South Africa in One Week: 4 Recommended 1-week Itineraries to South Africa

Going on a wildlife safari and spotting the Big Five might be an experience of a lifetime for many, although it is merely a prelude to a 2 weeks trip to South Africa. With a fortnight at hand, you can go on game drives in Kruger and Addo, keep an eye out for whales off the coast of Hermanus and visit Stellenbosch for wine tasting. Go on a hiking trip if you want to get closer to nature. Serious hikers will enjoy the Otter Trail, while Golden Gate offers numerous easygoing trails for novices. You will find plenty of things to do in South Africa.

Embark on an unforgettable 12-day South Africa tour, where you cover the contrasting landscapes from the vibrant streets of Cape Town to the untamed wilderness of Kruger National Park. Marvel at the breathtaking views from Table Mountain, witness the majesty of the Big Five on thrilling safaris, and sip world-class wines in the picturesque Cape Winelands. Traverse the dramatic landscapes of the Drakensberg Mountains, experience the vibrant Zulu culture in KwaZulu-Natal, and relax on the golden beaches of Durban. With a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and urban adventures, spending 12 days in South Africa promises an extraordinary expedition through one of Africa's most captivating countries.

With 10 days in South Africa, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure through this dynamic and beautiful country. Imagine safari game drives in Kruger National Park, tasting world-class wines in Stellenbosch, and exploring the vibrant streets of Cape Town under the shadow of Table Mountain. From wildlife encounters to stunning coastlines and rich cultural experiences, a 10-day trip lets you dive into South Africa’s wonders, offering a perfect mix of thrill and relaxation that will leave you craving more of the Rainbow Nation. Cap off your 10-day South Africa tour with a safari in the legendary Kruger National Park, home to the "Big Five" and countless other wildlife.

South Africa is home to vibrant culture, rich wildlife and scenic landscapes, making it the perfect destination for a 9-day adventure. Embarking on a 9-day journey in South Africa allows travelers to dive deep into its rich offerings, from the iconic Table Mountain to thrilling safaris in Kruger National Park. Whether you wish to explore Cape Town and its vineyards, engage in thrilling wildlife experiences, or savor the culinary delights of Johannesburg, there are countless 9-day trips in South Africa to consider.

South Africa is a destination that promises an unforgettable experience. Even if you have just 6 days in South Africa, the country offers diverse possibilities, from enjoying the cosmopolitan vibes of Cape Town to exploring the picturesque Winelands and to spotting wildlife on a thrilling safari adventure in Kruger National Park. A well-planned itinerary can allow you to soak in all the highlights, so here are our recommended 6-day trips in South Africa that blend culture, adventure, and natural wonders.

If you’re looking for a country with sunshine, adventure, wildlife, and wine, these South Africa itineraries will have you racing to plan your next trip. In one unforgettable vacation, experience exhilarating face-to-face encounters with wildlife as you search for the Big Five during your trip to Kruger National Park, gape at the jaw-dropping natural scenery of the Western Cape, spot whales off the coast, and then relax as you cruise the world’s longest wine route in search of the best wineries South Africa has to offer. There are a lot of things to do in South Africa. If you have the time, a South Africa itinerary is bound to astound!

South Africa has a long-standing reputation for the very best high-end wilderness adventures. While the wildlife-rich country is already acclaimed for the regular safaris offered in its several national parks, a luxurious safari in South Africa is the crème de la crème of safari opportunities around the world. Expect the highest comfort, the best of game-drive action, a gourmet menu, and a more personalized experience overall from these luxury trips. Pick one of the suggested luxury safari itineraries below or use them as a guide to craft a customized luxury safari trip to South Africa. The safari trip of your dreams awaits.

There’s a 300-kilometer stretch of coastal road on the south west tip of South Africa regarded as the most beautiful region in the country. Known as The Garden Route, the road trip gets its name from the Garden Route National Park that it covers, and the diverse vegetation and wildlife, and abundance of lagoons, lakes, mountains, forests, and beaches along its winding roads. Home to almost a dozen nature and marine reserves, a road trip on the Garden Route offers plenty of opportunities for activities along the way, from hiking to eco and whale watching tours, to exploring caves and deserted sandy beaches. The route meanders between the Indian Ocean and the Tsitsikamma and Outeniqua mountain ranges, creating contrasting, yet equally stunning views on either side. The lush greenery of the indigenous forests meets the jagged cliffs and the sprawling coastal vistas, producing the type of panoramic views only found in magazines.

At 850 kilometers, Route 62 in South Africa is considered to be the longest wine route in the world. It is the historic inland route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, connecting the east and west coasts of the country. Route 62 passes through the Cape Winelands and the Klein Karoo and is said to be the shorter, more scenic alternative to the N2 highway, and less-commercial than the famous Garden Route. A window to the real South African countryside, Route 62 allows travellers to anticipate adventure, dramatic landscapes, and friendly towns. A postcard perfect journey altogether, Route 62 is one of the road trips in South Africa that should be on your bucket-list if you have a knack for the uncommon.

Jagged cliffs running along stunningly scenic coastlines, cities framed by sky-high mountains, lush indigenous forests, golden sand beaches and prides of lions basking in the afternoon sun — a South Africa tour offers all that and more. When here, it’s not really a question of what to do, but more of a question of what to do first. Relax with a game of golf and a laid-back wine tasting, indulge in a thrilling surf session, experience a heart-pumping safari and top it off with the biggest adrenaline rush of your life as you jump from the highest bridge bungee in the world. The diversity of landscapes, people, culture and activities in South Africa will leave you asking for more. Here are a list of top 13 things to do in South Africa:

The oldest official trekking trail in South Africa — the Otter Trail is the best trek in the country. Located entirely inside the Tsitsikamma National Park, the trail is right in the middle of the famous Garden Route, another one of South Africa’s most famous attractions. The diversity of the route is what makes it so unique. The Otter trekking trail winds along breathtaking coastal cliffs, in addition to dense and untouched forests, offering trekkers the best of both worlds. Admire the striking rock outcrops, explore the caves, or go for a dip in one of the naturally formed rock pools while trekking here on your trip to South Africa. Piled high with fauna and flora and graced with impressive waterfalls, and many rivers and streams, this is a place of pure, uninhibited beauty. Over the course of the trek, visitors can enjoy bird watching, wildlife spotting, and tidal pool paddling. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the Cape Clawed Otter, for which the trail was named!

From wildlife watching to urban sightseeing and beachy weather, South Africa is a land of unparalleled natural beauty and thrilling activities. And if you want to enjoy the warm, calm and pleasant weather before it gets too crowded, visiting South Africa in November is an excellent plan. Discover nature reserves in the northern part of the country, like Timbavati or Ithala, or sail around Hermanus while whales are still there. South Africa’s weather in November is great for sunbathing and this is the best time for birdwatchers as well.