1 Week In Cape Town Itinerary – Wine, Sharks, Lions, Tables, And Townships
South AfricaWith Table Mountain as the back drop, sun-kissed coastlines, diverse culture, culinary treats, and adventurous delights, everything we saw,…
Notable Places
Discover South Africa
Use the map to start exploring South Africa, and start with our guide to planning a trip.
South Africa Quick Guide
- Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
- Language: South Africa has 11 official languages! English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
- Emergency Number: 112 from mobile / 10111 for police / 10177 for ambulance
- Tipping: Tipping is expected; 10–15% at restaurants is standard.
- Fun Fact #1: South Africa is the only country in the world with three capital cities: Pretoria (administrative), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial).
- Fun Fact #2: It’s home to the world’s oldest meteor scar – the Vredefort Dome, a UNESCO site.
- Fun Fact #3: Table Mountain is one of the oldest mountains in the world, estimated to be over 260 million years old!
Where to Stay in South Africa
From vibrant cities to wild coastlines, South Africa offers something for every traveler. Stay in luxury lodges near Kruger National Park, cozy guesthouses in the Cape Winelands, or stylish apartments in Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Start by planning out where you would like to visit and then search for accommodation in those areas. We use Booking.com for all our hotel stays, many hotels have pay later offers and you can build up your Genius level to get discounts on your stays.
Our South Africa Itineraries
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How to Get Around South Africa
Getting around South Africa is fairly easy with a mix of public and private transport. In major cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg, Uber is widely available and reliable. Minibus taxis and buses serve local routes, while the long-distance Baz Bus is popular with backpackers. For more flexibility and access to remote destinations – such as safari lodges, wine farms, or coastal drives along the Garden Route – renting a car is highly recommended. Roads are generally in good condition, but drive on the left!
For traveling between cities, domestic flights are affordable and efficient. Budget airlines like FlySafair and Lift connect major hubs including Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. Trains exist but are not always reliable or safe for tourists outside of premium services like the Blue Train or Rovos Rail.
Plan Your Trip to South Africa
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Must-Visit Places in South Africa
- Cape Town – Hike or cable-car up Table Mountain, visit Robben Island, and stroll the V&A Waterfront.
- Kruger National Park – One of Africa’s top safari destinations for spotting the Big Five.
- Garden Route – A stunning coastal drive with stops like Knysna, Tsitsikamma, and Plettenberg Bay.
- Cape Winelands – Sample world-class wines and food in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
- Drakensberg Mountains – Breathtaking hikes and ancient San rock art.
- Johannesburg – Visit the Apartheid Museum, explore Soweto, and discover South Africa’s complex history.
- Blyde River Canyon – One of the largest canyons in the world, with epic panoramic views.
Stay Connected
Don’t waste time hunting for SIM cards or stressing about roaming. With an eSIM, you can get connected as soon as you land and stay online wherever your adventures take you.
🔗 Check out our guide to the cheapest eSIMs for international travel.
Travel Tips for a South African Safari
South African Foods to Try
South Africa’s cuisine is a delicious mix of indigenous, Dutch, Malay, and Indian influences. Here are some dishes to seek out:
- Bobotie – Western Cape: A Cape Malay classic made with spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping.
- Biltong – Nationwide: Air-dried cured meat, similar to jerky, perfect as a snack.
- Bunny Chow – Durban: A hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with spicy Indian curry, born in the city’s Indian community.
- Boerewors – Nationwide: A traditional sausage, often grilled on the “braai” (South African BBQ).
- Chakalaka – Townships & BBQs: A spicy relish made with tomatoes, beans, onions, and peppers.
- Malva Pudding – Western Cape: A sweet, sticky sponge dessert served warm with custard or cream.
- Pap – Nationwide: A maize-based porridge served with stews or grilled meats.
Top 5 Things To Bring On Every Trip
- Travel Insurance: Protect yourself against unforeseen events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
- Power Bank: Keep your devices charged on the go, ensuring you stay connected and capture every moment.
- Universal Travel Adapter: A must-have for international travelers to plug in and power up devices in different countries.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste; many destinations have refill stations available.
- Packing Cubes: Organize your luggage efficiently, making it easier to find items and maximize space.
Top Day Tours to Discover South Africa
- Pilanesberg Nature Reserve: Set within the crater of an extinct volcano and just a few hours from Johannesburg, this is the ideal way to have a mini day safari. Home to the Big Five and over 300 bird species, it offers exceptional game viewing, dramatic landscapes, and accessible self-drive or guided safari experiences without the crowds of larger parks.
- Aquila Game Reserve: This popular safari destination located just two hours from Cape Town, making it an ideal choice for a day trip or overnight wildlife experience. Set against the backdrop of the southern Karoo, it offers Big Five sightings, conservation-focused tours, and comfortable lodges in a scenic, accessible setting.
- Cradle of Humankind: A UNESCO World Heritage Site near Johannesburg, where some of the world’s oldest hominid fossils have been discovered. With interactive exhibits, guided cave tours, and fascinating insights into human evolution, it’s a must-visit for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
- Addo Elephant National Park: Located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, this is one of the country’s largest wildlife reserves and a sanctuary for over 600 elephants. It offers an unforgettable safari experience with opportunities to see the Big Five, diverse landscapes, and rich biodiversity, all in a malaria-free zone.
- Franschhoek Wine Tram: Experience the beauty and wines of the Cape Winelands aboard an iconic open-sided tram and tram-bus, hopping off at world-class wineries for tastings, cellar tours, gourmet meals, and vineyard strolls while enjoying scenic narration through Franschhoek Valley’s historic estates.
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