South Africa’s story sweeps from the ancient San to Dutch and British arrivals and a hard-fought democratic era. Today, it’s a vibrant tapestry: creative cities, biodiverse parks, and winelands nurtured since the 1600s. Expect dramatic landscapes—from granite peaks to fynbos-strewn coastlines and mopane-dotted savanna.

In one week, you’ll sip world-class Chenin Blanc in the Cape Winelands, ride a cableway up Table Mountain, watch penguins patrol at Boulders Beach, and end with sunrise game drives where lion tracks script the day. Cape Town’s neighborhoods are microcosms of flavor: Cape Malay spices in Bo-Kaap, artisanal coffee in the CBD, and seafood served with salt spray on the Atlantic Seaboard.

Practical notes: weather swings with the Cape’s famous winds; pack layers and sunscreen. Rideshare is common in Cape Town, and domestic flights connect quickly to Kruger-area airports. Cuisine leans hearty and diverse—braai (barbecue), bobotie, fresh hake, and inventive fine dining—paired to excellent, good-value wines. Always follow local guidance in parks and cities, and book popular restaurants and lodges ahead.

Cape Town

Cape Town is a natural amphitheater: a city curled around Table Bay, backed by a cliff-edged mountain that locals treat like a beloved neighbor. Its history—Khoisan origins, maritime outpost, and modern creative hub—lives in colorful Bo-Kaap terraces, heritage gardens, and contemporary galleries.

• Top sights: Table Mountain cableway or Platteklip Gorge hike, Bo-Kaap, Company’s Garden, V&A Waterfront, Zeitz MOCAA, Kirstenbosch gardens, Chapman’s Peak Drive.
• Food & drink: From Cape Malay stews to sashimi at the harbor and boundary-pushing tasting menus, the city is a feast. Bree Street and Woodstock are reliable for buzzy evenings.
• Getting there: Search long-haul and regional flights to CPT on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. CPT airport to the city: ~25–30 minutes by rideshare.

Where to stay (Cape Town): Browse apartments and villas on VRBO Cape Town or hotels on Hotels.com Cape Town. Excellent picks: One&Only Cape Town (iconic marina views, top-tier spa), The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa (Atlantic panorama and fynbos walks), Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town (seafront boardwalk access), Mojo Hotel (lively market downstairs), or budget-friendly The Backpack (social, central, sustainability-minded).

Day 1: Arrival, Waterfront Stroll, Atlantic Sunset

Morning: In transit. If you land early, revive with a flat white at Truth Coffee Roasting (steampunk vibes) or Origin Coffee (roastery pioneer).

Afternoon: Check in, then wander the V&A Waterfront: browse Watershed design stalls and watch harbor seals. Hungry? Willoughby & Co is a beloved sushi institution; Harbour House serves line-caught fish with harbor views.

Evening: Drive or rideshare up Signal Hill for a golden-hour city-and-sea panorama. Dinner options: Kloof Street House (grand old villa, eclectic menu) or FYN (sleek, Japan-meets-African tasting menu; book ahead). Nightcap at The Gin Bar (tucked behind a chocolate shop), known for local botanicals.

Day 2: Cape Peninsula—Penguins, Cliffs, and Coastal Eats

Morning: Grab pastries at Jason Bakery (laminated perfection) before a scenic drive: Hout Bay to Chapman’s Peak (toll road; keep cash/card). Continue to Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town to meet the resident African penguins—arrive early; entrance ~US$10–20 for internationals.

Afternoon: Explore Cape Point and the old lighthouse—windswept fynbos, ocean rips where the currents meet; entry ~US$20–25. Lunch at Seaforth Restaurant (seafood, penguin-adjacent) or Olympia Café in Kalk Bay (legendary mussels and baked treats). Browse Kalk Bay’s indie shops and working harbor.

Evening: Return via Muizenberg’s pastel huts and Camps Bay. Sunset cocktails on the sand, then dinner at The Codfather (choose-your-catch grill and sushi counter) or The Pot Luck Club (wood-fired small plates; book in advance) if you’re up for a late-night Uber to Woodstock.

Day 3: Table Mountain, Bo‑Kaap Colors, and Contemporary Culture

Morning: Ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (weather-dependent; returns ~US$20–30) for 360° views and easy plateau strolls. Hikers can take Platteklip Gorge up and cableway down. Coffee and light bites at the mountain café.

Afternoon: Photograph Bo‑Kaap’s candy-colored homes and learn about Cape Malay heritage. Lunch at Biesmiellah for bobotie and samoosas. Stroll the Company’s Garden, then head to Zeitz MOCAA for cutting-edge African art in a cathedral-like grain silo.

Evening: Bree Street for bar‑hopping and dinner: Grub & Vine (bistro-classic comfort, serious wine list) or Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia (short drive; vineyard-perched tapas for two). Reserve ahead for sunset seating.

Day 4: Stellenbosch & Franschhoek Winelands

Morning: Breakfast at Hemelhuijs (seasonal plates, citrus cordials), then drive ~50–70 minutes to the Winelands. Start with a guided tasting at Waterford or Tokara (Stellenbosch) for Cabernet and Chenin benchmarks.

Afternoon: Franschhoek Wine Tram (US$20–30) hops between estates without driving. Stop at Boschendal (farm-to-table and lawns perfect for picnics) and Haute Cabrière (Cap Classique and cellar views). Lunch at Tokara Delicatessen (kid-friendly, olive groves) or Boschendal’s Werf Restaurant for refined farm cuisine.

Evening: Return to the city. Go light with seafood pasta at Villa 47 or go all-in with La Colombe (Constantia; multi-course artistry, reserve early). Early night recommended—you’re flying out for safari tomorrow.

Kruger National Park (Greater Kruger)

Kruger is one of Africa’s great wildlife reserves—almost the size of Israel—home to the Big Five and hundreds of bird species. Dawn game drives trace stories in the dust: fresh tracks, alarm calls, and the sudden materialization of elephants among silver cluster-leaf trees.

• Access: From Cape Town, fly ~2.5–3 hours to Skukuza (SZK), Nelspruit/MQP, or Hoedspruit/HDS. Expect US$120–250 one-way; compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Many lodges include transfers; otherwise it’s 15–60 minutes by prearranged shuttle or rental to park gates.
• What to expect: Two game drives daily (dawn and late afternoon), optional bush walks, and stargazing. Conservation fees apply (~US$25–30 per international adult/day in Kruger). Bring neutral-colored clothing and a light jacket for open vehicles.

Where to stay (Kruger area): Check VRBO near Kruger and Hotels.com near Kruger. Reliable options: Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate (steps from the Paul Kruger Gate; guided drives available) and Kruger Park Lodge (self-catering chalets in Hazyview, good for families and self-drive).

Day 5: Fly to Kruger, First Game Drive

Morning: Fly CPT→SZK/MQP/HDS (2.5–3h). Aim for a flight landing by midday; compare times and fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Transfer to your lodge, check in, and settle with a light lunch.

Afternoon: 3:30–7:00 pm game drive: look for elephants at river crossings and pride activity as heat fades. Your ranger will share tracking basics—learn to read impala alarm snorts and oxpecker calls.

Evening: Boma dinner under marula trees: grills and potjie stews. If you’re near a rest camp, Cattle Baron at Skukuza is a solid steakhouse with river views. Early to bed; dawn comes quickly.

Day 6: Dawn-to-Dusk Safari Rhythm

Morning: 5:30–9:30 am game drive with coffee stop: prime time for big cats on the move. Photographers: seat over the rear axle for a steadier ride; bring a beanbag for long lenses.

Afternoon: Brunch and pool siesta, then an optional guided bush walk (typically 1.5–2 hours; age limits apply) focusing on birds, tracks, and medicinal plants. Alternatively, self-drive loops near Skukuza or Lower Sabie offer superb riverine sightings.

Evening: Sunset drive with sundowners—watch giraffes silhouette against apricot skies. Dinner at your lodge or at Mugg & Bean Lower Sabie (if based south and self-driving), then stargazing: the Southern Cross anchors a sky bright with the Milky Way.

Day 7: Farewell Drive and Departure

Morning: Final dawn drive—often the most rewarding as you’ve learned the terrain. Keep an ear out for the whoop of hyenas and the churr of nightjars before sunrise.

Afternoon: Transfer to your airport (often via JNB for onward flights). Typical SZK/MQP/HDS→JNB hop: ~1 hour; JNB to international departures adds time for security and immigration. Compare schedules on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: Most travelers will be in the air. If you have a layover, refuel with peri‑peri chicken and a rooibos iced tea before your long-haul.

Logistics at a Glance

• City split: 4 nights Cape Town, 2 nights Kruger area (Days 5–6), last night effectively in transit after morning drive on Day 7.
• Getting between cities: Morning flight CPT→SZK/MQP/HDS (~2.5–3h; US$120–250). Return via JNB for better long-haul options.
• Local transport: In Cape Town, rideshare is plentiful; for the Peninsula and Winelands, hire a driver or join a tour if you prefer not to self-drive.
• Budget cues (per person): Cape Town meals US$8–60; cableway ~US$20–30; Boulders ~US$10–20; Cape Point ~US$20–25. Kruger conservation fee ~US$25–30/day; guided drives often included with lodge rates.

This 7-day South Africa itinerary marries ocean, mountain, vineyard, and savanna—one country, four worlds. You’ll leave with memory cards full of penguins and prowling lions, and a palate tuned to Cape blends and braai smoke. It’s a week that feels like a continent.