travel bloggers from south africa

South Africa’s top 6 travel bloggers

South Africa has a fast-growing travel blogging community, with inspiring blogs dedicated to everything from camping and long overland adventures to music festivals and weekends away being posted every day.

We’ve picked six of our favourite South African travel bloggers who cover both travel in South Africa and around the rest of Africa, and constantly inspire us to get out there and explore!

Meruschka Govender – Mzansi Girl

Meruschka Govender is a Joburg-based African travel activist and blogger whose passion is encouraging people to explore Africa, a place of thousands of different languages, cultures and customs. She’s been working in tourism for almost 10 years, and started her blog to show people how much diversity Africa has to offer in terms of amazing travel experiences, many of which you can read about on her fun and adventure-filled blog, from attending music festivals to road tripping South Africa.

Her favourite backpackers in Africa is Bulungula Lodge on the Wild Coast: “It’s just so peaceful out there – no cellphone signal or Internet – just green hills, huts, cows, dolphins and the crashing wild waves. The lodge is a case study in how to do sustainable tourism right: most of the money you spend stays in the community.”

Dawn Jorgensen – The Incidental Tourist

After selling her bespoke tour operating company, Dawn Jorgensen started to miss travel and realised that she had too many amazing experiences not to share them with the world. She started her blog, the Incidental Tourist, to keep travel alive for her. Her blog is personal and engaging – you really get a sense of the person behind the journeys to places such Madagascar and Benin.

Dawn says she’s “very much a child of Africa, never happier than with dust under my feet and the pace of a vibrant African city for company.” She loves “Africa’s diversity, bright colours and intense smells, the people and their rich traditions, the vulnerability of the land, open plains and magnificent wildlife.” Her top African bucket list adventures include tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda, doing an overland safari by motorbike in Uganda and exploring coastal Mozambique.

Anton Crone – Bright Continent

A few years ago Anton Crone decided to give up a career in the advertising industry to become a travel writer and hasn’t looked back. Since then he’s travelled extensively around Africa overland and shares his travels and amazing photography on his wonderful blog, Bright Continent. He decided to start blogging to change people’s perceptions of Africa and to encourage people to travel more of Africa.

Anton says “it’s more challenging to travel in Africa but that makes it more rewarding.” A big advocate for overland travel, he says “flying takes you to dots on a map. You don’t see or experience what’s on the periphery. Travelling overland means you connect the dots and the culture, landscape and your own attitude evolves as you travel further. His greatest African adventure to date was travelling from Cape Town to Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania and back with a friend in a tiny smart car.

Roxanne Reid 

She’s “happiest in the middle of nowhere, meeting the locals, trying something new, or simply watching the grass grow, while her favourite place in Africa is the Kalahari, for “its animals, scenery, thunderstorms, red dunes, starry skies and people”.

Ishay Govender-Ypma – Food and the Fabulous

Food and travel writer and blogger Ishay Govender-Ypma has the tastiest blog on this list – Food and the Fabulous – which is filled with her delicious recipes and stories of her foodie travels around South Africa, Africa and the rest of the world. Her top foodie spots in Africa are South Africa, for “the incredibly diversity of cuisine and experience” and Morocco, where “the Middle East meets Africa in a fragrant medley of spices, slow-cooked dishes and pastries.

Scott Ramsay – Year in the Wild

Writer and photographer Scott Ramsay felt too far away from the bush working in an office in Joburg, so he quit his job to travel the wilds of southern Africa instead. He’s now spent over two years on the road, visiting more than 50 parks and reserves in South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana and sharing his inspiring experiences on his blog, along with his gorgeous photos. He cites the Richtersveld National Park, on the border of southern Namibia, as his favourite wilderness area in South Africa, for the “desert mountains, the booming silence, the blazing stars, the godly aura and the sense of freedom”, while hiking the Imfolozi Wilderness Trail in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal was one of the wildest things he’s ever done.

About Sarah Duff

• First-hand experience
• Advice and guidance
• We're passionate travelers

Enquire Now

• Hidden Tour Title Hidden
• Hidden Tour Length Hidden
• Hidden Tour URL Hidden
• Hidden Tour Price Hidden
• Hidden Tour Style Hidden
• Hidden Compared Tours Hidden URLs
• Your name * First Last
• Your email address *
• Hidden Alternative Email (deprecated)
• The tour you're intested in
• The tours you're interested in Please do not edit these tour names so we can assist you with your choices.

Please enter your number below.

• When would you like to travel? Jan 2024 Feb 2024 Mar 2024 Apr 2024 May 2024 Jun 2024 July 2024 Aug 2024 Sep 2024 Oct 2024 Nov 2024 Dec 2024 Jan 2025 Feb 2025 Mar 2025 Apr 2025 May 2025 May 2025 Jun 2025 Jul 2025 Aug 2025 Sep 2025 Oct 2025 Nov 2025 Dec 2025
• 26 - 40 Days
• 15 - 25 Days
• 8 - 14 Days
• How many travelers? * Select... 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• 12 - 17 years
• 18 - 39 years
• 0 - 11 years
• 0 - 7 years
• 8 - 9 years
• 10 - 11 years
• South Africa
• What travel style in Africa would you prefer? * Not Sure Accommodated Tour Camping Adventure Small Group Safari
• Your question or query Feel free to ask us anything! We can advise on breathtaking scenery, colourful cultures, local cuisine and of course, amazing wildlife!
• By submitting your enquiry you agree to our terms of service .
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

FEATURED POSTS

What are the Pros and Cons of Group Travel vs Independent Travel in Africa?

Group Travel vs Independent Travel: A Comparative Insight Embarking on an African adventure presents a crucial decision: should you explore the continent in a group setting or venture solo for an...

The San Bushmen

The San Bushmen were traditionally hunter-gatherers obtaining there food from wild plants and animals. These days, however, this tradition has mostly been replaced with farming or pastoralist...

The African Fish Eagle

Embarking on a safari adventure in Africa offers a kaleidoscope of wildlife experiences, but few are as awe-inspiring as witnessing the African Fish Eagle in its natural habitat. Known for its...

Blog categories

• Accommodation
• Adventure Activities
• Africa Blog
• Destinations
• Only in Africa
• Travel Articles
• Victoria Falls
• Videos showing life on the road

I am searching for South Africa topic on the internet, and I found your blog. This is really helpfull. Thanks for helping me to write this article. It’s about “When Is The Best Time To Visit South Africa “ . Kindly check and share your thoughts.

Thanks Ruma

Good travel blog with a lot of information, Keep up the good work

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

Previous Article

Next article.

10 South African Travel Bloggers You Should Follow Now!

• July 21, 2023

Austin Finnan

South African travel bloggers are a passionate group of individuals who love sharing their experiences of travelling in the country. Whether it’s travelling the spectacular Cape Town region, exploring the beautiful wine country of the Western Cape or taking to the trails in the Kruger National Park – these bloggers will take you on a journey that you’ll never forget.

South African travel bloggers are a great source of information for anyone looking to plan a trip to the country. Not only do they have experience travelling all over the country, but they’re also experts on the local food and culture. If you’re looking for some insider tips on what to see and do when travelling to South Africa , then you need to check out the blogs of these travellers.

If you’re planning a trip to South Africa soon, be sure to check out the blogs of these travellers. They’ll give you all the insider tips you need to make the most of your trip, and you’ll be sure to have a great time in the country.

• 1 South African Travel Bloggers
• 2 South African Travel Bloggers to Follow
• 3 Best South African Destinations for Travelers
• 4 Tips from South African Travel Bloggers
• 5 Conclusion

South African Travel Bloggers

South African travel bloggers are a great source of information and inspiration for anyone looking to explore the country. With the help of their informative and often humorous posts, readers can discover all the wonders that South Africa has to offer. From the beautiful wildlife and breathtaking landscapes to the vibrant culture and diverse cuisine, South African travel bloggers provide readers with in-depth insights into the country’s many attractions. Through their posts, readers can learn about the best places to visit, the best way to get around, and the best activities to experience. South African travel bloggers are also a great source of inspiration and motivation, encouraging readers to get out and explore the country’s various attractions. With their help, readers can discover all the amazing experiences that await them in South Africa .

South African Travel Bloggers to Follow

The world of travel blogging is an ever-evolving landscape, full of vibrant and diverse perspectives. South Africa is a particularly exciting place to explore, with its stunning natural beauty and fascinating history. If you’re looking to get some inspiration for your next trip to the Rainbow Nation, here are some of the best South African travel bloggers to follow.

One of the most popular South African travel bloggers is Unraveling the World. Founded by Lauren, this blog offers a unique insight into the country, with travel tips, ideas for unique experiences, and breathtaking photos. From safaris and local markets to hikes and cultural events , there’s something for everyone.

The World of Wanderlust is another great South African travel blog, written by the intrepid duo of Chantal and Nico. The blog is a vibrant mix of photography , stories, and helpful advice, covering everything from the best places to stay to must-visit attractions.

If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, then you’ll want to check out The Road Less Travelled. Founded by two friends, this blog is a treasure trove of deep-dive stories and stunning photos from South Africa , Namibia, and Botswana.

For all things food and culture, The South African Foodie is the perfect blog to follow. Run by experienced food bloggers, this blog is full of reviews, recipes, and stories from all over the country. You’ll find plenty of interesting insights into the local cuisine and culture.

Finally, for those looking for an outdoor adventure, there’s Hike Cape Town . Founded by experienced hikers, this blog is dedicated to exploring the diverse and stunning landscapes of South Africa . You’ll find amazing photos, detailed guides, and stories from some of the most remote parts of the country.

Whether you’re looking for tips on where to stay, ideas for unique experiences, or just some inspiration for your next trip, these South African travel bloggers will help you make the most of your time in the Rainbow Nation .

Best South African Destinations for Travelers

The African continent is as vast and diverse as its people, cultures, and landscapes. South Africa , in particular, offers a wide range of stunning attractions and exciting experiences for travelers of all ages. From the vibrant city of Cape Town to the wildlife safaris of Kruger National Park, South Africa has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, here are some of the best South African destinations for travelers.

Cape Town is a must-visit destination in South Africa and has something for everyone. The city is filled with stunning architecture, lush green spaces, and beautiful beaches. Take a cable car up Table Mountain for incredible views of the city and Table Bay, or take a stroll along the V&A Waterfront for a unique shopping experience. You can also explore the vibrant culture of the city by visiting the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood or taking a tour of the District Six Museum.

Kruger National Park is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream. This vast reserve is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and rhinos. Take a game drive to spot the Big Five, or explore the park on a guided walking safari. For a unique experience, book a night drive to observe nocturnal animals.

The Garden Route is one of the most popular destinations in South Africa . This scenic route stretches along the south-western coast of the country and offers a variety of attractions. Stop off in the quaint coastal town of Mossel Bay, or explore ancient forests and beautiful beaches in the Tsitsikamma National Park.

The Drakensberg Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop to the small town of Clarens. The town is known for its vibrant art galleries and craft markets, and hiking trails in the surrounding mountains. Clarens is also the gateway to Golden Gate National Park, where you can explore towering sandstone cliffs and visit the nearby dinosaur footprints.

South Africa is home to some of the most unique and exciting experiences in the world. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, the country has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your South African getaway today !

Tips from South African Travel Bloggers

Traveling to South Africa is an exciting and rewarding experience. From the vibrant cities to the stunning wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, there’s something for everyone. To make the most of your South African adventure , it’s always a good idea to take advice from South African travel bloggers. With their experience and knowledge, they can provide invaluable tips on how to make your trip go smoothly.

One of the most useful pieces of advice comes from South African travel blogger, Chantelle Henry. She recommends that tourists should always stay in the heart of the city and plan their activities around the areas they stay in. This way, they can get the full experience of the city they’re visiting. She also suggests that tourists should avoid taking the bus or train to get around, as it can be unreliable and uncomfortable.

Jacques Visser, another South African travel blogger, recommends that travelers should always have a plan for their trip. He suggests that tourists should make a list of the places they want to visit, as well as what activities they want to do. This ensures that they don’t miss out on anything. He also advises tourists not to try and do too much in one day, as it can be overwhelming and exhausting.

Finally, South African travel blogger, Lize-Mari Venter, recommends that tourists should always be aware of their surroundings. She suggests that travelers should keep their belongings close to them at all times, as well as being mindful of their personal safety. She also recommends that tourists should always stay hydrated and be aware of the weather, so they can dress appropriately.

By following these tips from South African travel bloggers, you can ensure that your trip to South Africa is an enjoyable and safe one. They are experienced travelers and know what it takes to make the most of your time in the country. So, make sure to keep their advice in mind when planning your next trip.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

There are many travel bloggers in South Africa , but not all of them are created equal. Some are better than others at providing useful information and interesting stories about their travels.

If you’re looking for a good South African travel blog to follow, then you should definitely check out a few of the ones mentioned above. You’re sure to find plenty of useful information and inspiring stories about travel in South Africa .

Austin Finnan is a blogger, traveler, and author of articles on the website aswica.co.za. He is known for his travels and adventures, which he shares with his readers on his blog. Finnan has always been passionate about exploring new places, which is reflected in his articles and photographs. He is also the author of several books about travel and adventure, which have received positive reviews from critics and readers.

Related Articles

Book Now & Get Big Savings on Domestic Flights at Www.Flysaa.Com

• October 19, 2023

Discover Which Province Pietermaritzburg Is In!

How to Make the Perfect Key Lime Pie

• October 18, 2023

South Africa

South africa travel blogs, these are all of my travel blogs about south africa. .

From safari trips and wine tasting tours, to the beauty of Cape Town, find out the best places to travel to in my South Africa travel blogs and travel guides.

Happy exploring!

9 Best Places For Winter Sun

Considering a break this winter? From the Caribbean to Dubai it’s time to reveal the best places for winter sun around the world.

Best holiday destinations in south africa.

From Cape Town to Stellenbosch and Durban to Kruger National Park, these are the best holiday destinations in South Africa. 

South Africa has been on my dream destination list for a long time now. From the country’s amazing wildlife (big five, whales and more) to the wine regions, the beautiful scenery and the food, there are plenty of reasons South Africa is a popular holiday destination.

I’ve wanted to pop a South Africa blog together for a while, as I’ve had so many messages from you guys asking if I have any posts or tips on places to visit.

So I decided the best thing to do was to hand over to some of my blogger pals to recommend the highlights from their adventures in SA. So without further ado, here are the best holiday destinations in South Africa, by those who REALLY know!

Stellenbosch

Lucy from On The Luce absolutely loved Stellenbosch, South Africa. Here’s why she thought it was so special…

South Africa’s Stellenbosch is heaven for wine lovers. Valleys full of vineyards surround the town, and along with neighbouring wine regions Franschhoek and Paarl, it’s home to hundreds of wineries. Stellenbosch is most famous for its Pinotage reds and Chenin Blanc whites, but there’s a whole range of different grapes and wine styles, including some tasty sparkling wines that give Champagne a run for its money at half the price!

The Travel Manuel

Step out of your comfort zone and into your next adventure!

  “It’s not risking your life that makes it an adventure, It’s risking your comfortable, preconceived ideas about life. The essence of adventure is to stretch yourself. Maybe just a little bit. Maybe a lot. To go further, faster, higher, longer, deeper or wider than you ever thought you could. To see the world from a different perspective.”

– Unknown

TRAVEL BLOGGERS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

We are Vaughan and Lauren Manuel McShane, husband and wife travel bloggers from Cape Town, South Africa! Traipsing around the globe, our goal is to inspire as many people as possible to leave their homes (if only for a wee-little while) to explore the other corners of this beautiful blue planet.

We also, and this mostly it, want everyone to give themselves the chance to experience the feeling of setting foot on foreign soil, in a land where things don’t work like they do back home and that are altogether quite strange but lovely at the same time.

And, hopefully, in the process eliminate a great many of the prejudices, misconceptions and closed-mindedness that us humans seem so willing to wear.

South Africa, Thailand & Malaysia

We share and showcase our adventures through video, travel tales, photography and social media. The Travel Manuel.com also provides helpful tips for newbie traveller’s and hardcore trekkers alike as well as guidelines for expats in living in Asia. We can usually be found near the ocean, behind a lens, seeking out good coffee or frantically searching for wifi.

BRAG: We were honored to be named by Flipkey ( TripAdvisor) as one of “Top 25 Couple Travel Blogs to follow in 2014” as well as being selected as category winners at the first African Blogger Awards this year! 🙂 

Lauren was one of the first ever independent South African Travel Bloggers and started her original blog way back in 2008 before many (in South Africa) had even heard of blogging. Back then I was writing for a small newspaper in Jeffrey’s Bay and we had just started dating. She was halfway around the planet in Hawaii at the time so technically our lives together started “on the road.”

The Early Days…

Boulders Beach, Cape Town

“It all started with my first overseas first trip to Buenos Aires where I fell head of heels in love with travel, tango and South America. I never imagined that any other country could be as sweet, but snorkeling in Thailand, surfing in Rio de Janeiro, witnessing a wedding in Sydney and living in Hawaii taught me otherwise.

Whilst teaching English in Seoul and dancing in the Greek slums were incredible experiences, I love exploring my own country, South Africa. There is still so much to see of it; dry “dorps”, rustic seaside towns, untouched coastline and safari bushveld, they are all just so unique and so beautiful.”

The Drakensberg

An endless journey…

Two weeks after getting married, we packed our bags and went on a mission to live and work around the world. We started by living on the tropical island of Koh Samui in Thailand for a year, spent time travelling around Taiwan and the Philippines and are now based in Malaysia where we both work full time as well as travel every opportunity we can.

Wedding Bells

• In The Media

We’ve been featured in international and local print publications such as the in-flight magazines of Mango Juice ( Mango Airlines), Sawubona , ( South African Airways) and Grazia .

On radio, we’ve featured on Smile 90.4 fm and Power 98.7 fm . No stranger to the airwaves Lauren used to be a presenter on UCT and CCFM radio stations in South Africa.

Online, you’ll find us in:

Wild Junket Magazine Getaway Magazine SA Venues Inspired Living SA Becoming You Travel Ground Tango Diva In the Know Traveler Our Man on the Ground Go Nomad Travelmag- The Independent Spirit BBC Travel

…to name but a few.

Coral Island, Malaysia

I once heard that travel is the only thing you can buy that will make you richer. Of this I have no doubt.

So journey with us as we traipse around the world to free the nomads inside of yourselves, to search for the unknown, the exhilarating and the adventure. We are available for hire as Travel/lifestyle writers and photographers.

If you want to stalk us – Google is your friend but if you want to hang out with us, just connect here:

Twitter: @thetravelmanuel and @VaughanMac .

Instagram: @VaughanMac_ & @thetravelmanuel

Facebook: The Travel Manuel .

Simonstown, South Africa

• Work With Us

Let's Get Started

Our most discerning clients expect highly personalised service when planning a stay and this is where our private villa consultants really excel.

• Telephone Number
• Nationality Country South Africa United Kingdom United States Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Greenland Grenada Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati North Korea South Korea Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Sudan, South Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe
• Destination Preferred Destination Cape Town Atlantic Seaboard Bakoven Bantry Bay Camps Bay Clifton Fresnaye Granger Bay Green Point Hout Bay Llandudno Mouille Point Noordhoek Scarborough Sea Point Waterfront Blaauwberg Big Bay Bloubergrant Bloubergstrand Century City Milnerton Sunset Beach West Beach Woodbridge Island Breede River Valley Ceres Montagu Touws River City Bowl Bo Kaap City Centre De Waterkant Devil's Peak Foreshore Gardens Higgovale Oranjezicht Tamboerskloof Vredehoek Woodstock False Bay Coast Clovelly Fish Hoek Glencairn Kalk Bay Kommetjie Misty Cliffs Muizenberg Simon's Town St James Garden Route Knysna Mossel Bay Sedgefield Helderberg Gordon's Bay Somerset West Overberg Elgin Greyton Heidelberg Hermanus Rooi Els Southern Suburbs Bergvliet Bishopscourt Claremont Constantia Meadowridge Mowbray Newlands Rondebosch Tokai Upper Claremont Tygerberg West Coast Langebaan Paternoster Yzerfontein Winelands Franschhoek Paarl Stellenbosch
• Accommodation Type Select your accommodation type Any Type Apartments Bed and Breakfast Cottages Game Lodges Guest Houses Holiday Homes Hotels Managed Resorts Self Catering Villas
• Adults Adults 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20+
• Children Children 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20+
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Top 32 Most Influential Bloggers in South Africa

With a huge number of bloggers in South Africa, readers are certainly spoiled for choice. There are many, many talented bloggers to be found across every single part of the country, from Cape Town to Johannesburg.

Not too long ago, we featured a list of the top South African travel blogs to follow. Today, we are expanding our showcase to include not only travel bloggers, but also lifestyle and food bloggers. Whether you are looking for some fresh inspiration on what to do, where to go, where to eat (and what to eat), what to experience and what else is worth exploring, have a look at our list of influential, inspiring bloggers in South Africa.

Influential Bloggers in South Africa

Our list has something for just about everyone. Whatever you are seeking – lifestyle tips and guides, product reviews, game lodge reviews, travel tips or ideas on what to see and do on holiday, these bloggers in South Africa have you covered.

South African Lifestyle Bloggers

These South African lifestyle bloggers offer a wide variety of insight into everything from places to go to things to see, shops to try, food to savour, and experiences to enjoy. In no particular order, our top picks for lifestyle bloggers in South Africa include the following:

1. Fiona Rossiter, Inspired Living

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by (@inspiredlivingsa) on Sep 28, 2019 at 8:15am PDT

2.  Sheri Greenway, SA Fashion Girl

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Sheri (@sherigreenway) on Aug 25, 2019 at 5:12pm PDT

3. Meg Sproat, Boring Cape Town Chick

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Boring Cape Town Chick (@boringcapetownchick) on Sep 12, 2019 at 3:45pm PDT

4. Chereen Strydom, For the Beauty of it

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Chereen Beauty & Motherhood (@forthebeautyofit) on Sep 15, 2019 at 1:36pm PDT

5. Kathryn Rossiter, Becoming You

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Kathryn Rossiter (@becomingyou) on Aug 16, 2019 at 12:01pm PDT

6. Liezel, 9Lives

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by 9Lives (@9livesza) on Sep 29, 2019 at 11:41pm PDT

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Loren ‍♀️ Food & Travel (@minkys.co.za) on Sep 12, 2019 at 7:30am PDT

8. Lovilee Lifestyle blog

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by kaRi . lovilee™ blog (@lovilee_za) on Sep 28, 2019 at 6:41am PDT

9. Dirty Pink City

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Elsa Lacock (@elilacock) on Jul 31, 2019 at 10:44am PDT

See Also:   Top 10 Culinary Travel Bloggers in South Africa to Follow in 2018

South african travel bloggers.

Our list of South African travel bloggers meanwhile offers a selection of writers that celebrate all things travel related. Whether covering local travel experiences here in South Africa, or heading further abroad to share their stories, tips and activities, these bloggers are a must-read for anyone with itchy feet:

10. Dawn Jorgensen, The Incidental Tourist

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Dawn Bradnick Jorgensen (@dawnjorgensen) on Sep 24, 2019 at 3:06am PDT

11. Kate Els, IndiKate

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by IndiKate Travel Blog (@kate_els) on Aug 18, 2019 at 1:39am PDT

12. Jared Ruttenberg, Jaredincpt

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Jared in Cape Town & SA 🇿🇦 (@jaredincpt) on Sep 29, 2019 at 10:17am PDT

13. Natalie Roos, Tails of a Mermaid

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Natalie Roos (@tailsofamermaid) on Sep 30, 2019 at 12:50am PDT

14. Ceeces Travel Blog

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Ceeces Travel (@ceecestravel) on Sep 18, 2019 at 12:47am PDT

15. Lydia Afonso, Greenlydia

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Lydia Afonso (@greenlydia) on Sep 30, 2019 at 2:05am PDT

16. Anton Crone, Safarious

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Safarious (@safarious) on Sep 23, 2019 at 2:50am PDT

Anton Crone (formerly Bright Continent) heads up Safarious – an African travel magazine and community travel blog. This blog is where you can learn more about wilderness travel, through a wide variety of insightful articles and travel guides. With a growing community and no ads, this digital magazine is a must for anyone who has ever wanted to explore Africa in the ultimate way. In addition to incredible travel tips and guides, Anton also shares his personal experiences and incredible discoveries on his travel journeys through Africa. You can follow his travel adventures at safarious.com

17. Lauren and Vaughan McShane, The Travel Manuel

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by V A U G H A N | South Africa (@vaughanmac_) on Jul 9, 2016 at 2:21am PDT

18. Carlinn, Camps Bay Girl

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Carlinn (@campsbaygirl) on Sep 25, 2019 at 9:30am PDT

19.  My Life from a Bag

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Lerato B (@leratolb) on Jun 11, 2019 at 11:15pm PDT

20. Roxanne Reid

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by RoxanneReidSA (@roxannereidsa) on Jun 18, 2019 at 12:51am PDT

Recommended Accommodation

South african food bloggers.

These South African food bloggers will have you daydreaming about heavenly food, the best restaurants in Cape Town and the rest of the country, off-beat flavours and one of a kind food pairings. Whether you see yourself as a serious foodie, or simply someone who enjoys tinkering in the kitchen, these blogs are well worth a read. Some of our top picks for food blogs include the following:

21. Sam Linsell, Drizzle & Dip

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Sam Linsell (@drizzleanddip) on Sep 16, 2019 at 7:47am PDT

22. Ilse van der Merwe, The Food Fox

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Ilse van der Merwe (@the_foodfox) on Sep 26, 2019 at 5:15am PDT

23. Sarah Graham

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Sarah Graham (@sarahgrahamfood) on Sep 10, 2019 at 2:17am PDT

24. Various Writers, Food Blog Cape Town

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Foodblog Cape Town (@foodblogct) on Sep 30, 2019 at 2:00am PDT

25. Amilinda Wilkinson, The Little Hedonist

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by The Little Hedonist (@thelittlehedonist) on Sep 30, 2019 at 12:24am PDT

26. Melissa Delport, The Truffle Journal

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by MELISSA DELPORT (@trufflejournal) on Sep 25, 2019 at 1:59am PDT

27. Alida Ryder, Simply Delicious

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Simply Delicious (@alidaryder) on Sep 29, 2019 at 10:21am PDT

28. Jane, Baking Ginger

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Clara Jane (@baking_ginger) on Sep 24, 2019 at 6:18am PDT

29. Usha Singh, Healthy Vegetarian Foods

30. Saaleha Bamjee, Ice Cream Everyday

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by Saaleha Idrees Bamjee (@saaleha_b) on Sep 20, 2019 at 4:57am PDT

31. Anina, Aninas Recipes

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by • Anina Meyer • (@_aninameyer_) on Sep 23, 2019 at 5:29am PDT

32. Roelia Schoeman, Boozy Foodie Blog

        View this post on Instagram         A post shared by BoozyFoodie – Roelia (@gpboozyfoodie) on Aug 25, 2019 at 9:48am PDT

Recommended Tours

We hope that you have enjoyed our list. Looking for more ideas on what to see and do in Cape Town? Don’t forget to follow our very own Cape Town travel blog to get the latest inspiration. Now, it’s your turn… who are your favourite bloggers in South Africa, and why?

UPDATED: 29th September, 2019

Related posts:.

About The Author: Rox

• Arts & Culture
• Blast from the past
• Cape Town Adventures & Tours
• Cape Town summer
• Entertainment
• Interesting facts
• Places to go
• Social issues

POPULAR POSTS

ComeToCapeTown.com

Wanderlust Movement | A South Africa Travel Blog

Want to take a hike.

Get on the list for the next adventure!

8 Magnificent Mpumalanga Waterfalls For Your Next Adventure

South africa.

50+ Genius Ways To Save Money for Travel

Budget Travel

The Complete List of Visa-Free Countries for South Africans

This weeks #1.

The Top Romantic Getaways in South Africa

Whether you travel to the rugged coastline of the Eastern Cape or the secluded wilderness of Magoebaskloof, there are tons of things to see and do and beautiful hotels for every budget.

With so many incredible accommodation options for couples, South Africa is a dream romantic getaway.

12 Cabins Near Cape Town That Are Perfect For Escaping Reality

My childhood affliction towards all things fairy has led to an adulthood obsession with all things nature, more specifically staying in magical places like cabins.

…Cause if I were a fairy and I was looking for accommodation near Cape Town, those are the type of places I’d book!

I'm Lauren

A south african digital nomad, remote work.

The Best 40+ Sites For Finding Remote Work Online

What’s the WORST part about location independence? Not knowing how to start making money! If you’re constantly thinking: “Where the hell do people find clients and remote jobs?!” I’ve got you covered.

Get Paid to Write!

Discover 18 profitable freelance writing niches., the favorites.

The Most Unique Places to Stay Near Johannesburg

50+ Things to Do in Cape Town: A Local’s Guide

The Most Secluded & Romantic Airbnbs in South Africa

Follow on instagram.

Love The Content?

Welcome to Gophari

Hey solo travellers!

featured Travel blog posts

Hi, I’m Farirai 🙂 the african travel blogger behind gophari

I am an African travel blogger and the founder of Gophari.

After completing my engineering degree, I worked in a small industrial town in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

At the time, I did not realise how this move would lead me on my travel journey…

Read my story

5 South African Travel Bloggers You Should Follow

by Henri Steenkamp | Nov 10, 2016 | South Africa , Travel

I’ve searched high and low to find great resources for South African travel. By far, the best way to properly explore South Africa is through the eyes and ears of a South African. These five award-winning, native bloggers will have something for everyone’s tastes. From family-oriented nature protectors to jet-setting adventurers, this diverse set of writers will pique the interest of anyone.  

Lauren Manuel, The Travel Manual

Husband and wife Vaughan and Lauren share their adventures through video, stories, and breathtaking photography – their photos are extremely Instagram-worthy for their 16,700 followers! Their Pinterest account is also something to rave about because it’s so organized and easy to use for someone who’s planning a trip.

Originally from Cape Town, this couple travels the world but never forgets about their roots in South Africa, where Lauren was recently featured on the Expresso Morning Show with Katlego Maboe. Travel Manual is a 2015 and 2016 African Blogger Awards Winner and was featured on Smile 90.4, Power 98.7, BBC Travel, and in-flight magazines Mango Juice and Sawubona.

Andrew Brauteseth, Guy With Camera

Andrew Brauteseth in GQ

Hence the name, Andrew is a guy with a camera. He enjoys writing as well and documents his travels, city experiences and work through his blog and video reel. “10 Reasons Why Cape Town is the Best City in The World” is possibly the highlight of his blog. Not only did he write the article, but he packaged it into an easily-digestible video — all of which he shot and edited himself.   

Although he enjoys writing, it’s the photos that set Andrew apart from other travel bloggers who usually post exotic pictures filled with energy and color. Andrew’s black and white images are mysterious, but showcases the detail of scenery and emotion in Cape Town.

Travelstart Blog

Founded by Stephen Ekbergh , the Travelstart Blog lets you get two tasks accomplished at once – read about what Africa has to offer AND book travel plans! Flights, hotel rooms and rental vehicles can all be booked and paid for with help from a travel agent at Travelstart.   

The company is based in Cape Town with additional agencies in Lagos , Cairo and Dar es Salaam , as well as countries in Europe and Asia. Each agency has its own blog with suggested places to visit and travel advice, so it can easily be personalized to fit your travel desires. If you’re looking for a place to simplify your travel and tourism plans, Travelstart Blog is a one-stop-shop for your travel needs.

The Getaway Travel Blog

This blog, headed by Sonya Schoeman , is composed of a full-fledged team similar to a magazine. With both print and digital formats, Getaway has become a highly regarded source of all things travel-related in Southern Africa. In addition to written content – which ranges from recipes to places to visit — they provide giveaways, special offers, travel and booking plans, events listings and outdoor gear reviews. The Getaway Travel Blog is the place to go for the active outdoorsman.

de Wets Wild

The family behind de Wets Wild .

Primarily nature-based, this blog is run by a family that enjoys protecting and showcasing the diverse natural heritage of South Africa. From the smallest nature reserves to the biggest national parks, readers can get the inside scoop on must-see wildlife and nature trails. The blog is run by husband and wife Dries and Marilize, along with their son Joubert, and is a runner up of the 2015 South African Blog Awards.

For additional South African bloggers, check out the winner’s list for the 2016 South African Blog Awards here .

South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation—an array of cultures and backgrounds that make it the great country it is. At HenriSteenkamp.org, you’ll find a true portrayal of the Rainbow Nation under a rainbow of topics ranging from wine to sports and beyond.

Recent Posts

• Beyonce’s “Black is King” Honors Long-Ago South African Composer
• Proposed Amendment to National Sports and Recreation Act Raises Concerns
• Koech wins Cape Town Marathon; Chepchirchir shatters Women’s Record

South Africa. My travel blog for Cape Town, the Garden Route and Kruger Park

South Africa is a wonderful and very diverse country. I recommend going there when it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere so you can enjoy their summer. I went to Cape Town, did a road trip in the Western Cape (including the Garden Route) and went to Kruger Park. In this travel blog I’ll tell you what to do, where to stay and what to eat in South Africa. You can also watch my video on my YouTube channel.

You can read more about healthy food options in Cape Town in my blog post for Book Detox Retreats.

Mossel Bay is a small beach town that you might want to visit. If you’re interested in the early Portuguese settlers in Mossel Bay the Bartolomeus Dias museum is interesting. And if you want to enjoy some South African cuisine you should go to Kaai 4 . This ‘braai’ (barbecue) restaurant prepares your order on big grills while you sit at a picnic table with your feet in the sand. This spit serves a lot of meat of course but they also have a very tasty grilled vegetarian sandwich.

Knysna is a nice city in a beautiful environment. The Knysna lagoon is ringed by two ‘heads’ from which you have a beautiful view. There are several nice hiking trails close to Knysna. We did the Elephant trail North East of the city. The red route is the nicest, don’t be put off because it’s listed as difficult, since it’s really easy. In the afternoon you can have a drink at Senza to enjoy the early evening sun while watching the waves and blue water. Nextdoors East Head Cafe is great for breakfast and lunch. They have several vegetarian options including a quiche and a few salads. For dinner you can go to Anchorage, a fish restaurant (the oldest in Knysna) with several vegetarian choices like an oven dish with sweet potato and spinach.

On the way back to Cape Town you can make a stop in Hermanus to watch the dolphins and whales if it’s the season (from June to December)

Like Africa? You might also like Zanzibar.

We saw many elephants, impalas, springboks, zebras, buffalos, giraffes, waterbucks, velvet monkeys, baboons and hyenas. We also saw wildebeest, a jackal, a warthog (Pumba), a chameleon, a snake, rhinos and a mongoose. There are also many birds, we spotted eagles, vultures and storks. We also saw the very rare sable antelope. And we saw lions three different times. That was very special, especially the last time when we saw 5 of them together.

We stayed at Pretoriuskop Rest Camp . It’s the oldest camp in the park and located close to the Numbi entrance gate. The location is perfect, we saw many animals near the camp. There’s a shop selling souvenirs and food. The only restaurant at the camp is a Wimpy fast food restaurant, luckily they had a great grilled veggies baguette with guacamole. Lower Sabie is a beautiful rest camp next to a river with hippos, it’s a further away from Johannesburg though, so it’s an even longer ride. At the rest camps you can book sunset and sunrise safaris and you can also drive around the park by yourself as long as the gates are open. It’s advisable to book your accommodation far in advance, and keep in mind that the park and the camps close at sunset, so plan to arrive on time. Also Kruger Park is a Malaria affected area, you can buy day pils at most pharmacies in Johannesburg or Cape Town.

Here you can see all our highlights in only 3 minutes:

Click here for my travel blog on Madagascar.

Pingback: New travel blog and vlog: South Africa | Anne Travel Foodie

Pingback: Vegetarian Bobotie recipe and how you can win a trip to South Africa | Anne Travel Foodie

Pingback: All the countries I visited on Scrape Map | Anne Travel Foodie

Pingback: Review: Guided by Food - Anne Travel Foodie

Pingback: Brownies & Downies Tilburg - Anne Travel Foodie

Pingback: High Wine at Luden in Den Haag - Anne Travel Foodie

Pingback: Rent A Car Cape Town – Life Style

Pingback: 5 Years of Anne Travel Foodie: my most popular travel blogs - Anne Travel Foodie

Pingback: Vegan Apple Strudel - Anne Travel Foodie

Pingback: South African dessert: Malva Pudding with ice cream - Anne Travel Foodie

Pingback: Mijn favoriete vegan kookboeken - Anne Travel Foodie

Pingback: 5 Tips voor mooie Reisfoto's - Anne Travel Foodie

Pingback: The difficulties of a wine menu and how to look smart - Anne Travel Foodie

Pingback: Op road trip in Cyprus - Anne Travel Foodie

Pingback: Favoriete babyproducten voor in de woonkamer - Anne Travel Foodie

Pingback: Tilburg with kids, the complete guide - Anne Travel Foodie

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don't Miss! random posts ..

• annetravelfoodie

Check out my Instagram account for new pictures every day!

• Australia and New Zealand
• North and South America
• Breakfast and lunch
• Healthy Dinner
• Healthy Sweets
• Special Occasions
• Sugar Sunday
• Restaurants

• Destinations

Wild Junket

The Perfect 2-Week South Africa Itinerary

Last Updated on March 8, 2024

Dreaming of an epic South Africa trip? Check out my detailed 2-week South Africa itinerary that brings you from the coast to the savanna.

If you think  South Africa is all about wildlife safari, think again. The country is one of the most diverse I’ve been — with cosmopolitan cities along dramatic coastlines that fringe wild savannas and rugged mountain range.

You can easily go from game-driving in the African bushveld to surfing on the beach or wine-tasting at lush vineyards in a matter of hours. Plus it’s home to many historical sites that have witnessed some major turning points in world’s history.

I love South Africa so much that I’ve been 4 times! On each trip, I’ve discovered a different side to the multi-faceted country. For first-timer visitors, I have put together this South Africa itinerary to pack in the best of South Africa in 2 weeks.

Table of Contents

How to Get to South Africa

Travel insurance for south africa, by car rental, best time to travel south africa, 2 weeks in south africa, explore v&a waterfront, visit nelson mandela’s cell on robben island, wander around bo kaap, watch sunset at camps bay, where to stay in cape town:, hike up table mountain, take the cable car down, try paragliding over table mountain, visit the townships of cape town, spend the evening at long street, visit charming fishing villages, hike along trails and boardwalks, do the chapman’s peak drive, visit spier wine farm, taste peter falke wine, ride the wine tram, visit apartheid museum, explore soweto township, dine at carnivore restaurant, where to stay in johannesburg:, south africa itinerary day 7: cradle of humankind, itinerary days 8-10: welgevonden game reserve, where to stay in welgevonden:, itinerary days 11-13: kruger national park, where to stay in kruger:, south africa itinerary day 14: fly home, garden route, saint lucia, drakensberg mountains, how much does this south africa itinerary cost, travel independently or on guided tour, health and vaccines in south africa, enjoy your trip to south africa, travel resources, the ultimate south africa itinerary & guide.

The main gateway to South Africa are the Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). South African Airways is the national airline and serves many major cities in the world.

This South Africa itinerary starts and ends in Cape Town. You can find  flights from New York to Cape Town via Istanbul for around US$750 return. For those in Europe, you can fly  direct from London to Nairobi  (9hours) for around $550 return.

Regardless of how long you’re traveling, it’s important to have travel insurance. It’ll cover you in case of incidents or mishaps like theft, loss of luggage and flight cancellation. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.

Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date.

How to Get Around South Africa

The best way to get around South Africa is by car hire. Most roads are in good condition and all road signs are in English. We’ve driven South Africa several times, and never had any issue.

You don’t need a 4WD and car rental is really affordable here (prices as low as $200 for 2 weeks in South Africa).  You can even do  self-drive safari in certain national parks and reserves. I suggest hiring a car in Cape Town at the airport and another one in Johannesburg.

As the country is big, you’ll need to fly to get from the Cape Town to Johannesburg. Domestic flights are rather cheap — you can find the cheapest flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town on Mango Airlines for US$70. Mango flights are some of the cheapest you’ll find.

It’s also possible to fly from Johannesburg to Nelspruit (nearest town to Kruger NP)on Airlink for just $70 each way. Flying cuts down the travel time from 6 hours by road to just 40 minutes.

South Africa is a year-round destination. Depending on where you travel in South Africa, each region has different climate and wildlife opportunities.

In general, the best time to visit South Africa is f rom May to September. These are the cooler winter months in the northern regions (Johannesburg area), which bring superb conditions for viewing big game.

Summer in South Africa runs from November to February. During these months, the southern coast (Cape Town area) has beautiful, hot, dry weather. The average temperature is around 73-79 °F (23-26°C). The best time to visit the Cape for whale watching is between July and November.

With 2 weeks in South Africa, you’ll barely scratch the surface of this mega-diverse country. But you will still be able to experience the best of South Africa in 2 weeks, if you follow this itinerary.

In this South Africa itinerary, we will get to explore mainly the Cape, Johannesburg and Kruger areas. I recommend hiring a car in each area and flying between Cape Town and Jo’burg.

Summary of this South Africa Itinerary:

• Days 1-3: Cape Town
• Day 4: Day Trip to Cape Peninsula
• Day 5: Day Trip to Cape Winelands
• Day 6: Fly to Johannesburg
• Day 7: Day Trip to Cradle of Humankind
• Days 8-10: Welgevonden Private Reserve
• Days 11-13: Kruger National Park
• Day 14: Fly home!

South Africa Itinerary Day 1: Cape Town

Start your South Africa itinerary in the Mother City: Cape Town, one of my favorite cities in the world . Cape Town is a stunning coastal city fringed by dramatic beaches and crowned by the magnificent Table Mountain.

Get your bearings at the V&A Waterfront , home to South Africa’s oldest harbor. If you’re lucky (like me), there are high chances of seeing sea lions swimming around the harbor or suntanning on the deck here.

With epic views of the Table Mountain and a central location, the waterfront is a popular hangout spot for Capetonians. Today it is a collection of restaurants and shops offering fresh produce and local products.

The V&A Waterfront is where you can catch the ferry to Robben Island (which departs every 1-2 hours). Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years of political imprisonment here on the island.

The Robben Island tour is led by a former political prisoner, who’ll bring you to key sites on the island whilst recounting his own personal story of imprisonment here. It gives a sobering but insightful peek into the oppression of the apartheid regime. Book your tour here!

After the eye-opening visit, head to Cape Town’s most colorful neighborhood:  Bo Kaap . This small downtown neighborhood is the Cape Malay Quarter and is famous for the multicolour single-story Cape Dutch houses.

The origins of the area date back to the 1700s when the Dutch colonisers imported slaves from Malaysia, Indonesia and Africa to Cape Town. When slavery was abolished in the 1830s, the slaves painted their homes in bright colors to celebrate their freedom.

Thanks to its location by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is blessed with beautiful beaches and a surfing culture. One of the best beaches to catch sunset is Camps Bay, poised along the foothills of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range.

Camps Bay is lined with palm trees, white sand and buzzing beach bars. Do a romantic picnic with your partner or sit in one of the cool beach bars and watch the sun fade into the Atlantic Ocean with a cocktail in hand!

There are a few areas most travelers stay in: the V&A Waterfront has mostly luxury hotels, Long Street has mid range boutique hotels, while Camps Bay is great for affordable apartments with excellent seaviews.

Airbnb: Camps Bay Apartment

This beautiful 2-bedroom apartment (for 4) in Camps Bay has stunning views of the mountains and sea. It also has a pool and huge terrace. Surprisingly affordable! Check rates here.

Mid Range: The Grand Daddy

On my second trip, I stayed at this quirky boutique hotel and absolutely loved it. Its rooftop has several Airstream trailers (where you can stay in!) and an outdoor bar with cinema nights. Check rates here.

Luxury: The Table Bay Hotel

I stayed at this iconic landmark hotel (pictured) on my first trip to South Africa and it left an amazing first impression. Located at the V&A Waterfront, the 5-star luxury hotel has beautiful views of the harbor and Table Mountain. Check rates here.

South Africa Itinerary Day 2: Cape Town

What makes  Cape Town such a stunning place is not the city itself, but rather the location. Table Mountain dominates the city, looming over the City Bowl and Camps Bay area. There are two ways to summit Table Mountain – by cable car or on foot. I recommend hiking to the top and descending by cable car for the full experience.

Hiking Table Mountain is a wonderful way to explore the indigenous fynbos (type of forest), spot wildlife like the  dassies  (rock hyrax), and enjoy spectacular views.

The easiest and quickest route to the top is via  Platteklip Gorge , which leads hikers through a ravine on the face of the mountain. This route takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete and is the most popular.

At the summit, there’s an opportunity to explore the mountain top along three easy trails affording 360-degree views of the city, Atlantic Seaboard and the mountain chain stretching across the Cape Peninsula.

To get down, catch the Table Mountain aerial cableway . Tickets are around USD $20-25 per adult. They have been ferrying passengers to the top of Table Mountain for almost 90 years, and with its 360* rotating floor and epic views its definitely worth taking the ride.

If you’re an adventure seeker, there are plenty of exciting ways to explore the Table Mountain National Park. Abseil off the top of Table Mountain or go mountain biking with a group. I went paragliding off Lion’s Head and it was a surreal experience flying so close to the top of Table Mountain! Book Your Experience here.

Itinerary Day 3: Cape Town

To get under the surface of Cape Town, head out to the townships or informal settlements, or townships. These ramshackle towns that spill out for miles along the highways are the most visible scars of the apartheid era, when non-whites were forced out of their homes.

Visiting townships can be controversial, but I believe that traveling with a responsible operator can make a big difference and bring attention to people who need help.

I went on a township cycling tour through Masiphumelele , a township at the edge of Kommetjie. The tour brought us into the township, meeting locals and getting to know them. We had pap (maize porridge) and braai (barbecue) at a local eatery, and visited a sangoma (traditional healer). It was absolutely insightful and definitely worth the experience.

Running through the centre of Cape Town is Long Street, a vibrant road flanked by local eateries and bars. This is the palpitating heart of Cape Town and it truly comes alive at night.

I stayed at Long Street on one of my trips to South Africa, and had such a good time hanging out with locals here. Don’t miss Mama Africa that serves food from all over Africa, as well as Long Street Cafe , a Cape Town institution set in an old Victorian-style building.

Itinerary Day 4: Cape Peninsula

Next day, rent a car and go on a scenic drive to the Cape Peninsula , and southwesternmost point of the African continent! If you don’t drive, check out this Cape Point day tour.

The road hugs the cliff, meandering along the edge of the  Table Mountain  all the way to Cape of Good Hope. On one side, the steep slopes plunge dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean; and on the other, needle-sharp peaks soar into the sky.

Start out from  Muizenberg (known for the colorful houses on the beach) and make your first stop at  Kalk Bay , a bohemian village littered with a flurry of antique shops, flea markets and indie boutiques.

Continue down to  Simon’s Town , the third oldest town in South Africa. The town is best known for the African Penguin colony that inhabit the nearby  Boulders Beach . A wooden boardwalk weaves through the penguin’s habitat, allowing intimate encounters with the cute little animals.

After making a stop at the Cape of Good Hope, continue driving towards the Cape Point lighthouse , set dramatically against the crashing ocean. Cliff trails wind around the vegetation and lead to the lighthouse, we took just twenty minutes to hike along the trail, before we were treated to expansive views of the ocean.

Drive back via the Atlantic Seaboard through the town of Scarborough and the gorgeous surfing beach of  Noordhoek . The day trip culminates at  Chapman’s Peak Drive , where you can drink in a view of the crescent-shaped bay and spot sealions and sharks swimming beneath.

Itinerary Day 5: Cape Winelands

On your last day in Cape Town, drive out to the beautiful Cape Winelands (1 hour away) and visit some of South Africa’s most famous wine estates.   You can also book a Cape Winelands tour or winelands ebike tour that includes a few tastings.

The most popular town of the Cape Winelands is Stellenbosch , and it’s definitely worth visiting for its photogenic setting. If you have some extra time, don’t miss the equally beautiful Franschhoek just a 30-minute drive away.

This is one of Stellenbosch’s oldest working wineries, with a heritage dating back to 1692. The owners are passionate art lovers and the winery is home to one of the largest collections of contemporary South African art in the world.

Enjoy wine tasting at the Groenvlei Estate, and admire the traditional 18th century Cape Dutch buildings. The pretty winery is open for tastings from Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm.

Then, hop on the vintage Franschoek wine tram , to tour wineries without getting behind the wheel of a car. You can hop on and off whenever you want and visit up to 5 wineries in a day. You need to book your tickets in advance.

South Africa Itinerary Day 6: Johannesburg

It’s time to explore more of South Africa! Catch a domestic flight to Johannesburg, South Africa’s biggest city. Flights from Cape Town usually cost around US$70 each way.

Many people skip Jo’burg altogether, but they miss out on many insightful museums and historical sites that are quintessential to any South Africa trip. The city is now dedicated to preserving the memories of heroes who transformed the country into what it is today.

NOTE: Safety is still an issue in Johannesburg. Don’t walk around at night, and don’t leave anything visible in the car.

Rent another car and make a beeline for the Apartheid Museum, a must-see in my opinion. It is a sobering experience, but an essential one if you want to understand South Africa’s history and identity.

The museum shows the rise and fall of the apartheid system through spine-chilling film footage, photography and historical artifacts. It’s an emotional and eye-opening experience — prepare to shed some tears. Book a guided tour in advance here.

Short for “South Western Township”, Soweto is the epicenter for many important turning points throughout South Africa’s history. It’s easy and safe to explore Soweto on your own, but if you prefer to have a guide, check out this guided township tour .

The most famous spot in Soweto is Vilakazi Street – once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Mandela’s former abode is now a museum, and Archbishop Tutu still resides in his Soweto home.

Another Soweto museum thats recount the struggle to end apartheid include the somber Hector Pieterson Museum that honors the schoolchildren slain in a police massacre.

One of the most famous restaurants in Jo’burg is Carnivore , located in Muldersdrift (you’ll need a car or taxi to get here). It offers authentic African braai (barbecue) and a buffet of grilled venison meat and South African side dishes. Book a table here!

Johannesburg is a lot more spread out than Cape Town — you’ll need a car no matter where you’re staying. Maboneng has some hipster boutique hotels, while Sandton (upscale residential area) offers plenty of well-priced Airbnb and luxury apartments.

Airbnb: One Hyde Park

One Hyde Park has affordable, luxurious 1/2-bedroom apartments in Sandton, perfect for couples or families. This particular Airbnb has a fully equipped kitchen and pool. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Hallmark Hotel

I’ve stayed at this hotel a few times and always enjoyed my stay. It’s a unique boutique hotel right in the heart of Downtown Jo’burg, serving excellent food in their restaurant. Check rates here.

Luxury: Odyssey Luxury Apartments

On our most recent trip, we stayed at Odyssey (pictured) as the apartment is spacious (for families) and not overly expensive. It’s also a 5-minute walk from Morningside Shopping Centre in Sandton. Check rates here.

Next, rise early for a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site: The  Cradle of Humankind . It is internationally recognised as the place where humankind began.

Discovered in 1924, the first-ever hominid fossil is on display here at the Maropeng Visitor Centre. There are13 excavation sites, including the Sterkfontein Caves. You can also catch a glimpse of pre-human skull dubbed “Mrs Ples”, and a near-complete hominid skeleton called “Little Foot”.

Also situated within the World Heritage site reserve is the  Lion and Safari Park , a 1,000ha (2,471-acre) animal sanctuary. You can book a guided game drive or go wildlife-watching in your own rented vehicle. If you’re not driving, check out this day tour.

Finally, it’s time to head into the African bushveld to see the Big Five ! There’s no shortage of national parks and reserves near Johannesburg — I recommend Welgevonden as it’s 3 hours from Jozi and it breaks down the long drive to Kruger National Park.

Welgevonden is a small, private reserve. There’s a limit on vehicles allowed in the park, so it’s not as saturated as many Kruger. I actually prefer small reserves as animals are more concentrated and easier to spot. I recommend at least 2 nights here as you’ll have only 2 game drives/day.

Welgevonden is home to over 50 different mammals, including the  Big Five , hippo, kudu, giraffe, zebra, warthog, and cheetah. The reserve also has one of the largest populations of white rhino of any of Africa’s private reserves. We saw plenty, which is a great sign of the work they’re doing against poaching!

What You Need to Know about Game Drives

Game drives are always around dawn (6-9am) and dusk (5-8pm). Each game drive can run up to three hours long, and can sometimes involve a lot of driving and no signs of animals. 

Some reserves allow self-drive safaris , while others don’t. We have done both, and recommend doing guided game drives as wildlife guides are much better as spotting animals and can share interesting info on wildlife. Read my detailed safari packing list.

In Africa, a lodge isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s where you’ll be doing relaxing and spending all your time at. When choosing your safari lodge, consider these points:

• Are game drives included? Most lodges include 2 drives/day.
• Is it a fenced property? Some lodges are not fenced i.e. you might find a zebra outside your door in the morning!
• Does the lodge have a waterhole where animals come for water everyday? If yes, you’ll get to view animals right from your porch.
• Is there a pool? It can be a great way to cool down in the afternoons.
• What facilities does it have? Don’t have expect to find WiFi at even the most exclusive safari lodge.
• If you’re going on safari with kids , check if they accept children. In South Africa, many safari lodges have a minimum age requirement — typically 6 or 8.

Unfortunately safari lodges are expensive and there are no budget options in private reserves like Welgevonden. But keep in mind that all your meals, lodging and game drives are included.

Budget: La Rive Waterberg Accommodation

At 14 miles (22km) from Welgevonden Game Reserve, this guesthouse has an outdoor pool and comfortable rooms with mountain views. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Ekuthuleni Lodge

We stayed at this lodge on our recent trip and had the best time. Read my detailed review. With only 5 suites, this intimate safari lodge is exclusive and luxurious. The 2-level bungalows are fantastic for families on African safari with kids .   Check rates here.

Luxury: Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway 

Located on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Sterkstroom River, this luxury lodge features suites with private terraces and plunge pools surrounded by the indigenous bushveld. Check rates here.

We’ve saved the best for the last — prepare for the highlight of your South Africa trip! Kruger is undoubtedly the largest and most popular national park in South Africa . Here’s where you will get the best wildlife watching opportunities.

The national park has a high density of wildlife — including all kinds of bird life and the Big Five. I had my closest wildlife experiences here in Kruger: being charged by an elephant, seeing lions mate, and watching the lilac breast roller showing off his rainbow colored feathers.

You’ll want to spend at least 3 nights in Kruger. Every single game drive is unique and you’ll get different experiences. I recommend booking guided game drives as guides are trained to spot animals from a distance.

Kruger is massive, and there are many camps within the national park itself and in the Greater Kruger area, but they are pricey. If you’re on a budget, I suggest staying in Hazyview just outside the park. However, you’ll be missing out on the chance to sleep in the bush and wake up to sounds of wildlife outside your window.

Budget: Tjimaka

Located outside of Hazyview, Tjimaka features self-catering accommodations 20 minutes’ drive from Kruger. Overlooking a small lake, rooms are equipped with cooking facilities and an outdoor pool. Check rates here.

Mid Range: Sabie River Bush Lodge

On the banks of the Sabie River, this bush lodge overlooks the river and national park. The luxury bush tents offer great value for money   with an outdoor deck, pool and playground. Check rates here.

Luxury: Hamiltons Tented Camp

Located within Kruger NP, this 5-star luxury tented lodge is surrounded by ancient trees and wildlife. Decorated in colonial style, its luxury tents feature teak floors and vintage furnishings reminiscent of safaris in the early 20th century. Check rates here.

Sadly your 2 weeks in South Africa have come to an end. It’s a 6-hour drive back to Johannesburg from Kruger National Park. Make sure to give yourself enough time to catch your flight home.

I suggest staying at an airport hotel to rest up before flying home the next day. Protea Hotel by Marriott Transit is located inside the airport terminal and is an excellent place to rest before flying.

More South Africa Itinerary Ideas

If you’ve got more than 2 weeks in South Africa, there are definitely a lot more of the country worth exploring. Here are some parts of South Africa that I’ve been and would recommend visiting.

Adventure seekers alert! Just 1-2 hour’s drive from Cape Town is the town of Gaansbaai, famous for its dense population of great white sharks. Here you can go cage shark diving , an exhilarating experience where you get up close to the great white. Learn how misunderstood these creatures are and get to know them on a deeper level.

One of the most famous road trips in South Africa, the Garden Route is a scenic and ecologically diverse region near Cape Town. It stretches 300-kilometers (190 miles) from Mossel Bay (a 5+ hour drive from Cape Town), ending in Storms River. You can definitely add this to your itinerary if you have 3 weeks in South Africa. Don’t miss the Addo Elephant National Park, one of the best national parks in South Africa .

Home to the iSimangliso Wetland Park, St Lucia is an adventure hub offering lots of outdoor activities and wildlife safari opportunities. Take a cruise in the estuary and spot hundreds of hippos and crocodiles,   or go on a whale watching excursion to see humpbacks in the Indian Ocean.

Durban is a hip, coastal city with the energy and character of an African city intertwined with British heritage and Asian influence. Stay at the iconic Oyster Box Hotel , admire colonial architecture in downtown Durban, try a dish of bunny chow that Durban is oh-so-famous for, or take a long stroll along the beachfront boulevard of Umhlanga Rocks.

Known affectionately as the Berg, the mighty Drakensberg Mountains are absolutely spectacular. The rugged mountains are often described as a ‘barrier of spears’, which runs along the border of South Africa and Lesotho. We spent a few days here when traveling to Lesotho and were absolutely floored by the dramatic landscapes.

South Africa isn’t a cheap destination, but it is definitely more affordable than most of US, UK and Canada. Car rental is cheap, you can find rates as low as $15/day. Accommodation is also affordable — you can find luxury apartments on Airbnb for $70/night.

However, wildlife safaris are generally expensive, with lodges charging a minimum of $250/night. Keep in mind that all your meals, lodging and game drives are included. The cheapest  3-day budget safari in Kruger you can find is $450/ person.

Expect to spend at least $2000 over 2 weeks in South Africa. This is based on midrange accommodation and hiring your own car.

South Africa is relatively easy to explore independently, especially in the area surrounding Cape Town. I recommend hiring a car and doing the South Africa trip on your own.

If you don’t drive, it might be easier to join a guided tour. Having a guide, especially in the national parks, can make a big difference as wildlife guides are trained to spot animals and have a wealth of knowledge on wildlife.

On my first trip to South Africa, I went on this 28-day Southern Africa Overland tour with G Adventures. I’ve traveled with G Adventures many times (to Antarctica, Brazil, Mongolia and Nepal) and had a blast on every single trip. For those with just 2 weeks in South Africa, check out this 10-day Cape Town to Kruger trip.

If you’re only looking for budget camping safaris, check out these budget wildlife safari that include transport from major cities:

• From Johannesburg: 3-Day Affordable Safari in Kruger
• From Johannesburg: 6-Day Classic Kruger Safari
• From Cape Town: 2-Day Safari in Aquila Reserve
• From Cape Town: 3-Day Garden Route & Safari

Certain parts of South Africa have malaria and yellow fever risks. Kruger National Park, for instance, is a malaria zone. There are a few suggested vaccinations and medications for South Africa, but none are mandatory.

For malaria, consult your doctor and bring malaria medication from home (Malarone is the most popular). Note that they might have side effects. You’ll need to start taking them a few days before your trip and continue for a few weeks after your South Africa trip.

Don’t leave this until the last minute. Check the  CDC website to see what vaccinations you need.

Suggested vaccinations for South Africa:

• Yellow fever
• Hepatitis A and B

2 weeks in South Africa will definitely allow you to experience the best of the country.  I hope this South Africa itinerary will help you plan your own adventure. Feel free to bookmark it or print it out and bring this itinerary with you on your South Africa trip.

In our opinion, this is the best South Africa road trip you can do. It’s the perfect balance of wildlife, outdoor, historical and cultural experiences. It’s not too rushed and you’ll get to see South Africa at a comfortable pace.

Be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions. We’ll be happy to help in any way we can! Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. I’ll get a small commission when you book anything through my links, at NO extra cost to you. I only recommend companies I have personally used and enjoyed.

Inspired? Pin it!

Over the years (and traveling to 140+ countries), I’ve learned a thing or two about travel planning. I’ve put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! For more details, check out my travel tips resource page .

• Booking Flights : Kayak is brilliant for finding the best dates to fly as it allows you to search for the lowest airfares within a 3-day period. Then I use Skyscanner as they’ve consistently given me the lowest airfares.
• Accommodations:  I always use  Booking.com   to book hotels, mainly because of the flexible cancellation policy and good customer service. You can also find short-term rental apartments there (I prefer not to use Airbnb due to the extra charges).
• Travel Insurance:  It’s important to have travel insurance, regardless of whether you’re traveling for a few days or months. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers any healthcare expenses I may have worldwide. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
• Health Advice:  I always refer to the travel guides on the   CDC website  for recommended medications and vaccines. You can get them at your travel doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
• Tours:  If you’re looking for all-encompassing tours, I recommend small-group adventure tour outfitter, G Adventures . I’ve traveled with them to Antarctica, Mongolia, Svalbard, and Nepal, and loved every single trip. For day tours, I always book with  Viator  and  GetYourGuide ; they have easy booking systems and free cancellations.
• Car Rental: I always book car rentals on Discover Cars , as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and customer service (with free cancellations). We’ve used them in Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Mexico.
• Transportation : Whenever possible, I book local transportation online using  Bookaway and Busbud . They’re more reliable than many local transport websites and cover trains, buses, and car hire.
• Restaurants: TripAdvisor is my go-to resource for restaurant reviews and bookings. I also make restaurant reservations on OpenTable .
• Travel WiFi: I always travel with my Travel WiFi Sapphire 2 device; it’s the most convenient way to get internet data on the go. Instead of getting a local SIM card in every country I travel, I get an internet data package online and the device works immediately when I land.

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 140 countries across 7 continents. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Her work has appeared in many major publications including BBC Travel, CNN and LonelyPlanet.com. Read more about her here and get more life updates from her on her Facebook and Instagram .

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Comments

Hi! My fiancé and I want to travel to South Africa for our honeymoon. I can’t find any flights for lower than approx. $1,800 per person—you mentioned that they are obtainable for approx. $750. Any advice for finding more affordable flights? Thanks in advance!

hi Savannah, prices have skyrocketed this summer. Try to avoid traveling during the holiday season. The low season in South Africa is between March to May and September to November, when airfares are lowest. Also, you can use the ‘+-3 days’ function on Kayak to find the cheapest dates to fly. Another alternative is to fly from another airport near you that might have cheaper fares. Hope this helps!

Hi Nellie A very informative and dedicated site! Everyone visits the Northern Drakensberg and no one really knows about the Southern Drakensberg and the Sani Pass into Lesotho and visiting /interacting with Basotho people! Why is this ?

hi Ray, we wanted to do the Sani Pass into Lesotho actually! But everyone recommends having a 4WD for that, so we took a different route. We drove into Lesotho and had a great time there. I think the Sani Pass is pretty famous and many people know about it!

You May Also Like

Exploring eco tourism destinations in west africa, kenya itinerary: 2 weeks in kenya, gorilla trekking in uganda.

• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• North Korea
• Adventure + Outdoors
• Amusement Parks
• Backpacking Trips
• Boating + Cruises
• Budget Travel
• Bus + Train Travel
• Coasts + Islands
• Country Trips
• Fall Vacations
• Family Vacations
• Green Travel
• Heritage + History
• Honeymoons + Romance
• Inspiration + Guide
• Landmarks + Attractions
• LGBT Travel
• Markets + Bazaars
• National Parks + Reserves
• Nature + Wildlife
• Parks + Gardens
• Pets + Animals
• Photography
• Airlines + Airports
• Budgeting + Currency
• Business Travel
• Celebrity Travel
• Customs + Immigration
• Deals + Rewards
• Family Travel
• Hotels + Resorts
• Luggage + Packing Tips
• Offbeat News
• Photography Tips
• Responsible Travel
• Solo Travel
• Tech + Gear
• Travel Etiquette
• Travel Warnings
• Bars + Clubs
• Celebrity Chefs
• Restaurants + Cafés
• Wine + Vineyards
• Beach Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Hotel Openings
• Hotel Reviews
• Luxury Hotels
• Mountain + Ski Resorts
• Spa Resorts
• Vacation Rentals
• Asia Cruises
• European Cruises
• Festivals + Events
• Museums + Galleries
• Style + Design
• Travel’s Best
• Hotel with Agoda.com
• Hotel with Booking.com

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &…

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best…

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first…

Hong Kong food culture — Hong Kong cuisine tells the historical…

Melaka food blog — Experience Melaka delicacies, arrived at by Trishaw

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

When is the best time to visit Malaysia? — The best,…

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Cape town travel blog — the fullest cape town travel guide for first-timers.

Cape Town, South Africa is the perfect destination for those who love adventure and always want to explore the majestic mountains, spectacular scenery and wonders as well of nature. Coming here, you will enjoy the beautiful, breathtaking scenery on Table Mountain, stunning beaches, immerse yourself in the clear blue water at Hout Bay, watching penguins in Boulders beach, trekking, take a road trip along wine routes and enjoy premium South African wines right in the spot and tasting many savory dishes… And there are many other interesting things waiting for you to experience.

• Johannesburg travel blog — The fullest Johannesburg travel guide for first-timers
• What to buy in South Africa? — 13+ best souvenirs from South Africa & best things to buy in South Africa

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food & must try food in Melaka

What to do in alishan — 5 top attractions & best things to do in alishan, taiwan, hong kong food culture — hong kong cuisine tells the historical story of the whole land.

So, is Cape Town worth visiting, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Cape Town for the first-time? Let’s check out our Cape Town travel blog (Cape Town blog) with the fullest Cape Town travel guide (Cape Town city guide, Cape Town guide, Cape Town visitor guide, Cape Town tourist guide, Cape Town South Africa travel guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

Thanks to a pleasant Mediterranean-like climate, Cape Town tourism industry has flourished in recent years. The beautiful mountains bordering the ocean separate Cape Town from all the cities of South Africa. The natural landscape with the sea, the endless stretching of vineyards and along with many worth visiting museums and historic neighborhoods help this place to satisfy all tastes of visitors from worldwide.

Cape Town travel blog: Overview of Cape Town

Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa and is also the largest, 2nd richest and most developed city in South Africa. Cape Town has an extremely favorable location when behind is the majestic Table Mountain range, in front is the Cape of Good Hope, surrounding the city is the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Not only that, Cape Town is also home to The Houses of Parliament of South Africa and many other important government departments and agencies.

Cape Town was once voted as one of the 100 best and most livable cities in the world. Traveling to Cape Town, you will have the opportunity to visit many famous tourist attractions as well as enjoy a variety of delectable food of its cuisine.

Cape Town is the capital of the Western Cape province, and also serves as the legislative capital of South Africa. The city has an area of ​​400.3 km2 with a population of about 3.8 million people (ranked 2nd in the country). Not only is the most beautiful city in South Africa, Cape Town is also once honored to be in the Top 100 most beautiful cities in the world. It possesses many majestic natural landscapes and famous harbor such as Table Mountain, Cape of Good Hope, Hout Bay, etc.

Cape town is known as the coolest city in South Africa. Here you can participate in activities such as climbing, trekking, windsurfing, swimming and sunbathing, shopping, diving… and especially you will have the opportunity to see the legendary Cape of Good Hope. The charming in both wild and modern beauty is the unique highlight that helps Cape Town attract millions of tourists every year. If you love the magnificent beauty but still wild, why don’t you once come to Cape Town!?

For architecture and art lovers, the neighborhoods of Constantia — an affluent suburb of Cape Town as well as the city center are must-visit places to admire the colonial-style buildings known as Cape Dutch. When wandering the main streets here, visitors often find Government Avenue, where the walkway is woven with hundreds of years old oak trees… Among Cape Town’s museums, The South African Cultural History Museum (Iziko South African Museum) is housed in the 2nd South Africa’s oldest building, second only to Castle of Good Hope also in Cape Town, the residence of the first governors during the second half of the 17th century.

Cape Town travel guide: How to get to Cape Town?

There are two major international airports in South Africa, Cape Town International Airport (IATA: CPT, ICAO: FACT) and O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. In which O.R. Tambo Airport is the largest airport in South Africa. There are many airlines operating routes to Cape Town today such as Afriqiyah Airways, Air France, Arik Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines…

To find the best routes and cheap airfares you can access GoogleFlights or Skyscanner to find out more.

Cape Town travel blog: When is the best time to visit Cape Town?

Cape Town belongs to the Mediterranean climate zone, divided into two main seasons, winter and summer. Winter lasts from May to August, with a cool climate, high humidity and often has cool winds blowing from the Atlantic Ocean and causing cool breeze and heavy rain. In the winter months, the highest temperature is 18 degrees Celsius and the lowest is about 8.5 degrees Celsius. Summer lasts from November to February next year, the weather is dry and hot, with the average temperature fluctuating around 25 degrees Celsius and the lowest is 16 degrees Celsius.

The period from March to May and from September to November are considered the best time to visit Cape Town. These are shoulder seasons, enviable weather, the weather is usually cool, the sky is clear, so it is very suitable for sightseeing and participating in outdoor activities such as picnicking, trekking, swimming, paragliding… with fewer crowds, and lower prices as well.

If you want to admire the romantic, gentle, beautiful scenery of nature in Cape Town, you should go in the spring (September – October).

Tip: You should bring a scarf, warm outfits, wool hat because the climate here is sometimes erratic.

Cape Town blog: Transportation in Cape Town

Bus: This is the most popular means of transportation in Cape Town. There are many popular bus companies for you to choose from such as: City Sightseeing Bus , Greyhouse, Intercape, Baz Bus, etc. In which, City Sightseeing is a bus line exclusively for tourists. With this vast bus network, you can go to famous attractions very easily and conveniently.

• Cape Town Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass

Taxi: Traveling by taxi will be more expensive, but in return, you will be able to move according to your own timetable. Usually, the taxi price in Cape Town will be aroud 12 zar/km (~USD0.8/km).

On foot: With tourist attractions within the city center, you can walk to both admire the scenery and take pictures comfortably.

Besides, if you go in a large group and are proactive about your time, you can rent a self-driving car.

Cape Town travel blog: What to do and where to go in Cape Town

Table mountain.

The first destination you must visit is Table Mountain. This peak is about 3500 feet from the sea level, to getting here you can take a cable car ride to the top of the mountain to admire the panoramic view of Cape Town city, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Parliament building… Cable car ticket price is $20/round-trip, if you want to experience many places along the way without spending much, you should take a hiking trip. There are several trails to the top of the mountain with a hiking time of about 2 hours, when you reach the cable car station you will be able to relax at a cafe. Here you can order pizza, drink coffee, get a full meal to prepare for the next journey of discovery.

• Cape Town City with Table Mountain Day Tour

In addition, coming here, visitors can also freely explore the diverse ecosystem with over 1,470 species of flowers and many other species of wildlife. With majestic natural beauty, Table Mountain is always in the top 10 world’s most attractive places to visit and is considered a symbol of Cape Town in particular and South Africa in general.

You can conquer the Table Mountain by taking a cable car ride or hiking. If you choose the cable car, you need to pay about 20 USD for a round trip ticket. And the traveling time to reach the top of the mountain only takes 5-7 minutes. If you choose to hiking, you will need spend about 2-4 hours to climb to the top of the mountain, depending on the departure point. Currently, to reach the peak of Table Mountain has more than 5 different trekking routes. But the most popular is the route through the Platteklip Gorge.

Hout Bay is a town near Cape Town located in a valley on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula, 20 km from the center of Cape Town. Dubbed the heart of the Cape of Good Hope, Hout Bay has captivated millions of visitors by its pristine and magnificent scenery of blue sea and white sand beaches.

Not only being immersed in the beautiful natural scenery, visiting Hout Bay, you can also experience many interesting activities such as: Playing water sports, visiting Mariner’s Wharf Fish Market, shopping for handicrafts at Bay Harbour Market, watching South African Fur Seals on Duiker Island (Seal Island)…

Surfing at Muizenberg beach

Muizenberg is a small beach-side town, located in the southern suburbs of Cape Town and is a popular surfing destination. This place is about 30 minutes from the city center by car, here you will learn to surf by joining a surfing class and you can rent a surfing board for around EUR 240 and a wetsuit from EUR 120 or rent a board and wetsuit for about EUR 12 each per day with many interesting experiences. Coming to Muizenberg, if you don’t want to surf, you can join a yoga class or participate in many other unique cultural events.

Meet the penguins at Boulders Beach

One of the interesting experiences while in Cape Town that you should not miss is watching and interacting with penguins at Boulders Beach. It’s still a romantic beach with white sand, golden sunshine, but Boulders impresses visitors with the presence of more than 3,000 African penguins. To see the penguins firsthand in the wild, you will need to pay for about USD 6/person for the entrance ticket. When visiting, note that you should not get too close because it can cause the birds to be agitated and bite.

With a stop near Betty’s Bay, the world of penguins will greet you before heading to Boulders and Jackass beaches, the “kingdom” of African penguins with about 3,000 individuals. Although it’s close to a residential area, it’s the only place to see penguins up close.

Swimming with great white sharks

If your time is abundant, go to False Bay to photograph the great white sharks here. This is one of those adventure activities, not for the faint of heart. After buying a tour, visitors will be put in a large iron cage and hundreds of ferocious white sharks showing sharp jagged teeth swim around. However, you should not worry too much because this activity has been tested for safety. The thing to do is that visitors should learn well and choose services from reputable tour operators.

Visiting breweries & wineries

Cape Town is home to many of the world’s major beer and wine producers such as the South African Breweries, Woodstock Inn Brewery, Devil’s Peak Beer Company… Visitors can choose various tours to visiting beer breweries and wineries to see first-hand the production process and enjoy beer right in spot are also interesting experiences visitors should try.

Cape Town is world-renowned for producing many famous wines of high quality as well as well-known wine brands. Visitors can book tours to visit ineyards, hand-harvest ripe grapes and see how wine is made at the wineries and tasting premium wines on the tour. Some vineyards and wineries you can visit such as Groot Constantia Wine Farm, Eagles’ Nest Wines, Beau Constantia…

Admire the street arts in Woodstock

Cape Town has a vibrant and daring creative culture, and nowhere is it more prominent than in Woodstock – a vibrant suburb full of vitality and brilliant. Here, you have an opportunity to admire more than 100 colorful street art works appear almost everywhere in every corner. Extremely sophisticated artistic achievements also hidden significant political or environmental messages.

Robben Island

Visiting Cape Town you cannot miss the political prison on Robben Island and listen to the stories about this prison. Nearly 400 years ago, this place was used as a political prison, as well as a place to isolate leprosy, infectious, mental, and incurable patients. In 1997, the prison on the island had turned to a museum. Two years later, Robben Island was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. You can buy a tour to visit the prison for around $25 by ferry, but you need to pay attention to ask the departure time to buy tickets in advance to avoid the case of running out of seats.

About 10km from the south coast of the city, Robben is a world-famous small island for having imprisoned Nelson Mandela, the national hero of South Africa. And now, Robben Island has become a national memorial and historical museum of apartheid. Coming to Robben, you also have the opportunity to meet the lovely penguins, frolicking seals and majestic Table Mountain from the sea…

Long Street

Long Street is the busiest and most bustling and hustling street in Cape Town. This street is located right in the central area of ​​the city. Along the street are many important architectural works, buildings. The most prominent must be the South African Parliament building and Town Hall. In addition, on this street, there are many shopping malls, fashion stores… for you to drop by.

Bay Harbour Market

Address: 31 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay, Cape Town, 7872, South Africa Hours: Friday: 5–9PM; Saturday, Sunday: 9:30AM–4PM

Bay Harbour Market attracts merchants and tourists to shop for jewelry, all kinds of goods, souvenirs and super delicious drinks. The market is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. When going to Bay Harbour Market, you should go to the eastern edge of Hout Bay Harbour to enjoy the lively atmosphere with live music.

Bo-Kaap Neighborhood

A very famous, fascinating neighborhood in Cape Town that you should not miss is Bo-Kaap neighborhood. This neighborhood is also known as the “chameleon” neighborhood in South Africa. The reason it has such a name is because the houses here are painted in very vivid, brilliant and colorful colors. The houses with all colors such as orange, red, yellow, pink… capture all the eyes of visitors and make them feel extremely excited.

It can be said that any trip to Cape Town is incomplete without a stroll through the Bo-Kaap neighborhood. The neighborhood with colorfully painted houses sits under a beautiful backdrop of Table Mountain. The people of Bo-Kaap are descendants of slaves from Malaysia, Indonesia and other African countries brought to South Africa by the Dutch a few centuries ago. Today, the neighborhood is famous for its cultural and culinary diversity.

The Malay Bo-Kaap neighborhood located on the slopes of Signal Hill is one of Cape Town’s highlights. The colorful houses sparkling in the golden sunlight have helped Bo-Kaap become an fascinating tourist attraction. The ancestors of the neighborhood’s inhabitants were Muslim slaves from Malaysia, India and Indonesia.

Greenmarket Square

If before, Greenmarket Square was built to be used for many purposes, now it is the location for flea markets which specializing in art, clothing, souvenirs and jewelry products. According to many reviews, this is one of the most famous places to come in Cape Town, but because of that, the shop owners always say overcharging about the price. If you find something interesting and want to buy it, try to bargain as much as possible to avoid being get rid off.

Surrounded by two oceans, Cape Town is full of beaches of different shades. Adjacent to the city center are the beaches of Clifton Bay and Camps Bay beaches, where the lively atmosphere goes on throughout the day. In particular, Camps Bay with white sand beach just few steps away from the city in the cover of coconut palm trees and cliffs nearly 1,000m high, dubbed the “12 apostles”, is often flooded with tourists.

Is an affluent suburb of Cape Town. In the summer, it attracts a large number of foreign tourists as well as South Africans. Camps Bay beach is extremely beautiful with blue sea water along with the long stretch of fine white sand beach.

Traveling to Cape Town without exploring the Camps Bay beach here is a pity. The beach once voted as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Next to the beach is the famous Camps Bay. There are dozens of cafes, bars and restaurants located close together, ready when you find a perfect spot to rest and relax and enjoy cool sea breeze.

Clifton Beach

This is one of the most beautiful beaches in South Africa with white sand and clear blue which is perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, paddling… It is located on the Atlantic coast, surrounded by palm trees. Thanks to the freshness, the lush scenery of palm trees, and the crystal clear water that have put the name Clifton on the list of the most recommended places to visit in South Africa.

Enjoy sundowners at the top of Lion’s Head

Lion’s Head Sunset Guided Hike Experience from Cape Town

The time to conquer the top of Lion’s Head is less than to the top of Table Mountain with only 45 minutes of travel. Standing on the top of Lion’s Head, you will admire the panoramic view of the city, the coast settings, Table Mountain and freely taking the beautiful virtual photos. In particular, the most interesting experience at the top of Lion’s Head is enjoying “sundowners”.

Dinner and wine tasting in Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is a famous wine-producing region in the world, which takes about 50 minutes drive from Cape Town city center. Visiting this place you will admire the beautiful fog-covered valley, majestic mountains and immense green vineyards. In particular, when coming to Stellenbosch, you can also enjoy a cozy diner with the best wine in the world.

Noordhoek Valley

Known as one of Cape Town’s most lavish resorts, it is known for its peaceful setting and vast flooded beaches. Noordhoek is also famous for being home to animals including whales, otters, seals and birds… Traveling to South Africa, one of the best things to do is still take a horse ride on pristine beaches, watching the vast and mysterious ocean.

Signal Hill

Although it is not as iconic as Table Mountain, Signal Hill is equally popular, because the view from Signal Hill is also great, it doesn’t cost you anything to go up there, and you don’t have to wait in long lines. The best thing is to drive up there by your car, watching the cute animals while wait for the sunset.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Address: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town, 7735, South Africa Hours:8:30AM–5:30PM/Thursday: 8AM–5PM

Located right on the eastern side of Table Mountain, is the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, which will be a destination for flower and plants lovers. Coming here, you will surely be overwhelmed by the “angel” beauty of this place, the fresh scenery with thousands of colorful flowers blooming. And what is special, the garden also seems to be the gathering place for most of the plants in Africa, with more than 7000 species. Therefore, in 2004, this place was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site and became one of the most beautiful attractions on the planet.

Explore Kirstenbosch to admire the most beautiful garden in Africa. The Kirstenbosch Garden is located on the slopes of Table Mountain and grows all kinds of flowers across Africa. The entrance fee is $5, in addition, there are restaurants and cafes, but the price is quite expensive.

If you come to the Kirstenbosch garden on a Sunday afternoon in summertime, you will have the opportunity to enjoy musical performances by famous South African bands or international music stars. It is also one of the world’s most famous botanical gardens. Many visitors wander for hours in the green space of more than 7,000 species of plants in various themed areas in Kirstenbosch. In spring, when the flower beds are in full bloom, Kirstenbosch is filled with tourists and locals alike to enjoy.

Cape of Good Hope – the end destination of Africa.

Voted many times as the most worthy conquering place in the world, the Cape of Good Hope is the intersection of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. With such a special meaning, your trip to South Africa will be meaningless if you have not set foot in the Cape of Good Hope. It is known that the Cape of Good Hope is not the southernmost tip of Africa but is Cape Agulhas, but it is likened to a marine soldier, standing guard at an important position between the two oceans. In the past, it was the only sea route to Asia until the appearance of the Suez Canal.

Cape of Good Hope (the end point of Africa, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Indian Ocean) is where the first Portuguese — Bartolomeu Dias stopped in 1488 on his journey to find a sea route to trade with Asia. Later, the famous explorer Vasco da Gama successfully conquered and find the way around Africa to land in India.

Any visitor traveling to Cape Town also want to go to the Cape of Good Hope. The road to the Cape of Good Hope go through many beaches is considered one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world. To get to the place that separates the Atlantic and Indian oceans, you have to travel more than 150km southeast to the tip of Agulhas. Standing at the Cape of Good Hope overlooking the ocean will make you feel like you are at the ends of the earth.

The Neighbourgoods Market

Address: 373 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa Hours: Saturday: 9AM–4PM/Sunday: 10AM–4PM

For tourists, discovering the local market culture is one of the tourist pleasures. And the Neighborgoods food market located in the Old Biscuit Mill complex, open every Saturday and Sunday morning, is a typical example when all shopping transactions take place warmly and intimately like a family with all customers.

The market is a blend of cultures and showcases cuisines from all over the world. In addition, visitors can also easily shop for fashion clothes and handmade items at the shops around the market.

Whale Trail in Overberg

From Cape Town to Hermanus, you will spend a lot of time capturing images of mother whales taking care of their babies at sea or whale dancing. Especially from July to November, when whales are in the breeding season.

V&A Waterfront

Many young people used to joke that, on a 10-day trip to Cape Town, every day must visit V&A Waterfront. It is not only a place to watch the brilliant sunset, but also an ideal viewing spot for Table Mountain, in the distance is the bay that is always crowded with boats coming in and out of the harbor. Moreover, many visitors also know that V&A Waterfront is a busy shopping destination, bustling with exciting entertainment venues. So much so, you can stay here for a week without getting bored.

Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is where you can enjoy the best of Cape Town. This place is a familiar place for tourists. You can sip a cool drink, enjoy fresh seafood in the beachside restaurant, enjoy the cool breeze and watch Table Mountain in the distance.

Coming to Cape Town, you cannot miss the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront located between the mountains and the sea. You can wander “shopping through the window” at the countless crowded shops or join the entertainment activities by the sea, or simply enjoy a variety of specialties at the hospitable restaurants here.

Cape Winelands Wine-Tasting Road Trip

In just an hour of traveling on the “Wine Road” Cape Winelands about 40km from the center of Cape Town, you can discover a completely different world. The vineyards stretching endlessly at the foot of the mountains and valleys always create endless refreshment, helping visitors forget the long way. And the destination of this route is the unique vineyards with excellent cellars of wineries, enough for visitors to remember the sweet taste of South Africa forever…

Cape Town blog: What to eat

Not only impressed by the beautiful, magnificent, majestic natural scenery, Cape Town also has an extremely rich cuisine. Here are a few delicious food suggestions for you to easily choose while in Cape Town:

Biltong is a shredded or sliced ​​dried meat. To make this dish, they can use meat such as kudu antelope, goat, sheep, ostrich… but the most popular are beef and chicken. This is a very popular snack in South Africa, so you can easily buy Biltong at most grocery stores and supermarkets in Cape Town. The price of Biltong will usually be around $2.2 — $3.5.

When talking about Cape Town’s cuisine, it is definitely impossible not to mention Bobotie. The dish is a combination of minced meat, eggs and dried fruits. After baking evenly, Bobotie will be served with traditional spicy sauce — sambal.

Malva Pudding

Malva pudding is a South African traditional baked dessert. The ingredients include: flour, eggs, milk, unsalted butter and apricot jam. Before serving, Malva pudding will be topped with a creamy sauce or a rich butter sugar sauce. In addition, in some restaurants, the cake is also served with cold cream or fresh fruit to help balance the taste. In Cape Town, Malva pudding is usually sold for $2.2 – $4.5.

Mavrou Beef Curry

Topping this list is Mavrou – Cape Town beef curry. Not commenting on the taste, just looking at the beef curry rice plate alone makes diners melting in their mouth because of craving. Chef will marinate meat with ginger, garlic, and pepper before processing to make the curry is more attractive.

Malay Biryani

Not only popular in Cape Town but also popular in many households in South Africa. Like its name suggests, the main ingredient of this dish is rice cooked with various condiments such as ginger, onion and garlic, bay leaves… This rice dish is popular in family meals or major festivals of South Africa.

Minestrone Soup

It can be said that this is a version that bearing bold style of Italian cuisine. This dish is loved by many tourists and locals alike because of the harmony between spices and ingredients. Simple to prepare but exudes a unique flavor. It is made of vegetables, pasta or rice, sometimes both. The ingredients include parmesan cheese and tomatoes, beans, onions, celery, carrots, leaf vegetables, stock creating a savory taste.

Cape Town travel blog: Where to stay

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• The President Hotel ( Booking.com )
• Victoria & Alfred Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• DoubleTree by Hilton Cape Town Upper Eastside ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• The Table Bay ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Cape Heritage Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Check out more top hotels in Cape Town via Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Cape Town travel guide: Some useful notes to remember before you go

According to the latest updates, the crime rate in South Africa is on the rise, the country is famous for murder, robbery, drug trafficking… It is also because of these that many people are concerned about their South African trip. However, if you have a little knowledge and good defense, it won’t matter.

• Don’t tell someone you’re a tourist: Do not equate all but it seems that in South Africa, if you say that you are a tourist, not only do you not receive help, but you are also very vulnerable to exploitation, even got rip-off. The crime rate in this country is also among the top in the world, so you better be careful about greetings, invitations or proactively helping. If you have any trouble, instead of asking a passerby, it is safest to go to the police and finding help from a hotel staff.
• Do not wear expensive jewelry: This is something that you need to pay special attention to, or else you will accidentally become the noticed characters, and none other than the bandits. Instead, you should leave it at the front desk or keep it in your bag, if you don’t want to encounter bad things.
• Don’t go to attractions alone: Some people, you don’t know who they are and they want to take you somewhere, and suggest that you share with the needy. At this point, you should find a way to politely refuse, avoiding the attention of people around. Then, try to move to crowded areas such as shopping malls, police stations.
• Be careful when standing in crowded places: Standing in a crowded area, if not paying attention, it is very easy to be pickpocketed by professional thieves. A South African travel tip for you, is absolutely not to put money in the back pocket, and also should not bring too much cash, you can still use the card.

Cape Town travel blog: Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Cape Town you can refer to

• The Official Cape Town City Pass (2, 3, or 5 Days)
• Scenic Helicopter Flights in Cape Town
• Cape Peninsula Half Day Tour
• Cape Agulhas Full Day Tour from Cape Town

Read more South Africa guide here .

Related articles

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Alishan travel blog — The fullest Alishan travel guide for first-timers

Gingtiangang Grassland Yangmingshan — The ultimate guide on how to go & top things to do

Tokyo best parks — 10+ best & most beautiful parks in tokyo

Yamanashi blog — The Yamanashi travel guide & top things to do in Yamanashi

Guide to Suzhou nightlife — 5+ what & best things to do in Suzhou at night

Editor picks.

Must eat in Melaka — 10+ famous Malacca street food &...

What to do in Alishan? — 5 top attractions & best...

Hong Kong Soya sauce Chicken Rice and Noodles — The first...

Popular posts.

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

• Inspiration + Guide 1452
• Trip Inspiration 469
• Thailand 209
• Food + Drink 206
• Coasts + Islands 193
• South Korea 168
• Vietnam 166
• Travel Photos 144
• Work for Us
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy

South Africa Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth South Africa travel guide ?

South Africa is one of the most popular countries in Africa for tourism. Visitors can experience city life in Cape Town and Johannesburg, or get up close and personal with wildlife in safari destinations like Kruger National Park.

Despite South Africa’s painful past and certain areas of the country that have a reputation for crime, visitors to South Africa will find that this country has so much to offer for the adventurous traveler.

Keep reading for helpful resources for your South Africa trip from Jessie on a Journey as well as our sister site, Epicure & Culture.

Note: This guide to South Africa travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

South Africa Map

Use this South Africa travel map to begin planning your trip!

Click here for an interactive version of the above map.

Best Places To Visit In South Africa

These South Africa travel guides share information that will help you plan the perfect trip.

Exploring Johannesburg’s Vibrant Street Art Culture

Modern Joburg: Johannesburg 19 Years After Apartheid

Constantia Valley: A Wine Country Escape In South Africa

Exploring The Spicy Cape Malay Culture Of Cape Town, South Africa

Wild Spirit: A Sustainable Retreat Along South Africa’s Garden Route

South Africa Safari Tour

These guides are perfect for people going on a South African safari .

Beyond The Big 5: Notes From A South African Safari

Inside Look: What A South African Safari Is Really Like

How To Pack For A South African Safari

South Africa Vacation Inspiration

Use these guides to inspire your South Africa itinerary .

10 Reasons Why South Africa Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Essential South African Experiences For The Adventurous Traveler

Top South Africa Tours

Check out these fun tours in South Africa from my affiliate partner, Viator:

• Full-Day South African Wine Tour from Cape Town
• Kruger National Park Full Day Game Drive from Ehlanzeni
• Cape Point and Boulder’s Beach Penguins Tour from Cape Town

South Africa Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a South Africa tour.

When visiting South Africa — or anywhere else in the world — make sure to get travel insurance.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your South Africa itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

South Africa Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in South Africa!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Renting A Car In South Africa

Need a rental car for your South Africa trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

South Africa Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling South Africa .

Q: Is it safe to travel in South Africa?

South Africa is often perceived as a dangerous destination, but it’s possible to have a safe visit to South Africa by exercising caution.

Cities are more dangerous than other parts of the country — such as the wine regions or safari destinations.

In South Africa’s cities, armed robbery and other crimes are not uncommon. It’s advised to exercise increased caution in cities and to avoid going out at night if possible.

Q: Is driving in South Africa safe for tourists?

Driving in South Africa can be safe for tourists as long as precautions are taken.

Never leave valuables inside your vehicle, and avoid driving at night. Drivers in South Africa drive on the left side of the road — as in, the “wrong” side of the road for Americans.

When self-driving through game reserves, remain in your vehicle and stay alert for wildlife.

Q: Is it expensive to visit South Africa?

South Africa is known for being an expensive destination, but it is possible to visit on a budget.

A backpacker can expect to spend $50 a day, while a mid-range traveler who wants to experience more activities like safaris should budget closer to $150 a day in South Africa.

Q: When is the best time to visit South Africa?

The best time to visit South Africa is in the winter months from May to September. This is the best season for safaris and the weather is cooler and drier.

Q: What countries need a visa to visit South Africa?

Citizens from many countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia do not need a visa to visit South Africa.

It’s recommended to view your country’s South Africa International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements — including visa information — for foreign citizens. You can also contact the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa.

Q: What is the best national park to visit in South Africa?

The most popular option is Kruger National Park, though the parks surrounding it — like the Manyeleti Private Game Reserve — also get a ton of wildlife.

What would you add to this South Africa travel guide?

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

How to Travel Around South Africa

Kristin Addis from Be My Travel Muse is an expert on on solo female travel. It’s an important topic I can’t adequately cover, so I brought her in to share her advice. In this post, she shares her advice on traveling South Africa.

When I started planning my South Africa trip, a lot of questions went through my mind:

Is a country that big easy to travel around?

Is it expensive?

Is it safe?

The resources I found online were vague, negative, or simply nonexistent. I’d have to either cancel my trip or dive in and figure it all out for myself.

I chose the latter.

After traveling through the country for close to two months, I discovered a wide variety of reasonably affordable ways to navigate South Africa safely and easily.

To help you do the same, here’s my breakdown of how to get around South Africa on a budget:

Table of Contents

Traveling South Africa By Bus

Traveling south africa by air, traveling south africa by car, traveling south africa by train, how to stay safe in south africa.

Baz Bus runs a route from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town (or vice versa) with several stops along the way. You can hop on or off whenever you want and can begin your trip anywhere, but as those two cities have major airports, most people start in one or the other.

( Matt says : I’ve taken similar buses in New Zealand and Australia . They can be good for people who want to meet other travelers.)

The most popular Baz Bus option is the unlimited one-way hop-on/hop-off pass. It costs 3,700 ZAR and covers the 750 kilometer distance between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. You have no time limit and have unlimited travel in one direction, allowing you to have as many stops as you want. A return pass costs 4,800 ZAR.

Baz Bus is not a big money saver, as the fares are more than the train and other bus companies, but it is a convenient option for those who are happy to travel along the popular routes and meet other backpackers. The route includes the big cities in South Africa, popular spots along the coast, and the famous Garden Route in the Western Cape.

The drawbacks to taking the bus include dealing with a lack of transport once you’re at your destination, though shuttles to various local attractions, such as the bungee jump in Wilderness, are sometimes available at an additional cost. You’ll also need to be flexible with your schedule since the shuttles don’t run every day.

The biggest drawback for me was that the buses run along one set route and only go to the most popular tourist destinations and drop off only at certain backpacker accommodations. So, for those who like to head off the beaten path, it’s not a great option.

For comparison, a Greyhound or Intercape bus from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town will cost around 280-460 ZAR each way. Bus tickets from Johannesburg to Cape town cost between 370-930 ZAR each way. The journey is around 18-20 hours. The buses are large, air-conditioned, comfortable, and filled with locals, not backpackers.

Be sure to bring along snacks (and water) as well as some entertainment, as the buses run on a tight schedule and most stops are very brief, if they happen at all.

During the high season (December and June through August), you should book ahead as buses fill up quickly.  

Even last-minute flights, as long as they still have quite a few seats left, tend not to go up in price if it’s a major route. For a last-minute planner like me, that was a real treat! For less common routes or smaller airports, prices go up the closer the date is.

Unsurprisingly, inconvenient times and early morning flights tend to be the cheapest. As with most budget airlines the world over, checked baggage and meals onboard cost extra.

While flying is probably the cheapest option, it’s also the least sustainable . And, when you factor in getting to and from each airport you don’t end up saving a huge amount of time if you’re just traveling a short distance.

However, if you’re on a tight schedule then flying is probably your most budget-friendly option.  

In truth, road-tripping through South Africa is not much of a problem at all, as other cars are passing by all the time should a breakdown occur, and South Africans are incredibly friendly and helpful.

That’s not to say driving in South Africa is without risk. There are carjackings from time to time, and break-ins are common. But being aware of this and taking precautions to keep valuables hidden and doors locked greatly reduces the risks.

Renting a car is the most convenient way to get around since you can get to many out-of-the-way parks, cities, and destinations. If you would rather not travel alone but still want to rent a car, post on travel forums such as:

• Africa Backpacking Facebook group
• Couchsurfing

For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

Additionally, ask around hostels as there are usually people looking (or offering) rides (I found my partner in crime through a friend of mine). Not only will you get to meet new people but you’ll be able to split the gas costs, saving you money.

I rented a Volkswagen Vevo, which we booked online and picked up in person. The price worked out to be 4,350 ZAR for two weeks, including gas, the fee for dropping off in a different city than we rented in (we picked the car up in Johannesburg and dropped it off in Cape Town), and insurance.

During my trip, gas cost around 17 ZAR per liter. As of 2023, it’s closer to 23 ZAR per liter. If you choose a smaller car, mileage can be quite good. To keep costs low, we also gave rides to other backpackers we met along the way in exchange for a bit of gas money.

While it’s possible to buy a cheap car and sell it later, the paperwork can sometimes take months to go through and thus is not the best for travelers who don’t plan to spend ages in the country.

A small manual car will do for most popular destinations in South Africa. I’ll admit, a 4×4 would have been helpful for a few of the lesser-visited places that we went to during our road trip, such as the amphitheater hike in the Drakensberg mountains . But they are more expensive to rent and use more fuel. I’d only rent one if you plan on getting off the beaten path often.  

Shosholoza Meyl (South African Railways) has long-distance trains that serve Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Durban, East London, Johannesburg, Queenstown, and East London. They’re comfortable and safe and make various stops at smaller towns along the way.

The fares are some of the cheapest available for any mode of transport in South Africa, running as low as 330 ZAR for a sleeper berth from Johannesburg to Durban. They’re safe, comfortable, and one of the best-kept secrets of traveling South Africa.

For those who are interested in some luxury, the famous Blue Train , which runs from Pretoria to Cape Town, costs 41,380 ZAR for a luxury double berth. The trip lasts a few days and includes wine, cigars, great food, and comfortable compartments. It’s the fanciest way to see the country!  

That said, muggings are still common, especially amongst tourists and particularly in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Given the high level of rape and theft in South Africa, I wouldn’t advise hitchhiking ( which is something I usually love to do! ).

Additionally, one shouldn’t walk around alone at night, be flashy, or leave things showing in the car, but much of that is true around the world.

For more safety tips, here’s a complete guide to staying safe in South Africa .

There are numerous ways to get around South Africa , and after testing several methods, I think the best is a car rental. Nothing else offers the flexibility, convenience, and reasonable price tag. If a car rental isn’t your thing and you’re solo, I’d consider the Baz Bus.

That said, regardless of which of the above transport methods you choose, South Africa is easy and relatively affordable to travel around, whether you’re solo, in a group, or a duo.

Kristin Addis is a solo female travel expert who inspires women to travel the world in an authentic and adventurous way. A former investment banker who sold everything and left California in 2012, Kristin has solo traveled the world ever since. You can find more of her work at Be My Travel Muse or on Instagram and Facebook .

Book Your Trip to South Africa: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on South Africa? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to South Africa for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

Get my best stuff sent straight to you!

Pin it on pinterest.

Complete Africa Travel Blog: To Help You Plan Your First Trip

Africa is a continent that offers something for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to explore bustling city centers, immerse yourself in safaris, explore deserts, or take in the stunning coastline, there’s no shortage of options.

South Africa, Namibia, and Morocco are some of the most popular destinations for first-time visitors to Africa.

Africa is also a great country to visit with kids. Our kids especially loved visiting South Africa and Namibia. We are big fans of Safaris.

Quick side story: Jolene happens to be from South Africa. She lived there until she was 21 and then she immigrated to Australia.

Africa is one of the best destinations to visit in the world , so let’s get into everything you should know before you plan your first trip.

What is the Best Time of Year to Travel to Africa?

The best time to visit Africa depends on the region and activities you’re interested in.

Generally, the warmest months are from December to March, making it a popular time for beach holidays.

Autumn (March-May) is the best time for mountain trekking, as days are warm and dry.

In East Africa, this is also a great time to witness the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti.

What Month is Best for a Safari in Africa?

June to October is considered the best time for safari in Africa.

It is the dry season of the year, which means that animals will have to congregate around the bigger water damns.

The weather is also less hot and humid, with cooler mornings and evenings providing more comfortable game drives.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit Africa, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

From stunning landscapes to vibrant cultures, there’s something for everyone!

How Many Days In Africa Is Enough?

Africa is an immense continent of diverse cultures and landscapes, so it’s hard to answer this question with one definitive answer.

If your goal is to visit only one country, then it’s best to allow a minimum of two weeks or more.

Every country in Africa is unique, so it is recommended that you research your destination and plan accordingly.

For example, if you are visiting South Africa, then 10 days should be enough to explore the attractions around Cape Town, together with a visit to Kruger National Park.

However, if you want to travel further afield and explore the stunning African wilderness, then it is recommended to allocate at least three or more weeks for your trip.

No matter how much time you have in Africa, you will be sure to experience something truly unforgettable.

What is the Safest Country in Africa to Visit?

According to the Global Peace Index, Mauritius is currently the safest country in Africa and the 28th safest country in the world.

Mauritius offers up a wonderful combination of cultures, friendly people, varied cuisine, and a diverse ethnic community.

There are activities for all types of travelers in this beautiful tourist paradise – from relaxing on the beaches and lagoons, coral diving, and water activities, to exploring the “Seven Colored Earth” of Chamarel and beautiful forests full of wildlife.

The overall crime rate in Mauritius is quite low and the crimes that do occur are mostly non-violent such as petty thefts.

So if you’re looking for the safest destination in Africa, Mauritius should be at the top of your list!

In second place is Botswana, which has moved down from its 1st place ranking in 2021.

Botswana still offers a very safe environment with a Global Peace Index score of 1.676 – higher than the UK or Spain!

With stunning views and rich wildlife, it’s the perfect destination for adventure seekers looking to explore the beauty of Africa.

Which African Country Should You Visit First

Africa is an expansive continent with a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural beauty to explore.

No matter what type of experience you are looking for, there is sure to be something here that will excite you.

1. South Africa

If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience, then South Africa should be your go-to destination.

With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and diverse culture, this country has something to offer everyone.

Make sure to visit the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town – it’s one of the most beautiful spots in all of Africa!

You can also take a wildlife safari to see some of the country’s unique species like lions, elephants, and rhinos.

Traveling around South Africa is also relatively easy and safe. The locals are friendly and welcoming, making it a great place to explore.

Is South Africa baby-friendly ? South Africa is perfect for kids of all ages! And we found it really easy to explore with our toddler and two older children.

Make sure to check out our South Africa travel guide for more information on where to go in South Africa and the 10 best airlines in Africa to help you choose the best airline carrier!

This beautiful country is home to some of the most breathtaking scenery in Africa.

From the Namib Desert and its vast red dunes to the Okavango Delta and its wide open plains filled with wildlife – there’s plenty here to keep you entertained.

Namibia is a great place to take a road trip – the roads are well-maintained and provide an amazing way to explore the country’s unique landscapes.

Traveling around Namibia is easy, although it can be quite expensive compared to other countries in Africa.

However, if you’re looking for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, then Namibia is an excellent choice.

Make sure to check out our Namibia travel guide for more information on where to go and what to do.

Morocco is one of the most vibrant and exotic countries in Africa. From its bustling markets and stunning architecture to its rich culture and delicious cuisine – there’s something here that everyone will enjoy.

This country is also incredibly safe and easy to explore, making it a great choice for first-time visitors to Africa.

Make sure to visit the ancient city of Marrakech – it’s filled with bustling souks and incredible architecture that will take your breath away.

You can also explore the Sahara Desert on a camel ride, or take a boat trip down the Nile River.

No matter where you go in Morocco, you’re sure to have a truly unforgettable experience.

Make sure to check out our Morocco travel guide for more information on where to go and what to do.

Egypt is a land of mystery and marvel.

From the ancient pyramids and sphinx of Giza, to the stunning temples of Luxor – there’s something here that will capture your imagination.

You can also explore some of the country’s incredible cities like Cairo and Alexandria.

Here you’ll find bustling markets and vibrant nightlife, as well as a wealth of cultural attractions.

Egypt is also a relatively safe and easy country to explore.

Traveling around the country can be done by train, car, or even boat – giving you plenty of options for getting from place to place.

No matter what type of experience you’re looking for, Egypt has something to offer everyone.

5. Seychelles

Seychelles is a group of over 100 islands scattered in the Indian Ocean.

With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush jungle vegetation – this archipelago is truly paradise on Earth.

Seychelles is also a great place to get away from it all and relax.

There’s no shortage of luxurious resorts here, so you can spend your days lounging on the beach and soaking up the sun.

For those looking for a bit more adventure, there are plenty of activities to choose from – such as snorkeling, fishing, sailing, and kayaking.

No matter what type of experience you’re looking for in Seychelles, you’re sure to find something here that will suit your needs.

6. Tanzania

Tanzania is one of Africa’s most popular and diverse countries.

From its stunning national parks and wildlife reserves, to its vibrant culture and traditions – there’s something here that everyone will enjoy.

Make sure to visit the Serengeti National Park, where you’ll find some of the world’s most incredible wildlife.

You can also explore the Ngorongoro Crater and its incredible array of animals, or head to Zanzibar and soak up the sun on its white-sand beaches.

No matter where you go in Tanzania, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Start your research for your trip with our Tanzania travel blog posts .

African Safaris For First-Timers

Are you ready to explore the wild African continent?

An African safari is a great way for first-timers to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most incredible creatures and scenery.

Before booking that trip, there are a few things you should know about planning an African safari.

Are African Safaris Safe?

Yes, African safaris are generally safe if you take the proper precautions.

If you are planning on doing Game Drives with a guide: As long as you follow your guide’s instructions when it comes to camp, game drives, and bush walks, you should never feel like your safety is at risk.

Be sure to research the safari company you choose and read reviews from past customers.

During the drive make sure you follow all the guide directions – they know how to keep you safe.

If you are planning on doing self-drive safaris: Make sure to follow all the park rules (as well as any local laws).

Do not leave the car unless it is in a fenced area with signs saying it is safe to do so.

Also best to keep your windows up – I have had a few instances where a cheetah walked right past my window from the back of the car – only realized it was there till it was right next to me!

Another important tip is to always make sure you have enough petrol and a charged phone.

Safety should always be a priority when traveling, but if you follow these tips and stay cautious, you and your family can enjoy an unforgettable African safari experience!

Best time for safaris in Africa

The best time for safaris in Africa depends on which country or region you are visiting.

Generally, the dry season (June to September) is best for game-viewing as animals will congregate around permanent water sources and it’s easier to spot wildlife.

In East Africa, the main game viewing season is from July to October, when animals are most plentiful.

In Southern Africa, the peak game-viewing season is from May to September.

Of course, safaris can be enjoyed year-round in Africa and some parks offer special attractions during the wet season (December to March).

How many days on safari is enough?

The length of your safari really depends on what you want to see and experience, but we recommend at least 4-5 days for an African safari.

This will give you plenty of time to explore different parks, go on game drives, and enjoy the incredible wildlife that Africa has to offer.

Where do most people go on safari in Africa?

The most popular African safari destination is South Africa, home to the famous Kruger National Park.

Kruger is one of the few parks in the world where you can go on a self-drive safari and it offers some of the best game-viewing opportunities in all of Africa.

Other great safari destinations include Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and Namibia.

Should you Visit Africa with Kids?

Absolutely! Africa is one of the most exciting and diverse continents in the world, offering a range of experiences to suit children of all ages.

It is a perfect destination to visit with kids (of all ages).

South Africa offers safari trips that are sure to be unforgettable experiences for your kids. South Africa is also a great destination to visit with a toddler (our little one loved it!).

You can also explore vast national parks and game reserves, see incredible wildlife, and visit stunning cities like Cape Town.

Namibia is a great destination for a family adventure, with its extraordinary landscapes and opportunities to explore the desert and enjoy some game drives.

Morocco is a wonderful place to visit with kids, offering an exciting mix of culture, history, and sightseeing.

You can explore the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh’s medina or visit the Sahara Desert for a unique desert experience.

No matter where you choose to go in Africa, your family is sure to have an amazing and unforgettable experience!

Visit the post below to find some great articles full of helpful info for those who want to visit Africa with kids:

• Travel South Africa with Kids – Your Ultimate Guide
• Travel Namibia with Kids – Your Ultimate Guide
• Pros and Cons of Visiting Namibia with a Baby/Toddler
• Should you Travel to South Africa with a Baby/Toddler?

African Countries Travel Guides

Click on the links below to read an African travel guide on each of these African countries:

Africa Travel Blog Posts

Click on the links below to read an African travel post about some of the best places to visit in Africa, travel tips for Africa as well as African itineraries. 

10 Best Airlines in Africa in 2024 (Ranked from Best)

Have you been wondering about the top airlines in Africa? I’ve got you covered! Exploring the African continent by air is an incredibly exciting and … CONTINUE READING

Encounter Gorillas and Wildlife on an Amazing Uganda Tour

Are you looking to experience an unusual wildlife safari experience? Uganda is quite a charming destination that early visitors often referred to as “the pearl … CONTINUE READING

The Absolute Best Beaches in Mauritius to See on Your Next Trip!

It was Mark Twain who once wrote: “Mauritius was made first and then heaven. Heaven being copied after Mauritius”. With this recommendation, it’s no big … CONTINUE READING

• After travel guides on destinations other than Africa? A good place to start is on our  Wanderlust Storytellers homepage .

2024 - Wanderlust Storytellers. All Rights Reserved.

About Us  |  Contact Us  | Work with Us  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

* Disclaimer: Wanderluststorytellers.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and other Amazon sites.

Home > South Africa > Cape Town > Cape Town Travel Blog

Cape Town Travel Blog: More than Mountains, Mandela, and Penguins

This Cape Town travel blog is your gateway to discovering even more detail on unique restaurants , unconventional must-dos , the best neighborhoods , and dos and don'ts for our current hometown.

You Won't Want to Leave, Either

There's more to Cape Town than Table Mountain, Robben Island, and penguins.

A lot more.

We didn't fully understand it until we visited Cape Town for the first time. So we ended up sticking around for six months. And we returned for another six months as soon as we could. Then again, and again. We're on our fifth straight Capetonian summer now.

Use our Cape Town blog to guide your trip and you won't want to leave either.

In This Cape Town Travel Blog

Answers to the 11 questions everyone asks before visiting:

• How dangerous is it really? 
• Why Cape Town?
• Why NOT Cape Town?
• What to know before coming?
• What’s where?
• Where to stay?
• What’re the top attractions?
• What are the true must-dos?
• Where to eat and drink?
• How to get around town?
• Where to explore outside of Cape Town?

1. How Dangerous Is Cape Town, Really?

That depends on how dumb you are.

Cape Town's dangerous to dumb people. You're dumb if you:

• Wander around any dark empty streets at night rather than Uber.
• Walk off the main streets in Woodstock or Observatory at any point of the day.
• Get blackout drunk partying on Long Street in the CBD.
• Drive through sketchy areas with your windows open and your phone visible.

But if you're smart, Cape Town's safe. All it takes to be smart is not do any of the aforementioned dumb things.

2. Why Cape Town?

• Variety. You can't get bored with such variety in plant life, cultures, cuisine, activities, and geography.
• Beauty. The scenery, sunsets, and even the clouds are so mind-bogglingly beautiful that even lifelong residents never tire of admiring them.
• Accessibility. Cape Town's compact and Uber's cheap, making getting around town quick and easy.
• The accents. All three of the main South African accents put smiles on our faces when we hear them.
• Affordability. You can enjoy a 5-star holiday on a 3-star budget.
• Explorability. As we'll explain in more detail further down, there's so much to see outside of Cape Town, and it's all easy to get to.
• Reality. Cape Town's a microcosm of the world, with bubbles of first world comforts surrounded by masses of third-world struggle. This makes us feel more human and appreciative of what we have.

3. Why NOT Cape Town?

• Safety. As already mentioned, as long as you're not dumb, it's safe. But we'd rather not have to think about safety at all.
• Unpredictable weather. You can never know if the Table Mountain cablecar will be closed because of wind and you can never leave home without a jacket either.
• Cursed by cars. Public transit sucks, the streets are pedestrian-free and thus dangerous at night, and most of the city isn't very walkable and definitely not bikeable because everyone drives.
• It's so freaking far away. But when you get here, that's a good thing. Isolation keeps the riff-raff away.

4. What to Know Before Coming?

Highlights from our Cape Town blog's extended post on the 25 Do's and Don'ts to Know Before Visiting :

• DO read some South African literature before coming to better understand and appreciate the country's history and culture(s).
• DON'T make and plans before checking opening hours. (They're weird here).
• DO plan to get a local SIM and DON'T ever count on WiFi to work.
• DON'T expect too much from South African cuisine but DO try some South African dishes.
• DON'T withdraw too much cash but DO keep a few coins on hand for tips.
• DO drink as much tap water as you want (it's delicious) but DON'T waste it otherwise (shorter showers, minimize laundry, etc.).
• DON'T just hang out among white people and tourists or you'll miss out.
• DO wear whatever you want (the dress code's lax) but DON'T go anywhere without a warm layer. Ladies be careful with dresses, the wind is powerful.
• DON'T just do wine tastings. DO chocolate, cheese, oil, biltong, and ice cream tastings, too.
• DON'T stay too long in Cape Town. There's too much else to see outside of town.

See our Cape Town travel tips post for full explanations and more dos and don'ts.

5. What’s Where?

All it takes to get a grasp of what's where in Cape Town is an understanding that everything revolves around Table Mountain.

North of Table Mountain is called the City Bowl. The Gardens neighborhoods centered on Kloof Street flow down to the busy Central Business District's busy Bree and Long Streets then spill out into Table Bay at the V&A Waterfront.

East of Table Mountain, and its leg that sticks out in the form of Lion's Head and Signal Hill, is the Atlantic Seaboard. This narrow slope-to-sea stretch, from Green Point down to Camps Bay, is wealthy.

South of Table Mountain you cross the "lentil curtain" to exit urbanity and enter free-spirited, granola villages like Muizenberg, Kalk Bay, Hout Bay, and Scarborough.

West of Table Mountain (actually southwest) are the leafy "Southern Suburbs" which get drier and more desolate as you continue west onto the desert townships of the Cape Flats.

6. Where to Stay in Cape Town?

Our pick….

For most travelers, we recommend staying in De Waterkant. It's conveniently close to all the Cape Town attractions but relaxed and secure with plenty of good restaurants, bars, and cafés.

And though compact, it's got accommodation options for everyone: plenty of funky Airbnbs , one of the city's top-rated hostels, MOY Guesthouse and Backpackers , some exceptional B&Bs like Purple House , and a highly-rated luxury hotel, the Capital Mirage .

…But You Should Pick Yourself

If you want to stay around to cool kids, stay in Gardens. Or if you rather a luxurious getaway, Camps Bay's your best bet.

Use our Where to Stay in Cape Town blog post's grades of the seven best neighborhoods across the most important criteria for travelers to decide for yourself.

7. What Are Cape Town's Top Attractions?

No Cape Town travel blog would be complete without mentioning these top tourist attractions. But that  doesn’t mean  your trip won’t be complete if you don't do them all.

Here's our quick take on each to help you decide which top attractions are worth visiting

1. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway

It's often faster to walk up than wait in line to ride the cable car up. And cheaper and more rewarding. Then ride back down.

Don't just take photos of the views and dassies (rodent-like wildlife) and go down. Venture further afield to explore and appreciate the fauna atop Table Mountain.

2. Robben Island

Read the reviews—good and bad—and consider the opportunity cost of your time (3.5 hours) and money (R360) before assuming it's a "must." Some love it, some regret going, and some (like us) don't regret not ever going.

3. V&A Waterfront

A pleasant place to go for a stroll and people-watch day or night, but there's nothing uniquely South African about it (…except for the jokes at the highly-enjoyable Cape Town Comedy Club).

4. Boulders Beach Penguin Colony

Beautiful beach. Hilarious little birds. Too expensive for poor bloggers like us. But you can walk around it, see penguins, and lay on adjacent beautiful beaches for free, which is what we did in maybe our favorite day trip from Cape Town around the Cape Peninsula .

You could also consider Betty's Bay as a less-hectic (equally smelly) alternative.

5. Lion's Head

Probably the most scenic urban hike in the world.

It's short— fit people can hike up in less than an hour—but physically demanding, with a couple of ladders and rocks to scramble up.

6. Kirstenbosch Gardens

A botanist's dream and a dreamy spot for the famous Sunday summer sunset concerts . But if you're not around on a Sunday and not interested in plants, it's not a mandatory visit.

7. Cape Point Nature Reserve

No doubt it's stunning. We just doubt it's worth it for us to pay the R400 park entrance fee when there are so many other parks to explore around Cape Town.

When the Bo Kaap's residents proudly painted their houses with vivid colors to celebrate their independence, they couldn't have imagined it would attract so much selfie-centric attention that it'd risk taking their neighborhood away from them.

That's not to say you shouldn't visit. Just be conscious of this when you do.

9. Camps Bay

Even though the bars and restaurants are overrated and overpriced, we can't overstate how scenic the beach is.

Tip: While Café Caprice gets most of the publicity for sundowners (sunset drinks), Chinchilla's rooftop and Tiger's Milk's second-floor balcony have better views (…if you can snag a table).

10. Groot Constantia

South Africa's oldest wine estate is worth hopping off for if you ride the hop-on, hop-off bus. And it's worth considering otherwise. But it's not one of our 10 favorite South African wine tasting experiences .

8. What Are the True Must-Dos?

5 true must-dos.

No ifs, ands, or buts: If you visit you must do the following, which we explain in further detail in our Cape Town Must-Dos blog post.

• Get a View from Above. Whether from Table Mountain, Lion's Head, or a helicopter, get up high to get your bearings and get blown away by the aerial view of the Mother City.
• Go to the Beach. See the beautiful people (Cape Town's a modeling mecca from December through March) and even more beautiful scenery.
• Visit Wine Farms. Even non-drinkers will feel buzzed from the over-the-top opulence of estates like Vergelegen and Babylonstoren.
• “Pitch Up” at a Weekend Market. The scene to see and be seen in Cape Town. Enjoy some food while you're at it.
• Hit the Highway . Rent a car or recruit an Uber driver to get a full appreciation for Cape Town as a whole—its beautiful setting, not-so-beautiful Cape Flats underbelly, seaside, mountains, and wineries.

A Perfect Day in Cape Town

For some inspiration on what to do, here's how the "perfect day in Cape Town I planned for Kim's birthday went down:

Depending on what you're into…

• Go to the Labia Theatre… if you're a movie nerd.
• Go to the Mount Nelson for high tea … if you have a sweet tooth and want to relax in the lap of luxury.
• Visit a township in the Cape Flats… if you want to see all of Cape Town.
• Go to a show at the Cape Town Comedy Club… if you're not easily offended.
• Join a hiking group or hire a guide… if you're worried about hiking alone.
• Learn about fynbos… if you like gardening, botany, herbs, or cocktails.

See our Cape Town Must-Dos blog post for all the details and more of our favorite things to do that may (or may not) be your favorites, too.

9. What to Eat and Drink?

Unique restaurants.

Here's a sampler of our Cape Town blog post on the Best Restaurants for 25 Unique Occasions :

• Prison food. Enter the walls of one of South Africa's most infamous prisons for a meal prepared and served by the prisoners.
• African gourmet. In the heart of Cape Town's biggest township, Khayelitsha, 4Roomed eKasi Culture, serves high-end set-meal dinners.
• Fancy seafood experience. Pick as many grams of whatever you want from Codfather's fresh fish display, and they'll grill it to perfection for you.
• Informal seafood experience. Keep an eye out for open tables while waiting in line for locals' favorite fish and chips at Kalky's.
• Famous South African steak. Go to Hussar Grill to see if you agree with those who say South Africa has the best steak in the world.
• Infallible food. Even if you can't read Black Sheep's barely-legible menu, you can't go wrong because all of their dishes inevitably exceed expectations.

Unforgettable Wine Tastings

There are more than 500 different wine farms to choose from within a couple of hours' drive from Cape Town. Some, like the ones in Constantia, are 15 minutes away.

Of our top 10 South Africa wine tastings , the ones closest to Cape Town are De Grendel , Reyneke , Haut Espoir, and Babylonstoren . But, as demonstrated by the fact that we still have a few brain cells left, we haven't been to all of them.

10. How to Get Around Town?

During daylight hours, anywhere within the City Bowl and the Atlantic Seaboard is safe to walk.

Uber's your best friend for getting around Cape Town because it's cheap and abundant.

Unfortunately, the drivers aren't your best friend. They're friendly and professional, but for reasons nobody can explain, they give poor ratings. Everyone who comes through Cape Town sees their average drop precipitously.

The MyCiti bus that goes from the CBD along the Atlantic Seaboard to Hout Bay is handy and cheap… if it ever shows up. Some days it doesn't.

It's a bit of a hassle to sign up for too, so only consider the bus if you're spending extended time in Cape Town.

The train to Simon's Town is a fun experience if you're on a budget and not pressed for time.

We enjoyed it but not everyone will, which is why it's a "maybe-do" in our Cape Town Must-Dos blog post, where you can find a bit more information and tips on it.

Hop-on, Hop-off Bus

Even for fellow off-the-beaten-path-preferring travelers, the Cape Town hop-on, hop-off bus is worth considering.

As we share in our hop-on, hop-off guide , it's an affordable and efficient way to get familiar with the city and get to many attractions outside of the city center.

11. Where to Explore Outside of Cape Town?

As awesome as Cape Town is, it'd be a waste to spend all your time there and not explore further afield. The rest of South Africa is equally worthy.

The Garden Route

The Garden Route, or "The Coastal Forested Area" as we call in in non-marketing-speak, is South Africa's most popular holiday destination.

Anyone familiar with this blog should know by now that "popular" doesn't mean "best." Check out our blog post, Is the Garden Route Worth Visiting? for some possibly unpopular opinions.

Do a Road Trip

Don't be scared, even if you're not used to driving on the other side of the road. South Africa is a wonderland for road trips, which is why we've done more than 10,000km worth of them during our first six months living there.

Read the highlights of our Johannesburg to Cape Town road trip , a.k.a The Hectic Route then, once you're convinced to do a road trip of your own, read our South Africa Road Trip Tips .

Wine Tastings

We already mentioned this, but it bears repeating: Venture far and wide in South Africa to go wine tasting.

Start with our 10 Favorite South African Wine Tastings and go from there.

Kruger Park

Just about everyone who comes to South Africa fits Kruger into their plans to see the animals. But not everyone knows these Kruger Safari Tips that we learned (mostly from our awesome guide, Bjorn) on our own trip.

Namibia declared independence from South Africa in 1990, but some may want to constitute it into their trip.

One way to do so, which we did, is a one-way road trip from Cape Town. Read our Cape Town to Namibia Road Trip Tips if that sounds interesting. Alternatively, it's a short flight to Windhoek, the capital.

Either way, see our blog post, Is Namibia Worth Visiting? to help guide your decision.

Read This Next

How to Travel Cape Town Your Own Way: A Self-Travel Guide

The Most Family-Friendly Cape Town Day Trip: The Cape Peninsula

Cape Town For Digital Nomads: The Ups and Downs

Is South Africa Worth Visiting? Honest, Un-Obvious Observations

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

7 thoughts on “Cape Town Travel Blog: More than Mountains, Mandela, and Penguins”

Hi Kim and Chris,

Unconventional Untruths!

Deception in a Nutshell

Hi Boudewijjn. Interesting opinions. Could you please elaborate?

Great blog – thanks for mentioning the good and the bad for a honest review.

Thank you so much for this highly informative–and I bet disappointment tested-blog. we've 15 days in/around CPT and wonder, in later April/early May how many days would you book a place in CPT. Not sure we're like you two but we're older and have never taken a guided tour anywhere–and done a fair amount of world travel. So we're quite independent and will likely rent a car. We're not oenophiles but one of us likes to imbibe. I'd say we're more hikers, walkers, and generally avoid really popular paths.

Hey Rick. Since it won't be as busy those months, maybe book 3-4 days in CPT, then head off. If you really like CPT, come back for more at the end of your trip. If you love exploring the rest of the Western Cape, keep doing that. You won't need to plan everything in advance.

Another great wine farm is Fairview – it has a goat tower and they make the most divine cheeses which you can taste too. Definitely worth a visit! By the way – the Garden Route has always been called that, way way way before all the marketing gurus got hold of the idea and gave every area some kind of name (The Whale Coast etc). I lived in SA from the early 70's and it was called the Garden Route even back then.

Thanks, Cherry for the recommendation and the history!

What do you think? (Leave a Comment.) Cancel reply

The Perfect One Week, Two Week, and Three Week Travel Itinerary For South Africa

49 Comments

• Last Updated On: January 13, 2024

South Africa is still one of my favorite countries in the world. Sure, I lived there for a few years, but I also traveled extensively through the country and got to see so much of it. I always get questions on how I should spend a week, two days, two weeks, or even three weeks in the Rainbow Nation. There is no definitive answer because there is SO MUCH to see in this country and everyone has different interests. Nevertheless, two weeks is enough to scrape the surface of what the country has to offer and this would be my perfect itinerary.

Update Sep 2021: South Africa has been hit hard with COVID-19 and the entry requirements are always changing. Currently, South Africa allows visitors who are vaccinated and have negative PCR tests. The country is open but mask mandates are in full effect and restaurants might close earlier than normal. Keep up with the most recent guidelines! 

Where I went in South Africa

In total, this itinerary is for anyone that has 14-16 days  to spend in South Africa. At the end of this post, I have also included how I would craft a trip with around  7 days (1 week), 10 days (1.5 weeks) and  21+ days (3 weeks+)!

• Johannesburg
• Kruger National Park
• Port Elizabeth
• Plettenberg Bay
• Wine Country (Stellenbosch/Franschhoek)

If these places ring a bell and sound like the places you want to visit, this is the perfect itinerary for you! Also note that South Africa is far from just about everywhere so budget the necessary time get there and home. To see this itinerary in real use by someone other than myself, I used it to craft up a South Africa and Mauritius honeymoon game plan for my friends! Read their personal recount of their amazing South Africa and Mauritius trip.

Detailed Posts

• Cape Town Round 1
• Cape Town Round 2
• The Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide
• Cape Point, Muizenberg beach, Boulder’s Beach Day Itinerary
• Clouds Estate Hotel Review
• De Zeven Wine Farm Hotel Review
• Bloukrans Bungy Jumping
• Garden Route Part 1 – Planning and Addo Elephant Park
• Garden Route Part 2 – Plettenberg and Knysna
• Garden Route Part 3 – Oudtshoorn to Hermanus
• Guide to South African Wine Country
• Perfect 1 day Itinerary for the Wine Country
• The Perfect South Africa and Mauritius Honeymoon

Full Itinerary

Please enable JavaScript

The itinerary starts in Cape Town, and ends in Johannesburg. I’d recommend to book flights arriving into Cape Town, and flying out of Johannesburg. This itinerary, of course, can be done the opposite way around as well. If you don’t want to do fly home from a different airport, there are plenty of cheap airlines that fly regularly between the two cities like  Mango Airlines,  Kulula,  and  FlySAFair,  you’ll just need to budget the time accordingly.

Is South Africa Safe?

Many of you might also be wondering if South Africa is a safe place to travel at the moment. I’ve answered all of those questions in depth , as well as whether you need vaccinations for malaria . Be sure to read that before heading down to the Rainbow Nation!

Day 1-4: Discover Cape Town

The Cape is South Africa’s gift to the world – Nelson Mandela

The trip starts in Cape Town , or what I like to call the world’s most naturally beautiful city . The Mother City, as it is affectionately referred to in South Africa, is South Africa’s most scenic and most popular city. It’s not difficult to see why. Cape Town is sandwiched between a dramatic mountain range famous for Table Mountain , and the southern Atlantic ocean with a plethora of white sandy beaches.

There are also world class restaurants in this city serving cuisine from all over the world, bars, concerts, museums, and so much more. I spent weeks just checking out the best cafes in Cape Town alone. Take the ferry to Robben Island and tour the former prison that Nelson Mandela called home for 27 years.

There is some incredible hiking to be done in Cape Town. Table Mountain and Lions Head are an absolute must. There is a cable car that goes to the top of Table Mountain, but Lions Head can only be hiked. My favorite place in the whole country might be at the top of Lions Head during sunset. The views of the ocean, the city, and Table Mountain next to it is perhaps one of the reasons Cape Town is the one place I’d move to in a heartbeat (if I could).

Just outside of town is perhaps one of the most scenic drives in the country, Chapman’s Peak. The drive is along the edge of a windy mountain, with the most beautiful ocean views on one side. Penguins can also be seen at Boulders Beach along the way. This all culminates into southern tip of the continent at Cape Point, also known as the Cape of Good Hope . This is where the Indian and Atlantic oceans converge, and it makes for some absolutely breathtaking views. If you’re keen to make this day trip, then definitely read my Cape Town to Cape Point itinerary !

Recommended Hotels to stay at in Cape Town

Cape Town has countless options to stay with beautiful views all abound. Here are some of my favorite places

• Houghton Views Guest House
• CB-One hotel
• The POD Camps Bay

Day 4-6: Wine Taste Stellenbosch or Franschhoek

East of Cape Town is South Africa’s famous wine region . It’s not as famous as places like Italy, France, or Napa Valley, which is a absolute travesty and a complete blessing. It’s a blessing because the crowds aren’t as chaotic, and prices are extremely reasonable for wine tasting. The views and landscape in Cape Town’s wine region is absolutely unparalleled.

For a detailed and perfect one day itinerary, click here.

Stellenbosch makes Napa Valley look like someone’s back yard. That isn’t to say California’s wine region isn’t a nice place, it’s just my way of saying that South Africa’s wine region is that much more beautiful. Let’s also not forget that a typical wine tasting in South Africa costs R30-40, whereas a similar styled wine tasting in a place like Napa Valley is $25+ (10x the price!).

There are numerous wine regions in South Africa, like Constantia, Stellensbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Durbanville etc. but the easiest and my favorite area is Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Make sure to drive to different wine farms to sample the various styles of wine making in South Africa. The wine farms also have some of the best restaurants in the country so make sure to plan ahead of time where you’d like to have lunch.

Some of my favorites are Delaire Graff, Morgenster, Tokara, Oldenburg, Vergelegen, Dieu Donne, Waterkloof, Jordan.

If you’re looking for ideas of places to stay, look no further than some of my favorite wine farms in Clouds Estate and De Zeven . Make sure to read my in depth reviews of those places to get your wanderlust going.

Where to stay in Stellenbosch

• Banhoek Lodge
• Clouds Estate

Day 6-12: Road trip on the Garden Route – Part 1

This might be my favorite drive in the world. The Garden Route of South Africa is famous for its incredible scenery, charming coastal towns, and wildlife. There’s so much to do and see along the Garden Route, I actually wrote about it in three separate posts. The Garden Route is the stretch of coastline in the Western Cape stretching from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. It is the ultimate road trip in my opinion and would be my first choice of road trips to repeat.

Obviously one could spend far longer than 6 days driving along the Garden Route but for a two week itinerary of all of South Africa, this will be enough to see the main highlights.

Hermanus – 1 night

Starting from wine country, I went great white shark diving early in the morning. These cage dives usually start at 8-9am and last until noon. From Gansbaai, we spent the rest of the walking around Hermanus , a quaint ocean side town famous for its whales. When in season, between May and Nov, right whales regularly frequent the shores of this town. It’s also home to spectacular beaches and some of the best kite surfing in the world.

Oudtshoorn – 1 night

From Hermanus, we left early in the morning to the town of Oudtshoorn , stopping in Swellendam for lunch. Outdshoorn is a town in the Karoo region of South Africa. The Karoo is a huge swath of semi-desert like land in South Africa’s heartlan. It is a place of immense spaces, wide-angle horizons, craggy mountain ranges, conical hills, an ancient inland seabed, and a sky so big that at night it feels like you can touch the stars.

It’s totally different than the scenery along the coast and gives you a small flavor of the different terrains of South Africa. Oudtshoorn is known for the Cango Caves and its plethora of ostrich farms. Wild and farmed ostrich roam here so make sure to try some in this town. One night is enough here.

Knysna and Plettenberg Bay – 3 nights

The next day begins with a drive back towards the coast. Stop in the town of Wilderness for stunning panoramic ocean views, and lunch before driving towards Plettenberg Bay and Knysna . Because of the limited time, there’s really only enough time to stay in one place. I’ve stayed in both towns and they are both amazing places. If I had to do it again, I would stay in Plettenberg Bay and take a visit to Knysna.

Plettenberg Bay is more chilled, and has plenty of nice beaches. Knysna is slightly more busy (but nothing on the Garden Route is really that busy), and has amazing lookout points of the surrounding area. Both towns have world class restaurants so you really can’t go wrong in each place.

Make sure to visit the Knysna Elephant Sanctuary, as well as take a day hike to the Robberg Peninsula.

Where to stay in Knysna and Plettenberg

• Milkwood Manor
• Chez Pierre

Port Elizabeth – 1 night

Leave Knysna/Plettenberg early the next day and stop at the infamous Bloukrans bridge for some bungy jumping. This isn’t just any old bungy jump, it’s the highest bungy bridge in the world at 220m (710ft) high. You can read all about my experience here.   If bungy jumping is just not for you, there’s a bar at the edge of the cliff where you have perfect views to watch people jump to their deaths.

From Bloukrans, make a stop in the Tsitsikama National Park and take a walk from the famous suspension bridge that allows you stunning views of the area.

From here, drive to Port Elizabeth

Day 13-15: Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg to Kruger NP

Port Elizabeth marks the end of the Garden Route. Drop off the rental car here and take an early morning flight (as early as possible) to Johannesburg. We took the 6:30am flight on British Airways, and arrived in Johannesburg just after 8am. Upon landing, have your safari company PICK YOU UP from the airport. There’s no reason to go into Johannesburg as it is a 5 hour drive to the Kruger National Park . We made it in time for an afternoon game drive.

3 days and 2 nights in Kruger National Park

The Kruger is South Africa’s largest and most popular game reserve. It’s home to all the wild animals you’ve ever had on your bucket list, and is a great place to see the big 5 (lion, buffalo, rhino, elephant, and leopard). We spent a total of three days and two nights in the Kruger National Park. This gave us 1 afternoon game drive on the first day, 1 whole day of game drives for the second day, and 1 morning game drive on the third day. I felt like this was enough as you’re doing nothing except sitting in the back of a truck.

The Kruger is also one of the few game parks in Africa that allows you to self drive. Although we chose to go with a Safari company that arranged everything, it’s super easy to rent a car from the airport and drive out yourself and do your own game drives. This is definitely the option I would choose if I were to do it again.

Last day in Johannesburg

Johannesburg is an underrated city that the media paints in an unflattering light. However, I called this place home for almost two years! It is a great place to live and to work, but it is not the best place to spend your time as a tourist. There aren’t many must see sights here. A day trip to Soweto and the Apartheid museum, followed by a visit to the Carnivore restaurant to sample all different types of game meats is probably enough for most people.

Game Lodge Options

There are hundreds of game lodges in South Africa of all varying price ranges. If you need you some ideas for your own trip whether it’s a honeymoon or not, here is a list of lodges for each budget range th

Budget Lodges Under $500 a night

• Raptor Lodge
• Rhino Ridge
• Aha Thadaku River Lodge
• Masodini Game Lodge
• Rockfig Lodge Madikwe

Lodges between $500 to $1250 a night

As for planning honeymoons, I have largely used lodges under $1000 as this is much more budget friendly for those looking to keep their honeymoons below $12,000. I think at this range, you get the 5 star luxury experience without breaking the bank (completely). For almost all travelers out there, lodges in this price range will more than suit your needs and wanderlust.

• 57 Waterberg
• Mhondoro Safari Lodge
• Kapama Buffalo Camp
• Clifftop Hideaway
• Makweti Safari Lodge
• Madikwe Safari Lodge
• Elephant Plains Game Lodge
• Rhino Sands Safari Camp
• Rhulani Safari Lodge

Lodges over $1250 a night

In this price range, you’re looking at some serious over the top luxury. However, I’d say for the average traveler, you probably don’t need to step up to these prices because the lodges in the previous price category have everything you need. Some of these lodges can be well over $2,000 a night but if you have the cash, this is for you.

• Marataba Mountain Lodge and Marataba Safari lodge
• Thornybush Lodge
• Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve
• Jabulani Safari
• Any of the Singita Lodges
• Any of the andBeyond lodges
• Kapama River Lodge
• Kapama Karula
• Royal Madikwe Safari lodge

Day by Day breakdown

Day 1: Land in Cape Town, pick up rental car and explore Cape Town Day 2: Explore Cape Town, hike Lions Head Day 3: Cable Car up Table Mountain, drive to Cape Point in afternoon Day 4: Explore Stellenbosch Day 5: Stellenbosch/Franschhoek Day 6: Cage diving with great whites, explore Hermanus Day 7: Drive to Oudtshoorn, visit ostrich farm at night Day 8: Morning visit to Cango Caves, drive to Plettenberg/Knysna Day 9: Plettenberg/Knysna Day 10: Plettenberg/Knysna Day 11:  Bloukrans, Tsitsikama, Port Elizabeth Day 12: Fly to Johannesburg in morning, Kruger NP Day 13: Kruger NP Day 14: Kruger NP in morning, end in Johannesburg Day 15:  Early morning flight home

One week itinerary for South Africa

How about if you only had  ONE  week in South Africa? This is tough. The country deserves a lot more than 1 week but nevertheless, this is how I would structure a 1 week trip. Let’s assume you have all 7 days in South Africa without worrying about flights. If this is your first trip to Africa and you want to go on the iconic safari, I would focus my visit on Cape Town and the Kruger .

Day 1-4: Cape Town

Spend your first 4 days in Cape Town and the surrounding regions. Instead of spending two nights in the wine country, make it a day trip by starting early in the morning as soon as the wine farms open (usually around 9am). Spend another day visiting Cape Point and seeing Cape Town’s sights. Time permitting, take a day trip  to the Great White cage diving in Gansbaai.

Day 5-7: Johannesburg and Kruger

Take an early morning flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Have your safari operator pick you up from the airport and do the 3 day/2 night Kruger National Park tour mentioned above. The safari tour will end on the last day after a morning game drive. Immediately drive back to OR Tambo International airport after the game drive and fly home that night. Make sure to schedule your flight later in the evening as it will take ~5 hours to drive from the Kruger to Johannesburg.

10 day itinerary for South Africa

10 days gives a little more time to see South Africa. To be honest, I wouldn’t go all the way to South Africa without at least 10 days. Nevertheless, I know some people just can’t swing the time so anything is better than nothing. This is how I would structure 10 days.

Similar to the 1 week itinerary, I would spend my first 4 days in Cape Town. Make day trips to Cape Point and Boulders beach for penguins and breathtaking views. Then another day would be dedicated to shark diving in Gansbaai, followed by two days of hiking, eating, and drinking enjoying all that Cape Town has to offer.

Day 5-7: Wine Country

The next few days can be spent either in the wine country or on a condensed version of the garden route. Personally, I don’t think 3 days does enough justice for the Garden Route, so I’ll opt for enjoying world class wine at dirt cheap prices and views that no other wine region in the world can match. My favorite place to stay in Stellenbosch is Clouds Estate, but make sure to book well in advance if you feel like staying here. There are much cheaper options available as well of course.

Make sure to visit as many wine farms as you can handle because there is so much diversity in the wine, food, and scenery in this part of the country. Read my perfect wine tasting itinerary. 

Day 8-10: Johannesburg and Kruger

Same itinerary as the Kruger safari from the one week itinerary.

Three week South Africa itinerary

If you’re lucky enough to have  three  weeks, there is so much more to explore in South Africa. As per the two week itinerary, I would add the following:

• Stay an extra night in Cape Town
• Spend extra day in Hermanus
• Instead of flying to Johannesburg from Port Elizabeth, continue driving on the N2 along South Africa’s wild cost towards Durban
• (Optional but recommended): Stay at a private game reserve in the Kwazulu-Natal province around Durban instead of going to the Kruger

South Africa’s Wild Coast

The area between Port Elizabeth and Durban is called the Wild Coast. This area receives less tourists than the Garden Route, and is far less developed than the Garden Route towns. This area, also known as the Transkei, is home to the Xhosa people (which you’ll never pronounce right). It functioned as its own independent state during Apartheid and you can see that the infrastructure here is vastly undeveloped compared to their Afrikaner neighbors in the Western Cape. It’s totally a safe place to travel. Nevertheless, the contrast between natural and urban scenery can be noticed here.

For any scuba divers, make sure to stop and have a few dives at Aliwal Shoal. This dive site, while not much to look at in terms of corals, is home to numerous species of sharks. You can easily be diving with dozens of different sharks swimming around you.

In addition, even further up from Durban is the beautiful St. Lucia Wetland park which is home to beautiful beaches, dunes, swamplands, and diving. Sodwana Bay, located in this natures reserve, is one of the best places to dive in South Africa and also one of the cheapest destinations in the world to become certified.

Adding on a tropical beach to South Africa

South Africa enjoys a huge coastline with some fantastic beach. However, if you have the time, and are looking for a more tropical setting with idyllic white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and seas of palm trees, South Africa’s neighboring countries offer much more in this regard.

Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Zanzibar are popular additional destinations for those visiting South Africa. I’ve traveled extensively through most of these countries and they are absolutely stunning places. There are regular flights from Johannesburg to many of these destinations as well. Some inspiration and further reading for those interested:

• Ile Sainte Marie, Madagascar
• Nosy Be Archipelago, Madagascar
• Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique
• Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
• Zanzibar, Tanzania

All of the above offer something unique. If time (and money) was of no worry, I would visit the Quirimbas Archipelago . I think the northern part of Mozambique is something truly special and the beaches there are the nicest I’ve ever seen. Madagascar is a close second, but there is so much to do on this beautiful island, I would save it entirely for another trip.

Otherwise, for simplicity and ease, Zanzibar is your best bet as far as quality accommodation and simplicity go. I spent over a month traveling through Zanzibar  so make sure to read through my posts about the Tanzanian paradise if you want to go.

Continue Reading:

• The Best Gyms And Fitness Clubs In Athens, Greece
• The Perfect South Africa Honeymoon Itinerary And Guide
• Why I Love Living in Singapore: Expat Life In The Lion City

The Perfect Fiji Honeymoon Itinerary: One To Two Weeks

• A Perfect Cape Town Itinerary: Three Days, Five Days, 1 Week
• Island Hopping In The Yasawas: Fiji’s True Island Paradise
• Diving the Rainbow Reef And Great White Wall in Taveuni, Fiji
• The Perfect Fiji Travel Itinerary: Beaches, Diving, and Island Paradise
• The Best Of Johnny Africa – Top Moments Traveling Through Africa
• Ultimate Guide To Diving With Sharks In Fiji – Beqa Lagoon and Barefoot Koata
• The Ultimate Safari Guide For Kruger National Park, South Africa
• 26 Amazing Things To Do In Cape Town, South Africa
• The Perfect Cape Town, Garden Route, Safari, and Mauritius Honeymoon Itinerary

Related Posts

The Perfect Sri Lanka Travel Itinerary: One Week, 10 days, and Two Weeks

Best Gyms And Fitness Clubs In Cape Town

Why Cape Town Is The Ultimate Digital Nomad Destination

The Best Cafes To Work From In Cape Town (2024)

The Best Cafes In Cape Town, South Africa (2024)

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 Yes, add me to your mailing list

Add Comment  *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.

Post Comment

Hello, We are contemplating a trip to South Africa in June 2023 and your blog has really got me excited. However, I’m not sure if June is the ideal time. We would like to do all that you mention including the 3 week itinerary. Could you comment on the Garden route and Vineyards during that time of the year? thanks Ami

Hi Ami, June is winter time in the Cape but the weather is still overall mild. It doesn’t get super cold there in the winter times. You can expect temperatures to be betwen 15 and 20 on average but more varilability when it come to rain.I’ve had many people go during this time and they’ve still loved it!

Hi Johnny, Your itinerary as described may be ok for people having a lot of time (and money) to waste! You suggest to spend 3 days for Cape Town (and region), 2 days for wine tasting in Stellenbosch (??), 3 days to stay in Knysna (and region) doing I don´t know what, 3 days for the Krüger Park “doing nothing except sitting in the back of a truck” (your own words). As per my own experience, during a round trip of 2 or better 3 weeks, one is able to visit a lot more locations in South Africa, one more beautyful than the other. But for this kind of traveling, one must stay up early in the morning and focus more on seeing spots of interest than having a good time drinking wine… Sorry for this. I know well that travelling around the world is a matter of individual taste.

Hey Melchior, of course you have a point. Sometimes it’s better to just chill and drink wine but no need to write a blog post about in that case.

This was the best blog I found! Thank you so much! I couldn’t find the time of year you recommend. I saw online that August is good for Kruger but Capetown will be cold. When is the best time to enjoy Capetown and still attempt to see the big 5. I really want to take my fiancé for his 30th in August.

Thanks Daniela! Yes what you say is true. However, you can see the Big 5 year round and Cape Town has pretty mild weather year round as well. ALthough it won’t be hot and you will have times where it rains a lot, Cape Town is sitll generally quite pleasant in the winter. I think taking him for a trip in End August/Early Sep is totally fine!

We are looking to plan a trip to South Africa with possible beach add on for just over 3 weeks, your guides have been so useful. Are victoria falls worth a visit?

We are looking to travel either January or february time, what is the weather like during these periods as i keep finding mixed reviews?

Vic Falls is great to visit in Feb as it’s just after the summer rains and you’ll see the waterfalls at its strongest. Sometimes it’s almost too strong with the mist being in full force. It does rain more often in these months so you might not be able to do as many other activities but you’re going to see waterfalls anyhow! Overall, Vic falls definitely worth the visit but don’t try and overdo it with too much in the itinerary is my recommendation

I am searching for South Africa topic on the internet, and I found your blog. This is really helpfull.

Thanks Ruma

When doing the Garden Route is it necessary to book accommodations in advanced or could I handle that upon arriving at each destination? Also, do most locations along the route have low budget accommodations such as hostels. I am traveling on a relatively tight budget. Any other tips for saving money in South Africa?

Hi Simon, I think if you can book ahead definitely do especially during the summer months as things tend to book up fast. As far as hostels, i know they have them in many of these towns but i can’t comment on any of them as i’ve never stayed in one along the Garden Route. Generally, it’s not that expensive. I would take the Bazbus to hop on and hop off depending on where you want to visit and assuming you have a lot of time. Hope thath elps!

I have read your blog and found it very informative. I have about a month of free time before I start working. My plan was to spend approximately two weeks in South Africa and then I would love to spend another two(ish) weeks traveling in another country, or multiple countries. I was wondering what other countries you would recommend. I would be looking for some diversity so perhaps something different than South Africa and ideally something that is relatively cheap and easy to get to from South Africa (probably Johannesburg.

Any information would be appreciated!

Hey Simon, I think if you have another two weeks in another country, I’d recommend checking out Namibia. It’s not that expensive and is quite easy to get aroudn as you can rent a car and essentially road trip the whole thing. It’s also stunning and offers a very stark contrast to South Africa with its desert landscapes.

Alternatievely, if you’re feeling adventurous, take a flight from Johannesburg to Maputo and travel up the coastline of Mozambique. Some very beautiful beaches and fantastic diving if you’re into that! Hope that helps.

Thanks for the response!!

Hi Johnny, Great information here. We are planning a trip to SA and Vic Falls in ZImbabwe this August. We land in Jo burg and take a rental and drive to a lodge the next day. Stay there three days and then drive back , maybe take a trip to the scenic route. Fly next day to Vic Falls, Zimbabwe and then fly back to Jo Burg after three days and catch a connection to the USA. A couple of questions: -How are the driving conditions in SA on the way from Jo burg to Kruger area? -I heard that tipping is expected. Can you give me an idea of how much cash in rand I should keep per day for tips? -Is there an ATM in the airport or is it better to use a exchange bureau?

Thanks so much Narayan

Hi Narayan, the main highways are great in SA. Even the roads in the Kruger are fantastic which is why many self drive. Tipping your safari guide is expected and I would say something like R100-200 should be enough depending on how fancy your lodge is. As for exchange bureaus, i’ve been to almost 70 countries and the only time i ever exchange cash is when there is a black market with better rates. There are ATMs everywhere and outside of cash tipping, everyone takes card.

Hello , we are planning to do south africa for 15 days ( last week of November and first week of December ) – do you think we can do the visit in reverse order as in starting from Johannesburg Kruger park and then heading to capetown and doing wine tours etc towards end part of our trip and back to Johannesburg for our flight back home sadly

Hi Vikas, you can definitely do this in reverse no problem. Or alternatively, you can just take a flight in the beginning from Joburg to Cape Town (like when you first land). These flights are cheap and fly often.

Thanks for the post, very informative.

Hey Johnny,

Just want to drop by to say thanks for all the resource here.

I’ve just been on a short trip to South Africa about a month ago. Until now, I can’t stop raving about the place. I’m already scheming of ways to go back.

Thanks a bunch and hoping to see more of your travels!

Hi Linus, thanks for the kind words! Glad you liked South Africa and your trip! Keep traveling my friend!

Hello Johnny,

your blog is extremely helpful. Thank you. I am planning to travel to South Africa from India from 17th – 25th Nov (9 days) including travel time. Can you please help me with a detailed itinerary? The purpose of the trip is mostly to unwind. So a lot of beach and wildlife/natural scenery is preferred.

Hi Saurabh, with that time frame, I would visit cape town for a few nights, and then fly to Durban area to visit the beaches and game resreves in the KZN area. Beaches there are very expansive and untouched. Not totally tropical like Mozambique and Zanzibar but it is beautiful there.

Hi Johnny! Your site is really a big help to the itinerary that I’m planning to do. Half honeymoon, half adventure for 15 days at the end of October. Doing a safari in Shamwari as I wanna do a relaxed itinerary for our SA trip. It would be best to do an overnight stay in Stellenbosch or just head there for day trip? Any restaurant recommendations in Cape Town and Garden route? I hope we can get more info cause there aren’t too many online.

Thank you!!!

Hi Leah, it really just depends on how much you like wine regions! I think if you’re going to road trip the garden route, then you should def stay at least one night in the wine region since you’ll be passing through it. I would do the one day itinerary , and then stay the night in Franschhoek on your way towards the coast.

As for restaurants, some of my favorites in Cape Town are the Hussar grill, Pot Luck Club, Chapman’s Peak hotel, and Bo Kaap Kombuis. There are too many to recount :).

Thanks so much for all the useful info on your blog. My husband and I along with 2 single ladies are planning a trip in February, March, and part of April 2019. We would like to spend some time in SA at the beginning of that trip. Is February a good time to go? Also should we perhaps rent a house or apartment for a few weeks in Cape Town as a base? Thanks for your answer.

Hi Phyl, Feb is the perfec ttime to go to Cape Town in my opinion! If you have no time limit and see yourself spending some extended time in SA, then Cape Town is definitely a great place as a home base. There are some incredibly amazing Airbnb’s in Cape Town that you can rent for extended periods. Obviously rent a car as well and then take day trips around the area. If you want to see teh Garden Route, then you’ll need to spend a few days away from Cape Town so perhaps do that after you’ve stayed in Cape Town and explored the area. Hope that helps!

Hi, Johnny and thank you so much for your blog. My husband and I and 2 single ladies are planning to go to SA in February with no time limit to our trip. Should we just rent a 3 BR apartment or house in Cape Town and make that our base for doing some of the things you mention? As I said, we have no time limit. Thanks.

Thank you so much for this post – its great! In terms of the road trip do you think it would be okay to take the baz bus instead? We are two female travellers and I can’t drive so it would be unfair to put that on my friend and hence we would prefer the bus.

Would love your thoughts on this!

Thanks, Maham

Hi Maham! Yes the Baz Bus is a great way to see the Garden Route! It leaves daily during the summer and stops at all the hot spots along the garden route. I liked driving myself because it gave me flexibility to stop wherever I wanted to but I can certainly appreciate not being comfortable driving as well. Also, I think you should plan on another day or two extra if you’rel ooking to follow my itinerary and want to hit up all the places along the garden route. Enjoy!

Hi Johnny! thanks for the great tips in your blog- awesome stuff!! I looking to cover cape town, kruger and victoria falls – would you be able to give some advice on how i can structure the trip? Am pretty lost the planning in SA and beyond… Am looking to fly in to capetown and out of Johannesburg….

Hi Jo, I think you got the right idea so far. I would fly into Cape Town and spend a few nights. Fly to Joburg and do the Kruger safari for a few nights. Afterwards, I would fly to either Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or to Livingstone, in Zambia . Both cities have airports with flights from Joburg and both are at Victoria Falls. I think 2-3 days is plenty enough for victoria falls, but if you want to do what I did (which is go to both towns), then perhaps 4-5 days would be better. My favorite thing to do there was definitely the Devil’s Pool on the Zambia side. Enjoy your trip!

Your site is so fantastic and has been great in helping me plan my trip to South Africa! Definitely going to read through your other SA posts!

Thanks! I am glad to have helped. South Africa is still one of my favorite places in the world so I always recommend people to go there if they can spare the time!

Combing through all your SA post. Awesome stuff, man! I’m planning a trip some time Aug-September. Doing the reverse route from PE to Cape town. A week sounds enough? Thanks a bunch for all the resource

Hi there, yes a week will be enough for just the garden route portion in my opinion (without Cape Town). Cape Town deserves a few days on its own!

Great blog! We are planning a trip to south Africa in June and will be in Kruger for 6 days since that is where the conference is meeting. Sounds as though a trip to the Cape Town and surrounding areas will work well for a final week.

Are there options to hire a car from Joberg to Kruger if we are not going with a Safari service?

Hi Joan, what a great place to have a conference! Yes, it is very easy to rent a car from OR Tambo and drive yourself to Kruger and self-drive through the park. The roads in the Kruger are in great condition and there are easy paths to take to have DIY safari experience. Many local South Africans choose this option as it cuts down dramatically on costs. Enjoy!

Hi Johnny- I’m doing a 16 day trip at the Ed of April. My itinerary is pretty similar to yours but as of now I’m tempted to make some additional stops to blyde river canyon and the drakkensberg mountains. I’m a very outdoorsy person and figured I could find some cool day hikes there. Thoughts?

Hi myles, that is absolutely a great idea! If you can swing it, can certainly recommend the gods window hike in blyde River canyon. The whole area is great for hikers and the views are breathtaking! It gets cold so be prepared for that!

Great website and great itinerary, looks and sounds like an amazing time. Just wondering how much you ended up spending (minus flight) for this trip? Thinking of going in January and would love to do something similar!

Thanks Sabrina!

Since I lived in South Africa for awhile, I never actually did those exact itineraries. I just listed them out to help people and those are the itineraries I would do given all the time and experience I got while living there.

All in all, I would say a solid two week trip trip of Cape Town, Garden Route, and Kruger NP will be around R20,000 to R25,000 per person. Obviously costs can be much lower if you decide to stay in hostels but we stayed in little guesthouses, hotels, and airbnbs.

If you are travelling through South Africa and are staying in Cape Town then you should definitely visit Table Mountain and Robben Island. So many interesting and fun things to do. Welgelgen Boutique Hotel is only a few miles from all that Cape Town has to offer and it is located right in the heart of the CBD.

Hi I’m planning a 8 day trip in October Planning on spending 3 days in Cape Town For the rest would you suggest The Garden Route or Kruger?

Hi there, you can’t go wrong with either option! The big question is do you want to go on a safari and see some wild animals! If the answer is yes, they you should go to the kruger!

are you familiar with the zulu nyala safari in the Hluhluwe area of SA?

Unfortunately not but I do have a friend that stayed there once. I only went to Sodwana Bay which is near for scuba diving. Place looks amazing however!

Good stuff! We enjoyed reading your blog. How did you manage to reach Kruger by 11.30am? Can you connect direct from Johannesburg to Nelspruit within the short time with your luggage? Which airline did you book? We

Hi Peter, assuming you’re flying from Cape Town to JHB that morning, there are numerous flights that leave in the early morning. You can connect to Nelspruit from OR Tambo but most tour agencies in the Kruger will pick you up from JHB airport and it’s about 4-5 hours to the park from there. 11:30 is probably too early. 3:00pm seems more reasonable which is just in time for a sunset game drive!

Weekly Travel News Recap, 5 April: SAA here to stay, new Kruger National Park gate, and more

Catch up on all the latest travel news with drive south africa..

Each week, our team scours the web for the most interesting, trending, and unusual travel news, conservation news, and motoring news stories. Here are this week’s biggest scoops.

Travel News

A South African Airways aircraft

• Interim CEO says “SAA really is here to stay” .  Interim CEO of SAA, Professor John Lamola, says the national airline has doubled its routes since September 2021 and will be taking delivery of four Airbus aircraft in the coming weeks. He adds that the “new economic profile of SAA has unlocked funding opportunities” that were not available three years ago.
• ILTM Africa 2024 set to take place from 7 to 9 April in Cape Town . The latest International Luxury Travel Market African event will gather travel agents from around the world at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, featuring B2B networking opportunities, numerous exhibits, and the Luxury Golf Africa event.
• South Africa is the most popular wedding destination in Africa for US couples .  According to  News24 , jewellery business GoldBand conducted a study of over 2,000 online search terms in the US market, finding that South Africa is the most desired wedding destination in Africa, followed by Ghana and Nigeria.
• Winners of inaugural Jonsson Workwear Luxe Travel Awards announced .  The awards recognise “unparalleled hotel experiences” in South Africa. Winners include Tintswalo Atlantic (People’s Choice Award), Mala Mala Game Reserve (Private Game Reserve of the Year), and Kruger Shalati (Train Experience of the Year).
• Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways enter codeshare partnership to improve connectivity in East Africa .  The partnership enables Virgin Atlantic customers to book flights on Kenya Airways’ London-Nairobi route directly. Kenya remains popular with UK travellers, who no longer need a traditional visa to enter.
• Travellers from more than 75 countries no longer need a visa to visit Malawi . The Malawian government has waived entry visa fees for travellers from numerous countries, including the USA. It hopes to develop more intercontinental flight routes to cater to the growing number of US travellers.
• Ethiopian Airlines makes Maun its second Bostwana destination .  The airline announced the launch of a service between Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Maun, Botswana. The route will facilitate more international access to the Okavango Delta.
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines found guilty of “greenwashing” .  A Dutch court has ruled that the airline “misled” customers with its Fly Responsibly advertising campaign, accusing it of failing to make “honest and concrete” claims around its sustainability initiatives.

Conservation News

A rhinoceros mother with her calf in Kruger National Park

• SANParks announces plans for new Kruger National Park gate . The Shangoni Gate is set to be built near Mtititi village in the north of the park, creating a new entry point for safari-goers between the existing Punda Maria and Phalaborwa gates.
• WATCH: Conservation organisation becomes first in Australia to release captive-bred cheetah back into the African wild . The Wild Cat Conservation Centre in New South Wales, Australia has successfully released a captive-born cheetah, Edie, into the wild in South Africa. It adds that the cat has “undergone a phased return to the wild”, including fitness development, diet changes, and “support while she honed her predatory skills”.
• SA government plans to develop national biodiversity goals by 2036 .  According to  MoneyWeb , the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment wants to implement biodiversity goals similar to its climate-friendly energy goals. Plans include increased production and sale of game meat.
• Scientists discover largest African frog species in over 100 years .  A North-West University team has discovered a new species of African bullfrog in northeastern Namibia, southern Angola, southwestern Zambia and northwestern Botswana. Pyxicephalus beytelli is bright yellow-green and has relatively large, recurved teeth that it uses to hunt “mice, small birds, snakes, insects and even other frogs”.
• National Parks Trust of SA and World Wide Fund for Nature help to expand four South African national parks . The NPTSA and WWF SA have helped to expand four national parks by a total of 20,206 ha, including Namaqua National Park, Mokala National Park, Karoo National Park, and Agulhas National Park. The aim is to contribute to South Africa’s commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework.
• UN investigates alleged North Korean rhino and elephant trafficking in Africa .  UN experts are investigating claims that North Korean are ramping up rhino horn and elephant ivory smuggling in several African countries, including Botswana, Mozambique, and South Africa.
• Scientists propose new South East Africa Montane Archipelago ecoregion in Malawi and Mozambique .  In a paper published in  Nature , scientists say that “the discovery and description of many species new to science” warrants an entirely new ecoregion. They add that the area is experiencing one of the highest deforestation rates in Africa.
• Marine biologists say great white shark conservation “now a matter of urgency” in South Africa .  Several concerned biologists including Dr Enrico Gennari, director of the Oceans Research Institute, say that despite a recent study suggesting South Africa’s white shark population has not decreased, the number of shark sightings in the Western Cape has declined to fewer than 10 per year. They acknowledge that while “orcas have likely influenced white shark numbers and behaviours”, we need to double down on conservation efforts.

Automotive News

The all-new Mercedes-Benz G-Class

• The Kia EV9 is the 2024 World Car of the Year .  The 2024 World Car Awards were announced at the New York International Auto Show on 27 March. Other winners include the BMW 5 Series / i5 (World Luxury Car of the Year), the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N (World Performance Car of the Year), the Volvo EX30 (World Urban Car of the Year), and the Toyota Prius (World Car Design of the Year).
• Mercedes-Benz unveils all-new G-Class luxury SUV .  The new “G-Wagon” retains its ladder-frame construction, mechanical diff-locks, and low-range transfer case. New features include the OFFROAD COCKPIT and a fully-electric model.
• Audi ends production of the R8 supercar after 18 years .  The final Audi R8 rolled off of the Böllinger Höfe, Germany production line this month, marking the official end of production. Reports suggest that Audi will replace it with a fully-electric successor.
• Chinese-owned LDV set to launch T60 double cab bakkie in South Africa .  Leyland DAF Vehicles was founded in the UK in 1896, but has since been bought by China’s SAIC Motor. According to  CarMag , the bakkie will feature a 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine with outputs of 160 kW and 500 Nm.
• WATCH: Nissan teases new Navara bakkie in latest YouTube video .  The Japanese manufacturer released its “Nissan Business Plan” promotional video on YouTube, giving us a first glimpse at the next-generation Navara. The bakkie will feature new powertrain options, including electric and plug-in hybrid options.

Missed out on this week’s Drive South Africa blogs? Catch up on them here.

6-sleeper 4×4 rental: meet the africa on wheels toyota land cruiser hj 76  🚙, 5 incredible luxury lodges to explore with car rental in namibia  🏜️, the best namibia camping experiences in 2024 🏕️, namibia quick guide: how to plan a self-drive honeymoon ❤️.

Travel News Image Credits:   Unsplash , Mercedes-Benz , iStock

Planning to get away this weekend? Hire a car with Drive South Africa . We’ve been putting people behind the wheel for over 20 years and we’ll do the same for you. No fuss, no stress, just Africa’s leading car rental service. Check out our nifty Road Trip Explorer for more travel inspiration.

Related Posts

South africa december holiday ideas.

South Africa presents a host of awesome options and incredible ideas for holidays in each of the history rich, culture diverse and unique provinces.

The Namib-Naukluft Park Trail: The Ultimate Desert 4x4 Route in Namibia

The Namib-Naukluft 4×4 trail, situated in the expansive Namib-Naukluft Park, is a breathtaking experience for anyone keen on off-road adventures and challenges. It can rightly be called the gem of the 4×4 trail routes in Namibia. How difficult is the Namib-Naukluft 4×4 Route in Namibia?   This trail is reputed to be one of the […]

Public Parks in Johannesburg - Drive South Africa

Johannesburg may be the biggest urban area in South Africa and a sprawling concrete jungle where money and status rule. This doesn’t mean that this urban environment isn’t coexisting within another reality altogether and that reality is nature. Attributed for having the biggest man-made forest on the planet and a world of parks and nature […]

How these cruise passengers missed boarding, got stranded in Africa

Both Americans and Australians were left at port after an excursion ran long.

After what seemed like a dream trip, several American travelers were left stranded at port in West Africa mid-cruise while traveling from Cape Town, South Africa, to Barcelona, Spain.

Jay and Jill Campbell told ABC News Myrtle Beach affiliate WPDE that they were in the first week of a three week voyage aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines when they stopped just off the coast of West Africa.

The couple and others opted to tour the nearby island of São Tomé and Príncipe on the afternoon of March 27, and when the excursion ran late, they said they brought it to the guides' attention.

"We were like, 'our time is getting short,'" Jay Campbell recalled, at which point he said the guide let them know, "'No problem we can get you back in an hour.'"

Upon their return, the passengers said cruise officials refused to let them aboard the ship, even as the local Coast Guard had ferried the group to the anchored vessel.

"The harbormaster tried to call the ship. The captain refused the call. We sent emails to NCL the customer service emergency number," Jay Campbell said. "They said the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is via email. They're not responding to our emails."

The Campbells say they were left stranded along with four other Americans and two Australians -- of whom one is a paraplegic, one has a heart condition and one is pregnant. Some did not have credit cards or medication that was left on board.

Cruise expert Stewart Chiron, known as The Cruise Guy, told ABC News that "the bottom line was, they were hours late, the ship was ready to go."

MORE: Norwegian Cruise Line passengers claim Antarctica voyage was rerouted mid-trip

"More than likely that the anchor was already up, and the ship was already possibly moving," he said.

He continued, "Any operation at that point to get these passengers back on the ship would have caused tremendous delays, and safety would have been a major concern."

In a statement to ABC News, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines said, "On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3 p.m. local time."

Related Stories

Workers had little warning as Maryland bridge collapsed, raising concerns over safety, communication

• Apr 3, 12:10 AM

After six months of war, Israel's isolation grows with no end in sight

• Apr 5, 12:20 AM

Some states are seeking to restrict TikTok. That doesn't mean their governors aren't using it

• Apr 6, 12:06 AM

They continued, "While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship's intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel."

The spokesperson added that the passports for the passengers who did not return at the all aboard time "were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol."

"Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed for the guests to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call," they said.

The Campbells said that their eight person group spent 15 hours traveling through six countries in an attempt to rejoin the Norwegian Dawn ship in Banjul, Gambia, on April 1. However, the ship couldn't dock due to low tide, so they are now trying to get to Senegal where the ship is meant to dock on Tuesday.

The Norwegian spokesperson said, "Unfortunately the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage. While we share in our guests' disappointment, this modification was made with great consideration for their safety and that of our crew, which is our top priority."

The cruise line contacted the guests "regarding this itinerary adjustment and provided them with authorization to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2024."

In light of the "series of unfortunate events outside of our control," the spokesperson said Norwegian Cruise Lines "will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal" and are still in communication with the guests to provide additional information as it becomes available.

MORE: Meet the cruise couple who have spent over 450 days at sea so far

In a separate, unrelated situation that took place coincidentally on the same day of the voyage, the spokesperson said, "An 80-year-old woman was medically disembarked after being evaluated by our onboard medical team, who thought it best that she receive further assessment and treatment as needed from a local hospital."

"In instances such as these, as the guest was released from the hospital and in a coherent state, our protocol is to contact the guest directly, as we would not have the authority to share any medical details with anyone else without their expressed consent," the spokesperson added, saying they worked with the port agent to receive updates.

"The guest has since been escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, and then put in the care of airport staff to continue her journey to the United States, where she has now made a safe return," they said.

Related Topics

House to take up bill to reauthorize crucial US spy program as expiration date looms

• Apr 5, 6:09 PM

A Nebraska bill to ban transgender students from the bathrooms and sports of their choice fails

• Apr 5, 5:44 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

6 American, 2 Australian cruise ship passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian Cruise refused to let them board

E ight Norwegian Cruise passengers, including a pregnant woman and an elderly man with a heart condition, claim they have been stranded on an African island without money and vital medications after the vessel left port without them.

Jill and Jay Campbell, from South Carolina, said they are stuck on the Central African island of São Tomé with four other American and two Australian passengers after the captain of the ship allegedly refused to let them reboard, according to WMBF.

But a spokesperson for the cruise line claimed the passengers were left on the island “on their own or with a private tour” and missed the “all-aboard time.”

“Guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship’s intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel,” the spokesperson said.

The Campbells acknowledged there was “an issue” on their tour of the island, and the guide “didn’t get us back” to the ship in time on Friday.

“We were like, our time is getting really short, and they were like ‘No problem, we can get you back within an hour,” Jay recounted telling the tour guide.

He said the tour operator then contacted the cruise ship captain to let them know they would be late.

When they reached the port, Campbell said the ship was still anchored, and the island’s Coast Guard took them on a boat to a ship in order to get back onboard.

The captain then allegedly refused to let them board.

“The captain could have made an easy decision to turn one of the tender boats back, pick us up, safely load us and then go on the way,” Campbell said.

“They had no port to call for the next day, they were simply going to be at sea.”

They and the others — including a married couple from Delaware, a paraplegic and an elderly man with a heart condition — were left stranded on the island without any of their belongings from the cabin, including money, medicine and necessary travel documents.

The Campbells were the only ones who had a Visa card on their person, and had to pay more than $5,000 in food, toiletries and hotels for the group, they told WRAL.

In an updated statement on Saturday, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines noted that “guests are responsible for any necessary travel costs to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call.”

Knowing this, the group had planned to fly to Gambia in West Africa to meet the cruise ship at the port on Sunday.

They then spent 15 hours traveling through six countries to reach the port on Easter, only to find out that the ship could not dock due to low tides,  according to WPDE.

The passengers are now heading to a port in Senegal, where the cruise is set to dock on Tuesday.

But doing so is not going to be easy.

“What we looked at was some type of van transportation for eight people, the quadriplegic woman included, driving from here,” Jay told WPDE.

“We have to cross the ferry to get into Senegal,” he added. “We just learned from the gentleman that the ferry hadn’t been working, but he said, ‘No problem, if the ferry is not working, we will get another little boat and then pick up a car on the other side.

“And then once we get on the other side of Senegal, it’s another four hour drive.”

Still, Jay said the voyage is worth it.

“We paid a lot for this trip to Africa, so we hope to make it through the rest of this trip and end in Spain,” he told WBMF.

In its updated statement on Saturday, a spokesperson for Norwegian said they are “in communication with the guests” and have been working “closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed if the guests were to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call.”

The Post has also reached out to Norwegian Cruise Lines for comment.

• News & Events
• Eastern and Southern Africa
• Eastern Europe and Central Asia
• Mediterranean
• Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean
• North America
• South America
• West and Central Africa
• IUCN Academy
• IUCN Contributions for Nature
• IUCN Library
• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species TM
• IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas
• IUCN World Heritage Outlook
• IUCN Leaders Forum
• Protected Planet
• Union Portal (login required)
• IUCN Engage (login required)
• Commission portal (login required)

Data, analysis, convening and action.

• Open Project Portal
• SCIENCE-LED APPROACH
• INFORMING POLICY
• SUPPORTING CONSERVATION ACTION
• GEF AND GCF IMPLEMENTATION
• IUCN CONVENING
• IUCN ACADEMY

The world’s largest and most diverse environmental network.

CORE COMPONENTS

• Expert Commissions
• Secretariat and Director General
• IUCN Council

• IUCN WORLD CONSERVATION CONGRESS
• REGIONAL CONSERVATION FORA
• CONTRIBUTIONS FOR NATURE
• IUCN ENGAGE (LOGIN REQUIRED)

IUCN tools, publications and other resources.

Get involved

Green List Forum: a deep reflection on the future of global conservation

In December 2023, a seminal event took place in Cape Town, South Africa, bringing together experts to discuss the progress and challenges of the IUCN Green List Programme. 

Environmental conservation, through protected areas, is a cornerstone in the battle against biodiversity loss and in protecting vulnerable ecosystems against human development pressures. These areas not only shelter endangered species but also act as bulwarks against environmental degradation. Thus, effective management of these areas is an indispensable requirement to ensure their preservation and the equitable distribution of their benefits. 

Historically, the international community has rallied around common goals, as evidenced by initiatives such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Aichi and Kunming-Montreal targets, reflecting a global commitment to the expansion and protection of conserved areas. However, despite these significant advancements, questions of efficiency and equity in the management of these areas often remain unaddressed, casting doubts on the true effectiveness of these conservation measures. 

To tackle these challenges, a variety of assessment tools and systems have been developed, both internationally and nationally, aiming to measure and promote effective and equitable management of protected areas. Notable among these are initiatives like RAPPAM, METT, EoH, GAPA, and SAMGe in Brazil, which offer a framework for evaluating the management of these areas. 

In this effort, IUCN has been a leader in developing and promoting the Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas Program, a global standard that seeks not only to recognize but also to incentivize effective and equitable management of protected areas worldwide. This program, which has evolved over the years and been solidified at key events like the World Parks Congress and Conservation Congress, aims to establish rigorous criteria for the certification of protected areas, thus promoting more efficient and just conservation. 

The Green List Forum held in December 2023 represented a pivotal moment for evaluating and discussing the future of the program. With the participation of over 120 experts, including members of partner organizations, Green List Expert Assessment Groups (EAGLs), and other supporters, the event served as a platform for the exchange of experiences and the establishment of strategic guidelines for the program's evolution. 

It's important to highlight the significant presence of South American representatives, who, in addition to contributing global perspectives, strengthened regional bonds and shared valuable local experiences in applying the Green List standard. This exchange of knowledge and practices underscores the importance of a collaborative and inclusive approach to environmental conservation. 

The Forum also emphasized the need for effective and continuous communication about the Green List standard, highlighting the essential role of platforms like COMPASS and Engage in fostering a global conservation community. Furthermore, the participation and commitment of Indigenous Peoples and local communities were recognized as fundamental to the program's success, underscoring the importance of integrating diverse visions and knowledge in the management of protected areas. 

In conclusion, the 2023 Green List Forum not only assessed the current state of the program but also illuminated paths toward a more efficient and equitable future in conservation, outlining a promising course for the global strengthening of protected areas. 

References:

Iucn. (2024, january). other effective area-based conservation measures in brazil: conclusions from a talk with dr. stephen woodley. retrieved from https://www.iucn.org/es/blog/202401/otras-medidas-eficaces-de-conservacion-espacial-en-brasil-conclusiones-de-una-charla  , hockings, m., et al. (2019). the iucn green list of protected and conserved areas: setting the standard for effective area-based conservation. parks, 25(25.2), 57-66. retrieved from https://parksjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/parks-25.2-hockings-et-al-10.2305-iucn.ch_.2019.parks-25-2mh.en_-1.pdf  , iucn. (2018). iucn green list of protected and conserved areas: standard, version 1.1: the global standard for protected areas in the 21st century. retrieved from https://portals.iucn.org/library/sites/library/files/resrecrepattach/iucn%20green%20list%20standard%20version%201.1%20-%2025%20september%202018%20update_0.pdf  , green list of iucn. (n.d.). discover the sites on the iucn green list of protected and conserved areas. retrieved from https://iucngreenlist.org/explore/  , protected planet. (n.d.). retrieved from https://www.protectedplanet.net/en  , iucn engage. (n.d.). retrieved from https://engage.iucn.org/  , (panorama. n.d.). solutions for a healthy planet. retrieved from https://panorama.solutions/  , national geographic spain. (n.d.). doñana falls off the iucn green list, what does it mean retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.com.es/medio-ambiente/uicn-excluye-a-donana-su-lista-verde_21286  , act30. (n.d.). mapping diverse and effective pathways to conserve 30% of our planet. retrieved from https://act30.org/  .

Disclaimer Opinions expressed in posts featured on any Crossroads or other blogs and in related comments are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of IUCN or a consensus of its Member organisations.

IUCN moderates comments and reserves the right to remove posts that are deemed inappropriate, commercial in nature or unrelated to blog posts.

Related content

Brasilia, March 2023 - IUCN Director General Dr Bruno Oberle went on mission to Brazil to meet with…

CEESP News - Blog post by Robert Fletcher, Bram Büscher & Kate Massarella, Wageningen…

CEESP News: by Vicky Tauli-Corpuz (a), Janis Alcorn (b), Augusta Molnar (c),⇑, Christina Healy…

Sign up for an IUCN newsletter