21 days in South Africa Itinerary

Discover out-of-the-way places like Thompson's Bay Beach and Golden Mile. Get outdoors at Umhlanga Main Beach and Scuba & Snorkeling. Get out of town with these interesting Durban side-trips: Nelson Mandela Capture Site (in Howick), Barn Swallow (in Mount Moreland) and Scottburgh Mall (in Scottburgh). There's still lots to do: admire the natural beauty at Durban Botanic Gardens, meet some fierce fish with a shark diving experience, take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour, and make a splash at uShaka Wet 'n Wild.

To see maps, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, read Durban trip itinerary site.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Durban is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 1 hour traveling from Amsterdam to Durban. July in Durban sees daily highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Tue) early enough to fly to Nelspruit.

On the 29th (Wed), take in the dramatic scenery at Mary Shire Falls, then admire the sheer force of Lone Creek Falls, then explore the fascinating underground world of Sudwala Caves, and finally examine the collection at Sudwala Dinosaur Park. On the next day, brush up on your knowledge of spirits at Rottcher Wineries, then admire the natural beauty at Lowveld National Botanical Garden, and then stroll through Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Eden Sanctuary.

To find photos, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Nelspruit journey tool.

Traveling by flight from Durban to Nelspruit takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Expect little chillier evenings in Nelspruit when traveling from Durban in July, with lows around 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Thu) so you can go by car to Hoedspruit.

Step off the beaten path and head to Elephant Whispers and Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Take a break from the city and head to Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre and Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre. There's more to do: explore the striking landscape at Three Roundavels and Head underground at Echo Caves.

To see other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, use the Hoedspruit itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Nelspruit to Hoedspruit takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of flight and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 26°C in July, and nighttime lows around 10°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sun) so you can fly to Knysna.

Relax by the water at Buffalo Bay and Wilderness Beach. Explore hidden gems such as Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary and Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary. Change things up with a short trip to Shark Diving in Mossel Bay (about 1h 30 min away). And it doesn't end there: explore the wealth of natural beauty at Garden Route National Park, admire the landmark architecture of St George's Anglican Church, tour the pleasant surroundings at Brenton on Sea, and contemplate the waterfront views at Knysna Lagoon.

For traveler tips, maps, ratings, and tourist information, read our Knysna trip maker website.

You can fly from Hoedspruit to Knysna in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Hoedspruit in August, you will find days in Knysna are little chillier (21°C), and nights are about the same (13°C). Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Thu) so you can catch the flight to Hermanus.

Take a break from the city and head to Shark Diving and Grotto Beach. Step off the beaten path and head to Voelklip Beach and Stony Point Penguin Colony. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hermanus: Waenhuiskrans Caves (in Arniston) and Panthera Africa - Big Cat Sanctuary (in Stanford). Next up on the itinerary: take in the pleasant sights at Hermanus Cliff Path.

For other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Hermanus online trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Knysna to Hermanus takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Knysna in August, plan for a bit cooler nights in Hermanus, with lows around 9°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Cape Town.

Step out of the city life by going to Twelve Apostles and Chapman's Peak Drive. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Bloubergstrand Beach and Baraka Gifts and Decor. Change things up with these side-trips from Cape Town: Fairview Wine and Cheese (in Suider Paarl) and Franschhoek (Franschhoek Motor Museum & Franschhoek Pass). And it doesn't end there: stroll around Greenpoint Park and Biodiversity Garden, enjoy the sand and surf at Fish Hoek Beach, see the interesting displays at South African Jewish Museum, and hunt for treasures at The Old Biscuit Mill.

To find more things to do, where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Cape Town road trip tool.

Traveling by car from Hermanus to Cape Town takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus; or do a combination of taxi and train. In August in Cape Town, expect temperatures between 21°C during the day and 9°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to fly back home.