10 Days in South Africa: 5 Incredible Itineraries for First-Timers, Couples, and Families

Are you planning a 10-day adventure in South Africa? This diverse and captivating country offers a myriad of experiences, from thrilling safaris to vibrant cities, stunning coastlines, and rich cultural heritage.

To help you make the most of your time in South Africa, we've put together five incredible 10-day itineraries tailored to different interests and preferences.

1. 10-Day South African Family Adventure: Cape Town, the Garden Route, and a Safari

This 10-day journey through South Africa is perfect for families seeking a blend of rich culture and natural beauty. It caters to those who enjoy exploration and connecting with the great outdoors.

You would have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Cape Town's cultural heritage, explore the breathtaking landscapes along the Garden Route, and embark on an extraordinary wildlife safari at Pumba Private Game Reserve.

Sample itinerary:

Days 1–3: Explore Cape Town's rich culture (Table Mountain, Robben Island, and African penguins)
Days 4–6: Embark on a Garden Route adventure (lagoon, Tsitsikamma National Park, and caves)
Days 7–9: A safari at Pumba Private Game Reserve
Day 10: Departure from Port Elizabeth

This itinerary covers a diverse range of South African landscapes and experiences. To get started, Cape Town offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural wonders, with Table Mountain providing a breathtaking introduction. If you're interested, a cheese and chocolate tour could be added to your itinerary.

Next, you would drive along the scenic Garden Route, stopping at Knysna for its stunning lagoon views. Then, you would explore Tsitsikamma National Park with its dramatic coastline and lush forests, discover the Cango Caves, and enjoy an ostrich farm visit in Oudtshoorn.

Finally, at Pumba Private Game Reserve, you would encounter Africa's majestic wildlife, including the Big Five, in their natural habitat.

2. 10-Day Classic South Africa: Cape Town, Johannesburg, and a Kruger Safari

This 10-day itinerary through South Africa's most iconic destinations is perfect for first-time visitors looking to experience the country's diverse culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and incredible wildlife.

Whether you're a family seeking memorable experiences or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, this itinerary offers something for everyone.

Sample itinerary:

Days 1–3: Cape Town (Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula)
Days 4–6: Johannesburg
Days 7–9: Kruger National Park (game drives, African Big Five safari, and a bushwalking tour)
Day 10: Depart Johannesburg

You would start your journey in Cape Town, a city renowned for its rich culture and stunning landscapes, then move on to Johannesburg, the vibrant heart of South Africa. Finally, you would conclude your adventure with a thrilling Kruger safari, where you would have the chance to witness the Big Five in their natural habitat.

For families, a visit to the Cape Peninsula to see the penguins at Boulders Beach would be a highlight. Taking a guided bush walk in the national park to learn about the flora and fauna and experience the African wilderness up close would be a good educational opportunity.

For a special experience, couples could float over the beautiful Magaliesburg Valley in Johannesburg on a hot-air balloon safari, followed by a champagne breakfast, and enjoy a romantic picnic in Kruger National Park, surrounded by wildlife.

Feel free to get in contact, and we'll develop a personalized itinerary for your journey.

3. 10-Day South Africa Safari for Couples: Cape Town, Victoria Falls, and Chobe National Park

This captivating 10-day journey through South Africa combines the most impressive destinations in Southern Africa and nearby countries Zimbabwe and Botswana, catering to travelers who crave a mix of wildlife encounters, cultural exploration, and romantic getaways.

Whether you're an enthusiast for wildlife adventures or cultural experiences, or a couple seeking intimate moments, this itinerary promises to fulfill your expectations.

Sample itinerary:

Days 1–3: Cape Town, South Africa
Days 4–6: Sabi Sands Game Reserve, South Africa
Day 7: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Days 8–9: Chobe National Park (Botswana)
Day 10: Depart Botswana via Johannesburg

One of the highlights of this itinerary is Sabi Sands Game Reserve, which would offer you an unforgettable romantic retreat. You and your loved one could experience thrilling private safaris with the Big Five, share intimate sundowner moments, and unwind in luxurious lodges. Imagine dining under the stars, stargazing together, and indulging in spa treatments.

Continuing the adventure, Victoria Falls would deliver a sensory feast. The highlight there would be the palpable mist from the falls, a thrilling helicopter ride for a bird's-eye perspective, and immersion in the lush rainforest that envelops this natural wonder.

To conclude, Chobe National Park would provide a fitting climax to the journey. A standout feature would include the chance to witness majestic elephant herds by the Chobe River, complemented by diverse wildlife encounters during game drives and leisurely river cruises.

You could adjust the itinerary to your preferences and add or remove destinations as needed.

4. 10-Day South Africa Safari and Beach Vacation

This 10-day South African adventure offers a comprehensive exploration of the country's rich cultural tapestry, stunning coastal landscapes, and abundant wildlife.

If you want a tour combining adventure and relaxation, this 10-day itinerary is perfect for you, whether you're traveling as a family or as a couple.

Sample itinerary:

Days 1–3: Cape Town
Days 4–6: Kruger National Park
Days 7–9: Thonga Beach
Day 10: Transfer to Johannesburg from Thonga and depart

This itinerary covers a diverse range of destinations and highlights. It includes the cosmopolitan Cape Town, renowned for its cultural attractions and stunning scenery. Kruger National Park provides an authentic safari experience, with the chance to spot Africa's iconic wildlife. Thonga Beach adds a coastal element, offering relaxation and water-based activities.

We can tailor-make this itinerary catering to families and couples.

For families, we could add family-friendly activities, such as visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town, where kids could marvel at the marine life. In Kruger National Park, you might opt for family-focused game drives with guides who are experts in engaging young travelers.

Couples could enjoy romantic sundowner safaris in the African bush, dine at intimate restaurants with scenic views in Cape Town, and take leisurely walks along Thonga Beach at sunset. You shouldn't miss the opportunity to sample South Africa's world-class wines together in the Cape Winelands for a truly romantic experience.

5. 10-Day Diverse South Africa Tour: Culture, Nature, Wine, and Wildlife

This 10-day South African adventure is a captivating journey that showcases the country's diverse landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant culture.

Ideal for nature enthusiasts, wildlife lovers, and those seeking a blend of relaxation and adventure, this itinerary covers iconic destinations, such as Cape Town, the Western Cape Winelands, Hermanus, the Garden Route, and Addo Elephant National Park.

Whether you're a family looking for unforgettable bonding experiences or a couple seeking romantic getaways, this trip offers a perfect balance of thrilling activities and tranquil moments.

Sample itinerary:

Days 1–2: Cape Town (Table Mountain, Robben Island, and African penguins)
Day 3: The Western Cape Winelands (wine tour)
Day 4: Hermanus (whale watching)
Days 5–6: The Garden Route (lush forests and pristine beaches)
Days 7–9: Addo Elephant National Park
Day 10: Port Elizabeth departure

To start with, Cape Town offers the iconic Table Mountain and cultural experiences. Moving on to the Western Cape Winelands, you would sample world-class wines and cuisine and enjoy picturesque vineyard landscapes.

You would drive along the scenic coastline to Hermanus, which is a haven for whale watching. You would witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat during the whale season (June to November).

Then, you would embark on a road trip along the Garden Route. You would stop at Knysna to admire the famous Heads and enjoy a boat tour through the Knysna Lagoon. You would hike in Tsitsikamma National Park and experience the Storms River Suspension Bridge.

Finally, you would spend 3 days exploring Addo Elephant National Park's diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, and a variety of bird species. Game drives and guided walks would provide unforgettable wildlife encounters.

We could arrange more unique and special activities for families and couples.

Families could enjoy family-friendly activities, such as penguin viewing at Boulders Beach and educational game drives in Addo Elephant National Park.

Couples could savor romantic moments, such as sunset picnics on Table Mountain, wine tasting, and horseback riding in the Winelands. Addo Elephant National Park would offer private, candlelit dinners in the wilderness for a truly memorable experience.

Contact one of our South Africa specialists and we will tailor-make a trip for you.