3 Weeks in South Africa - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Country of Contrasts Road Trip

Explore South Africa in-depth with this country of contrasts itinerary to experience the top attractions of Cape Town, the coastline, and game parks. You'll tour Robben Island with former political prisoners, meet face-to-beak with the world's largest bird at an ostrich farm, and take a sunrise bush walk in Kruger National Park. Plus, you'll get to experience the scenic beauty of the Wild Coast, with free time for horseback riding, learning to surf, or practicing yoga.

Travel through a kaleidoscope of terrains rich in wildlife, history, and distinct cultures, as your journey spans the length of South Africa. You'll start with five days in Cape Town, including riding the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain, a gourmet indulgence on a private cuisine tour, plus a visit to Robben Island in the company of former political prisoners. Then through Cape Winelands to Oudsthoorn, stopping at an ostrich farm and exploring the underground Cango Cave before heading along the Wild Coast.

Here, daring travelers can bungee jump from Bloukran's Bridge and/or paddleboard, scuba dive, and learn to surf in Jeffrey's Bay before heading to Addo Elephant National Park, the third-largest of South Africa's 19 national parks. Then onto Nelson Mandela's hometown of Qunu and into the Drakensberg Mountains for hiking or a 4x4 adventure. After exploring KwaZulu-Natal, end with a sunrise game drive in Kruger National Park before ending your road trip in Johannesburg. Learn more.

Itinerary #2: Classic South Africa and Mauritius

The name of this trip plan says it all: this is a quintessential South Africa experience, particularly for first-time visitors. You'll have a comprehensive exploration of Cape Town, four days of game viewing in Kruger National Park, plus a week to enjoy exciting activities as well as relax in Mauritius.

Take three weeks to fully immerse yourself in three of Southern Africa's most iconic destinations, combining its top city, game park, and resort island. You'll begin with an entire week in Cape Town packed full of activities, from a cable ride up Table Mountain to wine-tasting in the Cape Winelands, a coastal foray to the Cape of Good Hope, and a tour of Robben Island Museum led by former political prisoners. Then fly to Johannesburg for a traditional-style African dinner, a visit to the Nelson Mandela Museum, and the culturally vibrant Maboneng Precinct.

Next comes four days of game viewing in Kruger National Park, including a sunrise bushwalk and a visit to the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Center, where injured and orphaned animals and birds are cared for. You'll also visit Blyde River Canyon—one of the world's largest canyons. Finally, you'll fly to Mauritius for a week of rum tasting, catamaran cruises, hiking to the Chamarel Waterfall, and other fun activities, plus plenty of time to snorkel and relax on the beach. Learn more.

Itinerary #3: Wellness Retreat: Cape Town, Cape Winelands & Mauritius

This well-rounded city and tropical island trip plan includes spa treatments, scenic drives, wine tasting in and around Cape Town, and enriching and pampering experiences on the beautiful subtropical island of Mauritius. 

This 3-week wellness retreat begins with a week in sunny Cape Town dedicated to nourishing activities in this beautiful seaside city. Your luxurious stay at SALT Boutique Guesthouse includes spa treatments and morning yoga, a Cape Peninsula drive, a wellness workshop, whale-watching, plus gourmand experiences in the Stellenbosch wine region. It's then time to trade the seaside breezes for the wilds of West Cape and the serene Cederberg Wellness Retreat, with a riverside treatment, hikes to ancient rock-art sites, and luxurious African foot ritual.

Back in Cape Town, you'll walk the Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway and enjoy an interactive cooking class before flying to Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. You'll get a bird's-eye view on a flightseeing tour, then snorkel crystal-clear waters, enjoy a sunset cruise, hike to the Chamarel Waterfall, and even explore the ocean depths in a submarine between the luxuriating spa and other healing treatments. Learn more.

More Great South Africa Itineraries

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