Naitri With just 10 days in South Africa, you’ll get a perfect snapshot of this diverse and stunning country. This itinerary covers Johannesburg’s vibrant city life, Kruger National Park’s awe-inspiring wildlife, Cape Town’s scenic beauty, and the wine region’s charming vineyards. Whether you’re planning a similar trip or just looking for some inspiration, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your adventure. Our journey began in Johannesburg and wrapped up in Cape Town, though this itinerary can easily be flipped to suit your travel plans.
10-Day South Africa Itinerary
- Day 1-2: Johannesburg
- Day 3-4: Kapama Game Reserve for safari
- Day 5: Wrap up safari and head to Cape Town
- Day 6: Cape Town pt. 1
- Day 7: Hike Lion’s Head and drive to wineries
- Day 8: Franschhoek
- Day 9-11: Cape Town pt. 2
Day 1-2: Johannesburg
We arrived in Johannesburg late in the evening, so our first day was limited to just dinner. I highly recommend making reservations in the city, as securing a spot in bars and restaurants without them can be challenging. Wait times for those without reservations can exceed an hour.
With only one full day in Johannesburg, we started the following day with breakfast at our hotel before heading out to Soweto for a tour we had booked through Lebo Soweto Backpackers. You can also pre-book a shuttle from the hotel with them. Soweto offered a different vibe compared to Joburg or Rosebank. Having a knowledgeable driver familiar with the area provided a sense of security and local insight. The Soweto tour was an eye-opener, we explored different aspects of Soweto, from impoverished neighborhoods to the middle-class and wealthier areas of the township. The tour guides did a fantastic job explaining the history. The entire experience was educational and moving, providing incredible firsthand insight into the history of this place.
After lunch, we planned to visit the Apartheid Museum. However, jet lag caught up with us, so we took a nap. Since the museum closed at 5 pm, we missed our chance to go. Instead, we explored Rosebank Mall, enjoyed souvenir shopping at the Rosebank Arts and Crafts Market, and had an early dinner.
If you’re starting your trip in Johannesburg, I recommend adding an extra day to explore other areas, delve deeper into the city’s history, and allow more time to adjust to the time zone.
Where to Stay in Joburg
We opted to stay in Rosebank and highly recommend Homesuites at Rosebank. The location was ideal and very safe, with a price that was quite reasonable. The staff was welcoming, and the room was both spacious and cozy. I would definitely choose this hotel again for future visits to Johannesburg. It was easy to get Ubers from the hotel, making it convenient for everything we had planned. Other areas worth considering include Sandton, renowned for its upscale malls and vibrant nightlife, as well as Melrose Arch, a trendy district featuring a lively dining scene and a pedestrian-friendly layout.
Day 3-4: Safari Adventures in Kruger National Park
It was time to immerse ourselves in the quintessential safari experience of South Africa. Choosing the right game reserve can be daunting, with numerous options available. For us, the top two contenders were Sabi Sand and Kapama. We ultimately opted for Kapama due to its proximity and availability, as many of the more affordable lodges at Sabi Sand were already fully booked. If you’re considering Sabi Sand, it’s wise to book as early as six months in advance. We reserved our stay three months ahead and found that many options were already limited.
On day three, we took an early flight that brought us to the entrance of Kruger National Park. While driving to Kapama is an option, it takes about 5-6 hours, so we chose to fly instead. Our flight with Airlink was a brief 35-minute journey that proved to be quite pleasant. Despite its short duration, the airline provided a sandwich and offered a selection of beer, wine, and other beverages.
We spent two nights at Kapama, and the experience exceeded all our expectations. The lodge provided an immersive safari adventure combined with excellent service and warm hospitality. Our days were filled with early morning and late evening game drives, where we had the opportunity to encounter the majestic Big Five up close. While two days was an ideal duration for us, there are plenty of activities for those wishing to extend their stay. Options include guided bush walks, visits to an elephant sanctuary, or simply relaxing and enjoying the tranquil pace of life on the reserve.
The thoughtful attention to detail made our stay carefree, from the morning wake-up calls to the evening dinners. Every aspect of the experience was meticulously managed, ensuring that our safari adventure was seamless and unforgettable. For a detailed review of the Kapama game reserve experience, click here.
Day 5-7: Cape Town pt. 1
After breakfast on our final day at the game reserve, we flew to Cape Town and arrived around 4:30 PM. Once we checked into our Airbnb, we took a leisurely stroll along the Sea Point promenade, enjoying the ocean views and the vibrant atmosphere. For dinner, we headed to Mojo Market, which offers a variety of food stalls and a lively environment. Following dinner, we explored a few bars in the city, experiencing some of Cape Town’s nightlife.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
The following day, we decided to explore Cape Town using the hop-on-hop-off bus tour. We boarded the red line and disembarked at several key stops, including V&A Waterfront, City Center, and Bo-Kaap, where we enjoyed lunch. Afterward, we switched to the Blue Line and headed to Constantia to visit a winery. The restaurant at the winery was quite popular, so if you plan to dine there, it’s advisable to book a table in advance as seating can be limited.
Later, we visited the Lawns at Round House for an early dinner and drinks, before exploring a few bars around the city. The hop-on-hop-off bus tour provided a convenient way to see various parts of Cape Town and offered flexibility in how we spent our day.
Hiking Lion’s Head
The following morning, we hiked up Lion’s Head, starting around 6:30 – 7 am. While many recommend starting at sunrise, our timing proved ideal, offering a manageable challenge without the need for an extremely early start. The weather was perfect—neither too hot nor too cold—contributing to a pleasant hike. The trek took us about 3 hours, including stops, and we spent an additional 20-30 minutes at the summit taking in the stunning views and capturing photos. The hike is highly recommended for its incredible scenery. However, if it has rained recently or if you’re hiking with small children, it’s best to reconsider, as the trail can be quite steep and potentially hazardous when wet.
After the hike, we took a short Uber ride to Nourish’d, a great spot for a post-hike meal. The food and drinks there were both delicious and healthy, making it an excellent choice for refueling. Following our meal, we returned to our Airbnb to pack and then headed to the airport to pick up a rental car for our next journey to the wine region. Having the car provided flexibility and convenience, allowing us to stop wherever we wished along the way. However, if you are uncomfortable driving, there are plenty of day tour options or you could use Uber. If you are uncomfortable driving, though, there are plenty of day tour options, or you could use Uber to get around.
Day 7-8: South African Wineries
Driving to Stellenbosch
Driving to the wineries helped us adjust to driving on the left side of the road with light traffic. We stopped in Stellenbosch for lunch and visited a few nearby wineries, keeping in mind that we needed to drive and thus limited our wine consumption.
It’s important to be aware that most wineries close by 5 pm. During our visit, we explored two wineries: Ernie Els, where we picked up some souvenirs, and Tokara, which offered breathtaking views. If you have additional time, you might consider visiting another winery, as there are many options in the area. Sharing a tasting is a practical choice if you’re driving. However, we chose to spend more time enjoying Tokara.
Arrival in Franschhoek
Upon arrival in Franschhoek, we checked into our Airbnb, which was ideally situated near the Groot terminal. This location was particularly convenient for accessing the wine tram and was possibly my favorite accommodation of the trip.
After settling in, we relaxed at the Airbnb before walking into town to explore. Franschhoek features a variety of dining options, many of which are popular for their set menus and require reservations well in advance. To ensure a table at one of these sought-after restaurants, it is advisable to book ahead. For a more casual dining experience, several restaurants in town offer seating with minimal wait times.
For more dining recommendations in the area, check out my Best Places to Eat in Cape Town post, which highlights some of my favorite spots from the trip.
Exploring with the Wine Tram
The next day, we took the wine tram to explore the wineries in Franschhoek. it’s essential to book the wine tram in advance, as it operates on several different lines, each leading to specific wineries. Given the variety and overlap of wineries on each line, it would be challenging to visit more than one line in a single day. I recommend reviewing the schedule, selecting a few top wineries you’re interested in, and choosing a line accordingly.
We opted for the orange line, which took us to Boschendal and Babylonstoren. Although we had the option to visit additional wineries, we chose to spend more time at each location to fully enjoy the experience. After a late lunch and some time to sober up, we returned to the terminal where our car was parked and visited another winery not on the orange line.
Most wineries close around 5 pm, so it’s best to start your day at the Groot terminal as early as possible if you plan to spend just one day in Franschhoek. I thoroughly enjoyed the tram experience; it allowed us to relax and take in the beautiful scenery without the hassle of driving.
Day 9-11: Cape Town pt. 2
Road Trip to Cape Town
We left the Airbnb around 8 am and set off on a scenic drive through Franschhoek Pass. We made a stop for breakfast, enjoying a delightful meal before continuing our journey back to Cape Town. Upon arriving in the city, we checked into our hotel and then headed out for lunch.
Although we weren’t very hungry after the excellent breakfast, we had a reservation at Belly of the Beast. This restaurant is known for its preset menu and requires advance reservations. While they do accommodate vegetarians, they do not cater to vegans. Despite our earlier meal, the dishes we sampled were so uniquely delicious that we found ourselves unable to stop eating. Belly of the Beast is also popular for dinner, but we were unable to secure a reservation for dinner time.
Tip: Belly of the Beast books up months in advance, so make your reservation as early as possible.
Chapman’s Peak Drive
Our initial plan for the day was to hike Table Mountain, but the cloudy weather led us to choose Chapman’s Peak Drive instead. This scenic drive offered breathtaking views of winding roads and stunning coastal landscapes. Although we made a few scenic stops, we only had half a day, so we couldn’t visit all the planned spots. Despite this, the drive provided a beautiful preview of Cape Town’s diverse scenery and served as an excellent alternative to hiking Table Mountain in less-than-ideal conditions.
The following day, we decided to explore Chapman’s Peak Drive again to visit the stops we missed. The views were so spectacular that it was worth revisiting. This time, we made stops at Hout Bay, Muizenberg Beach, Boulders Beach, Cape Point, and the Cape of Good Hope. We returned to our hotel around 3 pm after enjoying part of the route the previous day. If you plan to visit these spots, set aside the entire day for the trip. It’s also a good idea to bring snacks and water, as dining options are limited near Cape of Good Hope.
Visiting Table Mountain
On our last morning in Cape Town, we visited Table Mountain. Due to the rainy weather and our afternoon departure, we chose the cable car instead of hiking. The summit offers stunning panoramic views of the city, even on misty days. However, it’s crucial to check the visibility conditions on the official Table Mountain website, as the summit is often cloud-covered or windy.
If you’re taking the cable car, it’s best to arrive early, as queues typically start forming about an hour before it opens. Purchasing tickets online in advance can also save you time. Flexibility is key when planning your visit, as the weather can change rapidly. Clear days are ideal, and the Table Mountain website provides live updates on weather conditions and whether the cable car is operational.
Tip: It’s wise to be flexible with your visit to Table Mountain; its summit is often cloud-covered, so seize any clear day in Cape Town to go.
After our visit, we checked out of the hotel and spent the rest of the morning exploring Cape Town’s lively Sunday markets. We had a car and drove, but parking was quite challenging near the markets. I would recommend using Uber instead for a more convenient experience.
Botanical Garden and Departure
After exploring the markets, we made our way to the Botanical Garden, a serene escape from the city’s hustle. The garden features lush greenery, a variety of plant species, and well-maintained walking paths that showcase the region’s natural beauty. We spent a few hours walking through the different sections, making the most of the calm atmosphere before our departure.
Afterward, we drove to the airport, returned the rental car, and boarded our flight back home. The trip left us with cherished memories and a strong desire to return to South Africa in the future.
Where to Stay in Cape Town
For the first two nights, we stayed in an Airbnb located in the Sea Point area. While Sea Point has its appeal, particularly for its quieter, more residential vibe, I’m not entirely sure I would choose it again for a future visit. It’s a great option if you’re planning a longer stay, as it offers a more local experience with easy access to the promenade and plenty of nearby amenities.
For first-time visitors, however, I would recommend considering Camps Bay or the V&A Waterfront area instead. Both areas offer a lively atmosphere, with Camps Bay known for its stunning beach views and relaxed, upscale vibe, while the V&A Waterfront provides a bustling hub of restaurants, shops, and attractions, making it convenient and exciting. These locations are ideal if you want to be closer to the action and have more options for dining, shopping, and entertainment within walking distance.
Where to Eat in Cape Town
Cape Town is a culinary paradise with a diverse range of restaurants and cafes catering to all tastes. The city boasts an impressive array of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. With so many fantastic options available, it’s impossible to try them all. To see some of my favorite spots from the trip, check out my “Best Places to Eat in Cape Town” post. I have shared a selection of standout places I enjoyed.
