18 days in South Africa Itinerary

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

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Robben Island Museum and Bo-kaap. Visit Groot Constantia and St Georges Mall for their historical value. Get out of town with these interesting Cape Town side-trips: Franschhoek (Eikehof & First South African Perfume Museum). There's still lots to do: kick back and relax at Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, explore the historical opulence of Castle of Good Hope, indulge your senses at Wine Flies Wine Tours - Day Tours, and take a leisurely stroll along Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.

To see maps, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Cape Town travel planning site.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Cape Town is an approximately 15-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Amsterdam to Cape Town is 1 hour. Expect much hotter temperatures when traveling from Amsterdam in December; daily highs in Cape Town reach 30°C and lows reach 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Robertson.

A small town with a big heart, Robertson lies in beautiful Wineland surrounded by mountainous scenery, charming visitors with jacaranda-lined streets, vineyards, and Edwardian and Victorian houses.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Fri): learn about winemaking at Marbrin Olive Growers and then learn about winemaking at Four Cousins Tasting Room. Here are some ideas for day two: do a tasting at Esona Boutique Wine Estate, get engrossed in the history at Drostdy Museum, and then browse the exhibits of Kunstehuijs Fine Art Gallery.

To find reviews, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Robertson road trip planning tool.

Traveling by car from Cape Town to Robertson takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Robertson can reach 30°C, while at night they dip to 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sat) so you can drive 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.

Explore Plettenberg Bay's surroundings by going to Knysna (Garden Route National Park & Knysna Heads). The adventure continues: stroll through Birds of Eden and trot along with a tour on horseback.

To see maps, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, read Plettenberg Bay travel itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Robertson to Plettenberg Bay takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Plettenberg Bay can reach 28°C, while at night they dip to 19°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Tue) so you can catch the flight 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.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Wed): identify plant and animal life at Game drives at Phalaborwa Gate in Kruger National Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 30th (Thu): head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, do a tasting at Amarula Lapa, and then stop by Kumbaya Home Decor.

To see maps, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Hoedspruit vacation planner.

You can fly from Plettenberg Bay to Hoedspruit in 5.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Plettenberg Bay in December, plan for a bit warmer days in Hoedspruit, with highs around 34°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Thu) so you can fly 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.

Get some historical perspective at Mandela House and Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct. Do some cultural sightseeing at Apartheid Museum and Maboneng Precinct. There's lots more to do: brush up on your military savvy at South African National Museum of Military History, try to win big at Montecasino, and gain some tasty knowledge on Time Anchor Distillery.

For where to stay, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Johannesburg trip planning site.

Fly from Hoedspruit to Johannesburg in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December in Johannesburg, expect temperatures between 33°C during the day and 19°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Mon) to allow enough time to fly back home.