26 days in South Africa Itinerary

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.

Step out of Johannesburg to go to Pretoria and see Voortrekker Monument, which is approximately 46 minutes away. There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at Apartheid Museum, stop by Finders Keepers Market, stop by Maboneng Precinct, and identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas.

For reviews, ratings, photos, and tourist information, go to the Johannesburg road trip planner.

Nairobi, Kenya to Johannesburg is an approximately 8-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of bus and car. You'll gain 1 hour traveling from Nairobi to Johannesburg due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Nairobi in September, Johannesburg is slightly colder at night with lows of 12°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) early enough to catch the flight 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.

Get out of town with these interesting Nelspruit side-trips: Kruger National Park (Safaris, Napi Wilderness Trail, &more). Spend the 8th (Sun) exploring nature at Kruger National Park. Next up on the itinerary: explore the fascinating underground world of Sudwala Caves, pick up a one of a kind souvenir at Antiques & Artifacts, tour the pleasant surroundings at Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Eden Sanctuary, and look for gifts at Joubert en Seuns Padstal.

To find reviews, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Nelspruit tour itinerary site.

Traveling by flight from Johannesburg to Nelspruit takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Johannesburg in September, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 16°C in Nelspruit. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Hoedspruit: Kruger National Park (Game drives at Phalaborwa Gate in Kruger National Park, Masorini Archaeological Site, &more) and Phalaborwa (Amarula Lapa & Qualito Craft Distillery). The adventure continues: take in the exciting artwork at iNyoka Art Gallery and stop by Kumbaya Home Decor.

Plan my trip to Hoedspruit with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.

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 32°C in September, and nighttime lows around 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) early enough to fly to Oudtshoorn.

Nestled in the arid valley of Little Karoo, the town of Oudtshoorn remains the hub of everything ostrich-related, housing the world's largest population of the flightless birds.

Explore Oudtshoorn's surroundings by going to Calitzdorp (Roger Young Gallery & Rooiberg Pass) and George (Cape Palette Art Gallery, Happy Valley, &more). Next up on the itinerary: Head underground at Cango Caves, tour the pleasant surroundings at Cango Wildlife Ranch, take a memorable drive along Swartberg Pass, and experience rural life at Safari Ostrich Farm.

For photos, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Oudtshoorn trip planning app.

Traveling by flight from Hoedspruit to Oudtshoorn takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Hoedspruit in September, things will get slightly colder in Oudtshoorn: highs are around 22°C and lows about 10°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Wed) early enough to go by car 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 the numerous day-trip ideas around Plettenberg Bay: The Dolphin Trail (in Storms River) and Tsitsikamma National Park (Suspension Bridge, Otter Trail, &more). There's still lots to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Robberg Nature Reserve and take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Christopher Catholic Church.

To see ratings, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, read Plettenberg Bay trip builder tool.

You can drive from Oudtshoorn to Plettenberg Bay in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In September, daytime highs in Plettenberg Bay are 22°C, while nighttime lows are 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sat) to allow enough time to fly to Cape Town.

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

Cape Town is known for nature, sightseeing, and beaches. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: take in nature's colorful creations at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, go for a stroll along the water at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Signal Hill, and step off the mainland to explore Robben Island Museum.

To find ratings, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, go to the Cape Town trip planner.

Fly from Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 11°C. On the 28th (Sat), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly back home.