South Africa Travel Insights

3 Weeks in South Africa - 3 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With multiple weeks in South Africa, you can truly explore far and wide, returning home with memories of the game parks, Cape Winelands, and neighboring Botswana, Namibia, and even Mauritius. Wildlife lovers can follow the Garden Route to Addo Elephant National Park and Kruger National Park or paddle the Okavango Delta and take a sunset boat ride to Victoria Falls. Or, spend your time on a wellness retreat that includes spa treatments, gourmet dining, and water activities in the Indian Ocean.

The 5 Best Safari Lodges in South Africa

South Africa is home to world-famous national game reserves such as the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, recognized for rhino conservation, and the Kruger National Park, the largest game reserve in the country. Shamwari in the Eastern Cape and the Tswalu-Kalahari in the Northern Cape are among the biggest and best private game reserves. The best time to visit is during the dry winter season (May to October), when it is cooler, and the animals are more visible in the dry vegetation. 

Best Time of Year to Drive the Garden Route

Driving South Africa's famed Garden Route is suitable in any season; though there is always a chance of rain, it's never enough to discourage a road trip or adventure outdoors. Let your interests determine when you hit the road. If you want to see whales, come in the winter, spring for the wildflowers, summer for the beaches, and fall for hiking. Awaiting exploration at any time, the Garden Route offers something for everyone.

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.

How Many Days to Spend on the Garden Route

The approximately 250-mile (400 km) stretch of South African coastline from Heidelberg to the Tsitsikamma Forest and Jeffreys Bay boasts a remarkable kaleidoscope of topography and outdoor activities. This area includes top attractions, like Cape Town, vineyards in Cape Winelands, Oudtshoorn (with its abundance of ostriches), nearby game parks, and even cage diving with great white sharks. The information below will help you plan a trip for your timeframe and interests.

Best Time of Year for a Safari in South Africa

With its expansive size, varied topography, and coastlines bordering the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, South Africa conjures diverse weather patterns. While summer sun shines on the cloudless Cape Provinces, rain deluges the safari parks of KwaZulu Natal and Greater Kruger. Consequently, with game reserves scattered throughout the country, choosing where and when to visit can leave you scratching your head. The following information will help you weigh your priorities and determine which season and destination is right for you in this country of many climates.

Best Time of Year to Visit Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is a year-round destination, but understanding how the dry and wet seasons affect game-viewing is key. Depending on how you weigh your priorities, the following information will help you decide which season is right for you.

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.

How Many Days to Spend in Kruger National Park

Kruger is the park with the greatest diversity of wildlife in South Africa, and you could spend up to a week enjoying safaris and nature walks here. A minimum of two days will give you a real taste of the park's stupendous wildlife viewing, but you'll want at least five days to truly appreciate its diversity. With a park this spectacular, even two weeks isn't too long, especially when combined with Victoria Falls.

How Many Days to Spend on Safari in South Africa

You can have a great safari adventure in South Africa in as little as a long weekend. With game parks scattered throughout the nation, you can easily access one or more reserves close to Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, or Durban if you have only a few days to spare. Of course, a week or more is recommended for a more diverse experience across different parks and regions, including game drives, bush walks, and even a hot-air balloon “safari.” Two weeks would let you combine several distinct parks and reserves in South Africa as well as its neighbors, including Greater Kruger, Victoria Falls, and the Kalahari, plus other highlights of the region.

Best Time of Year to Visit South Africa

South Africa is a year-round destination thanks to its varied landscapes—it's always sunny somewhere. No matter what season you visit, you'll find something to do: Kruger safaris in winter, Hermanus whale watching in spring, Cape Town beaches in the summer, and Franschoek wine in the fall. Visit during spring or autumn when the weather is predictable and mild, wildlife is active, and there are fewer crowds. Read on for advice on South Africa's weather, unmissable events, and travel tips.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Explore Southern Africa: Cape Town to Victoria Falls - 20 Days

This Southern Africa tour encompasses four distinct countries' natural and cultural highlights. Beginning in Cape Town, you'll head north to Namibia to hike up Dune 45 for a sunrise and safari in the beautiful Etosha National Park. From there, journey to Botswana for a traditional Mokoro ride through the Okavango Delta and finish with a relaxing sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River before ending at iconic Victoria Falls.

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.

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.

How kimkim Trips Work in South Africa

South Africa offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and adventure. Discover the "Rainbow Nation" through its famed wildlife on a world-class safari and in the neighborhoods of metropolitan Cape Town. Stay in remote lodges, taste local vintages in the rolling Winelands, and enjoy museums and fine dining in Johannesburg. Keep reading to learn more about planning your perfect trip to South Africa with kimkim's local specialists.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Authentic South Africa: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park - 8 Days

After arriving in Johannesburg, you will have the chance to explore the vibrant "City of Gold" including the many art galleries, markets, and historical museums. You will also take a township tour through Soweto, South Africa's "living museum" filled with rich history, before departing for Kruger National Park. A few days in Kruger National Park will give you a full opportunity to discover the reserve's thousands of wildlife species and unique heritage spots before you depart back to Johannesburg and visit Blyde River Canyon along the way.

South Africa and Zimbabwe Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, & More - 10 Days

Travel across southern Africa for ten days on this safari-centric tour. Spend three nights exploring Cape Town and its surroundings, then head out into the bush and three different parks to try your hand (and eyes) at spotting the Big Five and all their friends.

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.

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.

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.

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.

South Africa & Zimbabwe Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange & Mana Pools National Parks & More - 15 Days

More than a billion gallons (5 million cubic meters) of water pour over Victoria Falls per minute. Watch it all rush by on this 15-day itinerary that takes you from the city comforts of Cape Town and culinary highlights of the Winelands out into three separate parks to spot as much wildlife as your binoculars can manage.

South Africa and Zimbabwe Safari: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, & More - 16 Days

See just how many of southern Africa's animals you can spot over the course of 16 days. After four nights in Cape Town, which include encounters with penguins and whales, you'll set off on safari through three different national parks, with a stop at Victoria Falls on the way.

1 Week in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

One week in South Africa is enough time to hit the highlights. Consider a trip split between Cape Town and Kruger National Park or a quick-paced tour that focuses on the country's southern coast. Those who like a more relaxed vacation might opt for the itinerary between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth; meanwhile, gourmands will enjoy a food and wine tour of the Winelands and Johanessburg. Then there's the two-country combo for nature lovers, featuring three days of game safari and Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls.

6 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Combining the highlights of the Cape Town area with a classic "Big 5" safari in Kruger National Park is a popular choice for a six-day trip to South Africa. Culinary travelers may want to skip the wildlife watching in favor of a food and wine tour that spans top restaurants, vineyards, and cooking classes. And if you don't mind a whirlwind itinerary, consider a multi-country itinerary that hops from Cape Town to Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park.

8 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

In eight days, you can combine the highlights of Cape Town and Johannesburg with two nights in Kruger National Park. Or, start with a tour of the windswept Western Cape, flying to the Eastern Cape province to end your trip with a safari. Yet another option is making it a multi-country itinerary, with stops at the legendary Victoria Falls and Botswana's Chobe National Park.

10 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

South Africa is a large country, but with 10 days, you see quite a bit, from the southern Cape provinces to Kruger National Park in the north. Or you can focus your energy on getting to know a particular region like Cape Town, the neighboring Winelands, and the coastal Garden Route in-depth. And safari buffs can even combine South Africa with the highlight sights of neighboring countries, such as Victoria Falls and Botswana's Chobe National Park.

12 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 12 days in South Africa, your itinerary can bring you from the southern Cape provinces to Kruger National Park in the north. Or you can focus your energy on getting to know a particular region like Cape Town, the neighboring Winelands, and the coastal Garden Route. And safari buffs can even combine South Africa with the highlight sights of neighboring countries, such as Victoria Falls and Namibia’s Chobe National Park.

11 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

South Africa is a large country, but with 11 days you see quite a bit, from the southern Cape provinces to Kruger National Park in the north. Or you can focus your energy on getting to know a particular region in-depth, like Cape Town, the neighboring Winelands, and the coastal Garden Route. And safari buffs can even combine South Africa with the highlight sights of neighboring countries, such as Victoria Falls and Botswana’s Chobe National Park.

2 Weeks in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With two weeks, you can cover much of South Africa. Choose an action-packed adventure that takes you from the southern Cape provinces to Kruger National Park in the north. Or you can focus your energy on getting to know a particular region like Cape Town, the neighboring Winelands, and the coastal Garden Route. Safari buffs can even combine South Africa with the highlight sights of neighboring countries, such as Victoria Falls and Namibia's Chobe National Park or South Africa's own Kalahari.

15 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 15 days to spend in South Africa, you can choose an action-packed adventure that takes you from the southern Cape provinces to Kruger National Park in the north. Or you can focus your energy on getting to know a particular region like Cape Town, the neighboring Winelands, and the coastal Garden Route. Safari buffs can even combine South Africa with the highlight sights of neighboring countries, such as Victoria Falls and Botswana’s Chobe National Park. And 15 days allows for the ultimate road trip of South Africa end to end.

5 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With only five days to explore South Africa, you can focus on a single region or visit two. Thanks to the frequency of domestic flights, you can start and end your trip in Cape Town and also enjoy a safari in Kruger National Park. Or indulge in a foodie tour in the Winelands or delight in a coastal drive to the Cape of Good Hope, along the Garden Route, or into the Cederberg Mountains. These unique itineraries will help you make the most of your time.

South Africa Food & Wine Tour: Cape Town, Winelands, & Atlantic Seaboard - 5 Days

Sample a small slice of the Cape Town culinary scene with this five-day itinerary. You'll focus on the city and its surroundings as you both stroll the streets and venture out along the coast and into the Winelands, tasting as you go.

13 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With 13 days to spend in South Africa, you'll have time to see much of the country, from the southern Cape provinces to Kruger National Park in the north. Safari buffs can even combine a South Africa park or two with the highlights of neighboring countries, such as Victoria Falls, Botswana's Chobe National Park, and the Okavango Delta. Of course, you can also opt for a deep dive in a particular region, like Cape Town and the neighboring Winelands.

9 Days in South Africa - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

With nine days, you can see three of South Africa's regions or national parks, or focus on one area like the Western Cape, including the Winelands or a scenic drive along the Garden Route. Thanks to the frequency of domestic flights, you can start and end your trip in Cape Town, spend a few days in wine country, and also thrill to a classic safari in Kruger. Or, take a food-focused trip that includes detours to Johannesburg. Read on for five unique itineraries.

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.

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.

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.