If you can spare up to a full fortnight to explore South Africa, this will give you ample time to experience a wide assortment of the astonishing attractions that the Rainbow Nation has to offer without feeling too rushed. At the end of your trip, you'll look back over your holiday and feel completely stunned by just how much you've seen and done. Driving between each amazing place will be an adventure all of its own, adding a real spirit of independence to your holiday.
South Africa is wonderfully diverse, from the lively bars and restaurants of Cape Town to the endless rows of vines in the peaceful Winelands, the sweeping coastline of the Garden Route and the bushveld of Kruger, abundant with incredible animals.
The Greater Kruger Park truly offers the opportunity for a safari experience of a lifetime. Staying in one of the private game reserves that make up this vast area, you'll go on morning and evening game drives in search of the Big Five, passing half-hidden hippos in the rivers and giraffe nibbling at tall trees. You'll be amazed by how close you get to the lion, leopard and elephant as you head off-road to track them through the bush at dusk and dawn.
The Garden Route is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa - for good reason. The changing scenery is spectacular, with the road skirting along the shores of the ocean with dolphins playing in the surf.
The mountains and valleys of the Cape Winelands are filled with twisting vines and artisan villages. It's a wonderfully lush, green area and a perfect place to relax, indulge in the delicious local cuisine and - of course - discover new tipples.
Then there is Cape Town, a world-class city with a huge wealth of attractions. Backed by Table Mountain with its hovering ‘table cloth‘ of mist and steeped in fascinating culture, Cape Town is one of the highlights of a holiday to this diverse country. Take a moving tour of Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, admire the brilliant blooms of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens or wander past the pastel-painted houses of Bo Kaap - it's totally up to you!
Depending on the time of year, if you are planning on holidaying from July through to the end of October/early November, then why not allow a couple of extra days for a spot of whale-watching too.
Whichever way round you choose do to this route - either beginning with a safari and ending in Cape Town, or starting with Cape Town and ending on safari - one thing is for sure, it will be a holiday that gets you hooked on this beautiful country. If you're anything like us, you'll be planning your next South Africa trip before you've even arrived back home.