13 days in South Africa Itinerary

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

For shopping fun, head to Old Biscuit Mill or Shimansky Jewellers. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and Table Mountain National Park. Change things up with these side-trips from Cape Town: The Franschhoek Motor Museum (in Franschhoek), Fairview Wine and Cheese (in Suider Paarl) and Boschendal Wine Estate (in Groot Drakenstein). There's still lots to do: do a tasting at Groot Constantia, stroll through Boulders Beach, and take in the awesome beauty at Twelve Apostles.

To see ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Cape Town trip planner .

Washington DC, USA to Cape Town is an approximately 24-hour combination of subway, bus, and flight. You can also do a combination of train and flight. You'll lose 7 hours traveling from Washington DC to Cape Town due to the time zone difference. In November, Cape Town is somewhat warmer than Washington DC - with highs of 75°F and lows of 57°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Hermanus.

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

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Tue): take in the exciting artwork at Rossouw Modern Art, look for gifts at Hemingways of Hermanus, look for gifts at The Book Collector, then stop by Funky Vibes, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Grotto Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: look for gifts at Quirk & Leopard, do a tasting at Ataraxia Wines, then look for gifts at OneLove The Fashion Shack, and finally kick back and relax at Kwaaiwater.

For reviews, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Hermanus road trip planning website .

You can drive from Cape Town to Hermanus in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and taxi; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Expect a daytime high around 75°F in November, and nighttime lows around 57°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Thu) so you can travel to Swellendam.

Regarded as South Africa's third-oldest town, Swellendam contains over 50 provincial heritage sites and well-preserved examples of Cape Dutch architecture.

To see other places to visit, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Swellendam trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Hermanus to Swellendam by car takes about 2 hours. In November in Swellendam, expect temperatures between 73°F during the day and 57°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Thu) so you can travel to Oudtshoorn.

Nestled in the arid valley of Little Karoo, the town of Oudtshoorn remains the hub of everything ostrich-related, housing the world's largest population of the flightless birds.

Start off your visit on the 9th (Fri): take in the exciting artwork at Gallery Route 62 & Penny's Place, stop by Peter Bayly Wines, then see the interesting displays at Calitzdorp Museum, and finally explore and take pictures at Swartberg Pass. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 10th (Sat): look for gifts at Cali Craft & Gems and then explore and take pictures at Safari Ostrich Show Farm.

To see reviews, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, use the Oudtshoorn trip planner .

Traveling by car from Swellendam to Oudtshoorn takes 2.5 hours. In November, plan for daily highs up to 70°F, and evening lows to 54°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sat) early enough 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.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Sun): stroll through Featherbed Nature Reserve, tour the pleasant surroundings at Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, and then explore the striking landscape of Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness) National Park. On the 12th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate the waterfront views at Knysna Lagoon, then stop by The Waterfront Knysna Quays, then stop by Metelerkamps, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Holy Trinity Church.

For ratings, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Knysna travel route planner .

Traveling by car from Oudtshoorn to Knysna takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 70°F in November, and nighttime lows around 57°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Mon) so you can travel back home.