Starting in the bustling city of Johannesburg, this action packed route covers all the main highlights and experiences on offer across the wonderful nation of South Africa. Passing through a number of National Parks and major cities, you’ll get the opportunity to see each and every side of this extremely diverse country. The route finally finishes up in the world renowned city of Cape Town, a spot that’s bound to steal your heart, trust me, you’ll never want to leave!

(Note: This itinerary covers the region’s main highlights and experiences. Stops can be shortened, extended or changed, take inspiration from this guide and cater the route to match your own personal requirements.)

Things to Do

• Visit the informative Apartheid Museum.
• Delve into South Africa’s history at Constitution Hill.
  
• Join a tour of Soweto township.
• Visit the spot where it all began, the Cradle of Humankind.
• Take a daytrip to Pretoria.

Once you’ve got your initial bearings and settled into the hectic city of Johannesburg, there’s no better way to begin your time in South Africa than by diving head first into the nation’s compelling and complex history. Johannesburg is definitely one of the best spots to learn and educate yourself about South Africa’s perilous history. The city is home to two extremely informative locations, the Apartheid Museum and the Constitution Hill Museum, both offering a great level of extensive knowledge and accurate insight. There’s plenty to see and discover across these two iconic spots, so I’d recommend allowing plenty of time on your first day to truly grasp everything these two amazing museums have to offer.

Day two of your itinerary is the perfect opportunity for you to venture out of the city centre as part of a guided tour to the small township of Soweto. A location that oozes rich history and exquisite culture, local guides will fill your morning with a whole load of interesting information and knowledge relating to the early days of South Africa and its multitude of thriving townships.

After heading back into downtown Joburg, it’s time to head out of the city once again in the afternoon, to the very spot where it all began, the phenomenal Cradle of Humankind. Home to a large number of fossils and ancient artefacts, this exquisite world heritage site covers a staggering 180 square miles. Local experts will guide you through the complex system of limestone caves, thought to be the living quarters of the earliest discovered primates.

Wrap up day two with a visit to some of Johannesburg’s vibrant bars and restaurants, the locals are extremely welcoming and love to indulge in a beer or ten. Spend your last day in Johannesburg on a day trip to Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa (Been as the country actually has three capital cities!). There’s plenty to see and do across the city of Pretoria, but a few hours is more than enough time for you to fully experience everything the city has to offer. Jump back on the road and head back to Johannesburg for the evening, after all you’ll need a good night’s rest before heading East towards Kruger National Park!

Things to Do

• Head out in search of the extraordinary Big Five!
• Tick off all the spots along the stunning Panorama Route.
• Take on the hiking trails in Sabie.
• Fly in a hot air balloon over the South African plains.
• Try your hand at a spot of fishing in Sand River.

Kruger National Park is located approximately 400km East of Johannesburg, with a journey time of a little under five hours. The scenery along this route is truly breathtaking, from spectacular canyons to vast open plains, the drive time will certainly fly by.

For those wanting to venture out of Kruger National Park, you may want to check out the Panorama Route, this stunning road trip runs alongside the park, just a little to the West. The route itself boasts heaps of spectacular scenery, from raging waterfalls and elusive caves to staggering canyons and epic terrain.

There’s so much to do in and around Kruger National Park and there’s no set way of doing things, so choose to spread the activities across your time spent here. Of course, the main highlight in South Africa has to be the notorious Big Five! Heading out in search of these phenomenal animals on a guided safari is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. As amazing as it is to see these incredible creatures on a jeep safari, it’s even better to soak up the vast expanse of Kruger and its sensational wildlife from the skies above, aboard a guided hot air balloon safari.

Another great benefit of visiting Kruger National Park is the wide range of accommodation on offer, there’s options to suit everyone, covering all kinds of budgets and travel plans. No matter how you choose to spend your time and money in Kruger, you’ll certainly be leaving with the biggest grin on your face!

Things to Do

• Kayak alongside the local hippopotamuses.
• Head on a scuba diving expedition from Sodwana Bay.
• Join a whale watching boat tour.
• Ride horseback along a selection of golden sand beaches.
• Take part in a night time safari drive.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is situated on South Africa’s eastern coastline, right on the shores of the gorgeous Indian Ocean. Prepare yourself, as the drive down from Kruger National Park takes around 7 hours in total, but trust me, it’s well worth the journey!

After a long drive day to iSimangaliso it’s time to unpack your bags and head out on a night time safari drive! This location is one of the best night time safari spots in all of Africa, thanks to the dense population of nocturnal inhabitants found here. You’re bound to spot a whole range of sensational wildlife, especially with help from the keen eyes of the region’s local expert guides.

The next day head out of your accommodation bright and early, jump in a kayak and paddle alongside the local hippos! You can’t imagine the grand size of these incredible creatures until you see them up close and personal, this is definitely one of those must do bucket list experiences! Whale watching and scuba diving are also extremely popular activities around this area so be sure to try and fit these into your afternoon’s itinerary as well.

There’s no better way to wind up your time in iSimangaliso, than by saddling up and enjoying a scenic horse ride along South Africa’s golden sand beaches. As you soak up the natural beauty of the surrounding area, you’ll finally have the chance to process all the incredible activities you’ve experienced so far throughout your time in South Africa, and don’t worry, there’s still even more to come!

Things to Do

• Cage dive with Great White Sharks.
• Swing across Moses Mabhida Stadium on the world’s tallest swing.
• Get amongst the surf scene at Dairy Beach.
• Visit the awesome Ushaka Marine World.
• Wander along Durban’s famous Golden Mile.

Durban is a place that often gets overlooked when people plan their trip to South Africa, however this city is an absolute must see. The city is also conveniently located just a three and a half hour drive South of iSimangaliso, making it an easy addition to your action packed South African itinerary.

Adrenaline junkies will be thrilled when visiting Durban, after arriving head down to Moses Mabhida Stadium and take on the tallest swing in the world! That’s right, you can literally swing across an entire soccer stadium! If you’d prefer to keep your feet on the ground, then the Ushaka Marine World is calling your name. This huge complex is packed full to the brim with hours of fun and enjoyment for all ages, take a look around Africa’s largest aquarium or throw on your swimmers and hit the slides and pools at the awesome on-site water park.

The next morning you’ve got the opportunity to try out one of the greatest experiences on planet Earth, cage diving with Great White Sharks! Durban is one of the best places in the world to dive with Great Whites, thanks to the surrounding ocean having an extremely high concentration of these deadly, yet gracefully majestic creatures. After an action packed couple of days in Durban, why not take a stroll along the city’s famous Golden Mile, a beautiful stretch of golden sand, lined with a range of small market stalls and quaint little cafes.

Things to Do

• Ride a cable car to the top of Table Mountain.
• Meet the friendly penguins at Boulders Beach.
• Watch a rugby match at Green Point Stadium.
• Learn to surf at Llandudno Beach.
• Eat and drink at the V&A Waterfront.

The easiest and fastest way to reach Cape Town from Durban is by catching a short domestic flight. Fares tend to be reasonably priced, and the journey will only take around two and a half hours, far quicker than driving, which would take over nineteen hours without stops.

Cape Town is one of those cities that’s famous all over the world, it won’t take long for you to see why. Honestly, this city just has so many things to see and do, you’ll be well and truly spoilt for choice, I wouldn’t blame you if you decided on spending even longer here.

After making your way from the airport into to Cape Town’s city centre I’d recommended heading over to the V&A Waterfront. This area is bursting with a huuuge selection of fantastic places to eat and drink, take the afternoon and evening to unwind and slowly settle into this marvellous city.

Once you’ve caught up on a good night’s sleep, you’ll be fully prepared to check out the many sights and experiences on offer across Cape Town. Start your day off by heading to the top of Table Mountain on the world famous Table Mountain Cable Car. You’ll be blessed with 360 degrees of sensational views across the city and coastline during the journey up and even more are waiting at the top. Once you’ve had enough of the views (You could honestly stay up here for hours), head back down and venture towards Boulders Beach, located on the peninsula just south of downtown Cape Town. The friendly penguins that call the beach home will be there to greet you and will be more than happy to witness a spectacular sunset with you.

Why not use the last day in Cape Town to try your hand at a touch of surfing. Llandudno Beach boasts perfect conditions for surfers of all ability levels, so don’t worry if you’ve never jumped on a surfboard before. A wide range of surf schools operate at the beach, allowing you to choose one that suits your particular needs and ability level.

Round off your time in South Africa with an evening spent watching one of the country’s favourite sports, Rugby! Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium is the ideal location to witness a true rugby spectacle in action. Grab yourself a few beers and soak up the tremendous atmosphere hurtling around the stadium, the perfect end to a perfect trip through an outstanding country.