The Complete 10 Day South Africa Travel Itinerary
Last updated on March 2nd, 2024 at 06:19 pm
Thinking of visiting a place that has incredible beaches, unforgettable safaris, and more wine than you could ever drink? Then it sounds like South Africa is the perfect place for you to visit! Here you’ll find the perfect 10 day South Africa itinerary, which you can either customize depending on which airport you fly into and what time of year you visit!
Keep in mind that this site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact my honest reviews and comparisons. I only make recommendations based on personal experience(s), in order to help you make the best decisions while traveling!
Day 1: Flying into South Africa
For many visitors to South Africa, chances are that you’ll be flying directly into Johannesburg International Airport (JNB) or Cape Town International Airport (CPT). This particular itinerary starts by flying into Johannesburg (JNB) but it’s important to note that you can do this whole thing in reverse which I’ve also done before.
My preferred airline is United Airlines so my typical route is SFO – EWR – JNB but there are also direct flights from Newark to Cape Town with United! For travelers from the US, I think Delta is another good option because they fly direct from Atlanta but I’m personally a United Airlines girlie for life.
Days 2-5: Kruger National Park Exploration
Once you land in Johannesburg, you can choose to overnight in Joburg or continue on directly to Kruger National Park. Depending on your budget, how you feel, and your appetite for long travel days – I would recommend flying directly into one of the many airports surrounding Kruger National Park. However, if flying is out of the budget, then I would recommend renting a car from JNB and/or hiring private transportation to get to the bush. We rented a car directly from JNB and it cost us about ~$90 for 4 days. The pickup/dropoff process was also super quick and seamless.
Once you get to the bush, you honestly won’t really need a car as most game lodges include all meals, game drives, and additional amenities however it’s nice to have one if you want to explore other parts of Kruger during the day since most game drives happen super early so the majority of your day is free until the afternoon game drive. Since my partner is from South Africa, we also didn’t want to leave his poor mom without a car for a week so we decided to just rent.
On the other hand, if you end up deciding to overnight in Johannesburg, check out this list of ways to experience the city like a local.
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most infamous wildlife reserves. Renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, a visit to Kruger is an absolute must for any first time visitor to South Africa. Here, you can encounter the Big Five, explore diverse landscapes, and immerse yourself in the magic of the African bush.
Within Kruger, the land is divided up further into different private game reserves. A few of the main reserves include Timbavati, Sabi Sands, Klaserie and Balule.
We spent 3 unforgettable nights at Baobab Ridge (which is located within the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve) and had the most incredible time. The service was outstanding and the morning game drives were truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Game viewing is relatively on par across all the private reserves. However, people have mentioned that Sabi Sands might be more consistent due to the sheer amount of lodges and guides in that area. We got pretty lucky and managed to see all of the Big Five on our first day. Prior to your first game drive, make sure to check out my other post on what to expect on an African safari.
Click here for a detailed review of our stay at Baobab Ridge in Kruger National Park.
Days 6-7: Wine Country Near Cape Town (Stellenbosch or Franschhoek)
After you’ve seen enough giraffes and elephants for a lifetime, you’ll make your way back towards Johannesburg and hop on a quick two-hour flight towards the beautiful region of Cape Town. Once you land in Cape Town (CPT), you’ll head directly to South Africa’s incredible wine country, specifically Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. (Don’t worry – I promise you’ll come back and explore all of Cape Town later). Similar to the logistics of Kruger, I would recommend hiring private transportation or renting a car. You can also use Uber which is what we’ve done in the past. From the airport, it typically takes ~40 minutes to reach the wineries and will cost around ~$50 USD.
The two main wine regions, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, are each renowned for their breathtaking vineyards, world-class wines, and rich history. Personally, I’m not someone that likes to move around a lot so I’d recommend basing yourself in either or and using uber to travel between the two regions. (If you rented a car, you can easily drive between the two but I imagine most people will be doing a bit of wine tasting in between).
Listed below are a few of my favorite accommodations and wineries worth exploring in both regions!
Where to stay in Stellenbosch
With so many beautiful places to choose from, it can be exhausting trying to figure out where to stay and which wineries to visit. Luckily for you, I’m dating a South African that was born and raised near Cape Town. Our favorite boutique hotel accommodations include Oude Werf Hotel, Clouds Estate, Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa, and my personal favorite – Delaire Graff Estate (my literal dream wedding venue lols).
Wineries to visit in Stellenbosch
For wineries, I am an absolute sucker for a beautiful view, a delicious glass of pinot, and some tasty light bites. When visiting Stellenbosch, I highly recommend visiting Ernie El’s, Delaire Graff, Waterford, and Tokara. Most of the wineries in this region will range from $8-$20 USD per tasting – which is an absolute steal if you’re a California native like me and you know that tastings at home cost twice (sometimes 3x) as much.
Where to stay in Franschhoek
Located only a half hour away from Stellenbosch, Franschhoek is another major wine region in South Africa. Personally, I find Franschhoek a bit more quaint and intimate than Stellenbosch, but both places are an absolute must when visiting the area.
For accommodation, I recommend checking out these boutique hotels: La Clé Lodge, L’Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau and Villas, La Cotte Farm, and the Protea Hotel by Marriott Franschhoek (I know this is a chain which I’m usually allergic to but I’ve stayed at quite a few Protea by Marriott’s in South Africa and I think they are great value for money, and the location of these hotels can’t be beat).
Wineries to visit in Franschhoek
Similar to Stellenbosch, there are just SO MANY wineries to choose from in Franschhoek. To avoid rushing to see it all, these are my top 3 recommendations for Franschhoek wineries: Haute Cabrière (absolute must), Rupert & Rothschild, and Dieu Donné Vineyards.
Bonus: Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour
Instead of spending a couple nights in wine region, some people prefer to stay in Cape Town and just visit for the day which is also a great option! If you prefer to spend more time in Cape Town or are shorter on time, then you absolutely need to book the Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour which includes roundtrip transportation, access to the hop-on hop-off wine tram with the option of two different routes, and a complimentary tasting sized glass of wine while on the tram. We booked this via GetYourGuide back in 2022 when I first visited South Africa and it was so much fun!
Depending on your budget, you can also use this as a way to get to the area and explore the different wineries and then just call an uber back to Cape Town which is what we did because we wanted to stay longer to watch the sunset at Haute Cabrière.
Days 8-10: Cape Town’s Iconic Landmarks
For your final few days in South Africa, there’s no better place than to spend it in Cape Town. Assuming you’ve done some research already before landing on my page, you probably already saw for yourself how beautiful the beaches are here and how there’s no shortage of attractions and things to do.
Where to stay in Cape Town
I’ll admit – it can be a bit overwhelming when it comes to deciding on where to stay in Cape Town. There are just SO MANY different options to choose from – and there are a lot of equally amazing and affordable hotels in this area. When choosing a place, I think it really just comes down to what you want to be closest to. I think most of you know this by now but I’m very much Team Hotel (specifically boutique hotels) so apologies in advance that you won’t find any Airbnb recommendations below.
If you want to be walking distance to all the bars, restaurants, and main tourist attractions – then I would recommend staying near the V&A Waterfront (this is also where the Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour departs from so it’s a good choice for those wanting to do a day trip to the wineries). Some of my favorite boutique properties in this area include O’Two Boutique Hotel, Queen Victoria Hotel Cape Town, Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront (we stayed here for NYE a couple years ago and loved it), and the Radisson RED V&A Waterfront.
A few other properties in and around Cape Town that have gorgeous aesthetic, impeccable design, and phenomonal hospitaly include Gorgeous George, The Silo Hotel, The Winchester Hotel & Spa, and Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel (hotel goals if you ask me).
If you’re like me and prefer to be near the ocean, then I highly recommend booking a place in Clifton or Camp’s Bay which is located a bit further south from the city center. On our last visit over Thanksgiving, we spent 3 nights at POD Camp’s Bay and I’m already counting down the days until we get to go back.
The location of POD Camp’s Bay is unbeatable – literally 20 steps away from the beach and 2 blocks away Victoria Road – which is the main street that’s filled with trendy restaurants, bars, shops, and more.
Things to do and see in Cape Town
I think one of my favorite things about Cape Town is that there’s something to do for everyone. Whether you’re visiting with family/children, on your special honeymoon, or doing some solo travel – it’s just one of those destinations that caters to every kind of traveler.
Swim with penguins on Boulder’s Beach in Simon’s Town
If you’re looking for a totally Instagrammable moment – then this is it! And even if you don’t have social media, you definitely don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity where you get to swim with the cutest penguins in the world! I would suggest using Uber again to get to Simon’s Town or booking a day tour with GetYourGuide. There are a few options that include Cape Point aka Cape of Good Hope as well. I’ve done both and highly recommend either one – both options are easy to organize.
Discover the beauty of Lions Head and Table Mountain
Lace up your hiking boots and make your way to THE #1 viewpoint in all of South Africa – Lions Head and Table Mountain. It’s best to start early in the day and make sure you pack the sunscreen, wear comfortable clothes, and carry lots of water! The African heat is no joke.
Soak up the sun at Clifton Beach
Nowhere else in the world does summer better than South Africans on Clifton Beach (okay maybe Australia comes close). I’ve visited a lot of incredible beaches around the world and Clifton Beach is easily in my Top 3. For me, it’s the incredible turquoise hues of the ocean and white sandy beaches combined with the backdrop of the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Not to mention, there are FOUR beaches of Clifton to choose from with each of them offering something special.
Explore the colorful neighborhood of Bo-Kaap
What’s better than warm weather and colorful streets? I highly recommend making a stop to see the vibrant hues of Bo-Kaap’s historic streets which reflects the deep history of South Africa during Apartheid. The streets are so colorful because originally, the houses in Bo-Kaap were rented to southeast Asian slaves, and during this time, it was mandatory for all houses to be painted in plain white. Eventually, the slaves gained the opportunity to purchase these homes and upon becoming owners, they transformed the houses by painting them in bright and beautiful colors, symbolizing a celebration of freedom and happiness.
Enjoy lunch and an all-day game drive at Aquila Game Reserve
If you didn’t get enough animals in the first part of your trip – then don’t fret! You can go on a day trip to the nearby Aquila Game Reserve for more game drive and safari fun! Although since your visit to Kruger, you probably know by now that no one in South Africa actually refers to game drives as “safaris”. If you’re near Cape Town, I highly recommend this day tour which includes a thrilling all-day game drive and lunch! (If you’re visiting the Garden Route as well on this trip, I also can’t recommend Botlierskop Private Game Reserve enough).
Check out the nightlife in Cape Town!
There are so many amazing restaurants and nightlife in Cape Town! My favorite part is to head down to Camp’s Bay and go bar hopping along Victoria Road which has a bunch of different restaurants, lounges, and bars to choose from. My favorites are Café Caprice (an absolute staple), Tiger’s Milk, and Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen!
Go for a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak
Chapman’s Peak Drive is renowned for being one of the most picturesque coastal routes globally, often referred to as the “Chappies” by locals. Spanning approximately 5 miles, this beautiful winding road offers panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. This is where having a rental car is an absolute must so you can take your time stopping along all the beautiful viewpoints on the way! Pro tip: Head to the end first and plan your day around heading back towards Cape Town just in time for sunset!
Day 10: Traveling Home from South Africa
Well, you’ve officially made it to your final day in South Africa. If you’re like me, you’re probably leaving the country filled with an abundance of happiness from all the $10 filet mignons and red wine you’ve indulged in over the last 10 days. You’re also probably leaving with hundreds of photos of all the incredible wildlife you witnessed over the last 10 days – which will be perfect for sifting through on your long journey back home.
Visiting other parts of South Africa?
Check out my other travel guides on Africa here.
Looking for travel inspiration to somewhere else?
Last updated on March 2nd, 2024 at 06:19 pm
Thinking of visiting a place that has incredible beaches, unforgettable safaris, and more wine than you could ever drink? Then it sounds like South Africa is the perfect place for you to visit! Here you’ll find the perfect 10 day South Africa itinerary, which you can either customize depending on which airport you fly into and what time of year you visit!
Keep in mind that this site contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact my honest reviews and comparisons. I only make recommendations based on personal experience(s), in order to help you make the best decisions while traveling!
Day 1: Flying into South Africa
For many visitors to South Africa, chances are that you’ll be flying directly into Johannesburg International Airport (JNB) or Cape Town International Airport (CPT). This particular itinerary starts by flying into Johannesburg (JNB) but it’s important to note that you can do this whole thing in reverse which I’ve also done before.
My preferred airline is United Airlines so my typical route is SFO – EWR – JNB but there are also direct flights from Newark to Cape Town with United! For travelers from the US, I think Delta is another good option because they fly direct from Atlanta but I’m personally a United Airlines girlie for life.
Days 2-5: Kruger National Park Exploration
Once you land in Johannesburg, you can choose to overnight in Joburg or continue on directly to Kruger National Park. Depending on your budget, how you feel, and your appetite for long travel days – I would recommend flying directly into one of the many airports surrounding Kruger National Park. However, if flying is out of the budget, then I would recommend renting a car from JNB and/or hiring private transportation to get to the bush. We rented a car directly from JNB and it cost us about ~$90 for 4 days. The pickup/dropoff process was also super quick and seamless.
Once you get to the bush, you honestly won’t really need a car as most game lodges include all meals, game drives, and additional amenities however it’s nice to have one if you want to explore other parts of Kruger during the day since most game drives happen super early so the majority of your day is free until the afternoon game drive. Since my partner is from South Africa, we also didn’t want to leave his poor mom without a car for a week so we decided to just rent.
On the other hand, if you end up deciding to overnight in Johannesburg, check out this list of ways to experience the city like a local.
Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most infamous wildlife reserves. Renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife, a visit to Kruger is an absolute must for any first time visitor to South Africa. Here, you can encounter the Big Five, explore diverse landscapes, and immerse yourself in the magic of the African bush.
Within Kruger, the land is divided up further into different private game reserves. A few of the main reserves include Timbavati, Sabi Sands, Klaserie and Balule.
We spent 3 unforgettable nights at Baobab Ridge (which is located within the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve) and had the most incredible time. The service was outstanding and the morning game drives were truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Game viewing is relatively on par across all the private reserves. However, people have mentioned that Sabi Sands might be more consistent due to the sheer amount of lodges and guides in that area. We got pretty lucky and managed to see all of the Big Five on our first day. Prior to your first game drive, make sure to check out my other post on what to expect on an African safari.
Click here for a detailed review of our stay at Baobab Ridge in Kruger National Park.
Days 6-7: Wine Country Near Cape Town (Stellenbosch or Franschhoek)
After you’ve seen enough giraffes and elephants for a lifetime, you’ll make your way back towards Johannesburg and hop on a quick two-hour flight towards the beautiful region of Cape Town. Once you land in Cape Town (CPT), you’ll head directly to South Africa’s incredible wine country, specifically Stellenbosch or Franschhoek. (Don’t worry – I promise you’ll come back and explore all of Cape Town later). Similar to the logistics of Kruger, I would recommend hiring private transportation or renting a car. You can also use Uber which is what we’ve done in the past. From the airport, it typically takes ~40 minutes to reach the wineries and will cost around ~$50 USD.
The two main wine regions, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, are each renowned for their breathtaking vineyards, world-class wines, and rich history. Personally, I’m not someone that likes to move around a lot so I’d recommend basing yourself in either or and using uber to travel between the two regions. (If you rented a car, you can easily drive between the two but I imagine most people will be doing a bit of wine tasting in between).
Listed below are a few of my favorite accommodations and wineries worth exploring in both regions!
Where to stay in Stellenbosch
With so many beautiful places to choose from, it can be exhausting trying to figure out where to stay and which wineries to visit. Luckily for you, I’m dating a South African that was born and raised near Cape Town. Our favorite boutique hotel accommodations include Oude Werf Hotel, Clouds Estate, Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa, and my personal favorite – Delaire Graff Estate (my literal dream wedding venue lols).
Wineries to visit in Stellenbosch
For wineries, I am an absolute sucker for a beautiful view, a delicious glass of pinot, and some tasty light bites. When visiting Stellenbosch, I highly recommend visiting Ernie El’s, Delaire Graff, Waterford, and Tokara. Most of the wineries in this region will range from $8-$20 USD per tasting – which is an absolute steal if you’re a California native like me and you know that tastings at home cost twice (sometimes 3x) as much.
Where to stay in Franschhoek
Located only a half hour away from Stellenbosch, Franschhoek is another major wine region in South Africa. Personally, I find Franschhoek a bit more quaint and intimate than Stellenbosch, but both places are an absolute must when visiting the area.
For accommodation, I recommend checking out these boutique hotels: La Clé Lodge, L’Ermitage Franschhoek Chateau and Villas, La Cotte Farm, and the Protea Hotel by Marriott Franschhoek (I know this is a chain which I’m usually allergic to but I’ve stayed at quite a few Protea by Marriott’s in South Africa and I think they are great value for money, and the location of these hotels can’t be beat).
Wineries to visit in Franschhoek
Similar to Stellenbosch, there are just SO MANY wineries to choose from in Franschhoek. To avoid rushing to see it all, these are my top 3 recommendations for Franschhoek wineries: Haute Cabrière (absolute must), Rupert & Rothschild, and Dieu Donné Vineyards.
Bonus: Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour
Instead of spending a couple nights in wine region, some people prefer to stay in Cape Town and just visit for the day which is also a great option! If you prefer to spend more time in Cape Town or are shorter on time, then you absolutely need to book the Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour which includes roundtrip transportation, access to the hop-on hop-off wine tram with the option of two different routes, and a complimentary tasting sized glass of wine while on the tram. We booked this via GetYourGuide back in 2022 when I first visited South Africa and it was so much fun!
Depending on your budget, you can also use this as a way to get to the area and explore the different wineries and then just call an uber back to Cape Town which is what we did because we wanted to stay longer to watch the sunset at Haute Cabrière.
Days 8-10: Cape Town’s Iconic Landmarks
For your final few days in South Africa, there’s no better place than to spend it in Cape Town. Assuming you’ve done some research already before landing on my page, you probably already saw for yourself how beautiful the beaches are here and how there’s no shortage of attractions and things to do.
Where to stay in Cape Town
I’ll admit – it can be a bit overwhelming when it comes to deciding on where to stay in Cape Town. There are just SO MANY different options to choose from – and there are a lot of equally amazing and affordable hotels in this area. When choosing a place, I think it really just comes down to what you want to be closest to. I think most of you know this by now but I’m very much Team Hotel (specifically boutique hotels) so apologies in advance that you won’t find any Airbnb recommendations below.
If you want to be walking distance to all the bars, restaurants, and main tourist attractions – then I would recommend staying near the V&A Waterfront (this is also where the Franschhoek Wine Tram Tour departs from so it’s a good choice for those wanting to do a day trip to the wineries). Some of my favorite boutique properties in this area include O’Two Boutique Hotel, Queen Victoria Hotel Cape Town, Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront (we stayed here for NYE a couple years ago and loved it), and the Radisson RED V&A Waterfront.
A few other properties in and around Cape Town that have gorgeous aesthetic, impeccable design, and phenomonal hospitaly include Gorgeous George, The Silo Hotel, The Winchester Hotel & Spa, and Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel (hotel goals if you ask me).
If you’re like me and prefer to be near the ocean, then I highly recommend booking a place in Clifton or Camp’s Bay which is located a bit further south from the city center. On our last visit over Thanksgiving, we spent 3 nights at POD Camp’s Bay and I’m already counting down the days until we get to go back.
The location of POD Camp’s Bay is unbeatable – literally 20 steps away from the beach and 2 blocks away Victoria Road – which is the main street that’s filled with trendy restaurants, bars, shops, and more.
Things to do and see in Cape Town
I think one of my favorite things about Cape Town is that there’s something to do for everyone. Whether you’re visiting with family/children, on your special honeymoon, or doing some solo travel – it’s just one of those destinations that caters to every kind of traveler.
Swim with penguins on Boulder’s Beach in Simon’s Town
If you’re looking for a totally Instagrammable moment – then this is it! And even if you don’t have social media, you definitely don’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity where you get to swim with the cutest penguins in the world! I would suggest using Uber again to get to Simon’s Town or booking a day tour with GetYourGuide. There are a few options that include Cape Point aka Cape of Good Hope as well. I’ve done both and highly recommend either one – both options are easy to organize.
Discover the beauty of Lions Head and Table Mountain
Lace up your hiking boots and make your way to THE #1 viewpoint in all of South Africa – Lions Head and Table Mountain. It’s best to start early in the day and make sure you pack the sunscreen, wear comfortable clothes, and carry lots of water! The African heat is no joke.
Soak up the sun at Clifton Beach
Nowhere else in the world does summer better than South Africans on Clifton Beach (okay maybe Australia comes close). I’ve visited a lot of incredible beaches around the world and Clifton Beach is easily in my Top 3. For me, it’s the incredible turquoise hues of the ocean and white sandy beaches combined with the backdrop of the Twelve Apostles mountain range. Not to mention, there are FOUR beaches of Clifton to choose from with each of them offering something special.
Explore the colorful neighborhood of Bo-Kaap
What’s better than warm weather and colorful streets? I highly recommend making a stop to see the vibrant hues of Bo-Kaap’s historic streets which reflects the deep history of South Africa during Apartheid. The streets are so colorful because originally, the houses in Bo-Kaap were rented to southeast Asian slaves, and during this time, it was mandatory for all houses to be painted in plain white. Eventually, the slaves gained the opportunity to purchase these homes and upon becoming owners, they transformed the houses by painting them in bright and beautiful colors, symbolizing a celebration of freedom and happiness.
Enjoy lunch and an all-day game drive at Aquila Game Reserve
If you didn’t get enough animals in the first part of your trip – then don’t fret! You can go on a day trip to the nearby Aquila Game Reserve for more game drive and safari fun! Although since your visit to Kruger, you probably know by now that no one in South Africa actually refers to game drives as “safaris”. If you’re near Cape Town, I highly recommend this day tour which includes a thrilling all-day game drive and lunch! (If you’re visiting the Garden Route as well on this trip, I also can’t recommend Botlierskop Private Game Reserve enough).
Check out the nightlife in Cape Town!
There are so many amazing restaurants and nightlife in Cape Town! My favorite part is to head down to Camp’s Bay and go bar hopping along Victoria Road which has a bunch of different restaurants, lounges, and bars to choose from. My favorites are Café Caprice (an absolute staple), Tiger’s Milk, and Cause Effect Cocktail Kitchen!
Go for a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak
Chapman’s Peak Drive is renowned for being one of the most picturesque coastal routes globally, often referred to as the “Chappies” by locals. Spanning approximately 5 miles, this beautiful winding road offers panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. This is where having a rental car is an absolute must so you can take your time stopping along all the beautiful viewpoints on the way! Pro tip: Head to the end first and plan your day around heading back towards Cape Town just in time for sunset!
Day 10: Traveling Home from South Africa
Well, you’ve officially made it to your final day in South Africa. If you’re like me, you’re probably leaving the country filled with an abundance of happiness from all the $10 filet mignons and red wine you’ve indulged in over the last 10 days. You’re also probably leaving with hundreds of photos of all the incredible wildlife you witnessed over the last 10 days – which will be perfect for sifting through on your long journey back home.
Visiting other parts of South Africa?
Check out my other travel guides on Africa here.
Comments Off on The Complete 10 Day South Africa Travel Itinerary