Planning how to spend 10 days in South Africa can feel overwhelming, and I completely understand why. Between vibrant cities like Johannesburg, the wild beauty of Kruger National Park, and the coastal charm of Cape Town, it can be hard to figure out where to begin. I remember spending hours looking at maps and reading blogs, trying to piece together the perfect route.
With just 10 days in South Africa, you can still experience an amazing snapshot of its beauty and culture. This itinerary takes you through the lively streets of Johannesburg, the breathtaking wildlife of Kruger, the coastal energy of Cape Town, and the scenic vineyards of the Cape Winelands. Whether you are planning your first trip or simply gathering inspiration, this guide will help you make the most of your adventure.
Our journey started in Johannesburg and ended in Cape Town, though you can easily reverse it depending on your flights. Below you will find the highlights from each stop, along with tips that helped make our trip smoother and more memorable.
In this post you will find:
- Johannesburg: A City of Stories
- Kruger National Park: Into the Wild
- Cape Town: Coastal Views and Vibrant Vibes
- The Winelands: Savoring South Africa’s Finest
- Cape Town pt. 2
Day 1-2: Johannesburg
Our South Africa adventure began in Johannesburg, and even though we arrived late, the city immediately had an energy that felt alive. That first evening was simple with just dinner and rest, but one thing I learned quickly is that restaurant reservations here are a must. Popular spots can get busy, and wait times sometimes stretch past an hour.
With only one full day to explore, we started the morning with breakfast at our hotel before heading to Soweto for a guided tour through Lebo Soweto Backpackers. I’d highly recommend pre-booking a shuttle through them, it made everything so much easier.
Soweto turned out to be one of the most eye-opening experiences of the entire trip. The neighborhood’s mix of modest homes, bustling streets, and historic landmarks tells the story of South Africa’s resilience and transformation. Our guide shared personal stories about the township’s history, and walking down Vilakazi Street, where Nelson Mandela once lived, felt incredibly moving. Hearing about the community’s past and progress directly from someone who grew up there made the experience even more powerful.
After the tour, we stopped for a quick lunch and then planned to visit the Apartheid Museum. Unfortunately, jet lag won that battle, and we ended up missing it because it closes at 5 PM. Instead, we explored Rosebank Mall and visited the Rosebank Art and Craft Market, which is perfect for souvenirs. You’ll find colorful beadwork, paintings, handwoven baskets, and wooden carvings made by local artists. It is a great place to support small businesses and bring home a little piece of South Africa.
We ended the evening with an early dinner in the Rosebank area before turning in for the night. If you are starting your trip in Johannesburg, consider adding an extra day if your schedule allows. The city has so much more to offer, from the street art and creative spaces in Maboneng to the historical Constitution Hill. Having one more day would make it easier to adjust to the time zone and explore without feeling rushed.
Where to Stay in Joburg
We stayed in Rosebank, and it turned out to be a fantastic choice. The neighborhood is safe, walkable, and full of restaurants and cafes. Our hotel, Homesuites at Rosebank, was cozy and modern with warm, friendly staff who went out of their way to make us feel welcome. The location was ideal and made getting around by Uber really easy.
If you want something more upscale, Sandton is a great option, known for its luxury hotels, shopping, and nightlife. For a trendier and more local vibe, Melrose Arch has a pedestrian-friendly layout with plenty of dining options and a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for an evening stroll.
Day 3-4: Safari Adventures in Kruger National Park
It was time to immerse ourselves in the quintessential South African experience, a safari. Choosing the right game reserve can be overwhelming since there are so many incredible options. For us, the top two contenders were Sabi Sand and Kapama. We ultimately chose Kapama because of its proximity and availability, as many of the more affordable lodges in Sabi Sand were already booked. If you are considering Sabi Sand, it’s best to reserve your stay as early as six months in advance. We booked three months ahead and found that availability was already limited.
On our third day, we took an early morning flight that brought us directly to the entrance of Kruger National Park. Driving to Kapama is an option, but it takes about five to six hours, so flying made the most sense. Our Airlink flight lasted only 35 minutes and was surprisingly comfortable, complete with a sandwich and a selection of drinks.
We spent two nights at Kapama, and the experience exceeded every expectation. The lodge offered an immersive safari adventure paired with warm hospitality and thoughtful service. Our days began with early morning game drives and ended with evening safaris, where we had the chance to see the Big Five up close. Two days felt perfect for us, but there’s plenty more to do if you plan a longer stay. Activities like guided bush walks, visits to an elephant sanctuary, or simply unwinding and enjoying the peaceful surroundings make it easy to extend your visit.
The attention to detail made our stay completely seamless, from morning wake-up calls to beautifully prepared dinners. Every aspect of the experience was managed with care, ensuring our time in the wild was both relaxing and unforgettable. For a more detailed review of our Kapama experience, click here.
Day 5-7: Cape Town pt. 1
After breakfast on our final morning at the game reserve, we flew to Cape Town, arriving around 4:30 p.m. Once we checked into our Airbnb, we took a leisurely walk along the Sea Point Promenade, soaking in the ocean views and lively energy. For dinner, we stopped at Mojo Market, a fun spot with diverse food stalls and a vibrant atmosphere. Afterward, we explored a few bars nearby and got a glimpse of Cape Town’s nightlife.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
The next day, we decided to explore Cape Town using the hop-on hop-off bus tour. We started with the Red Line, stopping at V&A Waterfront, the City Center, and Bo-Kaap, where we paused for lunch. Later, we switched to the Blue Line and continued to Constantia to visit a local winery. The restaurant at the winery was quite popular, so I recommend booking a table in advance since seating can be limited.
We ended the evening at The Lawns at Round House for an early dinner and drinks before heading out to explore a few more local spots. The hop-on hop-off bus tour was a convenient and flexible way to see the city, allowing us to move at our own pace while covering a lot in one day.
Hiking Lion’s Head
The following morning, we hiked up Lion’s Head, starting around 6:30 to 7:00 a.m. While many recommend beginning at sunrise, our timing worked out perfectly. It was challenging enough to feel rewarding but not too strenuous, and the weather was just right with cool temperatures and clear skies. The hike took about three hours, including stops, and we spent another half hour at the summit admiring the panoramic views and taking photos. It is one of the most rewarding hikes in Cape Town, though it is best to avoid it after rain or if hiking with young children since parts of the trail can be steep and slippery.
Afterward, we took a short Uber ride to Nourish’d, a cozy spot for a post-hike meal. The food and drinks were both delicious and nourishing, perfect after a morning outdoors. Once we finished, we returned to our Airbnb to pack up and then headed to the airport to pick up our rental car for the next leg of our journey through the wine region. Having a car offered flexibility to stop and explore along the way, but if you prefer not to drive, there are plenty of day tour options or you can easily use Uber to get around.
Day 7-8: South African Wineries
Driving to Stellenbosch
Driving to the wineries gave us a chance to get comfortable driving on the left side of the road. We stopped in Stellenbosch for lunch and visited a couple of nearby wineries. Since we had more driving ahead, we kept our tastings light.
Most wineries close around five in the evening, so planning your stops is essential. We visited two wineries, Ernie Els, where we picked up a few souvenirs, and Tokara, which had incredible views that made us want to stay longer. If you have extra time, it is worth visiting one or two. The region is full of options. Sharing a tasting is a great idea if you are the one driving. But honestly, we were happy spending more time just soaking in the scenery at Tokara.
Arrival in Franschhoek
Afterward, we made our way to Franschhoek and it felt like stepping into a storybook. checked into our Airbnb, which turned out to be one of my favorite stays of the trip. It was conveniently located near the Groot Drakenstein terminal, making it easy to access the wine tram. The area had a cozy charm that immediately made us feel at home.
We spent the evening relaxing before walking into town to explore. Franschhoek is known for its incredible food scene, and many restaurants offer multi-course set menus that require reservations well in advance. If you’re hoping to dine at one of the top spots, it’s best to book a table early. For something more casual, there are also plenty of great restaurants in town where you can walk in and find a table without much of a wait.
If you’re looking for dining inspiration, check out my Best Places to Eat in Cape Town post, where I share a few of my favorite spots from this trip.
Exploring with the Wine Tram
The next morning, we took the Franschhoek wine tram to explore the region’s wineries. This was one of the highlights of our trip and such a fun way to spend the day. It is important to book your tickets in advance since there are several different lines, each stopping at different wineries. Because the routes overlap only slightly, it is difficult to explore more than one line in a day.
I recommend reviewing the tram schedule ahead of time, choosing a few wineries that catch your eye, and selecting the line that covers those stops. Each tram line has a slightly different feel, and the experience can be as relaxed or as social as you want it to be. Some people make a day of it with friends, while others prefer to enjoy the views quietly over a long lunch and a tasting.
The tram made it easy to enjoy the wine region without worrying about driving, and the scenery along the route was absolutely stunning. Between the vineyards, mountains, and charming estates, it was one of those days that felt perfectly slow and memorable.
We opted for the Orange Line, which took us to Boschendal and Babylonstoren. Although we could have visited more wineries, we decided to spend extra time at each location to fully enjoy the experience. After a late lunch and giving ourselves a little time to sober up, we returned to the terminal where our car was parked and even visited another winery that was not on the Orange Line.
Most wineries close around 5 p.m., so it is best to start your day at the Groot terminal as early as possible if you only have one day in Franschhoek. I really enjoyed the tram experience because it allowed us to relax and take in the beautiful scenery without worrying about driving. It was easy to move at our own pace and soak in the vineyards, the mountains, and the charming estates along the way.
Day 9-11: Cape Town pt. 2
Road Trip to Cape Town
We left our Airbnb around 8 a.m. and took a scenic drive through Franschhoek Pass. We stopped for breakfast along the way and enjoyed a delightful meal before continuing our journey back to Cape Town. Once in the city, we checked into our hotel and headed out for lunch at Belly of the Beast.
This place is famous and books out months in advance. They accommodate vegetarians but not vegans. Despite having already eaten, the dishes we tried were so unique and flavorful that we couldn’t stop eating. Belly of the Beast is also extremely popular for dinner, but we were unable to secure a reservation at that time.
Tip: Belly of the Beast books months in advance, so make your reservation as early as possible if you want to visit.
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Our plan to hike Table Mountain got canceled because of cloudy weather, which was frustrating at first. We decided to drive part of Chapman’s Peak instead, and it was absolutely beautiful. The road curved dramatically along the cliffs, with the ocean crashing below and mist rolling in from the mountains. Every few minutes, we pulled over just to take in the view. Even though we only had half a day, those few stops left us completely in awe.
The best part was that we didn’t have to hike in bad weather. Instead, we sat in the car with the windows cracked, listening to the waves and feeling grateful we hadn’t forced the original plan. It reminded me how important it is to stay flexible when traveling. Sometimes the detours end up being even better than what you planned. Cape Town has a way of surprising you at every turn, and this drive was proof of that.
The next day, we had originally planned to do Chapman’s Peak Drive, so we decided to go again since we hadn’t visited everything the first day. The first trip had been so beautiful that we couldn’t resist another go. We stopped at Hout Bay for coffee, then continued on to Muizenberg Beach, Boulders Beach to see the penguins, Cape Point, and finally the Cape of Good Hope. The coastal views were endless, each stop more beautiful than the last. If you plan to do this drive, give yourself the whole day. Bring water and snacks since there aren’t many dining options near Cape Point, and trust me, you’ll want extra time for photos.
Visiting Table Mountain
On our last morning in Cape Town, we finally made it to Table Mountain. It was still cloudy, but we decided to take the cable car up instead of hiking. Even on a misty morning, the panoramic views were worth it. The clouds moved fast, so one minute the city was hidden and the next it opened up like a postcard.
If you plan to visit, check the visibility conditions on the official Table Mountain website before you go. The weather changes constantly and sometimes the summit closes due to wind. It’s best to buy your tickets online and arrive early since lines start forming before opening. Flexibility is key here too. If you wake up to a clear sky in Cape Town, drop everything and go straight to Table Mountain because those clear days don’t last long.
Tip: It’s wise to be flexible with your visit to Table Mountain. The summit is often cloud-covered, so take advantage of any clear day you have.
After our visit, we checked out of our hotel and spent the rest of the morning exploring the Sunday markets. Parking was a bit of a challenge, so I would recommend taking an Uber instead. The markets were vibrant and full of local crafts, live music, and food stalls, the perfect way to wrap up our time in Cape Town.
Botanical Garden and Departure
Before heading to the airport, we made one last stop at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. It was peaceful and quiet, the kind of place that instantly slows you down. We walked through the shaded paths surrounded by lush greenery and mountain views. It felt like the perfect way to end our trip — one last breath of South Africa’s natural beauty before heading home.
Afterward, we returned our rental car and caught our flight, already daydreaming about the next visit. South Africa left us with the kind of memories that make you want to come back the moment you leave.
Where to Stay in Cape Town
We stayed in an Airbnb in Sea Point for the first two nights. It was quiet and felt more local, great for a slower pace. The promenade was right there, and it was nice for morning walks. But if I were visiting for the first time again, I’d probably stay in Camps Bay or the V&A Waterfront instead.
Camps Bay has those postcard beach views with a relaxed, upscale feel, while the V&A Waterfront is full of energy, shops, and restaurants — ideal if you like being in the middle of everything. Both areas make it easy to explore without needing to drive much, and they capture two completely different sides of Cape Town.
Where to Eat in Cape Town
Cape Town is a food lover’s dream. Whether you’re after fine dining, a cozy brunch spot, or street-style eats, the city never disappoints. The variety is unbelievable — from vegetarian-friendly spots to seafood and fusion restaurants. To see my favorite places from the trip, check out my post on the Best Places to Eat in Cape Town, where I’ve shared the restaurants that truly stood out.
Final Thoughts
Ten days in South Africa may fly by, but the memories will stick with you long after you are home. Between Johannesburg’s deep-rooted history, the thrill of spotting elephants in Kruger, and the golden sunsets over Table Mountain, it is a trip that hits every sense. What surprised me most was how seamlessly one experience flowed into the next. One day you are surrounded by lions, the next you are sipping wine with a mountain view.
If I could give just one piece of advice, it is to slow down when you can. Don’t try to do everything. Let the journey unfold. That unexpected café stop, a detour to a vineyard you did not plan to visit, or a quiet moment watching the sunrise over the bush can end up being the most memorable part of the trip.
So whether you follow this 10-day South Africa itinerary exactly or tweak it to fit your own style, I hope it helps you experience the same wonder I did. South Africa is not just a destination. It is a feeling you will want to chase again and again.
