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The Excellent 2-Week South Africa Itinerary – Wild Junket Journey Journey Weblog


Final Up to date on June 27, 2022 by Nellie Huang

Dreaming of an epic South Africa journey? Take a look at my detailed 2-week South Africa itinerary that brings you from the coast to the savanna.

If you happen to assume South Africa is all about wildlife safari, assume once more. The nation is among the most numerous I’ve been — with cosmopolitan cities alongside dramatic coastlines that fringe wild savannas and rugged mountain vary.

You’ll be able to simply go from game-driving within the African bushveld to browsing on the seaside or wine-tasting at lush vineyards in a matter of hours. Plus it’s dwelling to many historic websites which have witnessed some main turning factors in world’s historical past.

I really like South Africa a lot that I’ve been 4 occasions! On every journey, I’ve found a unique aspect to the multi-faceted nation. For first-timer guests, I’ve put collectively this South Africa itinerary to pack in the perfect of South Africa in 2 weeks.

The Final South Africa Itinerary & Information

Methods to Get to South Africa

The principle gateway to South Africa are the Cape City Worldwide Airport (CPT) and OR Tambo Worldwide Airport (JNB). South African Airways is the nationwide airline and serves many main cities on the planet.

This South Africa itinerary begins and ends in Cape City. Yow will discover flights from New York to Cape City through Istanbul for round US$750 return. For these in Europe, you may fly direct from London to Nairobi (9hours) for round $550 return.

2 weeks in south africa on safari

Present South Africa Journey Restrictions

All land and air borders to South Africa at the moment are open. Vaccinated vacationers should present proof of vaccination, whereas unvaccinated vacationers should present legitimate detrimental COVID-19 check outcomes, obtained no more than 72 hours earlier than the date of journey. Youngsters underneath 6 are exempted. Test the South Africa authorities web site for up-to-date data.

It’s essential to have journey insurance coverage for journey in the course of the pandemic. Security Wing is the most well-liked journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I exploit their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as another sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Seek advice from my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.


Methods to Get Round South Africa

By Automobile Rental

The easiest way to get round South Africa is by automobile rent. Most roads are in good situation and all highway indicators are in English. We’ve pushed South Africa a number of occasions, and by no means had any difficulty. 

You don’t want a 4WD and automobile rental is admittedly reasonably priced right here (costs as little as $200 for two weeks in South Africa).  You’ll be able to even do self-drive safari in sure nationwide parks and reserves. I counsel hiring a automobile in Cape City on the airport and one other one in Johannesburg.

car rental in south africa - family travel

By Airplane

Because the nation is large, you’ll have to fly to get from the Cape City to Johannesburg. Home flights are relatively low-cost — you could find the least expensive flight from Johannesburg to Cape City on Mango Airways for US$70. Mango flights are among the least expensive you’ll discover.

It’s additionally attainable to fly from Johannesburg to Nelspruit (nearest city to Kruger NP)on Airlink for simply $70 every approach. Flying cuts down the journey time from 6 hours by highway to simply 40 minutes.

drakensberg mountains south africa trip


Greatest Time to Journey South Africa

South Africa is a year-round vacation spot. Relying on the place you journey in South Africa, every area has completely different local weather and wildlife alternatives.

On the whole, the perfect time to go to South Africa is from Could to September. These are the cooler winter months within the northern areas (Johannesburg space), which deliver excellent circumstances for viewing large sport.

Summer time in South Africa runs from November to February. Throughout these months, the southern coast (Cape City space) has lovely, scorching, dry climate. The common temperature is round 73-79 °F (23-26°C). One of the best time to go to the Cape for whale watching is between July and November.

Boulders beach in south africa - must see in south africa


2 Weeks in South Africa

With 2 weeks in South Africa, you’ll barely scratch the floor of this mega-diverse nation. However you’ll nonetheless have the ability to expertise the perfect of South Africa in 2 weeks, when you comply with this itinerary.

On this South Africa itinerary, we are going to get to discover primarily the Cape, Johannesburg and Kruger areas. I like to recommend hiring a automobile in every space and flying between Cape City and Jo’burg.

Abstract of this South Africa Itinerary:

  • Days 1-3: Cape City
  • Day 4: Day Journey to Cape Peninsula
  • Day 5: Day Journey to Cape Winelands
  • Day 6: Fly to Johannesburg
  • Day 7: Day Journey to Cradle of Humankind
  • Days 8-10: Welgevonden Non-public Reserve
  • Days 11-13: Kruger Nationwide Park
  • Day 14: Fly dwelling!

south africa itinerary on map


South Africa Itinerary Day 1: Cape City

Begin your South Africa itinerary within the Mom Metropolis: Cape City, one among my favourite cities on the planet. Cape City is a shocking coastal metropolis fringed by dramatic seashores and topped by the magnificent Desk Mountain.

Discover V&A Waterfront

Get your bearings on the V&A Waterfront, dwelling to South Africa’s oldest harbor. If you happen to’re fortunate (like me), there are excessive probabilities of seeing sea lions swimming across the harbor or suntanning on the deck right here.

With epic views of the Desk Mountain and a central location, the waterfront is a well-liked hangout spot for Capetonians. Right this moment it’s a assortment of eating places and outlets providing contemporary produce and native merchandise.

V&A Waterfront cape town south africa

Go to Nelson Mandela’s Cell on Robben Island

The V&A Waterfront is the place you may catch the ferry to Robben Island (which departs each 1-2 hours). Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years of political imprisonment right here on the island.

The Robben Island tour is led by a former political prisoner, who’ll deliver you to key websites on the island while recounting his personal private story of imprisonment right here. It provides a sobering however insightful peek into the oppression of the apartheid regime. E-book your tour right here!

robben island - 2 weeks in south africa

Wander round Bo Kaap

After the eye-opening go to, head to Cape City’s most colourful neighborhood: Bo Kaap. This small downtown neighborhood is the Cape Malay Quarter and is known for the multicolour single-story Cape Dutch homes.

The origins of the realm date again to the 1700s when the Dutch colonisers imported slaves from Malaysia, Indonesia and Africa to Cape City. When slavery was abolished within the 1830s, the slaves painted their houses in vibrant colours to have fun their freedom.

visit bo kaap in cape town

Watch Sundown at Camps Bay

Due to its location by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape City is blessed with lovely seashores and a browsing tradition. Among the best seashores to catch sundown is Camps Bay, poised alongside the foothills of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Vary.

Camps Bay is lined with palm timber, white sand and buzzing seaside bars. Do a romantic picnic along with your companion or sit in one of many cool seaside bars and watch the solar fade into the Atlantic Ocean with a cocktail in hand!

south africa road trip - sunset at camps bay

The place to Keep in Cape City:

There are a couple of areas most vacationers keep in: the V&A Waterfront has principally luxurious motels, Lengthy Avenue has mid vary boutique motels, whereas Camps Bay is nice for reasonably priced residences with wonderful seaviews.

Airbnb: Camps Bay Condo

This lovely 2-bedroom residence (for 4) in Camps Bay has gorgeous views of the mountains and sea. It additionally has a pool and big terrace. Surprisingly reasonably priced! Test charges right here.

Mid Vary: The Grand Daddy

On my second journey, I stayed at this quirky boutique resort and completely beloved it. Its rooftop has a number of Airstream trailers (the place you may keep in!) and an outside bar with cinema nights. Test charges right here.

Luxurious: The Desk Bay Lodge

I stayed at this iconic landmark resort (pictured) on my first journey to South Africa and it left an incredible first impression. Situated on the V&A Waterfront, the 5-star luxurious resort has lovely views of the harbor and Desk Mountain. Test charges right here.

table bay hotel in cape town south africa


South Africa Itinerary Day 2: Cape City

What makes Cape City such a shocking place shouldn’t be the town itself, however relatively the situation. Desk Mountain dominates the town, looming over the Metropolis Bowl and Camps Bay space. There are two methods to summit Desk Mountain – by cable automobile or on foot. I like to recommend climbing to the highest and descending by cable automobile for the total expertise.

Hike up Desk Mountain

Mountain climbing Desk Mountain is an excellent strategy to discover the indigenous fynbos (sort of forest), spot wildlife just like the dassies (rock hyrax), and revel in spectacular views.

The best and quickest path to the highest is through Platteklip Gorge, which leads hikers by means of a ravine on the face of the mountain. This route takes round 1.5-2 hours to finish and is the most well-liked.

highlight of any south africa trip - table mountain

Take the Cable Automobile Down

On the summit, there’s a possibility to discover the mountain prime alongside three simple trails affording 360-degree views of the town, Atlantic Seaboard and the mountain chain stretching throughout the Cape Peninsula.

To get down, catch the Desk Mountain aerial cableway. Tickets are round USD $20-25 per grownup. They’ve been ferrying passengers to the highest of Desk Mountain for nearly 90 years, and with its 360* rotating flooring and epic views its positively value taking the journey.

cable car to table mountain - first stop in south africa itinerary

Different: Paraglide Off Lion’s Head

If you happen to’re an journey seeker, there are many thrilling methods to discover the Desk Mountain Nationwide Park. Abseil off the highest of Desk Mountain or go mountain biking with a gaggle. I went paragliding off Lion’s Head and it was a surreal expertise flying so near the highest of Desk Mountain! E-book Your Expertise right here.

paragliding off lion's head - visit south africa


Itinerary Day 3: Cape City

To get underneath the floor of Cape City, head out to the townships or casual settlements, or townships. These ramshackle cities that spill out for miles alongside the highways are probably the most seen scars of the apartheid period, when non-whites have been pressured out of their houses.

Go to the Townships of Cape City

Visiting townships will be controversial, however I imagine that touring with a accountable operator could make an enormous distinction and produce consideration to individuals who need assistance.

I went on a township biking tour by means of Masiphumelele, a township on the fringe of Kommetjie. The tour introduced us into the township, assembly locals and attending to know them. We had pap (maize porridge) and braai (barbecue) at an area eatery, and visited a sangoma (conventional healer). It was completely insightful and positively definitely worth the expertise.

visiting township in cape town

Spend the Night at Lengthy Avenue

Operating by means of the centre of Cape City is Lengthy Avenue, a vibrant highway flanked by native eateries and bars. That is the palpitating coronary heart of Cape City and it actually comes alive at evening.

I stayed at Lengthy Avenue on one among my journeys to South Africa, and had such a very good time hanging out with locals right here. Don’t miss Mama Africa that serves meals from throughout Africa, in addition to Lengthy Avenue Cafe, a Cape City establishment set in an outdated Victorian-style constructing.

long street cape town


Itinerary Day 4: Cape Peninsula

Subsequent day, hire a automobile and go on a scenic drive to the Cape Peninsula, and southwesternmost level of the African continent! If you happen to don’t drive, take a look at this Cape Level day tour.

The highway hugs the cliff, meandering alongside the sting of the Desk Mountain all the way in which to Cape of Good Hope. On one aspect, the steep slopes plunge dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean; and on the opposite, needle-sharp peaks soar into the sky.

drive chapmans peak cape peninsula - 2 week trip south africa

Go to Charming Fishing Villages

Begin out from Muizenberg (identified for the colourful homes on the seaside) and make your first cease at Kalk Bay, a bohemian village plagued by a flurry of vintage outlets, flea markets and indie boutiques.

Proceed right down to Simon’s City, the third oldest city in South Africa. The city is finest identified for the African Penguin colony that inhabit the close by Boulders Seashore. A wood boardwalk weaves by means of the penguin’s habitat, permitting intimate encounters with the lovable little animals. 

muizenberg beach houses - south africa blog

penguin on boulders beach

Hike alongside Trails and BoardWalks

After making a cease on the Cape of Good Hope, proceed driving in direction of the Cape Level lighthouse, set dramatically in opposition to the crashing ocean. Cliff trails wind across the vegetation and result in the lighthouse, we took simply twenty minutes to hike alongside the path, earlier than we have been handled to expansive views of the ocean.

cape of good hope - must stop on this south africa itinerary

boardwalk at cape lighthouse - best places to visit in south africa

Do the Chapman’s Peak Drive

Drive again through the Atlantic Seaboard by means of the city of Scarborough and the attractive browsing seaside of Noordhoek. The day journey culminates at Chapman’s Peak Drive, the place you may drink in a view of the crescent-shaped bay and spot sealions and sharks swimming beneath. 

chapmans peak - planning a trip to south africa


Itinerary Day 5: Cape Winelands

In your final day in Cape City, drive out to the gorgeous Cape Winelands (1 hour away) and go to a few of South Africa’s most well-known wine estates.  It’s also possible to ebook a Cape Winelands tour or winelands ebike tour that features a few tastings.

The hottest city of the Cape Winelands is Stellenbosch, and it’s positively value visiting for its photogenic setting. If in case you have some additional time, don’t miss the equally lovely Franschhoek only a 30-minute drive away. 

Go to Spier Wine Farm

That is one among Stellenbosch’s oldest working wineries, with a heritage courting again to 1692. The house owners are passionate artwork lovers and the vineyard is dwelling to one of many largest collections of up to date South African artwork on the planet.

cape winelands - day trip to stellenbosch from cape town

Style Peter Falke Wine

Get pleasure from wine tasting on the Groenvlei Property, and admire the normal 18th century Cape Dutch buildings. The beautiful vineyard is open for tastings from Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm.

winery and vineyards - trip to south africa

Experience the Wine Tram

Then, hop on the classic Franschoek wine tram, to tour wineries with out getting behind the wheel of a automobile. You’ll be able to hop on and off everytime you need and go to as much as 5 wineries in a day. You might want to ebook your tickets upfront.

franschoek wine tram - things to do in cape town


South Africa Itinerary Day 6: Johannesburg

It’s time to discover extra of South Africa! Catch a home flight to Johannesburg, South Africa’s greatest metropolis. Flights from Cape City often value round US$70 every approach.

Many individuals skip Jo’burg altogether, however they miss out on many insightful museums and historic websites which are quintessential to any South Africa journey. The town is now devoted to preserving the reminiscences of heroes who reworked the nation into what it’s in the present day. 

NOTE: Security remains to be a problem in Johannesburg. Don’t stroll round at evening, and don’t depart something seen within the automobile.

Go to Apartheid Museum

Hire one other automobile and make a beeline for the Apartheid Museum, a must-see in my view. It’s a sobering expertise, however a vital one if you wish to perceive South Africa’s historical past and identification.

The museum exhibits the rise and fall of the apartheid system by means of spine-chilling movie footage, pictures and historic artifacts. It’s an emotional and eye-opening expertise — put together to shed some tears. E-book a guided tour upfront right here.

apartheid museum - south africa itineraries

Discover Soweto Township

Quick for “South Western Township”, Soweto is the epicenter for a lot of essential turning factors all through South Africa’s historical past. It’s simple and protected to discover Soweto by yourself, however when you want to have a information, take a look at this guided township tour.

Essentially the most well-known spot in Soweto is Vilakazi Avenue – as soon as dwelling to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Mandela’s former abode is now a museum, and Archbishop Tutu nonetheless resides in his Soweto dwelling.

One other Soweto museum thats recount the wrestle to finish apartheid embody the somber Hector Pieterson Museum that honors the schoolchildren slain in a police bloodbath.

nelson mandela museum in soweto - 10 day south africa itinerary

hector pietersen museum - soweto johannesburg

Dine at Carnivore Restaurant

Probably the most well-known eating places in Jo’burg is Carnivore, situated in Muldersdrift (you’ll want a automobile or taxi to get right here). It affords genuine African braai (barbecue) and a buffet of grilled venison meat and South African aspect dishes. E-book a desk right here!

carnivore restaurant - vacation in south africa

The place to Keep in Johannesburg:

Johannesburg is much more unfold out than Cape City — you’ll want a automobile irrespective of the place you’re staying. Maboneng has some hipster boutique motels, whereas Sandton (upscale residential space) affords loads of well-priced Airbnb and luxurious residences.

Airbnb: One Hyde Park

One Hyde Park has reasonably priced, luxurious 1/2-bedroom residences in Sandton, excellent for {couples} or households. This explicit Airbnb has a totally geared up kitchen and pool. Test charges right here.

Mid Vary: Hallmark Lodge

I’ve stayed at this resort a couple of occasions and at all times loved my keep. It’s a singular boutique resort proper within the coronary heart of Downtown Jo’burg, serving wonderful meals of their restaurant. Test charges right here.

Luxurious: Odyssey Luxurious Flats

On our most up-to-date journey, we stayed at Odyssey (pictured) because the residence is spacious (for households) and never overly costly. It’s additionally a 5-minute stroll from Morningside Procuring Centre in Sandton. Test charges right here.

odyssey luxury apartments - where to stay in johannesburg


South Africa Itinerary Day 7: Cradle of Humankind

Subsequent, rise early for a day journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Web site: The Cradle of Humankind. It’s internationally recognised because the place the place humankind started.

Found in 1924, the first-ever hominid fossil is on show right here on the Maropeng Customer Centre. There are13 excavation websites, together with the Sterkfontein Caves. It’s also possible to catch a glimpse of pre-human cranium dubbed “Mrs Ples”, and a near-complete hominid skeleton known as “Little Foot”.

Additionally located throughout the World Heritage website reserve is the Lion and Safari Park, a 1,000ha (2,471-acre) animal sanctuary. You’ll be able to ebook a guided sport drive or go wildlife-watching in your personal rented car. If you happen to’re not driving, take a look at today tour.

cradle of humankind - day trip from johannesburg

caves day trip from joburg - 1 week south africa itinerary


Itinerary Days 8-10: Welgevonden Recreation Reserve

Lastly, it’s time to go into the African bushveld to see the Huge 5! There’s no scarcity of nationwide parks and reserves close to Johannesburg — I like to recommend Welgevonden because it’s 3 hours from Jozi and it breaks down the lengthy drive to Kruger Nationwide Park.

Welgevonden is a small, non-public reserve. There’s a restrict on automobiles allowed within the park, so it’s not as saturated as many Kruger. I truly want small reserves as animals are extra concentrated and simpler to identify. I like to recommend a minimum of 2 nights right here as you’ll have solely 2 sport drives/day.

Welgevonden is dwelling to over 50 completely different mammals, together with the Huge 5, hippo, kudu, giraffe, zebra, warthog, and cheetah. The reserve additionally has one of many largest populations of white rhino of any of Africa’s non-public reserves. We noticed lots, which is a good signal of the work they’re doing in opposition to poaching!

rhino in welgevonden - wildlife safari in south africa

lilac breasted roller - game driving in south africa

Important Information on Wildlife Safari

What You Must Learn about Recreation Drives

Recreation drives are at all times round daybreak (6-9am) and nightfall (5-8pm). Every sport drive can run as much as three hours lengthy, and may generally contain lots of driving and no indicators of animals. 

Some reserves permit self-drive safaris, whereas others don’t. Now we have executed each, and advocate doing guided sport drives as wildlife guides are significantly better as recognizing animals and may share attention-grabbing data on wildlife. Learn my detailed safari packing listing.

In Africa, a lodge isn’t only a place to sleep — it’s the place you’ll be doing stress-free and spending all of your time at. When selecting your safari lodge, think about these factors:

  • Are sport drives included? Most lodges embody 2 drives/day.
  • Is it a fenced property? Some lodges aren’t fenced i.e. you may discover a zebra exterior your door within the morning!
  • Does the lodge have a waterhole the place animals come for water on a regular basis? If sure, you’ll get to view animals proper out of your porch.
  • Is there a pool? It may be a good way to chill down within the afternoons.
  • What services does it have? Don’t have look forward to finding WiFi at even probably the most unique safari lodge.
  • If you happen to’re happening safari with children, test in the event that they settle for kids. In South Africa, many safari lodges have a minimal age requirement — usually 6 or 8.

safari jeep - visit south africa

swimming pool at safari lodge

The place to Keep in Welgevonden:

Sadly safari lodges are costly and there aren’t any price range choices in non-public reserves like Welgevonden. However understand that all of your meals, lodging and sport drives are included.

Price range: La Rive Waterberg Lodging

At 14 miles (22km) from Welgevonden Recreation Reserve, this guesthouse has an outside pool and cozy rooms with mountain views. Test charges right here.

Mid Vary: Ekuthuleni Lodge

We stayed at this lodge on our current journey and had the perfect time. Learn my detailed assessment. With solely 5 suites, this intimate safari lodge is unique and opulent. The two-level bungalows are unbelievable for households on African safari with children.  Test charges right here.

Luxurious: Clifftop Unique Safari Hideaway 

Situated on the sting of a cliff overlooking the Sterkstroom River, this luxurious lodge options suites with non-public terraces and plunge swimming pools surrounded by the indigenous bushveld. Test charges right here.

ekuthuleni lodge welgevonden


Itinerary Days 11-13: Kruger Nationwide Park

We’ve saved the perfect for the final — put together for the spotlight of your South Africa journey! Kruger is undoubtedly the biggest and hottest nationwide park in South Africa. Right here’s the place you’re going to get the perfect wildlife watching alternatives.

The nationwide park has a excessive density of wildlife — together with all types of fowl life and the Huge 5. I had my closest wildlife experiences right here in Kruger: being charged by an elephant, seeing lions mate, and watching the lilac breast curler exhibiting off his rainbow coloured feathers.

You’ll need to spend a minimum of 3 nights in Kruger. Each single sport drive is exclusive and also you’ll get completely different experiences. I like to recommend reserving guided sport drives as guides are educated to identify animals from a distance. 

highlight of south africa trip - elephant in kruger

hunderds of buffalos in kruger national park

The place to Keep in Kruger:

Kruger is huge, and there are various camps throughout the nationwide park itself and within the Higher Kruger space, however they’re expensive. If you happen to’re on a price range, I counsel staying in Hazyview simply exterior the park. Nevertheless, you’ll be lacking out on the possibility to sleep within the bush and get up to sounds of wildlife exterior your window.

Price range: Tjimaka

Situated exterior of Hazyview, Tjimaka options self-catering lodging 20 minutes’ drive from Kruger. Overlooking a small lake, rooms are geared up with cooking services and an outside pool. Test charges right here.

Mid Vary: Sabie River Bush Lodge

On the banks of the Sabie River, this bush lodge overlooks the river and nationwide park. The posh bush tents provide nice worth for cash  with an outside deck, pool and playground. Test charges right here.

Luxurious: Hamiltons Tented Camp

Situated inside Kruger NP, this 5-star luxurious tented lodge is surrounded by historical timber and wildlife. Embellished in colonial fashion, its luxurious tents characteristic teak flooring and classic furnishings harking back to safaris within the early twentieth century. Test charges right here.

hamiltons tented camp - where to stay in kruger


South Africa Itinerary Day 14: Fly dwelling!

Sadly your 2 weeks in South Africa have come to an finish. It’s a 6-hour drive again to Johannesburg from Kruger Nationwide Park. Be sure to present your self sufficient time to catch your flight dwelling.

I counsel staying at an airport resort to relaxation up earlier than flying dwelling the subsequent day. Protea Lodge by Marriott Transit is situated contained in the airport terminal and is a wonderful place to relaxation earlier than flying.


Extra South Africa Itinerary Concepts

If you happen to’ve received greater than 2 weeks in South Africa, there are positively much more of the nation value exploring. Listed below are some elements of South Africa that I’ve been and would advocate visiting.

Gaansbaai

Journey seekers alert! Simply 1-2 hour’s drive from Cape City is the city of Gaansbaai, well-known for its dense inhabitants of nice white sharks. Right here you may go cage shark diving, an exhilarating expertise the place you stand up near the nice white. Find out how misunderstood these creatures are and get to know them on a deeper stage.

cage shark diving in gaansbaai cape town

Backyard Route

Probably the most well-known highway journeys in South Africa, the Backyard Route is a scenic and ecologically numerous area close to Cape City. It stretches 300-kilometers (190 miles) from Mossel Bay (a 5+ hour drive from Cape City), ending in Storms River. You’ll be able to positively add this to your itinerary in case you have 3 weeks in South Africa. Don’t miss the Addo Elephant Nationwide Park, one of many finest nationwide parks in South Africa.

view of the garden route - south africa itineraries

Saint Lucia

House to the iSimangliso Wetland Park, St Lucia is an journey hub providing a number of outside actions and wildlife safari alternatives. Take a cruise within the estuary and spot a whole lot of hippos and crocodiles,  or go on a whale watching tour to see humpbacks within the Indian Ocean.

hippo cruise in st lucia south africa

Durban

Durban is a hip, coastal metropolis with the vitality and character of an African metropolis intertwined with British heritage and Asian affect. Keep on the iconic Oyster Field Lodge, admire colonial structure in downtown Durban, strive a dish of bunny chow that Durban is oh-so-famous for, or take an extended stroll alongside the beachfront boulevard of Umhlanga Rocks.

durban south africa

Drakensberg Mountains

Recognized affectionately because the Berg, the mighty Drakensberg Mountains are completely spectacular. The rugged mountains are sometimes described as a ‘barrier of spears’, which runs alongside the border of South Africa and Lesotho. We spent a couple of days right here when touring to Lesotho and have been completely floored by the dramatic landscapes. 

drakensberg mountains south africa


How A lot Does this South Africa Itinerary Price?

South Africa isn’t an inexpensive vacation spot, however it’s positively extra reasonably priced than most of US, UK and Canada. Automobile rental is reasonable, you could find charges as little as $15/day. Lodging can be reasonably priced — you could find luxurious residences on Airbnb for $70/evening.

Nevertheless, wildlife safaris are typically costly, with lodges charging a minimal of $250/evening. Understand that all of your meals, lodging and sport drives are included. The most cost effective 3-day price range safari in Kruger you could find is $450/ particular person.

Anticipate to spend a minimum of $2000 over 2 weeks in South Africa. That is based mostly on midrange lodging and hiring your personal automobile.

money in south africa


Journey South Africa Independently or on Guided Tour?

South Africa is comparatively simple to discover independently, particularly within the space surrounding Cape City. I like to recommend hiring a automobile and doing the South Africa journey by yourself.

If you happen to don’t drive, it may be simpler to affix a guided tour. Having a information, particularly within the nationwide parks, could make an enormous distinction as wildlife guides are educated to identify animals and have a wealth of information on wildlife.

On my first journey to South Africa, I went on this 28-day Southern Africa Overland tour with G Adventures. I’ve traveled with G Adventures many occasions (to Antarctica, Brazil, Mongolia and Nepal) and had a blast on each single journey. For these with simply 2 weeks in South Africa, take a look at this 10-day Cape City to Kruger journey. 

camping safari in south africa

If you happen to’re solely searching for price range tenting safaris, take a look at these price range wildlife safari that embody transport from main cities:


Well being and Vaccines in South Africa

Sure elements of South Africa have malaria and yellow fever dangers. Kruger Nationwide Park, as an illustration, is a malaria zone. There are a couple of instructed vaccinations and drugs for South Africa, however none are necessary. 

For malaria, seek the advice of your physician and produce malaria medicine from dwelling (Malarone is the most well-liked). Observe that they could have negative effects. You’ll want to start out taking them a couple of days earlier than your journey and proceed for a couple of weeks after your South Africa journey.

Don’t depart this till the final minute. Test the CDC web site to see what vaccinations you want.

Urged vaccinations for South Africa:

  • Yellow fever
  • Meningitis
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis A and B
  • Cholera

south africa itinerary - giraffe in kruger


Get pleasure from Your Journey to South Africa!

2 weeks in South Africa will certainly will let you expertise the perfect of the nation.  I hope this South Africa itinerary will make it easier to plan your personal journey. Be happy to bookmark it or print it out and produce this itinerary with you in your South Africa journey.

In our opinion, that is the perfect South Africa highway journey you are able to do. It’s the proper steadiness of wildlife, outside, historic and cultural experiences. It’s not too rushed and also you’ll get to see South Africa at a snug tempo.

Make sure you depart a remark under in case you have any questions. We’ll be completely satisfied to assist in any approach we are able to!

Disclaimer: This submit incorporates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. I’ll get a small fee while you ebook something by means of my hyperlinks, at NO additional value to you. I solely advocate firms I’ve personally used and loved.


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MY TOP TRAVEL RESOURCES

Over time (and touring to 140+ nations), I’ve discovered a factor or two about journey planning. I’ve put collectively this listing of journey sources that I personally use to seek out the perfect offers and ebook journey! For extra particulars, take a look at my journey ideas useful resource web page.

  • Reserving Flights: Kayak is sensible for locating the perfect dates to fly because it means that you can seek for the bottom airfares inside a 3-day interval. Then I exploit Skyscanner as they’ve constantly given me the bottom airfares. 
  • Lodging: I at all times use Reserving.com to ebook motels, primarily due to the versatile cancellation coverage and good customer support. It’s also possible to discover short-term rental residences there (I want to not use Airbnb as a result of additional expenses).
  • Journey Insurance coverage: It’s essential to have journey insurance coverage, no matter whether or not you’re touring for a couple of days or months. Security Wing is the most well-liked journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I exploit their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers any healthcare bills I could have worldwide. Seek advice from my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
  • Well being Recommendation: I at all times consult with the journey guides on the CDC web site for advisable drugs and vaccines. You will get them at your journey physician’s workplace or a walk-in pharmacy.
  • Excursions: If you happen to’re searching for all-encompassing excursions, I like to recommend small-group journey tour clothes shop, G Adventures. I’ve traveled with them to Antarctica, Mongolia, Svalbard, and Nepal, and beloved each single journey. For day excursions, I at all times ebook with Viator and GetYourGuide; they’ve simple reserving programs and free cancellations.
  • Automobile Rental: I at all times ebook automobile leases on Uncover Automobiles, as they’ve constantly given us the perfect charges and customer support (with free cancellations). We’ve used them in Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Mexico.
  • Transportation: At any time when attainable, I ebook native transportation on-line utilizing Bookaway and Busbud. They’re extra dependable than many native transport web sites and canopy trains, buses, and automobile rent. 
  • Eating places: TripAdvisor is my go-to useful resource for restaurant evaluations and bookings. I additionally make restaurant reservations on OpenTable.
  • Journey WiFi: I at all times journey with my Journey WiFi Sapphire 2 system; it’s probably the most handy strategy to get web information on the go. As an alternative of getting an area SIM card in each nation I journey, I get an web information bundle on-line and the system works instantly once I land.



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