South Africa round trip - The ultimate 3-week itinerary + tips

Planning to explore South Africa and looking for an itinerary that is just a little bit different? Then you've come to the right place! In this itinerary, I take you through the most breathtaking places of my South Africa roundtrip, from lively Cape Town to the serene tranquillity of Franschhoek and beautiful wildlife on safari. I show you step by step how to see the best of South Africa in three weeks, so you can get the most out of your trip!

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General information on South Africa

Are you planning your trip to South Africa? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and applying for a visa. You can find all information on South Africa here.

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How many weeks do you need for this tour of South Africa?

Together with a friend, I took the tour below in three weeks done and that, in my opinion, is the perfect duration to experience everything of South Africa. With this itinerary, you'll see the country without rushing. Do you have less time? Then you can easily shorten the route. More time? Then expand it with extra stops. Prefer a real round trip where you can book a return flight? That too is possible! I give several options for that at the bottom of the blog.

Personal tip on safety: The two of us (as women) travelled this route and felt safe almost everywhere. Of course, it is still important to use your common sense: avoid the dark where possible and always check with your accommodation which places are better to visit or not.

Transport in South Africa

To tour South Africa, in my opinion, you really need a car. Fortunately, you can book one easily and quickly at SunnyCars. The main roads in South Africa are passable. Sometimes you will come across a road with deep potholes or not asphalted but this is well indicated. Adjust your speed and just enjoy the adventure.

However, driving in South Africa is a special experience. First of all, they drive on the left and there are many unwritten rules such as: overtaking is allowed anywhere and everywhere if it is at all safe to do so. So don't be surprised if a truck or slow car drives on the hard shoulder, they do this on purpose so everyone can overtake them. Once you have overtaken, it is customary to turn on your hazard lights once as a thank-you.

In Cape Town, you can choose to travel by public transport or a Uber. These are both super well organised, cheap and very safe. We decided to keep the car for just a bit more freedom. For example, we were able to drive to Lion's Head early in the morning for a sunrise hike, definitely recommended.

The ultimate travel itinerary through South Africa

In this itinerary, we take you through our favourite places in South Africa, a mix of well-known highlights and surprising stopovers you won't find in every guidebook. Think bustling cities, rugged coastlines, endless nature, intimate safaris, atmospheric wineries and charming villages. From sunrise during a safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park to wine tasting in Franschhoek & from the iconic Table Mountain to unknown mountain passes: this itinerary lets you experience South Africa as we experienced it. With plenty of tips and places to stay, you will soon be all set to start your own adventure.

1. Johannesburg

You basically always start your trip in South Africa in Johannesburg or Cape Town. It all depends on how much time you have, what you would like to see and especially where you want to end your trip. In terms of cost, it doesn't make much difference. Only, Johannesburg is known for not being safe and is generally not a cosy city. We wanted to end in a cosy city with a beach, so our choice was easy.

Because the city is not safe, we recommend you NOT to stay here longer. This is also why we did not see anything else of Johannesburg. We slept in a hotel at the airport and collected our car the following day to head straight for South Africa's pristine nature.

Tip: Do you want to experience the city? Then you can take a book a guided tour of Soweto or the Apartheid Museum. But if, like us, you prefer to quickly seek out the peace and quiet of South Africa, this is a great place to skip!

2. Drakensberg Mountains (Bergville)

The Drakensberg Mountains are an impressive mountain range in eastern South Africa. Think rugged rocky peaks, waterfalls, expansive valleys and hiking trails that say úm úm. So it's definitely a fantastic first stop.

We slept in a great place, namely Kingfisher and had a beautiful view here. Absolutely recommended as we were immediately immersed in South African culture there as braai was on the menu in the evening.

A braai is the South African version of barbecue, but make no mistake, it really isn't exactly the same. Whereas in the Netherlands we often use ready-made coals, a braai starts with a real wood fire. Only when the wood has burned down to glowing coals, the grid goes on top. So you make your own coals!

The next day we put on our hiking boots for a brisk hike to the Tugela Falls, the highest waterfall in Africa. A tough trek through rugged mountain scenery, with fresh green valleys and impressive cliffs. The standard route takes about 4 hours (there and back), but you can also opt for the longer 22 km route, taking about 11 hours. Luckily, you can enjoy a dip at the waterfall in between!

The travel time from Johannesburg to Drakensberg Mountains (Bergville) is about 4.5 hours by car.

3. St. Lucia

St Lucia is a place like no other. It is the only village where hippos stroll quietly through the streets at night, you have to keep your doors firmly closed during the day, because the monkeys know exactly how to make off with your things and you can see crocodiles lounging along the shore. Yes... this is real!

And on top of that, there is plenty to do in St Lucia. Think hippo spotting with the Hippo & Croc tour, enjoying a beach day, self-dive through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park to Cape Vidal or the safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. We didn't stay long and were only there for the safari but you can definitely stay here longer.

→ Book your Hippo & Croc tour through GetYourGuide
→ Book your evening safari iSimangaliso Wetland Park through GetYourGuide

We slept at Amazulu Lodge. An atmospheric accommodation with a tropical garden, swimming pool and fine rooms. Ideal as a base for your safari or a relaxing afternoon in the village.

Tip: Book a nice hotel if you are travelling during New Year's Eve! Because fair is fair...there is not much to do then. On 1 January, everything is closed and we used that day to relax by the pool to go on safari fresh and fruity the day after.

On Safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park

St Lucia was the starting point of our safari in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. At 5:00 am, we were picked up by our guide in an awesome jeep. You know the kind, one of those from movies. After a short stop to pick up fellow travellers, we were soon at the entrance to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. After some paperwork, we were the first to drive into the park, ready for a magical encounter with the Big Five.

What an experience! So incredibly cool to see all these animals in their own habitat, zebras playing with each other, baby elephants being protected by their mother and giraffes eating all the leaves off the trees. We deliberately chose this, slightly lesser-known, park and we were very happy with it. It was not crowded and did not feel touristy at all. The safari included breakfast, braai for lunch and plenty of great stories from our guide.

→ We booked our Hluhluwe-Imfolozi safari with Heritage Tours & Safaris.

The travel time of Drakensberg Mountains (Bergville) to St. Lucia is about 5.5 hours by car.

4. Addo Elephant Park

After the hippos, crocodiles and monkeys in St Lucia, we travel on to the east of South Africa for an encounter with a very different kind of wildlife: elephants. From Durban, we catch a short domestic flight to Port Elizabeth. There, we pick up our new rental car and drive towards the Addo Elephant Park.

This park is South Africa's third largest game park and offers a unique blend of safari, tranquillity and adventure. What makes Addo so special is that you can go on safari in your own car. Without a guide, and therefore with complete freedom to explore. While driving along the dirt roads, chances are that you will suddenly come face to face with a herd of elephants, grazing zebras or (if you are lucky) a lion just waking up from its nap.

At the start of the park, you hand in some paperwork and can see on a board where which animals have been spotted recently. This information is constantly updated by rangers, and helps you to look for a lion or panther, for example, in a targeted way. Elephants and zebras are not to be missed here anyway. Should an elephant walk straight towards you: stay calm, stop your car and enjoy this magical moment.

And the best part: you can stay overnight in the park itself, in a cool safari tent or cottage, and with a bit of luck you can hear elephants at night. We ourselves slept in a fine accommodation just outside the park: ParkView Safari Lodge.

→ Don't want to drive yourself? Book a guided tour of Addo Elephant Park through GetYourGuide!

The flight time of Durban to Port Elizabeth is 1 hour and 25 min

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5. Plettenberg Bay (& Jeffreys Bay)

After Addo Elephant Park, it's time for a road trip with our final destination: Plettenberg Bay or, as the locals say, “Plett”. But first we make a relaxing stopover in Jeffreys Bay, one of South Africa's most famous surfspots. Perfect for a beach break: hair in the wind, feet in the sand, or a surfboard under your arm. The ideal place to experience the real holiday feeling.

In the afternoon, we continue driving along the Garden Route and arrive in Plett. This coastal town has everything: cosy restaurants, sweeping beaches and viewpoints. We slept just outside Plettenberg Bay at AfriCamps at INgwe, in a comfortable safari tent in the middle of nature, with hot tub! Just take a look... because you'll want to book this!

→ View all tours and activities in Plettenberg Bay on GetYourGuide

Travel time from Colchester (a place close to Addo Elephant Park) to Jeffreys bay Is about 1 hour by car. And from Jeffreys bay to Plettenberg Bay is about 2 hours by car.

6. Tsitsikamma National Park

After the laid-back vibes of Plettenberg Bay, it's time for adventure. In Tsitsikamma National Park, you can kayaking, snorkelling, ziplining or the famous Otter Trail walk: a multi-day hike along the coast, known as one of the most beautiful in the world. We opted for kayaking to explore the rugged coastline. Think: cliffs, sea caves and the intense blue of the ocean. Definitely a must if you ask us!

→ View all tours and activities in Tsitsikamma National Park on GetYourGuide

And if that's not enough, you can also bungee jump from the highest natural bridge in the world nearby: the Bloukrans Bridge. Of course, we couldn't skip this experience! You start with a zipline towards the platform under the bridge, where you prepare for your leap into the deep end at a height of 216 metres!

Tip: During your zipline, enjoy the view because during the bungee jump, you don't pay as much attention to it anyway.

Once on the platform, your feet are strapped and you are ready to jump. An experience never to be forgotten and yes... while you're there; Go for it!

Travel time from Plettenberg Bay to Tsitsikamma National Park is about 30 minutes by car.

7. Oudtshoorn (& Knysna Heads)

Via the Garden Route, we drive further inland towards Oudtshoorn, stopping at the Knysna Heads en route. It's a nice place to stop and stretch your legs. And... If you're lucky and look closely, you can spot seals!

In Oudtshoorn, we slept at Soetdoring Selfsorg, a lovely quiet accommodation just outside the city centre. After a day on the road, this is the perfect place to catch your breath, with a nice sitting area outside, a good bed and views of the surrounding countryside.

Oudtshoorn is known as the ostrich village of South Africa. And it shows: references to these special animals are everywhere. You can even taste ostrich meat here. We went for a stew at restaurant Nostalgia, highly recommended if you are looking for this local speciality and a cosy atmosphere!

Besides ostriches, Oudtshoorn has more surprises in store. For instance, you can see the impressive Cango Caves visit: a vast cave system full of stalactites, bizarre rock formations and exciting corridors. And if you fancy a bit of a drive, you can take the Swartberg Pass really shouldn't be skipped. This mountain pass winds its way through rugged mountain scenery with hairpin bends, steep chasms and views that will make you wonder if you are still in South Africa!

→ View all tours and activities in Oudtshoorn on GetYourGuide

Travel time from Tsitsikamma National Park to Oudtshoorn is about 3 hours by car.

8. The wine route (R62)

After our stay in Oudtshoorn, we turn off towards the R62, deliberately ignoring the last part of the Garden Route. No regrets, as this is perhaps the most beautiful route in South Africa. The R62 is still relatively unknown to travellers, and that is exactly what makes it so special: it is wonderfully quiet and the landscape changes constantly. From vast, dry plains, you slowly drive towards green vineyards, with the mountains in the background that eventually lead you to Franschhoek.

Above all, take your time with this route. Find a nice lunch spot along the way, there are plenty of hidden gems, and stop at one of the wineries to stock up on your first bottle (or box) of South African wine. An absolute must in our opinion Si Stettyn Family Vineyards.

9. Franschhoek

Like the route to it, charming Franschhoek has everything. Think: strolling around the market, endless wine tasting at beautiful wineries, a hike with a view and, of course, the famous Wine Tram. We were sold on reading this and knew we had to come here. We slept at Little Willow Brooke Franschhoek a fantastic accommodation with pool that will really complete your stay in Franschhoek! Ideal if you want to recover in peace after a day full of wine and impressions, with the vineyards literally all around you.

The Wine tram options

We already briefly mentioned it because Franschoek is best known for the Wine Tram: a hop-on-hop-off tram and bus system with different routes (such as the blue, yellow or purple line). Each line takes you past 6 to 8 wineries. You choose one line in advance (per day) and board at the central Wine Tram station in the village. You then have an hour at each winery (enough for a tasting or lunch) and then just catch the next tram or bus. Everything runs on time and it is so well organised that you almost forget you are touring.

Tip: Comfort is key. Wear something airy, bring sunscreen and water as well as enough space in your bag for a few good bottles of wine.

It sounds simple, and it is... provided you do some research beforehand. In fact, some popular stops, such as the picnic at Grande Provence, you have to book in advance. Before you know it, they are full. Don't worry, I'll briefly take you through the options as well as what we ourselves chose.

1. Book in advance. The tram is popular and often sold out, especially on weekends.
2. Pick one winery where you would like to stay a bit longer for lunch, and plan extra time for that. That way, you don't have to get on after an hour. We booked a picnic in advance at Grande Provence which really comes highly recommended. Again, do book in time!
3. Don't necessarily choose the “fastest” line, but go for the route that suits your travel style. Looking for peace and romance? Then the Purple Line is perfect. Prefer a bit more action and well-known wineries? Then the Blue Line is a good choice. We ourselves went for the blue route and visited 5 wineries, just right for a relaxing, sociable day full of wine and views.

→ Book your Wine Tram ticket through GetYourGuide
→ Book your Wine Tram ticket through Tiqets

The 5 wineries we visited were: Grand Provence, Rickety Bridge, Mont Rochelle, La Bri and Holden Manz

Hike in Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve

As you read, you can have fun with the wine tram for days but there is much more to do. Thus, after all that wine drinking, we opted for some exercise. We put on our hiking boots for a hike in Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. In total, you can do 10 different routes choose. From easy to challenging and from long to short. In our opinion, they are all doable with average fitness. You will be rewarded with beautiful views over Franschhoek and within three hours you will be back in the car, heading for the wine you bought yesterday at one of the wineries.

The travel time of Oudtshoorn to Franschhoek is about 4.5 hours by car.

10. Cape Town

We spend the last few days in bustling Cape Town and wow, what a wrap-up! We are staying at the fine Kloof Street Hotel, in the middle of the lively Gardens District. From here you can walk straight to cosy coffee shops, trendy boutiques and, of course, the iconic Kloof Street itself. We climb the Table Mountain and Lion's Head, visits Robben Island, relax on Camps Bay and stroll through the colourful Bo-Kaap. The city has SO many faces, and to top it off, we even spotted a whale on the way back from Robben Island to the city. Magical!

→ View all tours and activities in Cape Town on GetYourGuide

Curious about what there is to do in this cool city? Check out our tips for Cape Town here.

Travel time from Franschhoek to Cape Town is about 1 hour by car.

Alternative travel routes through South Africa

Do you have more time or want to rearrange your itinerary? Then there are plenty of other special places to add to your trip. Think impressive safari tours, mountain passes full of views and a surprisingly green part of eSwatini. Below are a few extra options that you can easily add to your itinerary through South Africa!

1. Graskop & the Panorama Route

A great option, if you depart from Johannesburg, is to add the Panorama Route. This is one of South Africa's most beautiful driving routes, with viewpoints such as God's Window, the Three Rondavels and Bourke's Luck Potholes. Graskop is a fine base from which to explore this route. Here, you drive past deep gorges and waterfalls that immediately immerse you in the South African landscape.

2. Kruger National Park

This is one of the most popular places to spot wildlife and therefore the reason we skipped it. You can drive there yourself or book an organised tour, either way you are likely to encounter elephants, lions and giraffes. Also ideal to combine with the Panoramic route and Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary in eSwatini.

3. Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (eSwatini)

Want a quieter alternative to the big safari parks or just something different? Then consider Mlilwane in eSwatini (formerly Swaziland). No predators here, but there are zebras, antelopes and hippos and the great thing is: you can cycle or walk among the animals here. The atmosphere is relaxed, the nature pristine and it's a nice addition to your itinerary.

Have you less than three weeks time, but want to experience the real road trip feeling of South Africa? Then a round trip from Cape Town, via the Garden Route around and the Wine route back, the perfect choice. Compact, varied and ideal to do with a hire car.

Our favourite accommodations during this South Africa itinerary

We have already mentioned it at the various places, but we would like to advise you again to take a look at the accommodation below. This will make your trip not only beautiful, but also very comfortable (which is nice!). We do advise you to start planning and booking on time. In South Africa, you can stay in very cool and unique places, but these accommodations are popular and get more expensive the longer you wait to book.

→ Our favourite place to sleep in Drakensberg (Bergville): Kingfisher
→ Our favourite place to sleep in St Lucia: Amazulu Lodge
→ Our favourite place to sleep close to Addo Elephant Park: ParkView Safari Lodge
→ Our favourite place to sleep in Plettenberg Bay: AfriCamps at INgwe
→ Our favourite place to sleep in Oudtshoorn: Soetdoring Selfsorg
→ Our favourite place to sleep in Franschhoek: Little Willow Brooke Franschhoek
→ Our favourite place to sleep in Cape Town: Kloof Street Hotel

We hope these tips help you plan your ideal itinerary through South Africa! Do you have any questions about this blog? Then feel free to drop us a line at Instagram or via [email protected].

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