10 Days in South Africa: The Best Itinerary for Your Visit
Table of contents
Best Things to Do with 10 Days in South Africa
Itinerary in South Africa: day 1
The Iziko South African Museum
Located in Cape Town and founded in 1825, the Iziko South African Museum is one of the region's most visited attractions and the oldest in the country. It is situated in the Company's Garden, which is in the CBD. During your visit, you will encounter a variety of unique galleries of dinosaur fossils as well as those from hominoids and marine animals.
Long Street
Stretching from the harbour front to the slopes of Table Mountain, Long Street is one of Cape Town's most iconic districts and a must-visit spot during your South Africa itinerary of 10 days. Along the street, you will find an eclectic mix of bookshops, antique stores and independent cafés. Note the elegant ironwork balconies that are featured on many of the buildings. They are a remnant of the city's Victorian era.
Itinerary in South Africa: day 2
The Cape of Good Hope Peninsula
The Cape of Good Hope Peninsula is part of Table Mountain National Park. It is home to some of the most incredible landscapes and scenery you can enjoy during your South Africa itinerary of 10 days. During your excursion, take the time to enjoy a walk, go birdwatching or hit the beach.
Explore the best Cape Town Wine Routes
Cape Town is home to some of South Africa's most renowned wineries. There are several options you can choose for an unforgettable day spent exploring the best products of local winemakers while taking in the sights and sounds of the area's stunning landscapes and admiring the century-old architecture. There will be plenty of time for good food, as well. A few recommended routes that you can follow include the Constantia Wine Route, the Durbanville Wine Route and the Stellenbosch Wine Route.
Itinerary in South Africa: day 3
Explore the Golden Mile
Upon your arrival in the Durban area of South Africa, an exploration of the famed Golden Mile is in order. This amazing area begins in the Central Business District and is composed of several beaches backed by an attractive promenade lined with restaurants, bars and cafés. If you are looking for a great family atmosphere, you might choose South Beach. Those seeking the best waves and ideal surfing conditions should check out the nearby North Beach.
Port Natal Maritime Museum
Port Natal Maritime Museum is another must-visit attraction in Durban. It is home to an array of boats and ships you can board and explore. This is one of those locations that offer plenty of appeal to both young children and adults alike. It is also the perfect destination for history buffs. Opening hours run Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Itinerary in South Africa: day 4
Johannesburg Art Gallery
The Johannesburg Art Gallery is located in the heart of the city. It features a collection of artwork larger than that housed at any similar facility in South Africa. There are a total of 15 galleries as well as a small sculpture garden for you to explore. Noteworthy artists that are featured include Moore, Rodin and Picasso. You will also see works of art produced by South Africans such as Walter Battiss, Jacobus Pieneef, Sydney Kumalo and Gerard Sekoto.
The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens
A great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city during the Johannesburg leg of your South Africa itinerary of 10 days is to take an excursion to the Botanical Gardens. They are located on 81 hectares of land and have been in operation since 1969. The site is divided into areas that feature a variety of different species of plants.
Itinerary in South Africa: day 5
Mantenga Village
One of the most unique cultural experiences that await you during your South African itinerary of 10 days is an excursion to Mantenga Village. It is the perfect opportunity for you to learn about the history and culture of the Swazi people. During your visit, you may get the chance to see an authentic reed dance while you marvel at the unique hamlet construction that is used by the area's locals to build their homes.
Nhlangano
The town of Nhlangano is the fourth-largest in Swaziland. It is known for its stunning landscapes that are dotted with jacaranda trees. You can also explore the hamlet of Hlathikhulu for some of the most spectacular views of the surrounding valleys.
Itinerary in South Africa: day 6
See the Big 5 on a Kruger National Park Safari
Seeing the Big 5 is a must-have experience during any South Africa itinerary of 10 days that you book through our travel experts at Voyage Privé. This term refers to the rhino, elephant, lion, leopard and African buffalo. Along your journey to spot these incredible animals, you will view breathtaking landscapes that will leave you with lifelong memories. This world-class game reserve is located across an area of 20,202 square kilometres that includes some of the most incredible scenery that can be found anywhere in the world. During your safari, you will benefit from the expertise of local guides who provide you with insights into the local wildlife while also making sure that everyone stays safe.
The Two Oceans Aquarium
Located in Cape Town, the Two Oceans Aquarium is home to more than 3,000 fascinating creatures from the world's oceanic bodies. Some species are not found in any other aquarium in the world. Given the popularity of this attraction, we recommend booking your tickets in advance. For maximum convenience, choose the skip-the-line ticket.
Itinerary in South Africa: day 7
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
The Blyde River Canyon is home to an impressive range of rich, unique biodiversity. This includes many fascinating animals, birds and vegetation that can only be found in this area. The canyon itself is the world's third-largest. It is the largest green canyon on Earth, with an abundance of subtropical foliage.
Walk the Kadishi Trail
While spending time in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, a walk along the Kadishi Trail is highly recommended. You will journey into a valley that goes into a ravine with the Kadishi River flowing through it. The area is known for its beautiful pools and waterfalls.
Itinerary in South Africa: day 8
The Cogmanskloof Pass
Located in Montagu, the Cogmanskloof Pass is a 7-kilometre stretch of road perfect for a fun-filled day trip during the 7th leg of your South Africa itinerary of 10 days. Along the way, you will pass through towering rocks that have a distinct reddish colour. You can also pass through the country's oldest rock tunnel before stopping off to take a look at the old English fort that is on its top.
Take a walk around Montagu
A great way to spend a laid-back afternoon in South Africa's Montagu community is to simply embark on a walk around the town. You will encounter buildings that are constructed in a variety of styles that all seem to blend together perfectly. These styles include Victoria, Cape Dutch, Karoo and Cape Georgian. Long Street and Church Street are a couple of spots where you will find some of the area's oldest buildings.
Itinerary in South Africa: day 9
Knysna Elephant Park
Established in 1994, the Knysna Elephant Park is a world-class facility that cares for and raises 40 African elephants. The park offers you the chance to see these magical creatures up close and personal while you make memories that you are sure to remember fondly forever.
Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary
The Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary is the first free-roaming primate sanctuary in the world. It is home to a variety of species and focuses on educating the public about these amazing animals while also helping to protect them from the threats that they are facing to their environment.
Itinerary in South Africa: day 10
The Cango Caves
During your time in South Africa's Oudtshoorn area, a journey through the Cango Caves is a must. They are made up of limestone formations that date to the Precambrian era and attract visitors from across the world who come to marvel that their otherworldly geological features. There is a standard tour of 1 hour available as well as an adventure tour that last 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Rust en Vrede Waterfall
Located just 18 kilometres from Oudtshoorn, you will find the Rust en Vrede Waterfall. There is a small bridge that you can cross during your visit to get a closer look at the crystal-clear waters that originate in the nearby mountains.
Where to stay in South Africa
1. 9-night Self-Drive Tour Across South Africa
Set off on a magical exploration of the best locations across South Africa when you book the 9-night Self-Drive Tour Across South Africa through Voyage Privé. Along the way, you will be accommodated in a series of 3 and 4-star hotels that have been carefully chosen by our travel experts.
Highlights of this incredible journey include stops in Cape Town, Durban, Hluhluwe, Kruger National Park, Swaziland and Johannesburg.
What we like: We love the variety of amazing locations that you get to experience during this fun-filled tour package that takes you to many of South Africa's most renowned places.
2. 7, 8, or 9-Night Safari in the Heart of South Africa
Locations you will visit during your 7, 8, or 9-Night Safari in the Heart of South Africa include Johannesburg and Kruger National Park. During your getaway, you will stay in the heart of this iconic park, home to animals such as zebra, lions and elephants.
This travel package includes meals as per your itinerary, accommodation, a pair of lunches, a bottle of wine during your welcome dinner and a return shuttle airport and hotel transfer.
What we like: We love the fact that this deal places you in the heart of the iconic Kruger National Park for a South Africa itinerary of 10 days that you will remember fondly forever.
3. Glimpses of South Africa
The Glimpses of South Africa tour is a mesmerising journey to iconic locations like Durban, Swaziland, Port Elizabeth, Knysna, Mossel Bay and much more. During your holiday, you will be comfortably accommodated in a Standard Double Room with breakfast served daily.
This deal includes stays at hotels that range from city centre accommodations to rustic safari lodges.
What we like: We love the fact that the Glimpses of South Africa deal gives you the opportunity to see the different sides of this iconic country.
4. The Essentials of South Africa Self-Drive Tour
After arriving in Cape Town, you will travel to locations that include the Cape of Good Hope, Durban, Hluhluwe, Swaziland, Kruger National Park and Johannesburg when you book the Essentials of South Africa Self-Drive Tour.
This deal includes meals and a rental vehicle according to the programme. It also features accommodation in hand-picked 4-star hotels.
What we like: We love the fact that this deal provides you with the experience of a lifetime as you embark on daily safaris in some of the world's most stunning natural locations.
5. 9-night Self-Drive Tour of South Africa's Garden Route
The 9-night Self-Drive Tour of South Africa's Garden Route is another top recommendation for travellers wishing to book a South Africa itinerary of 10 days. The experience starts off in Cape Town before you head to magical locations like Oudtshoorn, Knysna and Montagu.
Your price includes accommodation at 3 and 4-star hotels, a safari day in Oudtshoorn and 30 minutes in a Jacuzzi for 2 at the spa in Montagu.
What we like: We love the optional excursions you can add to this amazing deal. They include a whale-watching trip in Hermanus.
Practical tips for visiting South Africa
A few tips for your South Africa itinerary of 10 days include understanding that the country is home to 11 official languages. During your stay, you might consider picking up a local SIM card to save money on mobile phone costs. It is also a good idea to always have some cash on you. You might also consider picking up travel insurance. Beyond this, make sure that you bring plenty of comfortable clothes and high-quality walking shoes if you plan to do a lot of moving around on foot.
When to visit South Africa
The best time for a visit to South Africa is from May to September when the weather is pleasant. With this said, the country is a great year-round destination.
How to get to South Africa
There are regular direct and one-stop flights from the UK's major travel hubs to South Africa. The average in-air time for a non-stop flight is around 11 hours. The primary arrival airports include OR Tambo International in Johannesburg, Cape Town International and King Shaka International in Durban.
What to eat in South Africa
During your getaway to South Africa, try local food favourites, such as boerewors sausages, bobotie, chakalaka and pap, biltong and Durban bunny chow.