One week (7 days) In South Africa itinerary

So, you've got a week to spare and you're itching to explore the wonders of South Africa? With just seven days at your disposal, you might wonder how to make the most of your time in this captivating country. In this case, you’ve come to the right place — here’s our expert guide to creating the perfect 7 days South Africa itinerary. 

Is 7 days enough for South Africa?

Seven days in South Africa’s Western Cape won’t let you see everything, but it’s a great way to start. I spent my week in Cape Town and the surrounding area, and it worked out really well. Sure, you’ll miss places like Kruger and Johannesburg, but you’ll get a solid feel for the region. In one week, I saw three UNESCO World Heritage sites, watched two oceans meet, and got up close with wildlife — even penguins.

You’ll definitely want to plan ahead as much as possible, as there will be little time for downtime. Make sure to check the typical weather patterns during the time you’d like to take your trip. If you can swing it, consider adding a few extra days to your trip (see our 10 day South Africa itineraries and 14 days South Africa itineraries).

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of planning your South African adventure, why not enlist the help of a professional? Our tailor-made trip service takes the stress out of planning and booking, leaving you free to focus on enjoying your journey. Our trips are designed by local travel experts and are fully customizable.

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town

Your first view of Table Mountain will probably stick with you. It’s pretty impressive, especially when you realize it’s over 600 million years old. Cape Town, also known as the "Mother City," is South Africa’s oldest city and regularly called one of the most beautiful in the world.

Exploring Bo-Kaap

After settling in, take a walk through Bo-Kaap, the colorful neighborhood in the city. The painted houses and cobbled streets reflect the area’s history with the Cape Malay community. If you’ve got time, swing by the Bo-Kaap Museum for a bit more context on the neighborhood’s cultural roots.

Kloof Street

Finish the day by heading to Kloof Street, one of Cape Town’s trendiest areas. Grab a drink at Yours Truly, a popular rooftop bar, and take some time to explore the mix of local boutiques and restaurants. It’s a good spot to relax and get a feel for the city.

Where to stay in Cape Town

On our trip we opted to stay in Gardens, but there are no shortage of great places to stay in Cape Town:

• Gardens: A trendy neighborhood at the base of Table Mountain, offering a great balance of nature and city life. It's home to plenty of restaurants, cafes, and the historic Company's Gardens.
• V&A Waterfront: A lively harbor area with luxury hotels, shopping, and entertainment options. Ideal for first-time visitors, with easy access to major attractions and stunning views of the mountain.
• Green Point: An upscale residential area located between the Waterfront and Sea Point. It features the Cape Town Stadium, a large urban park, and a variety of boutique hotels and restaurants.

Day 2: Explore Cape Town

On day two of this week-long South Africa itinerary, you should get a feel for Cape Town's incredible wildlife and nature.The Cape Floristic Region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, hosts over 9,000 plant species, and nearly 70% of which are found only here.  

Table Mountain

We decided to start our day early to head to Table Mountain. The cable car opens at 8:00 AM, and if you get there early, you’ll beat the crowds and have a better shot at seeing the mountain before the famous ‘tablecloth’ cloud rolls in. 

Once at the top, we took a fantastic walk along the trails through the fynbos. It’s a good idea to book your tickets online to avoid the lines. Plan to spend 2-3 hours to really enjoy the experience. The best time to visit is in spring (September to November) and fall (March to May).

Kirstenbosch

Next, we headed to the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. It’s not just a garden—it’s a chance to explore the huge variety of plants South Africa has to offer. Be sure not to miss the Boomslang, a treetop canopy walkway that gives you a different view of the gardens.

Day 3: Cape Peninsula

Travel time: 2.5 to 3 hours round trip without stops

The Cape Peninsula is an incredible 32-mile (53 kilometer) stretch, from Cape Town to the southwestern tip of Africa. It’s best explored by car, and during the drive you’ll be able to take in the Atlantic Ocean on one side, and False Bay on the other (home to penguin colonies and top beaches). You're definitely going to want the whole day to take in the scenery. 

Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the best drives I’ve done – winding curves with views of the ocean and mountains. If you’re there during whale season, you can even catch sight of southern right whales, and dolphins are around year-round. 

While you’re in the area, don’t miss Boulders Beach. It’s home to a large colony of African penguins, and you can take a stroll along the boardwalk to get up close without disturbing them.

Hout Bay

We stopped at Hout Bay for lunch. This area is a working fishing harbor with the Bay Harbour Market, where you can find local crafts and fresh seafood. On weekends, there’s live music, but we were looking for a more relaxed option, so we grabbed a seat at one of the harbor-side restaurants and had some fantastic fish and chips with a great view.

Camps Bay

On your way back to Cape Town, swing by Camps Bay. It’s a laid-back beach area with a wide sandy shore and palm-lined streets. Grab a coffee or drink at one of the beachfront cafés and, if you're lucky, catch a beautiful sunset over the Twelve Apostles mountains. We returned and stayed in Cape Town for the evening.

Day 4: Stellenbosch

Travel time: 45 minutes from Cape Town by car

Stellenbosch is known for wine, and it’s easy to see why. 

The soil here is so diverse, it creates a lot of different flavors in the wines. The Cape Dutch buildings are also pretty striking, with their iconic gables. Keep an eye out for the old “leivore,” the traditional irrigation systems that still run through some streets. 

We stopped by the Waterford Estate for their Wine & Chocolate Experience, which pairs their wines with specially made chocolates. Even though Stellenbosch is close to Cape Town, we stayed the night since the town’s so charming, and we’d definitely had enough wine to skip the drive back. If you’re planning to visit any vineyards, it’s a good idea to book wine tastings in advance. 

Where to stay in Stellenbosch

We were so tired we ended up staying to the closest accommodation we could find hear the Waterford Estate, but you definitely have some options when it comes to places to stay:

• Historic Town Center: Charming streets lined with Cape Dutch architecture, cafes, and museums make this area ideal for those who want to be within walking distance of restaurants and wine bars.
• Paradyskloof: An upscale residential area offering mountain views and close proximity to several prestigious wine estates. It’s perfect for a quieter, more luxurious stay.
• Welgevonden: A modern suburban area with easy access to both wineries and the town center. This is a great spot for families or anyone looking for contemporary accommodations.
• Techno Park: A business-friendly area with newer hotels and apartments. It offers good value and quick access to major roads, making it a convenient choice for travelers on the go.

Day 5: Franschhoek

Travel time: 30 minutes from Stellenbosch by car

Franschhoek is surrounded by mountains that formed millions of years ago when Africa collided with South America, so the scenery here is pretty dramatic. Once you’ve checked in, you’re going to want to hit the road to make the most of your time here.

Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve hike

If you’ve got time in the afternoon, the hike at Mont Rochelle is a great way to start your time in Franschhoek. The Cat’s Pass Loop (2-3 hours) is a nice option, we really enjoyed it, especially in the cooler evening air. The trail includes steep rocky sections, beautiful valley views, indigenous fynbos vegetation.

Huguenot Memorial visit

If you’re interested in history, the Huguenot Memorial and Museum is worth a quick visit. You can learn about the French influence in the area’s wine culture. It does close somewhat early at 5 PM, so plan accordingly

Evening in the village

Franschhoek’s main street is lined with art galleries, boutiques, and great places to eat. For dinner, Reuben’s and Le Petit Colombe are both excellent choices, but make sure you book ahead since they can get busy.

Where to stay in Franschhoek

Franschhoek has a range of places to stay depending on what you are after:

• Mountain View: For something more peaceful, go for a place along the valley’s edge. These spots tend to have great mountain views and a more laid-back vibe.
• Wine Estates: If you’re looking for the full wine country experience, staying on a wine estate is a great choice. You’ll have tastings and views of the vineyard right outside your door.
• Village Center: If you want to be close to everything, staying in the center of town is a good option. You’ll be near restaurants, shops, and the general charm of the area.
• La Motte Area: If you’re after something more exclusive, the La Motte area offers a quieter, high-end experience with plenty of privacy.

Day 6: Day trip to Hermanus

Travel time: 4 hours round trip without stops

Hermanus is about a 2-hour drive from Cape Town and is one of the top spots in the world for land-based whale watching. From June to December, you can often see southern right whales right from the 6-mile cliff path along the coast. The drive itself takes you through the scenic Overberg region, with fields of canola and wheat along the way. 

Hermanus has come a long way from its fishing village roots, we found it to be a mix of coastal charm and modern amenities. Aside from whale watching, you can check out Fernkloof Nature Reserve for a hike among over 1,400 species of fynbos, or relax at Grotto Beach, our favorite beach in South Africa, which has Blue Flag status.

The drive back to Cape Town

On the way back to Cape Town, take the coastal route through Betty’s Bay and Gordon’s Bay. It’s a 2-hour drive, but there are plenty of scenic stops, like the penguin colony at Stony Point and the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens.

Day 7: Last day in Cape Town

Start your last day in Cape Town with breakfast at Tribe Coffee x Nourish'd in Observatory. Since we were a group, we tried a few different South African dishes. I’d recommend the vetkoek, which is fried dough filled with spiced mince, or their take on a "full Saffa" breakfast with boerewors (South African sausage), chakalaka (spicy vegetable relish), and pap (similar to polenta).

Afterwards, head to Woodstock, Cape Town's artsy district. It’s full of independent galleries, vintage shops, and local design studios. We had time to check out the Old Biscuit Mill, a former factory that’s now home to some of the city’s best designers and makers.

Though the trip could easily extend for many more days, this was the end of our 7 day South Africa itinerary.

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For more information, read our South Africa travel tips, discover some of the best things to do in South Africa, or check out our Rough Guide to South Africa.