18 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.

To see maps, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, read Johannesburg trip itinerary builder .

Zurich, Switzerland to Johannesburg is an approximately 14-hour flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight. The time zone difference moving from Central European Time to South Africa Standard Time is 1 hour. Expect slightly colder evenings in Johannesburg when traveling from Zurich in August, with lows around 7°C. You will leave for Hoedspruit on the 8th (Thu).

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.

For reviews, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, read Hoedspruit online tour itinerary planner .

You can fly from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Johannesburg in August, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Hoedspruit, with lows around 12°C. On the 11th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Cape Town.

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

Your inner history buff will appreciate Castle of Good Hope and Dutch Reform Church. Take a break from the city and head to Platteklip Gorge and Cape Point. There's much more to do: take in nature's colorful creations at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, learn about winemaking at Beau Constantia, take an in-depth tour of Chavonnes Battery Museum, and kick back and relax at Clifton Beaches.

To find maps, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Cape Town tour planning app .

Getting from Hoedspruit to Cape Town by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and flight; or drive. When traveling from Hoedspruit in August, plan for little chillier days in Cape Town, with highs around 21°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 9°C. On the 16th (Fri), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Hermanus.

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

Start off your visit on the 16th (Fri): look for gifts at Hermanuspietersfontein Wines and then get outside with Outdoor Activities. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: tour the pleasant surroundings at African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary and then meet some fierce fish with a shark diving experience.

For traveler tips, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Hermanus trip planner.

Getting from Cape Town to Hermanus by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 21°C in August, and nighttime lows around 9°C. On the 18th (Sun), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Mossel Bay.

A popular stopover on South Africa's famous Garden Route, Mossel Bay charms tourists with its picturesque sandy shore that stretches along the Indian Ocean, and its pleasant, mild climate.

Point of Human Origins has been added to your itinerary.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Mossel Bay trip itinerary maker tool .

You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Hermanus to Mossel Bay in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In August, daily temperatures in Mossel Bay can reach 21°C, while at night they dip to 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 19th (Mon) to allow time for the car ride 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.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary and Holy Trinity Church. Take a break from the city and head to Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness) National Park and Knysna Elephant Park. Go for a jaunt from Knysna to The Crags to see Birds of Eden about 46 minutes away. There's more to do: play a few rounds at Simola Golf.

To see other places to visit, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Knysna attractions tool .

Drive from Mossel Bay to Knysna in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. August in Knysna sees daily highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C at night. You'll have a few hours on the 23rd (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling 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.

To see where to stay, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Port Elizabeth day trip planning website .

You can drive from Knysna to Port Elizabeth in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or fly. August in Port Elizabeth sees daily highs of 23°C and lows of 11°C at night. On the 23rd (Fri), you're off tohome.