One Week in South Africa: Our Recommendations
In addition to its ‘Big Five’ population, a trip to South Africa will include jaw-dropping coastlines, sun-soaked beaches, dramatic mountains, and idyllic towns. If you plan it well, then one week in South Africa is enough time to explore the country’s world-class wilderness, go on stunning road trips and sample its underrated wineries. Check out our 5 to 8-day itineraries below to gather ideas about the things to do in South Africa.
- Mark Bromley
- From USA
1. Northern Drakensberg Tour: 5 days in South Africa
South Africa offers hiking trails that are fit for anyone
| Day 1 | Retrace the footsteps of dinosaurs in Maluti-Drakensberg range |
| Day 2 | Hike the dramatic sandstone cliffs of Golden Gate Highlands |
| Day 3 | Trek to the summit of Drakensberg |
| Day 4 | Cover the highlights of Royal Natal National Park |
| Day 5 | See the famous Amphitheatre in Tugela Gorge |
See the best of South Africa on foot and turn each daily hike into a new adventure with this trip to the Maluti-Drakensberg range. Starting off in Clarens, you will enter the Drakensberg Mountains where dinosaurs once roamed free. Continue to Golden Gate Highlands Park, where imposing, ochre-hued sandstone cliffs jostle for your attention with diverse and unique flora and fauna. Summit Drakensberg via its iconic chain ladder, then head off to Tugela Gorge, home to the awe-inspiring Amphitheatre, a South African landmark. See tours.
2. Kruger Experience: 6 days in South Africa
| Day 1 | Arrive in Johannesburg, relax or explore the city |
| Day 2 | Rise and shine for a trip to Greater Kruger, enjoy a game drive |
| Day 3 | Chase the ‘Big Five’ in Kruger |
| Day 4 | Enjoy scenery along Panorama Route |
| Day 5 | Have a free day in Greater Kuger |
| Day 6 | Go on guided bush walk, return to Johannesburg |
Combine game drives in one of the world’s most sought-after wildlife destinations with the scenic Panorama Route during this six-day trip. Your first safari experience is on the second day of this trip at a wildlife reserve abutting Kruger. Chase the ‘Big Five in Kruger the day after. Done with nature reserves, you will then drive through South Africa’s must-see highlight along the Panorama Route before heading back to Johannesburg. See tours.
3. Venda Cultural Experience & Safari: 7 days in South Africa
| Day 1 | Arrive in Johannesburg |
| Day 2 | Drive your rental car to Bela-Bela, stay in private game reserve |
| Day 3 | Leave Bela-Bela for exciting cultural experience in Limpopo |
| Day 4 | Learn more about Makushu culture |
| Day 5 | Explore Kruger on your own, spend the night in a hut |
| Day 6 | Check into bush lodge in Phalaborwa |
| Day 7 | Visit Mpumalanga province, return to Johannesburg |
Enjoy an all-round culture and adventure experience during your one week in South Africa with this self-driving trip. Take the road less travelled as you explore the country’s hidden gems and learn more about local cultures and traditions along the way. Stay at a private game reserve in Bela-Bela, known for its hot springs, and be part of an exciting cultural experience in Limpopo. Continue to Phalaborwa, where you will spend the night in a bush lodge, before returning to Johannesburg via scenic Mpumalanga province. See tours.
4. Cape Town, Garden Route and Vineyards: 8 days in South Africa
| Day 1 | Begin with a trip to Cape Town, where you will head to the Western Cape for cheese & wine tastings |
| Day 2 | Enjoy a wonderful road trip to the Du Toits Kloof Mountains passing picturesque towns and vineyards |
| Day 3 | Explore the Cango Caves before driving over the Meeringspoort Pass towards Addo Elephant National Park |
| Day 4 | Experience a game drive in the national park where you may spot elephants, rhinos and lions |
| Day 5 | Hike through Tsitsikamma National Park where stunning views of the Storms River Mouth awaits |
| Day 6 | Have a free-roam day with the option of dining on a double-decker floating restaurant |
| Day 7 | Adventure around the southernmost point of the African continent where you will enjoy local wine and a historic lighthouse |
| Day 8 | Return to Cape Town for your onward journey |
Unique experiences unfold amid picture-postcard scenery during this eight-day tour. Having enjoyed wine and cheese in Paarl, one of South Africa’s premiere wine regions, you will drive through the Cape Winelands to Oudtshoorn. While there, head for the Cango Caves, located at the foothills of the Swartberg. A game drive in Addo Elephant National Park is followed by a trip to Knysna, a scenic location along the famous Garden Route known for its rocky outcrops dotting and dashing into the ocean. Spend the last night of this tour in Hermanus, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic and pods of whales drift off the coast. See tours.
