South Africa · Route map
A Classic Cape and Kruger Journey
This balanced route pairs the dramatic coast of Cape Town and the world-class South African winelands with a premier Big Five safari in the Greater Kruger area.
- 1
Cape Town
arriving Cape Town Airport
4 nights
Table Mountain, dramatic coastlines, and vibrant culture
- 2
Franschhoek
2 nights
Historic vineyards and South Africa's culinary capital
- 3
Sabi Sand Game Reserve
3 nights
Unrivalled Big Five wildlife viewing in Greater Kruger
- 4
Johannesburg
departing Johannesburg Airport
Fly home from OR Tambo International Airport
- ✦4 stops · 9 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to the Mother City
Arrive into Cape Town
Flight · Morning · Cape Town Airport
Private transfer to your hotel
Transfer · Afternoon · Bantry Bay
A scenic 25-minute drive from the airport to the Atlantic Seaboard.
Stroll the Sea Point Promenade
At leisure · Afternoon · Sea Point
Keep an eye out for paragliders landing on the lawns from Signal Hill.
Overnight in Cape Town
Accommodation · Evening · Bantry Bay
Mountain Heights and Coastal Bites
Cableway to the Table Mountain summit
Excursion · Morning · Table Mountain
Pre-booking is essential to beat the ticket office queues.
Go early in the morning before the 'tablecloth' cloud rolls in.
Explore historic Bo-Kaap
Excursion · Afternoon · City Bowl
Stop at Atlas Trading Company to smell the traditional Cape Malay spices.
Overnight in Cape Town
Accommodation · Evening · Bantry Bay
The Wild Cape Peninsula Route
Drive Chapman's Peak to Cape Point
Excursion · Morning · Cape Peninsula
A spectacular coastal drive hugging the Atlantic cliffs.
Drive south to north so you are always on the ocean side of the road.
Visit the penguins at Windmill Beach
Excursion · Afternoon · Simon's Town
Skip busy Boulders; this neighboring cove has penguins and no entry fee.
Overnight in Cape Town
Accommodation · Evening · Bantry Bay
City Bowls and Botanical Beauty
Canopy walk at Kirstenbosch Gardens
Excursion · Morning · Newlands
Walk the 'Boomslang' aerial bridge for incredible views of the eastern mountain slopes.
Afternoon shopping at the Watershed
At leisure · Afternoon · V&A Waterfront
This market showcases genuine local South African designers, not cheap imports.
Overnight in Cape Town
Accommodation · Evening · Bantry Bay
Journey into the Winelands
Collect hire car in Cape Town
Car hire · Morning · City Bowl
Pick up your compact SUV for the Winelands leg.
Self-drive Cape Town to Franschhoek
Self-drive · Morning · Franschhoek
A scenic 1-hour drive via the vineyard-studded R45.
Wine tasting at Babylonstoren
Excursion · Afternoon · Simondium
Walk through the sprawling food gardens before heading to the glass tasting room.
Overnight in Franschhoek
Accommodation · Evening · Franschhoek Valley
The Tram and Historic Vines
Ride the Franschhoek Wine Tram
Excursion · Morning · Franschhoek
A hop-on hop-off tram service visiting historic estates.
Book the pink or grey lines for the best boutique estate options.
Stroll down Franschhoek Main Road
At leisure · Afternoon · Franschhoek Town
Stop at Huguenot Fine Chocolates for an artisanal sweet treat.
Overnight in Franschhoek
Accommodation · Evening · Franschhoek Valley
From Vineyards to Lowveld bushveld
Self-drive Franschhoek to Cape Town Airport
Self-drive · Morning · Cape Town Airport
Drive takes roughly 50 minutes.
Drop off hire car
Car hire · Morning · Cape Town Airport
Fly Cape Town to Skukuza
Flight · Morning · Skukuza Airport
Direct flight into the heart of the reserve.
Lodge transfer to Sabi Sand
Transfer · Afternoon · Sabi Sand
An open 4x4 game viewer picks you up from the runway.
Overnight in Sabi Sand
Accommodation · Evening · Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Tracking the Big Five
At dawn: Sunrise game drive
Excursion · Morning · Sabi Sand
The morning air is freezing; wear the provided fleece ponchos.
At dusk: Sunset game drive
Excursion · Afternoon · Sabi Sand
This reserve has no fences with Kruger, ensuring world-class leopard sightings.
Overnight in Sabi Sand
Accommodation · Evening · Sabi Sand Game Reserve
In the Heart of the Bush
Guided morning bush walk
Excursion · Morning · Sabi Sand
Focus on the small things like tracks, birds, and plants that you miss on vehicles.
Afternoon predator safari drive
Excursion · Afternoon · Sabi Sand
Your tracker will use a spotlight to find nocturnal animals after dark.
Overnight in Sabi Sand
Accommodation · Evening · Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Farewell South Africa
Transfer to Skukuza Airport
Transfer · Morning · Skukuza
Fly Skukuza to Johannesburg
Flight · Morning · Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport
Short connection flight.
Fly out of Johannesburg International
Flight · Afternoon · Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport
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