South Africa 7 Day Itinerary

South Africa 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg & Soweto

  • Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)
  • Transfer to Soweto, a vibrant township with a rich history. Visit Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson Memorial.
  • Explore Vilakazi Street, home to two Nobel laureates, Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.
  • Overnight in Johannesburg.

Day 2: Johannesburg & Surroundings

  • Visit Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill to understand South Africa’s past and present.
  • Head to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the oldest human fossils were discovered.
  • Overnight in Johannesburg.

Day 3: Panorama Route & God’s Window

  • Drive along the scenic Panorama Route, featuring Blyde River Canyon and Three Rondavels.
  • Stop at God’s Window for a breathtaking view of the landscape.
  • Overnight in Graskop or Hazyview.

Day 4: Kruger National Park

  • Spend the day on a safari in Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves.
  • Look out for the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo).
  • Overnight in the park or nearby town.

Day 5: Durban & Ushaka Marine World

  • Travel to Durban, the beach city of South Africa. Visit Ushaka Marine World for its aquarium, dolphin shows, and water slides.
  • Explore the Golden Mile, a popular promenade with beaches and eateries.
  • Overnight in Durban.

Day 6: Cape Town

  • Fly to Cape Town, one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
  • Visit Table Mountain (cable car ride optional) and explore the V&A Waterfront.
  • Overnight in Cape Town.

Day 7: Cape Point & Robben Island

  • Drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope.
  • In the afternoon, take a ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.
  • Farewell Dinner in Cape Town.

Things to Know:

  • South Africa uses the Rand (ZAR) as its currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have cash on hand.
  • The official language is Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans, with English also widely spoken.
  • Tap water is safe to drink from the tap in major cities and towns.
  • For a stay of up to 90 days, most nationalities do not need a visa for tourism purposes, but it’s best to check with your local embassy or consulate.

Transportation:

  • Domestic flights are convenient and affordable, making it easy to travel between cities.
  • Car rental is an option, but be aware that South Africa has high accident rates, so drive carefully.
  • Public transportation is available but less reliable. Taxis are widely available in the major cities.