two.

Day eight sees you transferring to Hoedspruit via Cape Town and flying to Kruger National Park for a night safari. Days nine and ten are filled with thrilling game drives in Kruger National Park, spotting the Big Five and exploring cultural heritage sites. 

On day eleven, venture into Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve for another safari experience. Transfer to Hoedspruit or Skukuza airport on day twelve for a flight to Johannesburg, where day thirteen offers a panoramic tour of the city's landmarks and attractions. You’ll conclude your trip on day fourteen with a transfer to Johannesburg or Tambo Airport. Book this trip.

Cape Fox cubs come up from the borrow to play in the sun in the Kgalagadi, South Africa © AdobeStock

Cape Fox cubs in the Kgalagadi, South Africa © AdobeStock

Kirstenbosch National park in cape town, South Africa © Shutterstock

Kirstenbosch National Park, South Africa © Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check out this 14 days South Africa itinerary:

Day 1

  • Welcome to Cape Town.
  • Half-day city tour.
  • Visit City Hall, Castle of Good Hope.
  • Aerial cableway to Table Mountain.

Day 2

  • Cape Peninsula Tour.
  • Full-day guided tour.
  • Visit Hout Bay, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Point.

Day 3

  • Robben Island Half-Day Tour.
  • Group tour with transfer to Nelson Mandela Gateway.
  • Explore historical sites on Robben Island.

Day 4

  • Explore Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
  • Explore shops, restaurants, and attractions.
  • Enjoy views of the harbour.

Day 5

  • Great White Shark Cage Diving.
  • Experience shark cage diving or observation from the boat.

Day 6

  • Cape Winelands Tour.
  • Full-day private tour of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek.
  • Wine tastings and vineyard visits.

Day 7

  • Day at Leisure in the Winelands.

Day 8

  • Transfer from Winelands to Hoedspruit via Cape Town.
  • Flight to Hoedspruit.
  • Transfer to Kruger National Park.
  • Experience a night safari to observe nocturnal animals such as hyenas, leopards, and owls.

Day 9

  • Full-day game drive in Kruger National Park.
  • Join guided game drives to spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros) and other wildlife.

Day 10

  • Additional safari day in Kruger National Park.
  • Visit archaeological sites and learn about the park's cultural heritage, including rock paintings and ancient settlements.

Day 11

  • Safari in Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.

Day 12

  • Transfer to Hoedspruit or Skukuza airport.
  • Flight to Johannesburg.
  • Free time in Johannesburg.

Day 13

  • Panoramic Tour of Johannesburg.
  • City orientation tour.
  • Visit landmarks and attractions.

Day 14

  • Transfer to Johannesburg or Tambo Airport.
  • Departure.

Ready to pack your bags? Book your trip now.

Robberg 5 Beach from Robberg Nature Reserve near Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route, South Africa © Shutterstock

Robberg Nature Reserve, Garden Route, South Africa © Shutterstock

Prepare your South Africa itinerary

Allow our team of local travel experts to curate your dream trip to South Africa. When you're ready to embark on your adventure, reach out to us, and we'll craft a personalized itinerary just for you.

Browse our pre-designed South Africa itineraries for ideas, and remember that all can be tailored to meet your specific needs. For more inspiration, discover some of the best things to do in South Africa, or check out our Rough Guide to South Africa

Dre Roelandt

written by
Dre Roelandt

updated 02.05.2024

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Content Editor at Rough Guides.

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