Getting your south africa 2 week itinerary sorted is definitely probably the most exciting—and slightly stressful—part of planning the trip to the particular Rainbow Nation. It's a massive nation, and honestly, attempting to find it most in fourteen days is a recipe for burnout. You've got the particular rugged coastlines, the particular high-altitude mountains, the particular world-class wine locations, and, obviously, the bucket-list safari places.
To make the most of it without having spending your whole vacation behind a controls or in an airport lounge, a person have to end up being a little picky. Most people discover that the mix of Cape Town, the Garden Route, along with a solid safari in the northern hits that "perfect trip" sweet place. Here's how I'd break it lower if you want to see the shows without feeling like you're on the home treadmill.
Kickstarting within Cape Town (Days 1–4)
There's no better place to start than the Mother City. It's consistently voted one of the particular most beautiful cities in the globe, and for good reason. You've got the particular ocean on a single aspect and a large flat-topped mountain within the other. It's fairly hard to beat that backdrop.
Spend your very first day getting your bearings. If the weather is clear—and this is key because the clouds (the "tablecloth") roll in fast—head straight for Table Hill . You may hike up in the event that you're feeling dynamic, but the cable connection car is a treat. Once you're down, head more than to the V& A Waterfront for some food and probably a boat journey to Robben Island. It's a sobering experience but important for understanding the country's history.
Intended for day two, I'd suggest driving straight down the Cape Peninsula. This is where you'll find all those famous penguins from Boulders Beach. Just a heads upward: it gets packed, so attempt to proceed early. Continue lower to Cape Stage and the Cape of Good Hope. The views are outrageous, windy, and spectacular. On your way back, consider Chapman's Peak Drive . It's arguably one of the almost all scenic coastal roads on the planet.
Don't forget the Winelands. Actually if you aren't a big wines drinker, the landscape in Stellenbosch or Franschhoek is stunning. You can create the "Wine Tram" in Franschhoek, that is a fun, slightly touristy, but totally worth-it way in order to hop between various estates without having to worry about driving.
The particular Garden Route Car ride (Days 5–8)
After Cape Town, grab a local rental car and head east. The Garden Route is renowned, but don't expect a literal backyard; it's more about lavish forests, hidden lagoons, and massive cliffs.
Your best cease should oftimes be Hermanus if you're visiting between June plus November. That's prime whale-watching season, and you can frequently see southern correct whales just metres in the shore. In the event that it's the winter, keep pushing through to Wilderness. It's a tiny city with a massive beach and the river ideal for kayaking.
Knysna and Plettenberg Bay are usually the "hubs" of the region. Knysna is known for its heads—two massive sandstone cliffs guarding the entrance to some lagoon. Plettenberg Gulf, or "Plett" since locals call it, has some of the best hiking in the nation at Robberg Nature Reserve . If you do one hike on this journey, make it this one. The path loops in regards to peninsula with seals woofing in the water below and dunes crashing against the particular rocks. It's pure magic.
Proceeding North for the Safari (Days 9–12)
You can't have a south africa 2 week itinerary without viewing the Big 5. While there are usually great safari parks at the end of your garden Path (like Addo Hippo Park), many people desire the "Kruger experience. " In order to save time, I'd recommend flying from George or even Port Elizabeth up to Hoedspruit or even Skukuza.
The particular Kruger National Park is roughly the size associated with Israel, so don't expect to find it all. I'd recommend splitting your time. Spend two times in a personal game reserve highlighting the park, like Sabi Sands or Thornybush. It's more costly, but the manuals go off-road in order to get you closer to leopards and lions, and the lodges are often incredible.
Following the private villa, spend another two days carrying out a self-drive in the main park or remaining in a SANParks rest camp. There's something uniquely fascinating about driving your own own little car rental and rounding a corner to find a massive bull elephant standing in the center of the road. It's DIY safari from its best.
The Panorama Route and Departure (Days 13–14)
Prior to you head to Johannesburg to catch your flight home, you've got in order to view the Panorama Path. It's right upon the doorstep of the Kruger region and offers some of the nearly all dramatic canyon sights in Africa.
Blyde Water Canyon will be the star of the show. It's the third-largest canyon in the entire world and, unlike the Grand Canyon, it's covered in lush green vegetation. Make sure to take a look at the Three Rondavels, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and God's Windowpane. When the mist is definitely gone, you will see all the way throughout the Lowveld in to Mozambique.
Spend your final night time in a little town like Graskop or Dullstroom. Dullstroom is famous for fly fishing and has an actually cozy, high-altitude vibe—perfect for reflecting upon the trip prior to the long flight back. On day 14, it's a roughly four-hour drive back to O. Ur. Tambo International Airport terminal in Johannesburg.
A Few Useful Bits for Your Trip
1 thing people usually ask about is usually safety. Like any country, it offers its spots to avoid, but when you stay aware and don't leave valuables visible within your car, you'll generally be good. Locals are incredibly friendly and usually more than content to give you directions or recommendations.
Regarding the "when in order to go" question: South Africa is a year-round destination, however it depends on what you want. If safari is your priority, the winter several weeks (May to September) best because the particular bush is slim and animals collect around water holes. If you want beach weather plus Cape Town vibes, December to Walk is peak summer—just be ready for the blowing wind!
Another fast tip: Download offline maps. While cell service will be pretty good within cities, you'll strike plenty of lifeless zones while driving through the mountains or the bush. Getting a GPS that works without data is a godsend.
Also, don't sleep on the particular local food. Try out a braai (the South Africa version of a BBQ) whenever a person get the chance. Order the biltong, try a Malva pudding for sweet, and when you're within Cape Town, you've have got to grab the Gatsby sandwich—just make sure you're starving because they're tremendous.
Why this works
This south africa 2 week itinerary works because it amounts the fast-paced nature of a road trip with moments of actual rest. You aren't changing hotels each and every night, which is the largest mistake people make. By giving your self 3 or 4 nights within Cape Town and a few evenings in the Kruger area, you really get to have the "vibe" of the place rather as opposed to the way just seeing this through a windows.
South Africa has a method of getting below your skin. A lot of people leave already planning their second vacation because two several weeks is just enough in order to realize just how much more there is to see. But for a first-timer, this loop gives you the best of the coastline, the mountains, plus the wild cardiovascular of the bush. Enjoy the ride—it's going to be a good unforgettable two weeks.