How to Spend 1 Week in South Africa
Our trip to South Africa was by far my favorite trip so far in my life. The things (+ animals) we saw and experienced were better than I could’ve imagined. In this post I’ll share with you, how to spend 1 week in South Africa!
Itinerary Overview
Here’s a quick breakdown of how you’ll spend each day. Continue reading for a more detailed itinerary!
- Day 1: Arrive into Cape Town, check into hotel, visit V&A Waterfront
- Day 2: Cape Town Winelands day trip
- Day 3: Cape Town full day tour – Seal Island, Bo-kaap, Simon’s Town Penguins, Cape of Good Hope, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Muizenberg Beach
- Day 4: Fly to safari lodge, afternoon game drive
- Day 5: Full day at safari lodge
- Day 6: Full day at safari lodge
- Day 7: Morning game drive at lodge, head home!
This itinerary includes flying into and out of Cape Town International Airport. If you are wanting to add some time in Johannesburg to this trip, I would recommend comparing flights from the JNB International Airport as well. During our trip, we did not spend time in Johannesburg due to time constraints.
We chose to start our trip with a few days in Cape Town, because I knew the safari portion would be my favorite, and I wanted to end the trip on the highest note possible. If it works better for you to start with the safari and end in Cape Town, just reverse this itinerary.
Day 1
Day one you’ll arrive into Cape Town International Airport. You’ll need to obtain your luggage, go through customs, and get to your hotel to drop off luggage & check in. Depending on what time you arrive, I recommend heading to the V&A Waterfront to shop, see the sights, and have a great meal.
Getting from the airport to your hotel
- Uber – very affordable, easy, and widely available all over Cape Town! We didn’t Uber from the airport (our hotel picked us up), but we Ubered everywhere else in Cape Town and most trips cost ~$4-$5 and it was always very easy to find a driver 1-2 min away.
- Private Transfer – Our hotel offered this service (for an extra fee). We opted for this since it seemed easier with all our luggage, and since we didn’t know anything about the area just yet. If your accomodations don’t offer transfer services, there are several available for hire in Cape Town. You’ll want to book this in advance! I recommend speaking with Hank from Ulungele Tours!
- Ulungele Tours email: bookings@ulungeletours.co.za
- Uluengele Tours Facebook Page
Visiting the V&A Waterfront District
This is how we spent our first evening in Cape Town. It’s one of the only areas in Cape Town where walking around at night is recommended, and there’s lots to see and do to fill your time.
I recommend Ubering from your hotel to the waterfront area. We were dropped off at the shopping mall and were able to easily wander the mall and the promenade from there! When we were ready to leave, there were already several Ubers waiting there so it was super quick & easy!
- Wander the shopping mall
- Grab a bite at a waterfront restaurant or bar
- Take a sunset boat ride or boat tour
- Visit the Two Oceans Aquarium
- Ride the Cape Wheel
- Rent a bicycle or go for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, lined with cafes, sculptures, and scenic views.
- Join guided walking tours or Segway tours to explore the V&A Waterfront area and its hidden gems.
Day 2
I’m listing two options for how to spend this day! We chose the Winelands and LOVED it. If you’re not a big wine drinker though, or just want to enjoy the outdoors instead, opt for Table Mountain.
Option 1: Visit the Winelands
Franschhoek, Stellenbosch, and Constantia are the popular winelands near Cape Town. Each offer a different selection of wineries and vibes. We opted to spend the day Ubering between wineries in Franschhoek and had a BLAST. Wine tastings are much cheaper in South Africa than the US as well. Each tasting cost us around $4 and some even included maccaroon pairings or chocolate pairings. We went to Babylonsteron, La Brie, and Haute Cabriere. The views at Haute Cabriere are some of the best in the area. Babylonsteron is a huge property and is beautiful! La Brie was just ok to me, but I think in the warmer months it could be better as the outside patio is gorgeous.
You can do this a variety of ways:
- Uber (this was our pick and it worked perfectly!)
- We opted to Uber to Franschhoek and then Ubered between wineries and it was affordable and easy. This was best for us because we could be flexible. Since we arrived the day before, we weren’t sure how early we’d be willing to leave and how long we’d want to be out. It also allowed us to pick wineries on a whim, based on local recommendations.
- We Ubered from our hotel that morning, Ubered to each different winery, and then Ubered back to our hotel.
- We opted to Uber to Franschhoek and then Ubered between wineries and it was affordable and easy. This was best for us because we could be flexible. Since we arrived the day before, we weren’t sure how early we’d be willing to leave and how long we’d want to be out. It also allowed us to pick wineries on a whim, based on local recommendations.
- Private Guide – For a private guide I recommend speaking with Hank from Ulungele Tours.
- Small Group Tour – Below I’ve linked a few highly rated small group tours if you prefer this option!
Option Two: Visit Table Mountain
- Cable Car: The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway operates daily, weather permitting. The base station is located at Tafelberg Road, off Kloof Nek Road. It’s advisable to check the weather and operational status on their official website before heading there.
- Hiking: For hiking enthusiasts, several trails lead to the summit of Table Mountain, including Platteklip Gorge, India Venster, and Skeleton Gorge. These routes vary in difficulty and offer rewarding views along the way.
- Highlights: Panoramic views of Cape Town, Atlantic seaboard, and diverse flora.
- Tips: Start early to avoid crowds and check weather conditions. Cable car available for descent (weather permitting).
- Safety: Always hike with a companion or group, and let someone know your itinerary. Carry sufficient water, wear sturdy shoes, and be aware of wildlife.
- Accessibility: The cable car is wheelchair accessible. For hikers, trails vary in difficulty and may require a moderate level of fitness.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining guided hikes for safety, local insights, and to learn about flora, fauna, and historical landmarks.
Day 3
Small Group Tour Around Cape Town
This is a GREAT way to see a lot of tourist highlights in a shorter amount of time. During our full day tour, we were able to see Bo-Kaap, Muizenberg Beach, Chapman’s Peak, Cape of Good Hope, Boulder Beach, and more. Plus we met tourists from other countries, which was fun! I’ve linked the exact tour we booked below.
This tour does take up most of the day. We arrived back at our hotel around 630 pm, and we were exhausted. We actually ordered Uber Eats to our room for dinner and enjoyed our nice hotel. If you’re up to it, you could use your evening for a sunset cruise or dinner at a nice waterfront restaurant!
Day 4
This day you’ll check out of your hotel and travel to the safari lodge. Travelling to the lodge takes a bit of research and planning. Be sure to check with your chosen lodge for their recommendations as well! After you arrive at the lodge, they will usually direct you to your room and give you a run down of the schedule. Typically at the lodges, you’ll go on an afternoon game drive (depending on your arrival time) & be served dinner.
Safari Lodge
We stayed at Arathusa Safari Lodge and I have nothing but great things to say about it. We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our time there. I have a full review & run down about the lodge, which I will link below for you to read!
Getting from Cape Town to the safari lodge
Travelling to a safari lodge can be done several ways depending on how much time you have & your budget. We really wanted to check into our lodge in time for the afternoon game drive on our first day, so we chose a more expensive, but quicker flight option. If you’re on a stricter budget, I have options for that too! Your options also completely depend on which lodge you’re going to. Some lodges have private airstrips to land directly at their lodge, some don’t and require quite a drive from the airport.
By Road
You can drive from Cape Town to most safari lodges in South Africa. Most likely if you’re doing a safari in South Africa, you’re heading to a lodge in either Kruger National Park or Sabi Sands Game Reserve area. (Arathusa Lodge is in Sabi Sands Game Reserve). Here are the estimated driving times to those parks:
- Cape Town to Kruger National Park
- Distance: Approximately 1,800 kilometers (1,118 miles)
- Drive Time: Around 18-20 hours (without long stops)
- Cape Town to Sabi Sands Game Reserve
- Distance: Approximately 1,800 kilometers (1,118 miles)
- Drive Time: Around 18-20 hours (without long stops)
- Cape Town to Arathusa Safari Lodge
- Distance: Approximately 1,900 kilometers (1,179 miles)
- Drive Time: Around 22-24 hours (without long stops)
Busy Bee Tip: These driving routes take you through Johannesburg. If you’re driving and wanting to see Johannesburg, consider stopping for a few nights there to break up the long drive!
Commercial Flight
- Cape Town to Nelspruit (Mbombela) Airport (MQP): 2.5-hour flight, then a 1-2 hour drive to Kruger National Park or Sabi Sands.
- Cape Town to Hoedspruit Airport (HDS): 2.5-hour flight, then a 1-2 hour drive to Sabi Sands or certain parts of Kruger National Park.
- Cape Town to Johannesburg Airport (JNB): 2 hour flight, then 5-7 hour drive to Kruger/Sabi Sands area.
Popular Airlines in this area are Cemair & Airlink.
You can hire a private transfer from the airports to your lodge. We did this later in our trip through Sable Tours, and had a good experience!
Flight to lodge’s private airstrip (FedAir Airlines or private)
Some safari lodges (including Arathusa) have their own airstrip, so you can fly directly to the lodge. This is typically the priciest option, but it allows you to arrive in time for the game drive in the afternoon. It also cuts down your travel time immensely. You’ll need to reach out to your lodge to book this option. They can book your flights with FedAir Airlines or can arrange for your private arrival if you fly yourself.
We flew through FedAir Airlines. We flew from Cape Town International to Johannesburg Airport, where we met with a guide who took us to the private waiting area for our FedAir flight. Our FedAir flight was on a small plane that sat 8 people, and we were lucky to have it to ourselves! We even saw animals from the windows as we were landing. An awesome experience, for sure.
Day 5-6
These days will be fully spent enjoying the safari lodge. Most lodges include 2 game drives per day (early morning & late afternoon) & 3 meals per day. You’ll typically be allowed some down time from lunch until the afternoon drive which you can spend swimming if your lodge has a pool, visiting the spa, napping in your room, watching wildlife from your lodge, or going on a bush walk.
Day 7
This day you’ll be heading home (or continuing on to your next destination). Basically you’ll need to reverse how you got to the lodge from Cape Town, then also get from Cape Town to your next destination. 😊
Cape Town Accomodation Recommendations
Neighborhoods
Here’s an overview of popular areas to stay in Cape Town:
- City Bowl: Located at the foot of Table Mountain
- V&A Waterfront: Upscale waterfront area with luxury hotels, shopping malls, and fine dining restaurants.
- Camps Bay: Trendy beachfront neighborhood known for its palm-lined beach and vibrant nightlife.
- Sea Point: Coastal suburb with a bustling promenade, ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling.
- Constantia: Leafy suburb famous for its wine estates and lush gardens.
- Green Point: Vibrant neighborhood close to the V&A Waterfront and Green Point Park.
Busy Bee Tip: We decided to stay in the V&A Waterfront area of Cape Town. We picked this region because it’s the most touristy area, meaning it was safe, had easy access to restaurants, was good for hotel pickups for our day tours, and had a lot of hotel options.
Hotels
Budget
- City Lodge Hotel Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
- Area: V&A Waterfront
- Features: Affordable accommodation with comfortable rooms, close to shopping and dining at the waterfront.
- Mojo Hotel
- Area: Sea Point
- Features: Stylish budget hotel offering modern rooms and convenient access to the Sea Point promenade and beaches.
Mid-Range
- Fountains Hotel
- Area: City Bowl
- Features: Central location with spacious rooms, rooftop pool, and views of Table Mountain. Close to city attractions and nightlife.
- Protea Hotel by Marriott Cape Town Sea Point
- Area: Sea Point
- Features: Contemporary hotel with comfortable rooms, a rooftop pool, and easy access to Sea Point’s restaurants and promenade.
Luxury
- Labotessa Boutique Hotel
- Area: V&A Waterfront
- Features: A luxurious, boutique hotel with beautifully designed suites and exceptional concierege service.
We stayed at Labotessa, and honestly, it’s the best hotel we’ve ever been to. We usually stick to mid-range hotels when travelling, so staying here with such exceptional service and beautiful rooms, felt like a dream. The breakfast every morning was so fresh & yummy, and they serve it to you at their outdoor patio. We even had a suite where the elevator opened directly into our room. It was stunning and I highly recommend staying here.
- One&Only Cape Town
- Area: V&A Waterfront
- Features: Luxury resort with elegant rooms and suites, private marina, spa, and several fine dining options. Overlooks Table Mountain and the waterfront.
- The Table Bay Hotel
- Area: V&A Waterfront
- Features: Iconic luxury hotel offering lavish rooms with harbor or mountain views, spa facilities, and proximity to V&A Waterfront attractions.
Busy Bee Tip: Definitely be sure to read reviews before booking. I was shocked at some reviews I read, even for places classified as luxury hotels.
Busy Bee Tip: Load-shedding is common in Cape Town. Some luxury hotels have generators to avoid dealing with this, but most hotels don’t. This means there will be periods of time during your stay, where your hotel won’t have power. This is something to keep in mind when searching. Our hotel had a generator, so we never experienced this issue.