10 Days in South Africa: 4 Best Safari Itineraries

Wildlife safaris from land to sea, flavorful wineries with the scent of grapes and wood, and the rhythmic waves echoing off the Cape of Good Hope - there is so much to enjoy during your 10-day itinerary in South Africa. Whether you are a nature lover or a wine connoisseur, check out the itinerary ideas below to plan your ideal South Africa tour.

Itinerary #1: Cape Town, Johannesburg & Kruger Safari

This classic 10-day itinerary captures the essence of South Africa, including the highlights of Cape Town and Johannesburg, showcasing both nature and culture. It is also perfect for first-time visitors on their first African safari.

Land in Cape Town for a leisurely city walk. Explore the ancient pentagonal Castle of Good Hope with a gentle sea breeze. Not far away is lively Greenmarket Square, bustling with shops and vendors, where you can stop for a street coffee and take in the colorful local life before your hike to Table Mountain.

You can also take the cable car up the mountain, soaring above the clouds, or time your visit to catch the sunset from the summit. For more natural experiences, relax on a coastal drive to the Cape Peninsula. Visit lively Boulders Beach for close encounters with adorable penguins and continue to the southern tip of the Cape of Good Hope Lighthouse to witness the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Fly to Johannesburg, a cultural center of South Africa worth an extended stopover. Wander the winding streets of Soweto Township and visit the Nelson Mandela Museum. Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Melville or Greenside, where you can enjoy smooth jazz or lively DJ sets, and experience the energy of this golden city.

For the final part of your journey, it's time to board the vehicle and embrace the vast grasslands and jungle. Enjoy your game drive with binoculars, capturing the Big Five against the splendid sunset, or go on a bush walk to experience the wilderness up close. A safari adventure in Kruger National Park is never too long to stay.

Wild Impala in Kruger National Park South Africa

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Itinerary #2: Garden Route With Cape Winelands

Focuses on the breathtaking natural wonders of South Africa, this 10-day itinerary is ideal for nature and animal lovers to immerse themselves in its magnificent landscapes, from the iconic Cape of Good Hope to the mysterious Cango Caves, from cozy vineyard tours to an exciting ocean safari.

Arrive in Cape Town to begin your nature escape from the mountains to the ocean. Up to Table Mountain to breathe in the fresh air and touch the clouds, and down to Camps Bay to enjoy the gentle waves and a spectacular sunset. You can also take a ferry to Seal Island to observe the seals during their lazy midday rest, or unwind with a coastal drive to the Cape Peninsula to see the bustling African penguins at Boulders Beach.

Follow the aromatic fragrance of grapes and wood deep into the rolling mountains, arriving at the tranquil Franschhoek, where you can indulge in delicate wines and local cuisine. Continue southward to the coastal town of Hermanus, the perfect gateway to start your beach holiday or ocean safari.

Add a touch of adventure to your South African journey with a visit to Oudtshoorn, where the magnificent Cango Caves await your exploration and the Karoo Ostrich Farm offers close encounters with those giant birds.

Conclude your 10-day itinerary by returning to the seaside. Relax on a Knysna Lagoon cruise, hike through coastal dunes with caves and bridges, or continue your ocean safari from Plettenberg Bay for a final farewell to your marine friends.

Table Mountain

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Itinerary #3: Safaris, Winelands & Cape Whale Coast

A 10-day safari adventure allows you to capture the vivid essence of South Africa, from the majestic Big Five in the grasslands to the breathtaking ocean leaps of giant whales, also featuring a cozy wine-tasting experience in Franschhoek.

Make your arrival at Johannesburg for a short stopover, where you can capture the neon skyline and vibrant streets filled with night markets and delicious food, offering a taste of authentic South Africa.

Fly to Sabi Sands to start your next 3 days' adventure, unspoiled heaven for closer encounters with fauna. Wake up from the chalet with breakfast on your veranda while admiring the walking elephant. Whether it is a leisurely stroll along the river with your binoculars to capture the glittering feathers of birds, or a game drive to spot the elusive leopard or other Big Five during their lazy lunch break, Sabi Sands Game Reserve is the place to surprise your Africa safari.

Followed by a journey to the French Corner of Franschhoek, a well-known wine valley to make your 10-day itinerary a bit tipsy. Sip fruity wines by the lakeshore at the gentle slopes, or immerse yourself in the vineyards beneath the snow-capped peaks. Afterward, continue to Hermanus to begin your ocean safari, where you can witness the majestic whales in their breaching.

Reserve one day in Cape Town to bid farewell to your South African journey. Ascend Table Mountain to capture a panoramic view of the city, and visit the Cape of Good Hope to listen to the parting melody of the waves and sea.

Sea Point, Cape Town

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Itinerary #4: Family Adventure With Eastern Safari

A more kid-friendly 10-day itinerary, which takes you along the southern coast from west to east, from the Cape Peninsula to the Eastern Cape, also includes a safari adventure that you can share with your family and children.

Penguins in South Africa

Start your 10-day South African family adventure in Cape Town with a relaxing city sightseeing tour. Visit the Diamond Museum hand-in-hand, conquer Table Mountain together, and enjoy beach time at Camps Bay or an exciting Jolly Roger pirate ship cruise with the salty breeze.

Follow the coastline and drive further along the Cape Peninsula. Stop by Boulders Beach to see the resting penguins, and visit Imhoff Farm for a local family experience. Participate in grape harvests and a cooking class to make a meal. There is always a lot of fun to share during your Cape of Good Hope journey.

Take a few days to immerse yourselves in Elgin's vineyards, where there is plenty of fun to be had alongside the delicious wine. Hop on the Franschhoek Rhythm Train and stop off at the Huguenots Chocolate Shop to make your own dessert. Southhill Vineyard is another great option, with more themed rooms in a funky atmosphere to satisfy both children and adults.

Continue eastwards through the tranquil town of Oudtshoorn to meet more wildlife friends from ostriches to various big cats, the seaside town of Knysna for more leisurely family time with the beach and sun, to the Shamwari Game Reserve for your family safari escape.

Start Your South Africa Safari With Odynovo

With 10 days to spend in South Africa, how would you like to plan your itinerary? Tell Odynovo about your questions or requirements, we are always here at [email protected] to make your ideal trip to South Africa.