20 days in South Africa Itinerary

Sweeping beaches, towering hilltops, and picturesque vineyards adorn the landscape of Cape Town, dominated by the imposing Table Mountain.

Escape the urban bustle at Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and Platteklip Gorge. And it doesn't end there: take some stellar pictures from Cape Point, take a leisurely stroll along Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, steep yourself in history at Robben Island Museum, and head outdoors with Abseil Africa.

To see where to stay, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Cape Town trip maker tool.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Cape Town is an approximately 15-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Amsterdam to Cape Town. In September in Cape Town, expect temperatures between 23°C during the day and 11°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Wed) to allow time to travel to Plettenberg Bay.

As one of South Africa's most popular beach destinations, the resort town of Plettenberg Bay comes to life in December and January, when the holiday homes fill up with domestic tourists and foreigner visitors.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Thu): stroll through Birds of Eden, then stroll through Knysna Elephant Park, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Robberg Nature Reserve. Keep things going the next day: stroll through Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre and then trek along Otter Trail.

For photos, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Plettenberg Bay trip builder app.

You can fly from Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In September, daytime highs in Plettenberg Bay are 22°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Fri) so you can travel to Nelspruit.

Nestled on the banks of the Crocodile River, Nelspruit provides visitors with a convenient base point boasting two airports and an enviable location on the road between Johannesburg and the Mozambican border.

Take a break from the city and head to Kruger National Park and Sudwala Caves. Explore Nelspruit's surroundings by going to Hazyview (The Elephant Sanctuary, Safaris, &more). There's more to do: look for gifts at Joubert en Seuns Padstal.

To see ratings, photos, reviews, and tourist information, read our Nelspruit online road trip planner.

Getting from Plettenberg Bay to Nelspruit by flight takes about 7 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Plettenberg Bay in September, you will find days in Nelspruit are a bit warmer (30°C), and nights are about the same (16°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Mon) so you can travel to Kruger National Park.

One of Africa's largest game sanctuaries and part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Program, Kruger National Park provides an immersive experience of wildlife.

Get outdoors at Game drives at Phalaborwa Gate in Kruger National Park and Idube Game Reserve. The adventure continues: stroll through Olifants Wilderness Trail, hike along Sweni Wilderness Trail, and take some stellar pictures from Nkumbe View Site.

For where to stay, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Kruger National Park itinerary builder website.

You can fly from Nelspruit to Kruger National Park in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In September, daily temperatures in Kruger National Park can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 15°C. On the 13th (Fri), you'll travel to Hoedspruit.

Hoedspruit offers proximity to Kruger National Park and features an airport, making it a popular jump-off point for a variety of tours and safaris.

Take a break from the city and head to Safaris and Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre. And it doesn't end there: stroll through Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, get outside with Siyafunda Conservation, and surround yourself with nature on Tshukudu Game Lodge.

To find ratings, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Hoedspruit journey site.

Getting from Kruger National Park to Hoedspruit by bus takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive. In September, daily temperatures in Hoedspruit can reach 32°C, while at night they dip to 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Mon) so you can travel to Johannesburg.

Founded when gold was discovered in the area in the late 19th century, Johannesburg quickly grew into a bustling metropolis, South Africa's largest city and the region's economic hub.

On the 17th (Tue), take an exotic tour of a safari tour. On the next day, steep yourself in history at Mandela House, see the interesting displays at Apartheid Museum, and then don't miss a visit to Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct.

To find ratings, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Johannesburg trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Hoedspruit in September, Johannesburg is slightly colder at night with lows of 12°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.