9 days in South Africa Itinerary

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.

For shopping fun, head to Jandreart Studio or Elephant Walk Farm Stall. Visiting Buffalo Bay and Garden Route (Tsitsikamma, Knysna, Wilderness) National Park will get you outdoors. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Plettenberg Bay: Noetzie (in Noetzie) and Knysna (Featherbed Nature Reserve & Brenton on Sea). It doesn't end there: tour the pleasant surroundings at Elephant Sanctuary.

To find maps, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Plettenberg Bay trip itinerary builder app

Washington DC, USA to Plettenberg Bay is an approximately 31-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Washington DC to Plettenberg Bay is 7 hours. Expect much warmer temperatures when traveling from Washington DC in January; daily highs in Plettenberg Bay reach 77°F and lows reach 64°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sun) to allow 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.

Head to Old Biscuit Mill and Shimansky Jewellersfor plenty of shopping. Escape the urban bustle at Clifton Beaches and Table Mountain National Park. Explore Cape Town's surroundings by going to The Franschhoek Motor Museum (in Franschhoek) and Boschendal Manor & Winery (in Groot Drakenstein). The adventure continues: take in the waterfront at Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, explore the striking landscape at Twelve Apostles, and hunt for treasures at Greenmarket Square.

To see maps, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Cape Town trip planner

Traveling by flight from Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or drive. January in Cape Town sees daily highs of 81°F and lows of 63°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Tue) so you can travel back home.