1 Week in South Africa - 4 Safari Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: South Africa Coastal & Safari Highlights: Cape Town & Sabi Sands

This weeklong South Africa city and safari itinerary features the rugged surroundings of Cape Town and the wildlife-filled Sabi Sands Game Reserve. Game drives in search of the Big Five, a whale watching tour, and a trip to see the penguins of Cape Peninsula make this itinerary perfect for wildlife-loving, first-time travelers to South Africa. In addition, staying at accommodations chosen for their prime locations ensures you're always on the doorstep of adventure.

The first half of your South Africa safari features Cape Town and the splendors of its surroundings. Spend the afternoon of your arrival enjoying the lavish amenities of the Cape Grace Hotel and exploring the V&A Waterfront independently. Then, enlist the help of a driver for a full-day tour of Cape Peninsula, which includes a stop by the fishing village of Kalk Bay, a meander around Boulders Beach, and a picnic lunch overlooking the rugged coastline. Another day trip follows, this time along the Garden Route, where you'll pause in Hermanus for a whale watching cruise and in Betty's Bay to admire penguins.

Next, after flying to Johannesburg, catch a charter flight to Sabi Sands Game Reserve and check into the savanna-surrounded Londolozi Pioneer Camp. A relaxing first evening here ensures you're well-rested for the following day's thrilling morning and afternoon game drives, where, along with the Big Five, you may also spot elusive cheetahs and warthogs. Then, head out on foot for a guided bush walk to spot smaller, often missed, wildlife and to learn the tricks of animal tracking. That evening, delight in a gourmet meal on your camp's viewing deck before prepping for your morning flight to Johannesburg. Learn more

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

Experience South Africa's renowned safari destinations and natural wonders on this exciting road trip. Perfect for those who enjoy the freedom of a self-drive itinerary paired with guided excursions, you can look forward to a mix of scenic road trips, 4WD game drives, and free time to explore independently. Between stays in Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, and Hoedspruit, you'll leave feeling well-introduced to South Africa's magnificent wildlife and lavish accommodations.

Johannesburg is the ideal kickoff for this weeklong South Africa safari, and during your overnight stay, you'll have time to explore the city's cultural and historical highlights. The following morning, collect a rental car and set your GPS to Mjejane River Lodge, located within Kruger National Park. Spend your first afternoon here seeking out safari animals on a 4WD game drive, then wake early to spot wildlife most active in the morning. Throughout these excursions, you'll also have ample time to hop out of the vehicle to explore on foot and learn the craft of tracking animals.

The second half of your adventure brings you to the nearby Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where your home, Umkumbe Bush Lodge, provides the perfect sanctuary to relax between safaris. During your two-day stay, embark on numerous game drives in search of leopards, hyenas, hippos, giraffes, and plenty more. Then, continue your road trip to Hoedspruit, a small town in the mountainous Limpopo province. Here, a scenic Blyde River Canyon cruise fills your afternoon, followed by a relaxing evening at the Wild Blue Lodge, which will ensure you're rested for a final drive back to Johannesburg. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Family-Friendly South Africa: Cape Town & Eastern Cape Safari

Crafted especially for families with younger children, this kid-friendly adventure features fun-filled city activities, guide-led excursions, and accommodations perfect for hanging out. Watch young ones' faces light up when they spot penguins at Boulders Beach, ride a cable car up Table Mountain, and seek out elephants and giraffes in Shamwari Private Game Reserve. You can also enjoy an afternoon with your significant other while your children climb, zip, and learn at the Kids Safari Adventure Center.

Your family adventure begins with three days in Cape Town, the first two of which you'll spend checking out city sights. Little ones will especially love visiting the Kids Ahoy Playground, and the entire family is bound to enjoy riding the giant Cape Wheel and roaming the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Then, on the third day, head out to Cape Peninsula, where fun-filled visits to a penguin sanctuary and the seal hangout of Seal Island await. In between adventures, Cape Grace Hotel provides your perfect base to rejuvenate and hang out as a family.

The second half of your adventure brings you to the Eastern Cape, and being malaria-free, it's an excellent destination for kids. Your accommodation here is Riverdene Family Lodge, which offers an awesome Kids Safari Adventure Center, so if you choose, your young ones can enjoy a special day on their own. Of course, the main draw here is the incredible wildlife, and through numerous game drives, you'll have a chance to spot the Big Five and more. There's also an opportunity to visit the Jean Byrd Center, a big cat sanctuary, before transferring to Port Elizabeth to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #4: South Africa Off-the-Beaten-Track Safari

Discover the untouched beauty of South Africa's Limpopo province with this secluded safari experience. Perfect for adventurers who love exploring off the tourist trail, stays in private game reserves allow privileged access to game drives, guided bush walks, and a canapés Limpopo River cruise. Your accommodations are 5-star lodges, which means you can spot wildlife while enjoying luxury amenities in between adventures.

Upon dropping your bags at the Peech Boutique Hotel in Johannesburg, your off-the-beaten-track adventure begins with a visit to the storied Soweto township. Afterward, take the evening to relax, as the following morning, it's time to collect your rental car and drive to Palala Game Reserve. Your accommodation here is the lavish Palala Boutique Game Lodge & Spa, and given it's home to a decadent spa, infinity pool, and private outdoor dining area, you'll find it's the perfect place to relax between game drives. You can also opt to embark on guided bush walks and a Limpopo River canapés cruise.

On the morning of Day 4, bid farewell to Palala and hit the road to the equally stunning Welgevonden Game Reserve. This private conservation area is home to all sorts of fascinating safari animals, including zebras, cheetahs, elephants, and even rare white rhinos, and over three days here, you'll spot many of them on game drives. Even when you're not out and about, animals may wander close, thanks to your African wilderness-surrounded accommodation, Mhondoro. However, as your final day rolls around, you'll have to pull yourself away as a departing flight awaits back in Johannesburg. Learn more

More Great 1-Week South Africa Itineraries

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