This 15-day itinerary for visiting South Africa will give you a good overview of the country's riches. It's designed to take in some of South Africa's most beautiful sites, at a pace that allows you to enjoy each visit. It covers the entire country from north-east to south-west.
To follow this program, you'll need to land at Johannesburg's OR Tambo airport, then leave the country via Cape Town International Airport. By organizing your trip in this way, you'll be able to cover a much greater distance in the country than if you had to arrive and leave via the same airport.
Days 1 and 2: Arrival in Johannesburg
You'll land at Johannesburg airport. As South Africa's largest airport, it's well supplied with services of all kinds, so you'll have no trouble finding a cab, a prepaid SIM card for your mobile or a car rental service. Spend a couple of nights in South Africa's business capital, so you can see the sights and not rush off after what will surely have been an exhausting flight.
Visit the city's museums
Johannesburg is a very big city with a lot to do, especially in terms of culture. It's a good starting point for your 15-day South Africa itinerary, as you can familiarize yourself with the country's complex history. Of particular interest is the Apartheid Museum. It illustrates the rise and fall of segregationism through fascinating collections. If you're interested in this period, you can also visit the Hector Pieterson Museum, inaugurated by Nelson Mandela to bear witness to the struggle against apartheid. The MuseuMAfrica is also a great place to learn more about the country's history, and that of the continent as a whole. If you're interested in South African culture, the Wits Art Museumis also well worth a visit.
Last but not least, it's not a museum, but Constitution Hill is a must if you're interested in history. This is South Africa's new Constitutional Court, built within the Old Fort Prison, infamous for locking up political activists such as Mandela and Gandhi.
Activity to book: We recommend that you book this multi-stop bus tour with an optional tour of Soweto, which will take you to all the must-see places in Johannesburg.
Explore Soweto
Soweto is one of Johannesburg's most famous neighborhoods, whose name is a contraction of Southern Western Townships. Townships were poor, run-down neighborhoods reserved for people of color. The district played a crucial role in the struggle against apartheid, as it was the site of several clashes and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, whose house is now a museum, and Desmond Tutu, who wanted to turn South Africa into a " rainbow country ". Even today, the district is a cultural hub, worth exploring on a guided tour.
Stroll through the Botanical Gardens
Johannesburg's Botanical Gardens are the city's green lung, making them a sustainable destination. Here you can admire exotic plant species, representing not only South African but also international flora. Paved walkways invite you to enjoy a pleasant stroll.
Eat at the Neighbourgoods market
The Neighbourgoods market is a bustling market in the heart of the city. You'll find plenty of South African produce to pack into your suitcase, but above all it's the ideal place to sample local specialties, prepared by top-quality restaurateurs. The market is held every Saturday morning.
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Must-read article: What to see and do in South Africa? The 25 must-sees
Days 3 and 4: exploring the Blyde River Canyon
Leave Johannesburg first thing in the morning, as it's almost 5 hours' drive to the Blyde River Canyon. But in reality, the drive can take all day, as you'll be driving along the Panorama Roadone of the most beautiful roads in the world, punctuated by numerous places to stop and admire the scenery. By public transport, the journey is more grueling, as you'll have to take the bus to Nelspruit, but timetables are often restrictive.
Drive on the Panorama Road
The road from Johannesburg to Blyde River Canyon may be long, but it's a journey in itself. The Panorama Road boasts many interesting natural sites. Stop off at Lisbon Fall or Berlin Fall, two beautiful waterfalls, or at God's Window, which offers a breathtaking view over the valley. There are also off-the-beaten-track sites to explore.
Hike around the canyon
The Blyde River Canyon boasts a number of breathtaking and often highly scenic hikes. The most famous of these is the Leopard Traila 3 to 4-hour hike that offers views of the canyon's red cliffs. It's a hike that requires some effort, as it includes some elevation changes.
Activity to book the Blyde River Canyon is the third-largest canyon in the world: the scenery inside the canyon is breathtaking. We therefore recommend that you book this guided tour of the Blyde River Canyon.
Good to know would you like to opt for a personalized travel itinerary in South Africa? We recommend that you request a free quote right here. A tailor-made, responsible trip, direct with the best local agencies, awaits you!
Days 5, 6 and 7: Kruger National Park
Continue your itinerary for visiting South Africa in 15 days by heading for Kruger National Park. It's just a 2-hour drive from Blyde River Canyon. By public transport, the journey is complicated, so if you want to make the trip without a car, you'll need to hire a shuttle or a private driver. Spend three nights on site, in wilderness accommodation. Some ecolodges allow you to sleep in the heart of this green destination while protecting it. There are also luxury glamping accommodations in the heart of nature, ideal for honeymooners.
Take a three-day safari
The Kruger National Park is home to one of the world's finest safaris. It's home to the "big 5", five large mammals you may be lucky enough to spot: buffalo, leopard, lion, rhino and elephant. That's why it's worth spending at least three days in this protected area, one of the most beautiful natural parks in the world.
Several operators offer this safari by car, buggy or 4x4. This way, you'll be able to cover a larger area of this immense natural zone, and increase your chances of spotting wild animals for a memorable trip to South Africa. The ideal time to set off is very early in the morning, to maximize your chances of seeing the "big 5".
The safari to book: Experience the thrill of seeing animals up close in an open 4x4 vehicle and discover Kruger National Park with a knowledgeable guide by booking this full-day safari in Kruger National Park.
You can also extend your Kruger National Park experience by exploring one of the surrounding private reserves. They share their borders with the national park, so animals do roam, but they are private, and offer other advantages, not least a limited number of vehicles on site. The Manyeleti private reserve, in particular, is one of the most beautiful in Africa.
Days 8 to 11: Visit Cape Town
To continue your itinerary for visiting South Africa in 15 days, return to Johannesburg airport, where you'll catch a domestic flight to Cape Town. As South Africa's major sites of interest are located in the north-east and south-west, flying allows you to connect them without spending several full days in the car. Spend three nights here, as Cape Town is one of Africa's must-see destinations.
Climb to the top of Table Mountain
Cape Town is a city rich in both culture and nature. It is surrounded by mountains, including Table Mountain. To get to the top of this iconic peak, there is a cable car or several hiking trails. From up there, you'll have a spectacular view of the city and the Indian Ocean. Among other mountains, you can also climb the Lion's Headan easier hike, feasible even if you're traveling with a baby, and popular for sunrise and sunset.
Activity to book: We recommend that you book this multi-stop bus tour which will take you to all the must-see places in Cape Town.
Visit the Bo-Kaap district
The Bo-Kaap district is one of the city's most photogenic. It's made up of colorful houses from the days when the area was populated by Malay slaves. When they were emancipated, they painted their houses in all kinds of colors. Don't miss the Bo-Kaap museum, which tells the story of this area and of the Malay Muslim community. The Auwal mosque, the first to be built in South Africa in 1794, is also worth a visit. But color isn't just on the walls of the houses, it's also on the plate, as Bo-Kaap is a neighborhood with many restaurants, where you can sample local specialties such as Bobotie.
Visit the V&A Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is the city's port district, and also one of its most popular tourist destinations. Here you'll find a wealth of stores, restaurants, museums and cafés. From here, you can take the ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
Take a trip to the Cape of Good Hope
The famous Cape of Good Hope is protected as a national park, and is itself criss-crossed by numerous footpaths. It's a highly romantic destination that will leave you longing for more. On your way to the Cape of Good Hope, stop off at Boulder Beach, home to an endangered species: the Cape penguin.
Activities to book: We recommend that you book this guided tour of the Cape of Good Hope from Cape Town. You' ll discover the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and witness a live encounter with these fascinating creatures.
Take an excursion to Franschhoek or Stellenbosch
Cape Town is surrounded on one side by ocean, on the other by vineyards. Franschhoek and Stellenbosch are two of the country's most famous vineyards, not to be missed on your 15-day South Africa itinerary. Allow around 1 hour's drive for both. On site, you can visit the winegrowers, try a tasting, or walk between the vineyards.
Activities to book: We recommend that you book this guided wine tour from Cape Town. You'll explore the Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch wine regions and visit 3 estates. The activity also includes a wine tasting and a guided walk through Stellenbosch.
Day 12: Whale watching in Hermanus
Continue your 15-day South Africa itinerary by leaving Cape Town forHermanus, where you'll spend the night. By car, it's a 2-hour drive. It's a tricky drive without a car, but you can hire a private driver.
Embark on a sightseeing boat trip
Hermanus is one of the best whale-watching spots in the world, and certainly the best in South Africa. The whale season runs from June to November, when the cetaceans calve on the coast. You can even watch them from land! But the best way to see them is on board a boat that gets as close to them as possible, keeping a safe distance. On these excursions, you're also likely to see dolphins or seals.
Activities to book: Would you like to discover the moving spectacle of whales in their natural environment? Go here to book your whale-watching excursion by boat in Hermanus.
Hike around Hermanus
Hermanus was once a small fishing village, now a prosperous town. But its surroundings remain quite natural, and are criss-crossed by numerous trails. The Cliff Path12 km long, is one of the best-known, and allows you to observe both marine and terrestrial fauna. On the outskirts of town, the Fernkloof Nature Reserve is also a walking paradise.
Days 13 and 14: discover the Garden Route
Drive to Mossel Bay, which marks the start of the GardenRoute. It's a 3.5-hour drive from Hermanus. Spend two nights here.
Drive the Garden Route
The Garden Route is one of the continent's most beautiful roads, not to be missed on a 15-day tour of South Africa. It lends itself equally well to a road-trip by motorcycle or car. It stretches from Mossel Bay to Storms River, a little over 200 km in length, for a total driving time of 2 hours 30 minutes. There are two options: you can do the whole route, but then head back to Cape Town airport for your return flight, or you can base yourself in Mossel Bay, at the western end of the route, and visit only the western part. Mossel Bay itself offers many interesting activities, especially for diving and hiking enthusiasts.
Along the Garden Route, don't miss Wilderness and its magnificent beaches, Knysna and its cliffs plunging into lagoons, Plettenberg Bay and its animal sanctuaries, or Tsitsikamma National Park, with its zip lines and suspension bridges. There are also several excellent surf spots along the way.
Day 15: Departure from Cape Town
It's already the end of your 15-day South Africa itinerary. It's time to leave the Garden Route to return to Cape Town and catch your flight home. If you're based in Mossel Bay, this will take you around 4 hrs 30 min, rising to 7 hrs if you're further east along the route. Again, it's difficult to make this journey by public transport.
