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 find more things to do, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Johannesburg trip itinerary website.

Zurich, Switzerland to Johannesburg is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. Traveling from Zurich to Johannesburg, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Zurich in August, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be slightly colder in Johannesburg, with lows of 7°C. You'll set off 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.

Find out how to plan Hoedspruit trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

You can drive from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Johannesburg in August, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in Hoedspruit, with lows of 12°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 11th (Sun) to allow time for travel to Cape Town.

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

Get some historical perspective at Castle of Good Hope and Dutch Reform Church. Step off the beaten path and head to Platteklip Gorge and Fish Hoek Beach. There's much more to do: get great views at Cape Point, learn about winemaking at Beau Constantia, tour the pleasant surroundings at Clifton Beaches, and take in nature's colorful creations at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

For where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Cape Town sightseeing planner.

Getting from Hoedspruit to Cape Town by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: fly; or drive; or take a bus. When traveling from Hoedspruit in August, plan for slightly colder days in Cape Town, with highs around 21°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 9°C. You will have some time to spend on the 16th (Fri) before leaving for 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): stop by Hermanuspietersfontein Wines and then look for all kinds of wild species at Wildlife Areas. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Sat): stroll through African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary and then have unforgettable encounters with a shark diving experience.

For traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Hermanus online holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Cape Town to Hermanus takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and taxi. In August in Hermanus, expect temperatures between 21°C during the day and 9°C at night. You will have some time to spend on the 18th (Sun) before leaving for 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.

You've now added Point of Human Origins to your itinerary.

To see reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Mossel Bay itinerary builder site.

Drive from Hermanus to Mossel Bay in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly; or do a combination of taxi and 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 enough time to drive 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.

Escape the urban bustle at Lawnwood Snake Sanctuary and Knysna Elephant Park. Bring the kids along to Garden Route National Park and Holy Trinity Church. Step out of Knysna with an excursion to Birds of Eden in The Crags--about 46 minutes away. The adventure continues: play a few rounds at Simola Golf.

For reviews, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Knysna day trip tool.

Getting from Mossel Bay to Knysna by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In August, daily temperatures in Knysna can reach 21°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. 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 maps, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, read our Port Elizabeth online attractions planner.

Traveling by car from Knysna to Port Elizabeth takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or fly. In August, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 11°C. On the 23rd (Fri), you'll travel back home.