Itinerary: Capetown to Johannesburg

• Day 1: Flight to Cape Town to start your itinerary in South Africa
• Day 2 -> 4: Cape Town and Cape area
• Day 5: Hermanus
• Day 6: Oudtshoorn
• Day 7: Knysna
• Day 8: Garden route
• Day 9: Addo Elephant park
• Day 10-11-12: Drakensberg
• Day 13: Duban
• Day 14-15: St Lucia
• Day 16: eSwatini
• Day 17-18: Kruger National Park
• Day 19-20: Panorama route
• Day 21: Johannesburg

South Africa – three weeks

On this itinerary in South Africa we follow a route from Cape Town to Johannesburg, marked in green on the map. Three weeks is the minimum time you should plan for a road trip in South Africa. If you have four weeks, we suggest spending extra time in Cape Town, and adding more days in Saint Lucia, Drakensberg, and Kruger National Park. South Africa is vast, so it’s important to make choices—otherwise, you might find yourself needing a vacation after your trip!

What’s the best month to go to South Africa?

South Africa is a year-round destination. We traveled to South Africa in July, which meant it was winter in Cape Town. With temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius, it was very comfortable! It got warmer as we headed north toward Kruger Park, but overall, the temperatures were pleasant throughout our trip. If you prefer more tropical weather, it’s better to visit during December or January. But hot desert temperatures like Namibia are only found in the border area. There’s something for everyone, no matter the season!

The Ultimate 3 Weeks in South Africa Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town, here we come!

Flight Amsterdam – Paris – Capetown (Air France flights)

After a long flight, we arrived late in the evening and picked up our rental car—though they did try to give us a smaller car than we had booked… Welcome to Africa! Oh yes, our luggage was lost. And, of course, we had to adjust to driving on the other side of the road too. It made for an eventful start to our trip!

During our time in Cape Town we stayed four nights at the Sunsquare Cape Town City Bowl. Our luggage was delivered the next day at hotel, good service of Air France!

Cape Town, the second most populous city in South Africa, after Johannesburg, is also the legislative capital of SA. This city has a more American (if you want to know more about Amercia check out our itinerary USA here!) or European vibe. If you’re seeking a more traditional African atmosphere, you might be slightly disappointed. But honestly, I can’t imagine anyone being disappointed here! This city truly has it all: a mountain to climb, a vibrant harbor with great shopping and dining, lush parks, sports facilities, a mild climate, and stunning beaches. If you’re on a road trip, make sure to allow plenty of time to explore this incredible city!

Day 2: What to do in Cape Town?

We arrived yesterday when it was already dark. When we woke up in the morning, the first thing we saw from our window was the breathtaking Table Mountain! It was the perfect start to the day. Our plans quickly became clear: a trip to the top of Table Mountain!

The flat-topped Table Mountain is a prominent landmark overlooking the city of Cape Town. It’s a major tourist attraction, with many visitors taking the cable car or hiking to the summit. The mountain is part of Table Mountain National Park. It houses a diverse array of mostly endemic fauna and flora.

We originally planned to take the cable car up and hike down. However, due to the long queue, we decided to hike up instead. The ‘Platteklip Gorge’ trail starts just a few hundred meters from the cable car station, and it’s absolutely stunning. The views and the beautiful nature along the trail are truly breathtaking!

Day 3: In and around Cape Town

​Today, we’re heading towards Cape of Good Hope, a must-see on this itinerary in South Africa. From Cape Town, the coastal route along the Cape Riviera (Clifton, Camps Bay, etc.), via Chapman’s Peak and Hout Bay, is by far the most scenic, with stunning views at various points!

Be sure to make a stop at Simon’s Town. While it’s the home base of the South African navy, it’s best known for its resident penguin population. You’ll find the largest colony at Boulders Beach, just past Simon’s Town. There is a small fee to enter the visitor center. But it’s the best location in the area. You can spot these adorable penguins diving in and out of the water all along the coastline.

Not far past Simon’s Town, you enter the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. This region is home to rich flora, including the typical Cape fynbos, and the fauna is quite diverse. Baboons are common, especially around areas where people (and food) are present, but we also spotted antelopes and ostriches.

The most spectacular spot here isn’t the Cape of Good Hope itself, but the Cape Point Lighthouse. Be prepared for crowds, especially during high season, as there’s a shop and a restaurant nearby. If you find the climb to the lighthouse too steep, there’s a small (but pricey!) cable car available. The view from the top is breathtaking. You can see the entire bay. The rugged ocean is visible and you can see the peninsula and the Cape of Good Hope itself. There’s also a hiking trail that leads directly to the Cape of Good Hope. The obligatory photo at the sign is a must. The area has many marked hiking trails. If you have the time, take the opportunity to explore!

Day 4: Robben Island, Unesco World Heritage Site

How to get to Robben Island

​Be sure to visit Robben Island on your itinerary in South Africa. Boats to the island depart from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront near the clock tower. It’s best to book tickets a few days in advance, as we found out firsthand—booking just a day ahead. We managed to grab the last available spots. The boat trip takes just under 45 minutes. We were fortunate to have a bright, sunny day with calm seas, yet it still felt like a bit of a roller coaster. For those planning to make the crossing on a day with rougher seas—good luck!

Exploring the island

Robben Island is arguably the most famous prison island in the world (perhaps tied with Alcatraz). It’s especially known for its most famous prisoner: Nelson Mandela, who spent 19 years of his life there. Visiting the island is only possible through guided tours. The guides are often former political prisoners, adding a deeply personal and moving touch to the experience. The tour includes two parts: a visit to the prison itself and a bus tour around the island.

The prison was closed permanently in 1991. In 1999 the buildings were opened to visitors and the site was declared a World Heritage Site.

Cape Town, an evening we will never forget

After returning to Cape Town, we spent the rest of the day at the lively Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. This vibrant area is perfect for families, with plenty of activities for kids and a great selection of restaurants. We had an extra special experience here: watching the Belgium-Brazil match (World Cup 2018) at Den Anker, the best Belgian restaurant in Cape Town, alongside many other Belgian tourists—a truly unique atmosphere! Den Anker is even ranked among the top 100 restaurants in South Africa. If you plan to dine here, make sure to book a reservation in advance!

Day 5: Stellenbosch vineyards and whale watching in Hermanus

​Today we leave Cape Town, a highlight of South Africa, finally on the road in this itinerary! Our first stop on our road trip is Hermanus. 

We don’t take the shortest route along the coast to Hermanus; instead, we opt for a more northern path that takes us through Stellenbosch. After all, you simply can’t skip a visit to the wine region! The landscape here is stunning, with vineyards stretching out at the foot of a mountain range. It all feels very luxurious! We had already decided to visit one estate, but choosing one was quite a challenge… Ultimately, we went with Rust en Vrede (translated: peace and quiet) based on the name, and we have no regrets! There is almost nobody else here, our guide turns out to be a Belgian student, and the wine is excellent!

We arrive in Hermanus in the late afternoon. We had booked an apartment at the Whale Coast Hotel. This turns out to be a huge surprise: the apartment is bigger than our own house! It’s a shame we only get to stay for one night. The town itself is charming, with plenty of restaurants, but it’s really known for one thing: whale watching (best time: June to November). The whales come close to shore. If you’re not sure where to look, it won’t take long to figure it out! Just follow the excitement of all the enthusiastic whale watchers!

Day 6: Ostrich farms at Oudtshoorn

Early in the morning we leave for Oudtshoorn, a 350 km ride. Our place to stay here: La Plume Guesthouse, a working ostrich and vine farm with spectacular views of the Swartberg mountains and Olifants River valley. Oudtshoorn is located in the middle of the Kleine Karoo. An area consisting of beautiful mountain ranges, deep valleys and breathtaking gorges. A beautiful piece of nature to drive through! Oudtshoorn is best known for its ostrich farms. 

We chose to visit the Safari Ostrich Farm. There are several ostrich farms in the area, and most offer similar experiences, so you can just pick one! Thankfully, the days of tourists riding on the back of an ostrich are over. The tours are now much more educational, with a strong focus on respect for the animals.

In the same area, you’ll also find the Cango Wildlife Ranch, which features leopards and Bengal tigers—you can even touch them if you’re willing to pay a hefty fee… Not our thing, so we decide to skip this stop.

Day 7: Knysna, the hart of the garden route

Knysna

Time to move on! Destination of today: Knysna! We stay here at Stannards guest lodge, two nights this time, not enough though to enjoy what this place has to offer!

Knysna is a small town along the coast, nestled around a stunning lagoon. The town has a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere—perhaps thanks to its vibrant artists’ community. On Thesen Island, you can admire the beautiful houses that line the water.

Brenton-on-Sea

From The Heads, you’ll get a breathtaking view of where the lagoon meets the Indian Ocean. We find Brenton-on-Sea even more beautiful—a village located on the opposite side of the estuary. You have to drive around the entire lagoon to get there, but it’s definitely worth it! The beach here is wonderfully untouched, and you’ll often find yourself almost alone. We even spot a lost penguin among the rocks. While swimming is prohibited due to dangerous currents, the area offers a fantastic 5 km hike to the next village along the coast. At the parking area in Brenton-on-Sea, there’s a restaurant with a great view—and the food is excellent!

Knysna activities

There are a lot of fun activities to do with your kids in the Knysna area. We went kayaking in the lagoon. Monkeyland and Birds of Eden are two parks that are worth a visit. 

Birds of Eden is situated on the way to Nature’s Valley opposite to Monkeyland. You can take a combined entrance ticket for both places.

At Birds of Eden, you walk through a massive aviary, which is said to be the largest in the world. Home to over 250 bird species that roam freely, it offers a truly unique experience, allowing you to observe many of them up close! At Monkeyland, you’ll join a guided tour that lasts about an hour. This project focuses on rehabilitating abused monkeys, helping them reintegrate into a more natural lifestyle. The park spans around 12 hectares, providing plenty of space for the animals. They are not directly fed, encouraging them to forage for food as they would in the wild.

Day 8: Garden route passing Tsitsikamma National Park

Time to move on again to the next stage of this South Africa itinerary! Today, we’ll drive to Addo Elephant National Park. It is a 300 km trip that will take us through beautiful places like Plettenberg Bay and Tsitsikamma National Park. All accommodations in Addo Park were fully booked. But we found a guest house in Kirkwood, not that far from the park: Lemmon3Lodge. Kirkwood was the first place where we truly feel the essence of Africa; we are travelers now, not just tourists! During our stay, the guesthouse was undergoing renovations, and we were assigned one of the newly finished rooms. However, since the other rooms weren’t complete, it felt a bit like staying on a construction site. Once the renovations are finished, this will undoubtedly be a fantastic place to stay! 

Day 9: Self Drive Safari at Addo Elephant National Park

This park can easily be visited in one day. It’s not huge, but it offers enough variety in landscapes and wildlife to keep you engaged. At the entrance, we receive a lot of information, including a competition form for families in the car. Our goal for the day was simple: who could spot the largest number of animals? This turned out to be a great source of fun for our children, and the competition truly dominated our day. I have never seen them so enthusiastically spotting animals—mission accomplished!

Entrance Fee (valid 24h): R360 for adults and R180 for childeren

Day 10: On our way to Drakensberg, The highest mountain range in Southern Africa

Many travelers opt to fly from Port Elizabeth to Durban or even all the way to Kruger Park. However, we felt it would be a shame to only visit the country’s tourist hotspots and miss out on the essence of South Africa. So, we decide to travel by car, taking the scenic route through Mthatha to the Drakensberg Mountains. While you can cross the border into Lesotho, we choose to stay on the South African side of the Drakensberg.

The ride from Kirkwood to Mthatha is approximately 500 km (6 and a half hours!!). We stay at the Savoy Hotel in Mthatha.

The road itself isn’t particularly beautiful or impressive, but we’re glad we choose to make the journey this way. We witness extreme poverty and some serious car accidents. This road is anything but safe! However, we also stumble upon the Nelson Mandela Marathon, where they actually use the highway for the event. And no, the highway is’t closed while the runners pass. Tables with drinks are set up along the side of the road. Occasionally, we see a runner weaving between fast-moving cars!

Fortunately, we only hear about it after arriving in the Drakensberg. All the travelers we spoke to had been stopped by the police on this route. They were charged with fabricated traffic violations. The more assertively they responded, the less they had to pay. For example, a Belgian couple claimed they had no money. They suggested handling it at the police station. As a result, they didn’t have to pay anything at all!

Day 11: Part 2: Mthatha to Winterton, Drakensbergen

​Ride Mthatha to Winterton: another 525 km (6 and a half hours again!!). We stay at the Ardmore guest farm, this location is a dream! Breakfast and diner is included here, we get spoiled by the delicious food and the magnificent views!

The guesthouse is nestled in the Champagne Valley of the central Drakensberg. It is just below the majestic Champagne Castle. This mountain stands at 3,377 meters as the second highest peak in South Africa. It is alongside the Cathkin Peak Mountains of KwaZulu-Natal. The valley offers a variety of activities, including white-water rafting, horseback riding, and canopy zipline tours. However, if you’re a hiking enthusiast, this area is truly a paradise!

Day 12: Hiking in Drakensberg

Hiking day! We choose the Monk’s Cowl area. It offers a variety of hiking trails. You can adjust your route as you go. Whether you want to add an extra segment or shorten your hike, the choice is yours. We opt for a moderately short trail that led us past two beautiful waterfalls. While this spot is quite popular, we don’t encounter many other hikers along the way.

In the evening, I decide to go for a short run, which is delightful in such a stunning setting. However, after a few miles, I find myself being chased by some curious monkeys who aren’t used to runners! I quickly return to the guest farm to avoid any further encounters!

Day 13: Durban

Sad to leave this beautiful area! We could easily stay here a week without getting bored! Next stop: Durban. The road from Drakensberg til Durban is excellent, the 235 km takes only about 2 and a half hours. We stayed at Caza Beach Guest House, just outside Durban (Umhlanga) a guest house owned by Belgians! We plan to stay here one night, so no time to explore Durban. Our Durban afternoon was beach time! 

Day 14: St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal

A short ride to St Lucia is only 226 km (2 and a half hours). It’s welcome after the long stages we did on this itinerary in South Africa. We booked two nights here at Luxury Tented lodge, our first glamping experience! Saint Lucia is located next to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We were very much looking forward to our stay in this beautiful area!

Needless to say, but the glamping experience is fantastic! We have access to a communal outdoor kitchen. Each morning, breakfast is ready on our terrace. We make sure to keep the monkeys at a safe distance.

In the afternoon, we explored St. Lucia, a cozy little town with a relaxed atmosphere. The presence of many backpackers made us feel like we were 18 again! However, it’s important to be cautious after dark, as hippos venture out of the water in search of food and sometimes take a dip in hotel pools (a pity we didn’t witness this ourselves!). The town boasts numerous excellent restaurants, all reasonably priced!

Day 15: Things to do in St Lucia: Hippo’s, crocodiles and beaches!

​Time for some adventure! We book a boat trip on the St. Lucia Estuary with Shakabarker Tours, and we can highly recommend it! A fun tour bus picks us up at the lodge in the morning. The bus takes us to the boat, which turns out to be a large raft. It has plastic garden chairs attached. The sides are neatly covered with plastic sheeting to keep water out (when our feet get wet, we have to ensure the plastic was secured!). An enthusiastic guide, who can easily pursue a career in stand-up comedy, made it a delightful morning. He provides snacks, coffee, and tea, ensuring we don’t go hungry. The information shared about the area is fascinating. We see plenty of hippos, sometimes from very close up. We also see crocodiles! Our kids make some new friends on the boat and have a fantastic day!

In the afternoon, we visit the Crocodile Center and Snake Park. This sanctuary for crocodiles is actually very interesting. A guide takes a lot of time to share his extensive knowledge about these animals with us. We are the only visitors at the time. The highlight for the children is getting to hold a baby crocodile!

We also think a short visit to Estuary Beach is worthwhile. This huge and impressive beach connects to the estuary, where you can see hippos from the footbridge. Swimming is, of course, prohibited here!

Day 16: Swaziland – eSwatini, a second country on this road trip in South Africa

​Time to move on! Our next stop is Swaziland on our way to Kruger park. The main reason to take this route is to get a Swaziland (or eSwatini these days) stamp in our passports. We stayed in the Ezulwini area, in Mogi Boutique hotel

Day 17: Kruger National Park – a bucketlist destination

​After an excellent breakfast we continue our journey. Today we are heading to Kruger National Park, one of the highlights of this Itinerary in South Africa. A place that has an almost mythical status for me. A spot very high on my bucketlist! 

Kruger NP, where to stay

The ride from Ezulwini to to the place we stayed just outside Kruger Park (La Kruger Lifestyle lodge) was about 200 km. It took us just under 3 hours to get there.

The lodge is truly tucked away in the most beautiful bushveld of the southern Kruger National Park region. Its decks are built around the existing Marula and other bushveld trees. You can spot a variety of animals here, including endemic birds, impala, kudu, warthog, and bushbuck. Not far from the lodge, there is an impressive sunset point. Here you can witness the sun setting over the Kruger landscape.

In the evening, you can gather around the campfire with other guests to share your safari experiences.

Kruger NP, Visit one of the most impressive national parks in the world

We didn’t wait until the next day to visit the Kruger Park. We arrived at the lodge early in the afternoon. And we decided to drive to the park entrance (Crocodile Bridge Gate). We wanted to see if we could still visit. The park’s opening hours are very strict. You must be back before a certain time unless you have an overnight stay in the park. Otherwise, you risk paying a fine. We still had two hours before closing, so we decided to take a quick look inside the park.

You really don’t have to make much effort to spot animals here. Everywhere we looked, we saw wildebeest, impala, bushbuck, and more. Just a few kilometers in, we encountered large herds of elephants and even the occasional giraffe. There was quite a bit of excitement in our car with all this abundance of wildlife!

Day 18: Kruger National Park – day 2

​A whole day to enjoy the beauty and wildlife of Kruger National Park! We enter the park at the Crocodile Bridge Gate and drive first to Lower Sabie. This is a great spot to stretch your legs. You are not allowed to get out of the car on the roads. From there, we explore some off-road tracks, which lead us to the Afsaal viewpoint.

We leave the park at Malelane Gate.

It was a long day in the car. However, it brought us what we expected. We saw beautiful landscapes with lots of wildlife! 

The children couldn’t get enough of it and neither could we!

A 4×4 car can be convenient here. However, you can explore the park without any issues even with a regular rental car. This includes the off-road sections. Just be mindful of elephant droppings on the road, as they are often filled with thorns from the Acacias. Driving over them is a sure way to get a flat tire!

Day 19: Panorama Route from Kruger National Park to Johannesburg

It’s time to leave this stunning place. We head to White River, which is still close to Kruger Park. It is also an ideal base for exploring the Panorama Route. The drive is only about an hour and a half. We choose to take a scenic detour through Kruger. The park has a lot of gates, this time we exit the park at the Numbi Gate.

We stay at Ilanda Guest House in White River.

Day 20: Panorama Route: Blyde River Canyon

​The Panorama Route is a breathtaking drive in South Africa that links several cultural and natural highlights. It is rich in South African history and centers around the impressive Blyde River Canyon. This isthe third-largest canyon in the world. Along the way, you’ll encounter numerous waterfalls and remarkable natural landmarks. The route starts at the foot of the Long Tom Pass near Lydenburg. It descends from the Great Escarpment to the Lowveld. It finishes at the border between the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, near the Echo Caves.

Graskop is a charming town in this region, very popular among tourists. It seems like everyone wants to try a pancake at Harrie’s Pancakes, and so did we… We can confirm: the pancakes are indeed delicious! You can even try bungee jumping here.

Pilgrim’s Rest is an old mining village that, we had read, was beautifully restored and worth a visit. However, this turned out to be our biggest disappointment in the region! The village felt artificial. It was designed purely to encourage tourists to buy souvenirs. At times, it seemed like a scheme to extract extra money. For example, it included washing your car without asking or suddenly charging for parking. Our advice: skip this place!

Our two favorite spots in the area are Bourke’s Luck Potholes and The Three Rondavels. Both are stunning natural wonders. At Bourke’s Luck Potholes, you can see spectacular, giant rock formations. Water carved them at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers. Meanwhile, the view from The Three Rondavels offers the most breathtaking panorama of the entire area.

Day 21: Back to Johannesburg, the end of this roadtrip in South Africa

​A long ride to Johannesburg. In the late afternoon we took the plane back home where we arrived the following morning. Despite our big bird the flight home was quite bumpy!

Our South Africa trip was a great experience. We never visited a zoo again after being in Kruger Park. We have huge respect for this country and its residents. This country has so much to offer!

Do you like this South Africa roadtrip? Check out other itineraries here!

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