Our Guide to 21 days in South Africa

South Africa, a land of breathtaking diversity, offers an unparalleled road trip experience. Three weeks allows for an immersive journey, transitioning from vibrant cityscapes to dramatic coastlines, teeming wildlife, and cultural heartlands. This itinerary guides you through five essential sections, promising an unforgettable adventure.

A harbor with boats docked in it and a mountain in the background.

Our adventure begins in Cape Town, a city nestled beneath the iconic Table Mountain. Spend your first few days exploring its myriad attractions. Ascend Table Mountain by cable car for panoramic views that stretch to the horizon, or for the more adventurous, hike one of its many trails. The V&A Waterfront offers a lively hub of shops, restaurants, and entertainment, perfect for an evening stroll.


Delve into history at Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, gaining profound insight into South Africa's past. Explore the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood with its vibrant houses and cobbled streets, a photographer's dream. Don't miss the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, ideal for soaking up the sun or enjoying a spectacular sunset. A day trip to the Cape Winelands, particularly Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, is a must for wine enthusiasts, offering exquisite tastings amidst picturesque vineyards.

Cape Town: The Mother City's Embrace (Days 1-5)

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Plettenberg Bay

The Garden Route: Coastal Wonders (Days 6-10)

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Leaving Cape Town, the journey east along the N2 highway unveils the legendary Garden Route. This scenic stretch is renowned for its lush forests, pristine beaches, and charming towns. Make your way to Mossel Bay, where you can visit the historic Post Office Tree and the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex.

Continue to Wilderness, a tranquil escape offering stunning lagoons and a long, sandy beach. Here, you can enjoy paragliding, kayaking, or simply relax amidst nature. The drive itself is a highlight, winding through indigenous forests and past dramatic cliffs. Consider a stop at the Cango Caves near Oudtshoorn, a magnificent subterranean world of stalactites and stalagmites, before returning to the coastal route.

An elephant with tusks is standing in the grass in a field.

From the Garden Route, head further east to Addo Elephant National Park, a sanctuary for over 600 African elephants. This malaria-free reserve offers an incredible safari experience, allowing close encounters with these majestic creatures. Beyond elephants, Addo is home to the "Big Seven" – elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, Southern Right Whale, and Great White Shark – making it a unique conservation area.



Spend your days on self-drive safaris or guided game drives, spotting zebras, warthogs, various antelope species, and if you're lucky, lions and hyenas. The park's diverse landscapes range from dense bush to coastal dunes, adding to the richness of the wildlife viewing. Evenings are best spent at one of the park's rest camps, listening to the sounds of the African bush under a star-filled sky.

Addo Elephant National Park: Gentle Giants (Days 11-13)

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Knysna Heads

Knysna: Lagoon and Leisure (Days 14-16)

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After the wild adventures of Addo, backtrack to the charming town of Knysna, nestled on a picturesque lagoon. Knysna is famous for its iconic "Heads" – two imposing sandstone cliffs guarding the entrance to the lagoon from the Indian Ocean. Take a ferry trip to the Featherbed Nature Reserve, located on the Western Head, for a guided walk and spectacular views.


Explore the Knysna Waterfront, brimming with excellent seafood restaurants, boutique shops, and vibrant markets. Indulge in fresh oysters, a local specialty. For nature lovers, the surrounding forests offer hiking and mountain biking trails, while the lagoon itself is perfect for kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, or leisurely boat cruises. Knysna provides a perfect blend of relaxation and soft adventure.

Zulu Dancers

For the final leg of your journey, take an internal flight from George (near Knysna) to Durban, the gateway to KwaZulu-Natal. This province offers a stark contrast to the Western and Eastern Cape, immersing you in rich Zulu culture and dramatic mountain scenery.


Explore the vibrant city of Durban, known for its Golden Mile beachfront, Indian markets, and delicious curries. From Durban, head inland towards the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Spend a few days hiking through breath-taking landscapes, discovering ancient San rock art, and marvelling at towering peaks and cascading waterfalls. The Midlands Meander, a collection of arts and crafts routes, offers charming stops along the way. Consider visiting a Zulu village for an authentic cultural experience, learning about their traditions, music, and dance. This final section provides a powerful cultural immersion before concluding your epic South African road trip.

KwaZulu-Natal: Zulu Culture and Drakensberg Majesty (Days 17-21)

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Our Guide on South Africa

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