Perfect 2 Week Itinerary South Africa + Victoria Falls (Great for FIRST TIMER to Africa)

I know we’re in a bit of a travel hiatus at the moment. But that doesn’t mean we can’t plan and dream for the future. #TravelSomeday, right?! I know when I first set out to go to Africa, it felt daunting….and I did extensive research to feel comfortable and make sure we had an amazing itinerary, hitting all the must-sees. That’s why I felt it was the perfect opportunity to share an itinerary I put together for Southern Africa….now, when we are all stuck at home waiting out the covid19 pandemic, is the perfect time to sit down and plan out your first trip to Africa!!

Whenever someone asks me, where should I go on my first safari? Or where should I begin with safari planning? I immediately say South Africa.

South Africa is actually one of my favorite travel destinations. It has SO much to do - from lazing on the beach and epic hikes to wine tours and wildlife safaris. It also has an interesting (albeit dark) history and interesting eclectic culture that has arisen as a result….part European, part African - and definitely unique. Victoria Falls is often paired with South Africa itineraries and for good reason….it’s nearby, the falls are stunning, and there’s surprisingly, a lot of other activities to do in the surrounding area.

We visited Southern Africa in Nov 2018 and we absolutely fell in love. Cape Town was gorgeous and packed with cute cafes and things to do. Johannesburg gave us a somber, but necessary history lesson of the country. Kruger blew our minds as our first wildlife safari. And Livingstone / Victoria Falls surprised us in all it had to offer.

Needless to say, you can spend a lot of time in Southern Africa and never get bored (this itinerary merely scratches the surface). But since the purpose of this blog is to show you that travel doesn’t have to take a ton of time, I’ve decided to provide you with a truncated itinerary that covers some of the best things the country has to offer for first timers.

I’m actually going to be going back to South Africa at some point this year (my boyfriend has some work that will take place there over several months). It was supposed to start in April but that obviously was pushed due to coronavirus…but hoping it still takes place in 2020 :)

As always, make sure you are traveling safely with TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE

South Africa + Victoria Falls 2 Week Itinerary

Day 0, Fri - Depart Home

Day 0, Sat - Travel Day

Day 1, Sun - Arrive Livingstone, Zambia

Alternatively, you can stay in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (they border each other and it’s easy to see the falls from both sides regardless of which side your hotel is one). I prefer less touristy areas so we chose to do Livingstone….if it’s low season and you plan to do Devil’s Pool, Livingstone is a good idea for ease as well.
Zambezi Sunset Cruise - great activity for your first night….enjoy open bar and amazing sunsets as you search for animals along the Zambezi. We saw a herd of elephants swimming across the river which was pretty incredible.

Day 2, Mon - Livingstone

AM: Livingstone Island & Devil’s Pool Tour - this activity is a bit on the pricey side, but it’s it’s totally a must. You get to swim at the top of the falls and can get pictures with a lunar rainbow up above (go in the morning for best chance of having rainbow). Don’t worry, there are guys holding your feet so you don’t go over! It’s very thrilling.
- Devil’s Pool is only offered in dry season, as it would be too dangerous in rainy season. But it’s a must if you come in dry season!
PM: Afternoon Rhino Nature Walk - amazing opportunity to get up close with endangered rhinos!
- I didn’t even realize how rare this was until I came back to Africa….rhinos are tough to see / find!

Day 3, Tues - Livingstone

AM: Cowboy Cycling Tour - this tour will take you bike riding thru the countryside of Livingstone and teach you about Zambian culture and way of life. One of my favorite things I did in Zambia!
PM: Elephant Cafe dinner via boat transfer
- A pricier activity (we paid $220/each I believe) but totally worth it. Pay extra for the boat taxi, scenery is beautiful. The entire experience was wonderful.

Day 4, Wed - Victoria Falls to Cape Town

Early AM: Visit the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, en route to the airport (only direct flight around Victoria Falls to Cape Town flies out of VFA)
Lion’s Head Hike at Sunset - one of the best hikes in Cape Town and not to be missed!

Day 5, Thurs - Cape Town

Lucky & Lost Full Day Cape Peninsula Tour: Bo Kaap, Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Boulder’s Beach Penguins, Chapman’s Peak Drive
- Fun tour that packs together several integral Cape Town sites

Day 6, Fri - Cape Town

Wine Flies Tour thru Stellenbosch - fantastic tour that takes you to various wineries in the Stellenbosch area. We had Lord Sharif as our guide and he was fantastic, INCREDIBLY passionate about wine. We learned a lot this day!!

Day 7, Sat - Cape Town

AM: Swim with Sea Lions 8:30AM-11AM
PM: Robben Island Tour 3PM

Day 8, Sun - Cape Town to Johannesburg

Early AM: Table Mountain Hike
Followed by Kirstenbosch Gardens (depending on time of your flight)
Evening: Fly Cape Town to Johannesburg

Day 9, Mon - Johannesburg

Full Day Tour of Johannesburg visiting the Soweto Township, Apartheid museum, Nelson Mandela House, Desmond Tuti House, etc.
- Our tour guide, Boysie Patrick Khanyile is a black man who grew up in Soweto and lived thru apartheid, knew Desmond Tutu, etc. Highly recommend him as a tour guide.
- Contact Boysie Patrick Khanyile - 27 (0) 825601733 or pkhanyile@yebo.co.za

Day 10, Tues - Kruger National Park

Fly to Kruger and get picked up for a full day game drive in the park

Day 11, Wed - Sabi Sands

Depart Kruger National Park and have game drive en route to Private Reserve Lodge.
- I highly recommend you do a day or two at a lodge in Kruger National Park and then do a few days at a private reserve. Private reserves allow you to off-road, getting up close and personal with the animals (better for photographers too!). But I recommend you stay in Kruger as well so you make sure you see all the animals….a lot of the reserves have either lions or leopards for example (not both).
Evening Game Drive in Private Reserve