Travel guide for 10 day South Africa itinerary

Often dubbed the Rainbow Nation as a result of its rich cultural diversity, South Africa is a land of contrasts that offers visitors experiences that are as varied as they are unforgettable. As a result, you might be wondering whether it’s possible to do the country justice in a relatively short timeframe. In good news, with careful planning, having 10 days at your disposal will allow you to enjoy a whopping range of experiences — from exhilarating safari adventures, to uncovering culture in cities — as demonstrated by this 10 day South Africa itinerary travel guide.

Is 10 days enough in South Africa?

As mentioned above — and revealed below — following a South Africa itinerary for 10 days is a decent amount of time to see some of the best places to visit in South Africa.

But to make the most of your trip to South Africa, planning is key — you need to pin down what you most want to see and do, whether that’s soaking up Cape Town's cool urban vibes, being wowed by wildlife in national parks, or kicking back on Durban’s beautiful beaches, which are among the best beaches in South Africa. And that’s not even the half of it. 

It’s also important to consider the best time to visit South Africa in terms of what you hope to do. For example, opportunities to watch whales and see other wildlife vary considerably throughout the seasons

All that said, while a 10-day South Africa is long enough to see the highlights of the country, better still if you have, for example, two weeks. You’ll find plenty of inspiration in our 14 days in South Africa itinerary.

Conversely, our 7-day itinerary in South Africa itinerary options show how a whole lot of magic can be enjoyed in just a week, though in that case, you’ll need to really focus your trip.

Undecided about your vacation duration? Browse all our South Africa itineraries, and contact our local experts to have them curate your ideal trip for any timeframe.

Day 1: Arrive in Johannesburg and explore

Given that this itinerary gives you just one night in cosmopolitan Johannesburg, we suggest you shirk off any jetlag to see some of the city’s top attractions as soon as you‘ve checked into your hotel or guesthouse.

For example, to discover South Africa’s history and struggle for freedom, you could start out at the Apartheid Museum, or take a guided tour of Soweto to see landmarks like Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu once lived. 

History buffs will also want to visit the Hector Pieterson Museum, which commemorates the 1976 student uprisings.

Into contemporary culture? Head to the Maboneng Precinct — a trendy neighborhood that’s loaded with cafes and art galleries, and a great place for lunch or dinner.

New to the city? Read our first-timers guide to Johannesburg.

Where to stay

In general, Johannesburg’s northern suburbs offer luxury hotels and prestigious developments, though the international chains and mega-malls in this area could be pretty much anywhere in the world.

For a more local feel, Melville and Parkhurst offer less polished, more endearing options with good street-life and independent businesses.

You could, for example, consider staying in Little Forest Guest House or Die Agterplaas.

Over in the CBD (Central Business District), you could spoil yourself with a stay at the new Hallmark House hotel, in an arresting industrial-style building just outside Maboneng. 

On a budget? Try Curiocity Backpackers, which is right in the heart of the district.

Alternatively, head to Soweto and stay at Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers, run by local Lebo Malepa. 

Want wider context? Read up on South Africa accommodation.

Day 2: Transfer to Kruger National Park

On day 2 of this fabulous 10-day South Africa itinerary, it’s time to depart Johannesburg for Hazyview — gateway town to the wonders of Kruger National Park.

Travel time: 4-5 hours by car; 1-hour flight

If you opt to drive, it’ll take up to five hours, driving mainly along the N12 and N4 highways — a route that serves scenic landscapes as you approach Mpumalanga.

Meanwhile, the one-hour flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) will take you within an hour’s drive of Hazyview.

Either way, it’s best to set off as early as possible. That way you could spend the afternoon relaxing in your accommodation, or perhaps visiting Perry’s Bridge Reptile Park, or Shangana Cultural Village, the latter of which is a wonderful place to learn about local traditions. 

Come the evening, why not take a sundowner safari drive in a game reserve near Hazyview for your first taste of Kruger’s incredible wildlife? It’ll set you up perfectly for the full-day adventure that lies ahead…

Where to stay

Located near the southern gates of Kruger National Park, Hazyview is a charming town that serves as a gateway for safari-goers. 

As such, it offers a range of accommodation for pretty much all budgets and tastes, including luxury lodges, self-catering chalets, and family-friendly resorts with pools.

In the park itself, accommodation also covers all bases — think everything from basic thatched rondavels with communal facilities, to luxury lodges with upscale spa facilities.

Satara, for example, is based in big cat country, with its circular clusters of rondavels particularly atmospheric when lit by the glow of the braais at night.

Meanwhile, Skukuza is the park's HQ and has the feel of a small town, while Olifants wins the prize for the best view, looking down over the Olifants River.

For more of a bush vibe, try the tents at Letaba or Tamboti. 

Day 3: Explore Kruger National Park

Day 3 heralds a full-day of South African safari adventures. To make the most of your experience, be sure to arm yourself with tips from our first-timers guide to Kruger National Park.

It’s also wise to read up on the best time to visit Kruger — as mentioned above, different seasons offer different wildlife-watching opportunities. 

For example, the May to September dry season is usually considered to be the best time to visit for a broader range of wildlife-watching experiences in cooler conditions, with this period drawing animals to congregate around watering holes and rivers.

Meanwhile, the October to April wet season is the best time to visit Krueger National Park if you love birds, or fancy seeing new-borns — many animals give birth through these months.

But back to your day in Kruger. Your guided safari is likely to start early to make the most of the cooler hours when wildlife is most active. You’ll either enter the park through the Phabeni Gate — 10 km from Hazyview — or via the Numbi Gate.

On arrival, you’ll have opportunities to see all the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), plus stacks of giraffes, zebras and impalas, to name but a few of the species that call this place home.

Most likely, you’ll make a stop at waterholes like Transport Dam, or perhaps drive along the Sabie River, where animals gather to drink. 

While the gates tend to close by 6.00 pm, for an extended experience, you could book a sunset drive with one of Kruger’s rangers. 

Taking a family vacation? Read up on traveling to South Africa with kids.

Day 4: Transfer to Cape Town

The next leg of this 10-day South Africa itinerary will see you transfer to Cape Town, via returning to Johannesburg to take a connecting flight.

Travel time: 3-4 hours

Set out early to drive from Hazyview to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for a one-hour flight to Johannesburg, followed by a 2-hour flight to Cape Town.

After checking-in, we suggest heading straight to the iconic Table Mountain, where breath-taking views of the city and coast await aboard the Table Mountain aerial cableway. 

Later, head to the vibrant V&A Waterfront to enjoy a late lunch or early dinner while soaking up views of Table Bay and the harbor.

Come the evening, head to Camps Bay Beach to see a stunning sunset ahead of devoting a whole day to discovering Cape Town’s top attractions.

Where to stay

Being a big, modern city, Cape Town boasts a bounty of accommodation for all budgets and tastes. 

First-timers would do well to check-out places to stay around City Bowl — a central area close to Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront.

Looking for luxury? Look no further than Camps Bay or Waterfront for upscale beachfront stays that offer epic ocean views.

Or, if you’re into wine and quieter stays, check-out Constantia — a tranquil area surrounded by vineyards.

Editor’s tip: bearing in mind that your preferred accommodation will need to be booked early in the high season, you might want to read up on the best time to visit Cape Town.

Day 5: Discover Cape Town’s culture

On the morning of day five, make your way back to the V&A Waterfront for a scenic breakfast before taking a ferry to the Robben Island UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here, guided tours led by former inmates provide insights into South Africa’s history and the struggle for freedom in the former prison that once held Nelson Mandela.

Next, spend the afternoon exploring Bo-Kaap — a district that’s known for its colorful houses and rich Cape Malay heritage. 

Besides strolling its cobbled streets, be sure to spend time in the Bo-Kaap Museum to learn about the area’s history and culture. 

Finally, round off a history-packed day with a visit the District Six Museum, which documents the forced removals during apartheid, and honors displaced communities.

Day 6: Uncover Cape Town’s natural attractions

A shift in scenery and experiences are in store on day of the 10-day South itinerary, when we suggest you enjoy a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive — one of the world’s most beautiful coastal routes. 

Be sure to visit Cape Point, where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, and take a short hike to the lighthouse. 

You’ll also want to make a stop at Cape of Good Hope — Africa’s most south-westerly point — and visit Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town on your way back. The latter is home to an adorable colony of African penguins.

Come the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. With a marvelous mountain backdrop, its Boomslang Canopy Walkway offers for glorious views of the gardens.

Day 7: Transfer to Franschhoek

The Winelands await on day 7, when you’ll leave Cape Town for an overnight stay in pretty Franschhoek.

Travel time: 1-hour drive

After a scenic drive offering views of rolling vineyards and mountains, drop your luggage in your chosen accommodation and head out to Franschhoek’s Main Street.

Packed with boutiques, galleries, and charming cafes, it’s the perfect place to enjoy lunch before visiting the Huguenot Memorial Museum to learn about the French Huguenots who settled in the region and influenced its wine culture.

On that subject, spend the afternoon discovering the region’s world-class wine. We suggest boarding the Franschhoek Wine Tram to do exactly that — a hop-on-hop-off ride that takes you through some of the best vineyards around these parts. 

For example, you could stop off at renowned estates like Haute Cabrière or La Motte for tastings and pairings, with dining options often also available.

Where to stay

For vineyard views and upscale amenities, you could opt to stay in a luxury wine estate like Mont Rochelle or Leeu Estates.

Or, for something more central, look to book a boutique guesthouse in town, such as The Last Word Franschhoek or Maison Chablis.

Day 8: Drive scenic Route 62 to Hermanus 

An epic South African road trip awaits on day 8, when you’ll drive Drive Route 62 to Hermanus via Montagu and Ladismith

Travel time: full day drive, with scenic stops

Rise early and head east from Franschhoek along Route 62 — one of South Africa’s most scenic drives. 

In just under two hours, you’ll reach Montagu — a charming town that’s known for its attractive historic buildings and hot springs, and well worth stopping off in to stroll Long Street, and enjoy a coffee or light breakfast at a local café before continuing towards Ladismith.

Be sure to stop to see the Seweweekspoort Pass — a great gorge framed by rugged cliffs.

Come the afternoon, it’s time to enjoy a scenic drive through the towards Hermanus on the Western Cape — AKA the whale-watching capital of South Africa. You should arrive in time to enjoy a tasty seaside dinner.

Love road trips? Read up on the hitting the road in South Africa.

Where to stay

Ideally located for whale watching and coastal walks, many luxurious accommodation options — among them The Marine Hotel — are located in the Cliff Path area of Hermanus.

Want something more central? Head to the Old Harbour, which is in walking distance of shops, restaurants and — unsurprisingly — the harbor.

Meanwhile, the area around Voëlklip Beach boasts a bounty of oceanfront guesthouses and B&Bs.

Still have wine on your mind? You could opt to stay in the nearby Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, where tranquil accommodation options are largely surrounded by vineyards, and offer wine-tastings.

Day 9: Whales and hikes in Hermanus

Start your day in Hermanus with a morning whale-watching tour from Hermanus Harbor, bearing in mind that the best months for spotting the region's famed southern right whales are June to November, during migration and calving season. 

Aside from taking a boat tour, you can also watch whales from the Cliff Path — a 12-kilometer coastal walk that offers incredible viewpoints, especially around Gearing’s Point and Walker Bay.

If hiking’s your thing, visit the Fernkloof Nature Reserve to trek pretty trails that wind through the region’s characteristic fynbos vegetation.

Come the afternoon, head to Hemanus town center for lunch before visiting local galleries, among them the Lembu Gallery and Walker Bay Modern Art.

Finally, round off your time in Hermanus — and this 10-day South Africa itinerary — by heading to Grotto Beach, a beautiful Blue Flag beach that serves sublime sunsets.

Day 10: Transfer from Hermanus to Cape Town

Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast in Hermanus before departing for Cape Town. 

While you could reach the city in around 1.5 hours, we suggest starting out early to stop off at some incredible places along the way. 

Travel time: 1.5 hour-drive, plus scenic stop offs

For example, while following the R44 coastal road (known as Clarence Drive) — a route that serves stunning views of the ocean, cliffs and mountains ­— you could stop at Stony Point Nature Reserve in Betty’s Bay to see a colony of African penguins. 

A quieter alternative to Boulders Beach, this is sure to be a highlight of your vacation. 

You could also make a detour to the Stellenbosch or Helderberg Wine Region near Somerset West for a final taste of South African wine before you reach Cape Town and head to the airport ready for your flight home. 

Final thoughts: while planning your trip, read up on the best things to do in South Africa, wise up with our South Africa travel tips, and take inspiration from our South Africa itineraries,

Or, if you’re not keen on planning, contact our local experts to have them take care of every last detail.