10 Days in South Africa - 5 Safari Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: South African Safari Highlights: Kruger, Sabi Sands & Cape Town

Perfect for first-time travelers, this well-rounded South Africa safari features game drives, luxury wilderness lodges, and time in Johannesburg and Cape Town. With two days each in Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, enjoy unhurried time to seek out the Big Five, embark on bush walks, and book in for spa treatments. Then, round off your adventure by soaking up the colorful culture and rugged coastal landscapes of Cape Peninsula.

Welcome to South Africa! Your adventure kicks off with an overnight stay in Johannesburg, which gives you the opportunity to shrug off travel fatigue while hopping between city sights independently. Then, catch a short flight north to Kruger National Park and check into the Rhino Post Safari Lodge. In addition to being the perfect base to embark on game drives and bush walks, you can also spot wildlife from the viewing platform of your private suite. After two nights here, continue to the nearby Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where another wilderness-surrounded lodge welcomes your arrival.

Over a three-day stay at Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, settle into a marvelous rhythm of cruising around in a 4WD safari vehicle, relaxing by the pool, and booking in for spa treatments. Next, swap the expansive plains for the coastal metropolis of Cape Town, which will be your home for the final three nights. Spend your first afternoon checking out city highlights, then tackle a food and culture tour in Bo Kaap and a hike of your choice up Table Mountain. While based in Cape Town, you'll also embark on a day trip to Cape Point before prepping for your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Adventurous Self-Drive Safari in South Africa

Take the wheel and explore South Africa's wildlife-filled plains and mountainous north on this epic self-drive itinerary. Johannesburg provides the perfect starting and ending point for the tour, while Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve gift you the opportunity to seek out the Big Five and rejuvenate at luxury lodges. To top it off, overnights in Hoedspruit and Graskop and a drive along the Panorama Route make this itinerary perfect for adventure seekers.

Johannesburg is the ideal starting point for this self-drive South Africa safari, and during an overnight stay, you'll enjoy a few of the city's cultural and historical highlights. Collect a rental car the following morning and conquer the 4-5-hour drive to Kruger National Park, where you'll check into the Mjejane River Lodge. There's only one thing on the agenda here—wildlife—and through numerous game drives, you'll have a chance to spot lions, elephants, rhinos, and more. Your next destination, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, promises more fascinating animal encounters, both on foot and through 4WD excursions.

Between Sabi Sands game drives, take advantage of the many amenities offered at your accommodation, the Umkumbe Bush Lodge. Then, hop back behind the wheel for a scenic drive to Ndlovumzi Game Reserve, where a Blyde River cruise introduces you to the region's dramatic geology. Your next destination, Angel's View luxury lodge is a sight to behold, but even the drive along the Panorama Route to get there promises to be a highlight. Continue your discovery of natural wonders the following day, with catered activities in Graskop Gorge planned, before returning to Johannesburg. Learn more

Itinerary #3: South Africa Luxury Safari: Cape Town, Winelands, Sabi Sands & White River

This relaxed luxury safari trip is perfect for wildlife-loving travelers with a fondness for upscale experiences. Throughout, you'll delight in game drives guided by experts, savor private wine-tasting tours in Cape Winelands, and hop between Cape Town's renowned city sights. In addition, stays at nature-immersed accommodations, including the elegant Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard and the 5-star Dulini luxury lodge, ensure you feel well-rejuvenated every step of the way.

Your luxury-infused safari begins with three days in Cape Town, the first two of which you'll spend checking out city sights and hopping between world-class restaurants. Stroll along the V&A Waterfront, ride a cable car up Table Mountain, sip cocktails at Zeitz MOCCA, and, in between, relax at the 5-star Tintswalo Atlantic. Then, head out of the city to spot the penguins of Boulder Beach before transferring to Franschhoek. Given that this charming town is tucked in the Cape Winelands region, you'll spend your time here hopping between beautiful wineries and strolling vineyards.

The second half of your adventure steers you to Sabi Sands Game Reserve, and after a quick refresh at the 5-star Dulini luxury lodge, a guide will pick you up for an introductory game drive. Delve deeper into your surroundings over the following two days through numerous game drives and guided bush walks, and don't forget to make time to enjoy your lodge's spa facilities and gourmet restaurant. Then, squeeze in a delightful transfer along the Panorama Route to White River, stopping en route to admire Berline Falls and the Blyde River Canyon before prepping for your departing flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Family-Friendly South Africa: Cape Town, Stellenbosch & Eastern Cape Safari

Ideal for families with younger children, this activity-filled tour offers an excellent mix of city fun, guide-led excursions, and kid-friendly game drives. Starting with four days in Cape Town, you'll soak up the city's vibrant culture and explore the famous sites of Cape Peninsula. Then, pause for two nights in Stellenbosch, where everyone can relax and enjoy one another's company while winery hopping. Lastly, top off the adventure with three memorable days of wildlife watching in the Shamwari Private Game Reserve.

With beautiful beaches, a lively waterfront, and, most importantly, plenty of kid-friendly attractions, Cape Town is the perfect destination to kick off your family trip. Spend the first two days of your stay ticking off fun activities, such as riding the Cape Wheel, taking a cable car up Table Mountain, and roaming the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Then, embark on two back-to-back day excursions, the first to Cape Point to admire penguins and seals and the second into the open sea for a whale watching cruise. Afterward, shift gears and head to Stellenbosch, where two days of family-focused winery tours await.

Your next and final destination, the Shamwari Private Game Reserve, promises to be a highlight for the entire family. Located in the malaria-free Eastern Cape and home to the Big Five, young ones and parents alike will be thrilled to fill three days with game drives and bush walks. As an added bonus, your accommodation, the Riverdene Family Lodge, offers an awesome Kids Safari Adventure Center, so if you choose, your young ones can enjoy a special day on their own. There's also an opportunity to meet big cats at the Julia Ward Center before transferring to Port Elizabeth to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #5: South Africa Off-the-Beaten-Track Safari

On this wildlife and culture-filled adventure, you'll leave the trodden trail and discover the untouched beauty of the Limpopo province. Perfect for those who enjoy keeping on the move, no two days are alike as you hop between tiny villages, expansive national parks, and private game reserves. Plus, with a rental car on hand and afternoons left open to conquer activities of your choosing, you can take the reins and cater days to your interests.

Upon arriving in Johannesburg, your off-the-beaten-track adventure gets off to an insightful start with a visit to Nelson Mandela's former home in Soweto. The following morning, collect your rental car and drive to Magoebaskloof, a mountainous region in Limpopo province that's home to seemingly endless nature activities. A two-night stay here ensures you have time to tick off those of your choosing, such as ziplining, hiking, and horseback riding. Then, get back behind the wheel for a drive to the small town of Makhado, which is the perfect base to experience the village-dotted Ribola Art Route. 

Continuing north, you'll reach Mapungubwe National Park and check into the savanna-surrounded Mopane Bush Lodge. Here, when you're not embarking on game drives, set time aside to ponder the remains of an ancient city on Mapungubwe Hill. Then, on Day 8, drive to your final overnight destination, the Welgevonden Game Reserve. This private conservation area is home to all sorts of fascinating safari animals, including the Big Five and rare white rhinos, and over two days here, you'll spot many of them on game drives before wrapping up your adventure with a drive back to Johannesburg. Learn more

More Great 10-Day South Africa Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to South Africa? Check out these other 10-day South Africa itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.