South Africa 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day South Africa Itinerary: Exploring Cape Town and the Winelands

This itinerary focuses on experiencing the vibrant city of Cape Town and its surrounding winelands. It’s a suggestion, feel free to customize it based on your interests!

Day 1: Arrival in Cape Town & Table Mountain Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT).

    • Things to know:
      • Cape Town is in the GMT+2 time zone.
      • The currency is the South African Rand (ZAR).

  • Visa requirements: Check your country’s visa requirements for South Africa before arrival. Most nationalities can enter South Africa visa-free for tourism purposes up to a certain duration (usually 90 days).

  • Activities:

    • Take the cable car up Table Mountain and enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
    • Explore the summit with hikes, walks, or simply taking in the panoramic scenery.

  • Transportation:

  • From Airport: Use the MyCiTi bus service for a convenient and affordable ride to the city center.

  • Within Cape Town: Public transportation like the MyCiTi bus is available from the airport and within the city. Consider using Uber or taxis for ease of movement, or renting a car for more flexibility.

Day 2: Coastal Wonders & Penguins!

  • Morning: Visit Boulders Beach to see the famous penguin colony up close.

  • Afternoon: Explore the Cape Peninsula with its stunning coastal scenery.

    • Hike along the trails at Table Mountain National Park.
    • Enjoy a scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak Drive, stopping for photos and breathtaking views.

  • Activities: Explore the vibrant V&A Waterfront, enjoy a sunset picnic at Camps Bay, or take a boat trip to see the whales (in season).

Day 3: Wine Tasting in Stellenbosch

  • Morning: Travel to Stellenbosch and explore the charming town with its historical buildings and world-renowned wineries.

  • Afternoon: Indulge in wine tasting at renowned estates like:

    • Rust en Vrede: Experience their award-winning wines and picturesque vineyards.
    • Delaire Graff Estate: Enjoy a luxurious setting while sampling exceptional wines.

  • Evening: Dine at one of Stellenbosch’s acclaimed restaurants, many offering traditional South African cuisine with a modern twist.

  • Transportation: Consider joining a guided wine tour or renting a car to visit the different wineries in Stellenbosch and the surrounding winelands.

Day 4: Cape Town History & Culture

  • Morning: Visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years.
  • Afternoon: Explore the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood with its vibrant history and delicious food.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) at your accommodation.

Day 5: Safari Adventure

  • Activities: Experience a wildlife safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve or another nearby reserve.

  • Transportation: Book a transport option from your chosen accommodation to the game reserve.

  • Things to know: Be aware that Cape Town’s weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers and for all seasons.

Day 6: Relax & Explore

  • Morning: Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, admiring the diverse flora of the Cape.
  • Afternoon: Visit a nearby beach for some sunbathing and swimming.

Evening: Take a sunset cruise from the V&A Waterfront to see whales (in season) and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast in the city.

  • Activities:

    • Visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
    • Explore the charming neighborhood of Franschhoek, known for its French heritage and fine dining experiences.
    • Relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the winelands.

  • Things to know:

Visa requirements:

  • For a 7-day trip to the Cape Town area, ensure you have checked the visa requirements for your nationality. Most tourists can enter South Africa visa-free for short stays, but some require visas.
  • Pro tip: Consider applying for a tourist visa online before arriving in South Africa.

Things to consider:

  • Transportation:

  • Public transport: While the city has a reliable public transport system, it’s best to rent a car or use ride-sharing services if you want to explore more of the winelands region.

  • Guided tours: There are many guided tour options available, including wine tasting tours and private winemakers’ experiences.

  • Accommodation:

  • Hotels & Guesthouses: The Cape Town area offers a variety of hotels and guesthouses from budget-friendly to luxurious.

  • Things to know:

    • Be aware that some accommodation options may be located further outside the city, requiring transportation for full enjoyment of the region.

  • Restaurants:

  • Fine Dining: Enjoy a culinary experience in Stellenbosch’s renowned wine farms and restaurants. Many offer stunning views of the vineyards, making it a memorable outing!

  • Galleries & Museums: Explore the vibrant art scene with a visit to one of the many galleries in Stellenbosch, showcasing local artists’ talent.

  • Accommodation Options:

  • Accommodation:

    • Hotels: The Protea Hotel by Marriott and the Taj Cape Town offer luxurious accommodations and are conveniently located in the city center.
    • Guesthouses & Boutique Hotels: For a more intimate experience, consider staying at a guesthouse or boutique hotel in Stellenbosch.

Things to Do:

  • Visit one of the many world-class restaurants in Stellenbosch for a wine tasting experience.

  • Explore the winelands:

    • Stellenbosch Wine Route: Embark on this historic route, sampling wines and enjoying the scenic beauty of the region.

  • Accommodation:

    • Historic Houses: Experience the charm and history of the Cape Winelands by staying in a historic house.
    • Vineyard Stays: Stay amidst the vineyards at a luxurious estate for a unique and relaxing getaway.
    • Boutique Wine Farms: Enjoy personalized experiences and smaller-scale wine production.

Things to remember:

  • Pack comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking on the wine route.

  • Be prepared for a variety of weather conditions in the Cape Winelands.

  • Wine Tasting Tips:

    • Book ahead: Many wineries require bookings for tastings.
    • Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the knowledgeable staff about the wines and the process.

Things to consider for your itinerary:

  • Transportation: Consider the distance between your chosen activities.
    • Food & Accommodation: The Winelands region offers diverse culinary options and restaurants.
  • Enjoy a leisurely pace: Allow time for relaxation and enjoying the scenery.
  • Embrace the unexpected: Be open to exploring new wineries and experiences, as there are many hidden gems in the region.

Enjoy your trip!