The Best of South Africa: Cape Town, Safari & the Garden Route

There’s no single way to experience South Africa—because this country doesn’t do “one thing.” It does everything. Beaches, mountains, vineyards, safaris, sharks… even penguins in bow ties. Whether you’re here for the adrenaline, the wildlife, or the wine (I was here for all three), this is your ultimate South African bucket list.

We based ourselves in Cape Town and built out from there—this itinerary works perfectly for a 10–12 day trip, and is ideal for couples, friend groups, or anyone looking to finally check “Africa” off the list in style.

1. Table Mountain at Sunset

Table Mountain | Cape Town

Towering above Cape Town, Table Mountain is one of the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World—and once you’re at the top, it’s easy to see why. Its name comes from the flat plateau that looks exactly like, well, a table. You can enjoy a beautiful hike up or take the revolving cable car, which offers 360-degree views of the city, ocean, and distant peaks.

Why it’s special: This mountain has been sacred to the Khoisan people for centuries. Today, it remains the spiritual and visual anchor of Cape Town. Watching the sun melt into the Atlantic Ocean from up here feels otherworldly.

 2. Cage Diving with Sharks

Gansbaai, Western Cape

This isn’t your average “ocean experience.” Gansbaai is (or was) the world’s great white shark capital—until recently. With orcas moving into the area and preying on sharks, sightings of great whites have dropped. But that doesn’t make the dive any less epic. There were numerous sharks that took the bait and glided past the cage including enormous bronze whaler sharks!

Why it’s special: South Africa pioneered eco-conscious shark diving. This isn’t a gimmick—it’s conservation in action. And being underwater with apex predators? It definitely provides an adrenaline spike!

 3. Visit the Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach

Boulders Beach | Simon’s Town

Yes, penguins in Africa! These dapper little birds waddled into my heart at first sight. Boulders Beach is a protected colony where the endangered African penguin breeds. Raised boardwalks let you observe them up close without disturbing their habitat, and if you’re lucky, you’ll swim alongside a few in the turquoise shallows.

Why it’s special: These penguins are native only to southern Africa. Their population has been decimated by overfishing and pollution, but Boulders Beach is one of the few places where they’re thriving.

 4. Hang with Elephants

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge | Oudtshoorn

This was magic. At Buffelsdrift, you don’t just look at elephants—you get to hang out with them! Most of the rescued elephants here are former zoo animals who now live in peace on a sprawling private reserve. You can walk alongside them, feed them, and if you’re lucky (I was!), receive a full-body trunk hug.

Why it’s special: This lodge prioritizes ethical animal encounters. These elephants aren’t ridden or forced to perform. Instead, it’s a rare opportunity to engage with them mindfully and compassionately.

 5. Sleep in a Luxury Safari Tent

Buffelsdrift Game Lodge | Oudtshoorn

There’s something deeply grounding about sleeping in the bush, where the walls are canvas, the lighting is soft, and the air hums with wild energy. My safari tent had hardwood floors, a plush bed, and a veranda overlooking a hippo pond. And coffee never tasted better than it did that cold morning on the deck.

Why it’s special: Glamping in the African bush blends adventure with luxury. You get the thrill of the wild—with a cozy bathtub and turn-down service with a glass of wine in hand.

 6. Go on a Big 5 Safari

Cheetahs in Oudtshoorn | South Africa

Nothing compares to a wonderful safari experience and your first glimpses of these beautiful animals roaming free in the open spaces. Ours took us off-grid into a world where giraffes stride past your jeep, zebras scatter through the brush, and lions nap under trees like oversized house cats. We did game drives at dawn and dusk and got to see such a wide of variety of animals on our off road adventures!

Why it’s special: South Africa is one of the few places on Earth where you can reliably see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino). These animals shaped Africa’s history—from colonial hunting expeditions to modern conservation.

 7. Wine Taste in Stellenbosch & Franschhoek

Stellenbosch & Franschhoek | Western Cape

Rolling vineyards, Cape Dutch architecture, mountain backdrops, and glasses of wine that taste like sunshine. South Africa’s wine country is spectacular—and criminally underrated. Wine-making started in the 1600s and today blends old-world tradition with new-world flair. Come for the wine, stay for the views. The pinotage grape, South Africa’s signature red, was born here. It is similar to my all-time favorite a delicious Malbec!

 8. Taste Something New (Springbok, Ostrich, or Crocodile)

South Africa is a culinary melting pot—blending indigenous, Dutch, Malay, and Indian influences. You can find upscale14-dish tasting menus or local cheap restaurants, all featuring meats like springbok, ostrich, and crocodile. Many places also offer live drumming and dancing that will bring a whole evening to life.

Why it’s special: From the Cape Malay dishes of the Bo-Kaap to traditional braais (barbecues), food here is a living history lesson—and a delicious one at that.

 9. Stroll Cape Town’s Quaint Downtown + Bree Street

Bree Street, Kloof Street, Simon's Town, V&A Waterfront

Cape Town feels like a mix of San Francisco, Barcelona, and Sydney—all with African soul. Strolling down Bree Street means ducking into concept shops, sipping flat whites, and people-watching from rooftop bars. Meanwhile, the V&A Waterfront offers a more polished, seaside experience with local designer boutiques and harbor views.

Why it’s special: Cape Town’s architecture and neighborhoods reflect its complex past—from colonial Dutch buildings to apartheid history to its vibrant creative rebirth today. It’s a city constantly in motion.

 10. Drive Chapman’s Peak to Cape Point

 Chapman’s Peak Drive | Western Cape

This cliffside road between Hout Bay and Noordhoek is like California’s Highway 1 on steroids. Twists, tunnels, and sweeping ocean vistas await—and it all leads to Cape Point, the southern tip of the peninsula. Here you get a beautiful vantage point of where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans collide and hiked trails above the waves.

Why it’s special: This area is part of the Table Mountain National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. You’ll spot ostriches, baboons, and even antelope—and understand why ancient sailors feared and revered this coast.

 Suggested Timeline

Day 1–4: Cape Town (Table Mountain, penguins, downtown)

Day 5–6: Gansbaai shark diving + coastal drive

Day 7–9: Winelands (Stellenbosch & Franschhoek)

Day 10–12: Safari & elephants (Oudtshoorn or Hoedspruit)

South Africa, surpassed even my high expectations. Every day was a new adventure, a new animal, a new “holy shit, are we really here?” moment. If you’ve been dreaming of Africa but don’t know where to start—start here! If you have extra time, be sure to make a quick visit to Lesotho or eSwatini as well!