South Africa, one of the world’s top wildlife destinations and biodiversity hotspots, sits majestically at the southernmost tip of Africa. Our 10-day South Africa itinerary packs in a variety of experiences, allowing you to explore everything from cosmopolitan cities like Cape Town to pristine, powdery beaches lashed by waves, jagged mountains, wildlife parks, art and craft, world-class surfing, and wine trails. South Africa’s diverse cuisine, influenced by British, French, Indian, Dutch, Asian, and African cultures, is a delightful adventure for your taste buds.
From surfing and horseback riding to wildlife safaris and stargazing, our comprehensive 10-day itinerary promises an unforgettable South African adventure.
Best time to visit South Africa
South Africa is warmer in the north and cooler in the south. The best time to visit South Africa for a jungle safari is from May to September when it’s easier to spot wildlife due to less vegetation, with animals gathering around rivers and waterholes. The best time to visit Cape Town, South Africa’s legislative capital, and the surrounding areas like Garden Route, is from November to March. The weather is best from April to May and September to October. October to April is a good time for bird watching.
The worst time to visit South Africa is from June to August when it is cold and wet.
South Africa itinerary days 1-3 – Cape Town adventures
Most overseas visitors will enter South Africa through the OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, and reach Cape Town through a connecting flight. Indian tourists can now apply for a South African visa online, costing around USD 57 (HKD 446). You can use travel ride apps like Uber or Bolt for a taxi to your hotel or take the airport shuttle bus to the city centre.
Begin your holiday on a high note by taking a cable car to the top of Table Mountain for great panoramic views. The top also boasts a restaurant, multiple viewpoints (including a couple of coin-operated binoculars) and three short trails. Follow it up with time at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, sprawling across 528 hectares, 36 hectares of which is cultivated and the rest runs wild. Pack a picnic or walk the trails and enjoy the open spaces with a canopy walk and a Protea garden. If you are there in the summer, catch an open-air cinema or concert.
Explore the Waterfront, and visit the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art housed in an old grain silo, for cutting-edge art exhibitions. Hop on a ferry to Robben Island, a UNESCO heritage site that gives you a glimpse into the country’s tumultuous past.
On Day 2 of your South Africa itinerary, take a boat ride to Robben Island. Visit Nelson Mandela’s prison cell, the leper cemetery and other historical sites. Keep an eye out for the dolphins beside the boat. Many former inmates lead the tours and offer personal insights into the struggle against Apartheid. The entry fee is USD 7 (HKD 54) for adults.
Savour a bite at the Time Out Market along the Waterfront, featuring well-known chefs and mixologists across 13 kitchens and four bars. Take a trip to the southernmost point, Cape Point, famous for spotting antelopes and baboons. Finish with a trip to see the Wild African penguins on Boulder Beach.
On Day 3, visit Bo-Kapp, the city’s Cape Malay Quarter famous for its spice shops, cobbled streets and brightly painted houses. If you like adventure, try Shark cage diving. Take a guided tour into the ocean off the coast of Gansbaai and dive into the water in a cage to observe sharks in their natural habitat (a day tour costs around USD 191/HKD 1,496). Head to beaches like Long Beach for surfing or explore Noordhoek Beach, famous for horse rides.
Unwind with an African Spa experience at Librisa Spa at the Belmond Hotel, a luxurious oasis housed in three converted Victorian houses at the foot of Table Mountain. The cost of a typical two-hour treatment starts at USD 95 (HKD 744).
Cape Town delights: Top eats and stays
Cape Town is widely regarded as the food capital of South Africa. Be sure to indulge at some of its best restaurants. For a fine dining experience, head to FYN, blending South African ingredients with Japanese flavours and techniques. Salon presents a set menu of 11 dishes from across the world. La Colombe promises innovative flavours and textures from Asia, Latin America, Europe and Africa.
Cape Town offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets. We recommend Table Bay Hotel, a luxurious five-star waterfront property featuring a spa. Gorgeous George by Design Hotel is a boutique chic option boasting a great location and comfortable rooms.
Book your stay at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel via Booking.com
Book your stay at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel via Agoda.com
Days 4-5 – Exploring Johannesburg, SA’s cultural capital
Fly into Johannesburg, the most populous city in the country and spend Day 4 of your South Africa itinerary understanding the city’s history. For real insights into the county’s painful history, a visit to the concrete and red brick Apartheid Museum is a must. South Africa was under a brutal system of racial segregation from 1948 to 1991, and the museum showcases this through dramatic lighting, film footage, exhibits, and audio clips. The fee to enter the museum is approximately USD 4 (HKD 31).
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In the evening, tour Soweto, a black African township boasting a brewery, extreme sports activities and vibrant street art. Visit Vilakazi Street, once home to two Nobel Peace Prize winners Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Mandela’s house is now a museum.
On Day 5 of your South Africa itinerary, explore Johannesburg’s rich history with a visit to the Constitutional Court, housed within the Old Fort Prison Complex. This complex includes the Old Fort, the Women’s Prison, Number 4 prison block, and offers a glimpse into South Africa’s past. Thereafter, immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant market scene as you explore the trendy Neighbourgoods Market in Braamfontein, housed in a large urban warehouse. Here, you’ll find live music, numerous food stalls, and an art and craft market selling unique items. Alternatively, visit the rooftop African Market at Rosebank Mall for a different perspective.
Savouring Johannesburg: Stay and food options
For a luxurious stay in Johannesburg, consider the Four Seasons The Westcliff, located on a hill overlooking an expanse of jacarandas in bloom. This area was once a residential haven for gold mining barons.
Savour the city’s diverse culinary offerings as you sample biltong (spiced dried meat), indulge in a steak at one of its famous steakhouses, or try shisa nyama (grilled meats) in Soweto. Explore the Indian neighbourhood of Fordsburg for spicy curries and biryani, or head to Little Addis in the city centre for a taste of Ethiopian cuisine.
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff via Booking.com
Book your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff via Agoda.com
South Africa itinerary days 6-8 – Spoting the Big 5 at Kruger
Prepare to be awestruck by sightings of the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, and leopard) roaming freely at the Kruger National Park, South Africa’s largest national park. Spanning over 20,000 square kilometres, the park boasts diverse landscapes from open plains to thick mopane forests, and from north to south along the Mozambique border.
Reach Kruger by car (approximately a 4-hour drive from Johannesburg) or by flying into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. You can join an organised tour in an open safari vehicle for a guided adventure, or explore independently by renting a 4WD vehicle with proper insurance for maximum flexibility.
The best time to visit Kruger National Park
The dry winter season (May to August) offers the best game viewing as the sparse bush allows animals to be easily spotted near waterholes.
Accommodation options at Kruger
For a first-time visit, consider staying within Kruger at one of the numerous “rest camps” managed by SANParks. Skukuza, the park’s administrative centre and largest rest camp, is a popular choice for first-time visitors. For ultimate luxury, go for high-end private reserves like Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge or Singita Sveni Lodge. Marloth Park, a town bordering the park, offers more affordable accommodation options.
Conservation fee and game drives
Explore the park on guided game drives, typically costing around USD 45 (HKD 352) per person per drive. For a hassle-free experience, consider staying at a safari lodge offering all-inclusive rates with meals and game drives included.
A daily conservation fee of USD 17 (HKD 133) per adult applies to all visitors.
Book your stay at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
Book your stay at Singita Sveni Lodge
Day 9 – Drive along the Panorama Route
Venture out of Kruger on Day 9 of your South Africa itinerary to explore the wonders of Mpumalanga. Explore the breathtaking Panorama Route, showcasing the spectacular Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and its dramatic landscapes and scenic viewpoints.
Hike the 300-step trail to God’s Window, a natural rock formation offering panoramic views of the Blyde River Canyon and surrounding landscapes. Witness the cascading beauty of Lisbon Falls, a must-see attraction within the Blyde River Canyon area. Marvel at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a geological wonder featuring cylindrical holes carved by millions of years of swirling water and be captivated by the Three Rondavels, a group of impressive rock formations resembling round, thatched huts towering over the Blyde River Canyon.
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South Africa itinerary day 10 – Until next time!
For your return journey, head back to Johannesburg to catch your flight home. If you have time for last-minute shopping, explore the well-stocked Out of Africa gift shop at OR Tambo International Airport.
Travel tips for South Africa
South Africa offers an amazing travel experience, and with a few precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure:
- While crime rates have decreased, it’s always wise to be vigilant, especially in unfamiliar areas.
- Consider joining organised tours, particularly for wildlife safaris and adventures in remote locations.
- Avoid walking alone at night, especially in deserted areas.
- Purchase a local SIM card upon arrival for convenient mobile phone connectivity throughout your trip.
- Pack lightweight jackets, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat and sunscreen), and bug repellent (optional).
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(Feature image credit: michaeljung/Shutterstock)
All currency conversions were done at the time of writing.
Related: 12 Days Of Unforgettable Luxury In South Africa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-How many days are enough to explore South Africa?
For the highlights, a 7-10 day itinerary is enough to explore South Africa. To include the Garden Route and Western Cape, consider 14 days or more.
-Are there any day trips I can include in my South Africa itinerary?
Yes, there are day trip options that can be included in your itinerary depending on where you’ll be based in South Africa. From Cape Town, you can visit Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, South Africa’s wine region, go whale watching in Hermanus, or see the adorable African penguin colony at Boulders Beach near Simon’s Town. From Johannesburg, you can consider a Soweto Township tour, go on a day safari to Pilanesberg National Park, or explore fossil sites and learn about human evolution at the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Note: If you want to visit other African countries, you’ll likely need separate visas for each.
-What should I pack for my trip to South Africa?
Pack lightweight jackets, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat and sunscreen), and bug repellent (optional).
-How do I get around South Africa?
While internal flights connect major cities, consider bus tours or car rentals for a more flexible itinerary.
-Do I need a visa to visit South Africa?
Indian citizens require an e-visa to visit South Africa, which can be applied online.
-What are some adventure activities to do in South Africa?
Ziplining, surfing, bungee jumping, hot air ballooning, river rafting, windsurfing, cliff jumping, shark cage diving, and kayaking are some adventure activities to enjoy in South Africa.
-Where can I find the best dining options in South Africa?
Cape Town has great dining options on the waterfront, including the Timeout Market. Johannesburg boasts diverse dining options including farm-to-table, international fare, and African cuisine.
-What activities are available in South Africa besides sightseeing?
Besides sightseeing, you can explore the wine trails, museums, adventure activities, hiking, diving, shopping at local markets, and savouring local cuisine.
-What are the best things to buy from South Africa?
The best things to buy in South Africa include local art & crafts (like masks, beads, and necklaces), wood carvings, ostrich shell art, local wines, and diamonds (be sure to purchase from reputable sources only).
-What are the best hotels to stay in South Africa?
Mount Nelson, Belmond (Cape Town), Four Seasons The Westcliff (Johannesburg), Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge (Kruger National Park) are some of the best hotels to stay in South Africa.
-What are the best restaurants in South Africa?
The Shortmarket Club in Cape Town and the Grillhouse Rosebank in Johannesburg are some of the best restaurants in South Africa.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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Written By
Kalpana Sunder
Kalpana Sunder is a freelance journalist based in Chennai. In another lifetime she has dabbled in company ..Read More
