2 Weeks in South Africa - 5 Safari Itinerary Ideas

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

This two-week South African safari is perfect for first-time visitors seeking a well-rounded highlights tour. Between three-day stays in both Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands Game Reserve, there's plenty of time to embark on numerous game drives and bush walks in search of the Big Five. Additionally, you'll hop over to Zimbabwe to spend two days admiring Victoria Falls from all angles, then wrap up the trip in Cape Town, checking out city sights and nearby natural wonders.

Welcome to South Africa! After arriving in Johannesburg and taking a day to unwind from your flight, you'll hop on a plane bound for Kruger National Park. This is where your safari adventure really kicks off, and with three nights here, you'll have plenty of time to embark on game drives, bush walks, and laze at your wilderness-surrounded accommodation, the Rhino Post Safari Lodge. Next, transfer to Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where another three days of wildlife watching await. Your base, Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, again provides the perfect place to relax and enjoy delicious meals between game drives.

Next, venture along the stunning Panorama Route to White River before continuing to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival, check into a lovely lodge and spend the evening and the following two days ticking off activities of your choice, which can include a sunset cruise, helicopter flight, and guided walking tours. Afterward, it's time to fly to your final destination—Cape Town. Over a three-day stay, you'll have time to conquer a hike up Table Mountain, delve into a Cape Malay food tour, and spend an afternoon in Cape Point penguin watching and wine tasting before boarding your onward flight. Learn more

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

Hop behind the wheel and explore South Africa's wildlife-filled reserves and the rugged mountains of the north on this intrepid road trip. Crafted with nature enthusiasts in mind, you'll experience diverse ecosystems and landscapes as you venture between Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, Ndlovumzi Game Reserve, and the agricultural town of Tzaneen. Throughout, spot elephants, rhinos, lions, crocs, hippos, waterbirds, and more.

Your South African adventure begins in Johannesburg, where you'll spend a day checking out city sights before collecting a rental car and hitting the road to Kruger National Park. The main draw here is its impressive wildlife, and over a three-day stay, you'll have ample time to seek out elephants, lions, leopards, and more. Then, get behind the wheel for scenic drives to Graskop Gorge and along the Panorama Route. Eventually, you'll reach Hoedspruit, a town tucked near Ndlovumzi Game Reserve and the perfect base to embark on a Blyde River Canyon cruise in search of crocs, hippos, and waterbirds.

The second week of your adventure begins with a three-day stay in Sabi Sands Game Reserve's lavish Ukumbe Bush Lodge, which is an excellent base to embark on game drives and bush walks. In addition, enjoy leisurely time to laze by the pool and book in for spa treatments. Afterward, continue to the charming agricultural town of Tzaneen and spend your first evening here meandering around an organic dairy farm. Squeeze in some Letaba River Gorge ziplining and conquer a hike through Magoebaskloof's misty mountains before wrapping up your trip with a drive to Johannesburg. Learn more

Itinerary #3: South Africa Luxury Safari: City, Wine & Wilderness Adventures

Amid South Africa's wildlife-filled savannas and lush mountains, lavish accommodations and renowned restaurants await, and this luxury safari itinerary introduces you to the finest of them. Ideal for travelers with a fondness for upscale experiences, you'll hop between dreamy wineries, embark on private tours in Cape Town, and join expert nature guides for game drives and bush walks. In addition, stays at nature-immersed accommodations, including the farmhouse-style Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge and the elegant Mont Rochelle Hotel & Vineyard, ensure you're spoiled every step of the way.

Upon arriving in Cape Town, your luxury-infused safari begins with three days dedicated to checking out city sights and the surrounding landscapes. Stroll along the V&A Waterfront, ride a cable car up Table Mountain, and spend a day hopping between Cape Peninsula's highlights. Then, transfer to Cederberg, an exceptionally beautiful mountainous area, and check into the Cederberg Ridge Wilderness Lodge for a three-night stay. This opulent farmhouse-style accommodation provides an excellent base to tick off activities of your choice, such as hiking, mountain biking, and visiting local tea farms.

After the action-packed first half of your adventure, a two-night stay in the idyllic Cape Winelands region will come as a welcome change of pace. Sip wine, dine on exquisite farm-to-table food, horseback ride, and join a "winemaker for a day" workshop. Then, refreshed and eager for more adventure, spend the following three days embarking on game drives and bush walks within Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Next, travel along the impressive Panorama Route to White River, where you'll explore Graskop Gorge before returning to Johannesburg and wrapping up your adventure over a delightful jazz show. Learn more

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

This leisurely-paced, family-focused adventure features welcoming destinations that are perfect for introducing young ones to the wildlife and landscapes of South Africa. Longer stays in Cape Town, the Cape Winelands region, Eastern Cape, and Port Alfred ensure the entire family has plenty of downtime to rejuvenate, while kid-friendly activities let young explorers stretch their comfort zones in safe and memorable ways. Without ever feeling rushed, you'll have time to admire playful penguins, search for the Big Five on game drives, run around on the beach, and embark on a 4WD wine safari adventure.

Brimming with kid-friendly attractions and surrounded by inviting landscapes, Cape Town is an excellent destination to introduce young ones to South Africa. Over four days here, ride the thrilling Cape Wheel, roam gardens and museums, admire waddling penguins at Boulders Beach, and head out to the open sea to whale watch. Then, after all the excitement, slow the pace down while spending three days in Stellenbosch. This charming town, nestled in the Cape Winelands region, offers something for every family member, from kid-friendly wineries and scenic hiking trails to lush organic gardens.

With the entire family feeling rejuvenated, your adventure continues to the Eastern Cape, and thanks to its malaria-free status, it's an ideal destination for young explorers. The Riverdene Family Lodge will be your base here, which is the perfect place to spend quality time together between wildlife-related activities. Afterward, continue to Port Alfred and dedicate three days to discovering the fun offerings of your accommodation, the Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve. Embark on guided bush walks and run around on the lodge's private beach before catching your onward flight from Port Elizabeth. Learn more

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

Just because you're eager to explore off the beaten path doesn't mean you have to skimp on creature comforts—and this epic self-drive safari proves exactly that. While based at accommodations selected for their generous amenities and privileged locations, you'll embark on game drives, bush walks, nature tours, and cultural experiences. Additionally, the conservation areas and game reserves you'll visit have remained off the trodden path, meaning you can look forward to tranquil days in nature without the crowds.

Upon arriving in Johannesburg, your adventure gets rolling with a visit to Nelson Mandela's former home in Soweto. Then, collect a rental car and hit the road to Magoebaskloof, where, over a two-night stay at the lovely Graceland Eco-Retreat, you'll hike, zipline, canyon, and relax. Your next destination is the small town of Makhado, which happens to be an excellent base to hike, go birding, and hop between workshops and regional towns on the Ribola Art Route. Afterward, continue to Mapungubwe National Park, located in the Limpopo province, and check into the Mopane Bush Lodge for a two-night stay.

Spend your first evening in Mapungubwe pondering the ancient city ruins of Mapungubwe Hill, then wake early for a thrilling game drive. Next, continue to Groblersdal, and after pausing to enjoy the many amenities of your luxury accommodation, the choice is yours to embark on game drives or a Limpopo River cruise. Then, hit the road to your final overnight destination, the Welgevonden Game Reserve. This private conservation area is home to all sorts of safari animals and you'll have ample opportunity to spot many on game drives before boarding your departing flight in Johannesburg. Learn more

More Great 2-Week South Africa Itineraries

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