South Africa is a trip that has a bit of everything: wild oceans, vibrant cities, wine country, and the bush. I led a WeRoad road trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg, finishing with a safari in Kruger in search of the Big Five.
It's a road trip, so expect some long driving days along the coast. They're worth it: the Garden Route is one of the most beautiful drives I've done.
Itinerary
13 days covers the Cape, the Garden Route and Kruger National Park. Driving times are approximate.
Day 1 – Welcome to Cape Town
Check in and a welcome dinner to get to know the group.
Day 2 – Table Mountain & Bo-Kaap
Cable car (or hike) up Table Mountain for the views over the city and the Atlantic, then a walk through the colourful houses of Bo-Kaap. Sunset at Signal Hill.
Day 3 – Cape Peninsula
Drive along Chapman's Peak to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, then stop at Boulders Beach to see the African penguin colony.
Day 4 – Stellenbosch winelands
A day in the winelands around Stellenbosch, with a wine tasting among vineyards and mountains.
Day 5 – Along the coast to the Garden Route
Start the drive east along the coast, stopping at small seaside towns on the way to the Garden Route.
Day 6 – Knysna & Plettenberg Bay
Explore the Knysna lagoon and the beaches of Plettenberg Bay. Optional activities include kayaking or a boat trip to spot dolphins and whales (in season).
Day 7 – Tsitsikamma National Park
Hike to the suspension bridge over Storms River Mouth, where the river meets the Indian Ocean.
Day 8 – Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
Drive to Port Elizabeth, last stop on the coast, then fly to Johannesburg.
Day 9 – Johannesburg & Soweto
Visit the Apartheid Museum and Soweto, including Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu both lived. A powerful day to understand the country's history.
Day 10 – Panorama Route
Drive towards Kruger along the Panorama Route: Blyde River Canyon, God's Window and the Three Rondavels.
Day 11 – Kruger National Park safari
Full-day game drive in Kruger looking for the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
Day 12 – Sunrise game drive & back to Johannesburg
An early morning drive, when the animals are most active, then back to Johannesburg for a farewell dinner.
Day 13 – Farewell
Departures from Johannesburg.
Practical tips
- Seasons: January is summer: hot and green in Kruger, warm and windy in Cape Town. Bring sun cream and a hat.
- Money: the South African rand (ZAR). Cards work almost everywhere; tipping (10–15%) is customary in restaurants.
- Safety: keep valuables out of sight and avoid walking alone at night in cities. Follow your guide's advice.
- Safari: neutral-coloured clothes, binoculars and a warm layer for the early morning drives.
- Plugs: South Africa uses type M plugs, so bring the right adapter.
Budget
South Africa is good value once you're there, especially food and wine. Most of the budget goes on transport, because the route covers thousands of kilometres and includes an internal flight.
Return flights
From London to Cape Town, returning from Johannesburg.
900€
Travel Insurance
Remember to always have your insurance when you travel. I normally get an annual MultiTrip so it covers me all year round.
50€
Food
Breakfasts plus lunches and dinners for 13 days. Eating out is cheap and the food and wine are great.
300€
Local Transport
Private minivan with driver along the coast and to Kruger, plus the internal flight from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg.
700€
Accommodation
Hotels, guesthouses and lodges in shared rooms throughout the trip.
600€
Entry fees & Excursions
Table Mountain cable car, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, wine tasting, Tsitsikamma, Apartheid Museum, Kruger park fees and game drives, and tips.
350€
Total:
2.900€
Photos: Unsplash and Wikimedia Commons (Creative Commons licences).
