South Africa itinerary (7, 10 & 14 days)

South Africa is a country where one day you can track lions in Kruger and the next you might be tasting Pinotage in a sunlit vineyard. Eleven official languages are spoken here, and traditions range from township jazz in Johannesburg to Cape Malay cooking in Cape Town.

It’s a huge place, about the size of France and Spain together, and that scale catches a lot of people off guard. Getting between regions often means either a long drive or a short flight, so planning your route is important. The best South Africa itineraries aren’t about cramming everything in but about knowing where to slow down, whether that’s an extra night on safari or a couple of days in a coastal town. That’s where Rough Guides’ local experts help. They sort out the logistics so you can just enjoy the experience.
 

Best South Africa itinerary at a glance

A shorter trip might keep you around Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula. With two weeks, you can link safaris in Kruger, wine country, and a coastal drive without spending all your time getting from one place to another.

• 7 days in South Africa itinerary: Great for first-timers. Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula, Stellenbosch, and a stretch of the Garden Route give you a mix of city, coast, and wine.
• 10 days in South Africa itinerary: Enough time to go inland. Start in Johannesburg, drive the Panorama Route, spend a few days on safari in Kruger, and round things out with culture in Zululand.
• 14 days in South Africa itinerary: This gives you the freedom to tie the country together. Johannesburg and Pretoria, extended days in Kruger, Cape Town, the Winelands, and the Garden Route can all be included, with time to reach Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip.

Looking for authentic experiences? Our South Africa local experts connect you with them.

7 days South Africa itinerary

How to plan a trip to South Africa is you have limited time? Focusing on Cape Town and the Garden Route is how this 7 day South Africa itinerary is broken up. You’ll move between coastal drives, mountain passes, and wildlife reserves while still having time for Cape Town’s food and cultural highlights.  

Day 1: Cape Town arrival

When you land at Cape Town International, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the city center. On the way in, the suburbs open up to views of Table Mountain.

The V&A Waterfront is a good place to start your trip. It’s a busy harbor area with restaurants, cafés, and views across Table Bay. The Two Oceans Aquarium is worth visiting to get a sense of local marine life, and the Clock Tower Centre gives a wide look over the harbor. Around the pedestrian walkways, you’ll find street performers and stalls selling local crafts.

Insider’s tip:  If you want dinner on the waterfront during high season, make a reservation in advance.

Day 2: Cape Peninsula tour

Day 2 of this South Africa itinerary is spent on the Cape Peninsula and  takes you along dramatic coastline and through small towns and reserves.

Chapman's Peak Drive is one of the most scenic stretches, with sharp curves around the cliffs and long views over the Atlantic. The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve is home to fynbos plants and animals like baboons, ostriches, and antelope.

Cape Point Lighthouse is a landmark often thought of as where the two oceans meet, though the official point is at Cape Agulhas farther east. On your way back, you can stop in Simon’s Town for its naval history and the penguin colony at Boulders Beach or walk through Kalk Bay.

Insider’s tip: The coastal weather can change quickly, so pack a jacket even in summer.
 

Day 3: Stellenbosch & transfer to Oudtshoorn

Travel time: 4.5 hours

Leaving Cape Town, the route toward the Klein Karoo takes you past Stellenbosch and through the Hex River Valley. You can take a bus, but driving makes it easier to stop at wineries along the way.

Stellenbosch has more than 150 estates set among oak-shaded streets and Cape Dutch buildings. At Waterford Estate you can try wine and chocolate pairings, while Spier combines tastings with art shows and tours of their sustainable wine practices. The town itself is worth a walk, with cafés, galleries, and well-kept buildings from the Victorian and Cape Dutch periods.

Day 4: Oudtshoorn & Transfer to Knysna

Travel time: 1.5 hours

From Oudtshoorn, Route 62 takes you through the Outeniqua Pass on the way to Knysna. The road runs between mountains and valleys, with roadside stalls selling dried fruit, preserves, and ostrich products.

Oudtshoorn became known as the ostrich capital during the feather trade of the early 1900s. Today, farms like Safari Ostrich Show Farm run tours where you can see the birds up close and learn about their breeding and commercial use. On Baron van Reede Street you’ll find shops with ostrich leather goods. Just outside town, the Cango Caves stretch deep into the Swartberg Mountains with chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
 

Day 5: Knysna & transfer to Mossel Bay

Travel time: 2 hours

The drive from Knysna to Mossel Bay on the N2 cuts through forest and open coastline. A bus will get you there, but driving makes it easy to stop at viewpoints and beaches. Before leaving Knysna, join the John Benn ferry across the lagoon to the Heads, where sandstone cliffs meet the Indian Ocean.

On the way west you pass Wilderness, where the beach runs for miles and whales sometimes appear offshore. In Mossel Bay, the Diaz Museum Complex explains maritime history around the Post Office Tree, where sailors once left letters. Late afternoon light makes the visit memorable.

Day 6: Mossel Bay full safari day

Gondwana Game Reserve spreads across 27,000 acres (11,000 hectares) of fynbos landscape.

It is home to elephants, lions, rhinos, Cape buffalo, and leopards, along with cheetahs, hippos, and antelope such as springbok and bontebok. Over 200 bird species live here, including the blue crane, South Africa’s national bird.

Morning and afternoon drives are led by guides who explain conservation work while tracking wildlife across valleys and hills. Elevated viewpoints reveal wide views of the reserve and surrounding mountains. Bring binoculars to catch smaller birds or more distant animals, especially during the quieter stretches between sightings.
 

Day 7: Final game drive & departure

Travel time: 4 hours to Cape Town International Airport

Your last morning begins with a final drive through Gondwana. Early hours are often the most rewarding, with wildlife moving about in the cooler air. Guides know the best routes and point out details you might otherwise miss.

From Mossel Bay, the N2 heads west through the Garden Route and Overberg toward Cape Town. Shuttle services run regularly, but having a car lets you make scenic stops before returning it at the airport. 

Ready for a trip that’s truly yours? Our local travel experts design personalized itineraries and give you support at every step.
 

10 days in South Africa itinerary

This ten-day South Africa itinerary is designed to give you a feel for city life, dramatic landscapes, and wildlife. You start in Johannesburg, travel along the Panorama Route, spend time in Kruger National Park, and finish on the Zululand coast.

Day 1: Johannesburg arrival

Your itinerary begins in Johannesburg, the main entry point for most travelers. From OR Tambo International Airport it is a short drive to Sandton City, one of the country’s largest malls where you can browse both international labels and local designers. Outside, Mandela Square sets the tone with its large bronze statue of Nelson Mandela and plenty of outdoor cafés. It is a lively place to get a first sense of the city.

Insider’s tip: Late afternoon is a good time to see Mandela Square when the light falls nicely on the statue and surrounding buildings.

Day 2: Journey to Hazyview

Insider’s tip:  5–6 hours by car

The drive east from Johannesburg takes you through Pretoria, where the Union Buildings sit on the ridge. The road then passes through Dullstroom, known for trout fishing and antique shops, and Lydenburg, which has an archaeological museum worth a look. Crossing Long Tom Pass, you will see wide mountain views and learn about its history tied to the Anglo-Boer War.

Hazyview is a practical base for exploring both Kruger National Park and the Panorama Route. The town lies in the Lowveld with a range of places to stay and easy access to both the park and scenic drives.

Insider’s tip: Pick up koeksisters in Dullstroom. These sweet fried pastries make a good snack for the mountain drive.
 

Day 3: Panorama Route

The Panorama Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic drives. Start at Blyde River Canyon, the third largest in the world, with red cliffs and subtropical greenery. Continue to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where water has carved deep circular formations in the rock. God’s Window gives sweeping views across the Lowveld, and on a clear day you can see as far as Kruger. End at the Three Rondavels, rock formations shaped like traditional huts.

Day 4: Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park covers nearly 7,700 square miles (20,000 square kilometers) and is home to the Big Five along with hundreds of other species. It's by far one of the best places to visit in South Africa. 

Skukuza Rest Camp makes a convenient base, with the Sabie River attracting elephants, hippos, and plenty of birdlife right at the edge of camp. Driving the park roads takes you through a mix of forest and open savanna, each with different wildlife.

Insider’s tip: Take your time at watering holes. Waiting quietly often leads to the best sightings.
 

Day 5: Another day at Kruger

Spend a day around Satara Rest Camp, an area known for its open grasslands where lions are frequently seen. Orpen Dam is another good place to watch wildlife, drawing elephants, buffalo, and antelope. Birdlife is also rich in this part of the park. For a change of pace, join a guided bush walk with rangers. On foot you will notice tracks, plants, and smaller details that are easy to miss from a vehicle.

Day 6: Final day at Kruger

Spend your last morning in Kruger searching for wildlife you may have missed, like leopards or uncommon antelope.

Guides track animals with skill, giving you a chance to see creatures you might not spot alone. Afterward, visit the Shangaan Cultural Village near Hazyview. Here you’ll watch traditional dancing, see pottery, beadwork, and wood carving, and step into a reconstructed homestead showing what life looked like before modern changes.

Cooking demonstrations highlight traditional methods, while local guides share knowledge about medicinal plants and explain how communities connect with conservation.

Insider’s tip: Buy crafts directly from artisans to support the community.
 

Day 7: Journey to eSwatini

Travel time: 3 to 4 hours by car

Driving into eSwatini (formerly Swaziland) takes you through mountain passes into Africa’s last absolute monarchy. Border crossings are straightforward with the right documents. Mbabane, the capital, has a slower pace than South African cities, mixing modern buildings with traditional style against a mountain backdrop.

The Ezulwini Valley, or “Valley of Heaven,” is known for its rolling hills and craft markets. The Ezulwini Craft Market is a good stop for handmade carvings, jewelry, and textiles. Resorts and cultural villages nearby give you the chance to connect with Swazi traditions.

Day 8: Journey to Zululand

Travel time: 4 to 5 hours by car

The drive through KwaZulu-Natal into Zululand takes you past rolling hills and traditional homesteads with round huts and cattle enclosures.

Local markets and dress in small towns show how Zulu culture remains central to daily life. Continue to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest game reserve and home to both black and white rhinos. The park became famous for helping save the southern white rhino from extinction.

Insider’s tip:  Learn greetings like “Sawubona” (hello) and “Ngiyabonga” (thank you).
 

Day 9: Zululand coast

Lake St Lucia in iSimangaliso Wetland Park introduces a different side of KwaZulu-Natal. Morning boat trips take you close to hippos and Nile crocodiles, while birdwatchers can see pelicans, fish eagles, and colorful kingfishers.

The park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its mix of dunes, beaches, grasslands, and forest. Driving the coast, you’ll pass sugarcane plantations before reaching fishing villages where Zulu communities maintain long traditions connected to the sea. This slower pace reveals another layer of local life.

Insider’s tip: Take the earliest cruise on Lake St Lucia, when hippos are most active.

Day 10: Departure

Travel time: 1 to 2 hours to King Shaka International Airport or central Durban

Spend your last day exploring a little more of Durban before your flight. The beachfront promenade is an easy walk, and local markets are good for souvenirs. If you have extra time, Durban’s cultural sites add more depth to your trip.

King Shaka International Airport connects to many international destinations, making departures straightforward once you clear security.

Insider’s tip:  Arrive at least two hours early for international flights to avoid stress and make time for any final shopping or dining before boarding.

Looking to customize your trip? Our local experts design customized itineraries and support you the whole way.

14 days in South Africa itinerary

Two weeks in South Africa gives you time to see a wide range of the country without rushing. This itinerary takes you from Johannesburg’s busy streets to safari days in Kruger, wine regions, and the coast. With 14 days, you can balance cities, history, and nature while still keeping a relaxed pace.

Day 1: Johannesburg arrival

After landing at OR Tambo International Airport, head straight into Johannesburg to get your first sense of the city. Start at the Carlton Centre for wide views of the cityscape, then see the circular Ponte City Towers, a landmark tied to Johannesburg’s complicated past. Walk along 11 Diagonal Street, where traditional medicine shops and vendors bring energy to the sidewalks. 

Insider’s tip:  Book your airport transfer through your hotel in advance for peace of mind.

Day 2: Johannesburg to Pretoria

Travel time: 1 hour

Driving north along the N1 gets you to Pretoria quickly, though the Gautrain and buses are easy options too. Pretoria is South Africa’s administrative capital, and in October and November, the city turns purple as thousands of jacaranda trees bloom.

Visit the granite Voortrekker Monument, which stands on a hill above the city and gives you broad views. The Union Buildings mark the seat of government and are where Nelson Mandela became president in 1994. Out front, a large bronze statue of Mandela with open arms remains one of the most recognizable symbols of South Africa’s democracy.

Day 3: Johannesburg gold heritage

This day focuses on Johannesburg’s mining history. At Gold Reef City, you can go 720 feet (220 meters) underground into old mine shafts to see how workers once extracted gold.

Demonstrations show molten metal cooling into bars, while the museum explains how these mines transformed Johannesburg into a booming city.

The experience gives a sense of both the wealth created and the dangers workers faced. In the afternoon, head to Sandton City Mall, one of the busiest retail centers in Africa. 

Insider’s tip:  Wear closed shoes and a light jacket for the mine tour, since it stays cool underground.

Day 4: Travel to Kruger

Travel time: 5–6 hours

The drive east to Kruger National Park is straightforward, with well-maintained highways and plenty of fuel stops. Many people choose to drive themselves, though tours with professional drivers are also common.

Along the way, the Blyde River Canyon makes an impressive stop, with red sandstone cliffs carved over millions of years. Nearby, Bourke’s Luck Potholes show how swirling water carved circular pools into the rock. After this, the land drops into the Lowveld, where Kruger begins.

The park covers nearly 5 million acres (2 million hectares) and is known for its variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, and rhinos.

Insider’s tip: Midday light brings out the best color in the rocks at Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
 

Day 5: Kruger National Park

Start early for a full day inside Kruger. The southern section near Skukuza has strong wildlife activity along the Sabie River, especially in the morning when animals are most active. The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) are often seen here.

Beyond those, the park has around 500 bird species and nearly 150 mammals, so there is always something new to notice. Rangers add context, pointing out animal behavior and sharing tracking skills.

Insider’s tip: Download the Kruger National Park app before visiting to track recent wildlife sightings.

Day 6: Karongwe private game reserve

Travel time: 2 hours

Karongwe Private Game Reserve is easy to reach by rental car or transfer, with smooth roads through the Greater Kruger area. Many lodges arrange pickups from nearby airports.

The reserve covers about 22,000 acres (9,000 hectares) of bushveld, explored on open-vehicle drives with skilled guides. Wildlife is varied: giraffes feeding on acacias, herds of wildebeest, and both black and white rhinos.

Zebras often graze alongside antelope. After sunset, night drives reveal hyenas calling and leopards on the hunt. With fewer visitors than the national parks, the experience feels more intimate.
 

Day 7: Cape Town

Travel time: 2-hour flight

Morning flights from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport or Johannesburg reach Cape Town quickly, leaving time for one last sunrise game drive.

Early hours in the bushveld are rewarding, with animals active before the heat sets in. Flying into Cape Town is an experience itself, with Table Mountain rising above the coastline on clear days.

The city combines mild weather, strong food culture, and striking natural scenery. After checking in, you can settle in and prepare for tomorrow’s explorations.

Day 8: Cape Town Peninsula

Spend day 8 of this South Africa itinerary ttracing the Cape Peninsula’s coastline. Begin in Hout Bay with a boat ride to Duiker Island, where Cape fur seals crowd the rocks and splash in the surf.

From there, continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where cliffs drop into pounding waves at Africa’s southwestern tip. Stop in Simon’s Town to see the African penguins of Boulders Beach, then end the day at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens on the slopes of Table Mountain, surrounded by indigenous fynbos.

Day 9: Cape Winelands

Travel time: 1 hour

The scenic drive to Stellenbosch takes about an hour, with highways running past rolling vineyards. Many travelers book tours so they can focus on tastings without driving.

Stellenbosch itself is a lively university town with oak-shaded streets and Cape Dutch architecture. Surrounding estates combine cellar tours and tastings, often set against mountain backdrops.

From here, continue to Paarl, another historic wine town, and then to Franschhoek, settled by French Huguenots. Vineyards line the valley floor, framed by peaks.

Day 10: Cape Town

Make your last full day in Cape Town about the city itself. Start at the Castle of Good Hope, a 17th-century fort turned museum, then walk through the Company’s Garden in the historic center.

Ride the cable car up Table Mountain to about 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) for panoramic views, with the revolving cars giving everyone a clear look. Back at sea level, spend time at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a mix of restaurants, shops, and harbor views with live performers scattered along the docks.

Insider’s tip: Check the Table Mountain webcam before visiting, as the cableway closes in strong wind.

Day 11: Cape Agulhas

Travel time: 2.5 hours

Head east through farmland and fynbos hills toward Cape Agulhas, the southernmost point of Africa. This rugged stretch of coast, known as the “Graveyard of Ships,” has claimed countless vessels.

The 1848 lighthouse, South Africa’s second-oldest, now holds a maritime museum with stories of these wrecks. On clear days, you can sometimes see the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meeting in different shades of blue. It was here that Portuguese explorers first rounded Africa, changing the course of global trade. Begin at the lighthouse museum for background on the shipwrecks.

Day 12: Oudtshoorn

Travel time: 3 hours

Drive inland through mountain passes into the Little Karoo and the town of Oudtshoorn. Known as the “Ostrich Capital of the World” during the feather boom of the 19th century, it still thrives on farming today.

At Safari Ostrich Show Farm you can learn about the birds’ behavior and speed, while local businesses continue to produce leather, meat, and decorative eggs. The town also has ornate mansions like the Welgeluk Ostrich Palace, built during the boom years.

Insider’s tip: Wear closed shoes, as ostriches sometimes peck at footwear.
 

Day 13: Garden Route

Start the Garden Route with a visit to the Cango Caves, a limestone system filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

Guided tours take you through caverns and narrow passages. Nearby, the Cango Wildlife Ranch introduces species such as crocodiles and cheetahs in a conservation-focused setting. From there, the scenery shifts to the coast. In Wilderness, wide beaches meet forested hills, and the Touw River forms a calm estuary filled with birdlife.

Day 14: Knysna & Plettenberg Bay

Finish your trip with time in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. In Knysna, ferries cross the lagoon to Featherbed Nature Reserve, where trails lead through coastal forest and along cliffs overlooking the sea.

Plettenberg Bay’s long beaches are good for swimming or surfing, and in season, you can join whale-watching tours. The Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve rounds out the trip with trails past sandy coves, rocky cliffs, and colonies of Cape fur seals.
 

Personalize your South Africa travel itinerary

No two South Africa trips look the same. Some travelers spend most of their time in the bush on safari, others prefer long afternoons in wine country, and many want a combination of both. Rough Guides’ local experts build itineraries that fit your priorities, whether that means wildlife photography, food, culture, or adventure.

They take care of everything behind the scenes, from booking lodges and restaurants to arranging guides and transport. Their on-the-ground knowledge gives you access to experiences you may not find on your own, with support throughout your trip.

From private game lodges to Cape Dutch guesthouses, they know where to stay and can often arrange small extras along the way. If you’re ready to see South Africa, request a free trip plan from us, and we’ll connect you to someone who can design a journey that combines well-known highlights with discoveries only locals can point you to.
 

Other South Africa travel itineraries

Traveling in South Africa often means choosing between coast, mountains, and wildlife. If you have more time, you can head to the Drakensberg for hiking, or explore KwaZulu-Natal for a mix of Zulu history, wetlands, and warm Indian Ocean beaches. Here are some other great South Africa itineraries.

Best South Africa short safari itinerary

This 7-day trip splits time between the Cape Peninsula and a private game reserve in Limpopo. You’ll explore the Cape Peninsula before heading out on safari in Kapama. This is the best way to see as much wildlife as possible in a short trip.

• Days 1 to 4: Cape Peninsula
  • Spend your first days in Cape Town at Camps Bay and Clifton beaches, then follow the coast down to Cape Point to see African penguins and hike the reserve. Set aside a day for Stellenbosch, where you can taste wines and walk through the historic town.
• Days 5 to 7: Kapama Game Reserve Safari
  • Fly or drive to Limpopo for morning and evening game drives in Kapama Game Reserve, with chances to see the Big Five. Bush walks and night drives add tracking, plant knowledge, and nocturnal wildlife to the experience.

Best South Africa family itinerary

This 7-day route keeps drives short and adds cultural stops that work well with kids. You’ll travel through Mpumalanga, Kruger, eSwatini, and KwaZulu-Natal.

• Days 1 & 2: Mpumalanga Highlands
  • Start in Dullstroom, a small town with restaurants and shops that children enjoy, then continue to Blyde River Canyon. Families can take short trails to see Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the canyon’s wildflowers.
• Days 3 & 4: Kruger National Park & Swaziland
  • Go on family-friendly game drives in Kruger National Park to look for the Big Five and over 500 bird species. Cross into eSwatini to see ancient rock paintings and visit the Swazi Candle Factory, where kids can watch artisans at work.
• Days 5 to 7: Hluhluwe Game Reserve
  • Finish in Hluhluwe, Africa’s oldest reserve and well known for rhino conservation. Its smaller size makes wildlife easier to view, with black and white rhinos, giraffes, buffalo, and antelope all common here.

Best Northern Cape itinerary

This 17-day route takes you through some of South Africa’s most remote wilderness areas in Northern Cape. You’ll move from whale watching along the coast to desert wildflowers and predator-filled game reserves.

• Days 1 to 5: Cape Town & Whale Coast
  • Begin in Cape Town with time in the Bo-Kaap neighborhood and the city’s historic buildings. Then follow the Cape Peninsula drive and continue along the Whale Route to Hermanus for whale cruises and fynbos gardens.
• Days 6 to 8: Namaqualand wildflowers
  • In flower season, Namaqua National Park bursts into color with more than 4,000 species across the desert. The area is quiet and remote, giving you long stretches of time outdoors.
• Days 9 to 13: Augrabies Falls & Kgalagadi
  • Head north to Augrabies Falls National Park to see the Orange River drop into its gorge. Continue to Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, home to around 450 lions, 200 cheetahs, and 150 leopards roaming the red dunes.
• Days 14 to 17: Karoo National Park
  • End in Karoo National Park, a semi-desert region with 61 mammal species adapted to dry conditions. You may see mountain zebras, rhinoceros, and black eagles circling overhead.
     

South Africa travel itineraries FAQ

Here’s some of the most common questions we get from our readers when planning a South Africa itinerary.

How many days are enough for South Africa?

For a first trip, 10 to 14 days usually works well. That gives you enough time to see different parts of the country without feeling like you’re constantly on the move. In two weeks, you could explore Cape Town, drive part of the Garden Route, spend a few days on safari in Greater Kruger, and include the Winelands around Stellenbosch or Franschhoek.

South Africa is large, about the size of France and Spain combined, and the distances can surprise people. Driving from Johannesburg to Cape Town takes around 14 hours.

If you only have a week, it is best to stick to one region. You might focus on Cape Town and its surroundings, or base yourself in Johannesburg and combine it with Kruger. With less than five days, it is worth waiting until you have more time, since short trips often mean you spend more time in transit than actually enjoying the country.

What is the best time to visit South Africa?

September through April brings the warmest weather, and is for most the best time to visit South Africa. March to May and September to November are good months to visit because the weather is comfortable and crowds are lighter. Cape Town is popular from December through March, but Christmas and New Year are busy and more expensive.

Winter, from June to August, is the best time for wildlife viewing since animals gather near water sources. 
 

What’s the best time for safari/game viewing?

The dry months from May to September are ideal for safari. Vegetation is thinner, animals gather near water, and you are more likely to see them. Early mornings can be close to freezing, so you need warm layers, but afternoons are pleasant around 70 to 77°F (20 to 25°C). October is a transitional month with hotter days but still good viewing.

Once the rains arrive in November, the bush becomes green and animals spread out, which makes them harder to find.

Summer, from December to March, brings newborn animals and migratory birds, but the vegetation is thick and photography can be more challenging. Malaria risk is also higher during the wet months in areas like Kruger.

When are the flowers blooming in Namaqualand?

The flowers usually appear from mid-August to mid-September, depending on how much rain fell in winter. During a good year, fields of daisies in orange, yellow, white, and purple cover the landscape. Flowers open late in the morning once it warms up and close by late afternoon, so midday is the best time to see them.

The bloom starts in the north near Springbok and moves south toward Vanrhynsdorp. Local tourism boards and the flower hotline share updates each season, which is useful since a dry year can mean far fewer flowers. 
 

How do you get around South Africa?

There are a lot of options for getting around South Africa.

Between cities

Flying is the fastest way to cover long distances, especially between Johannesburg and Cape Town. Intercity buses such as Intercape and Greyhound are dependable and affordable. Renting a car works well for scenic routes like the Garden Route, but keep in mind that distances can be long.

Within cities

Uber works well in the main urban centers and is safer than regular taxis. In Cape Town, the MyCiTi bus system connects many of the areas visitors want to see. In Johannesburg, the Gautrain links the airport, Sandton, and Pretoria. Walking after dark is not recommended in most cities.

Driving

Cars drive on the left. Major roads are generally in good condition, but drivers can be aggressive and animals often wander onto rural roads. Night driving is not advised. In cities, keep your doors locked and windows up at traffic lights.
 

Are domestic flights reliable and worth it?

Flights save a lot of time. The trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town takes about two hours by air instead of 14 hours by car. Airlines such as FlySafair, Airlink, and Lift run frequent routes, and booking in advance usually means better fares. Reliability is good, though summer thunderstorms can cause delays in Johannesburg.

For safaris, flying into airports near Kruger can save two days of driving. Smaller airports like George and East London are also convenient for the Garden Route. Budget carriers have strict baggage rules, so check them before booking.

What safety precautions should I take in Cape Town and Johannesburg?

Both cities are fine to travel in if you keep your guard up. Keep phones, cameras, and jewelry out of sight, even at restaurants. Use Uber instead of walking at night since the streets clear out quickly.

Avoid Cape Town’s city center and Johannesburg’s CBD after dark. Tourist areas like the V&A Waterfront, Camps Bay, and Sandton feel more secure but petty theft still happens. If you are robbed, do not resist.

Carry only what you need, split a small amount of cash between pockets, and keep a copy of your passport separate from the original. Use ATMs inside malls, never on the street.

Township visits should be arranged through trusted guides, not on your own. In a car, keep the windows up and doors locked, and do not stop for strangers. Try to not pull out your phone on the street. Hotels can arrange reliable airport transfers that are safer than public options. If somewhere feels unsafe, trust your instincts and leave.
 

How much does a trip to South Africa cost?

South Africa is generally cheaper than Botswana or Namibia but more expensive than Zimbabwe or Mozambique.

• Budget (R2,000–3,500 / $110–190 per day): Hostel dorms or simple guesthouses, meals from supermarkets, and public transport or shared shuttles. Cooking a braai (BBQ) yourself is a cheap and authentic way to eat well.
• Mid-range (R3,500-5,000 / $190-270 per day): Comfortable guesthouses or mid-range hotels, restaurant meals, a rental car, and activities like wine tastings or guided hikes. This range works for most travelers.
• Luxury (R5,000+ / $270+ per day): Five-star hotels, private game lodges, fine dining, and experiences like helicopter flights over Cape Point. High-end safari lodges can reach R20,000 a night and usually include meals, drinks, and daily game drives.

How do I choose between Kruger, private reserves, or other parks?

Kruger National Park is the most flexible choice if you want to self-drive and keep costs down. You can stay in basic rest camps and spend your days on your own schedule.

Private reserves like Sabi Sands or Timbavati border Kruger without fences, so you see the same wildlife, but with guides, luxury lodges, and the chance to drive off-road.

Madikwe, near the Botswana border, is malaria-free and good for families. In the Eastern Cape, reserves like Shamwari fit nicely into a Garden Route trip.

Pilanesberg is only a couple of hours from Johannesburg, making it convenient if you are short on time. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi in KwaZulu-Natal is well known for rhino viewing.
 

Can I combine South Africa with neighboring countries (Botswana, Zimbabwe)?

Yes, and it is fairly easy to do. Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta are the most common add-ons.

Daily flights connect Johannesburg with Victoria Falls, Maun (for the Okavango), and Windhoek (Namibia). A classic route pairs Cape Town and Kruger with three nights at Victoria Falls, which takes about two weeks.

Driving across borders means extra paperwork and fees, and some rental companies do not allow it, so flying is often easier. Multi-country tours handle the logistics but cost more. Visa rules change often, so check them before you book.

What wine regions should I visit?

Stellenbosch is the easiest place to start. It is 45 minutes from Cape Town and has a wide range of estates and strong reds. Franschhoek combines wine with some of the country’s best restaurants and has a tram system that takes care of transport.

Constantia is close to central Cape Town and works well if you only have a short time. Hemel-en-Aarde near Hermanus is known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and pairs well with whale watching between June and November.

Robertson, about two hours inland, has smaller family-run farms that charge less for tastings. Make restaurant bookings in Franschhoek ahead of time since they fill quickly.

How do I book cage diving with great white sharks?

Most trips run from Gansbaai, about two hours from Cape Town. Operators like Marine Dynamics and White Shark Projects also work on shark research.

Book directly through their websites instead of using resellers in Cape Town. June to September is the best time for visibility and shark activity. Boats usually leave in the morning when the sea is calmer. You do not need to be certified since the cages are at the surface and use simple breathing gear. Wetsuits are included, but bring warm clothes for the ride. The whole trip takes three to four hours, with around 20–30 minutes in the cage per group. Sightings are common but not guaranteed.

Want a stress-free trip? Rough Guides’ local travel experts will create the itinerary, book your transport and stays, and be there to help with any changes or questions along the way. All you need to do is enjoy the adventure. Learn more about our tailor made trips.