From breathtaking landscapes to colorful cultures and prolific wildlife in abundance, South Africa truly does offer a land of contrasts that create a journey never to be forgotten. Ranging from an adventure junkie to a nature enthusiast, to history aficionado, these activities on the 14-day itinerary will most definitely give one the real taste of the best this country has to offer. Prepare for a drive through some of the world’s most famous national parks, to some historic cities, and to see the most beautiful coastlines. Here is the ultimate guide to spending two weeks adventuring in South Africa.
South Africa itinerary
Ultimate 10-Day China Itinerary: Explore the Wonders of the Middle Kingdom
Day 1-2: Arrival in Mother City, Cape Town
This is where your South African adventure will kick off: within the beautiful city of Cape Town, with amazing views, interesting history, and vibrant culture. Touch down at Cape Town International and spend the day acclimatizing, relaxing, and getting a sense of the local environment.
You may wish to visit the V&A Waterfront
Start at the V&A Waterfront—an energetic hub of restaurants, shops, and entertainment. There, you can enjoy the seafood and views of Table Mountain and the harbour.
Make a visit to Robben Island.
No visit to Cape Town would be complete without a trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in prison. This UNESCO heritage site forms a big part of South African history and the apartheid struggles.
Table Mountain Hike
The second day will be spent at the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Summit of Table Mountain. From the top, one takes in the views across both city and Atlantic Ocean vistas, with the surrounding mountain ranges falling out as far as the eye can see. If you’re that type of boy, try out one of the many trails to climb up.
Day 3-4: Cape Peninsula – Where Two Oceans Meet
Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope
It is pretty nice to spend just a day on the Cape Peninsula. You can drive in the morning via the wonderful Chapman’s Peak and head right ahead to Cape Point. You will see the views from here, showing where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet dramatized by the cliffs.
Boulders Beach – Penguin Colony
On your way back to Cape Town, stop at Boulders Beach, which is famous for its colony of African Penguins. It’s another of those really weird beaches with a large colony of penguins. You can get even quite near to these beautiful creatures.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Finally, complete your Cape Peninsula tour with a visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. This botanical garden is positioned on the eastern foot of Table Mountain and undoubtedly rates amongst the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world, also representing South African flora.
Days 5-6: Stellenbosch and Cape Winelands
Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch
Spend two days exploring the Cape Winelands. BASE: STELLENBOSCH On offer in this university town are some of the finest examples of Cape Dutch architecture in the world, while the vineyards that ring this university town aren’t too bad either-some of the finest vintages on offer in South Africa. Estates that dot this landscape you explore from Spier to Delaire Graff to Tokara.
Franschhoek – The French Corner
A small drive from Stellenbosch is the charming village, imbued with Huguenot tradition: Franschhoek. This will be a tour of some of the finest vineyards in the valley by the Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on-hop-off service. You must have at least one meal in one of these fine gourmet restaurants of the village that the local wines will exquisitely match to the dishes.
Days 7–8: Garden Route Scenic Drive
Knysna – The Heart of the Garden Route.
Say goodbye to the Cape Winelands, and at the southeastern part, start exploring one of South Africa’s prettiest coastal drives along the Garden Route. Spend the night in Knysna, one of the beautiful little towns situated on the lagoon behind the Knysna Heads. No doubt, you will have interest in boarding a boat tour across the lagoon or going for a hike in the forests nearby.
Tsitsikamma National Park
Continue to Tsitsikamma National Park with an included visit to the Storms River Mouth and suspension bridge. This area is an adventurer’s paradise. Options available to participate in include hiking, kayaking. and guided canopy tours through the majestic indigneous forests.
Day 9-10: Eastern Cape – Safari Time
Addo Elephant National Park.
No real trip to South Africa would be complete without a safari, and Addo Elephant National Park is as fine a place as any to start in the Eastern Cape. With more than 600 African elephants calling the place home, Addo will give an opportunity in wildlife viewing that shall not be forgotten. Pick up a guided game drive for the day, with your camera handy to hold the image.
Private Game Reserves
For a much more intimate experience, book into one of the nearby private game reserves, such as Shamwari or Amakhala. These have ultraluxe accommodations and closer animal interaction with the Big Five.
Day 11-12: Drakensberg Mountains – A Hiker’s Paradise
Royal Natal National Park
The next stage of your journey takes you across the Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and dramatic peak dotted with ancient San rock art. Based near the Royal Natal National Park, spend your days hiking The Amphitheatre, over 5 kilometers of natural wonder.
Sani Pass and Lesotho
Those who love getting a stamp in their passport need only take a 4×4 vehicle and drive up the Sani Pass into the Kingdom of Lesotho. Dubbed as one of the most beautiful and one of the most difficult drives in all of Africa, from the view at the top is simply out of this world. At the top, stop for a drink at the Highest Pub in all of Africa.
Day 13-14: Johannesburg and Soweto – Cultural Trip
Johannesburg – The City of Gold
You will arrive in Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa and its economic powerhouse. You could visit the Apartheid Museum, which narrates so much about how confusing and turbulent this country really is, or you can just go to Maboneng Precinct, a new vibrant area in Johannesburg, full to the brim with street art, cafes, and galleries.
Soweto Township Tour
The visit to Johannesburg would not be complete without a township tour of Soweto, the township that was the backbone in the struggle against apartheid. Journey through Vilakazi Street—the only street with two Nobel Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. Your traveling experience ends with a traditional South African Braai at a local restaurant.
Conclusion: Trip of a Lifetime
Tailor-made 14-day itinerary for an in-depth exploration of South Africa’s most inspiring landscapes, historical treasures, and vibrant culture. From the dizzying views that surround Cape Town to the game-laden bush of the Eastern Cape—sweeping over the Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa holds experiences that last a lifetime. Every day sees new adventures etched into memory, from sampling world-class wines in Stellenbosch to following the Big Five out on safari.
