Learn all about South Africa and neighboring Mauritius on this 15-day trip. Start off with wine and history in Cape Town, then continue for further education both racial and culinary in Johannesburg. Switch from the human experience to the animal in Kruger National Park on safari, then end your trip remembering how to relax on the beaches of Mauritius.

Highlights

  • Sip the day away amid the vines of the Cape Winelands
  • Take in the ocean views from the Cape of Good Hope
  • Seek out the Big 5 on a safari through Kruger National Park
  • Lounge on the beautiful beaches of Mauritius
  • Explore Chamarel Waterfall and the dunes of 7-Colored Earth

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Cape Town, City Tour & Table Mountain Cape Town
Day 2 Wine Tour in the Cape Winelands Cape Town
Day 3 Atlantic Seaboard & Cape Peninsula Cape Town
Day 4 Cape Town Township & Robben Island Museum Cape Town
Day 5 Cape Town to Johannesburg & African Dinner Johannesburg
Day 6 Soweto Township Visit, Traditional Dinner, & Local Storytelling Johannesburg
Day 7 Safari Arrival Day, Big 5 Night Drive, & Bush Braai Kruger National Park
Day 8 Big 5 Sunrise Bush Walk Kruger National Park
Day 9 Full Day in Kruger National Park Kruger National Park
Day 10 Blyde River Canyon with Three Rondavels Johannesburg
Day 11 Arrive in Mauritius, Beach & Bras d’Eau National Park Mauritius
Day 12 Luxury Speed Boat to Ile aux Cerfs Island Mauritius
Day 13 Grand Baie & Island Rum Tasting Mauritius
Day 14 Full Day Chamarel Tour & 7-Colored Earth Mauritius
Day 15 Depart Mauritius  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cape Town, City Tour & Table Mountain

Cable car to Table Mountain
Cable car to Table Mountain

Welcome to South Africa! Arrive at Cape Town International Airport and transfer to your accommodation to unpack and unwind. After you settle in, spend the rest of your day exploring the city. 

Known as the 'Rainbow Nation,' Cape Town and South Africa have a long and complicated history involving a multitude of ethnic and cultural groups. The area's history starts with the indigenous Khoisan and Bantu people, who were the primary residents of the area until the Portuguese and Dutch arrived in South Africa, beginning a centuries-long occupation.

These days, South Africa is home to a diverse population. Roughly 80% of South Africans are of Bantu ancestry from a variety of ethnic groups, each with a distinct language. The remainder of the community is made up primarily of European, Asian (Indian, Chinese, and others from the formerly enslaved and indentured population), and mixed-race (Cape Coloured) ancestry. 

Meet your local guide in the city center for a 4-hour walking tour of the historic city. You'll explore the different eras of Cape Town and learn about South Africa's history, as well as the people who shaped it. Stops along the tour include the Company's Garden, Parliament, Green Market Square, The Castle of Good Hope, and the Slave Lodge.

The Company's Garden dates back to the 1650s when European settlers farmed the land to grow fresh produce to replenish ships rounding the cape. Around the corner is the Iziko Slave Lodge, a national history museum dedicated to exploring the history of slavery at the Cape. Since its construction in 1679, the building has functioned as a center for the bustling slave trade (primarily operated by the Dutch East India Company) as well as a government building and supreme court. 

Nearby sits the historic Green Market Square, which has served as a slave market, vegetable market, and center for political protests under Apartheid. These days it hosts a flea market with African souvenirs and crafts for sale.


Just down the street is the Castle of Good Hope, South Africa's oldest existing Dutch East India colonial building. On the way, you'll pass by several memorials and monuments, including the We Are Still Here Street Memorial to destitute children and the District Six Museum, which commemorates forced relocation under apartheid. 

After strolling the streets of Cape Town, stop for lunch in the city center. In the afternoon, give your legs a rest with a hop-on-hop-off tour aboard the distinctive red open-top bus. Start at the Cape Town City Center Terminal, then take the bus to Table Mountain. From the bus stop, continue to the summit on the cable car for spectacular views of the city, mountains, and ocean. Return to Cape Town in time for dinner at the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where you'll find a variety of fine dining restaurants and pubs with views of the ocean.

Day 2: Wine Tour in the Cape Winelands

Winery in Franschhoek
Winery in Franschhoek

Start the morning with a pick up from a local guide for a laidback, full-day wine tour through the Cape Winelands. From the minute you step out the door, your experience today is perfectly curated so you don't have to worry about a thing—besides sipping wine. 


The Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve, which extends from the Kogelberg Reserve in the south along the Cape Fold Mountain Chain to the north, is an internationally recognized area within the Western Cape's Floral Kingdom

You'll spend the day exploring the rolling hills of the Winelands, visiting wineries in the Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, or Elgin Wine Regions. Today will be spent eating mouthwatering foods and drinking some of the best wines South Africa has to offer. The region's wineries offer a variety of whites and reds, as well as their own blends and styles. Enjoy the scenery and the beautiful vineyards and white-gabled farmsteads that dot the landscape, then return to Cape Town in time for dinner. 

Day 3: Atlantic Seaboard & Cape Peninsula

Chapman’s Peak Drive
Chapman’s Peak Drive

Today's excursion is the ultimate driving tour. Hit the road with your guide for a full-day adventure on this Cape Peninsula Tour. The Cape Peninsula is a rocky peninsula that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean at the south-western extremity of the African continent. At the southern end of the peninsula are Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope. On the northern end is Table Mountain, overlooking Cape Town. The southernmost point of the Cape Peninsula has outstanding flora and fauna and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Cape Floral Region.

 
Head out from Cape Town early in the morning, passing Cape Town University and Constantia before heading for Ou Kaapse Weg to Noordhoek. Stop here for a coffee break and some photos, then head to the Cape Point Nature Reserve where you will visit the Cape of Good Hope and the lighthouse.

Afterward, head to Simons Town and visit the penguin colony before breaking for lunch at a local seafood restaurant along the water in the sleepy fishing town. Head over to Chapman’s Peak Drive along the scenic roads of the Atlantic Seaboard. You'll pass by Llandudno and Camps Bay beaches, then stop at the iconic Maidens Cove for a quick dip in the water before ending the day.
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Day 4: Cape Town Township & Robben Island Museum

Robben Island tour guide, a former inmate, explains life in prison
Robben Island tour guide, a former inmate, explains life in prison

Get an early start today for a full day of sightseeing. You'll start your day at one of Cape Town's iconic townships to get to know the local history and meet with residents. Visit with key community leaders to discuss history, culture, politics, as well as current and future socio-economic challenges facing the township. 

If it's a Sunday, you're in for a treat—on Sunday mornings, the tour includes a stop at a local church where you can join the congregation in a joyful celebration of community and faith. The South African spiritual experience emphasizes music and gratitude for the people around you—a powerful start to the day. 

After lunch, make your way to the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront to catch the ferry across the water to Robben Island, located 4.3 miles (6.9 km) west off the shore of Cape Town. Here, the tour guides are former political prisoners who served time at Robben Island. 

Robben Island, which means "seal island" in Dutch, has a long and complicated history that spans millennia. Historic use of the island dates back to the indigenous Khoikhoi and Bantu people, with Dutch settlers using the island as a prison since the 17th century. Later, it was used as a whaling station and as a colony for people diagnosed with leprosy, and as a defense station during World War II. The island is also home to a religious pilgrimage site for Muslims—the Moturu Kramat, built to commemorate Sayed Abdurahman Moturu, Prince of Madura, one of Cape Town's first imams who was exiled to the island in the 1740s.

From the middle of the 20th century until the 90s, Robben Island served as a prison for criminals and anti-apartheid political prisoners during South Africa's apartheid years. Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first black president and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, was imprisoned on Robben Island for 18 years of his 27-year term for his anti-apartheid activism. Two other Robben Island political prisoners—Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma—have gone on to become President of South Africa.  

In addition to being a political and cultural site, the  South African National Heritage Site and UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a recognized wildlife sanctuary and serves as a safe haven for about 132 species of birds, including some endangered species. Crowned cormorants and black-crowned night herons breed on the island in large numbers. 

Tour the prison to see learn about the island's history. You'll see Nelson Mandela's former prison room and go for a short drive to see other notable landmarks, like the rock quarry and outbuildings. 

After the 3.5 hour tour, return to the mainland in time for dinner.

Day 5: Cape Town to Johannesburg & African Dinner

Braamfontein, a central suburb of Johannesburg
Braamfontein, a central suburb of Johannesburg

Today you will transfer from Cape Town to Johannesburg with a short but beautiful domestic flight. Check in to your accommodation in Johannesburg, then head out for a full day in the city. Your overnight options range from the historic township of Soweto to the trendy suburbs and city center that are packed with various art galleries, restaurants, markets, and buzzing nightlife. 

Johannesburg (also called Jozi, Jo'burg, and eGoli) is South Africa's largest city and one of the world's largest urban areas. The town dates back to 1886 when workers arrived to mine the large deposits of gold. Within a few years, the population of the city had ballooned, with thousands of native African and Indian workers working in the gold mining industry. Due to racial segregation during the Apartheid era, the workers were forced to live in separate townships outside of the city limits. The most famous of these are Soweto (short for South-West Township) and Lenasia, which was home to a large population of South Africans of Indian descent. Several prominent individuals have called the districts home, including Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi and comedian Trevor Noah. 

In the afternoon go on a walking tour of the Maboneng Precinct, a former industrial zone that has been transformed into a vibrant part of the city. Maboneng, a Sotho word for 'Place of Light,' is a fitting name for a neighborhood that has quickly become a center for creative urban artists. Visit art galleries and historical museums, then head to the 50-story Carlton Center for a bird's eye view of the city. 

Alternately, spend the afternoon visiting the sprawling Johannesburg Botanical Gardens which grew out of a large rose garden to cover an area of 310 acres. 

For dinner head to the Chiefs Boma African Dining Experience Restaurant for an interactive culinary experience that spans the African continent. Enjoy sundowners or craft beer on the deck overlooking the Boma Dam, then meander through the herb garden before sitting down to enjoy your meal to the music of the African Marimba Band. With over 120 options ranging from North African Moroccan Dishes to a "Big 5 Game Kebab" made from five kinds of antelope, you're sure to find something to suit your tastes. After dinner, enjoy a glass of wine and roasted marshmallows over a cozy fire.

Day 6: Soweto Township Visit, Traditional Dinner, & Local Storytelling

Welcome to Soweto
Welcome to Soweto

In the morning head out for a half-day tour of the Soweto Township. Take a bicycle or yellow tuk-tuk, or stroll around the Orlando West area with your local guide. You'll pass by historical sites and learn the history of this vibrant community. 

Soweto's history stems back to the early 1900s when the government began forcibly separating blacks from whites by removing the black population from the city and relocating them into separate areas. These were separated from the white neighborhoods by a cordon sanitaire (sanitary corridor) like a river, road, or industrial area. 

Several prominent individuals have called the district home including Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, and the South African comedian Trevor Noah. 

The area experienced civil unrest during the Apartheid era, with the most notable riots occurring in 1976. The riots followed a rule that Afrikaans should be the official language for schools of black Africans in the area (most of whom spoke indigenous African languages). Tens of thousands of black students took to the streets to protest the decision. The demonstrators were met with police violence and brutality; several hundred students were killed, and many more were injured. 

One of the murdered students was 12-year-old Hector Pieterson. His story became the face of the student uprising after a photo of his body being carried by an older student gained international fame. The Hector Pieterson Memorial Site commemorates the students' bravery. 

After stopping by the memorial, enjoy a quiet stroll down Vilazaki Street to see the former homes of Nelson Mandela and Bishop Desmond Tutu and visit the Nelson Mandela Museum. Along the way, you'll pass street vendors selling fresh fruit, snacks, and various African arts—the perfect excuse to stop for a mid-morning treat and a quick shop for souvenirs. Enjoy lunch at a relaxed outdoor restaurant. 

Spend the afternoon exploring on your own. In the evening, experience first-hand accounts of Soweto's history from the township's residents. You'll listen to stories of freedom fighters, students from the 1976 uprising, and other key historical figures. Enjoy live art performances and music as you feast on a traditional African dinner under the starry night skies.

Day 7: Safari Arrival Day, Big 5 Night Drive, & Bush Braai

Male lion at Balule Nature Reserve
Male lion at Balule Nature Reserve

Today you head to the Greater Kruger National Park Reserve, one of South Africa's most remarkable safari destinations. Depending on your preference and timing, you may choose to fly, shuttle with a driver, or rent a vehicle to complete the drive yourself. 

The park was created in 1926 when Sabi Game Reserve joined with the adjacent Shingedzi Game Reserve and local farms to create South Africa's first national park. With a rich history and vast landscapes, the park is a must-see destination for unforgettable wildlife experiences. 

Within the park, choose from a wide variety of accommodations, from rustic bush lodges and tent camps to luxury all-inclusive resorts. No matter your budget, you'll find unique lodging in a breathtaking landscape. 

After arriving at the lodge, take some time to freshen up and relax. Have a drink at the bar to unwind, go for a swim, or stroll around the lodge to stretch your legs after the day's travel. 

In the evening, board an open Land Cruiser for your first game drive in the park. The three-hour drive is a thrilling and exciting opportunity to see Africa's big wildlife up close. The Big 5 include elephants, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard, and were named by big-game hunters for being five of Africa's most dangerous animals to hunt. Keep your eyes peeled for nighttime animals as you cruise around the park in the comfort of the Land Cruiser. When darkness falls, the tour guides use spotlights to scan the nighttime for nocturnal animals. 

Dinner is a bush braai—a South African take on a barbecue. Mouth-watering meats are sizzled to perfection atop an open wood fire—the perfect ending to a long day. After dinner, continue the night drive before returning to your lodge for the night.

Day 8: Big 5 Sunrise Bush Walk

Sunset in Kruger
Sunset in Kruger

Get an early start this morning for a drive to a remote location along the Olifants River for a four-hour sunrise bush walk. Surges of adrenaline will come aplenty as you spot wild African animals, but your adequately armed ranger will ensure your complete safety. Follow the area's big animals, including elephants, rhino, and lions on foot as you learn about the African bush and observe animals in their natural habitat. 

Make sure you wear comfortable shoes or boots and protective clothing against the brush. Don't leave your camera and binoculars at home for this one—there's plenty to see as you follow the river's edge.

Return to the lodge for brunch, then spend a few hours resting and catching up on sleep after your early rise. In the afternoon, head out for another afternoon game drive. 

Return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Day 9: Full Day in Kruger National Park

Small spotted hyena at sunset
Small spotted hyena at sunset

Spend the day exploring the park. The open-sided game vehicle allows for excellent wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities, so keep your camera on hand. Scores of giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, lions, hyenas, and countless other animals call the park home. 

An incredible 517 species of park reside in the park, and over 300 Stone Age archaeological sites have been located in the area. You'll also see plenty of evidence of San and Iron Age people from 1,500 years ago in the park, with San art found throughout the entire park. 

After a full day of viewing wildlife, return to your lodge for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Day 10: Blyde River Canyon with Three Rondavels

Blyde River Canyon near Three Rondavels
Blyde River Canyon near Three Rondavels

Enjoy a pre-breakfast sunrise walk, then check out of your accommodation and hit the road for your journey back to Johannesburg. Make your way to Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest canyons and home to a wide variety of lush subtropical plants. Deep precipitous cliffs set a dramatic stage for the landscape, with the Three Rondavels—huge round rocks that form part of the Panorama Route—towering over the surrounding countryside. 

Take in the sweeping views then keep driving to Johannesburg, arriving around 5:00 PM. Spend the night relaxing at your hotel, or head out for dinner at one of the many world-class restaurants in the heart of the city.

Day 11: Arrive in Mauritius, Beach & Bras d’Eau National Park

Le Morne Brabant mountain
Le Morne Brabant mountain

Arrive at the airport in Mauritius and transfer to your accommodation. The island is small, so no matter which overnight location you pick you'll still have access to all that Mauritius has to offer. From luxury boutique lodges on the shore to fully inclusive resorts and trendy downtown accommodations, there's a place for everyone.  

After checking in, spend a few hours relaxing on the beach where the fresh sea breeze blows year-round. While Mauritius has earned a reputation as a top holiday destination, few visitors know how many different activities are on offer. Kite-surfing, hiking in nature preserves, sea cruises, beach walks—the possibilities are endless. 

The paradise island has a long history of sugar and rum trading, much of which was produced by imported slave labor. During the French occupation of Mauritius, enslaved people from Africa and Madagascar provided labor to support the sugar, rum, and tea industries on the island. Later, after the abolishment of slavery, indentured servants from India and elsewhere arrived to bolster the workforce. 

Although the former slaves and Indian workers far outnumbered white colonists, most lived in extreme poverty in conditions that barely exceeded slavery. Many escaped the sugar plantations, seeking refuge on the island's rocky coast and densely forested mountains. Those that didn't were subject to cruel and inhumane treatment, including the indefinite prolonging of working contracts, lack of government support, and little to no legal protections for working conditions. The 1900s brought civil unrest, with a sharp decline in sugar cane production, economic hardship, and problems with overpopulation. Today, the population of Mauritius is incredibly diverse, with a variety of ethnic groups. 

The East Coast of Mauritius is famous for its beautiful beaches and emerald-colored lagoons, dotted with luxurious hotels and small towns. This area is less traveled, and the small fishing villages and stunning views of the Grand Port mountain range are well worth the trip.

Alternately, head to Bras d'Eau National Park for a guided hike through the thick bush and shaded forest. Follow an old railway line to the lava caves to see the ruins of a former sugar factory, then visit the local Milky Way observatory. Return to town in time for dinner.

Day 12: Luxury Speed Boat to Ile aux Cerfs Island

Lagoons from above
Lagoons from above

After breakfast, head out for a full day on the water. You'll take a speed boat to the privately-owned Ile aux Cerfs Island (Deer Island in English), a paradise of lush vegetation and white sand beaches. Spend the day snorkeling in the crystal blue waters of Eau Bleu, exploring the lagoon and Grand River Waterfall, and relaxing on the beach. For lunch, stop at the exclusive Ilot Mangenie, a small resort island, for delicious local barbecue and refreshing drinks. After the meal, enjoy a guitar and jambé show. 

Today is all about relaxing and soaking in the coastal views: enjoy maximum comfort while taking in the breathtaking scenery from aboard the luxury speed boat.

Day 13: Grand Baie & Island Rum Tasting

Grand Baie coastline
Grand Baie coastline

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your accommodation and transfer you to the north of Mauritius. Northern Mauritius is synonymous with Grand Baie, a premier tourist destination, and that's where you'll head today. It's the launch point for nautical adventures to the northern islands and has a variety of local boutiques, cafes, and tour operators who organize trips for the nearby archipelago. 

One of the town's two beaches, La Cuvette, is a discreet hideaway from the hustle and bustle in the town center. Head here for some serenity by the water. 

After, stroll through the narrow streets behind the main road, where small shops, bars, and a variety of restaurants line the charming streets. 

After checking in to your hotel and grabbing lunch in town, hit the road for a rum tasting tour. You'll have the opportunity to taste three different rums, paired with carefully chosen local ingredients to bring out unique notes of each spirit. Try the island's classic cocktail, the "Gold-Fashioned"—a delightful combination of Gold of Mauritius rum, sugar cubes, finished with chocolate and tawny port.

Day 14: Full Day Chamarel Tour & 7-Colored Earth

Overlooking all seven colors of earth
Overlooking all seven colors of earth

Spend the day exploring nature near the small village of Chamarel, which sits on the west coast of Mauritius. The town is renowned for its proximity to a variety of incredible natural features including the Ebony Forest, Chamarel Waterfall, 7-Colored Earth landmark, and others. 

Start your full-day tour with a visit to the Ebony Forest, a small rehabilitated preserve that features thousands of planted endemic species (most notably the ebony tree, which the Dutch and British harvested for export). The preserve offers walkways and short tours that educate visitors on flora and fauna of the western coast. 

Cool off with a dip in the shallow waters at the base of the thundering Chamarel Waterfall (the highest in Mauritius), then make your way to the 7-Colored Earth geologic formation. These striking dunes rise from the lush forest and are renowned for their vibrant colors, which formed as a result of uneven cooling of the lava rock. As the colorful sand settles on the dunes, it creates surrealist patterns that visitors can view from an elevated wooden walkway. 

Choose between lunch at the Varangue sur Morne or the restaurant at the Rhumerie de Chamarel. After lunch, get a behind the scenes look at Mauritius' rum-making process at the Rhumerie, then end your day with a visit to the Curious Corner of Chamarel—a fun gallery featuring dozens of interactive optical illusions.

Day 15: Depart Mauritius

Wave goodbye to the sugarcane fields
Wave goodbye to the sugarcane fields

After breakfast, head to the airport for your connecting flight home.

Map

Map of Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 15 Days
Map of Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 15 Days
Sonya
Written by Sonya Pevzner, updated Feb 18, 2021