3-Week South Africa Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week South Africa tour itineraries

Compiled by

NadineSouth Africa travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Days in South Africa, incl. Johannesburg and Cape Town

  A 21-day South African adventure spans 25 destinations. Get up close to wildlife at Kruger National Park, ascend Cape Town's Table Mountain, sip wines in Stellenbosch, and cruise the Garden Route, with accommodations ranging from traditional beehive huts to comfortable lodges.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Drakensberg Mountains

    Leave Johannesburg for a 4.5-hour drive to the Drakensberg, the world's oldest mountain range. "The local guides in the Drakensberg were top of the range - we saw so much wildlife and they couldn't do enough for us." Plan for a moderate 4-5 hour guided hike. Bring sturdy shoes since paths get slippery after rain. You can choose from several turnaround points based on your fitness level.

    
  • Days 3-5

    St. Lucia & Wildlife Viewing

    Stop at the historic Rorke's Drift battlefield on your way to St. Lucia. Start your day with a game drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, known for having Africa's largest rhino population. Take a hippo cruise on the estuary at 4pm for the best wildlife spotting. If you're visiting between November and February you can join night walks to see nesting leatherback turtles.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary, Eswatini

    Cross into Eswatini and spend your nights in traditional beehive huts at Mlilwane. Since there are no predators here you can take morning walks among zebras and nyalas. "Visiting Mlilwane nature reserve where we could walk amongst the wildlife was a highlight."

    
  • Days 8-9

    Kruger National Park

    Get ready for serious Big 5 viewing in Kruger. Early morning game drives give you the best chance to spot predators. Bring warm clothes for those chilly dawn rides in open vehicles. In the afternoon head to Sabie River to watch animals drink. "Seeing an elephant crossing the road in front of the jeep and on another day seeing a lion cross the road were unforgettable moments."

    
  • Days 10-13

    Cape Town & Winelands

    Take a flight to Cape Town. Book the 9am Robben Island ferry for the most reliable trip. Start your Table Mountain hike by 7am to beat the heat. It takes 3-4 hours to reach the top. Take time to explore Cape Peninsula. Visit Stellenbosch for its Dutch architecture and wineries. Wine tasting rooms are less busy in the afternoon.

    
  • Days 14-15

    Whale Coast & Cape Agulhas

    Visit the penguins at Stony Point in Betty's Bay instead of the crowded Boulder's Beach. If you're there from July to November watch whales from the Hermanus shore. Visit Cape Agulhas where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. Take the scenic drive through Tradouw Pass to reach Barrydale.

    
  • Days 16-18

    Garden Route

    Start at Cango Caves before the crowds arrive. Check out the Knysna Heads viewpoint on your way to Plettenberg Bay. The Robberg Nature Reserve trails need good walking shoes. Keep an eye out for dolphins and seals in the water.

    
  • Days 19-21

    Tsitsikamma & Addo

    Walk across the suspended bridges in Tsitsikamma National Park. Finish your trip with game drives in Addo Elephant National Park. Book morning drives to see elephants. "The 5am game drive was worth the early start - we saw entire elephant families coming to the waterholes."

    

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• 21 Day Southern Africa Itinerary, incl. Cape Town and Victoria Falls

  Three countries unfold over 21 days, starting at Cape Town's Table Mountain. Visit 4 national parks including Kruger and Chobe, rest at 8 luxury lodges, and enjoy 15+ guided activities from Orange River canoeing to Victoria Falls cruises.

  

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  • Days 1-4

    Cape Town & Garden Route

    Begin your journey in Cape Town before traveling east on Route 62, South Africa's longest wine route. Stop in Oudtshoorn to visit ostrich farms and explore the impressive Cango Caves. You'll need good shoes for the cave steps. Move on to Mossel Bay and try the Cape St. Blaize hiking trail. It's best to start early to avoid the heat. Visit Tsitsikamma National Park's coastal suspension bridges for great views. A light raincoat is useful since Garden Route weather can change quickly.

    
  • Days 5-7

    Orange River & Fish River Canyon

    Travel north through the Cederberg Region to see unique Rooibos tea plantations. Cross to Namibia at the Orange River and enjoy peaceful morning canoe trips. Fish River Canyon is perfect for sunset viewing. Bring a tripod if you're into photography. A TourRadar traveler said: "Watching the sunrise over Fish River Canyon was incredible. Get up early and hike to the viewpoint before the day heats up."

    
  • Days 8-10

    Namib Desert & Sossusvlei

    Experience the Namib Desert's heart. Climb Dune 45 with closed shoes because the sand gets hot. Take the 4x4 to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei early before the intense heat. Plan hikes for morning hours and carry 3 liters of water per person. Listen for barking geckos at night.

    
  • Days 11-13

    Swakopmund & Damaraland

    Visit Walvis Bay's flamingo lagoons and the adventure hub of Swakopmund. Pack warm clothes for the Skeleton Coast drive to Cape Cross Seal Colony. Look for desert elephants in Damaraland during early morning or late afternoon.

    
  • Days 14-17

    Kruger National Park

    Fly to Kruger and stay at a lodge for wildlife viewing. Game drives start around 5:30am when animals are active. One visitor noted: "The afternoon drives gave us amazing lion sightings, but bring warm layers - it gets surprisingly cold on the open vehicles." Visit God's Window and Blyde River Canyon on the Panorama Route.

    
  • Days 18-21

    Victoria Falls & Chobe

    Finish at Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park in Botswana. Visit the Falls early for misty rainbows. Take an afternoon river cruise in Chobe to see animals drinking. Pack sunglasses and a bandana for the dusty game drives.

    

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• 20 Day South Africa Itinerary, incl. Johannesburg and Cape Town

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Johannesburg & Panorama Route

    Begin with the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg. The next day take an early start to the Panorama Route. Leave by 7 AM to avoid crowds at God's Window. The Three Rondavels viewpoint has perfect lighting for photos around 10 AM after the morning mist clears.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Kruger National Park Safari

    Get out by 5:30 AM for morning game drives when predators are hunting. Bring warm clothes as mornings get cold even in summer. The central area near Skukuza offers great wildlife spotting. Plan afternoon drives from 3:30-6:30 PM to see elephants gathering at waterholes.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Swaziland (Eswatini)

    Get to the border early to avoid lines. Visit Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary for walking safaris but bring good shoes for muddy trails. Check out local markets in the morning to see craft demonstrations. "The traditional dance performances at sunset were incredibly moving - bring small denominations of local currency to show appreciation."

    
  • Days 7-8

    St. Lucia & Hluhluwe

    Take a morning boat trip on St. Lucia Estuary to see hippos. Sit on the right side for better photos. Drive the hilltop loops in Hluhluwe for wildlife viewing. Look for rhinos near Memorial Gate.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Drakensberg Mountains

    Plan extra time for the steep drive up if roads are wet. The Tugela Gorge hike in Royal Natal National Park takes 4-6 hours. Start early and pack water. Visit the Amphitheatre viewpoint before noon to beat the clouds.

    
  • Days 11-12

    Lesotho

    You need a 4x4 for the Sani Pass which takes 2-3 hours. Take it slow at first since the 3,000m altitude affects many people. Book Basotho village visits through your lodge for the best experience.

    
  • Days 13-15

    Eastern Cape & Tsitsikamma

    Split up the long drive from Lesotho with a stop in Cradock. Visit the suspension bridges before 9 AM to avoid crowds. "The waterfall hike can be slippery - bring proper hiking shoes and use the walking sticks provided."

    
  • Days 16-20

    Cape Town & Surrounds

    Book Table Mountain tickets for your first clear morning since the cable car often closes in wind. Start your Cape Peninsula day at Boulders Beach to see penguins before crowds arrive. Skip the Cape Point funicular after 11 AM when lines get long. Spend your final days in Cape Town and get last-minute gifts at the V&A Waterfront.

    

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