Are you going to take a trip to the most popular country on the African continent and don't know what to do? So check out this itinerary for South Africa, with tips on the best cities and attractions to visit during your visit!
I have to admit: for a travel blogger, I have only an idea reasonable of the world map. I know where the main countries are and I recognize the continents, but I'm not really sure about their sizes, capitals, attractions, vegetation, climate...
Maybe that's why I had no idea what to expect when I decided to travel to South Africa. I imagined that the country had some cool cities, like Cape Town and Johannesburg, and that it would be a good place to go on safaris... But that was it. I even thought that 19 days there would be too much and there wouldn't be that much to do.
Oh, how wrong I was...
The truth is that this nation on the African continent has breathtaking landscapes, incredible and rich tours – be it cultural, nature or even insta-worthy – and countless interesting places.
There is no shortage of activities and stops for anyone traveling to the country, and this is what makes planning a trip to this part of the world so difficult. How to find out which places are most worth visiting in a few days?
It's not easy to answer these questions, but after a lot of research and spending almost three weeks in the country, I managed to put together an itinerary for South Africa with what I consider unmissable! Includes beaches, cities, places to go on safari and more so you can make the most of your adventure!
Best places to visit in South Africa
Cities
One of the best cities in South Africa is Cape Town. With mountains, beaches and wineries, as well as being close to parks and even the Cape of Good Hope, this would be the ideal place to base yourself for a shorter trip, lasting 10 days or less.
If you have time, I also recommend visiting Joburg. The capital is not that beautiful or safe, but it has numerous interesting museums and attractions. Durban It's another big city with beaches, but I only think it's worth visiting if you're going to spend three or more weeks in the country.
Parks and Safaris
The best-known national park, and the favorite place for tourists to go on safari, is the Kruger National Park. The great advantage of visiting it is its proximity to Johannesburg – you can take a two-day excursion there – and its wide variety of animals, including the Big Five.
Other interesting parks for safari are the Addo Elephant Park (which, as the name suggests, is where you can see countless elephants), and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (with beach and animals). Near Cape Town, the best places to go on safari are Inverdoorn Game Reserve and the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.
Beaches
Camps Bay It is one of the most famous beaches in the country, due to its proximity to Cape Town and its incredible landscape – you are not only surrounded by the sea but also by mountains. On the side is Clifton, with four beaches to please all types of tourists.
Near Durban you can also find great places to dive, such as Golden Mile e Ballito. Port Elizabeth It is also a good destination to enjoy the sea, with several beaches such as Humewood Beach e Hobie Beach. If you're passing through Jeffrey's Bay, don't forget to visit the famous dolphin beach, the Dolphin Beach!
Tips for traveling to South Africa
Before sharing the itinerary, I wanted to leave you with some tips to make your trip easier. I spent a lot of time researching whether it was worth renting a car or using the bus, whether it was safe to travel alone or just women around the country (especially on the roads), the best way to exchange currency...
To save you the trouble, here is all this information (already confirmed during my trip):
Local Currency
The currency used throughout the country African Rand (ZAR). Currently (May/2019) one Rand is worth R$0,28. To make the math easier, I suggest rounding up to R$0,30 and considering that R330 is equivalent to R$100.
It is not advantageous to exchange reais for rands in Brazil or even in South Africa. My suggestion is to exchange reais for dollars and, upon arrival, exchange the dollars for the local currency at the airport or at an exchange office in the city. It is also possible to make withdrawals from ATMs using a credit card or travel money.
You can read more about how to take money when traveling (with advantages, disadvantages and taxes of each method) in this post.
Language
The country has 11 official languages, such as English and Afrikaans. We were able to communicate throughout the country using English without any problems, it's just a little difficult to understand the accent since we Brazilians are used to American English.
There are also many people who speak Portuguese, especially in areas close to Mozambique. Even so, I recommend that you practice at least the basics of English or download the app from Google Translate.
Travel insurance
travel insurance not It is mandatory for anyone visiting South Africa on a tourist visa, but I strongly recommend that you hire the service.
This is a trip where you will go hiking, get lots of sun, wind (even more so in Cape Town), interact with animals, go to beaches, waterfalls and maybe even practice some adventure activity. The chances of an accident occurring – such as turning your foot, dehydration, being bitten by an animal – or of you becoming ill are not small, and insurance will save you the headache (and the financial cost) if something happens.
The prices for South Africa are super affordable, and you can count on specialized service that will know how to guide you in any situation.
Get your quote with Seguros Promo, a partner of the blog and a company that offers insurance from the best insurers at the lowest price on the market. It was my choice when I went on this trip and it's where I buy all my insurance. When purchasing with Seguros Promo you will be assisted quickly and by trained employees who can answer all your questions, and you will also get the best value on the internet!
If you use the coupon “ALYSSAPRADO5″ You even get a discount!
Transport
Within cities it is easy to get around using public transport or apps like Uber. If you are traveling between cities or taking day trips, however, there are two options: opt for excursion tours or rent a car.
The most economical alternative is to rent a car, as even with the daily price, gasoline and insurance, it is still cheaper than a car. tour with group. It is worth remembering that, to visit most parks, you must pay a conservation fee, which is normally not included in the cost of excursions.
If you are going on safari you will also need to hire a guide or use your own vehicle, as it is not possible to observe the animals on foot.
To find the best tours in the region, I recommend using the Get Your Guide website. There are several tours offered in South Africa, and many of them with Portuguese-speaking guides.
If you choose to rent a car, make your reservation with Rentcars! The company works with the best rental companies in the world, such as Hertz and Alamo, and offers special conditions for Brazilians: payment in installments, in reais and without the IOF fee! It was also one of the only places I was able to find the condition of unlimited kilometers, essential if you are going on longer trips.
Travel Chip
To travel by car without getting lost you will need apps like Waze or Google Maps and a reliable internet connection. I bought a data chip at the airport, but the allowance ran out so quickly that it didn't even last half the trip.
My suggestion is to buy the Yes Brasil Travel Chip and leave home connected and with enough allowance for maps and internet consultations. You receive it at home and it's super easy to activate, as well as being much cheaper than using your SIM card in Brazil.
I also recommend that you download the maps to use offline, if there is no signal on any of the roads along the way.
Security
A controversial topic, and the answer varies depending on the place. In Cape Town, my friend and I asked the hostel staff if it was safe to go out alone at night, and they were super encouraging. In fact, we went out more than once after 22pm to look for restaurants or bars and we never felt unsafe.
Another Brazilian guest, however, had a very different experience in a situation that happened during the day.
The situation in Johannesburg was completely opposite, and despite being in a well-located area, we didn't feel safe going out after dark. We did everything by Uber and for dinner we chose restaurants close to the hostel (on the same sidewalk).
My recommendation is to enjoy it but always be careful, and if possible ask the locals about safety issues.
Itinerary to South Africa – 15 days
I created a map of South Africa with the itinerary so that it is easier to visualize the route to be covered during the 15 days. From Cape Town to Johannesburg I suggest taking a plane – there are companies low cost in the country and prices are normally around R$250 each way.
Cape Town itinerary (5 days)
Starting with the place that, in my opinion, is the best in the country. Cape Town offers beaches, mountains, trails and a super relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying your vacation.
Where to stay in Cape Town
The best regions to stay are Green Point e City Center. Both are close to tourist attractions and have numerous hotels and hostels, for travelers with all budgets.
The best accommodations are:
- Signature Lux Hotel by ONOMO: Just minutes from the famous Waterfront, this modern hotel offers smart televisions and USB sockets in all rooms. There is a restaurant and a bar on the property, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as live music. Booking rating: Superb 9,1.
- 91 Loop: If you prefer to save money, this boutique hostel is one of the best options in the city! New building with clean, modern rooms, with individual sockets and lights for all beds, as well as closets large enough for larger suitcases. Breakfast is included in the rate. Booking rating: Superb 9,0. There is a post with a complete review here on the blog.
What to do in Cape Town
Cape Town offers countless attractions for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Has the Table Mountain – one of the natural wonders of the world –, Lion's Head, the beaches of Clifton e Camps Bay, the colorful neighborhood of Bo-Kaap, and the famous Waterfront. It is also a great base for other tours, such as the Cape of Good Hope ou Boulder's Beach, the penguin beach.
My suggested itinerary is as follows:
| Day | road map |
|---|---|
| 1 | Table Mountain, Greenmarket Square and Loop Street |
| 2 | Old Biscuit Mill and Neighbourgoods Market, Clifton Beach and Camps Bay |
| 3 | Bo-Kaap, District 6 Museum, Waterfront |
| 4 | Cape Point and Boulders Beach |
| 5 | Robben Island and Lion's Head (or winery) |
Here on the blog there is a complete post with all the details of this itinerary around Cape Town. What to do, how to get to each attraction, best days for each tour, times, where to eat, how to buy tickets and other tips!
Reserve the sixth day of the itinerary to fly to Johannesburg, pick up the car and drive to Kruger National Park.
Kruger National Park (4 days)
In the northeast of the country, Kruger National Park is South Africa's most famous national park, and one of the best places to see animals during your trip.. There you can find lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes and much more.
Where to stay in Kruger Park
You can stay inside or outside the park. Kruger's own camps offer a range of accommodation types, from camping sites to luxury cabins, while in nearby towns you can find hotels to suit all budgets.
My recommendations are as follows:
- Skukuza Rest Camp: Within Kruger, this is one of the best located camps in the park and in a great area for those who want to see the animals. It has a restaurant, shop, swimming pool and even activities, such as night safaris and guided walks (paid extra).
- Sabie River Bush Lodge: Offers everything from luxury tents to rooms overlooking the Sabie River. It has a swimming pool and air conditioning, as well as a restaurant on the property. Booking score: 9,0.
Important tips for going on safari
The Kruger safari works as follows: you enter the park with your car and drive along the roads looking for the animals. It is prohibited to leave the car, except when you are in campsites or visitor areas.
In general, you will spend the day driving and, when you want to eat or rest, look at the map to see which camp is closest and head there. The larger resto camps – like Skukuza and Lower Sabie – have restaurants and even shops with remembrances or useful items like maps and cutlery. Bring snacks and water in the car to spend more time looking for animals.
There is a specific time for gates to close, both at the park and campsites.. If you are staying in Kruger it is important to stay within the guest area before of the gate closing. If you are staying at a hotel in the surrounding area, accurate leave the park before then, under penalty of a fine.
Here on the blog there is a super complete post with everything you need to know to go on a safari in South Africa. In addition to all the tips, there are several suggestions on how to make the most of Kruger Park, from how to get there, the best camps, how much it costs and the best places in the park to find the animals.
What to do in Kruger Park
Most of the animals can be found in the areas around Skukuza, Lower Sabie and Satara. Therefore, it is best to create a roadmap that prioritizes these areas. To avoid having to drive further, you can stay at camps of the route or hotels in different regions each day.
Leaving Johannesburg, the best itinerary would be as follows:
| Day | road map |
|---|---|
| 6 | Entrance through the Malelane Gate and explore the Lower Sabie region. Sleep at Lower Sabie Rest Camp or in a hotel in Marloth Park. |
| 7 | Drive to Skukuza and stay on the roads in the area. Sleep at Skukuza Rest Camp or in a hotel near the Paul Kruger Gate. |
| 8 | Drive to Satara (it's far away so it takes a good part of the day) and explore the region. Sleep at Satara Rest Camp. |
| 9 | Spend the day driving towards Orpen Gate or Skukuza Gate. Leave through one of these gates in the late afternoon and head towards the Panoramic Route. |
The roads between the camps are marked with the letter H, but along the way you can also enter secondary roads in search of more animals. At the campsites there is a map that is updated daily showing where the Big Five members are, be sure to check it to find out which roads to take!
Panoramic Route (2 days)
The Panoramic Route is one of the highlights of the South Africa itinerary, with landscapes that look like they came straight out of a movie. There are several attractions along the way, the best known being Blyde River Canyon, third largest canyon in the world.
The ideal is to choose one of the cities on the route as a base, and from there spend a day driving along the R532, the road that gives access to most of the attractions..
Where to stay on the Panoramic Route
The two cities with the greatest infrastructure for tourists are Sabie and Graskop. Both have a privileged location as a base for doing the Panoramic Route, with the advantage that Sabia is before of the Mac Mac Pools, meaning there is no need to go back and forth more than once to visit all the attractions.
The best accommodations in the cities are:
- The Sabie Town House Guest Lodge: In Sabie, this guest house has a pool, free parking, a games room, breakfast included, and even an on-site bar. Perfect for those who want to enjoy the surroundings and still relax! Booking rating: Superb 9,3.
- Rustique: As the name suggests, this accommodation in Graskop has rustic-style decor, and is excellent value for money with a great price and location. Wifi and parking are offered free of charge, and all rooms have incredible views. Booking rating: Superb 9,1.
What to do on the Panoramic Route
Full of waterfalls and views incredible, the route has several cool stops. Most of them are paid (normally less than R$10 per person) and have their own local fair, with craft products much cheaper than in bigger cities.
Despite numerous waterfalls, you can only enter the water in specific places. If it's hot, I recommend a stop at Mac Mac Pools, natural pools great for a rest.
As there are not many cities between Graskop and the most distant attraction, the ideal is to have a hearty breakfast, take snacks in the car and stop just for dinner.
The itinerary would be more or less as follows:
| Day | Attraction |
|---|---|
| Day 10 – Morning | Hearty breakfast, Mac Mac Pools, God's Window |
| Day 10 – Afternoon | Berlin Falls, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Echo Caves and Three Rondavels on the way back |
| Day 10 – Night | Return to Graskop or Sabie and have dinner in town |
| Day 11 | Breakfast at Harrie's Pancakes (a local classic) and drive to Johannesburg |
As Three rondavels They were, for me, the most impressive part of the route. As they close early, plan ahead to make sure you arrive on time.
Johannesburg (4 days)
I need to recognize that, among all the points on the itinerary, Johannesburg was the least inviting for me. Despite its numerous attractions, the vibe big city, comments about local violence and tiredness at the end of the trip left me with a terrible impression.
But that doesn't mean you shouldn't visit South Africa's largest city. With a little planning, it is possible to discover countless cool tours in the region, in addition to there being several nearby places worthy of a day trip!
Where to stay in Johannesburg
The best area to stay is Sandton, close to Nelson Mandela Square and the Sandton shopping mall. If you want an even cheaper option, most hostels It's in the city center, a great area to explore museums and street markets (I just don't recommend going out at night without company).
The best accommodation options are:
- Signature Lux Hotel By ONOMO Sandton: With a great location, this hotel has free parking and wifi, 24-hour reception and an on-site bar and restaurant. The rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a app exclusively for scheduling room or cleaning services. Booking rating: Excellent 8,2.
- Once in Joburg: Best hostel in the city, with daily programming for guests and several common areas to make friends. It has private and shared rooms, as well as free wifi and a divine breakfast (I miss it to this day) included in the daily rate. Booking rating: Excellent 8,5.
What to do in Johannesburg
The city is a great destination for those who enjoy cultural and historical programs. I highly recommend visiting the Apartheid Museum, but go early as it is super interesting and you need time to explore.
The country's administrative capital, Pretoria, is also nearby and is a day trip that is worth including in your itinerary.
| Day | road map |
|---|---|
| 11 | Arrival in the city, Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton shopping mall |
| 12 | Free Walking Tour and Apartheid Museum |
| 13 | Tour of Soweto (hire a guide) and city center (Carlton Hill and Top of Africa) |
| 14 | Pretoria and Montecasino |
| 15 | Latest purchases from remembrances and return to Brazil |
More time in the country?
If you are going on a trip lasting twenty or more days, my suggestion is to add the Garden Route to your itinerary! The road is full of incredible landscapes and attractions such as beaches, waterfalls and even the highest bridge bungee jump in the world! The Across the Universe blog has a post with 3-day itinerary along the Garden Route.
Itinerary for South Africa
And here is a suggested itinerary for South Africa for 15 days. Here on the blog there are also posts with complete itineraries for the Cape Town and for the Kruger National Park, with lots of tips on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and everything you need to know about these places.
Do you think there were any stops missing from the itinerary? Do you have any questions? Leave it in the comments 🙂
Did you like this post? Save to Pinterest to read later!
Some links in this post are affiliate links.