3 week itinerary in South Africa: advice and budget

If you asked us how many days it takes to visit South Africa, we would answer you 3 weeks is ideal. This is the duration that we recommend because 21 days allow you to do without hurrying the entire South, North and East of the country. You have time to make the Cape and its region, the Garden route, Johannesburg and Soweto, the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon just like in our circuit to discover this country in 15 days. But the best route to visit South Africa in 3 weeks also includes a road trip that descends from the Kruger to Durban via Swaziland (now Eswatini) with its famous Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary, by Saint Lucia with its iSimangaliso Wetland Park classified site and by Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve with its last white rhinos in the world. In short, this circuit is the best so as not to miss anything and not to regret anything!

If you are still unsure of the length of your stay, you can always consult our article: How many days does it take to visit South Africa?

Why take a 21-day tour of South Africa?

South Africa is THE African country to visit. It offers extremely varied landscapes (sea, mountains, metropolises, desert, savannah, etc.), a fascinating history to discover, safaris counting among the best in the world and delicious gastronomy. On the practical side, the country is stable, it is one of the most developed in Africa, malaria is non-existent and if you stay in tourist areas it is safe. So why deny it? With family, as a couple or with friends, you will enjoy this personalised tour 21 days in South Africa.

Safety on your 3 week itinerary in South Africa

Insecurity in South Africa is not a myth but tourists are not affected if they do not venture alone in risky areas like townships or if they do not walk in the evening. deserted alleys. By staying on the beaten track and using common sense, you will never be attacked. Our feeling is that we often feel more in danger in certain streets of Paris than in this country! If, however, you want to leave with peace of mind, we recommend that you take out insurance with AXIS. They are leaders in travel insurance and offer very good prices for full coverage (in addition to the medical / accident / sports aspect, they also provide many other things such as lost luggage or passports, cancellation of travel, etc.).

Summary of the itinerary "visit South Africa in 3 weeks"

• DAY 1: The different districts of Cape Town and visit of Table Mountain
• DAY 2: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and Robben Island Prison
• DAY 3: The Cape Town peninsula and its Cape of Good Hope
• DAY 4: The South African Wine Route to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek
• DAY 5: Hermanus whales and white sharks
• DAY 6: Kayaking in the Wilderness Park on the Garden Route in South Africa
• DAY 7: Visit of Plettenberg Bay and walk in Robberg National Park
• DAY 8: The best activities Plettenberg Bay has to offer
• DAY 9: Bloukrans Bridge and the super hits of Jeffreys Bay
• DAY 10: Safari in Addo Elephant park at the end of the Garden Route
• DAY 11: Cultural day in Soweto to understand apartheid
• DAY 12: Explore the waterfall route between Sabie and Graskop in South Africa
• DAY 13: The best sites of the Blyde River Canyon in South Africa
• DAY 14: Explore the mythical Kruger National Park of South Africa
• DAY 15: Finish the tour of the southern part of Kruger National Park
• DAY 16: Stopover at Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary in Swaziland
• DAY 17: The best activities of Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary in Swaziland
• DAY 18: The iSimangaliso Wetland Park in St Lucia and these whales in Cape Vidal
• DAY 19: The white rhinos of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve
• DAY 20: Oribi Gorges: wonder of KwaZulu Natal
• DAY 21: Visit Durban, capital of the Zulu region

This 3 week itinerary in South Africa takes you from Cape Town to the end of the Garden Route, from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park and from Swaziland to Durban. In total you will have a road trip that covers the South, North and East of South Africa traveling 2000Km in 21 days!

(Click in the map below on 'show map' then on the right arrow to view your journey step by step.)

How many days should you plan to go on a route in South Africa?

As we said, this 3 week itinerary in South Africa is the perfect duration to go around the essential sites. It's the ideal circuit to visit all the South, North and East of the country: Cape Town-Garden Route-Johannesburg-Kruger-Swaziland-St Lucia-Durban. All that's missing is the Drakensberg mountains and Lesotho to complete the great loop of southern Africa. But for that, we recommend that you go for 1 month instead (you can read our article on the best one month itinerary in South Africa). It is doable in 3 weeks but it is not at all pleasant (you can take our word for it because we experienced it for ourselves…).

As for travelers who do not wish to make long and tiring road trips, then the best is to stay 10 days ou one week in Cape Town to visit the essentials of South Africa in relaxation mode. If you really want to see Kruger National Park then you can look into our 15-day itineraries as well as 17 days.

When to go for a 3 week itinerary in South Africa?

Concerning the best time to go on a 3 week itinerary in South Africa, summer is from December to March and the tourist season from mid-December to the end of February. So leaving in November or March seems to us a good compromise to have the fewest possible travelers but always the sun. Those are the equivalents of June and September in France. July and August are the least touristy periods but it is winter so bring warm clothes. Even if it is never very cold, many regions are often windy so a waistcoat and a windbreaker are essential.

Our favorites during this 3 week itinerary in South Africa

• Cape Town is the most beautiful city in South Africa and after staying there it will undoubtedly fit into your list of the most beautiful cities in the world. We would gladly stay there longer as there is so much to explore. Enclosed between the Atlantic and Table Mountain, Cape Town is surrounded by breathtaking nature. You can enjoy the mountains in the morning, the ocean in the afternoon and dine in a Michelin-starred restaurant with only a 15-minute drive during the day!
• Our favorite excursion during this 3 week itinerary in South Africa will remain our safari in the Kruger National Park. It's an incredible privilege to be able to drive alone in your rental car in a park that is home to the Big 5. In fact, we have all seen them: the buffalo, the elephant, the lion, the leopard and the rhinoceros! It was an incredible trek in the bush. In addition, we also visited a private reserve to have a different experience of the park and we highly recommend doing this 'public + private reserve' combo (see our article on the advantages of Kruger's private reserves).
• What we preferred during our road trip on the Garden Route was Plettenberg Bay. You absolutely have to hike to the Robberg National Park peninsula! In addition, we had the chance to admire phosphorescent phytoplankton in the lagoon. It was magical.
• Finally, our only regret was to have spent only one day in the wine region because there are a lot of great areas to visit. Being a lover of good bottles, we could easily spend the 21 days there!
• The other place in South Africa that really marked us is the Blyde River Canyon and its view on the Three Rondavels (we were stuck).

What we liked least about this 21 days itinerary in South Africa

The 21 days of this itinerary in South Africa were perfect. The only thing that can be said is that between Knysna, the Wilderness Park and Plettenberg Bay, Plettenberg Bay wins hands down. This was our favorite stop on the Garden Route. You can remove the Wilderness stop sign without remorse if you want to spend more time elsewhere. We suggest adding a day of your choice:

• in Cape Town to enjoy all the activities the city has to offer such as the superb Lion's Head hike, seal diving, paragliding, dune snowboarding, Ciftons beaches, etc ... (see our article on the subject)
• on the South African wine route to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek to visit the many vineyards of the region and treat yourself to an exceptional night in a charming hotel surrounded by vineyards (see our article on these magnificent accommodations).
• to Hermanus for a better chance of going to see white sharks.
• at Kruger National Park to spend more days on a safari in the reserve and have a better chance to see all the animals. (It is this option that we recommend)

Speaking of safari, this 3 week itinerary in South Africa has 4 nature reserves in 4 different regions (the South, the North, the East and Swaziland). If you come to South Africa especially to see wild animals then do not change anything because all these national parks offer different landscapes. But if, like us, one or two safaris are enough for you, then we advise you not to do the Addo Elephant Park or that of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi. The best is to use these two days to go on a safari in a private reserve of the Kruger National Park (2 days in self-drive and 2 days in private reserve). It is an exceptional experience.

Also, if jumping from the highest bungee jump in the world (Guinness Record approved) doesn't appeal to you then we recommend that you skip DAY 9 “The best stops between Plettenberg Bay and Addo Elephant Parc”. Best to leave Plettenberg Bay in the late afternoon of DAY 8 and make the 3 hour drive to Addo Elephant Park to sleep there and start the DAY 10 safari in the reserve early the next day.

Finally, the last variant of this 21 days tour in South Africa is to skip the day in Johannesburg and Soweto (Day 11). Although very instructive about apartheid, this day requires you to go back 450 km to the Kruger by car. If Mandela Prison on Robben Island is enough for the historical side, then the best is to take a plane between Port Elizabeth and the Kruger Airport so that you arrive directly at the gates of the reserve without wasting time on the road . Suddenly, the day on the waterfall route (Day 12) can also be skipped because it served to cut the long route between Johannesburg and the Kruger without really offering anything unique (unlike the Blyde River Canyon).

The budget for this 3-week itinerary in South Africa

By being careful, we can have a wonderful trip 3 weeks in South Africa for a budget of 1600 € per person (international flights excluded) or 76 € per day (see details of expenses below). The most expensive is the accommodation but if you book all the hotels that we recommend first in this article, then you will only pay around 1260 € for 21 nights in double rooms in B&B, or on average 60 € per night. By sharing the room with your partner, it brings you back the night to 30 € per person. We strongly advise you to choose this option because quality guesthouses (tested and approved by us) at € 30 per night on average per person, it's unbeatable!

NB: Be careful though to book well in advance because during the high season these tips are often full ...

Breakdown of expenses for this 3 week itinerary in South Africa

To note :

• This budget excludes souvenirs and shopping.
• Car and gas rental costs were cut in half because there were two of us. If you are 3 or 4, the budget will be even smaller.
• We ate every day for lunch and dinner in classic restaurants (nothing gourmet but it was always very good). Alcohol was not taken into account.
• The 'activities' budget includes entry into national parks, diving with white sharks, the ferry to Robben Island, bungee jumping, self-drive safaris, etc. In short, we didn't not private.
• The 'Housing' budget has been calculated according to all accommodation recommended first in this 3 week itinerary in South Africa. These are always double rooms in hotels or quality B & Bs where we have already booked. The other accommodations recommended by following the links give you other options at different prices (from hostel to luxury hotel) and they are recommended either by us or by friends who have stayed there. You can easily reduce your budget to less than € 65 per day per person if you decide to book in the youth hostels we recommend by following these links (they all offer double, family and dorm rooms).
• This budget does not take into account the return flight to South Africa to give you an idea of ​​the budget per day to be expected on site. A flight booked in advance in March or November from Paris costs around € 550 return. To book a ticket at the best price, it is best to find out about the skyscanner comparator . The 2 internal flights to be booked in advance are included in our budget. At these prices, the 21 days in South Africa following this itinerary will cost you € 2150 per person (550 € of flights + 1600 € on site)!

3 WEEK ROUTE BUDGET IN SOUTH AFRICA
Per person in euros
TRANSPORT
Flights Port Elizabeth-Johannesburg	80€
Flights Durban-Johannesburg	70€
Rental car for 21 days	170€
Gasoline	100€
MEAL	250€
ACTIVITIES	300€
ACCOMMODATION	630€
TOTAL	1 600€

Alternative of the “South Africa in 3 weeks” itinerary

If Paris-Johannesburg return flights are much cheaper than Paris-Cape Town, then you can start this 21 day itinerary in South Africa via Johannesburg and the Soweto district (Day 11 in the itinerary detailed below) and follow it to Durban (Day 21). From there, take a Durban-Cape Town flight and continue the tour from Day 1 to Day 10 on the Garden Route. Once at the end of the Garden Route (also known as the Garden Route), take a plane from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg and then return to France.

NB: We have simply reversed the two large parts of this 3 week itinerary in South Africa:

• North and East: from Johannesburg to Durban
• and the South: from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth

Our tips for renting a car on this 21-day tour of South Africa

• Ce 21 day road trip in South Africa is a circuit that requires rent a car in Cape Town and return it to Port Elizabeth; then rent a car in Johannesburg and return it to Durban Airport. Most rental agencies offer it with a small supplement except for Budget Car which does it for free.
• No need to rent a 4 × 4 even to go on safaris independently with your rental car. Indeed, all the roads that cross the national parks are paved.
• The whole Garden Route can be done with the BazBus if you are staying in a youth hostel. It's a good way to save money by not renting a car for the first 10 days of stay and to meet other travelers if you are alone or very social! For each stage of the Garden Route, find the youth hostel served by the Baz Bus that we recommend in the link on other accommodation options at the end of the paragraph.
• Don't forget to take your international license. It is free on request at the prefecture.
• Here, we drive on the left like the English do!

Tip: Hire a car in South Africa at the best price with this car rental comparator.

The best 3 week itinerary in South Africa day by day

You will find below the best 3 week itinerary in South Africa day by day with all essential sites to visit and the best activities to do absolutely. For each step, you will find links to access all additional information : the journey times to plan per day, the best providers for the excursions not to be missed, the advice to know and especially a list of the best hotels, guesthouses and youth hostels at every stage.

DAY 1: Discover the most beautiful neighborhoods of Cape Town in South Africa

Stroll through the Cape Town's most beautiful neighborhoods: Bo-Kaap, Camps Bay, Sea Point, Green point and Waterfront. In the evening, enjoy the sunset above Table Mountain and end the day on the busy street of Kloof Street.

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To stay, The Villa Rosa is an excellent central B&B.

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For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 1: Our guide to visit Cape Town neighborhoods in one day
• Our selection of hotels in Cape Town for all budgets

DAY 2: The essential Cape Town excursions in South Africa

Besides Table Mountain, you should definitely visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and prison on Robben Island where Mandela was locked up. When you return from the ferry, you can go shopping at the craft market Water Shed. You will sleep again at The Villa Rosa.

For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 2: Tips for visiting these 2 essential Cape Town sites

DAY 3: On the way to the Cape of Good Hope, at the tip of South Africa

This 21 day tour in South Africa continue with around the Cape Peninsula which includes the mythical route of Chapman's Peak, the famous Cape of Good Hope and finally the penguin colony of Boulders National Park.

You will end the day at Muizenberg where you will spend the night at The Muize.

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If complete, our second crush is Admiralty B&B.

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You can also decide to return to Cape Town in less than 30 min and sleep again at The Villa Rosa or in another of the recommended accommodation.

For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 3: Organize your excursion to the Cape of Good Hope
• Muizenberg's best accommodation in South Africa

DAY 4: Discover the magnificent South African wine route

Today you can pet cheetahs in a sanctuary but you will especially do tastings in the best vineyards of Stellenbosch and de Franschhoek on the wine route of South Africa.

In the evening, the ideal is to sleep on site at theEendracht Hotel.

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But if the next day you go to Hermanus early for a whale-watching cruise or a cage dive with white sharks, then we strongly advise you to make the 1 hour journey at the end of the afternoon and sleep on the spot at 6 Stemmet Lodge, which is for us the best value for money in town.

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For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 4: the best day trip on the South African wine route
• The best hotels in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek on the South African wine route
• Read our article on the best hotels in Hermanus

DAY 5: Spot whales and cage dive with white sharks in Hermanus

Hermanus is THE city to see Whales et cage diving with white sharks. Don't miss it! (You don't need to know how to dive!)

After an emotional day, you will spend the night on the Garden Route at the inexpensive B&B The Old Trading Post.

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Warning: read our detailed itinerary below to choose a service provider in Hermanus but also to get an idea of ​​the distances because your road trip on the garden route begins now.

For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 5: A must read before booking a whale or white shark tour
• For more choices, read 'The best accommodations around the Wilderness on the Garden Route'

DAY 6: Best Wilderness Park Activities on South Africa's Garden Route

The 3 week itinerary in South Africa continue on the garden route with a first stop at the parc du Wilderness where you can go up the river by kayak to the magnificent waterfall. At the end of the day, go to Plettenberg Bay via Knysna.

The B&B 113 on Robberg is your best choice for sleeping near the city center.

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For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 6: The best activities to discover Wilderness National Park
• Our recommendations for accommodation in Plettenberg Bay

DAY 7: Visit of Plettenberg Bay and walk in Robberg National Park

Make it the most beautiful hike of the whole garden route at Robberg national park de Plettenberg Bay. At the end of the afternoon, stroll around town until dinner because you sleep again at the B&B of 113 on Robberg.

For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 7: Know before visiting Robberg National Park

DAY 8: Enjoy the best activities Plettenberg Bay has to offer

There is so much to do in Plettenberg Bay that one more day seems obligatory to us. Today do the activities you prefer: relaxation, surfing, kayaking, canyoning, walking in the forest,… There is even a monkey park for children! In the evening, try to see the phosphorescent plankton in the lagoon before returning to the B&B of 113 on Robberg.

For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 8: The best activities Plettenberg Bay has to offer

DAY 9: The best stops between Plettenberg Bay and Addo Elephant Park

Le 21 day road trip continue with the program the highest bungee jump in the world at Bloukrans Bridge and the super tubes of the surf spot of Jeffreys bay to finish at Addo Elephant park where you will spend the night.

We recommend the B&B Zuurberg Mountain Village which offers a magnificent view of the reserve.

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For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 9: our article on this stage to be able to plan it at best.
• If you want to spend a special night on a honeymoon or other, discover our favorite lodges in Addo.

DAY 10: Go on a safari in Addo Elephant Park at the end of the Garden Route

Take a self-drive day safari in the reserveAddo Elephant Park at the end of the garden route. When the doors of the reserve close at 18 p.m., turn around to sleep at Port Elizabeth.

We advise you Sir Roys At The Sea to be close to restaurants;

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Or to Treetops Guesthouse to be close to the airport;

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Or at the youth hostel Lungile Backpackers if you take the Baz Bus.

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For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 10: A day at Addo Elephant Park
• Best hotels, b & bs and hostels in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

DAY 11: Cultural day in Soweto to understand apartheid in South Africa

Fly in the morning from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg and after renting a car again, go on the unmissable cultural visits of Soweto on apartheid. You can spend the late evening in the chic district of Sandton.

We advise you to stay at Blu Trea Guesthouse.

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For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 11: Information on organized tours in Soweto
• For more choices, see our article on the best accommodation in Johannesburg
• Book your flight Port Elizabeth-Johannesburg at the best price on the Skyscanner comparator.

DAY 12: Explore the waterfall route between Sabie and Graskop in South Africa

This 3 week road trip in South Africa continues in the North of the country with the discovery of waterfall route et Pilgrim's Rest, the city of the gold rush.

You will sleep towards Graskop in a chalet in the middle of nature in Zur alten Mine.

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For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 12: List of waterfalls not to be missed between Sabie and Graskop.
• The best accommodations near Graskop

DAY 13: The best sites of the Blyde River Canyon in South Africa

On the day's program, the Blyde River Canyon with God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes et The Three Rondavels. In the evening, return to the same hotel as the day before (Zur alten mine).

For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 13: The essentials of Blyde River Canyon

DAY 14: Explore the mythical Kruger National Park of South Africa

Enter the Kruger Park by Shukuza Gate and make a loop in the southern part via Lower sabie et Gate Malelane.

For accommodation, the good plan near Malelane gate is the B&B Hhusha Hhusha.

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For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 14: The best route to visit Kruger National Park day 1/2
• The best hotels in Kruger National Park in South Africa

DAY 15: Finish the tour of the southern part of Kruger National Park

For your second day of Kruger National Park safari, from Malelane Gate, head towards Berg en Dalthen Pretorius head and finally Skukuza.

For accommodation in Skukuza, we recommend the hotel Sabie River Bush Lodge.

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For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 15: The best route to visit Kruger National Park day 2/2

DAY 14 AND 15 ALTERNATIVE: The best private reserves in Kruger Park in South Africa 

Instead of visiting the Kruger Park independently, you can opt for a safari in one of the many private reserves of the park. Find the advantages and disadvantages of this option in our article: The best private reserves in Kruger Park in South Africa. If there is one step where you can indulge yourself without having to regret it, it's at the Kruger! This unique experience is definitely worth it.

DAY 16: Stopover at Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary in Swaziland

Exit the Kruger via crocodile gate to reach the Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary in Swaziland. On site you can hike fromRock execution or relax at thermal center of the Royal Swazi spa.

The best hotel is the Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary himself! You can sleep directly in the reserve!

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If the chalets in the safari park are full, the best alternative is Mountain Inn.

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For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 16: Our guide to cross Swaziland by road trip
• Discover the best hotels near Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary in Swaziland

DAY 17: The best activities of Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary in Swaziland

Visit the Mlilwane wildlife sanctuary on horseback, by mountain bike or on foot alone or with a guide.

Once your tour is finished, head towards St Lucia in South Africa where you can stay at B&B Little Eden.

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For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 17: Visit Mlilwane in different ways.
• Best accommodation in St Lucia

DAY 18: The iSimangaliso Wetland Park in St Lucia and these whales in Cape Vidal

Take a walk in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park to Cape Vidal beach to see the Whales and end the day with a estuary cruise to see the very many hippopotamuses. You will spend the night again in Saint Lucia at Little eden.

For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 18: Guide to the best activities of St Lucia in South Africa

DAY 19: The white rhinos of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve

Visit the famous reserve of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi and these white rhinos then come back to sleep in St Lucia at Little eden.

For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 19: Go on a safari at Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve in South Africa

DAY 20: Oribi Gorges: wonder of KwaZulu Natal

Drive to gorges of Oribi and hike to hanging bridge.

Stop for the photo at Leopard rock before heading to your next hotel: Zesty Guesthouse to Margate.

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For more details :

• Detailed itinerary for day 20: hiking in the gorges of Oribi
• All recommended accommodation on Margate

DAY 21: Visit Durban, capital of the Zulu region

The next day, you will fly to your home from Durban (book your return flight from Durban at the best price on Skyscanner comparator). Depending on the departure time of your plane, you can visit Durban. We recommend that you take a walk along the seaside promenade, enjoy the warm water of the Indian Ocean and eat a Bunny Chow (it's a typical dish of the city).

If you want to spend a night in Durban rather than Margate the day before, you can read our list of the best hotels in town.

We hope this 3 week itinerary in South Africa which goes around all unmissable sites you will like it as much as we liked. Have a good stay and have a good trip!

Find out more about South Africa

If you want to extend or shorten your tour, we have also written articles on the best routes for visit South Africa in 1 month , 17 days, 2 weeks, 10 days ou 7 days.

In addition, you will find links below that may interest you about South Africa:

• The best routes to visit South Africa
• Where to sleep in South Africa?
• Go on a circuit in South Africa
• The best routes by region: What to do in South Africa?
• The best tailor-made itineraries to visit South Africa
• The best routes to visit South Africa 
• The Best Itinerary for Flower Season in South Africa