6 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Explore Cape Town & Kruger Safari

This 6-day itinerary checks off the highlights of Cape Town and the surrounding region, including Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, and Winelands. Plus, you’ll spent three fantastic days on safari in Kruger National Park. A perfect combo!

You’ll arrive in Cape Town, defined by its gorgeous coastal location with Table Mountain as a backdrop. On day two you’ll drive south along the dramatically scenic Cape Peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope. After viewing the penguin colony at Simons Town, head inland via Muizenberg—famous for its surfing—for wine tasting in the Constantia Winelands. Next day, foodies will particularly enjoy a full-day indulgence in the Cape Winelands, with visits to three notable wineries in and around Stellenbosch to savor fine wines, cheeses, and dark Belgian chocolates.

Day four you’ll travel to Kruger National Park, considered the crown jewel of South Africa’s game parks. Here you’ll spend two days heading out on morning and afternoon game drives and walking safaris in search of the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) plus more elusive nocturnal wildlife. On day six you’ll transfer to Johannesburg for your connecting flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, & Chobe National Park

Nature lovers will especially enjoy this 6-day itinerary, which combines Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula with the sensational Victoria Falls, plus exploring by houseboat down the Zambezi through Namibia’s Chobe National Park.

Start with a walking tour of Cape Town. You’ll explore such city landmarks as Parliament, the Castle of Good Hope, and the District Six Museum, which commemorates forced relocation under apartheid. You’ll also take the cable car to the top of Table Mountain. Day two is given to exploring the dramatic shoreline of Cape Peninsula, including Cape of Good Hope and Simons’ Town penguin colony, plus Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, with its Centenary Tree Canopy Walkway.

Fly to Livingstone Airport in Zambia on day three, then transfer to the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls, where your hotel has a sensational locale overlooking "The Smoke that Thunders." You’ll also delight in an afternoon dinner cruise along the Upper Zambezi. Next day, transfer to Namibia and board the Zambezi Queen houseboat for two days sensational wildlife viewing as you cruise the waterways of Chobe National Park. Chobe boasts the world's largest concentration of African elephants, large pods of hippos, plus massive herds of Cape buffalo, and many lions and other predators.

On day six you’ll fly to Maun airport for your onward flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3:  South Africa Food & Wine Tour

On this 6-day foodie tour you’ll indulge in the fine wines and cuisines that define the region. After sampling a smorgasbord of Cape Town’s finest, you’ll explore the wine country and the Cape Peninsula, plus cosmopolitan Johannesburg, wining and dining as you go.

The adventure begins with your arrival in Cape Town. The balance of day one is yours to explore this vibrant city, perhaps shopping for arts and crafts on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, admiring the undersea life at the Two Oceans Aquarium, or enjoying a harbor cruise or even a helicopter flight. Day two, enjoy a full-day wine tour through the Cape Winelands with winery visits around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and /or Elgin.

Next day sample South Africa's multi-cultural culinary influences, including a traditional Cape Malay lunch in the colorful Cape Malay district of Bo Kaap, plus the trendy suburb of Woodstock to sample craft beer.

You’ll then fly to Johannesburg on day four. Spend the balance of the day exploring and talking with the residents of Soweto Township, famous as a center for civil unrest during the Apartheid era. A traditional African dinner under the starry night skies is accompanied by live music. On day five, gain further cultural and historical insight in Soweto, including visits to the Nelson Mandela Museum. After buying fresh produce in a local market, you’ll learn to cook the traditional way: in potjies (cast iron pots) over a fire. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Cape Town, Winelands, & Cederberg Road Trip

This 6-day itinerary showcases Cape Province’s natural beauty. After exploring Cape Town, you’ll explore the Cape Peninsula by motorcycle sidecar, go wine-tasting in Constantia, hike in the Cederberg Mountains, and marvel at ancient cave art, and more.

You’ll arrive in Cape Town, enjoying a walking tour and cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain. On day two you’ll hop aboard a motorcycle sidecar and drive south along the dramatically scenic Cape Peninsula to the Cape of Good Hope. After viewing the penguin colony at Simons Town, head inland via Muizenberg—famous for its surfing—for wine tasting in the Constantia Winelands.

Day three is a foodie’s delight as you spend the day sampling local wines and olives at wineries and estates around Stellenbosch, South Africa's wine and food capital. Continue to Franschhoek for overnight. Next day you’ll explore an ecological reserve that sits at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains, with its dramatic landscapes and caves adorned with ancient bush art. Dinner will be a gourmet delight while overlooking the Oliphants River Valley.

Your last full day is free for activities around Cederberg—perhaps hiking, mountain biking, or canoeing—plus a visit to the Bushmans Kloof Heritage Center.  Learn more

Itinerary #5: South Africa Family Adventure

Whether you’re traveling with wee ones of adolescents, this 6-day family adventure is sure to awe all family members. From rotating your way up Table Mountain in a cable car and making chocolates to a thrilling zipline ride, your week is chock-full of great activities and venues.

Arrive in Cape Town on day one, with time to enjoy a harbor cruise, or visit the Two Oceans Aquarium or the Diamond Museum. Next morning ride the cable car up Table Mountain to hike at the summit, with a packed picnic lunch. Then view the mountain from the ocean with a trip aboard the Jolly Roger pirate ship, followed by a sunset ride on the Cape Wheel Ferris Wheel. If it’s raining, head to the Planetarium and Science Center. 

Day three, journey along the Cape Peninsula, keeping an eye out for baboons, Cape mountain zebra, and ostriches. Then visit the penguin sanctuary at Boulders Beach, maybe by renting a sea kayak to feel as-one with the penguins. You’ll also visit the Kommetjie Imhoff Village to interact with farm animals, and maybe enjoy a horseback ride along the beach or even a coastal train ride to Muizenberg. End the day with a gourmet picnic dinner. 

The next day starts with a sensory experience at Babylonstroen Winelands and Gardens, then head to Boschendal, South Africa's second-oldest wine farm, which offers farm learning experiences for kids. A ride on the Wine Tram adds to the fun, as does learning to make chocolate at the Huguenots Chocolate Shop or maybe a visit to the Franschhoek Motor Museum. Day five includes a zip line ride at the Cape Canopy Tour Adventure Park, exploring the vineyard maze at family-friendly Southhill Vineyards, and paddle-boarding the lake at the mountaintop Old Mac Daddy farm lodge. Learn more

More Great 6-Day South Africa Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your South Africa trip? Check out these other 6-day South Africa itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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