The Good 2-Week South Africa Itinerary – Wild Junket Journey Journey Weblog

Final Up to date on June 27, 2022 by Nellie Huang

Dreaming of an epic South Africa journey? Take a look at my detailed 2-week South Africa itinerary that brings you from the coast to the savanna.

Should you assume South Africa is all about wildlife safari, assume once more. The nation is without doubt one of the most numerous I’ve been — with cosmopolitan cities alongside dramatic coastlines that fringe wild savannas and rugged mountain vary.

You’ll be able to simply go from game-driving within the African bushveld to browsing on the seaside or wine-tasting at lush vineyards in a matter of hours. Plus it’s dwelling to many historic websites which have witnessed some main turning factors in world’s historical past.

I like South Africa a lot that I’ve been 4 occasions! On every journey, I’ve found a distinct aspect to the multi-faceted nation. For first-timer guests, I’ve put collectively this South Africa itinerary to pack in the perfect of South Africa in 2 weeks.

The Final South Africa Itinerary & Information

Learn how to Get to South Africa

The principle gateway to South Africa are the Cape City Worldwide Airport (CPT) and OR Tambo Worldwide Airport (JNB). South African Airways is the nationwide airline and serves many main cities on the earth.

This South Africa itinerary begins and ends in Cape City. You will discover flights from New York to Cape City by way of Istanbul for round US$750 return. For these in Europe, you possibly can fly direct from London to Nairobi (9hours) for round $550 return.

Learn how to Get Round South Africa

By Automobile Rental

One of the best ways to get round South Africa is by automobile rent. Most roads are in good situation and all street indicators are in English. We’ve pushed South Africa a number of occasions, and by no means had any challenge. 

You don’t want a 4WD and automobile rental is basically inexpensive right here (costs as little as $200 for two weeks in South Africa).  You’ll be able to even do self-drive safari in sure nationwide parks and reserves. I counsel hiring a automobile in Cape City on the airport and one other one in Johannesburg.

By Aircraft

Because the nation is large, you’ll must fly to get from the Cape City to Johannesburg. Home flights are moderately low cost — you could find the least expensive flight from Johannesburg to Cape City on Mango Airways for US$70. Mango flights are a number of the least expensive you’ll discover.

It’s additionally attainable to fly from Johannesburg to Nelspruit (nearest city to Kruger NP)on Airlink for simply $70 every manner. Flying cuts down the journey time from 6 hours by street to simply 40 minutes.

Greatest Time to Journey South Africa

South Africa is a year-round vacation spot. Relying on the place you journey in South Africa, every area has completely different local weather and wildlife alternatives.

Normally, the perfect time to go to South Africa is from Could to September. These are the cooler winter months within the northern areas (Johannesburg space), which convey excellent circumstances for viewing large recreation.

Summer season in South Africa runs from November to February. Throughout these months, the southern coast (Cape City space) has lovely, scorching, dry climate. The common temperature is round 73-79 °F (23-26°C). The very best time to go to the Cape for whale watching is between July and November.

2 Weeks in South Africa

With 2 weeks in South Africa, you’ll barely scratch the floor of this mega-diverse nation. However you’ll nonetheless be capable of expertise the perfect of South Africa in 2 weeks, should you comply with this itinerary.

On this South Africa itinerary, we are going to get to discover primarily the Cape, Johannesburg and Kruger areas. I like to recommend hiring a automobile in every space and flying between Cape City and Jo’burg.

Abstract of this South Africa Itinerary:

• Days 1-3: Cape City
• Day 4: Day Journey to Cape Peninsula
• Day 5: Day Journey to Cape Winelands
• Day 6: Fly to Johannesburg
• Day 7: Day Journey to Cradle of Humankind
• Days 8-10: Welgevonden Personal Reserve
• Days 11-13: Kruger Nationwide Park
• Day 14: Fly dwelling!

South Africa Itinerary Day 1: Cape City

Begin your South Africa itinerary within the Mom Metropolis: Cape City, one among my favourite cities on the earth. Cape City is a surprising coastal metropolis fringed by dramatic seashores and topped by the magnificent Desk Mountain.

Discover V&A Waterfront

Get your bearings on the V&A Waterfront, dwelling to South Africa’s oldest harbor. Should you’re fortunate (like me), there are excessive possibilities of seeing sea lions swimming across the harbor or suntanning on the deck right here.

With epic views of the Desk Mountain and a central location, the waterfront is a well-liked hangout spot for Capetonians. Right now it’s a assortment of eating places and retailers providing recent produce and native merchandise.

Go to Nelson Mandela’s Cell on Robben Island

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

The Robben Island tour is led by a former political prisoner, who’ll convey you to key websites on the island while recounting his personal private story of imprisonment right here. It provides a sobering however insightful peek into the oppression of the apartheid regime. E-book your tour right here!

Wander round Bo Kaap

After the eye-opening go to, head to Cape City’s most colourful neighborhood: Bo Kaap. This small downtown neighborhood is the Cape Malay Quarter and is legendary for the multicolour single-story Cape Dutch homes.

The origins of the world date again to the 1700s when the Dutch colonisers imported slaves from Malaysia, Indonesia and Africa to Cape City. When slavery was abolished within the 1830s, the slaves painted their houses in shiny colours to have fun their freedom.

Watch Sundown at Camps Bay

Due to its location by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape City is blessed with lovely seashores and a browsing tradition. Top-of-the-line seashores to catch sundown is Camps Bay, poised alongside the foothills of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Vary.

Camps Bay is lined with palm bushes, white sand and buzzing seaside bars. Do a romantic picnic together with your accomplice or sit in one of many cool seaside bars and watch the solar fade into the Atlantic Ocean with a cocktail in hand!

South Africa Itinerary Day 2: Cape City

What makes Cape City such a surprising place is just not the town itself, however moderately the situation. Desk Mountain dominates the town, looming over the Metropolis Bowl and Camps Bay space. There are two methods to summit Desk Mountain – by cable automobile or on foot. I like to recommend mountain climbing to the highest and descending by cable automobile for the complete expertise.

Hike up Desk Mountain

Mountaineering Desk Mountain is a superb technique to discover the indigenous fynbos (sort of forest), spot wildlife just like the dassies (rock hyrax), and revel in spectacular views.

The simplest and quickest path to the highest is by way of Platteklip Gorge, which leads hikers by way of a ravine on the face of the mountain. This route takes round 1.5-2 hours to finish and is the most well-liked.

Take the Cable Automobile Down

On the summit, there’s a chance to discover the mountain high alongside three simple trails affording 360-degree views of the town, Atlantic Seaboard and the mountain chain stretching throughout the Cape Peninsula.

To get down, catch the Desk Mountain aerial cableway. Tickets are round USD $20-25 per grownup. They’ve been ferrying passengers to the highest of Desk Mountain for nearly 90 years, and with its 360* rotating flooring and epic views its undoubtedly value taking the experience.

Itinerary Day 3: Cape City

To get below the floor of Cape City, head out to the townships or casual settlements, or townships. These ramshackle cities that spill out for miles alongside the highways are essentially the most seen scars of the apartheid period, when non-whites had been compelled out of their houses.

Go to the Townships of Cape City

Visiting townships may be controversial, however I consider that touring with a accountable operator could make an enormous distinction and convey consideration to individuals who need assistance.

I went on a township biking tour by way of Masiphumelele, a township on the fringe of Kommetjie. The tour introduced us into the township, assembly locals and attending to know them. We had pap (maize porridge) and braai (barbecue) at a neighborhood eatery, and visited a sangoma (conventional healer). It was completely insightful and undoubtedly well worth the expertise.

Spend the Night at Lengthy Road

Working by way of the centre of Cape City is Lengthy Road, a vibrant street flanked by native eateries and bars. That is the palpitating coronary heart of Cape City and it actually comes alive at evening.

I stayed at Lengthy Road on one among my journeys to South Africa, and had such a great time hanging out with locals right here. Don’t miss Mama Africa that serves meals from throughout Africa, in addition to Lengthy Road Cafe, a Cape City establishment set in an outdated Victorian-style constructing.

Itinerary Day 4: Cape Peninsula

Subsequent day, hire a automobile and go on a scenic drive to the Cape Peninsula, and southwesternmost level of the African continent! Should you don’t drive, try this Cape Level day tour.

The street hugs the cliff, meandering alongside the sting of the Desk Mountain all the way in which to Cape of Good Hope. On one aspect, the steep slopes plunge dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean; and on the opposite, needle-sharp peaks soar into the sky.

Go to Charming Fishing Villages

Begin out from Muizenberg (identified for the colourful homes on the seaside) and make your first cease at Kalk Bay, a bohemian village affected by a flurry of vintage retailers, flea markets and indie boutiques.

Proceed all the way down to Simon’s City, the third oldest city in South Africa. The city is greatest identified for the African Penguin colony that inhabit the close by Boulders Seashore. A wood boardwalk weaves by way of the penguin’s habitat, permitting intimate encounters with the lovable little animals. 

Hike alongside Trails and BoardWalks

After making a cease on the Cape of Good Hope, proceed driving in direction of the Cape Level lighthouse, set dramatically in opposition to the crashing ocean. Cliff trails wind across the vegetation and result in the lighthouse, we took simply twenty minutes to hike alongside the path, earlier than we had been handled to expansive views of the ocean.

Do the Chapman’s Peak Drive

Drive again by way of the Atlantic Seaboard by way of the city of Scarborough and the beautiful browsing seaside of Noordhoek. The day journey culminates at Chapman’s Peak Drive, the place you possibly can drink in a view of the crescent-shaped bay and spot sealions and sharks swimming beneath. 

Itinerary Day 5: Cape Winelands

In your final day in Cape City, drive out to the attractive Cape Winelands (1 hour away) and go to a few of South Africa’s most well-known wine estates.  It’s also possible to guide a Cape Winelands tour or winelands ebike tour that features a few tastings.

The hottest city of the Cape Winelands is Stellenbosch, and it’s undoubtedly value visiting for its photogenic setting. If in case you have some additional time, don’t miss the equally lovely Franschhoek only a 30-minute drive away. 

Go to Spier Wine Farm

That is one among Stellenbosch’s oldest working wineries, with a heritage courting again to 1692. The house owners are passionate artwork lovers and the vineyard is dwelling to one of many largest collections of latest South African artwork on the earth.

Style Peter Falke Wine

Get pleasure from wine tasting on the Groenvlei Property, and admire the normal 18th century Cape Dutch buildings. The gorgeous vineyard is open for tastings from Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 7pm.

Journey the Wine Tram

Then, hop on the classic Franschoek wine tram, to tour wineries with out getting behind the wheel of a automobile. You’ll be able to hop on and off everytime you need and go to as much as 5 wineries in a day. You’ll want to guide your tickets prematurely.

South Africa Itinerary Day 6: Johannesburg

It’s time to discover extra of South Africa! Catch a home flight to Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest metropolis. Flights from Cape City normally price round US$70 every manner.

Many individuals skip Jo’burg altogether, however they miss out on many insightful museums and historic websites which can be quintessential to any South Africa journey. The town is now devoted to preserving the recollections of heroes who reworked the nation into what it’s at present. 

NOTE: Security remains to be a problem in Johannesburg. Don’t stroll round at evening, and don’t go away something seen within the automobile.

Go to Apartheid Museum

Hire one other automobile and make a beeline for the Apartheid Museum, a must-see in my view. It’s a sobering expertise, however a necessary one if you wish to perceive South Africa’s historical past and id.

The museum reveals the rise and fall of the apartheid system by way of spine-chilling movie footage, images and historic artifacts. It’s an emotional and eye-opening expertise — put together to shed some tears. E-book a guided tour prematurely right here.

Discover Soweto Township

Quick for “South Western Township”, Soweto is the epicenter for a lot of essential turning factors all through South Africa’s historical past. It’s simple and protected to discover Soweto by yourself, however should you favor to have a information, try this guided township tour.

Probably the most well-known spot in Soweto is Vilakazi Road – as soon as dwelling to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Mandela’s former abode is now a museum, and Archbishop Tutu nonetheless resides in his Soweto dwelling.

One other Soweto museum thats recount the battle to finish apartheid embody the somber Hector Pieterson Museum that honors the schoolchildren slain in a police bloodbath.

Dine at Carnivore Restaurant

One of the well-known eating places in Jo’burg is Carnivore, situated in Muldersdrift (you’ll want a automobile or taxi to get right here). It provides genuine African braai (barbecue) and a buffet of grilled venison meat and South African aspect dishes. E-book a desk right here!

South Africa Itinerary Day 7: Cradle of Humankind

Subsequent, rise early for a day journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Web site: The Cradle of Humankind. It’s internationally recognised because the place the place humankind started.

Found in 1924, the first-ever hominid fossil is on show right here on the Maropeng Customer Centre. There are13 excavation websites, together with the Sterkfontein Caves. It’s also possible to catch a glimpse of pre-human cranium dubbed “Mrs Ples”, and a near-complete hominid skeleton known as “Little Foot”.

Additionally located inside the World Heritage web site reserve is the Lion and Safari Park, a 1,000ha (2,471-acre) animal sanctuary. You’ll be able to guide a guided recreation drive or go wildlife-watching in your individual rented car. Should you’re not driving, try this present day tour.

Itinerary Days 8-10: Welgevonden Sport Reserve

Lastly, it’s time to go into the African bushveld to see the Huge 5! There’s no scarcity of nationwide parks and reserves close to Johannesburg — I like to recommend Welgevonden because it’s 3 hours from Jozi and it breaks down the lengthy drive to Kruger Nationwide Park.

Welgevonden is a small, personal reserve. There’s a restrict on automobiles allowed within the park, so it’s not as saturated as many Kruger. I really favor small reserves as animals are extra concentrated and simpler to identify. I like to recommend a minimum of 2 nights right here as you’ll have solely 2 recreation drives/day.

Welgevonden is dwelling to over 50 completely different mammals, together with the Huge 5, hippo, kudu, giraffe, zebra, warthog, and cheetah. The reserve additionally has one of many largest populations of white rhino of any of Africa’s personal reserves. We noticed lots, which is a good signal of the work they’re doing in opposition to poaching!

Itinerary Days 11-13: Kruger Nationwide Park

We’ve saved the perfect for the final — put together for the spotlight of your South Africa journey! Kruger is undoubtedly the most important and hottest nationwide park in South Africa. Right here’s the place you’re going to get the perfect wildlife watching alternatives.

The nationwide park has a excessive density of wildlife — together with every kind of chicken life and the Huge 5. I had my closest wildlife experiences right here in Kruger: being charged by an elephant, seeing lions mate, and watching the lilac breast curler displaying off his rainbow coloured feathers.

You’ll wish to spend a minimum of 3 nights in Kruger. Each single recreation drive is exclusive and also you’ll get completely different experiences. I like to recommend reserving guided recreation drives as guides are educated to identify animals from a distance. 

South Africa Itinerary Day 14: Fly dwelling!

Sadly your 2 weeks in South Africa have come to an finish. It’s a 6-hour drive again to Johannesburg from Kruger Nationwide Park. Be certain that to present your self sufficient time to catch your flight dwelling.

I counsel staying at an airport resort to relaxation up earlier than flying dwelling the following day. Protea Lodge by Marriott Transit is situated contained in the airport terminal and is a wonderful place to relaxation earlier than flying.

Extra South Africa Itinerary Concepts

Should you’ve obtained greater than 2 weeks in South Africa, there are undoubtedly much more of the nation value exploring. Listed here are some elements of South Africa that I’ve been and would advocate visiting.

Gaansbaai

Journey seekers alert! Simply 1-2 hour’s drive from Cape City is the city of Gaansbaai, well-known for its dense inhabitants of nice white sharks. Right here you possibly can go cage shark diving, an exhilarating expertise the place you stand up near the nice white. Learn the way misunderstood these creatures are and get to know them on a deeper degree.

Backyard Route

One of the well-known street journeys in South Africa, the Backyard Route is a scenic and ecologically numerous area close to Cape City. It stretches 300-kilometers (190 miles) from Mossel Bay (a 5+ hour drive from Cape City), ending in Storms River. You’ll be able to undoubtedly add this to your itinerary you probably have 3 weeks in South Africa. Don’t miss the Addo Elephant Nationwide Park, one of many greatest nationwide parks in South Africa.

Saint Lucia

Residence to the iSimangliso Wetland Park, St Lucia is an journey hub providing numerous out of doors actions and wildlife safari alternatives. Take a cruise within the estuary and spot tons of of hippos and crocodiles,  or go on a whale watching tour to see humpbacks within the Indian Ocean.

Durban

Durban is a hip, coastal metropolis with the vitality and character of an African metropolis intertwined with British heritage and Asian affect. Keep on the iconic Oyster Field Lodge, admire colonial structure in downtown Durban, strive a dish of bunny chow that Durban is oh-so-famous for, or take an extended stroll alongside the beachfront boulevard of Umhlanga Rocks.

Drakensberg Mountains

Recognized affectionately because the Berg, the mighty Drakensberg Mountains are completely spectacular. The rugged mountains are sometimes described as a ‘barrier of spears’, which runs alongside the border of South Africa and Lesotho. We spent just a few days right here when touring to Lesotho and had been completely floored by the dramatic landscapes. 

How A lot Does this South Africa Itinerary Value?

South Africa isn’t an inexpensive vacation spot, however it’s undoubtedly extra inexpensive than most of US, UK and Canada. Automobile rental is reasonable, you could find charges as little as $15/day. Lodging can be inexpensive — you could find luxurious flats on Airbnb for $70/evening.

Nevertheless, wildlife safaris are usually costly, with lodges charging a minimal of $250/evening. Remember the fact that all of your meals, lodging and recreation drives are included. The most affordable 3-day funds safari in Kruger you could find is $450/ individual.

Count on to spend a minimum of $2000 over 2 weeks in South Africa. That is primarily based on midrange lodging and hiring your individual automobile.

Journey South Africa Independently or on Guided Tour?

South Africa is comparatively simple to discover independently, particularly within the space surrounding Cape City. I like to recommend hiring a automobile and doing the South Africa journey by yourself.

Should you don’t drive, it may be simpler to hitch a guided tour. Having a information, particularly within the nationwide parks, could make an enormous distinction as wildlife guides are educated to identify animals and have a wealth of information on wildlife.

On my first journey to South Africa, I went on this 28-day Southern Africa Overland tour with G Adventures. I’ve traveled with G Adventures many occasions (to Antarctica, Brazil, Mongolia and Nepal) and had a blast on each single journey. For these with simply 2 weeks in South Africa, try this 10-day Cape City to Kruger journey. 

Should you’re solely on the lookout for funds tenting safaris, try these funds wildlife safari that embody transport from main cities:

Well being and Vaccines in South Africa

Sure elements of South Africa have malaria and yellow fever dangers. Kruger Nationwide Park, as an example, is a malaria zone. There are just a few prompt vaccinations and drugs for South Africa, however none are necessary. 

For malaria, seek the advice of your physician and convey malaria treatment from dwelling (Malarone is the most well-liked). Notice that they may have negative effects. You’ll want to begin taking them just a few days earlier than your journey and proceed for just a few weeks after your South Africa journey.

Don’t go away this till the final minute. Examine the CDC web site to see what vaccinations you want.

Prompt vaccinations for South Africa:

• Yellow fever
• Meningitis
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis A and B
• Cholera

Get pleasure from Your Journey to South Africa!

2 weeks in South Africa will certainly can help you expertise the perfect of the nation.  I hope this South Africa itinerary will show you how to plan your individual journey. Be happy to bookmark it or print it out and convey this itinerary with you in your South Africa journey.

In our opinion, that is the perfect South Africa street journey you are able to do. It’s the right stability of wildlife, out of doors, historic and cultural experiences. It’s not too rushed and also you’ll get to see South Africa at a cushty tempo.

Make sure you go away a remark beneath you probably have any questions. We’ll be completely satisfied to assist in any manner we are able to!

Disclaimer: This put up comprises affiliate hyperlinks i.e. I’ll get a small fee while you guide something by way of my hyperlinks, at NO additional price to you. I solely advocate corporations I’ve personally used and loved.

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