South Africa Itinerary 2 Weeks: A Guided Tour From Kruger to Cape Town
Planning a South Africa itinerary for 2 weeks? This guided-tour route packs in the country’s greatest hits without feeling rushed: a Kruger safari, the Panorama Route, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Zululand’s game reserves and wetlands, the Garden Route, Cape Town and the Winelands. Two short domestic flights take the strain out of the long distances.
Route overview
- Days 1–2: Johannesburg to the Panorama Route and Kruger National Park
- Days 3–4: Eswatini and the Lebombo Mountains
- Days 5–6: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, St Lucia and Durban
- Days 7–11: the Garden Route and Route 62
- Days 12–14: Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula and the Winelands
Day-by-day South Africa itinerary: 2 weeks
Day 1: Johannesburg to Hazyview via the Panorama Route
Head east into Mpumalanga, the “place where the sun rises”. The Panorama Route includes the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and, weather permitting, God’s Window. Overnight near Hazyview.
Day 2: Kruger National Park
Enjoy an early morning game drive in an open vehicle in Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s great wildlife reserves, covering almost two million hectares. Look for the Big Five, wild dogs and hundreds of bird species. An optional sunset or night drive can be added.
Day 3: Into Eswatini
Cross into the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) for a cultural performance and traditional lunch at a cultural village, then visit Ngwenya Glass to watch artisans craft recycled glass. Overnight in the Ezulwini Valley.
Day 4: Eswatini to Zululand
Visit Swazi Candles, where every candle is hand-made, then continue into northern KwaZulu-Natal. A sunset drive in the Lebombo Mountains has views over Lake Jozini. Wildlife lovers can detour via Hlane Royal National Park.
Day 5: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Spend the afternoon on a game drive in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve, where the white rhino was saved from extinction.
Day 6: St Lucia and Durban
Take a boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary in iSimangaliso Wetland Park to see hippos, crocodiles and fish eagles, then continue to Durban.
Day 7: Durban to Gqeberha
Take a morning tour of Durban’s Golden Mile beachfront and multicultural city centre before flying to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).
Day 8: Tsitsikamma and Plettenberg Bay
Travel along the coast to Tsitsikamma and walk the suspension bridge across the Storms River Mouth. Overnight in Plettenberg Bay.
Day 9: Plettenberg Bay
Visit an elephant sanctuary and Birds of Eden, one of the world’s largest free-flight aviaries. The afternoon is free for the beach.
Day 10: Knysna to Oudtshoorn
Cruise on the Keurbooms River, explore the Knysna Waterfront, then cross the mountains to Oudtshoorn to visit an ostrich farm.
Day 11: Cango Caves and Route 62 to Cape Town
Tour the Cango Caves, then drive the scenic Route 62 via Barrydale to Cape Town.
Day 12: Cape Peninsula
Explore the Atlantic Seaboard, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Point, the Boulders Beach penguins and Kirstenbosch Gardens.
Day 13: The Cape Winelands
Taste wine in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, South Africa’s gourmet capital. See our Cape Winelands guide.
Day 14: Cape Town city and departure
Visit Table Mountain (weather permitting), the Company’s Garden, the Castle of Good Hope and the colourful Bo-Kaap, then transfer to the airport.
Is 2 weeks enough for South Africa?
Two weeks is enough to see the highlights of the east and south of the country, as long as you accept some long travel days. If you’d prefer to slow down, cut either Eswatini or Route 62, or extend with a private game lodge or a beach break in Mozambique.
Best time to travel
This route works year-round. May to September is best for safaris; October to April is best for the Cape’s beaches and summer weather.
FAQ
Can I do this itinerary as a self-drive?
Yes. See our 14-day South Africa road trip for a self-drive version.
What’s included on a guided tour?
Typically accommodation, many meals, transport with a registered guide, park fees and the listed activities. Domestic flights are often priced separately. See our guide to South Africa tour packages.
Contact us for current departure dates and a tailored quote.
