A trip to South Africa: safaris, Cape Town and the Garden Route

A trip to South Africa: safaris, Cape Town and the Garden Route

A trip to South Africa allows you to enjoy a wide variety of experiences within the same itinerary: spotting the Big Five on a safari, exploring Cape Town and the Cape of Good Hope, travelling along the Garden Route, visiting the wine regions and discovering lesser-known areas such as KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape.

It is one of the most comprehensive and versatile destinations in Africa. It can be explored via a self-drive itinerary, a private tour, a small-group trip or with an Italian-speaking guide.

At South African Dream, we organise comprehensive, bespoke trips, personally selecting lodges, reserves, guides and itineraries. As we live and work in South Africa, we can offer in-depth knowledge of the country and local support throughout your trip.

Why choose a trip to South Africa

South Africa is ideal both for those wishing to experience their first safari and for those who are already familiar with Africa and are looking for a more varied itinerary.

During the same trip, you can combine:

• safaris in Kruger National Park;
• stays in the private reserves of the Greater Kruger;
• Cape Town and the Cape Peninsula;
• the Winelands, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek;
• Hermanus and whale watching;
• the Garden Route and Route 62;
• malaria-free safaris in the Eastern Cape;
• Johannesburg and the Gauteng region;
• KwaZulu-Natal, iSimangaliso and the Indian Ocean;
• honeymoons and luxury experiences;
• beach extensions in Mozambique, Mauritius or the Seychelles.

Good infrastructure and domestic flights allow you to create a wide variety of itineraries, striking the right balance between travel, sightseeing and relaxation.

How to organise a trip to South Africa

There is no single way to visit the country. The best option depends on the duration, the time of year, your budget and the level of independence you wish to have.

Self-drive holiday

A self-drive holiday is ideal for those who enjoy travelling independently and wish to set their own pace and choose where to stop.

It is particularly well-suited to Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route, the Panorama Route and Kruger National Park.

Our self-drive holidays can include:

• car hire;
• selected and pre-booked accommodation;
• a detailed itinerary;
• pre-selected activities and excursions;
• domestic flights, where required;
• local assistance throughout the trip.

Private tour

A private tour allows you to completely customise your itinerary and travel with a dedicated driver or guide.

It is recommended for those who do not wish to drive, prefer to have all transfers organised, or wish to explore history, culture and nature in the company of professional guides.

Trip with an Italian guide

Depending on the time of year and availability, we can organise tours with Italian-speaking guides.

The guide can accompany you for the entire itinerary or be provided only at certain stops, working alongside rangers and specialist local guides during safaris.

The services of an Italian-speaking guide must be requested well in advance and are always included as part of a comprehensive travel programme.

Small-group tours

Small groups allow you to share the experience with other travellers whilst maintaining a more personalised organisation than large group tours.

Itineraries may include Cape Town, the Cape Peninsula, the Winelands, the Panorama Route, Kruger National Park and private reserves, with an Italian guide where specified for the particular departure.

Safaris in South Africa

South Africa offers national parks, private reserves and malaria-free areas, with experiences suited to different travel styles.

On a safari, you can spot lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, cheetahs, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, numerous species of antelope and an extraordinary variety of birds.

Kruger National Park

The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s most famous safari park and one of the continent’s largest protected areas.

It can be visited by hire car or by taking part in guided safaris led by professional rangers. The road network, rest camps and variety of habitats make it possible to organise trips of varying lengths and levels.

Kruger is suitable both for first-time safari-goers and for travellers wishing to explore the park with greater independence.

Greater Kruger and private reserves

The reserves of the Greater Kruger are recommended for those seeking a more exclusive safari and a comprehensive service.

Accommodation in the private reserves generally includes:

• full board;
• two safaris a day;
• open-top vehicles;
• professional rangers and trackers;
• small groups;
• greater freedom to spot wildlife;
• personalised service.

Sabi Sand, Timbavati, Klaserie, Manyeleti, Balule and Karongwe are just some of the areas we can include in a bespoke itinerary.

Malaria-free safaris

South Africa offers excellent alternatives for families with young children and travellers who prefer to avoid malaria-risk areas.

The main malaria-free reserves are located:

• in the Eastern Cape;
• in Madikwe;
• in the Waterberg;
• in the Pilanesberg area;
• in certain parts of the Western Cape.

A malaria-free safari can easily be combined with Cape Town, the Winelands, Hermanus and the Garden Route.

Cape Town and the Western Cape

Cape Town and the Western Cape are one of the key stops on a trip to South Africa.

Dominated by Table Mountain and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town brings together nature, history, gastronomy and coastal scenery.

The main attractions include:

• Table Mountain;
• V&A Waterfront;
• Bo-Kaap;
• Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden;
• Robben Island;
• Camps Bay;
• Constantia;
• markets, restaurants and bars;
• scenic coastal excursions.

The Cape Peninsula leads to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope, passing through Chapman’s Peak Drive and Boulders Beach, known for its colony of African penguins.

We generally recommend at least four nights to visit Cape Town and the Peninsula.

Winelands: Stellenbosch and Franschhoek

The Cape Winelands are a short distance from Cape Town and are characterised by vineyards, mountains, historic mansions and excellent restaurants.

Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the best-known towns. You can visit them on a day trip or plan a stay of two or three nights.

Experiences can include wine tastings, visits to wineries, gourmet lunches, stays in boutique hotels and the iconic Franschhoek Wine Tram.

Hermanus, Cape Agulhas and the coast

Hermanus is one of South Africa’s best-known destinations for whale watching.

Between June and November, it is often possible to spot them from the coast or take part in a boat trip, subject to weather conditions.

The town can be visited on a route between Cape Town and the Garden Route, possibly via Cape Agulhas, the geographical point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet.

Garden Route and Karoo

The Garden Route is one of the country’s best-known scenic routes.

The route passes through coastlines, lagoons, forests and mountains, offering a mix of natural landscapes, small towns and outdoor activities.

Stops along the way may include:

• Route 62;
• Oudtshoorn;
• Mossel Bay;
• Wilderness;
• Knysna;
• Plettenberg Bay;
• Tsitsikamma National Park;
• Storms River.

The Garden Route can be explored either as a self-drive tour or with a private driver and guide. To avoid rushing between stops, we recommend setting aside at least four or five days for the trip.

Eastern Cape and malaria-free safaris

TheEastern Cape is the natural continuation of the Garden Route and is particularly appealing to those wishing to end their trip with a malaria-free safari.

The region includes the Addo Elephant National Park and private reserves such as Shamwari, Amakhala, Kariega and Lalibela.

It is a particularly suitable option for families and those wishing to combine Cape Town, the Garden Route and a safari without travelling as far as the Kruger National Park.

Johannesburg and the surrounding area

Johannesburg and its surroundings should not be regarded merely as a stopover.

The city offers the chance to explore South Africa’s contemporary history through sites such as the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and Soweto.

From Johannesburg, it is also possible to visit:

• Pretoria;
• Cradle of Humankind;
• Pilanesberg National Park;
• Madikwe Game Reserve;
• Waterberg;
• Panorama Route;
• Kruger National Park.

One or two nights may be enough to explore the city, whilst several days are needed if you include the surrounding reserves and destinations.

Durban and KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal offers a unique combination of safaris, mountains, culture and the Indian Ocean.

An itinerary in the region might include:

• Durban;
• St Lucia;
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park;
• Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park;
• private reserves;
• Sodwana Bay;
• Kosi Bay;
• the Drakensberg Mountains;
• The Battlefields and Zulu culture.

KwaZulu-Natal can be included in a longer itinerary or combined with Johannesburg, the Kruger National Park, eSwatini and Mozambique.

Travelling in South Africa with children

South Africa is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Africa.

We can organise itineraries with manageable distances, family rooms, age-appropriate activities and safaris in malaria-free reserves.

A trip with children can include Cape Town, the penguins at Boulders Beach, the Garden Route, nature experiences and family-friendly lodges.

The minimum age for taking part in safaris varies depending on the reserve and lodge and must be checked before booking.

Honeymoon in South Africa

South Africa is particularly well-suited to a honeymoon thanks to the opportunity to combine safaris, cities, vineyards, fine dining and the seaside.

A romantic itinerary might include:

• Cape Town;
• Franschhoek and the Winelands;
• Hermanus;
• an exclusive lodge in the Greater Kruger;
• private safaris;
• dinners and special experiences;
• an extension to the Seychelles, Mauritius or Mozambique.

Choosing the right lodges and striking the right balance between travel and stays allows you to create a personalised and relaxing trip.

How many days do you need to visit South Africa?

For a first-time visit, we generally recommend 10 to 15 days.

With 9 or 10 days, it’s best to focus on two areas, for example Cape Town and the Greater Kruger.

With around two weeks, it is possible to combine Cape Town, the Winelands, the Garden Route and a safari.

With three weeks, you can add Johannesburg, the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal or a beach extension.

The number of stops should always be proportionate to the time available: including too many destinations risks turning the trip into a series of transfers.

When to visit South Africa

South Africa can be visited all year round, but the best time depends on the regions and the experiences you’re looking for.

Best time for safaris: From May to October, the generally drier season favours wildlife sightings in the Kruger and Greater Kruger. The vegetation is less dense and the animals tend to congregate near water sourceswater. However, the wet season also offers lush landscapes, numerous young animals and excellent photographic opportunities.

Cape Town and the Western Cape: From November to March, Cape Town experiences the southern hemisphere summer, with long days and generally favourable conditions for visiting the city, the coast and the Winelands. The other months can still offer fine days, but the weather is more changeable.

Whales and the Garden Route: The best time for whale watching along the coast of Hermanus is generally from June to November. The Garden Route can be visited all year round, as rainfall is not concentrated in a single season.

How much does a trip to South Africa cost?

The cost depends on the duration, the time of year, the category of accommodation, the chosen reserve and the type of services required.

As a rough guide:

• a 7–9-day self-drive itinerary can start from around 1,900–2,800 euros per person;
• a comprehensive mid-range trip can cost around 2,800–4,500 euros per person;
• an itinerary featuring private reserves and superior-category lodges can start from around 4,500 euros per person;
• a luxury trip can exceed 6,000–7,000 euros per person.

Prices are indicative, calculated per person based on double occupancy and exclude international flights. Any domestic flights required for the itinerary are included and specified in the quotation.

The actual price depends on the time of year, exchange rates, the number of participants, lodge availability, whether the trip is self-drive or guided, and any beach extension.

For further information, please consult our guide at how much a safari in Africa costs.

Why travel with South African Dream

South African Dream operates directly from South Africa and organises comprehensive, bespoke itineraries.

Our knowledge of the region allows us to:

• select verified lodges and accommodation;
• create realistic itineraries;
• recommend the most suitable areas for the time of year;
• organise self-drive holidays, private tours and small-group tours;
• arrange Italian-speaking guides where available;
• offer local assistance;
• tailor the trip to your budget and interests.

We do not offer individual hotels, excursions or separate transfers. Every service is incorporated into a complete itinerary, designed with consideration for distances, seasonality, the quality of the experiences and the overall pace.

Frequently asked questions about travelling to South Africa

Is South Africa suitable for a first safari? Yes. The variety of reserves, the quality of the accommodation and the option to choose between self-drive and guided safaris make South Africa one of the best destinations for experiencing Africa.

Is it possible to travel without driving? Yes. We can organise transfers, domestic flights, private tours and chauffeur-driven transport without the need to hire a car.

Is it possible to have an Italian guide? Yes, depending on the time of year and availability. An Italian guide can be arranged for the entire trip or just for certain stages, and must be requested in advance.

What is the difference between Kruger and a private reserve? In Kruger National Park, you can travel independently or go on guided safaris. In private reserves, safaris are normally included in your stay and are conducted with rangers and trackers in open-top vehicles.

Is it possible to go on a malaria-free safari? Yes. The Eastern Cape, Madikwe, Waterberg and Pilanesberg are some of the main malaria-free alternatives.

How many days are needed to combine Cape Town with a safari? We recommend at least 9–10 days. To include the Winelands, Hermanus and the Garden Route, it is best to allow 12–15 days.

Are flights included in the prices quoted? The published price ranges do not include international flights. Any domestic flights are assessed and included in the quote where necessary.

Plan your trip to South Africa

From your first African safari to the most exclusive trips, we create bespoke itineraries covering Cape Town, the Garden Route, the Eastern Cape, Johannesburg, Kruger National Park, KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa’s finest private reserves.

Let us know your travel dates, the number of travellers, the number of days available and the type of experience you’re looking for.

We’ll prepare a comprehensive, well-balanced proposal tailored specifically to your needs.

Request a personalised quote for your trip to South Africa.

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