The 12 best routes to visit South Africa
Go on a circuit in South Africa requires good preparation upstream. Between the Kruger safaris in the North of South Africa, the ocean and the beaches of the Cape in the South, the mountains in the Drakensbergs in the center, the luxuriant nature on the Garden Route going east, the history from the country to Johannesburg and the two other landlocked nations within South Africa (Lesotho and Swaziland, now Eswatini), you have to get really well organized so as not to miss any of its must-see sites… C is why, to help you, we have created this guide which brings together a series of itineraries with all our advice and tips. You can choose the trip that suits you best according to your desires and the length of your stay. All the circuits offered regardless of the number of days on site make you visit all that there is to see absolutely in South Africa. Whether for a week or a month, with family or friends, for a budget holiday or for a grand honeymoon, you will find the program that best suits you in one of our best routes to visit South Africa. They will make your organization easier, save you precious time and even save you money by recommending each step only the best activities and hotels or B & Bs at the best value for money.
Itinerary of a month, 10 days or 2 weeks: How many days does it take to visit South Africa?
South Africa can be visited in 1 week as in 1 month. We have created one week itineraries à 10 days which focus on Cape Town and its region. From 2 weeks, it is interesting to go to the North to go on a safari in the Kruger National Park. So our 15 day itineraries et 17 days are focused on the Cape in the South and Johannesburg, Soweto and the Kruger reserve in the North. The circuit we recommend is that of 3 weeks which covers all the must-see sites of South Africa. It guarantees you enough time after your safari to the north to descend to Durban through KwaZulu-Natal and Swaziland (now Eswatini). Finally, the longest route in a month makes the big loop by adding after Durban, the mountains of Drakensberg and Lesotho to make magnificent hikes.
If you already have a predefined length of stay, click directly on the itinerary that suits you. If you still hesitate, we explain the differences in more detail below:
Discover the best routes from 1 week to 1 month to visit South Africa
The best routes by region: What to do in South Africa?
If you do not want to do a road trip circuit that covers the four corners of South Africa, we advise you to focus your itinerary on a region according to your interests. So you avoid long days on the road and enjoy your vacation in a more relaxing way. To choose where to go, you should know that South Africa is divided into three main parts:
- the South with Cape Town, the Wine Route and the Garden Route
- the North with Johannesburg, Soweto and the Kruger National Park
- the East with Durban, the Drakensbergs and Lesotho
For more details on the strengths of each region, click on the link below:
Discover the best routes to visit South Africa by region
Tailor-made South Africa routes: for families or RV enthusiasts
Some people have very special needs. This is why we offer three tailor-made itineraries to visit South Africa. These circuits have been specially designed:
- for families with children,
- for lovers of long distance road trips
- and for lovers of motorhome travel
To learn more about these tours, click on this link:
The best routes to visit southern Africa: South Africa, Namibia and Lesotho
As for going to South Africa, why not visit the border countries? If you want to extend your trip to Lesotho or Namibia, we have written tours especially for you. They are much longer than the others but these routes cover all the essential sites to visit South Africa. Extending your trip is worth the effort, Lesotho and Namibia are truly spectacular and not very touristy. We highly recommend them.
Discover the best routes to visit South Africa and Lesotho or Namibia
Our tips for a successful trip:
- Book your flight in advance to take advantage of the best prices
Airline ticket prices are cheaper when booked 6 to 3 months in advance. To be sure of getting the best price, we recommend using a flight comparator such as Skyscanner.
- Book your accommodation before departure to have access to the best offers
You will always find a room at the last minute, but the best located accommodations are necessarily those that are always full. That's why it's best to book your accommodations as soon as possible. We recommend going through Agoda which offers the best prices. In addition, this site allows you to be easily reimbursed in the event of cancellation.
- Skip the line to visit the most popular attractions
By booking your excursions in advance on Civitatis, you do not queue on site to get your tickets. Less time waiting = more time enjoying your vacation! Plus, their guided tours ensure you have a knowledgeable guide who speaks your language.
- Use a comparator to find a rental car at the lowest price
Save yourself hours of research with rentalcar.com ou discovercars.com. These comparators are the best for finding rental cars at the lowest prices.
- Don't leave without travel insurance
For us, it is unimaginable to leave without travel insurance. We recommend the one proposed by AXIS. This is the best guaranteed way to leave with peace of mind. However, consider taking out additional specialized insurance for activities not covered (such as skiing or scuba diving).
- Want more information about your destination?
Do not hesitate to complete the information present on this blog with a travel Guide. You can take it in your luggage and refer to it throughout your vacation.
Find out more about South Africa
The itinéterre team
Itinéterre is a travel blog written by a team of expatriates and locals. They share their experiences so that you can enjoy the best tours in their countries. Their advice will help you plan your vacation easily as if a local is accompanying you!
