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South Africa itineraries & maps

It may be a cliché but South Africa really does have something for everyone - with winelands, wildlife, camping and luxury lodges - not to mention the culture, from vibrant modern cities to tribal rituals. Our suggested South Africa itineraries and interactive map pull together trips that focus on different aspects of the Rainbow Nation, with sample driving times as a guide for those planning a self-drive vacation.

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South Africa itineraries & maps

South Africa is vast, but its excellent road network, breathtaking landscapes and numerous small towns make it an absolute treat to traverse. To make life even easier, the two main cities are well-situated departure points for some of the main South Africa itineraries: Cape Town for the Winelands and the Garden Route, and Johannesburg for the Panorama Route and Kruger. This means you can avoid excessively long drives and spend more time taking in the wildlife, culture, and laid-back vibe of this awesome nation. For anyone with more time, and a hunger to take in South Africa and its neighbouring countries, the great route to tackle is from Cape Town to Victoria Falls.

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Our South Africa Vacations

1. Addo Elephant National Park
2. Battlefields of Anglo Zulu Wars
3. Cape Peninsula & Boulder’s Beach
4. Cape Town
5. Drakensberg Mountains
6. Elephant Coast
7. Hermanus (Whale Route, near Grootbos Reserve)
8. Johannesburg
9. Klein Karoo
10. Knysna & Plettenberg Bay
11. Kruger National Park
12. Panorama Route
13. Swaziland
14. Tsitsikamma National Park
15. Wild Coast
16. Winelands

Addo Elephant National Park

1. Addo Elephant National Park

Just a short hop from Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park offers all the adventure of an African safari – without the long drives, the remoteness or the malaria. Now a sanctuary for more than just elephants, Addo is home to the Big Five, and its family-friendly activities include horse riding, short hikes, and whale watching off the coast.

Addo Elephant National Park

Battlefields of Anglo Zulu Wars

2. Battlefields of Anglo Zulu Wars

In 1879, the British army invaded Zululand and found themselves face to face with thousands of Zulu warriors. Today, the battlefields at Rorke’s Drift (where 140 British troops held off up to 4,000 Zulus) and Isandwana (where 1800 British solders were killed) set the stage for mesmerising tours, led by knowledgeable storytellers who bring the scenes to life.

Cape Peninsula & Boulder’s Beach

3. Cape Peninsula & Boulder’s Beach

This long, rocky peninsula juts out into the water from Table Mountain to the Cape of Good Hope, where the Indian Ocean is said to meet the Atlantic. There are safe beaches, warm waters for swimming and surfing, some of the world’s most scenic coastal drives, and even a colony of penguins at Boulders Beach – all just a short hop from Cape Town.

Cape Peninsula & Boulder’s Beach

Cape Town

4. Cape Town

Cape Town’s spectacular setting, gentle climate and wonderful fusion of the urban and natural make it an easily lovable city. Away from the crowded Waterfront, there is a thriving culture – photograph rainbow-coloured Cape Malay houses, discover the dark past of District 6 and Robben Island, cycle through the township of Khayelitsha, relax on wave-battered beaches and enjoy the laid-back vibe of the Mother City.

Drakensberg Mountains

5. Drakensberg Mountains

An epic, 1,000km-long mountain chain, the Drakensberg’s jagged peaks give it its Zulu name: uKhahlamba, ‘Barrier of Spears.’ Almost 300 bird species live here, and it has fantastic hiking and scenic drives along hairpin passes, rivers and forests and rivers. Part of the range is protected by the Royal Natal National Park, including a 5km-long, 1.2km-high “amphitheatre”, and the Tugela Falls – at 948m, the second highest waterfall in the world.

Drakensberg Mountains

Elephant Coast

6. Elephant Coast

The empty beaches and subtropical forests of northern KwaZulu-Natal are pristine and wild, with sea turtle nesting grounds and fish-filled seas ideal for scuba diving and fishing. If you want to see the creatures the region is named after, head to Tembe Elephant Park. The iSimangaliso Wetlands were the country’s first UNESCO site, and shelter over 500 bird species, swamp forests and 220km of beaches leading out to coral reefs.

Hermanus (Whale Route, near Grootbos Reserve)

7. Hermanus (Whale Route, near Grootbos Reserve)

South Africa’s whale watching capital has a quaint, fishing village feel, and the world’s only “Whale Crier” who uses his kelp horn to signal whale sightings in the bay, from July-December. Its museums have exhibits on the town's hostory and (now-banned) whaling industry. Come in September to join the Whale Festival.

Hermanus (Whale Route, near Grootbos Reserve)

Johannesburg

8. Johannesburg

Johannesburg has superb restaurants, bars, contemporary African shops and the compelling Apartheid Museum – and the lack of tourists mean it remains unpretentious and unspoiled. Take a tour of Soweto with a local guide; the old apartheid “matchbox houses” still remain, along with sprawling slums, yet there are also growing middle class suburbs, boisterous shebeens, and friendly guesthouses.

Klein Karoo

9. Klein Karoo

This valley appears bleak and arid, but the Karoo is in fact one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. The region also has a thriving wine industry, the fascinating bat-filled Cango Caves and traditional little towns. However, its most famous residents are its ostriches – thanks to its many farms, Oudtshoorn is the ostrich capital of the world.

Klein Karoo

Knysna & Plettenberg Bay

10. Knysna & Plettenberg Bay

Dramatic sandstone cliffs shield Knysna's picturesque lagoon from the Indian Ocean. Hike the Featherbed Nature Reserve, abseil down the cliffs or take a boat tour – then fill up on delicious seafood. Nearby Plettenberg Bay has kayaking and surfing, as well as whales, dolphins and seals. Alternatively, discover local Xhosa culture during a tour of Qolweni Township.

Kruger National Park

11. Kruger National Park

Kruger is the most famous gem in South Africa’s heavy tourism crown – and deservedly so. This 19,485km² park encompasses a vast array of habitats, over 500 species of birds, and more mammals than any other African game reserve – including, of course, the Big Five. Options ranging from luxury lodges and top-end safaris to campsites and self-drive tours mean that Kruger really is open to all.

Kruger National Park

Panorama Route

12. Panorama Route

This scenic trail includes the world's third largest canyon, and God’s Window, high in the clouds, overlooking indigenous forest 900m below. Bourke’s Luck Potholes were created by water sculpting rocks into weird and wonderful formations. Waterfalls and a historic gold mining town are also found along the route.

Swaziland

13. Swaziland

Though not part of South Africa, many tours pass through Swaziland, and with good reason. Squashed up against the Mozambique border, the attractions in this tiny, mountainous kingdom far outweigh its diminutive size. This is one of the world’s last absolute monarchies, so there is a fantastic culture to discover, as well as national parks, game reserves and hiking trails.

Swaziland

Tsitsikamma National Park

14. Tsitsikamma National Park

This coastal forest was named “Tsitsikamma” - ”clear water” by the native Khoisan people. The park protects deep gorges, stunning waterfalls and 80km of rocky coastline. Visitors can do canopy tours, river tubing, ocean safaris to spot whales, dolphins and seals. Nearby are the Monkeyland primate rescue center, and Birds of Eden – an enormous forest aviary.

Wild Coast

15. Wild Coast

This beautiful region – birthplace of Nelson Mandela – lives up to its name. Once designated as the homeland of the Xhosa people, the infrastructure remains sparse, resulting in untouched beaches, Milkwood forests, nature reserves and lagoons. Popular with surfers, hippies and mountain bikers, you can also hike the Wild Coast Trail, sleeping in simple huts and depending on freshwater streams and firewood.

Wild Coast

Winelands

16. Winelands

The majestic scenery and Mediterranean climate make this one of South Africa’s most picturesque destinations. Ride Franschhoek’s Wine Tram through the valley for a narrated tour with tastings, or, for a contemporary twist on this 18th century industry, visit one of the growing number of black-owned vineyards around Stellenbosch.

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South Africa itineraries

Here are three of our top South Africa itineraries, incorporating our favourite highlights.

Johannesburg to Cape Town

Johannesburg > Panorama Route > Kruger National Park > Hlane Game Reserve, Swaziland > St. Lucia (Elephant Coast) > Anglo-Zulu Battlefields > Drakensberg > Royal Natal National Park > Graaff-Reinet > Tsitsikamma National Park > Hermanus > Winelands > Cape Town > Cape Peninsula

Garden Route

Cape Town > Robben Island > Table Mountain National Park > Cape Peninsula > Winelands > Hermanus > Klein Karoo (Oudtshoorn) > Knysna > Plettenberg Bay > Tsitsikamma Forest > Port Elizabeth > Addo Elephant Park

KwaZulu Natal Circuit

Elephant Coast > Anglo-Zulu Battlefields > Drakensberg Mountains > Royal Natal National Park > Durban

South Africa Travel Times

The following times give you a rough idea of the driving times between the main attractions in South Africa.

Cape Town - Winelands: 1 hour

Cape Town – Hermanus: 5 hours

Winelands – Hermanus: 4 hours

Hermanus – Knysna: 4 hours

Knysna – Oudtshoorn: 2 hours

Knysna – Port Elizabeth: 2.5 hours

Port Elizabeth – Johannesburg: 12 hours

Johannesburg – Kruger National Park: 4.5 hours

More about South Africa

Best time to visit South Africa

South Africa is definitely a year-round destination, with hot summers, mild winters and a climate that varies dramatically across the country.

South Africa travel guide

There is much to draw travelers to South Africa - including the stunning coast, incredible wildlife, and diverse cultures. But perhaps its enduring appeal is also down to how easy it is to travel in a country whose attractions are so wild - with superb roads, fantastic cuisine and comfortable lodging at all budget levels.

Things to do in South Africa

We've chatted to tour leaders, vacation companies and recalled our own adventures to pick out of top four things to do in South Africa.

Things to see & do in Kruger National Park

Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s most celebrated destinations, and rightly so, home to diverse and abundant wildlife – including the Big Five – over 500 species of birds and a great range of beautiful habitats.

Wildlife in South Africa

South Africa is home to diverse landscapes, hopping with all creatures great and small, from the Big Five on game drives, to humpback whales that skim the coast.

Cultural tours in South Africa

Unity in diversity is one way that South Africa is trying to heal the scars of apartheid. Cultural tours in South Africa are less about the Big Five and more about the Big Nine – provinces, that is, each with its own distinct cultural heritage.

Things to see & do in Cape Town & surrounds

Towered over by Table Mountain, bordered by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and on the doorstep of wildlife and wine country, Cape Town is way more than just a city.

Things to see & do along the Garden Route

The Garden Route delivers a diverse dose of South Africa in a single trip: dramatic coast and unspoiled landscapes, wildlife and cool city culture, game viewing and whale watching, hiking and kayaking.

Things to see & do in KwaZulu Natal

Prolific wildlife, wild beaches, biodiverse wetlands, jagged mountains, Zulu culture and 19th century battlefields – KwaZulu Natal is dramatic, delightful and diverse.

Township tours in South Africa

Like any form of community tourism, township tours should be led by the people who live there, be sustainable and non-intrusive.

LGBT South Africa vacation advice

South Africa is the most welcoming country in Africa for LGBT travelers – with equality and protection from discrimination enshrined in law.

Southern Africa Bushmeat & skins

There is a huge difference between legal game meat and illegally hunted bushmeat in Africa: one is sustainable, the other drives species closer to extinction.

Nelson Mandela & the Rainbow Nation

Incarcerated for 27 years for opposing apartheid in South Africa, Nelson Mandela went on to become the country’s first black head of state.

South Africa for families

This is by far one of the easiest African nations to travel in with children, with plenty in South Africa for families to enjoy from comfortable lodges to brilliant beaches and amazing wildlife.

South Africa travel advice

Read insider tips from our vacation companies - from how to really get under the skin of South Africa and where to see wildlife in Kruger, to the best way to explore Table Mountain.