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10 Days in South Africa: A Journey of Adventure and Wildlife

Ana Sabrina Doepgen

Ana Sabrina Doepgen

8 Jan 2024

Embark on an exhilarating 10-day journey through South Africa, where ancient marvels and breathtaking wildlife encounters await. From exploring historic landmarks to immersing in the beauty of national parks, this itinerary promises an unforgettable experience. Join us as we discover the wonders of South Africa!

Trip to South Africa

Day 1Unveiling the Rich History of Pretoria and Johannesburg
+

$113

·

$ 12

Voortrekker Monument
Imposing edifice commemorating the Afrikaans settlers who arrived in the country during the 1830s.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
$13
63 - 76 min

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Directions

Maropeng: Official Visitor Centre for the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site
Modern visitor center for UNESCO-listed Cradle of Humankind, site of important fossil finds.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$38
61 - 74 min

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Directions

Hector Pieterson Memorial
Museum chronicling the 1976 Soweto student uprising & named for its first victim, a 12-year-old boy.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
$13
29 - 35 min

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Directions

Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct
Infamous century-old prison, now a center with the High Court, tours & exhibitions on local history.
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
$20
265 - 318 min

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Directions

Golden Gate Highlands National Park
National park & camp in foothills known for vibrant rock colors, rare bearded vultures & bald ibis'.
7:30 PM - 11:30 PM
$30
Day 2Immersing in the Wild: Game Reserves and Stunning Beaches
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$138

·

$ 9

Mala Mala Game Reserve
33,000-acre game reserve, open since 1927 and running safaris and camps to see Africa's big 5.
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
$50
814 - 977 min

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Directions

Apartheid Museum
Museum chronicling the story of 20th-century South Africa & the now-defunct apartheid system.
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
$25
343 - 412 min

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Directions

Madikwe Game Reserve
Sprawling, protected habitat for elephants, lions & cheetahs, with high-end lodging for visitors.
6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
$50
1101 - 1322 min

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Directions

Muizenberg Beach
Known for its brightly painted beach huts, this escape from the city is popular with surfers.
12:30 AM - 2:30 AM
$13
Day 3Discovering the Untamed Beauty of Karoo and Cape Winelands
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$88

·

$ 9

Karoo National Park
Picturesque park featuring accommodations, trails, guided drives & a restaurant amid rugged scenery.
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
$25
315 - 378 min

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Directions

Tankwa Karoo National Park
Picturesque park known for its reserves, trails, guided drives, stargazing & bird watching.
2:30 PM - 6:30 PM
$25
472 - 567 min

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Directions

De Hoop Nature Reserve
84,000-acre coastal & mountain nature reserve with whale watching, hiking trails & rich wildlife.
7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
$25
264 - 317 min

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Directions

Steenberg Tasting Room
Long-running vineyard & high-end destination with a boutique hotel, spa, restaurants & golf course.
11:30 PM - 1:30 AM
$13
Day 4Encountering Majestic Wildlife and Natural Wonders
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$105

·

$ 6

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve
Sprawling reserve featuring a wide variety of flora & wildlife, including elephants & lions.
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
$38
445 - 534 min

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Directions

Mapungubwe National Park
Animal-rich national park on the confluence of 2 rivers & former home of 11th-century civilization.
2:30 PM - 8:30 PM
$30
1023 - 1228 min

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Directions

Augrabies Falls National Park
Sprawling area featuring granite cliffs & a natural cascade dropping from a height of 60 meters.
9:00 PM - 1:00 AM
$38
Day 5Embarking on a Safari Adventure in Kruger National Park
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$175

·

$ 6

Kruger National Park
South Africa's first National Park containing significant numbers of all of the big 5 game species.
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
$100
721 - 866 min

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Directions

Sabi Sand Nature Reserve
Private game reserve offering high-end lodging & safaris with views of leopards, lions & elephants.
4:30 PM - 10:30 PM
$50
1704 - 2045 min

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Directions

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Hillside garden & nature reserve with rare plant species, walking trails & mountain views.
11:00 PM - 2:00 AM
$25
Day 6Exploring the Coastal Gems: Namaqua and Robben Island
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$118

·

$ 3

Namaqua National Park
Arid, biodiverse protected area known for spring flowers and its stretch of unspoiled coastline.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$30
Robben Island
Historical landmark known for housing political prisoners such as Nelson Mandela, now with a museum.
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
$38
Cape Point
Scenic area at the Cape of Good Hope with commanding ocean views & a climb to an 1800s lighthouse.
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
$25
219 - 263 min

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Directions

Bontebok National Park
Protected park with bontebok antelope & rich bird life, plus camping and picnic areas.
8:30 PM - 12:30 AM
$25
Day 7Unleashing the Natural Splendor of West Coast and Table Mountain
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$115

·

$ 12

West Coast National Park
Islands, beaches & salt marshes with mountain-biking, kayaking, whale-watching & game-viewing.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
$25
113 - 136 min

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Directions

Llandudno Beach
Spacious, low-key sand beach framed by granite boulders, a popular place to surf & watch the sunset.
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
$13
39 - 47 min

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Directions

Silvermine Nature Reserve
Scenic recreation area with a network of hiking & biking trails, picnic spots & expansive vistas.
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
$20
27 - 33 min

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Directions

Boulders Beach
Sheltered public bay with a sandy beach & boardwalk, plus free-roaming colony of African penguins.
6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
$20
19 - 23 min

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Directions

Table Mountain National Park
Nature reserve encompassing the iconic mountain, a penguin colony, forest, beaches & walking trails.
10:00 PM - 2:00 AM
$38
Day 8Delving into Cape Town's History and Cultural Heritage
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$95

·

$ 9

Cape of Good Hope
Tip of the Cape Peninsula forming part of a protected wildlife reserve with picnic spots and walks.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
$25
99 - 119 min

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Directions

Camps Bay Beach
Busy beach with white sand, umbrella rentals, scenic mountain views & access to bars & restaurants.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
$13
13 - 16 min

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Directions

Lion's Head
Boasting panoramic views of the city, this landmark mountain offers hiking trails & historic graves.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
$13
10 - 12 min

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Directions

Iziko South African Museum
Natural history & science museum, founded in 1825, with fossils, animals, human tools & clothing.
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
$20
12 - 17 min

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Directions

District Six Museum
Museum tracing the 1970s forced clearance of 60,000 residents & demolition of homes under apartheid.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
$13
6 - 9 min

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Directions

Castle of Good Hope
Expansive, 17th-century, colonial castle housing military & historical art museums.
9:30 PM - 11:30 PM
$13
Day 9Encountering the Big Five in Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
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$188

·

$ 6

Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
Protected park home to Africa's 'big five' animals, rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard.
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
$38
98 - 118 min

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Directions

Thanda Safari - Private Game Reserve
Sophisticated quarters in a posh all-inclusive safari lodge with a spa & an intimate restaurant.
2:30 PM - 8:30 PM
$75
66 - 80 min

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Directions

andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
Vast protected wildlife refuge known for luxury lodging & upscale safaris through various terrain.
9:00 PM - 3:00 AM
$75
Day 10Witnessing the Diversity of South Africa's National Parks
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$118

·

$ 6

iSimangaliso Wetland Park
UNESCO-listed 820,390-acre wetland reserve with beaches, coral reefs, dunes and swamp forests.
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
$38
972 - 1167 min

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Directions

Addo Elephant National Park
Country's 3rd-largest national park, with hundreds of elephants & also home to lions & black rhinos.
2:30 PM - 8:30 PM
$50
178 - 214 min

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Directions

Tsitsikamma National Park
Forested national park along the coast featuring campgrounds & the scenic Otter Trail.
9:00 PM - 3:00 AM
$30

Budget breakdown: $1323 In total

Activities & Food:$1250
Transport:$73