12 day itinerary for South-afrika

Itinerary

South Africa is a stunning country with so much to offer, and I’m excited to help you plan a relaxed, family-friendly itinerary that includes beautiful parks and green spaces. Here’s a delightful 12-day itinerary that avoids Cape Town and allows you to soak in the natural beauty and culture at a leisurely pace.

## Day 1-3: Johannesburg

## Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg

• Morning: Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport. Check into a family-friendly hotel in the Rosebank or Sandton area.
• Afternoon: Visit the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens for a leisurely stroll. The kids can run around, and you can enjoy a picnic.
• Evening: Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant in the area.

## Day 2: Soweto and Apartheid History

• Morning: Take a guided tour of Soweto. Visit the Vilakazi Street, where both Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu lived.
• Afternoon: Head to the Apartheid Museum for an educational experience. It’s engaging for older kids and adults.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local eatery in Soweto, perhaps trying some traditional South African dishes.

## Day 3: Cradle of Humankind

• Morning: Take a day trip to the Cradle of Humankind (about an hour from Johannesburg). Explore the Sterkfontein Caves and learn about early human fossils.
• Afternoon: Visit the Maropeng Visitor Centre for interactive exhibits. There’s a lovely café for lunch.
• Evening: Return to Johannesburg for a relaxed dinner.

## Day 4-6: Pilanesberg National Park

## Day 4: Travel to Pilanesberg

• Morning: Drive to Pilanesberg National Park (about 2.5 hours). Check into a family-friendly lodge or resort.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at the lodge, perhaps taking a dip in the pool or exploring the grounds.
• Evening: Dinner at the lodge, followed by a night drive (if available) to spot nocturnal wildlife.

## Day 5: Safari Day

• Morning: Early morning game drive. Keep your eyes peeled for the Big Five!
• Afternoon: Return to the lodge for lunch and some downtime. Consider a guided nature walk for the family.
• Evening: Dinner at the lodge, followed by stargazing if the weather permits.

## Day 6: More Safari Adventures

• Morning: Another game drive or a visit to the Pilanesberg Centre to learn more about the park’s ecosystem.
• Afternoon: Relax at the lodge or enjoy a family-friendly activity like a bush picnic.
• Evening: Dinner at the lodge, sharing stories about your wildlife encounters.

## Day 7-9: Kruger National Park

## Day 7: Travel to Kruger National Park

• Morning: Depart for Kruger National Park (about 3-4 hours). Check into a family-friendly rest camp.
• Afternoon: Settle in and explore the camp. Visit the camp’s shop for snacks and souvenirs.
• Evening: Dinner at the camp’s restaurant or prepare a family meal if facilities allow.

## Day 8: Safari in Kruger

• Morning: Early morning game drive. The kids will love spotting animals!
• Afternoon: Return to the camp for lunch. Spend the afternoon at the camp’s pool or participate in a ranger-led activity.
• Evening: Dinner at the camp, followed by a family game night or storytelling.

## Day 9: More Wildlife Exploration

• Morning: Another game drive or a guided bush walk (if the kids are old enough).
• Afternoon: Visit a nearby picnic spot for lunch and enjoy the scenery.
• Evening: Dinner at the camp, reflecting on your adventures.

## Day 10-12: Mpumalanga and Blyde River Canyon

## Day 10: Travel to Mpumalanga

• Morning: Depart for Mpumalanga (about 1.5 hours). Check into a family-friendly lodge.
• Afternoon: Visit the Blyde River Canyon viewpoint for breathtaking views. Don’t miss the Three Rondavels!
• Evening: Dinner at the lodge, enjoying the serene surroundings.

## Day 11: Explore Mpumalanga

• Morning: Visit the God’s Window viewpoint and take a short hike in the area.
• Afternoon: Explore the Bourke’s Luck Potholes and enjoy a picnic lunch.
• Evening: Return to the lodge for dinner and perhaps a family game night.

## Day 12: Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some last-minute exploration or relaxation at the lodge.
• Afternoon: Depart for Johannesburg (about 4-5 hours) to catch your flight home.

Tips for a Relaxed Trip:

• Travel Time: Keep travel times in mind and plan for breaks, especially with kids.
• Flexibility: Be open to changing plans based on the family’s energy levels and interests.
• Pack Snacks: Always have snacks and water on hand for the kids during drives and outings.

I hope this itinerary helps you create wonderful memories in South Africa! Enjoy your adventure! 🌍✨