10 Days in South Africa: Our Recommendations
Home to roaming lions, leopards, rhinos, and elephants, a trip to South Africa offers the opportunity to explore wildlife in a way few countries can match. 10 days in South Africa opens up a lot of opportunities and is a great length of time to traverse mountain ranges, indulge in local culture, and explore the cities. There is no shortage of things to do in South Africa.
The three itineraries listed below are for South Africa in 10 and 11 days.
1. Off the Beaten Path: 10 Days in South Africa
| Day 1 | Arrive in Durban and drive to Umhlanga Rocks on the northern coast |
| Day 2 | Stroll the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Trail, with the chance to spot monkeys and antelopes |
| Day 3 | Pass multiple waterfalls on the scenic drive to Drakensburg where you will stay in a remote lodge |
| Day 4 | Hike around Drakensburg before driving through one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions |
| Day 5 | Drive to Spion Kop, the site of an infamous battle during the 2nd Boer War |
| Day 6 | Further, explore the history of the battlefield or join a game walk into the Spion Kop Game Reserve |
| Day 7 | Enjoy two game drives with amazing views of the Amakhala landscape |
| Day 8 | Take part in two safaris at sunrise and late afternoon in the Nambiti Game Reserve |
| Day 9 | Wake up and do the same, enjoying the best hours to spot wildlife |
| Day 10 | Return to Johannesburg for your onward journey |
When it comes to spending 10 days in South Africa, you will want to see and do it all. On this self-guided tour of north-eastern South Africa, you will experience some of the world’s best-untouched wilderness and drive through dramatic landscapes. Beginning in Durban you will head straight for the stunning northern coast before spending time alongside the imposing Drakensburg. On day five you will venture through gorgeous scenery on your way to Spion Kop where you will learn about the infamous battlefield. Finish up with four days’ worth of epic wilderness safaris. You can check out our 10-day tours in South Africa for more ideas.
2. Garden Route and Cape Town: 10 days in South Africa
| Day 1 | Arrive in Port Elizabeth and head to the Addo Elephant National Park for a safari |
| Day 2 | Visit the beaches at Jeffreys Bay before exploring Storms River Village home to ancient native trees |
| Day 3 | Hike through the Knysna Forest and join a Knysna Lagoon Oyster tour |
| Day 4 | Venture to the Garden of Eden and the world’s largest free-flight aviary, the Birds of Eden |
| Day 5 | Go canoeing on the local river before an optional hike to the St Berlize Lighthouse |
| Day 6 | Kick back the drive through dramatic mountain passes and scenery on your way to Cango Caves |
| Day 7 | Walk through the caves in Arniston and visit the seaside town of Struisbaai |
| Day 8 | Go on an unforgettable shark cage diving adventure and visit a local penguin colony at Stony Point |
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Day 9 |
Head to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, then tour Cape Town and head up to the Table Mountain |
| Day 10 | Take a boat cruise to see the seal colonies at Seal Island, and end with a dinner in Cape Town |
This 10 days in South Africa itinerary is packed with exciting day trips, local culture, and native scenery that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Beginning in Port Elizabeth you will take the aptly named Garden Route along South Africa’s southern coastline. While enjoying luxury accommodation throughout. You will explore ancient forests, visit the largest bird sanctuary on earth and even try your hand at cage diving, with sharks swirling around. On top of that, you will visit Robben Island, and Seal Island before taking a culture and history tour through Cape Town. Contact our local travel experts for a customized tour of South Africa.
3. The Highlights and More: 11 days in South Africa
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cape Town |
| Day 2 | Head to Cape Point for superb views before seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach |
| Day 3 | Fly to Johannesburg and stay at a wilderness lodge near Kruger National Park |
| Day 4 | Take part in a full-day safari with the chance to see Africa’s “Big Five” |
| Day 5 | Return to Kruger National Park for another exciting safari drive |
| Day 6 | Soak in the views along the stunning Panorama Route as you return to Johannesburg |
| Day 7 | Fly to Victoria Falls before venturing into Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe |
| Day 8 | Enjoy a morning and afternoon drive through the park, and keep an eye out for rhinos, antelope, and leopards |
| Day 9 | Savor one last safari drive before exploring the magnificent Victoria Falls |
| Day 10 | Have a free day in Victoria Falls, go whitewater rafting, or take a scenic helicopter ride |
| Day 11 | Depart Victoria Falls for your onward journey |
If you have 10 days in South Africa add one extra day to enjoy a private 11-day tour across the country, with a taste of Zimbabwe thrown in. This itinerary includes some of the top places to visit in South Africa. Between the start and end points in Cape Town and Victoria Falls, you will visit multiple national parks, embarking on unforgettable safari drives. Sometimes having two drives per day, the opportunities to see South Africa’s wildlife are plentiful. Throughout you will spend your night in remote lodges, eating dinner under the stars. While in Zimbabwe on night nine, you will be greeted with traditional Bomo drumming and local cuisine. You can go through our 11-day tours in South Africa for some travel ideas.
10 days in South Africa gives you enough time to explore the country on a variety of interesting and adventurous tours. Aside from the itineraries above you can explore our one week in South Africa and two weeks in South Africa travel guides. You can also find helpful tips in our how long to spend in South Africa article. If you want to view all your options for a trip to South Africa, get in contact with our travel experts today for a custom trip to South Africa.
Check out our travel guide on the best time to visit South Africa for more information.
