17 days in South Africa Itinerary

Renowned as a premier whale-watching destination, Hermanus grew from a quaint fishing village nestled on Walker Bay.

On the 16th (Wed), take in the pleasant sights at Hermanus Cliff Path, then kick back and relax at Grotto Beach, and then stroll through Panthera Africa - Big Cat Sanctuary.

For ratings, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Hermanus vacation tool .

Zurich, Switzerland to Hermanus is an approximately 13-hour combination of flight and taxi. You can also do a combination of train, flight, and taxi. The time zone difference when traveling from Zurich to Hermanus is 1 hour. Traveling from Zurich in October, expect Hermanus to be a bit warmer, temps between 27°C and 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Wed) early enough to drive to Stellenbosch.

Straddling the banks of the Eerste River, the university town of Stellenbosch enjoys international fame for its renowned wine estates and gourmet restaurants.

Start off your visit on the 17th (Thu): examine the collection at Franschhoek Motor Museum, see the interesting displays at First South African Perfume Museum, then learn about winemaking at Stony Brook Vineyards, and finally do a tasting at Waterford Estate. On the next day, get engrossed in the history at The Stellenbosch Village Museum, learn the secrets of beer at a beer tour and tasting, and then do a tasting at Eikehof.

To find reviews, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Stellenbosch trip planner .

Drive from Hermanus to Stellenbosch in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 27°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Fri) so you can take a bus 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 parks, beaches, historic sites, shopping, and museums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: get great views at Cape Point, enjoy the sand and surf at Boulders Beach Penguin Colony, admire the natural beauty at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and step off the mainland to explore Robben Island Museum.

For ratings, traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, use the Cape Town trip planner.

You can take a bus from Stellenbosch to Cape Town in an hour. Other options are to drive; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 27°C in October, and nighttime lows around 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Tue) so you can drive 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.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Wed): explore the fascinating underground world of Cango Caves, cruise along Swartberg Pass, and then view the masterpieces at Cape Palette Art Gallery. On your second day here, stroll through Cango Wildlife Ranch, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Safari Ostrich Show Farm, and then browse the exhibits of Gallery Route 62 & Penny's Place.

To find photos, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, read our Oudtshoorn trip tool .

Drive from Cape Town to Oudtshoorn in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or take a bus. In October, daily temperatures in Oudtshoorn can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Thu) so you can drive to Knysna.

Enshrouded in lush indigenous forest and surrounding a scenic lagoon of the same name, the Garden Route town of Knysna has plenty to offer.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Fri): take in the dramatic natural features at Knysna Heads, tour the pleasant surroundings at Knysna Elephant Park, then stroll through Birds of Eden, and finally explore the wealth of natural beauty at Garden Route National Park. On the 26th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: stroll through Robberg Nature Reserve, stroll through Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, and then stroll through Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre.

Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Knysna using our trip planner.

Getting from Oudtshoorn to Knysna by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus. In October, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sat) so you can go by car to Addo Elephant National Park.

On the 27th (Sun), stroll through Addo Raptor and Reptile Centre and then walk around Parque Nacional dos Elefantes Addo.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Addo Elephant National Park trip website .

You can drive from Knysna to Addo Elephant National Park in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of flight and taxi. October in Addo Elephant National Park sees daily highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 27th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Port Elizabeth.

The sprawling city of Port Elizabeth, nestled on the scenic Algoa Bay, draws visitors with its sandy beaches, mild climate, and an enviable location as the gateway to the famous Garden Route.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Mon): indulge your thirst for a good beer at Dockside Brewery and then stroll through Shamwari Game Reserve.

For photos, ratings, and tourist information, read our Port Elizabeth sightseeing planner .

Drive from Addo Elephant National Park to Port Elizabeth in 1.5 hours. In October, daytime highs in Port Elizabeth are 25°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (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.

Kick off your visit on the 29th (Tue): stop by James Findlay - Collectable Books & Maps, then steep yourself in history at Mandela House, then see the interesting displays at Apartheid Museum, and finally steep yourself in history at Constitution Hill. On the 30th (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get in on the family fun at Gold Reef City and then make a trip to Nelson Mandela Square.

For maps, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Johannesburg online driving holiday planner .

Getting from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Port Elizabeth in October, plan for a bit warmer days and about the same nights in Johannesburg: temperatures range from 32°C by day to 13°C at night. You'll set off for home on the 31st (Thu).