Feedback on 3-week South Africa itinerary

Hello everyone! We’re heading to South Africa this summer (August 11 to September 1) and I’m finalizing our itinerary. I’d love to get your thoughts on our route and specifically on two points: - The time spent at each stop: does any seem too short or too long? - The domestic flights: do you think they’re a good choice? (Flight from Kruger to Durban + Durban to Port Elizabeth) We’ll rent a car each time we land. Or is it better to do the whole trip by car? Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to take a look! Have a great day! !

Hi there, Okay. First question: Arrival on the 11th at 11 AM? Or the 12th at 11 AM? Second: Kruger - Durban by plane, leaving from which airport? What time? Third: Drakensberg - Durban and PE by plane. Where in the Drakensberg? Departure and arrival times? What time are you leaving from CT? Travel times in South Africa are always underestimated… Answers to these questions will help give more precise feedback. Overall, this seems quite packed. Durban to PE by plane is the only option. Worth discussing if Durban to CT isn’t a better fit… Later. First time in South Africa? What kind of travelers? Anyway, I’m not the travel police…

Hi Coralie,

We did more or less the same route as you... but in the opposite direction, starting in Cape Town and ending in Joburg. If you'd like an idea of what you'll see, check out our YouTube channel where you can watch our first trip to South Africa in 2015. https://www.youtube.com/@lolodetoul54

More specifically, here’s our itinerary:

Day 1 to 3: Cape Town Day 4: Franschhoek Day 5: Hermanus Day 6: Swellendam Day 7 and 8: Knysna Day 9 and 10: Tsitsikamma - Stormsriver Mouth Day 11: Flight transfer from Port Elizabeth to Durban Day 12 and 13: St. Lucia with a safari in Hluhluwe Day 14: Swaziland/Hlane Reserve - Ndlovu camp Day 15: Public Kruger Day 16 to 18: Private Kruger Day 19: Private Kruger then Blyde River Canyon Day 20: Blyde River Canyon then return to Johannesburg

We loved it, but be careful—it’s May now, and it might be too late (or at least very last-minute) to book for next August-September. If needed, I can modestly offer a few tips, though there are some real South Africa experts on this site. Happy planning! Loïc

Hi there, - we arrive on the 11th at 11 AM - We’ve adjusted the plan and will now drive from Kruger to St. Lucia - For the Drakensberg, we’d considered Royal Natal National Park - We were planning to return to Durban to catch a flight to Port Elizabeth

We’ve tweaked the itinerary a bit—here’s the new version.

Yes, it’s our first time in South Africa. We visited Namibia two years ago. We’re used to traveling and like our days packed 😊

The schedule looks pretty full—we know—but we’re struggling to decide which stop(s) to cut.

Thanks for your feedback!

Hi,

Here’s a route I know well. I highly recommend staying at Crichtley Hackle Lodge between the 11th and 12th (via Booking). You leave Joburg— the drive isn’t too long or complicated. A nice, safe stop, a place to grab groceries, and a clear route to the Panorama Road via Long Tom Pass.

Between KNP and St Lucia, I’d suggest a break (or not) at Hlane to see rhinos— possibly on foot. One night to break up the drive (Booking or BigGameReserve).

The RNNP way up north for that little detour in the Drakensberg. Beautiful but far. Giants Castle? The two hikes I’m considering aren’t a walk in the park— in my opinion, personally, I’d skip Oudtshoorn. Same with Franschhoek; if you go, make it a day trip from Cape Town.

Cape Town— beyond the classics, West Coast National Park, wildflowers if you’re lucky, the Postberg section when it’s open. It all works.

My take on your trip! !