South Africa

Coastal Region

Experience the Vibrant City of Cape Town

  • Ascend the iconic Table Mountain for panoramic city and coastal views (via cable car or hiking).
  • Explore the historic V&A Waterfront with its shops, restaurants, and Two Oceans Aquarium.
  • Visit Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former prison of Nelson Mandela.
  • Relax on the beautiful beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton.
  • Discover the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood with its unique architecture and Cape Malay culture.
  • Take a scenic drive along Chapman's Peak Drive.
  • Explore the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, showcasing South Africa's diverse flora.
  • Consider a day trip to the Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl) for scenic drives and wine tasting.

Discover the Beauty of the Cape Peninsula

  • Visit the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point, with dramatic cliffs and ocean views.
  • See the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach near Simon's Town.
  • Explore the charming coastal town of Simon's Town with its naval history.
  • Enjoy seafood and harbor views in Hout Bay.
  • Take a boat trip to Duiker Island to see the seal colony.

Explore the Scenic Garden Route

  • Drive along the picturesque coastal road with stunning landscapes.
  • Visit the charming town of Knysna with its lagoon and the iconic Knysna Heads.
  • Relax on the beaches of Plettenberg Bay.
  • Explore the indigenous forests and hiking trails of Tsitsikamma National Park.
  • Experience the thrill of the Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump (one of the world's highest).
  • Visit the primate sanctuary of Monkeyland and the free-flight bird sanctuary of Birds of Eden.

Discover the Whale Coast (Hermanus & Surrounds)

  • Enjoy world-class land-based whale watching in Hermanus (June to November).
  • Explore the cliff paths offering prime viewing spots.
  • Visit the Old Harbour Museum in Hermanus.
  • Discover the wineries of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
  • Relax on the beaches like Grotto Beach.

Experience the Subtropical Coast of KwaZulu-Natal (Durban & Surrounds)

  • Stroll along Durban's Golden Mile with its beaches and attractions.
  • Visit uShaka Marine World with its aquarium and water park.
  • Explore the vibrant Victoria Street Market.
  • Discover the cultural heritage and Zulu traditions.
  • Venture to the Dolphin Coast for more beaches and marine activities.
  • Explore the diverse ecosystems and wildlife of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Greater St Lucia Wetland Park).

Explore the Wild Coast (Eastern Cape)

  • Discover the rugged and unspoiled beauty of this coastline.
  • Enjoy hiking trails with stunning ocean views.
  • Experience the local Xhosa culture and traditions.
  • Visit the Hole in the Wall, a natural rock formation.
  • Discover the iconic landscapes of Coffee Bay.

Discover South Africa's Best Surf Spots

  • Jeffreys Bay (Eastern Cape): World-renowned for its perfect right-hand point breaks, especially Supertubes, hosting international surfing competitions. Suitable for experienced surfers.
  • Dungeons (Cape Town): A big-wave surfing spot for experienced and professional surfers, known for its massive swells.
  • Muizenberg (Cape Town): A beginner-friendly beach with gentle rolling waves, ideal for learning to surf and longboarding.
  • Victoria Bay (Garden Route): A picturesque bay known for its consistent waves, popular with surfers of various skill levels.
  • Durban (KwaZulu-Natal): Offers a variety of surf spots along the Golden Mile, including North Beach and Dairy Beach, suitable for different skill levels.
  • Nahoon Reef (Wild Coast): A powerful and challenging reef break for experienced surfers.
  • Elands Bay (Western Cape): A left-hand point break that can offer long rides, popular with intermediate to advanced surfers.
  • Long Beach (Kommetjie, Cape Town): Offers consistent waves and is popular with surfers of all levels.

Inland Region

Experience the Wildlife Wonders of Kruger National Park

  • Embark on guided game drives to spot the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo).
  • Consider self-drive safaris for a more independent experience.
  • Stay in various types of accommodation, from basic rest camps to luxury lodges.
  • Go on a guided bush walk for a closer encounter with nature.
  • Experience night drives to see nocturnal animals.

Explore the Majestic Drakensberg Mountains

  • Hike through stunning landscapes with dramatic peaks and valleys.
  • Witness the Amphitheatre, a breathtaking cliff face.
  • Discover ancient San rock art.
  • Enjoy activities like horse riding, abseiling, and fly-fishing.
  • Visit the Royal Natal National Park and uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
  • Stay in cozy mountain retreats and enjoy the fresh air.

Discover the History of Johannesburg & Soweto

  • Visit the Apartheid Museum for a poignant look at South Africa's past.
  • Explore Soweto (South Western Townships) on a guided tour.
  • See Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners (Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu).
  • Visit the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum.
  • Explore Constitution Hill, the seat of South Africa's Constitutional Court and former prison.
  • Experience the vibrant energy and cultural richness of the city.

Discover the Unique Landscapes of the Karoo

  • Experience the vast, semi-desert landscapes.
  • Visit the charming historical town of Graaff-Reinet and the Valley of Desolation.
  • Explore the Tankwa Karoo National Park with its stark beauty.
  • Enjoy stargazing in the clear Karoo night skies.

Explore the Province of Mpumalanga (Beyond Kruger)

  • Drive the scenic Panorama Route, featuring God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the Blyde River Canyon.
  • Visit the historical mining town of Pilgrim's Rest.
  • Explore waterfalls like Mac Mac Falls and Lisbon Falls.
  • Discover wildlife in other reserves like the Sabi Sand Game Reserve (adjacent to Kruger).

Immerse Yourself in South African Culture, and explore dramatic landscapes

  • Experience the traditional cultures of various tribes at Lesedi Cultural Village (near Johannesburg).
  • Explore the archaeological sites of the ancient Kingdom of Mapungubwe National Park (Limpopo), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Visit the fossil sites of the Cradle of Humankind (Gauteng), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Explore the stunning sandstone cliffs of Golden Gate Highlands National Park (Free State).

Suggested Travel Itinerary

South Africa - 6 Weeks

Days 1-5: Cape Town & Surroundings

  • Explore the V&A Waterfront's shops, restaurants, and harbor.
  • Ascend Table Mountain for panoramic city and coastal views.
  • Visit Robben Island, a former political prison, for a historical tour.
  • Discover the colorful houses and culture of the Bo-Kaap.
  • Drive the scenic Chapman's Peak Drive along the coastline.

Days 6-8: Cape Peninsula & Surfing in Muizenberg

  • Explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point's dramatic scenery.
  • See the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach.
  • Surf the beginner-friendly waves of Muizenberg, known for its colorful huts.

Days 9-11: Whale Coast & Hermanus

  • Drive the scenic coastal route to Hermanus, known for whale watching.
  • Enjoy land-based whale watching (seasonal, June to November).
  • Walk the cliff paths offering ocean views, and explore Hermanus town.

Days 12-15: Garden Route & Surfing in Victoria Bay

  • Drive the scenic Garden Route with its diverse landscapes.
  • Visit Knysna and its picturesque lagoon.
  • Surf at Victoria Bay, a popular spot for its consistent waves.
  • Explore Tsitsikamma National Park's forests and Storms River.

Days 16-19: Jeffreys Bay - Surfing

  • Travel to the renowned surfing destination of Jeffreys Bay.
  • Surf the famous breaks of J-Bay, including Supertubes.
  • Relax on the beaches and enjoy the surf culture.

Days 20-23: Wild Coast - Surfing (Optional)

  • Travel the scenic and rugged Wild Coast.
  • Explore for surfing opportunities like Nahoon Reef (for experienced surfers).
  • Experience the unique, less-developed atmosphere of the Wild Coast.

Days 24-27: Durban & KwaZulu-Natal Coast

  • Travel to Durban, explore the Golden Mile beachfront and uShaka Marine World.
  • Surf Durban's beaches like North Beach and Dairy Beach.
  • Experience Durban's vibrant culture and diverse cuisine.

Days 28-31: Inland - Drakensberg Mountains

  • Travel to the Drakensberg region, known for its dramatic peaks.
  • Enjoy hiking through the stunning mountain landscapes.
  • Discover ancient San rock art sites.
  • Experience the peace and tranquility of the Drakensberg.

Days 32-36: Kruger National Park Safari

  • Travel to the area of Kruger National Park, a renowned wildlife reserve.
  • Participate in guided game drives to spot diverse African wildlife.
  • Consider a self-drive safari within the park.
  • Enjoy the sounds and sights of the African bush.

Days 37-40: Panorama Route & Mpumalanga

  • Drive the scenic Panorama Route with escarpment views.
  • Visit Bourke's Luck Potholes and various waterfalls.
  • Explore the historical gold mining town of Pilgrim's Rest.

Days 41-42: Johannesburg & Soweto

  • Travel to Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city.
  • Visit the Apartheid Museum for historical context.
  • Take a guided tour of Soweto township.
  • Explore Constitution Hill and its historical significance.