16 days in South Africa Itinerary

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 22nd (Fri): take a memorable drive along Swartberg Pass, then explore the fascinating underground world of The Cango Caves, and then look for gifts at Lugro Ostrich Leather Products. On the next day, admire the sheer force of Meiringspoort Waterfall, tour the pleasant surroundings at Cango Wildlife Ranch, and then relax in the rural setting at Highgate Ostrich Show Farm.

For where to stay, maps, photos, and tourist information, use the Oudtshoorn travel planner .

Tirana, Albania to Oudtshoorn is an approximately 26-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Central European Time (CET) to South Africa Standard Time (SAST) is 1 hour. When traveling from Tirana in December, plan for a bit warmer days and warmer nights in Oudtshoorn: temperatures range from 28°C by day to 17°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Sun) 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.

Start off your visit on the 24th (Sun): stroll through Birds of Eden, then stroll through Knysna Elephant Park, and then kick back and relax at Bollard Bay. Keep things going the next day: tour the pleasant surroundings at Brenton on Sea, tour the pleasant surroundings at Robberg Nature Reserve, and then stroll through Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary.

For other places to visit, photos, maps, and tourist information, use the Knysna itinerary planner.

You can drive from Oudtshoorn to Knysna in 2 hours. Another option is to take a bus. December in Knysna sees daily highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Tue) 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 itinerary includes some good beach time at Boulders Beach and Camp's Bay Beach. Visiting Cape of Good Hope and Clifton Beaches will get you outdoors. Next up on the itinerary: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Table Mountain National Park, admire the natural beauty at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, go for a stroll along the water at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and get great views at Maclear's Beacon.

For maps, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Cape Town vacation planner.

You can do a combination of bus and flight from Knysna to Cape Town in 4.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and flight; or drive. December in Cape Town sees daily highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 1st (Mon) early enough to travel to Nelspruit.

Nestled on the banks of the Crocodile River, Nelspruit provides visitors with a convenient base point boasting two airports and an enviable location on the road between Johannesburg and the Mozambican border.

Take a break from the city and head to Kruger National Park and Safaris. There's more to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Eden Sanctuary and admire the natural beauty at Lowveld National Botanical Garden.

To find traveler tips, ratings, maps, and tourist information, read our Nelspruit driving holiday planner .

You can fly from Cape Town to Nelspruit in 4.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and taxi; or drive. In January in Nelspruit, expect temperatures between 31°C during the day and 20°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Thu) early enough to travel to Johannesburg.

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.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Thu): see the interesting displays at Apartheid Museum and then wander the streets of Maboneng Precinct.

For other places to visit, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Johannesburg trip planning site .

Traveling by flight from Nelspruit to Johannesburg takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. January in Johannesburg sees daily highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Thu) so you can travel back home.