South Africa 5 Day Itinerary

South Africa 5-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Johannesburg & Soweto

  • Arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
  • Visit the Apartheid Museum and Mandela House to understand the history of South Africa
  • Explore Soweto township: Vilakazi Street (former residence of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu), Hector Pietersen Museum, and Orlando Towers for adventure activities like bungee jumping
  • Overnight stay in Johannesburg

Things to Know:

  • Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
  • Electrical Sockets: Type M (3-prong plug) - adaptor may be needed
  • Language: English, Zulu, Xhosa and nine other official languages are recognized

Day 2: Johannesburg to Kruger National Park

  • Depart from Johannesburg early in the morning for a full-day safari at Kruger National Park
  • Spot the Big Five (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard, and Cape buffalo) along with various other wildlife species
  • Overnight stay in one of the rest camps within Kruger National Park or nearby towns like Hazyview or White River

Things to Know:

  • It’s essential to have a car for exploring Kruger, self-drive safaris are popular and affordable
  • Remember to stay in your vehicle during game drives except at designated areas

Day 3: Kruger National Park to Cape Town

  • Drive or fly to Cape Town (flight duration ~1h; drive duration ~8h)
  • Visit the iconic Table Mountain by cable car and explore the city center
  • Walk along the V&A Waterfront, visit the Two Oceans Aquarium, and enjoy local cuisine at various restaurants
  • Overnight stay in Cape Town

Things to Know:

  • Cape Town is known for its beautiful beaches such as Clifton Beach, Camps Bay, and Muizenberg
  • Don’t miss the sunset at Chapman’s Peak Drive or Lion’s Head

Day 4: Cape Peninsula Tour

  • Full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula including stops at Cape of Good Hope, Boulders Beach (home to African penguins), and Simon’s Town
  • Visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on your way back to Cape Town
  • Overnight stay in Cape Town

Things to Know:

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking and remember to apply sunscreen
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions as the climate can be quite unpredictable

Day 5: Robben Island & Departure

  • Morning visit to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years
  • Return to the city center for last-minute shopping or sightseeing
  • Depart from Cape Town’s International Airport

Visa Requirements:

  • Visitors from most countries need a tourist visa to enter South Africa. It’s best to check the requirements for your nationality on the official website of the Department of Home Affairs (dha.gov.za)