South Africa is a big country with a long coastline but also big cities including Johannesburg/Soweto, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and of course Kruger National Park. This all means that there is a lot to see! But where do you start to see all this and make your travel plans for just a two-week holiday?
Here are some tips and the top places to visit in a two-week holiday in South Africa.
Start out in Cape Town
Cape town is Southern Africa’s oldest and most popular city. This is the starting point for most journeys in this region and has plenty of things to see and do to keep you entertained. This city is unique as it is set within a beautiful natural landscape. There’s so much to do here. From fantastic nightlife to interesting museums it’s an excellent place to start your trip.
Move on through the Winelands
If you want to relax and be a little indulgent, the winelands are the place to visit. Take a wine tasting tour in the areas of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. They have the ideal microclimates for the vines and produce the best wines the country has to offer. As well as the wine you’ll also find the country’s best restaurants and guesthouses here. Stop and admire the mountainous scenery and the colonial architecture in the pretty towns.
Then drive the Garden Route
The well-known driving route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth winds through charming coastal towns and picturesque landscapes. Mossel bay, Knysna and St Francis Bay are amongst the stops you can make on the coast. This route is high on the list of most visitors to South Africa, you’ll see gorgeous beaches on the coast and inland you’ll see lagoons and lakes. There are also fascinating national parks dotted along the way.
Explore the beach city of Durban
A blend of African and Indian influences makes for the unique city that is Durban. The long stretch of sand called the golden mile is a resort like place great for tourists who want to enjoy both the city and the beach. Try some of the fantastic street food, enjoy taking part in popular water sports or just relax and soak up the marvellous atmosphere in this buzzing town.
Kruger National Park
You can’t visit Africa without seeing the wildlife and at Kruger National Park you won’t be disappointed. The park is one of the largest game reserves in the country and is home to the big five: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos. There are also lots of other wildlife to spot here and the area is so densely populated that you won’t be disappointed. Stay in lovely safari lodges and explore the area with a knowledgeable tour guide.
A short stop in Johannesburg
Jozi is also a great place to start your trip because you can get the city done in a day or so and there are many flights from Johannesburg to East London, Cape Town and the rest of South Africa.Johannesburg has some interesting historical places to visit such as Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill. Although you won’t want to spend too much time here, this city is worth visiting to see what the city is all about. A walk down town will give you a real feel of the place and you cant miss a trip to Soweto to see where Nelson Mandela once lived.
How to prepare for a two-week South African trip?
As you can see there’s lots to do in a short space of time, so you’ll have to pack light and be ready to be on the move quickly. To travel more efficiently you should take a backpack rather than a suitcase and pack using packing cubes to keep everything compact and secure. Have an itinerary and book your travel arrangements and accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment or paying a very high price.
Fancy exploring South Africa in two weeks?
Yes, it can be done. You can see the best of South Africa in just two weeks if you plan your trip well and have the right itinerary. Make of the most of your holiday time and explore this amazing diverse country in less time than you may think.
