Two weeks in southern Africa is enough time to visit two to three countries. Travelers wanting to hit the highlights should begin with tours of South Africa's Cape Town and Winelands before Big Five wildlife viewing in Kruger National Park and Chobe in Botswana. Consider adding Namibia for adventures through its red sand dunes, or Lesotho for a road trip across one of Africa's most scenic mountain passes. For relaxation and a slower pace, choose a wellness retreat that includes Mauritius.

Itinerary #1: Southern Africa Highlights: Wildlife & Natural Wonders

This three-country wildlife and natural wonders itinerary focuses on visiting the best of southern Africa's safari destinations and significant landmarks. Along the way, you'll enjoy city tours and wine tastings in and around Cape Town, cruise along the Zambezi River and marvel at Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls, spot Big Five game animals like lions and elephants on game drives in Kruger National Park, and explore the savannas of Chobe and the Okavango River Delta in Botswana. 

Spot lions in South Africa's famed Kruger National Park
Spot lions in South Africa's famed Kruger National Park
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cape Town (South Africa), Traditional African Dinner Cape Town
Day 2 Cape Town Guided City Tour Cape Town
Day 3 Full-Day Winelands Tour Cape Town
Day 4 Free Day in Cape Town Cape Town
Day 5 Fly to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), Sunset Cruise Victoria Falls
Day 6 Tour Victoria Falls National Park Victoria Falls
Day 7 Transfer to Chobe National Park (Botswana) Chobe
Day 8 Optional Activities in Chobe National Park Chobe
Day 9 Fly to the Okavango Delta, Afternoon Game Drive Okavango Delta
Day 10 Okavango Canoe Tour & Walking Safari Okavango Delta
Day 11 Okavango Game Drive, Fly to Johannesburg (South Africa) Johannesburg
Day 12 Fly to Kruger National Park, Sunset Safari Kruger National Park
Day 13 Full-Day Safari in Kruger National Park Kruger National Park
Day 14 Kruger Bush Walk, Transfer to Johannesburg, Depart   


Begin in Cape Town, South Africa, where you'll indulge in a traditional African dinner and engage in a guided city tour highlighting historic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Company's Garden, Castle of Good Hope, and Iziko Slave Lodge. Next, travel through the Cape Winelands, sampling various cabernets, syrahs, and other varietals. The following days offer you the chance to visit Robben Island and discover the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Then, you'll fly to Zimbabwe for a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and a guided tour of Victoria Falls.

After marveling at the world's largest waterfalls, continue into Botswana to discover Chobe National Park, famous for its large population of Kalahari elephants. The following day, go fishing or visit Victoria Falls National Park. From there, you're off to the Okavango Delta via a charter flight, with opportunities for a game drive and a traditional mokoro boat ride. Afterward, fly to Johannesburg and then to Kruger National Park, where you'll experience a sunset game drive and a full-day safari. Finally, you'll go on a bush walk in Kruger before driving back to Johannesburg, stopping at Blyde River Canyon en route. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Highlights of Namibia & South Africa

Take in the best of Namibia and South Africa's nature, wildlife, and landscapes on this desert dunes and Atlantic coast adventure. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy plenty of outdoor adventures, while cultural exchanges and culinary experiences offer an authentic introduction to the locals. Highlights include soaring over the Namib Desert in a hot-air balloon, tracking desert elephants in Damaraland, exploring the city of Cape Town, and indulging in a wine, cheese, and chocolate tour in the Cape Winelands.

End your trip with winery tours (and tastings) in the Cape Winelands
End your trip with winery tours (and tastings) in the Cape Winelands
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Windhoek (Namibia), Explore the Capital at Your Own Pace Windhoek
Day 2 Drive to Sossusvlei, Explore the Namib Desert  Sossusvlei
Day 3 Enjoy a Hot-Air Balloon Ride Over the Desert or Explore on Foot  Sossusvlei
Day 4 Drive to Swakopmund on the Skeleton Coast Swakopmund
Day 5 Drive to Damaraland via the Cape Cross Seal Reserve Damaraland
Day 6 Desert Elephant Tracking, Sunset Game Drive Damaraland
Day 7 Look for Black Rhinos in the Desert, Drive to Windhoek Windhoek
Day 8 Fly to Cape Town (South Africa), Enjoy a Traditional African Dinner Cape Town
Day 9 Full-Day Tour of Cape Town & Robben Island Cape Town
Day 10 Full-Day Tour of the Cape Peninsula  Cape Town
Day 11 Transfer to Hermanus via the Elgin Valley  Hermanus
Day 12 Hike on the Hermanus Cliff Path, Boat Cruise to Dyer Island Hermanus
Day 13 Transfer to Franschhoek, Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tour Franschhoek
Day 14 Curated Wine Tour, Transfer to Cape Town, Depart  


Arrive in Windhoek, Namibia, where you'll have time to explore the country's capital at your own pace. From there, you'll get behind the wheel and venture to Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert, climbing red sand dunes and participating in desert activities, including a thrilling hot-air balloon ride. Then head to Swakopmund along the Skeleton Coast before coming up on the rugged landscapes of Damaraland, where you can witness abundant wildlife and track desert elephants on guided game drives. The following day, you'll look for black rhinos before returning to Windhoek.

Your next destination is Cape Town, South Africa. Here, you'll visit landmarks such as Robben Island and explore the city's culture through gardens, museums, and fortresses. Then, you'll go on a full-day tour of Cape Peninsula, where you'll have the chance to encounter the Big Five marine animals. Transfer to the seaside town of Hermanus next, famous for its world-class whale watching opportunities. Finally, wrap up your trip in the scenic Cape Winelands, where you'll indulge in local produce, wine, and chocolate. From there, you'll return to Cape Town for your departing flight. Learn more

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Itinerary #3: Road Trip Through South Africa & Lesotho: Iconic Cities & Natural Landscapes

Independent-minded travelers wanting a mix of city exploration, outdoor activities, wildlife viewing, and foodie experiences will enjoy this intrepid self-drive journey through South Africa and Lesotho. Starting with a traditional African dinner in Cape Town, you'll explore the Cape Winelands on an e-bike, spot the Big Five in the Gondwana Private Game Reserve, and tackle the dramatic Sani Pass as you drive toward the tiny landlocked country of Lesotho. 

Hike in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park on your way to Clarens
Hike in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park on your way to Clarens
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cape Town (South Africa), Community Development Tour Cape Town
Day 2 Township Tour, Cruise to Robben Island, Traditional African Dinner Cape Town
Day 3 Full-Day Tour of the Cape Peninsula Cape Town
Day 4 Drive to Stellenbosch, Food Tour in the Historic Center Stellenbosch
Day 5 Cycle in the Countryside to Boschendal Wine Estate Stellenbosch
Day 6 Drive to Hermanus, Hike on the Hermanus Cliff Path Hermanus
Day 7 Boat Cruise to Dyer Island & Geyser Rock Hermanus
Day 8 Transfer to the Gondwana Private Game Reserve Herbertsdale
Days 9-10 Activities at Gondwana Game Reserve Herbertsdale
Day 11 Fly to Johannesburg, Drive to Clarens, Leisure Time Clarens
Day 12 Drive to Lesotho via the Sani Pass Lesotho
Day 13 Explore Lesotho at Your Own Pace Lesotho
Day 14 Depart Lesotho  


Upon arrival in Cape Town, you'll engage with local community projects, dine on traditional African cuisine, and explore the city's townships. A ferry ride will take you to the UNESCO-listed Robben Island for a guided tour of the former political prison. From there, you'll explore the Cape Peninsula, taking in views of the Twelve Apostles mountain range and the scenic fishing village of Hout Bay. Your next stop is the town of Stellenbosch in the Cape Winelands, where you'll sightsee on foot and by e-bike, indulging in local cuisine and exploring the historic center.

Then, drive to Hermanus, a seaside town known for its excellent whale watching opportunities. A boat cruise will take you to Dyer Island and Geyser Rock, home to African penguins and Cape fur seals. Next, head to the Gondwana Private Game Reserve to see Big Five animals and participate in conservation efforts. After a flight to Johannesburg, you'll drive to Clarens, nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, before driving to Lesotho via the scenic Sani Pass. In Lesotho, you can explore national parks and dams and soak in the natural beauty of Maletsunyane Falls. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Health & Wellness Retreat in South Africa & Mauritius

Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure on this luxurious health and wellness retreat that hops between South Africa and the island country of Mauritius. Unwind with assorted spa treatments and yoga classes, and invigorate your senses with scenic drives and safari adventures. Marvel at the ancient rock paintings of the San people, take in the beauty of the Chamarel Waterfall, and experience a private catamaran cruise along the Indian Ocean coast. 

Enjoy relaxing spa treatments and yoga classes across South Africa
Enjoy relaxing spa treatments and yoga classes across South Africa
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cape Town (South Africa), Free Time Cape Town
Day 2 Relax at SALT Boutique Guest House, Explore at Your Leisure Cape Town
Day 3 Morning Yoga Class, Half-Day Guided City Tour Cape Town
Day 4 Scenic Drive on the Cape Peninsula  Cape Town
Day 5 Relax at the Spa in the Cape Winelands, Tour Local Vineyards Cape Town
Day 6 Learn About the San People, Transfer to a Cederberg Wellness Retreat Cederberg
Day 7 Morning Safari Drive, Relaxing Massage, Nocturnal Game Drive Cederberg
Day 8 Discover San Rock Paintings, Enjoy a Moroccan Mud Treatment Cederberg
Day 9 Meditate in the Mountains, Enjoy a Foot Treatment, Transfer to Cape Town Cape Town
Day 10 Fly to Grand Baie (Mauritius), Enjoy the Resort's Amenities Grand Baie
Day 11 Sightseeing Flight Over Mauritius, Steam Bath, Holistic Massage Grand Baie
Day 12 Catamaran Cruise Around the Island, Stop at Île aux Cerfs Poste Lafayette
Day 13 Transfer to Port Louis, Visit Chamarel Waterfall Port Louis
Day 14 Depart Mauritius  


Begin in the port city of Cape Town, where you'll explore local landmarks such as the V&A Waterfront, Robben Island, and the colorful houses of Bo-Kaap. Then, relax at the SALT Boutique Guest House and explore the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. A scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula brings you to the penguin colony at Boulder's Beach. After indulging in the spa in the Cape Winelands and touring local vineyards, transfer to a Cederberg wellness retreat and learn about the Indigenous San people along the way. In Cederberg, go on safari drives and admire San rock paintings.

Afterward, you'll fly to Grand Baie, Mauritius, where you'll enjoy resort amenities like a steam bath and a holistic massage before a sightseeing flight over the Indian Ocean island. Then, set off on a catamaran cruise and stop at Île aux Cerfs beach. Transfer to Port Louis, where you'll visit the Chamarel Waterfall in the Black River Gorges National Park. Finally, you'll explore the southern coast of Mauritius before visiting the coastal Bel Ombre village and Gris Gris beach. Learn more

Itinerary #5: An Epic African Road Trip: Namibia, Botswana & Victoria Falls

Get a glimpse of southern Africa's diversity on this epic African road trip across Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Perfect for travelers wanting to hit the highlights of this region at their own pace, this self-drive itinerary takes you from the dunes of Namibia and the wildlife of Etosha National Park to Zimbabwe's mighty Victoria Falls. Go off the beaten path in Namibia's Zambezi region, take a safari in Botswana's Chobe National Park, and enjoy the cultures of three African nations along the way.

Lions in Etosha National Park
A family of lions at rest in Etosha National Park
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Windhoek (Namibia), Drive to Sossusvlei Sossusvlei
Day 2 Tour Sossusvlei, Drive to Swakopmund Swakopmund
Day 3 Drive to Damaraland, Explore Damaraland
Day 4 Drive to Etosha National Park Etosha National Park
Day 5 Etosha Self-Drive Safari Etosha National Park
Day 6 Explore Etosha National Park Etosha National Park
Day 7 Etosha Full-Day Safari Etosha National Park
Day 8 Drive to the Zambezi Region Caprivi
Days 9-10 Zambezi Safari Adventures Caprivi
Day 11 Drive to Chobe National Park (Botswana) Chobe National Park
Day 12 Chobe National Park Safari Chobe National Park
Day 13 Drive to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) Victoria Falls
Day 14 Depart Victoria Falls  

Your road trip kicks off in Windhoek, Namibia, where you'll head to Sossusvlei to experience the towering dunes of the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world. From there, you'll tour the Sossusvlei dune belt and visit Deadvlei, a dried-up marsh filled with skeletal trees up to 900 years old. Then, drive to Swakopmund, a coastal city known for its Bavarian-style architecture and beachfront. The following day, continue north to Damaraland to see ancient rock paintings and geological formations. Then, it's off to Etosha National Park for a self-drive safari and to see zebras, giraffes, and elephants.

Your next stop is the Zambezi Region, where valleys, floodplains, woodlands, and rivers make for a wildlife-viewing haven. Over two days, you'll go on a self-drive adventure through Mahango Game Park to spot numerous animal and bird species. The following day, drive to Botswana and Chobe National Park, home to the world's largest concentration of African elephants. After a safari adventure in Chobe, cross over to Zimbabwe to visit Victoria Falls via a helicopter flight over the waterfall or a cruise on the Zambezi River. After shopping for souvenirs, transfer to the airport for your flight home. 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.

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Map of 2 Weeks in Southern Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Map of 2 Weeks in Southern Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas