12 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.

You'll explore and learn at Apartheid Museum and Lindfield Victorian House Museum. When in Johannesburg, make a side trip to see Wild Cave Adventures in Krugersdorp, approximately 52 minutes away. Pack the 25th (Thu) with family-friendly diversions at Gold Reef City. There's still lots to do: brush up on your military savvy at South African National Museum of Military History.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Johannesburg trip itinerary builder.

Mumbai (Bombay), India to Johannesburg is an approximately 12.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from India Standard Time to South Africa Standard Time is minus 3 hours. When traveling from Mumbai (Bombay) in May, plan for little chillier days and colder nights in Johannesburg: temperatures range from 26°C by day to 9°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Thu) so you can travel 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.

Get outdoors at Kruger National Park and Off-Road & ATV Trails. Change things up with a short trip to Elephant Whispers in Hazyview (about 1h 10 min away). There's more to do: browse the different shops at Ilanga Mall.

To find photos, more things to do, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Nelspruit travel planner.

You can do a combination of train and flight from Johannesburg to Nelspruit in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Johannesburg in May, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 14°C in Nelspruit. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 28th (Sun) to allow time for 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 Greenmarket Square and Uwe Koetterfor plenty of shopping. Take a break from the city and head to Boulders Beach and Cape of Good Hope. When in Cape Town, make a side trip to see Cape Point Ostrich Farm in Cape Town Central, approximately 48 minutes away. The adventure continues: take in the awesome beauty at Table Mountain, stop by Prins & Prins, take in nature's colorful creations at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and enjoy the sand and surf at Clifton Beaches.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, go to the Cape Town itinerary planner.

Traveling by flight from Nelspruit to Cape Town takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In May in Cape Town, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 11°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.