31 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.

On the 23rd (Thu), don't miss a visit to Nelson Mandela Square.

To find photos, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Johannesburg trip itinerary builder.

Perth, Australia to Johannesburg is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Western Standard Time (AWST) to South Africa Standard Time (SAST) is minus 6 hours. While traveling from Perth, expect somewhat warmer days and about the same nights in Johannesburg, ranging from highs of 26°C to lows of 7°C. On the 24th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Kruger National Park.

One of Africa's largest game sanctuaries and part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere Program, Kruger National Park provides an immersive experience of wildlife.

On the 25th (Sat), hike the day away at Game drives at Phalaborwa Gate in Kruger National Park. And it doesn't end there: tour the pleasant surroundings at Idube Game Reserve, trek along Wolhuter Wilderness Trail, and don't miss a visit to Tshokwane Picnic Site.

To find where to stay, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Kruger National Park travel planner.

You can do a combination of flight and taxi from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Traveling from Johannesburg in August, plan for somewhat warmer nights in Kruger National Park, with lows around 13°C. You will leave for Hoedspruit on the 31st (Fri).

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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hoedspruit: Bourkes' Luck Potholes (in Moremela) and Panorama Route (in Graskop). Spend the 4th (Tue) spotting exotic species with a safari tour. There's still lots to do: tour the pleasant surroundings at Moholoholo Wildlife Rehab Centre, take in the exciting artwork at Kingfisher Gallery, meet the residents at Hippo Jessica, and get outside with Siyafunda Conservation.

For maps, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Hoedspruit vacation trip planner.

Traveling by car from Kruger National Park to Hoedspruit takes 3 hours. In August, plan for daily highs up to 28°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Nelspruit: Hazyview (Elephant Whispers & Elephant Sanctuary). Spend the 6th (Thu) exploring nature at Kruger National Park. The adventure continues: admire the natural beauty at Lowveld National Botanical Garden, tour the pleasant surroundings at Jane Goodall Chimpanzee Eden Sanctuary, indulge your taste buds at Shautany Chocolatiers, and explore the fascinating underground world of Sudwala Caves.

For more things to do, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Nelspruit tour planner.

Traveling by car from Hoedspruit to Nelspruit takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of taxi and flight. September in Nelspruit sees daily highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C at night. On the 9th (Sun), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Durban.

Sunny weather and golden beaches await you on a vacation in Durban, a busy port city on the Indian Ocean known for its outdoorsy atmosphere.

Here are some ideas for day two: see exotic creatures in open habitats at a safari tour.

To see more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, use the Durban custom trip planner.

You can fly from Nelspruit to Durban in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a shuttle. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Durban when traveling from Nelspruit in September, with lows around 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 11th (Tue) to allow enough time to 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 12th (Wed): admire all the interesting features of Swartberg Pass, explore the fascinating underground world of The Cango Caves, and then experience rural life at Wilgewandel Holiday Farm. Here are some ideas for day two: stroll through Cango Wildlife Ranch, then relax in the rural setting at Safari Ostrich Show Farm, and then relax in the rural setting at Highgate Ostrich Show Farm.

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

Do a combination of flight and bus from Durban to Oudtshoorn in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Durban in September, things will get little chillier in Oudtshoorn: highs are around 22°C and lows about 10°C. On the 14th (Fri), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Plettenberg Bay.

As one of South Africa's most popular beach destinations, the resort town of Plettenberg Bay comes to life in December and January, when the holiday homes fill up with domestic tourists and foreigner visitors.

Start off your visit on the 14th (Fri): tour the pleasant surroundings at Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary. On the 15th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: stroll through Birds of Eden, tour the pleasant surroundings at Knysna Elephant Park, and then take in the dramatic natural features at Knysna Heads.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Plettenberg Bay online itinerary creator.

Drive from Oudtshoorn to Plettenberg Bay in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from Oudtshoorn in September since evenings lows in Plettenberg Bay dip to 14°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Cape Town.

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

Cape Town is known for nature, parks, beaches, adventure, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: get great views at Cape of Good Hope, take in nature's colorful creations at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, kick back and relax at Clifton Beaches, and see the interesting displays at District Six Museum.

For where to stay, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, refer to the Cape Town travel itinerary creator.

Fly from Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Plettenberg Bay in September, plan for little chillier nights in Cape Town, with lows around 11°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Fri) to allow time to travel back home.