This is an ideal itinerary for first timers who want a true safari experience and to explore as much of Cape Town as possible. We worked with Siyabona to plan the transfers, accommodations and safari around Kruger. Meanwhile in Cape Town, we chose to spend time in the V&A, Stellenbosch and along Camp’s Bay which allowed us to embrace city life, vineyards and the beach. The perfect combo in my opinion. Because the area is large and spread out, getting to most places will require a car. Instead of renting, we opted for Ubers, which were safe, reliable and inexpensive!
Total Days: 12 Days including travel | Accommodations: Hotels in Johannesburg, the White River, a lodge in Kruger, hotels in Cape Town and Stellenbosch | Transportation: Hired transfers, flight to Cape Town and Ubers | Traveled With: 3 Girlfriends | Type of Trip: Adventure, sightseeing | Highlights: Safari, Wine Country, Lion’s Head hike, Cape Town coastline
DAY 1
At a glimpse: Fly into Johannesburg and settle-in to your hotel
Travel Agenda: Most international flights arrive in the evening, so after landing take an Uber to your hotel, preferably in the safe neighborhood of Sandton, with bars and restaurants nearby. Grab dinner at Zioux, which will have a lively bar and a wild theme in preparation for the days to come.
DAY 2
At a glimpse: Road trip along the Panorama Route
Travel Agenda: Today begins early with a pickup from a local guide who will whisk you eastward on the way to Kruger Park. In order to see more of the area and not just the park, I highly recommend a tour along the Panorama Route in the Mpumalanga province. You’ll drive through small towns, see more of the culture and stop at 3-5 scenic vistas and attractions. The can’t miss stop is Blyde River Canyon, the third deepest canyon and the greenest in the world. Other recommended sites include Burke’s Luck Pot Holes and the Mac Mac Falls. Wear your sneakers so you can walk around and explore. Instead of stopping for a sit-down lunch, grab sandwiches and coffees at the coolest rest stop, Alzu Petroport, along the way.
After you are done site-seeing, your guide will escort you to Oliver’s on the White River. The property is immaculate with views of the golf course, a spa and well-known restaurant. Enjoy a low key evening on the property and a good night’s sleep.
DAY 3
At a glimpse: First day in Kruger National Park
Travel Agenda: From Oliver’s, it’s a 2 hour drive to the Shishangeni Lodge, located in the southeast corner of the park. As a private reserve with over 39 thousand acres of an exclusive section, this camp will give you the access and flexibility you need when it comes to your experience and seeing the best animals. Try to hit the road by 10am so that you arrive in time for lunch at Shishangeni. All meals are included and you will be very well-fed! After lunch, explore the property and spend some time on your chalet’s balcony, where it’s not uncommon to see animals grazing. Just don’t let the monkeys inside!
Half an hour before the afternoon drive, you’ll be offered afternoon tea and snacks. Then it’s time for the first game drive, which typically lasts 3-3.5 hours. Your guide will stop at all good animal sightings and offer interesting information along the way. When it gets dark, they will park the safari truck and offer you a happy hour beverage and nibbles as you stretch your legs and listen to the sounds of the animals nearby. On the way back, the spotlight will seek out animals based on the glint in their eyes.
Dinner is usually around 7:30pm with a variety of South African cuisine and a sweet dessert. Head back to your room to read your provided safari bedtime story before catching some z’s.
DAY 4
At a glimpse: Two safari drives and leisure time at the lodge
Travel Agenda: First drive is at 5:30am! The lodge will offer tea, coffee and pastries prior to the safari. The goal is to see the animals on their early morning hunts before the sun rises and it gets too warm to search for food. There’s the option to stop for a warm morning beverage and snack during this drive too.
After returning from the drive, breakfast will be available at the lodge. Then you’ll have a few hours before and after lunch to chill by the pool, watch tv or play games in the lounge downstairs or sit on the balcony/take an outdoor shower with views of the bush. Then you will have your second evening drive, hopefully checking off more animals on your list, followed by dinner.
DAY 5
At a glimpse: Last game drive, flight and introduction to Cape Town
Travel Agenda: You’ll wake up for your final game drive at 5:30am. At this point your guide will be focused on your must-see list and breeze by the ones you’ve already seen. Fingers crossed for the Big 5! After, you have time for a quick breakfast before hitting the road and driving 2 hours to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
Tip: This small and charming airport doesn’t require much time beforehand but you do have to check any larger carry-ons. The flight also serves lunch and beverages on the 2.5 hour flight to Cape Town.
From the Cape Town International Airport, it’s only a 20 minute drive to your hotel at the V&A Waterfront, a safe destination close to all attractions in the city. Once settled in, if it’s a nice evening, head straight to the Table Mountain Cable Car station. It’s a short trip up but you will feel on top of the world. There are plenty of paths and viewpoints to explore, as well as a gift shop and cafe if you want to drink to your first stop in Cape Town. Catch the sunset and then head back down.
Tip: Check the Table Mountain website beforehand to see the weather conditions at the top. Bring a jacket either way!
The destination for dinner is Kloof Street House, an eclectic and beautiful restaurant that serves South African specialties. The cocktails are special too! After, walk just 10 minutes down the street to the speakeasy The Gin Bar, applauded by the locals.
DAY 6
At a glimpse: Exploring the city, famed gardens and a five star dinner
Travel Agenda: Sleep in today! When you’re up, head to Truth Coffee, considered the best coffee in the world. The shop is fascinating and it’s worth getting a breakfast sandwich with their famous sourdough bread and/or one of their homemade pastries. From there, it’s only a 15-minute walk to Bo-Kaap, the colorful historic residential area synonymous with Islamic Cape Malay culture. Wander the streets and keep an eye out for the incredible street art and street food. There are cooking classes or walking tours you can take if you want to learn more about the history.
Enjoy some downtime and then take a 15 minute Uber to Kistenbosch Gardens by 3pm. Considered one of the seven most magnificent botanical gardens in the world, you can walk the paths or take in the majestic beauty surrounded by the mountains. Following your time at the Gardens, it’s just a 10 minute Uber ride to La Colombe, one of the best restaurants in Cape Town. There are a couple different tasting menus available with the option for a wine pairing. It’s a dinner and a performance and one you will never forget.
Uber back to the city. Before you hit the hay, check the forecast and sunrise time for the morning!
DAY 7
At a glimpse: Morning hike and trip to Robben Island
Travel Agenda: An hour before sunrise take an Uber to the trailhead of Lion’s Head. It’s a 45 to 1 hour hike to the submit, with a couple different options for trails – some with chains and a longer without. Watch as the sun rises, illuminating the city and casting cool shadows over any Table Mountain “tablecloth” clouds. Head back to the hotel to get ready for the day.
Catch the 11am Robben Island ferry near the marina. Robben Island was the site of a prison dating back to the 17th century. Nelson Mandela was imprisoned there for 18 years. The ferry and tour takes you through island life and then a former prisoner describes their experience. After arriving back on the mainland, get lunch along the water at the favorite sushi spot Willoughby & Co.
Take some time to shop and explore the streets. Meander through Greenmarket Square and check out some of the Shweshwe boutique stores for souvenirs. For a locals hangout spot, grab a burger at The Village Idiot and then drinks at The Athletic Club & Social.
DAY 8
At a glimpse: Wine country
Travel Agenda: Pack your bags and keep them in your hotel for a night as you head to wine country. First, head to Muratie, one of the oldest estates in South Africa with some interesting character. Order a tasting and light breakfast!
Next up is a tasting at Tokara, some of the best wine we tried in the country. From there it’s a very short trip across the street, though it’s a highway, so call beforehand to see if they can pick you up! Lunch is at Delaire Graff, the most impressive wine estate with incredible details and a superb restaurant menu.
The last tasting at Babylonstoren is a 15-minute drive away. The gardens are worth exploring here but the tasting room also shines. Order one of the impressive platters to go with your wine!
Then circle back around to Stellenbosch, a charismatic university town with lots of small eateries and outdoor bars. Java Bistro should hit the spot if you are still hungry.
Tip: To add some diversity to your winery visits, plan meals instead of tastings at the wineries.
DAY 9
At a glimpse: Wine country and Camps Bay
Travel Agenda: Enjoy a nice stroll or Uber to Lanzerac, a wine estate with old world charm just outside of Stellenbosch town. Get a table at the nicest “deli” you’ll ever encounter and enjoy breakfast.
From there, take a 20-minute Uber to Waterford. Enjoy a wine tasting in the rustic chic courtyard or book a wine safari to see the grounds.
Finally, Uber 25-minutes to Ernie Els for a tasting, lunch with modern farmhouse cuisine and maybe even some swings on the tee box.
Then take an Uber to your previous hotel to pick up your bags and settle in to your new Camps Bay home. Stroll Victoria Road to get your bearings straight and enjoy dinner at Tindlovu Camps Bay.
DAY 10
At a glimpse: Camps Bay
Travel Agenda: Spend the morning at the Camps Bay Beach or walk the promenade that leads to the Clifton Beaches. In the afternoon, go on an adventure – sign up for paragliding or cage diving. Apex Shark Expeditions will give you the best experience possible (FYI great whites aren’t around anymore due to the orcas, but you’ll likely see other sharks, dolphins, seals and whales). Hi5 is a reliable paragliding company that will take off from Lion’s Head or Signal Hill.
For dinner, enjoy fish and chips at the Codfather, followed by dancing at Cafe Caprice.
DAY 11
At a glimpse: A coastal trip to the Southernmost point of Africa
Travel Agenda: Hire a local guide or rent a car for the 2 hour drive to Cape Point. Along the way, stop at scenic vistas points along Chapman’s Peak. Cape Point is a naturally diverse area with animals, rugged cliffs and beautiful beaches. You can take the walk to the lighthouse or opt for the beach path. Watch out for the baboons and don’t bring any food with you!
After exploring Cape Point, head to Simon’s Town for a nautical lunch at Seaforth. Next, walk to Boulder’s Beach, the home of a unique and endangered land-based colony of African Penguins. First walk the boardwalk to see the majority of penguins nesting, swimming and socializing. Then meander to the beautiful beach with sparkling water, white sand and big rock boulders – some of which you’ll have to walk over to get to the penguins that hide out in the area. If it’s a nice day, this is where to have a swim!
On your last night, do as the locals do. Order a pizza, glass of wine and sit on the beach at sunset. Cheers to an incredible adventure!
DAY 12
Travel agenda: Get an early flight from Cape Town back to home!
