Best of Cape Town

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Cape Town
Cape Town is one of South Africa’s biggest cities and a popular start or end point for trips of all stripes. With a slew of activities within a two-hour radius and a mix of history, culture and natural beauty, it’s not hard to see why, whether you’re looking down on the city from atop Table Mountain or out on the reaches of the Cape Peninsula or Robben Island.

Travel alongside a specialty guide, as have previous kimkim travelers, on a private guided excursion. If you’re into adventure, try shark-cage diving, sea kayaking, paragliding, or sandboarding. Looking for something more sedate? Opt for whale-watching, a cooking tour, or beach picnic.
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Cape Town Essentials

Cape Town is situated between the mountains and the sea
How Many Days to Spend in Cape Town

Sun, surf, great wine, and incredible vistas: these some of the things that define Cape Town, South Africa. Within 24 hours, you can go beyond the city and travel around the gorgeous Cape Peninsula. Spend 2-3 days here and add a kayak excursion and cable car ride up to iconic Table Mountain. With closer to a week, you can test your mettle on a shark-diving adventure plus enjoy a bit of culture with visits to an African art museum and Robben Island, the prison where Mandela spent 18 years of his life.

Cape Town and Table Mountain from the air
Best Time of Year to Visit Cape Town

Planning your trip to Cape Town requires flipping your mental calendar, as the southern hemisphere’s seasons are a reverse of the northern hemisphere. South Africa’s hot, dry, and popular summer (December-February) corresponds to North America’s winter, and vice versa. However, you should also factor in when best to avoid the crowds and find the most reasonable rates. Depending on how you weigh these factors, the following information will help you decide which season is right for you.

Cape Town Itineraries

Food & Culture in Cape Town - 6 Days
Map of Food & Culture in Cape Town - 6 Days
Food & Culture in Cape Town - 6 Days

Delve into South Africa's rich cultural heritage through its diverse cuisine on this five-day food tour of the Cape Town area. This vibrant city is bursting at the seams with exciting culinary experiences. You'll swirl your wine glasses at a vineyard, attend an African musical dinner theatre performance, and learn to cook traditional Cape Malay dishes with a local.

Red protea in Kirstenbosch Garden
Map of Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands & Cape Point - 7 Days
Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands & Cape Point - 7 Days

Focusing on South Africa's famed Cape Town, you'll enjoy a week exploring the multicultural city and nearby highlights, including the Winelands, Robben Island, and Cape Point. Dynamic Cape Town boasts world-class food and wine to go along with its multifaceted history, botanical gardens, and rocky ocean coasts, and you can experience them all on this tour.

Look for frequent rainbow sightings at Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls
Map of Cape Town, Chobe National Park & Victoria Falls: Best Itinerary Ideas
Cape Town, Chobe National Park & Victoria Falls: Best Itinerary Ideas

Seven to nine days is a great length for a South Africa trip, with stops in Cape Town, Chobe National Park, and Victoria Falls. It's also possible to hit the highlights in six days if you don't mind a fast-paced journey. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country. Keep reading for more inspiring Cape Town, Chobe National Park, and Victoria Falls itineraries.

Explore the city of Cape Town and its beautiful surroundings
Map of Cape Town: Best Itinerary Ideas
Cape Town: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to South Africa typically plan a trip for eight to 11 days when combining Cape Town with Johannesburg and Kruger National Park. For travelers wanting to visit Cape Town exclusively, plan five to seven days for a well-paced trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as four days. For the best itineraries focusing on Cape Town, keep reading below.

Cape of Good Hope
Map of South Africa Adventure: Cape Town & Winelands - 6 Days
South Africa Adventure: Cape Town & Winelands - 6 Days

Take a peek into the Cape Town scene with this six-day trip. You'll drive out along the coast to the Cape of Good Hope, dive into a great white cage encounter, gaze out from atop Table Mountain, and spin through the famous vineyards of the Cape Winelands before your time is through.

Wellness and Relaxation in South Africa and Mauritius
Map of Wellness Retreat: Cape Town, Cape Winelands & Mauritius - 3 Weeks
Wellness Retreat: Cape Town, Cape Winelands & Mauritius - 3 Weeks

This 3-week wellness retreat starts in bustling Cape Town, where you'll enjoy several spa treatments at a posh accommodation while adventuring out of the city for scenic drives and wine tasting. Foodies will be pleased with exquisite meals made from traditional methods and served with seafront views, plus tours of colonial tea farms. Where pampering meets adventure, this trip also includes safaris, submarine rides, whale watching, sightseeing flights, and catamaran cruises.

Hout Bay Beach and Cape of Good Hope, Cape Town, South Africa
Map of Cape Town Active Adventure - 15 Days
Cape Town Active Adventure - 15 Days

This 15-day tour focuses on exploring exciting Cape Town by pushing the boundaries of your body and mind. Enjoy fitness classes, surf lessons, and cross-fit challenges as you make your way through South Africa's most popular destination. You'll also get your adrenaline rush through adventure experiences like abseiling, canoeing, obstacle courses, and seal snorkeling. Finally, cycle through some of the most beautiful natural landscapes that surround Cape Town, including the Cape of Good Hope and the Cape Winelands.

Take a day trip to Cape Point and its iconic lighthouse
Map of South Africa Western Cape Getaway: Cape Town & Winelands - 8 Days
South Africa Western Cape Getaway: Cape Town & Winelands - 8 Days

Escape to South Africa's spectacular Western Cape with this compact, eight-day adventure filled with culture, wildlife, and wine. You'll start in Cape Town with a cable car ride up Table Mountain and a tour of the city's historic treasures like Bo-Kaap and the Castle of Good Hope. Venture farther along the coast for penguin spotting and whale watching experiences, then head inland for two days of estate tours and tastings in the verdant Cape Winelands.

Sunrise over Cape Town
Map of South Africa Culture & Safari: Cape Town & Thornybush Game Reserve- 9 Days
South Africa Culture & Safari: Cape Town & Thornybush Game Reserve- 9 Days

Hit the highlights of South Africa on this nine-day itinerary that takes you from the coast to the savanna. The tour kicks off in Cape Town, where you'll learn about the city's diverse history. Take a cable car to Table Mountain and enjoy panoramic views as the sun sets. Spend the day wine tasting and find out what all the fuss is about over South African wines. Finally, spot "Big Five" game animals like lions and elephants on multiple safari game drives at Thornybush Game Reserve.

Enjoy relaxing spa treatments and yoga classes across South Africa
Map of Health & Wellness Retreat in South Africa & Mauritius - 14 Days
Health & Wellness Retreat in South Africa & Mauritius - 14 Days

Spend two weeks relaxing in South Africa and Mauritius, starting in Cape Town, where you'll partake in spa treatments, yoga classes, and a scenic drive to the Cape Winelands. Next, transfer to the Cederberg Mountains to unwind in nature, go on a game drive, and learn about the Indigenous San people. Your wellness journey continues at an all-inclusive Grand Baie resort on Mauritius's north coast. Here, you'll explore the pristine island's beaches and marine life to finish the wellness adventure.

After three days in Cape Town, it's off to a luxury farm estate in the Cape Winelands (photo courtesy of La Cotte)
Map of Laid-Back Luxury in South Africa: Cape Town & Winelands - 7 Days
Laid-Back Luxury in South Africa: Cape Town & Winelands - 7 Days

If relaxation and a bit of luxury are what you're after, then a food, wine, and golf tour of South Africa's Western Cape is just what the doctor ordered. Enjoy first-class accommodations over seven days of bespoke experiences, which include dining at Cape Town's best restaurants, a helicopter ride over the city, and a Champagne cruise along the coast. Then, visit nearby Cape Winelands to taste the country's best bottles, horseback ride through the vineyards, and play a couple of rounds at Pearl Valley.

Spend three days exploring Kruger National Park on game drives and walks
Map of South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana Adventure: Capetown, Kruger, Victoria Falls & Chobe - 13 Days
South Africa, Zimbabwe & Botswana Adventure: Capetown, Kruger, Victoria Falls & Chobe - 13 Days

In just under two weeks, you'll set off on a journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, blending city exploration with natural wonders. Ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway in Cape Town, enjoy a wine, cheese, and chocolate tour in the Cape Winelands, and discover Kruger National Park on game drives and bush walks. Then, admire Victoria Falls from different vantage points, cruise along the Zambezi River, and search for wildlife in Chobe National Park to end your trip.

Cape Town's affluent Clifton Beach
Map of Explore South Africa: Cape Town & Kruger Safari - 7 Days
Explore South Africa: Cape Town & Kruger Safari - 7 Days

Spend a week exploring South Africa's Cape Town and Kruger National Park. You'll begin in Cape Town, discovering its highlights and history before driving along the Atlantic and False Bay coasts to reach destinations like Chapman's Peak, Cape Point, and Boulders Penguin Colony, ending the venture with stops at a couple of world-class wineries. Next, you'll have three days to go on day and night safaris to see Big Five animals, like elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinoceros, as well as plenty of avian species.

Within Chobe National Park
Map of Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls & Chobe National Park - 10 Days
Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls & Chobe National Park - 10 Days

Take 10 days to travel through some of the wildest parts of Southern Africa with this trip plan. You'll start in Cape Town to experience urban life, touring the surrounding natural attractions and the city's wine scene, before you start your safari time in Sabi Sands, adjacent to Kruger National Park. From there, fly to Victoria Falls to take in the famous waterfalls, then continue on some slower waters with a houseboat trip down the Zambezi.

Heading up Table Mountain
Map of Explore South Africa: Cape Town & Kruger Safari - 6 Days
Explore South Africa: Cape Town & Kruger Safari - 6 Days

Get a glimpse of some of the biggest draws in South Africa on this six-day itinerary. You'll start off in Cape Town, experiencing highlights like Table Mountain, coastal drives, and the Winelands. Then head to Kruger National Park to meet some of the local wildlife on a safari before you depart.

Penguins at Boulders Beach
Map of South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, & More - 6 Days
South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, & More - 6 Days

Take your children to meet the chicks of Boulders Bay's penguin colony and many more on this six-day trip. You'll divide your time between colorful Cape Town and its surrounding areas of Elgin and Franschhoek as you make your way through vineyard mazes, pirate cruises, and more.

Take the family on safari!
Map of Southern Africa Safari for Families: Johannesburg, Kapama, Cape Town & Victoria Falls - 14 Days
Southern Africa Safari for Families: Johannesburg, Kapama, Cape Town & Victoria Falls - 14 Days

For a two-week family trip that covers all your bases, look no further. Travel from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls via Kruger National Park and Cape Town, discovering the best of South Africa and Zimbabwe along the way. From vibrant city life to wild savanna, experience the beauty of traditional cultures alongside modern cuisine and luxury as you hike, bike, scoot, and sail through a family adventure like no other.

A vineyard in Stellenbosch near Cape Town
Map of Cape Town & Garden Route - 8 Days
Cape Town & Garden Route - 8 Days

Experience one of the most beautiful parts of the world as you make your way along South Africa's Garden Route for a unique mix of scenery, multiculturalism, and outdoor activities. This 8-day adventure starts and ends in Cape Town—capped by the magnificent Table Mountain—where you'll have several days to explore this fascinating city (and nearby vineyards) with the help of local guides.

Romantic Safari Getaway
Map of Romantic Cape Town & Safari Honeymoon - 7 Days
Romantic Cape Town & Safari Honeymoon - 7 Days

This romantic and luxurious seven-day honeymoon getaway covers the best of South Africa's sights. You'll enjoy refined metropolitan dining and wine tasting in the Cape Winelands, then transfer to a private safari lodge to see Africa's Big 5 and enjoy world-class relaxation with your special someone.

Spot lions in South Africa's famed Kruger National Park
Map of Southern Africa Highlights: Wildlife & Natural Wonders - 14 Days
Southern Africa Highlights: Wildlife & Natural Wonders - 14 Days

This two-week adventure delivers the grand highlights and lesser-visited gems of southern Africa. Arrive in Cape Town to witness living history on walking tours and go wine tasting in the famous Cape Winelands. Jet off to Zimbabwe for sunset river cruises and vintage train rides around Victoria Falls, then hop over to Botswana for game drives in Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta. Your trip culminates back in South Africa with more safari adventures in Kruger National Park.

Penguins aplenty
Map of South Africa Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, & Eastern Cape Safari - 9 Days
South Africa Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, & Eastern Cape Safari - 9 Days

Follow the winding road to some of South Africa's most popular spots on this nine-day itinerary. You'll take a sidecar tour up the coast to the Cape of Good Hope, go on a cage dive next to great whites, and cross Table Bay before you keep going up to a bike tour of the Winelands and then out to a safari along the Eastern Cape.

Experience a family safari
Map of Southern African Safari for Families: Kapama, Cape Town & Victoria Falls - 10 Days
Southern African Safari for Families: Kapama, Cape Town & Victoria Falls - 10 Days

Experience the best of South Africa's wildlife and stunning natural beauty with this 10-day family trip. From vibrant Johannesburg to cosmopolitan Cape Town, you'll safari in the Kruger National Park and witness the majesty of Victoria Falls. Along the way, discover penguins, pirate ships, and plenty of adventure as you and your family experience the warmth of traditional African culture and hospitality.

Cape foxes in the Kalahari
Map of Discover South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, & Tswalu Kalahari - 12 Days
Discover South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, & Tswalu Kalahari - 12 Days

Take 12 days to saunter through South Africa with this itinerary. You'll start in Cape Town, driving the scenic route out to the Cape of Good Hope and penguins of Boulders Beach, before you get in the water on a great white cage dive and sunrise sea kayak (separately, of course). From there you'll continue to Franschhoek for some time among the grape vines, followed by a safari through the Kalahari reserve before you return home.

Kite surfers in Table Bay
Map of South Africa Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, & Eastern Cape Safari - 12 Days
South Africa Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, & Eastern Cape Safari - 12 Days

Take 12 days to travel through Cape Town and some of its nearby standouts with this itinerary. Whether you're atop Table Mountain, underwater next to great white sharks, or paragliding through the sky, you'll get a good look at the city. Leave Cape Town for its neighboring scenic Winelands, followed by a safari in the Eastern Cape to wrap up your adventure.

A family holiday to remember in South Africa
Map of South Africa for Families: Cape Town, Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City - 10 Days
South Africa for Families: Cape Town, Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City - 10 Days

Experience the very best of South Africa on this 10-day, action-packed family adventure. Journey from stunning Cape Town to vibrant Johannesburg via safari in the Pilanesberg National Park and waterpark fun at Sun City Resort. Along the way, you'll meet the Big Five on a sunrise safari, tour Cape Point, discover the country's journey to end Apartheid in Soweto, and visit a family-friendly winery in the Western Cape.

An excess of elephants
Map of Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park & More - 14 Days
Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park & More - 14 Days

Take two weeks to travel through southern Africa on the wildlife trail with this trip plan. After a bustling city start in Cape Town and Johannesburg, you'll travel to Sabi Sands Game Reserve to begin the first of your safari experiences and search for the "Big Five" next door to Kruger National Park. From there, fly to Victoria Falls for the views, then board a houseboat to take you on a river-based safari spotting hippos down the Zambezi. You'll end your trip in the Okavango Delta and its Moremi Game Reserve to make sure you've got a glimpse of everything on your list.

Bo Kaap in Cape Town
Map of Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 15 Days
Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 15 Days

Whether you're looking down the colorful buildings of Bo Kaap or out at the traditional house-shaped mountains of the Three Rondavels, you'll find plenty of views to take in on this  15-day itinerary. Look down from Table Mountain or the cliffs of the Cape of Good Hope in Cape Town, up at the skies during an outdoor dinner and storytelling experience in Johannesburg, or across the plains on a safari through Kruger National Park to see some of the highlights of South Africa.

Explore wineries near the town of Franschhoek, located outside of Cape Town
Map of Cape Town & Franschhoek: Best Itinerary Ideas
Cape Town & Franschhoek: Best Itinerary Ideas

Thirteen to 16 days is the most popular trip length for travelers visiting South Africa's Cape Town and Franschhoek, especially when including Johannesburg and Kruger National Park. If you're only headed to Cape Town and Franschhoek, you can enjoy a well-paced trip in six to eight days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as five days. For the best itineraries, including Cape Town and Franschhoek, keep reading below.

Enjoy game drives in South Africa's famous Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve
Map of South Africa Coastal & Safari Highlights: Cape Town & Sabi Sands - 7 Days
South Africa Coastal & Safari Highlights: Cape Town & Sabi Sands - 7 Days

Plan for a week of safari adventures in South Africa to witness some of the most majestic animals on land and sea. It begins in coastal Cape Town, where you'll stroll its colorful harbor and visit iconic landmarks on the Cape Peninsula. After walking with African penguins and doing some whale watching, you're off to Sabi Sands, a private nature reserve where you'll enjoy safari game drives by day and spend your evenings in perfect comfort at luxurious bush lodges.

Family fun on Cape Town's beaches
Map of South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands & Safari - 7 Days
South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands & Safari - 7 Days

With a beautiful coastline, fertile wine country, and seriously impressive wildlife, South Africa is an ideal destination for a chilled-out yet active family vacation. This week-long itinerary starts in vibrant Cape Town, a city with impressive views and beaches around every corner. Spot penguins on the Cape Peninsula, get hands-on at the farms of the Winelands region, then go on safari at the Shamwari Game Reserve for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Sunrise in Kruger
Map of Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 8 Days
Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 8 Days

Eight days will introduce you to some of the high points of South Africa on this itinerary. Spend three nights in Cape Town complete with scenic drives, wine samples, and sweeping views, followed by a night in Johannesburg for a skim of the history of the Soweto district. End your outing with a safari through Kruger National Park and all its native wildlife.

Kruger National Park
Map of Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Mauritius - 13 Days
Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Mauritius - 13 Days

On this 13-day adventure in South Africa and beyond, you'll check some major activities off your bucket list. Start on the coast of Cape Town, where you'll experience highlights like visiting Cape Point, walking with penguins, going on wine tours, and enjoying the views from Table Mountain. Then, spend a few unforgettable days on safari in Kruger National Park, followed by a jaunt to Mauritius for beach time and aquatic excursions in the Indian Ocean.

"Biltong," a South African meat jerky snack, complete with spices and herbs
Map of South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Winelands & Johannesburg - 7 Days
South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Winelands & Johannesburg - 7 Days

Whether you're sipping world-class vintages in the Winelands or barbecuing around the braai, you'll sample many of the typical flavors of South Africa with this weeklong itinerary. Split your time between Cape Town and Johannesburg for wine tours, food walks, interactive storytelling experiences, and more.

Cederberg Mountains
Map of Nature in South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, & Cederberg - 5 Days
Nature in South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, & Cederberg - 5 Days

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.

Spend three days exploring the Moremi Game Reserve
Map of Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park & More - 16 Days
Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park & More - 16 Days

Sweep through southern Africa on this 16-day safari-centric tour. Enjoy scenic drives and food and wine tours in Cape Town, followed by a modern history lesson in Johannesburg. Then, it's off to Sabi Sands Game Reserve for three days of game drives and bush walks. Leave South Africa and head to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe before you board a houseboat to cruise through the waterways of Chobe National Park. End the trip with one last safari in Botswana's Moremi Game Reserve.

Look for the Big Five while on safari in Kruger National Park
Map of Cape Town & Kruger National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas
Cape Town & Kruger National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas

Eight to 11 days is the most popular trip length for South Africa travelers interested in visiting both Cape Town and Kruger National Park, especially when also including Johannesburg and Franschhoek. If you're only headed to Cape Town and Kruger National Park, you can enjoy a comfortably paced trip in seven to nine days. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as five or six days. For the best itineraries, including Cape Town and Kruger National Park, keep reading below.

Yeah we saw that text
Map of South Africa and Zimbabwe Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, & More - 14 Days
South Africa and Zimbabwe Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, & More - 14 Days

The African continent has more than 3,000 protected areas of land, and while you won't be able to cover all of them on this trip, you can get a good look. From the treetops of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town and vineyards of the Winelands, you'll continue to the Sabi Sands game reserve and two different national parks in Zimbabwe to take in all the scenery and safari time the southern region of the continent has to offer.

Protea flowers in bloom
Map of Discover South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, & Tswalu Kalahari - 11 Days
Discover South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, & Tswalu Kalahari - 11 Days

Frolic through the fynbos for 11 days of some favorite South African attractions. You'll drive the scenic coastal roads outside Cape Town, dive into a shark cage encounter, and gaze out from Table Mountain over the city. Follow it up with the famous vineyards of Franschhoek and a safari to find the many flora and fauna of the Kalahari.

Start your epic 16-day tour of South Africa in coastal Cape Town
Map of Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg & Kruger Safari - 16 Days
Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg & Kruger Safari - 16 Days

Explore some of South Africa's highlights on this 16-day trip to two iconic cities and the Kruger National Park Reserve. Take a cable car up Table Mountain in Cape Town, go on a road trip along the Cape Peninsula, and sample local wine in the Winelands. Then, fly to Johannesburg to explore the Maboneng Precinct and learn more about the Apartheid era in Soweto. Look for the Big Five in the reserve on bush walks and game drives before taking a scenic drive back to Johannesburg via the Blyde River Canyon.

Make memories with the kids and check out the views from Table Mountain
Map of South Africa for Families: Cape Town, Sun City & Johannesburg - 7 Days
South Africa for Families: Cape Town, Sun City & Johannesburg - 7 Days

This well-planned, week-long itinerary is the perfect taster of South Africa for families of all ages. Enjoy the best of colorful Cape Town, from the sweeping views atop Table Mountain to the wineries on the city's doorstep. Then catch a flight inland for two blissful days at the Sun City Resort, a wonderland of adventure and relaxation for kids and parents. End in Johannesburg with a meaningful tour of the infamous Soweto township and a storytelling dinner under the stars

Spend some time at Sun City to cool off from the South African heat
Map of Family Trip to Cape Town, Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City - 14 Days
Family Trip to Cape Town, Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City - 14 Days

This perfectly curated two-week trip to South Africa blends a mix of sunshine-filled family downtime with ample opportunity to experience the country's highlights. Discover playful penguins, thrilling cable car rides, and a memorable African dinner as you get to know Cape Town. See lions and elephants on safari in Pilanesberg National Park, then head to Sun City for family fun and relaxation. A visit to vibrant Johannesburg and an unforgettable trip to Soweto complete this family adventure.

Quayside, Cape Town
Map of South Africa Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, & Eastern Cape Safari - 10 Days
South Africa Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, & Eastern Cape Safari - 10 Days

Travel for 10 days through tantalizing South Africa on this trip plan. You'll bask in the sea air on your face as you take the scenic route up the coast, then feel the fins of great whites swimming past you on a cage dive. Relax in the Winelands as you enjoy their classic vintages, then go wildlife spotting on a safari on the Eastern Cape.

In the Cederberg Mountains
Map of Wine & Nature in South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, & Cederberg - 8 Days
Wine & Nature in South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, & Cederberg - 8 Days

Enjoy eight days exploring from the coast to the cliffs on this itinerary. Follow the coastal drives out of Cape Town and down into an aquatic cage experience with great white sharks, then go inland to the famous vineyards of Stellenbosch and the Winelands. Finish up in the mountain caves and trails of Cederberg before you head home.

Safari adventure in South Africa
Map of Family Fun in South Africa: Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Johannesburg - 7 Days
Family Fun in South Africa: Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Johannesburg - 7 Days

South Africa is synonymous with adventure, and this kid-friendly itinerary is no exception. As you travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg via the Kruger National Park, you'll experience wildlife closer than ever before, learn about historical events directly from those who lived through them, and experience the best in modern South African culture and cuisine. From a swashbuckling sea adventure to a sunset safari, you and the kids will come away with memories to savor and stories to tell!

Little ones will love seeing zebras in South Africa
Map of South Africa Coast & Safari Family Adventure - 7 Days
South Africa Coast & Safari Family Adventure - 7 Days

Treat the kids to the holiday of a lifetime as you journey to South Africa for an unforgettable trip that starts in vibrant Cape Town and ends with a stunning couple of days on safari at the Southern Cape's Gondwana Game Reserve. Along the way, you'll scale iconic Table Mountain by cable car, play alongside penguins at Boulder Beach, and cruise the Cape on a pirate ship before encountering Big Five wildlife in the stunning surroundings of the Garden Route.

South Africa
Map of Southern Africa Highlights: Wildlife Safaris & Natural Wonders - 13 Days
Southern Africa Highlights: Wildlife Safaris & Natural Wonders - 13 Days

Over nearly two weeks, you'll enjoy the best southern Africa has to offer on this adventurous itinerary. It begins with wine tours and sunset cruises around the magnificent coast of Cape Town, after which you'll jet off to Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world. Embark on safaris in Botswana's Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta wetlands, then wrap up the trip with more wildlife adventures in South Africa's Kruger National Park.

Treat your family to a week of Cape Town fun mixed with the ultimate safari adventure
Map of Family-Friendly South Africa: Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari - 7 Days
Family-Friendly South Africa: Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari - 7 Days

This exciting tour of South Africa is perfect for families or those who are kids at heart, offering fun excursions in the country's malaria-free regions. It starts in Cape Town, where you'll stroll around the V&A Waterfront, ride cable cars to the top of Table Mountain, and spend a day in the picturesque villages around Cape Point. Then, it's safari time in Shamwari Reserve! Seek out Africa's Big Five game animals, take guided bush walks, and end with a visit to their wildlife rehabilitation and big cat sanctuaries.

Look out for the Big Five in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Map of Discover South Africa's Wildlife & Wine & Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls - 9 Days
Discover South Africa's Wildlife & Wine & Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls - 9 Days

This nine-day adventure seamlessly blends cultural exploration, wildlife encounters, and natural wonders across South Africa and Zimbabwe. Begin with a sidecar tour of the Cape Peninsula and a wine, cheese, and chocolate tasting in the Cape Winelands. Then, discover the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve on game drives and bush walks. Spend a day in Johannesburg before flying to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to admire the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world's largest falls from every vantage point.

Within Kruger National Park
Map of Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg & Kruger Safari - 14 Days
Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg & Kruger Safari - 14 Days

Take two weeks to see some of the most famous spots in South Africa on this tour. Start in Cape Town, home to mountaintop views, classic wine vintages, and historical, natural, and consumable attractions. Head over to Johannesburg to learn more about the history of the country, then keep going to Kruger National Park to meet the country's animal residents before you take a scenic drive back to Johannesburg and depart.

Roadside Kruger views
Map of Classic South Africa & Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari & More - 21 Days
Classic South Africa & Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari & More - 21 Days

Take a full three weeks to journey through South Africa and neighboring Mauritius with this travel plan. Week one begins in Cape Town, filled with wine, views, history, and food. Start week two in Johannesburg with history and a traditional-style dinner, then continue to Kruger National Park, searching for wildlife. Fly on to Mauritius to spend your final week exploring the scenery of this tropical island.

Atop Table Mountain
Map of Discover South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg & Tswalu Kalahari - 14 Days
Discover South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg & Tswalu Kalahari - 14 Days

This trip takes a two-week tour of some of South Africa's most popular attractions. Five nights in Cape Town will start you off with an exploration of the city, from its busy streets to the open landscapes of the Cape of Good Hope, and down into the water on a sea kayak tour. Continue to Franschhoek to sample its famous wines, tour the historic streets, fly over the Johannesburg countryside, and cap it off with a safari across the Kalahari.

Look for elephants on game drives and bush walks in Kruger National Park
Map of Classic South Africa & Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari & Mauritius - 16 Days
Classic South Africa & Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari & Mauritius - 16 Days

Get a glimpse of the rich world of South Africa and Mauritius on this 16-day itinerary. Begin in Cape Town with views, wine tastings, and historical insights, then spend a brief few days in Johannesburg to delve deeper into the country's history. Go on game drives and bush walks in Kruger National Park. Then, end your trip in Mauritius, where you can explore the island's pristine beaches, cruise to Ile aux Cerfs, swim under powerful waterfalls, and sample local rum.

Finish the adventure at a secluded resort on the Indian Ocean (photo courtesy of Thonga Beach Lodge)
Map of Luxury Escape in South Africa: Cape Town to the East Coast - 14 Days
Luxury Escape in South Africa: Cape Town to the East Coast - 14 Days

Spend two weeks traveling at a relaxed pace from one end of South Africa to the other while enjoying exotic adventures and luxury accommodations. You'll arrive in the Western Cape, one of Africa's most beautiful coastal corners, for nature and wine tours in and around Cape Town. Then, jet to the KwaZulu-Natal, on the east coast, where you'll embark on safari game drives in wildlife reserves before winding down at Mabibi Beach on the Indian Ocean for snorkeling on a protected stretch of coastline.

An evening view of Table Mountain in Cape Town
Map of South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Safari, & More - 15 Days
South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Safari, & More - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary combines the highlights of South African travel with the chance to relax on the white sand beaches of Mauritius. You'll arrive in Cape Town, where you'll discover the Cape wine region and explore the city's top scenic and tourist spots including Table Mountain and Robben Island, before traveling to Manyeleti Game Reserve, which shares an open border with Kruger National Park. Over four days, you'll spot the Big Five and other species during game drives or guided walks, and then depart for Johannesburg where you'll catch a flight to Mauritius.

Let the young explorers in your life discover South Africa's extensive wildlife
Map of South African Family Safari: Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Johannesburg - 10 Days
South African Family Safari: Cape Town, Kruger National Park & Johannesburg - 10 Days

Challenge your perception of family travel with this adventurous itinerary. Can you really take kids on safari, wine tasting, or hiking? The answer is yes, absolutely―if you do it right! As you travel from Cape Town to Johannesburg via Kruger National Park, you'll discover tours tailored to be safe but exciting, with plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Get up close to South Africa's wildlife, learn about its history and culture firsthand, and relax while you and the kids have the time of your lives.

Family time on the beaches of Cape Town
Map of Adventure, Safari & Family Fun in South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route - 10 Days
Adventure, Safari & Family Fun in South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route - 10 Days

This 10-day family trip to South Africa blends the perfect mix of adventure, excursions, and luxury downtime as you explore the country's scenic Garden Route and Western Cape. Start in lively Cape Town, where you'll scale Table Mountain by cable car before touring the surrounding wine country. Introduce the kids to Africa's iconic Big Five as you safari in Gondwana before winding up on the pristine shores of Knysna and catching a sunset cruise along the lagoon.

Experience a family-focused safari adventure in the malaria-free Eastern Cape (photo courtesy of Shamwari Game Reserve)
Map of Family-Friendly South Africa: Cape Town, Stellenbosch & Eastern Cape Safari - 10 Days
Family-Friendly South Africa: Cape Town, Stellenbosch & Eastern Cape Safari - 10 Days

This 10-day South Africa family adventure starts with coastal fun in Cape Town, where you'll ride cable cars up Table Mountain and meet the penguins of Boulder Beach. Continue to Stellenbosch for kid-friendly excursions in the Winelands, then end with a bucket-list family safari experience in the malaria-free Eastern Cape—where you'll embark on game drives through the Shamwari Private Game Reserve and learn more about the reserve's wildlife rehabilitation efforts.

Victoria Falls
Map of Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, & Chobe National Park - 8 Days
Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, & Chobe National Park - 8 Days

Eight days of elephants and expansive views are yours to explore on this itinerary. Begin in Cape Town, where you'll enjoy tours both within the city and out into its surrounding areas to see the sights and sample the cheese, wine, and chocolate of the Winelands. Continue to feel the rush of Victoria Falls, followed by a river cruise down the Zambezi to scope out the wildlife of Chobe National Park.

Baobab in Kruger
Map of Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 8 Days
Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 8 Days

Follow a classic South Africa route for eight days on this itinerary. Start off on Cape Town's scenic seaboard and wine country, then go north for a night in Johannesburg accompanied by a tour of the Soweto Township. From there you'll head to Kruger National Park for a safari across its famous territory.

Stadsaal Caves
Map of Wine & Nature in South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, & Cederberg - 9 Days
Wine & Nature in South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, & Cederberg - 9 Days

From prehistoric cave art to the cosmopolitan streets of Cape Town, this nine-day itinerary gives you a window into some of South Africa's calling cards. Start off with a walking tour through Cape Town's history and scenic drive down to the Cape of Good Hope. Continue to the Winelands to relax and sample amid the vines, then finish up searching for cave paintings and mountain trails in the Cederberg Mountains.

Penguins on Boulders Beach
Map of Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 13 Days
Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 13 Days

The "big five" are just a few of the animals you can see in South Africa, and you'll meet plenty of the country's residents both human and animal on this classic 13-day trip. You'll start off in Cape Town, where the city's human residents will guide through the city's cultural and culinary scene, and out to the Cape of Good Hope and penguin colonies of Boulders Beach. Then head to Johannesburg to hear stories of the city's complicated history before you set off on safari through Kruger National Park.

Cape White-Eye Bird
Map of Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 13 Days
Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 13 Days

Thirteen days through the Western Cape will thrill you with all that this region has to offer. Your trip begins in Cape Town, where you can enjoy views from on the shore, atop Table Mountain, and amidst the city streets. Venture into the vineyards of the Winelands and rocky coasts of Hermanus before you embark on a Garden Route drive that will bring you from one of the world's highest bungee jumps down into glittering caves, and so much more.

Vineyard in Franschhoek
Map of Discover South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, & Tswalu Kalahari - 13 Days
Discover South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, & Tswalu Kalahari - 13 Days

Sip, spin, safari and more on this 13-day itinerary. You'll take in the highlights of what Cape Town has to offer with outings including the Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, and a full day to explore on your own. Then travel to the Winelands, where you can sample the food and wine of Franschhoek and see the scenery from a bike tour; sail over the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site with a hot air balloon tour out of Johannesburg; and venture into the Kalahari desert in search of wildlife on safari.

Spend four days journeying on the luxurious Rovos Rail vintage train on your way to Victoria Falls
Map of Highlights of Southern Africa: From Cape Town to Victoria Falls - 14 Days
Highlights of Southern Africa: From Cape Town to Victoria Falls - 14 Days

Spend two weeks exploring southern Africa, starting in Cape Town, where you'll discover landmarks like Robben Island, the Cape Peninsula, and the Cape Winelands. Then, fly to the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve for game drives and bush walks. Enjoy a scenic drive to Johannesburg before starting your three-night journey to Victoria Falls on the luxurious Rovos Rail. End your trip at a lodge on the Zambezi River, choosing from a range of activities to experience the region's rich wildlife and natural beauty.

Close-up of male ostrich in Little Karoo
Map of Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 14 Days
Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 14 Days

Take a two-week adventure from one of the world's highest bungee jumps down into a cage next to a great white shark with this trip plan. Start on Table Mountain in Cape Town, followed by a culinary tour, treetop walkway, and wine tastings. Once you get onto the Garden Route, you'll make your way around canoeing through lagoons, hiking in national parks, and spelunking through caves.

Look for graceful giraffes in a private Eastern Cape game reserve
Map of South Africa Road Trip: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari - 16 Days
South Africa Road Trip: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari - 16 Days

Explore the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of South Africa on this 16-day tour across the country. Start in Cape Town, where you can go on a sunrise kayak ride, delve into African art, and visit Robben Island. Then, set off on a road trip to the charming towns of Greyton, Oudtshoorn, and Knysna. Highlights include exploring underground caves, bungee jumping, and interacting with ostriches. Look for the Big Five game animals at a private Eastern Cape reserve to end your trip.

Campus Bay in Cape Town, South Africa
Map of Cape Town, Franschhoek & Garden Route - 14 Days
Cape Town, Franschhoek & Garden Route - 14 Days

Go whale watching, shark diving, wine tasting, meerkat spotting, ocean kayaking, and so much more on this fantastic two-week tour of South Africa. Kick things off in Cape Town with the best food, art, and history experiences, get up close with nature on a drive along the famously scenic Garden Route, and end your adventure with a ride through the vineyards on the famous wine tram of Franschhoek.

A view of Johannesburg's skyline
Map of Authentic South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route, Safari, and Johannesburg - 15 Days
Authentic South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route, Safari, and Johannesburg - 15 Days

Over two weeks, you'll do everything from touring Cape Town's top tourist destinations to eating lunch in a local tavern in the township of Soweto. The trip will start with five days discovering the best spots in Cape Town and its vibrant city life before flying to the Eastern Cape where you'll spend four days in Knysna and Jeffreys Bay exploring the Garden Route. For two days, you'll get up close with the big five while staying in a tented camp in Manyeleti Game Reserve before heading to South Africa's commercial capital, Johannesburg, where you'll have a full city tour.

Savor the Cape Winelands' best bottles before you set off on safari
Map of Luxury South Africa Food, Wine & Safari Adventure - 14 Days
Luxury South Africa Food, Wine & Safari Adventure - 14 Days

Spend two weeks discovering the fruits of South Africa, all while traveling in the lap of luxury. There's no better spot to begin a first-class holiday than coastal Cape Town, where you'll spend a few days touring the highlights, enjoying fine dining, and exploring landmarks like Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula. Then, after sampling the best bottles in the Cape Winelands region, you'll embark on safaris at private nature reserves and finish up in Johannesburg for a deep dive into the real Africa.

A family hike in South Africa
Map of Adventure, Safari & Family Fun in South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route - 14 Days
Adventure, Safari & Family Fun in South Africa: Cape Town & the Garden Route - 14 Days

This exciting two-week family tour of South Africa starts in Cape Town, where you'll hike the majestic Table Mountain and enjoy a traditional African dinner and dancing. Then, journey along the Garden Route, visiting the seaside town of Hermanus for whale watching and the Cape seals of Geyser Rock. Search out Africa's Big Five game animals at Gondwana Game Reserve, take a treetop walk in Tsitsikamma National Park, and visit monkeys, birds, and big cats at Knysna's wildlife sanctuaries.

Turtle tots make there way to the ocean
Map of Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Safari & Beach - 10 Days
Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Safari & Beach - 10 Days

Take 10 days to get a taste of some of the urban and natural attractions of South Africa on this trip. Your tour takes off in Cape Town, taking in the views from Table Mountain and tasting wine and cheese from the Winelands. Transfer to Kruger National Park to traverse the wild landscapes and treetop creatures, then travel down to Thonga Beach Lodge to work on your tan and turtle time.

The Three Rondavels
Map of Classic South Africa: Cape Town. Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 9 Days
Classic South Africa: Cape Town. Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 9 Days

Nine days will give you a nice amount of time to nourish your understanding of South Africa on this itinerary. Spend your first three nights in Cape Town on a walking tour through historic city highlights, out sampling in the Winelands, and driving the scenic coast. Stop in Johannesburg for an interactive dinner evening, then keep going to Kruger National Park for a classic safari.

Zebras crossing the Okavango Delta
Map of Southern Africa Panorama: Culture, Cuisine & Wildlife - 15 Days
Southern Africa Panorama: Culture, Cuisine & Wildlife - 15 Days

You can experience southern Africa's greatest natural wonders alongside local culture and cuisine in just over two weeks. Start in South Africa's Western Cape to scale Table Mountain and taste world-class reds in the Winelands, then make your way to Kruger and Chobe National Parks for wildlife safaris by land and water—with visits to Johannesburg and Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls in between. Your adventure ends in Botswana, where you'll track antelope and canoe alongside elephants in the biodiverse Okavango Delta.

Hippos in Chobe
Map of Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, & More - 9 Days
Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, & More - 9 Days

Go from the concrete jungle to the actual jungle with this nine-day itinerary. Start on the sophisticated city streets of Cape Town, where you'll take in city tours and scenic drives, then safari through Sabi Sands Game Reserve, a private park that shares its boundaries with larger Kruger National Park. Hop up to the top of Victoria Falls, then cruise your way into the end of your trip on a houseboat down the Zambezi.

Colorful Cape Town
Map of South Africa Highlights: Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Durban & St Lucia - 9 Days
South Africa Highlights: Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Durban & St Lucia - 9 Days

Explore the magic of South Africa on this nine-day, self-drive adventure. Start in Cape Town, where you'll take a cable car up Table Mountain and visit penguins on Boulders Beach. Then, it's off to the seaside town of Mossel Bay for a guided safari and close encounters with wildlife like zebras, elephants, and rhinos. Hop a flight to the beaches of Durban for some swimming and surfing, then finish your trip in St Lucia, where you'll cruise the St Lucia Estuary and see the hippos and crocodiles that live there.

Between Kruger National Park and the private Sabi Sands, you'll have plenty of opportunities to spot big cats and other Big Five game
Map of South African Safari Highlights: Kruger, Sabi Sands & Cape Town - 10 Days
South African Safari Highlights: Kruger, Sabi Sands & Cape Town - 10 Days

Perfect for first-timers and those looking for the quintessential South African safari experience, this 10-day itinerary bases you between Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sands Reserve, where you'll spot lions and rhinos on game drives, take sunset bush walks through the savanna, and fall asleep to the sounds of the bushveld in luxury lodges. After plenty of safari adventures, your trip winds down in Cape Town for penguin tours, wine tastings, cooking workshops, and more.

Explore the picturesque Cape Winelands on guided tours and solo excursions
Map of Highlights of South Africa: Cape Town, Cape Winelands & Eastern Cape Game Reserve - 11 Days
Highlights of South Africa: Cape Town, Cape Winelands & Eastern Cape Game Reserve - 11 Days

This 11-day South African itinerary perfectly blends urban exploration, vineyard tours, and wildlife adventures. Begin in Cape Town with a ride on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, then spend a day discovering the Cape Peninsula. Transfer to the Cape Winelands to explore the lush wine country on food, wine, and cycling tours. Your last stop is the luxurious Kuzuko Lodge, nestled within a private game reserve. Spend three days on game drives to spot the Big Five and other wildlife to end your whirlwind trip.

Check out the towns on the Garden Route
Map of Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 12 Days
Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 12 Days

Combine a city break and a classic road trip with this 12-day itinerary. Stroll through Cape Town's many attractions, whether on sandy Bloubergstrand Beach or the shops of the V&A Waterfront, before you duck under the vines of the Winelands' vineyards. Then get in your car for a drive filled with whale-watching, wildlife, and more.

Experience a family safari adventure in South Africa's malaria-free Eastern Cape
Map of Family-Friendly South Africa: Cape Town, Stellenbosch & Eastern Cape Safaris - 14 Days
Family-Friendly South Africa: Cape Town, Stellenbosch & Eastern Cape Safaris - 14 Days

With two weeks in South Africa, you can combine city fun, wine country adventures, and the ultimate family safari experience. Start in colorful Cape Town to tackle Table Mountain and spot penguins and whales off the coast, then venture into the Winelands for kid-friendly vineyard and farm excursions. Switch to safari mode as you explore a private Eastern Cape reserve with family game drives and bush walks, and end on the coast with more wildlife encounters and beach time at a spectacular oceanfront lodge.

Elephants in Chobe
Map of Epic Southern Africa: Victoria Falls, Chobe, Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo National Park - 21 Days
Epic Southern Africa: Victoria Falls, Chobe, Cape Town, Garden Route & Addo National Park - 21 Days

Get ready for a packed three-week adventure to some of the greatest locales in Africa. Your multi-country journey begins in Zimbabwe at Victoria Falls—the largest waterfall in the world—followed by camping in Botswana's Chobe National Park. Then enjoy the highlights of beautiful South Africa, including wine tours, scenic road trips, wildlife safaris, mountain biking, caving, hikes up Table Mountain, sunset boat cruises, and much more.

We have got to stop meeting like this
Map of South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Safari, & More - 16 Days
South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Safari, & More - 16 Days

Despite their dramatic size difference, the elephant's closest living relative is the hyrax. See if you can spot both elephants and their cousins as you take your own family on this 16-day adventure that will take you from up in the trees of Kirstenbosch Garden, onto the cliffs of Cape Point, out to sea for marine wildlife sightings, down into caves, and into safari grasslands, just to name a few, to take in landscapes as varied as your family.

Admire the natural beauty of Lisbon Falls on your road trip along the Panorama Route
Map of South Africa Culture, Wildlife, Food & Wine Discovery Tour- 16 Days
South Africa Culture, Wildlife, Food & Wine Discovery Tour- 16 Days

Delve into South Africa's rich culture, delicious cuisine, and abundant wildlife on this 16-day tour across the country. Learn how to cook traditional Malay food and enjoy a 14-course African meal in Capetown, then explore the vineyards and flavors of the Cape Winelands on an e-bike and a hop-on, hop-off tram. Finally, look for the Big Five on safari in two game reserves before learning about Apartheid and how it affected Soweto's residents in Johannesburg.

Chamarel waterfall on Mauritius
Map of Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 18 Days
Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 18 Days

Eighteen days takes you through some of the highlights of South Africa and Mauritius on this itinerary.  You'll begin in Cape Town, where you'll tour the wine lands, coastal hot spots like the Cape of Good Hope and neighboring penguin colony, botanic gardens, and more. Head to Johannesburg for a brief glimpse into South African history before you continue to the wilds of Kruger National Park. Conclude on the island of Mauritius, home to famous beaches and other natural attractions.

Greenmarket Square in Cape Town
Map of Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 10 Days
Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 10 Days

Take a 10-day trek through the tales of South Africa with this trip plan. Listen to the wind blowing in across Cape Town from atop Table Mountain or rustling through the vineyards of the Winelands, then get in touch with the country's human history on a Cape Town city tour and over dinner in Johannesburg. You'll end your trip listening to the bird calls and animals of Kruger National Park on safari.

Chapman's Peak outside of Cape Town
Map of Scenic South Africa Road Trip: Cape Town & Garden Route - 13 Days
Scenic South Africa Road Trip: Cape Town & Garden Route - 13 Days

Spend 13 days in South Africa enjoying the highlights of Cape Town, plus a jaunt through wine country and down to the Cape of Good Hope. You'll then embark on an epic road trip along the Garden Route, one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. Stop in national parks, visit charming towns, hit the waves in surf towns—you'll even have time to search for the "Big Five" on multiple safari game drives.

A road in the Western Cape, South Africa
Map of South Africa Self-Drive Tour - 11 Days
South Africa Self-Drive Tour - 11 Days

This stunning road-trip itinerary encompasses urban sophistication, a wildlife safari, and one of the country's best wine regions—all in the span of 11 days. Kick off in Cape Town, where you'll have four days to explore the city's culture and hiking trails. From here, drive to a beautiful private game reserve that is home to the Big Five. Finish in the Franschhoek Valley to see some of the best wine estates and gardens in South  Africa.

Family on Safari
Map of South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Safari - 10 Days
South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Safari - 10 Days

Experience the best of South Africa's stunning scenery and wildlife with this 10-day family trip. Whiz up iconic Table Mountain by cable car, then explore the country's scenic Garden Route and vineyards before going on a safari at the luxury Shamwari Game Reserve. Along the way, you'll make pals with African penguins, see the Big Five, zipline across a ravine, and get in some beach time at beautiful Knysna.

Safari in the vast South African countryside
Wildlife & Culture in South Africa - 10 Days

Explore South Africa's culture and wildlife on this 10-day trip, starting in the vibrant city of Cape Town with a tour of the Cape Peninsula, a visit to Boulders Beach to view the penguins, and a whale-watching cruise near Walker Bay. Then hop aboard the luxury train Rovos Rail to traverse the country, stopping in Matjiesfontein, Kimberely, and Pretoria along the way. End your trip with a flight to Thornybush Game Reserve for daily safaris and dinners in a luxury tented camp under the stars.

Elephant excursion
Map of Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 11 Days
Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 11 Days

Enjoy 11 days amid some of South Africa's most enticing attractions with this trip plan. You'll embark to Cape Town to start, with three nights in the urban environment to experiment with the city's culinary and cultural attractions. A brief intermission in Johannesburg will educate you on some of that city's expansive history, then go on to experience the ecological side of South Africa with three nights on safari in Kruger National Park and two more atop the sandy expanses of the Thonga Beach Lodge.

End your trip with winery tours (and tastings) in the Cape Winelands
Map of Highlights of Namibia & South Africa - 14 Days
Highlights of Namibia & South Africa - 14 Days

Discover Namibia and South Africa's rich culture, natural landscapes, and abundant wildlife on this 14-day tour across both countries. Start with a city break in Windhoek before driving to the Namib Desert to climb sand dunes and rise above the landscape in a hot-air balloon. Drive along the Skeleton Coast next, where elephants and black rhinos await you. Then, fly to South Africa to explore the Cape Peninsula, the coastal town of Hermanus, and the picturesque vineyards of the Cape Winelands.

Sunset over Clifton Beach, Cape Town
Map of Self-Drive Tour of South Africa's Coast: Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Durban & St Lucia - 10 Days
Self-Drive Tour of South Africa's Coast: Cape Town, Mossel Bay, Durban & St Lucia - 10 Days

From bustling Cape Town to secluded St Lucia, you'll see the best that South Africa's Atlantic and Indian coasts have to offer on this 10-day self-drive itinerary. Experience golden beaches in Durban, take in stunning views from atop Table Mountain, and come face to face with hippos and crocodiles in iSimangaliso Wetland Park as you create lasting memories on this South African adventure.

Tsitsikamma National Park
Map of South Africa Road Trip: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, & Eastern Cape Safari - 15 Days
South Africa Road Trip: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, & Eastern Cape Safari - 15 Days

Take yourself through some of the Cape Town's top spots with this 15-day road trip. Your trip begins with five days in Cape Town itself and its neighboring attractions, including the Cape of Good Hope, Table Mountain, and historic Robben Island. Then you'll get in your car and head to the relaxed town of Greyton, caves and animal reserves of Oudtshoorn, and Tsitsikamma National Park and the famed lagoon of Knysna, before you conclude with a safari in the Eastern Cape.

Cape Town
Map of Coastal South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari - 13 Days
Coastal South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari - 13 Days

This epic 13-day itinerary delivers the best of South Africa's southern coast by combining city tours, wine tastings, road trips, and safari drives. First, enjoy history walks around Cape Town, tours in the Winelands, and trips to the Cape Peninsula to walk with penguins. Then hit the road for nature tours and beach time along the famous Garden Route before finishing strong with a true African safari in a private game reserve.

South Africa's Winelands Region
Ultimate Southern Africa Experience: Cape Town, Blue Train, Chobe - 16 Days

This two-week adventure spans southern Africa to mix luxurious activities with rugged safaris. Explore Cape Town's award-winning wine region and walk with penguins on Boulders Beach before catching the 2-night luxury Blue Train to Pretoria. Enjoy glamping-style accommodation while hiking to Victoria Falls, searching for big game in Chobe National Park, and navigating the diverse waters of the Okavango River Delta on traditional wooden boats.

Red-billed hornbill
Map of Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, & More - 12 Days
Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, & More - 12 Days

Spend twelve days touring some of southern Africa's wildlife hotspots with this itinerary. You'll begin with three nights in Cape Town to take in the city's wine and cheese samples along with its surrounding natural landscapes, then move to Sabi Sands Reserve for a safari. Continue to Zimbabwe feel the rush of Victoria Falls before you cruise into the end of your journey on a second safari onboard a houseboat.

Look for zebras and giraffes comingling in Kruger National Park
Map of Cape Town, Johannesburg & Kruger National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas
Cape Town, Johannesburg & Kruger National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that eight to 11 days is perfect for a well-paced South Africa trip with stops in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Kruger National Park. If you don't mind a fast-paced journey, you can see the highlights of this route in less time—as little as one week. Or, extend your trip and explore more of the country—some of the best-loved trip extensions include Franschhoek or Simon's Town. See more ideas for Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Kruger National Park itineraries below.

Gather 'round the braai
Map of South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Garden Route, & Johannesburg - 10 Days
South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Garden Route, & Johannesburg - 10 Days

Take ten days to tease your taste buds on this trip through South Africa's treats. You'll start with three days in Cape Town to walk the city streets on a guided food tour and visit the Winelands, then stop in the smaller towns of Elgin and Knsyna to explore their farm-to-table scenes. End your trip around the bonfire in Johannesburg with storytelling and barbecue-style dining.

Baobab at Mana Pools
Map of South Africa and Zimbabwe Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, & More - 11 Days
South Africa and Zimbabwe Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, & More - 11 Days

Crocodiles have been on earth for roughly 200 million years. See if you can find one and ask it some historical questions on this 11-day trip. You'll start out gazing out at Cape Town from atop Table Mountain and sipping the famous vintages of the Winelands, then head out on safari through Sabi Sands reserve and the Hwange and Mana Pools national parks to see what you can learn.

Mix adventure and luxury on a trip to South Africa (photo courtesy of Dulini)
Map of South Africa Luxury Safari: Cape Town, Winelands, Sabi Sands & White River - 10 Days
South Africa Luxury Safari: Cape Town, Winelands, Sabi Sands & White River - 10 Days

Experience a more luxurious style of safari with this 10-day South African adventure. After an introduction to Cape Town, set off into the Cape Winelands for private vineyard tours and tastings. Then, it's on to the main event—an exclusive safari experience in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Seek out Big Five wildlife on game drives and bush walks, then retire to your 5-star lodge each evening. End with a scenic trip along the Panorama Route to glimpse the dramatic vistas of the Blyde River Canyon.

Grazing hippo in Chobe National Park
Map of Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, & More - 11 Days
Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, & More - 11 Days

You'll experience eleven days exploring both the wildlife of Southern Africa and city of Cape Town on this itinerary. Your start in Cape Town offers a chance to experience the attractions of both the city itself and its surrounding natural beauty at points like the Chapman's Peak scenic drive, Cape of Good Hope, and more. Go into the wild in Sabi Sands Game Reserve, adjacent to Kruger National Park, then to the rushing cascades of Victoria Falls. End your trip relaxing down the river on a houseboat safari through Chobe National Park.

Alleyway in Johannesburg
Map of Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 19 Days
Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 19 Days

Spend nineteen days making your way through some of South Africa's most distinctive attractions, along with neighbor Mauritius. You'll start off in Cape Town, tasting the wines of neighboring valleys, local specialties on a food tour, fresh air and flora of the Botanic Gardens, and the salt air of the Cape of Good Hope. Head to Johannesburg for an educational experience, then go into the bush in Kruger National Park to watch for the teeming wildlife. Finish your explorations alongside the palm trees on the island of Mauritius.

See loggerhead sea turtles on the Elephant Coast
Map of Adventures in South Africa: Cape Town to Thonga Beach Lodge - 11 Days
Adventures in South Africa: Cape Town to Thonga Beach Lodge - 11 Days

Discover South Africa's beautiful landscapes and wild animals on this 11-day adventure. Begin in Cape Town and tour the city and surrounding peninsula. You'll have the chance to swim with sharks or go whale watching and visit wineries. Next, head to Kruger National Park for wildlife safaris, moving on to Johannesburg before enjoying a few relaxing days at Thonga Beach Lodge. There, you can see wild sea turtles laying their eggs, and scuba dive and snorkel in the Indian Ocean.

Enjoy gourmet meals and Big Five animal sightings during a luxury safari (photo courtesy of Walkers Plains)
Map of Luxury South Africa Food, Wine & Safari Adventure - 10 Days
Luxury South Africa Food, Wine & Safari Adventure - 10 Days

See and taste the best of South Africa over 10 packed days that will not only take you on an epic safari but also to the most captivating corners of its top cities (and therefore best restaurants). It's a luxury tour that kicks off with fine dining and champagne cruises in Cape Town, then continues to the lush vineyards of Cape Winelands to taste the fruits of its terroir. The last leg of the trip will see you on safari at a private nature reserve before walking in the footsteps of history in Johannesburg.

Experience the ultimate in bushveld luxury at Sindile Safari Lodge (photo courtesy of Shamwari)
Map of Luxury South Africa Highlights: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari - 10 Days
Luxury South Africa Highlights: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari - 10 Days

Experience the best of Africa as you explore the savannas, cities, and coast of the continent's southernmost nation. On this luxury escape, stay at the finest hotels and dine at the best restaurants, starting in Cape Town, a city famous for its beautiful coast and iconic landmarks. Then, after touring the vineyards of the Cape Winelands region, hit the road down the Garden Route (one of the most famous coastal drives in the world) and finish with safaris to spot big cats in the Eastern Cape.

Spectacled weavers in Kruger
Map of Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 20 Days
Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 20 Days

Twenty days give you plenty of time to scope out South Africa and neighboring Mauritius on this trip. You'll start off in Cape Town, your base to pay visits to the winelands, Robben Island, Kirstenbosch Gardens, and the city's culinary scene. Continue to Johannesburg for a cultural cuisine experience, then over to Kruger National Park for a classic safari. Finally, end your trip on the island of Mauritius with tropical tours and plenty of time to relax.

Bo Kaap neighborhood in Cape Town
Map of Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 17 Days
Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 17 Days

Travel through the varied landscapes of South Africa and Mauritius on this 17-day itinerary.  Start by taking in the views across Cape Town from up on Table Mountain, out in the valleys of wine country, and through the bustling streets. Continue to Johannesburg for a glimpse back into South African history both recent and long-ago. Then on to Kruger National Park for a look at the wildlife before you wrap it up with a beach break on tropical Mauritius.

Cape Town
Map of Ultimate South Africa: Cape Town, Simon's Town, Franschhoek, Kruger & Johannesburg - 14 Days
Ultimate South Africa: Cape Town, Simon's Town, Franschhoek, Kruger & Johannesburg - 14 Days

This two-week sojourn in South Africa delivers the highlights, from cultural outings to wine tastings to wildlife adventures. In Cape Town, you'll get to know the region on city tours, guided hikes, and day trips to the Cape Winelands region to enjoy great food and wine. After walking with penguins near the southern Cape, you're off to Kruger National Park for wildlife safaris before ending the trip in Johannesburg, where you'll witness living history from the Apartheid era before heading home.

Penguins on parade
Map of Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 16 Days
Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 16 Days

Spend 16 days sightseeing through South Africa with this itinerary. Start off in Cape Town and survey the scenic views from Table Mountain and seaside cliffs, descend in a shark cage, and sample the city's culinary scene. Switch to Franschhoek to sip from the local wine cellars, then over to Johannesburg to soar above the plains in a hot air balloon. Continue straight on to safari in Kruger National Park, then escape to the sea at Thonga Beach.

Declare yourself king of the rock
Map of South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Safari, & More - 15 Days
South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, Safari, & More - 15 Days

While parenting can feel like an extreme sport at times, you can really get your adrenaline up on this 15-day itinerary. Warm up with a hike or cable car ride up Table Mountain and some beach time in Cape Town before you get on the road and follow the Garden Route to adventures like ziplines, a shark encounter, sandboard rides down one of the world's largest dunes, and safari drives.

Set off on a South African safari
Map of South African Family Safari: Cape Town, Langebaan & Kruger National Park - 14 Days
South African Family Safari: Cape Town, Langebaan & Kruger National Park - 14 Days

This family adventure starts in South Africa's Cape Town, where you'll visit majestic Table Mountain on foot or via cable car. Tour the harbor on an authentic pirate ship and see penguins at play, then head to Langebaan for beach time and waterparks. Take a private safari in Kruger National Park, and search out Africa's Big Five game animals on a sunset drive. End in Johannesburg for a tour of the historic Soweto district and a revisit of the Gold Rush days at Gold Reef City Theme Park.

Discover the best of South Africa on this two-week family vacation
Map of Relaxing South Africa Family Adventure: Oceans, Wildlife & Safari Self-Drive - 14 Days
Relaxing South Africa Family Adventure: Oceans, Wildlife & Safari Self-Drive - 14 Days

Two weeks in South Africa gives families plenty of time to relax, explore the country's incredible wildlife, and travel from east to west without feeling hurried. Start in Cape Town to summit iconic Table Mountain, discover authentic African cuisine, and tour the Western Cape vineyards. Then it's on to the Eastern Cape, where you'll unwind on Knysna's beaches, soar along the country's fastest zipline, meet ostrich flocks and elephant herds, and cruise the infamous Shark Alley.

Go whale watching and visit reputable wineries while staying on the south coast (photo courtesy of The Marine Hermanus)
Map of Luxury South Africa Highlights: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari - 14 Days
Luxury South Africa Highlights: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari - 14 Days

Enjoy a bit of the good life on a luxury two-week getaway to one of the most beautiful corners of South Africa. It's first-class all the way, as you enjoy private tours of scenic Cape Town and dine at its best restaurants. Then head east as you take advantage of wine tours in the charming French village of Franschhoek, champagne catamaran cruises, and, if you're up for it, cage diving with great white sharks. Finish with two days of game drives at a private reserve to complete the adventure.

Tsitsikamma National Park
Map of Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 11 Days
Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 11 Days

Eleven days will allow you to encounter many of the highlights of the Western Cape with this itinerary. You'll start off in Cape Town with scenic city tours, wine tastings, and a shark dive before you set out on the Garden Route. This classic road trip will wind you through wilderness, wildlife, and more wine before loop back to Cape Town to depart.

Great White Watching
Map of Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 12 Days
Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 12 Days

Wind your way through South Africa with this 12-day trip plan. Your start in Cape Town will walk you through the city views and varietals with wine tastings and scenic tours. Head up to the Winelands to sample their winning wines, then keep going through Johannesburg and all the way to Kruger National Park for a walk on the wild side. Wind down amid the waves on the west coast at Tonga Beach Lodge.

Indulge in an oyster feast in Knysna
Map of South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Garden Route & Johannesburg - 11 Days
South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Garden Route & Johannesburg - 11 Days

Experience 11 days of edible education with this South Africa itinerary. You'll learn about the history of Cape Town via a food tour, followed by lessons in wine appreciation, salt curing, and oyster tasting along the Garden Route. Continue the curriculum in Johannesburg with dinner and storytelling around a fire, a cast-iron cooking class, and more—all complete with samples.

Elephant at the Pools
Map of South Africa and Zimbabwe Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, & More - 12 Days
South Africa and Zimbabwe Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, & More - 12 Days

Painted dogs may look pettable, but they're actually one of the most efficient hunters of any large predator. You'll visit a painted dog conservation center along with two national parks and a game reserve on this 12-day trip, with some Cape Town city time in the mix, to see how many potential four-legged fuzzballs southern Africa has to offer. Just keep your hands to yourself.

Viewing deck in Kruger
Map of Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 11 Days
Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 11 Days

Spend eleven days exploring some of South Africa's essential spots on this itinerary. You'll start off in Cape Town with day trips out to the Winelands and up the coast, then head over to Johannesburg for engaging dinner experiences and a tour of the Soweto township. Venture into Kruger National Park for an extensive safari before following the Panorama Route back to Johannesburg.

Zebras in the Okavango Delta
Map of Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, & More - 13 Days
Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, & More - 13 Days

Thirteen days gets you a look at some of southern Africa's most dynamic wildlife on this trip. Start off in Cape Town, enjoying the views from atop Table Mountain and out on the Cape of Good Hope, then travel to Sabi Sands Game reserve next to Kruger National Park for a safari. From there you'll continue to the famous Victoria Falls, then stay along the water with a houseboat safari before you end your trip in the lush Okavango Delta.

Lioness and her cub near Kruger
Map of South Africa Safari & Cities: Johannesburg, Kruger Private Reserves, Cape Town, & Winelands - 13 Days
South Africa Safari & Cities: Johannesburg, Kruger Private Reserves, Cape Town, & Winelands - 13 Days

Experience the best of South Africa on this two-week itinerary, from the privately owned game reserves of the north to the internationally-acclaimed wines of Franschhoek. Fly into Johannesburg, then spend a week on safari at looking for Africa's Big 5 near Kruger. Continue to Cape Town where you'll rent a car, allowing you to drive along the Atlantic Seaboard and take an overnight trip to the Winelands. This itinerary combines a variety of activities with enough free time to explore at your own pace.

Strike out on safari in two of the country's best wildlife-watching locations
Map of South African Safari Highlights: Kruger, Sabi Sands, Victoria Falls & Cape Town - 14 Days
South African Safari Highlights: Kruger, Sabi Sands, Victoria Falls & Cape Town - 14 Days

With dozens of national parks and reserves within easy reach, there's no better country in Africa for the ultimate safari adventure than the southernmost one. This eventful two-week itinerary includes Big Five game drives in Kruger National Park, bush walks in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, and a visit to Victoria Falls to marvel at the largest waterfall in the world. In between, you'll experience the history of Johannesburg, join cooking and wine-tasting experiences in Cape Town, and more.

Chapman's Peak drive
Map of Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 9 Days
Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, & Kruger Safari - 9 Days

Take nine days to notice a curated list of some of South Africa's nicest spots. Open your outing in Cape Town, where you can check out the city from atop Table Mountain and then get down into its many attractions. Venture out to the vines of Franschhoek to sample from its renowned cellars, jump down to Johannesburg for a cultural lesson and dinner, then conclude your trip on a safari through Kruger National Park.

Bobotie with rice
Map of South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Garden Route, & Johannesburg - 15 Days
South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Garden Route, & Johannesburg - 15 Days

Sample 15 days worth of South Africa's savoriest spots with this itinerary. You'll start in Cape Town, with four days to explore from the treetops of Kirstenbosch to the colorful streets of Bo Kaap and vines of the Winelands, then head out on the Garden Route to explore Elgin's farms and Knysna's waterfront cooking. Conclude with five nights in Johannesburg, where you'll follow the full timeline of South African history from the Cradle of Humankind, to a barbecue in Soweto, through a modern dinner in a former power station.

Tea plantation in Mauritius
Map of Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 22 Days
Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 22 Days

Twenty-two days will take you around many of the highlights of both South Africa and Mauritius. You'll start in Cape Town, experiencing the city from high on Table Mountain or in the trees of Kirstenbosch Gardens, sipping wine in the neighboring vineyards, and strolling through the streets. Stop in Johannesburg to deepen your knowledge of South African history, then go wild on safari in Kruger National Park. Fly off to Mauritius for some sunny island time complete with rum tastings, gardens, and a tea route tour.

Visit the colony of African penguins on Boulders Beach
Map of Journey Along South Africa's Coast - 16 Days
Journey Along South Africa's Coast - 16 Days

Explore South Africa's diverse natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and abundant wildlife on this 16-day tour. Start in Cape Town, where you'll savor a 14-course African meal, wine taste in the Cape Winelands, and discover the V&W Waterfront. Spend two days whale and shark spotting in Hermanus, then pick up your rental car and drive to Ballito and St Lucia to snorkel in tidal pools and cruise for hippopotamus and crocodiles before ending with game drives to spot the Big Five in a private reserve.

Cruise to Dyer Island to see the Big Five marine animals—whales, dolphins, penguins, seals, and great white sharks
Map of Journey Across South Africa: Johannesburg, Blue Train, Cape Town, Franschhoek & Hermanus - 9 Days
Journey Across South Africa: Johannesburg, Blue Train, Cape Town, Franschhoek & Hermanus - 9 Days

Explore the best that South Africa has to offer in just nine days, starting with a scenic journey aboard the luxurious Blue Train from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Once there, you'll discover the city's highlights and tour the picturesque Cape Peninsula. Then, head to Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands for a curated wine-tasting tour before ending in Hermanus. This laid-back coastal town is your gateway to aquatic adventures like a boat cruise to Dyer Island or shark cage diving with great whites.

Female leopard with her cub
Map of Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, & More - 15 Days
Southern Africa Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, & More - 15 Days

Spend fifteen days surveying southern Africa on this wide-ranging itinerary. Taste wine and cheese and travel to scenic viewpoints in Cape Town, then learn about history where it happened in Johannesburg. Begin your safari time from there, starting in Sabi Sands and neighboring Kruger National Park, continuing down the Zambezi River on a luxury houseboat, and ending amidst the Okavango Delta

Victoria Falls
Map of South Africa and Zimbabwe Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, & More - 13 Days
South Africa and Zimbabwe Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, & More - 13 Days

Rumor has it the "big 5"—elephant, leopard, lion, buffalo, and rhino—gained their name by being the hardest animals to hunt on foot. Luckily, you won't be walking through this 13-day itinerary and will only be hunting with your eyes. After strolling through the city streets of Cape Town, you'll set out on safari at three separate destinations to test out your animal-spotting skills.

Knysna's turaco
Map of South Africa Road Trip: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, & Eastern Cape Safari - 14 Days
South Africa Road Trip: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route, & Eastern Cape Safari - 14 Days

Travel for two weeks through a tapestry of the Cape Town region's attractions with this trip plan. You'll start with Cape Town itself as your base for day trips into the Winelands and out to the Cape of Good Hope, then drive off through smaller cities and towns. Visit animal sanctuaries, ancient caves, national parks, and more before ending your trip with a classic safari.

Rock Formations in Cederberg National Reserve
Map of South Africa's Hidden Gems: Cape Town, Langebaan, Cederberg & Kruger National Park - 12 Days
South Africa's Hidden Gems: Cape Town, Langebaan, Cederberg & Kruger National Park - 12 Days

Go off the beaten path in South Africa on this diverse trip which explores the southern tip of the country and its plentiful wildlife. Start in Cape Town and learn its living history, then visit West Coast National Park to discover aquatic life along with rock formations, wildflowers, and prehistoric cave art. Take a series of big game drives in search of the "Big Five" at Kruger National Park, and finish up your journey marveling at the sumptuous vistas of Blyde River Canyon.

Farm in Franschhoek
Map of Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 14 Days
Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 14 Days

Frolic through South Africa on this 14-day itinerary. First go to Cape Town, where you'll find your way through the city and up to Table Mountain, then down into the fin-filled depths in a shark cage. From there, you'll stop in Franschhoek for wine flights and Johannesburg for a foray into the area's history. Find your way over to Kruger National Park to feast your eyes on the flight of the many birds and animals inside the park on safari, then finish up on the fine sands of Tonga Beach.

Hyena hello
Map of Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 13 Days
Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 13 Days

Hop through some high points of South Africa on this 13-day itinerary. Head to Cape Town to start, hiking through its happening streets and into its waters in a shark cage, then up to Franschhoek to have a glass of wine (or three) amid the vineyards. Johannesburg is up next for a lesson in history, then over to Kruger National Park to say hi to the hyenas and other animals on safari and down to Thonga Beach Lodge to end your holiday in the sun.

Cape Asparagus
Map of South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Garden Route & Johannesburg - 12 Days
South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Garden Route & Johannesburg - 12 Days

Taste 12 days of South African traditions on this tour that combines education and eateries. Whether you're making your way through the streets of Cape Town to relevant restaurants in the city's history, sipping wine and shucking oysters along the Garden Route, or trading tales around the barbecue in Johannesburg's Soweto township, you'll stimulate both your taste buds and your brain.

Penguin beach
Map of Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 23 Days
Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 23 Days

If you've got 23 days, why not try to meet every animal in South Africa? Start off in Cape Town, where along with the food, wine, and culture, you can also visit a large penguin colony near the Cape of Good Hope. After a brief stop for human history in Johannesburg, head into Kruger National Park to look for the Big 5" and their many companions, along with their injured counterparts at a wildlife rehabilitation center. Conclude your quest on Mauritius, surrounded by sea creatures and the residents of the Giant Tortoises Park.

Experience luxury among the bushveld wilderness of Sabi Sands (photo courtesy of Sabi Sands)
Map of South Africa Luxury Safari: City, Wine & Wilderness Adventures - 14 Days
South Africa Luxury Safari: City, Wine & Wilderness Adventures - 14 Days

There's no need to sacrifice comfort or style while on safari in the African bush. This two-week trip perfectly exemplifies that ideal, combining luxury accommodations with safari adventures and cultural tours. Start with scenic hikes in Cape Town, explore the wilderness of Cederberg, then venture into the Winelands for horseback rides and wine tasting. Game drives and bush walks await at your 5-star lodge in Sabi Sands, then it's back to the big city for a night on the town in Johannesburg.

Vineyards near Stellenbosch
Map of Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 24 Days
Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 24 Days

Travel around South Africa and Mauritius for two dozen days on this trip plan. Begin in Cape Town, casually consuming both the coastline views and culinary and cultural features of the city. Jaunt off to Johannesburg, then keep going to Kruger National Park for a safari through the stunning scenery and scads of wildlife. Then end your trip on Mauritius, basking in the balmy island breezes and blue waters.

Relax and reconnect on a family holiday to South Africa
Map of South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Safari - 14 Days
South Africa Family Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route & Safari - 14 Days

This two-week wildlife and adventure-packed family vacation takes you from the Western to the Eastern Cape via South Africa's stunning Garden Route. Start in lively Cape Town, where you and the kids will scale Table Mountain, make pals with the penguins at Boulders Beach, and relax in the surrounding wine country. If that sounds too sedate, you'll also plunge the depths of Shark Alley in a reinforced cage, meet the Big Five during a luxury safari, and tour the Stone Age Cango Caves.

Finding Elephants on Safari
Discover Wildlife in South Africa and Botswana - 14 Days

This two-week trip takes you through South Africa and into Botswana, starting in the vibrant city of Cape Town where you'll go whale watching, visit the penguin colony on Boulders Beach, and tour the scenic Cape Peninsula. The luxury train Rovos Rail will take you across the country, stopping in Matjiesfontein, Kimberely, and Pretoria, and ending with a flight from Johannesburg to Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Sleep in luxury tents and track Big Five wildlife before transferring to Botswana and exploring the Okavango Delta with traditional mokoro boats and a hot air balloon ride.

An aerial view over Cape Town
Map of Highlights of South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route, & Safari - 10 Days
Highlights of South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route, & Safari - 10 Days

This itinerary will start in Cape Town, where you will have a few days to explore the culturally-rich and scenic city, including a visit to Robben Island as well as a cable car ride up to Table Mountain.  You will then drive through the Cape to the quaint town, Caledon, before exploring the Klein Karoo and spending a night in Oudtshoorn. Over the next few days, you will discover the famous Garden Route while staying in Knysna before heading to Amakhala Game Reserve for two days of safari.

Rocky Cape Point
Map of Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 15 Days
Explore South Africa: Cape Town, Winelands, Johannesburg, Safari, & Beach - 15 Days

Relish 15 days in South Africa with this itinerary. Arrive in Cape Town and roam through the city's outlying scenic real estate to discover rocky coastlines and a rich cultural and culinary scene. Ramble over to Franschhoek to revel in the area's renowned wine scene, then to Johannesburg to learn about the area's racial history. A safari through Kruger National Park will reveal the  wildlife of the region before you round back down to Tonga Beach Lodge to bask in the radiant coastal sunshine.

Cape Town, South Africa
From South Africa to Zimbabwe - Cape Town, Knysna, Victoria Falls - 13 Days

Perfect for those wishing to explore the best of South Africa, this 2-week tour includes some of the country's most popular regions, including a luxury stay with 5-star, private safaris. Start in Cape Town exploring its impeccable coastline, penguin colony, and Table Mountain, before renting a car and heading into the famous wine country. Sip world-renowned wines, go cave spelunking, visit an ostrich farm, and try the country's best oysters before heading north to Zimbabwe to hike Victoria Falls and view elephants.

Hike in the Golden Gate Highlands National Park on your way to Clarens
Map of Road Trip Through South Africa & Lesotho: Iconic Cities & Natural Landscapes - 14 Days
Road Trip Through South Africa & Lesotho: Iconic Cities & Natural Landscapes - 14 Days

Immerse yourself in South Africa and Lesotho's natural landscapes on this two-week road trip across both countries. Start in Cape Town with community development tours, a cruise to Robben Island, and a day trip down the Cape Peninsula. Then, drive yourself to Stellenbosch to explore the Cape Winelands, followed by Hermanus for a boat cruise to spot whales, sharks, seals, and penguins. From here, explore the Gondwana Private Game Reserve before ending with an epic waterfall in Lesotho.

Leopard in Kruger National Park
Map of Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 25 Days
Classic South Africa and Mauritius: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kruger Safari, & More - 25 Days

You've got plenty of time to explore South Africa and neighboring Mauritius on this expansive 25-day itinerary. Start off in Cape Town for an introduction to the country via food and wine tours and natural attractions, then stop to experience the stories of Johannesburg. From there you'll continue up to Kruger National Park for four days on safari. A brief second stop in Johannesburg will lead you to the island of Mauritius, where you'll wrap up your trip amid its luxury resort beaches and lush greenery.

Bean curry with dried fruits
Map of South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Garden Route, & Johannesburg - 9 Days
South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Garden Route, & Johannesburg - 9 Days

Nibble on nine days of nom with this South Africa culinary outing. You'll start strolling the colorful streets of Cape Town, enjoying the farms of Elgin, and exploring the flavors of the Garden Route before you head to Johannesburg to learn about the history of the Soweto Township and Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site alongside interactive dining experiences.

The basis of bobotie
Map of South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Garden Route, & Johannesburg - 13 Days
South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Garden Route, & Johannesburg - 13 Days

Follow your nose for 13 days of South African gastronomy with this itinerary. Start with three days amid the city streets and spices of Cape Town, then go along the Garden Route to encounter Elgin's farms and markets followed by the shores of the Knysna Lagoon and Tsitsikamma National Park.  End your trip around the campfire and dining on a platform above the skyline of Johannesburg.

Completed bobotie
Map of South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Garden Route, & Johannesburg - 14 Days
South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Garden Route, & Johannesburg - 14 Days

For two weeks, you can try out a thorough selection of South Africa's most typical tastes with. this trip plan. Whether you're winding your way through the Winelands, circling the stalls in the Elgin Railway Market, or relaxing on the shores of the Knysna Lagoon, you'll be educating both your mind and palate. Follow that with five days in Johannesburg that will take you from down in the Sterkfontein Caves to a dinner on a floating platform above the city.

Spot elephants on your South African safari
Map of 10 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari
10 Days in South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari

This tour takes you from the sights of Cape Town to the lush Overberg, followed by an exceptional safari experience. Enjoy some of South Africa's most sought-after destinations across the diverse Western and Eastern Cape Provinces.

Elephants on parade in South Africa
Map of Garden Route and "Big 5" Tour - 8 Days
Garden Route and "Big 5" Tour - 8 Days

Get ready for the road trip of a lifetime!  Explore the Western Cape, Little Karoo, Whale Route, Addo Elephant National Park, and more. Ride down Africa's largest dune on a sandboard, explore Wilderness National Park in a canoe, relax and shop in Cape Town, and jump from the world's highest bungee bridge (if you dare!).

Seek out lions on a game drive in South Africa's Kruger National Park
Map of Namibia & South Africa Adventure: Deserts, Coastlines & National Parks - 21 Days
Namibia & South Africa Adventure: Deserts, Coastlines & National Parks - 21 Days

Get ready for three weeks of safaris and road trips throughout southern Africa. It begins in Namibia, where you'll hit the road on the famous Skeleton Coast, visit iconic red deserts, and enjoy game drives in Indigenous conservation areas. Next up is South Africa, where you'll tour Cape Town, walk with penguins on the beach, go on wine and food tours, and enjoy multiple safaris in the legendary Kruger National Park.

South Africa's Garden Route
Map of South Africa's Garden Route & Addo National Park - 6 Days
South Africa's Garden Route & Addo National Park - 6 Days

Embark on a guided six-day road trip through the most scenic areas of South Africa. This holiday may be brisk but it doesn't skimp on the adventure, as you'll enjoy the cultural highlights of Cape Town before hitting the road on the world-famous Garden Route. Capping this unforgettable journey are cave tours and wildlife safaris to spend time with African elephants in Addo National Park.

View over coastal Knysna and the scenic Garden Route, South Africa
Map of Coastal South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Big Five Tour - 7 Days
Coastal South Africa: Cape Town, Garden Route & Big Five Tour - 7 Days

Discover some of the most beautiful coastal views of South Africa on this weeklong journey that hugs the shores. Start in Cape Town, where you'll explore the city's highlights before venturing on an epic ocean drive. Meander along the famous Route 62 for expansive mountain range vistas. Visit national parks and coastal villages along the Garden Route, which runs from the west to the Eastern Cape. Finish your trip in search of the "Big Five" with a safari game drive in Addo Elephant National Park.

Bloukran's Bridge
Map of Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 10 Days
Cape Town & Garden Route Adventure - 10 Days

Spend 10 days taking in the Western Cape with this trip plan. You'll explore Cape Town and see Table Mountain from both a distant beach and right under your feet, sample the wines of Stellenbosch, and dive into a great white cage encounter before you hit the road on the Garden Route for canoeing, hiking, animal encounters, and more.

Make scenic stops along the Garden Route, including Tsitsikamma National Park
Map of Cape Town & the Garden Route: Best Itinerary Ideas
Cape Town & the Garden Route: Best Itinerary Ideas

Cape Town and the Garden Route is a classic pairing for travelers headed to South Africa. It's best to spend 12 to 15 days in-country—this allows for plenty of time to enjoy the top sights and activities at each stop. Travelers can also opt for a faster paced trip, covering the top highlights of each region in just 10 or 11 days. Check out our favorite itinerary ideas below, and start planning your perfect trip.

Visit the adorable African penguin colony on Boulders Beach
Map of Explore Zimbabwe, Botswana & South Africa: Natural Wonders, Wildlife & Culture - 21 Days
Explore Zimbabwe, Botswana & South Africa: Natural Wonders, Wildlife & Culture - 21 Days

In three weeks and three countries, you'll discover unparalleled natural landscapes, abundant wildlife, and vibrant cultures. Start with a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River and end with a community development tour in Cape Town. Along the way, go on photo safaris in Chobe National Park, sample delicious local food in Johannesburg, and drive to the ostrich capital of the world. Other highlights include a rhino walk, diving with sharks in a secure cage, and kayaking with African penguins.

Royal Natal National Park in the Drakensberg Mountains
Map of Country of Contrasts Road Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route, Wild Coast, Kruger National Park & More - 21 Days
Country of Contrasts Road Trip: Cape Town, Garden Route, Wild Coast, Kruger National Park & More - 21 Days

South Africa contains multitudes—of people, landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and more. With three weeks to explore, you'll travel through the highlights of contemporary Cape Town, visit the beach towns of the Wild Coast, experience the animal attractions of Addo Elephant National Park and Kruger National Park, and traverse highs and lows from the Drakensberg Mountains to the Cango Caves. Along the way, you'll gain insight into the country's complex history and ecosystems with the help of local experts and experienced guides.

A lion at Kruger National Park
Map of South Africa Wildlife Road Trip - 10 Days
South Africa Wildlife Road Trip - 10 Days

This 10-day itinerary is the ultimate introduction to South Africa for animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Start your adventure with two nights in Kruger National Park followed by a self-drive tour from the Eastern Cape through the Garden Route and all the way to Cape Town while seeing members of the Big Five, as well as ostriches, penguins, meerkats, and a range of marine life off the South Atlantic Coast.

Table Mountain at sunset
South Africa Photography Adventure: Cape Town, Garden Route & Cango Caves - 7 Days

"Chase the light" as you explore mesmerizing mountains, rivers, coastlines, and plateaus across the Western and Eastern Capes in South Africa. Flexible for all budgets and skill levels, photographers will explore the shadows of Cape Town's colorful neighborhoods, capture stunning sunrises atop Table Mountain, and cruise the Stanford River in search of glistening sunbeams. End your trip by heading east along the coastal Garden Route for even more photographic scenes of nature and wildlife, including rare rhinos and meerkats in their natural habitats.

V&A Waterfront art
Map of South Africa Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands & Eastern Cape Safari - 7 Days
South Africa Adventure: Cape Town, Winelands & Eastern Cape Safari - 7 Days

Find some of the most famous attractions in Cape Town and its surroundings on this seven-day saunter. Drive along the coastal cliffs to natural sights like the Cape of Good Hope, paddle through Table Bay at sunrise, and cycle through the vineyards of the Winelands before you make your way to a safari on the Eastern Cape.

Elephants in Chobe National Park
Map of Discover Southern Africa's Natural Wonders: Kruger, Victoria Falls & Chobe - 7 Days
Discover Southern Africa's Natural Wonders: Kruger, Victoria Falls & Chobe - 7 Days

This wildlife adventure combines some of Southern Africa's most beautiful natural sights, including Victoria Falls and safaris in Kruger National Park. Perfect for those wishing to see wild game roaming the savanna while sipping their morning coffee in luxury accommodation, this trip offers endless opportunities to marvel at wildlife in their natural habitats. Traverse three countries while enjoying sunset river cruises and multiple safaris in a region with Africa's largest concentration of elephants.

Other popular travel destinations in South Africa
Western Cape · Cape Winelands · Johannesburg · Franschhoek · Kruger National Park · Garden Route · Eastern Cape · Sabi Sands Game Reserve · Hermanus · Thornybush Game Reserve · Timbavati Game Reserve