Five days might not seem like a lot for a country as big as South Africa, but it's enough to see the highlights—especially as part of a larger, multi-country tour of the region. A great option is to stay in Cape Town, with day trips to the Winelands region for tastings in rolling vineyards and Cape Peninsula to see the continent’s southwesternmost point. If nature and wildlife are your priority, opt for a 5-day safari in Kruger National Park, with flights into and out of nearby Johannesburg. Here, the famed African "Big Five" roam the wide-open landscapes.
Browse the options below or read our guide to the best 5-day trips in South Africa.
Lions can spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping, but you'll want to be awake for as much of this safari as possible. You've got five days to find your way to the animals of Kruger National Park with the help of guided game drives and walks, a visit to a rehabilitation center, and more.
Find some Cape Town favorites on this five-day trip. See out to the horizon from the Cape of Good Hope, into the past on Robbens Island, and forward to the cosmopolitan city's future on a walking tour through the busy streets.
See some of the highlights of Cape Town with this five-day trip. You'll cover plenty of ground—and even some waves—as you ride a sidecar, sea kayak, bicycle, and cable car through Cape Town's scenic surroundings.
Frolic through the fynbos on this five-day itinerary. You'll spend two days in Cape Town exploring the city and attractions along the Cape of Good Hope, then travel to the Cederberg Mountains, a natural reserve filled with hiking trails, ancient cave art, dramatic rock formations, and more.
Skip through a South Africa sojourn on this family adventure. You'll sail out of Cape Town on a pirate cruise, meet the famous Boulders Beach penguins, make friends on the farms of Franschoek, and more.
Sample a small slice of the Cape Town culinary scene with this five-day itinerary. You'll focus on the city and its surroundings as you both stroll the streets and venture out along the coast and into the Winelands, tasting as you go.
This quick South African getaway will take you to two of the best safari spots in the country and give you the best chance of spotting Big Five wildlife—perfect if it's your first time in the bush. Based in Kruger National Park and the adjoining Sabi Sands Game Reserve, you'll overnight at 5-star lodges outfitted with decadent amenities as you spend your days racing across the savanna on the lookout for lions, elephants, leopards, and more.
Looking to tack a quick safari adventure onto your South Africa vacation? This self-drive itinerary starts with game drives and bush walks in the unspoiled Sabi Sands Reserve. After spotting Big Five wildlife like lions and rhinos, you'll drive to Tzaneen to spend a day at a local farm and finish strong with nature hikes and thrilling zipline tours in the mountains of Limpopo province.
The big-name South African parks might draw the crowds, but you'll see a quieter side of the country on this brief sojourn to explore off-the-beaten-path nature reserves and private 5-star bush lodges. Add this five-day adventure to your itinerary for thrilling safari game drives on the vast savannas and bushveld landscapes of the northeast, and count on seeing iconic Big Five animals like lions and elephants. As a bonus, carve out time for pampering and relaxation at the lodge spas and wellness centers.
Add this five-day adventure to your South African vacation for the opportunity to get up close and personal with wildlife in family-friendly, malaria-free locations. It starts on the Eastern Cape at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, where you'll head out in a 4WD to see Big Five animals such as elephants, lions, and rhinos. Then, you're off to Port Alfred and the luxurious Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve. Take guided bush walks or game drives, relax on the reserve's private beach, and enjoy gourmet dinners.
