South Africa Travel Insights

South Africa Off-the Beaten-Track Safari - 5 Days

The big-name South African parks might draw the crowds, but you'll see a quieter side of the country on this brief sojourn to explore off-the-beaten-path nature reserves and private 5-star bush lodges. Add this five-day adventure to your itinerary for thrilling safari game drives on the vast savannas and bushveld landscapes of the northeast, and count on seeing iconic Big Five animals like lions and elephants. As a bonus, carve out time for pampering and relaxation at the lodge spas and wellness centers.

South Africa Off-the-Beaten-Track Safari - 14 Days

Safari game drives are just one of the many memorable adventures and activities you'll experience on this two-week road trip through South Africa. Get off the beaten track and escape the mass crowds as you explore lesser-visited game reserves and national parks which abound with Big Five safari animals like elephants, rhinos, and lions. Complementing the wildlife tours are cultural excursions, like bike rides through local townships, meeting Indigenous tribespeople, museum visits, and more.

Kruger National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to South Africa typically plan a trip for eight to 11 days when combining Kruger National Park with Cape Town and Johannesburg. If you're not interested in Cape Town and Johannesburg, four to five days are enough for your Kruger National Park trip. For the best itineraries, including Kruger National Park, keep reading below.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

2 Weeks in South Africa - 6 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks in South Africa, you and your family can tick off the highlights of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Victoria Falls on a best-of itinerary crafted especially with younger ones in mind or opt for a fun and wildlife-filled trip that includes stays at Club Mykonos and Kruger National Park. Active families will enjoy a self-drive adventure along the Garden Route, while families with older children looking for a more relaxing trip can split their time between the beaches of Cape Town and Sun City.

1 Week in South Africa - 4 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With one week in South Africa, you can visit two to three destinations. First-timers can hit the highlights in Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Johannesburg. Or wildlife enthusiasts can combine whale watching and game drives on a tour focusing on the coast, while families keen on cultural experiences and waterparks will enjoy adding Sun City Resort and Johannesburg to the mix. Those with little ones will appreciate the variety of kid-friendly activities, including the Adventure Center in Shamwari, with time spent in the Eastern Cape.

10 Days in South Africa - 5 Family-Friendly Itinerary Ideas

With 10 days in South Africa, your family can embark on a highlights tour that ticks off the famous sites of Cape Town, Kruger National Park, and Johannesburg. For a wildlife-focused trip, opt for an adventure along the Garden Route, stopping at Gondwana Private Game Reserve and Featherbed Nature Reserve, or for families with younger children, discover the quirky side of South Africa and split your time between Cape Town and Sun City resort.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

South Africa Self-Drive Adventure - 10 Days

Hit the road on this 10-day self-drive adventure to explore the highlights of South Africa's eastern region. First, travel along the Panorama Route, one of the most scenic drives in the country, then continue to the majestic plateaus of the Drakensberg escarpment. After enjoying nature hikes and mountain fun, travel to the coast for boat tours and safaris to spot exotic animals like leopards and rhinos.

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.

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.

Epic South Africa Road Trip: Mountains, Wetlands & Wildlife - 18 Days

This unforgettable 18-day road trip combines the best of eastern South Africa's wildlife, natural wonders, and cultural highlights. The adventure begins in the metropolis of Johannesburg, and from there you'll visit massive river canyons plus take self-drive safaris in Kruger and Hlane National Parks. Then you're off to protected wetlands for snorkeling and wildlife tours before finishing the trip hiking and horseback riding around the incredible Drakensberg Mountains.

East South Africa Adventure: Durban, eSwatini & Kruger - 10 Days

This 10-day tour of eastern South Africa kicks off in Durban, the country's third-largest city known for its surf culture, Indian heritage, and bunny chow. Spot hippos and crocs at a UNESCO World Heritage-listed reserve, learn about Swazi culture as you cross the kingdom of eSwatini (formerly Swaziland), and spend two days driving around Kruger National Park seeking out lions, elephants, and leopards.

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.

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.

History & Wildlife in South Africa: Johannesburg & Kruger National Park - 8 Days

The area in and around Johannesburg is full of history, from the rise of Nelson Mandela to the evolution of the first human ancestors. Discover it all on this eight-day itinerary covering the largest city in South Africa and one of the largest game reserves on the continent. Visit Mandela's home in Houghton, learn traditional cooking methods in Soweto, and see the "Big Five" in Kruger National Park before the week is out on this fascinating trip.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wild South Africa & Zimbabwe: Kruger National Park & Victoria Falls - 7 Days

Discover wildlife and natural beauty up close on this weeklong adventure that takes you to South Africa and Zimbabwe's most spectacular sites. Start in Kruger National Park to explore by safari as you observe "Big Five" wildlife by day and nocturnal beasts in the evening. Enjoy life at the lodge and experience a traditional meal grilled over open flames. Finish your expedition by marveling at the overwhelming beauty of Victoria Falls and trying out some extreme sports activities.

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.

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.

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.

Best Time of Year for a Self-Drive Trip in South Africa

An excellent way to cover a lot of ground and see South Africa's top highlights is to hire a car and go on a road trip. The best time to hop in a vehicle is during the shoulder season (spring and fall) when the prices are low and fewer travelers are on the road. Yet each season offers fine weather and excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and outdoor excursions—it all depends on where in the country you plan to be. Read on to find out what season suits you best.

The 4 Best Safari Lodges in the Eastern Cape

When looking for a top safari lodge, the first step is to choose an excellent game reserve deep in the heart of the bush. Professional guides from the lodge will ensure excellent game-viewing with drives and bushwalks, birding, and tracking. Indulge in luxurious facilities with heated pools, spas, outdoor showers, king-sized beds, exquisite décor, excellent cuisine, and dining under the stars.

How to Choose the Best Safari in South Africa

South Africa is home to some of the world's biggest and oldest game reserves, with national parks such as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi and Kruger and renowned private reserves like Shamwari and the Tswalu-Kalahari. Safaris usually mean game drives, but there are more unique options: a hot air balloon over the Pilanesberg National Park, a light aircraft above Kruger National Park, or a cruise with hippos in Isimangaliso Wetland Park. Whether you are a budget backpacker, a romantic couple, a family of exuberant kids, a crazy adventurer, or a stressed-out executive, there is a safari for you.

The 5 Best Safari Lodges in Kruger National Park

Safari lodges in Kruger National Park offer everything from extravagant luxury to wilderness adventures, family holidays, and romantic seclusion. You may want to get back to nature, but there is no need to "rough it." Enjoy world-class game viewing along with beautiful and relaxing accommodation, delicious cuisine, and much more.