Itinerary
- Day 1
Departure
Head to the airport and get through check-in and security for your flight to Johannesburg. This is a long journey, so get settled in and make yourself comfortable for the flight ahead.
- Day 2
Johannesburg
After landing in South Africa, pick up your rental car and head into Johannesburg to get a feel for the city. Stop by Nelson Mandela Square for dinner, then check out the Neighbourgoods Market if you're arriving on a weekend. Take a walk through Maboneng to see the street art and browse the shops, then finish the evening with drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the city.
Included Activities
- Rental car pickup
Optional Activities
- South African dinner at Nelson Mandela Square
- Neighbourgoods Market visit (weekend)
- Maboneng neighborhood exploration
- Rooftop bar sundowner
Landmarks Nelson Mandela Square Neighbourgoods Market Maboneng - Day 3
Johannesburg to Phalaborwa (Kruger National Park)
Drive from Johannesburg toward Kruger National Park, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the way to stretch your legs. Visit the Blyde River Canyon for great photo opportunities before arriving at your accommodation near Kruger. Settle in, relax by the pool, and rest up before your safari starts tomorrow.
Included Activities
- Blyde River Canyon viewpoint visit
Optional Activities
- Scenic viewpoint stops along the route
Landmarks Blyde River Canyon - Day 4
Kruger National Park Self-Drive Safari
Head out on your self-drive safari through Kruger National Park in your rental car. You'll see elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes gathered at waterholes throughout the park. Spend the day driving at your own pace and soaking in the wildlife and landscape around you.
Included Activities
- Self-drive safari through Kruger National Park
Optional Activities
- Morning safari through Kruger National Park
- Full day safari through Kruger National Park
- Evening safari through Kruger National Park
Landmarks Kruger National Park - Day 5
Kruger National Park Safari & Relaxation
Continue looking for the Big Five today, searching for leopards in shaded areas and lions roaming across the savannah. After your morning and afternoon drives, head back to the lodge and cool off by the pool with views over the African wilderness. By evening, grab sunset drinks under the stars and watch the light fade over the park.
Included Activities
- Safari game viewing in Kruger National Park
Optional Activities
- Morning safari through Kruger National Park
- Full day safari through Kruger National Park
- Evening safari through Kruger National Park
Landmarks Kruger National Park - Day 6
Phalaborwa to Johannesburg
Leave Kruger National Park and drive back toward Johannesburg, passing through savannah landscapes and catching final glimpses of wildlife along the way. Check into an airport hotel near Jo'burg for a quiet evening before you fly to the Garden Route tomorrow.
Included Activities
- Rental car drive from Kruger to Johannesburg
- Day 7
Johannesburg to Plettenberg Bay
Fly from Johannesburg to Gqeberha and pick up a fresh rental car, then head straight to Tsitsikamma National Park. Walk the suspension bridges and explore the dense forests and wild coastlines, taking in the views. Later, drive to Plettenberg Bay where you can walk barefoot on Lookout Beach and explore the lagoon as the day winds down.
Included Activities
- Tsitsikamma National Park suspension bridges
Optional Activities
- Zipline through treetops at Tsitsikamma (30 meters high)
- Lookout Beach walk
- Lagoon exploration
Landmarks Tsitsikamma National Park Lookout Beach - Day 8
Plettenberg Bay
Spend today exploring Plettenberg Bay at your own pace. Choose one of three trails in the Robberg Nature Reserve—The Gap, Witsand, or The Point—and hike through clifftop scenery. Watch for the massive seal colony and keep an eye out for dolphins and whales in the distance, or just relax on the beach if you prefer a quieter day.
Optional Activities
- Robberg Nature Reserve hiking trails (The Gap, Witsand, The Point)
- Robberg Nature Reserve boat tour and seal swimming
Landmarks Robberg Nature Reserve - Day 9
Plettenberg Bay to Mossel Bay
Drive along the scenic Garden Route toward Mossel Bay, stopping at Wilderness National Park to check out the rock formations, reflective lakes, waterfalls, and natural pools. Continue to Mossel Bay for beach time at the Inner and Outer Pools, visit the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse for coastal views, and watch for whales and dolphins if you're traveling between May and October.
Included Activities
- Wilderness National Park visit
Optional Activities
- Giant Kingfisher Trail hike at Wilderness
- Canoe or kayak in Wilderness National Park
- Surfing at Inner and Outer Pools in Mossel Bay
- Surf school lesson
- Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse visit
Landmarks Wilderness National Park Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse - Day 10
Mossel Bay to Swellendam
Drive toward Swellendam, which sits at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. When you arrive, head into the Marloth Nature Reserve and hike through the dense forests, past hidden waterfalls and natural pools. Keep an eye out for rare birds and other wildlife you might encounter on the trails.
Included Activities
- Marloth Nature Reserve hiking
Landmarks Marloth Nature Reserve - Day 11
Swellendam & Hermanus
Travel to the coastal town of Hermanus and experience its laid-back vibe with cool cafes and beachfront shops. The highlight here is whale watching from the cliffs—bring binoculars and look out for marine giants to emerge from the waves right in front of you, particularly if conditions are favorable.
Optional Activities
- Whale watching from cliffs in Hermanus
- Whale watching boat tour in Hermanus Bay
- Dolphin and whale watching in Hermanus Bay
Landmarks Hermanus - Day 12
Swellendam to Stellenbosch
Drive from Swellendam to Stellenbosch along beautiful roads with rolling mountain ranges on either side. Consider taking the scenic Franschhoek Pass detour if you have time. Once in Stellenbosch, wander through the Cape Dutch architecture, stop at cozy cafes, and visit a wine estate for a tasting session.
Optional Activities
- Franschhoek Pass scenic detour
- Wine tasting at a winery
Landmarks Warwick Wine Estate Stellenbosch - Day 13
Stellenbosch to Cape Town
Drive to Cape Town and head straight to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, where you'll find street performers, hip shops, and cafes. See Table Mountain up close, ride the Cape Wheel for 360-degree city views, or explore the historic Castle of Good Hope depending on what interests you most.
Included Activities
- Victoria and Alfred Waterfront visit
Optional Activities
- Cape Wheel ride
- Castle of Good Hope visit
Landmarks Victoria and Alfred Waterfront Table Mountain Castle of Good Hope - Day 14
Cape Point
Drive to Boulders Beach to see the African penguin colony perched among large granite rocks in turquoise water. After that, head to Cape Point and walk or take the cog railway up to the cliff-top viewing platform for incredible views of False Bay, Diaz Beach, and the Cape of Good Hope.
Included Activities
- Boulders Beach penguin visit
Optional Activities
- Cog railway ride up Cape Point
Landmarks Boulders Beach Cape Point Cape of Good Hope - Day 15
Cape Town Activities
Spend the day on your own terms in Cape Town, either trying the waves at one of the city's surf breaks with a surf school or relaxing at beach cafes with coffee and sand between your toes. Later, pack some wine and head to Signal Hill for sunset. Try to catch the famous yellow 'Table Mountain Frame' photo as the sun sets behind the Waterfront.
Optional Activities
- Surfing lessons at Cape Town beaches
- Signal Hill sunset experience
Landmarks Signal Hill - Day 16
Departure
Return your rental car and head to the airport for your departure flight, taking with you all the memories from your time exploring safari, beaches, and African landscapes.
Included Activities
- Rental car return
- Day 17
Arrival Home
Touch down at home and settle back into everyday life, though your thoughts will likely drift back to the safari, beaches, and sunsets you experienced. Share your travel stories with friends and family and start planning your next adventure.
