23 days in South Africa Itinerary

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.

You'll visit kid-friendly attractions like Apartheid Museum and Ukutula Conservation Center. Change things up with a short trip to Lion and Safari Park in Broederstroom (about 52 minutes away). There's lots more to do: contemplate the long history of Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct, take a stroll through Maboneng Precinct, and browse the different shops at Jack Friedman Eastgate.

To find where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Johannesburg trip itinerary maker app.

Sydney, Australia to Johannesburg is an approximately 15-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 8 hours traveling from Sydney to Johannesburg. Traveling from Sydney in September, expect nights in Johannesburg to be about the same, around 12°C, while days are somewhat warmer, around 30°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Mon) so you can fly to Kruger National Park.

One of Africa's largest game sanctuaries and part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Program, Kruger National Park provides an immersive experience of wildlife.

Step out of Kruger National Park to go to Nelspruit and see Kruger National Park, which is approximately 48 minutes away. Spend the 20th (Wed) surrounded by wildlife at Game drives at Phalaborwa Gate in Kruger National Park. There's much more to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Idube Game Reserve, hike along Bushmans Trail, and steep yourself in history at Masorini Archaeological Site.

To find reviews, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Kruger National Park trip planner.

You can fly from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In September, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sat) so you can catch the bus to Hoedspruit.

Hoedspruit offers proximity to Kruger National Park and features an airport, making it a popular jump-off point for a variety of tours and safaris.

Family-friendly places like Safaris and Siyafunda Wildlife & Conservation will thrill your kids. Take a break from Hoedspruit with a short trip to Elephant Whispers in Hazyview, about 1h 25 min away. The adventure continues: take in breathtaking views at Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, revel in the low prices at Godding & Godding, and tee off at Drakensig Golf Club.

For maps, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Hoedspruit trip planner.

Take a bus from Kruger National Park to Hoedspruit in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In September, daytime highs in Hoedspruit are 32°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Wed) early enough to fly to Gansbaai.

Nature lovers will enjoy a holiday in Gansbaai, a fishing village and tourism haven notable for its diverse marine life and numerous opportunities for outdoor activities.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Thu): stroll through African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary and then have unforgettable encounters with a shark diving experience.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Gansbaai day trip planning website.

Traveling by flight from Hoedspruit to Gansbaai takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Hoedspruit in September, things will get a bit cooler in Gansbaai: highs are around 24°C and lows about 10°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to West Coast National Park.

Witness the spring blossoms and vivid birdlife in West Coast National Park, among the richest in Western Cape.

On the 29th (Fri), tour the pleasant surroundings at Gamkaberg Nature Reserve and then explore the wealth of natural beauty at West Coast National Park.

To see ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the West Coast National Park holiday planning website.

Getting from Gansbaai to West Coast National Park by car takes about 3.5 hours. In September, daily temperatures in West Coast National Park can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Fri) so you can go by car to Cape Town.

Sweeping beaches, towering hilltops, and picturesque vineyards adorn the landscape of Cape Town, dominated by the imposing Table Mountain.

Attractions like Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and Victoria & Alfred Waterfront make great kid-friendly stops. Next up on the itinerary: explore and take pictures at Cape Point, contemplate the waterfront views at Hout Bay, admire the natural beauty at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Lion's Head.

For maps, where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Cape Town tour itinerary planner.

Getting from West Coast National Park to Cape Town by car takes about 2 hours. September in Cape Town sees daily highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Thu) so you can fly to Tsitsikamma National Park.

On a tour of Tsitsikamma National Park, walk through an 800-year-old forest of endemic yellowwood trees, explore diverse coastlines, and hit the array of hiking trails.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Fri): hike along The Dolphin Trail. On the 7th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: don't miss a visit to Tsitsikamma Forest’s Big Tree, then don't miss a visit to Bloukrans Bridge, then hike along Otter Trail, and finally take in the views from Suspension Bridge.

To find ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Tsitsikamma National Park trip planning app.

You can fly from Cape Town to Tsitsikamma National Park in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Cape Town in October, you will find days in Tsitsikamma National Park are little chillier (24°C), and nights are about the same (15°C). Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly back home.