3-Week Botswana And South Africa Self-drive Itinerary

A three-week self-drive itinerary through South Africa and Botswana typically follows a “Grand Loop” starting and ending in Johannesburg, covering the rugged Kalahari, the lush Okavango Delta, and the wildlife-rich Chobe National Park.

A three-week (21-day) itinerary for Botswana and South Africa typically balances iconic urban landscapes, diverse safari ecosystems, and world-renowned natural wonders like Victoria Falls.

Week 1: Cape Town & The Winelands (South Africa)

  • Days 1–4: Cape Town. Explore the “Mother City” by taking the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for panoramic views, visiting the Robben Island Museum, and driving to the Cape of Good Hope.
  • Days 5–7: Cape Winelands & Garden Route. Stay in Franschhoek or Stellenbosch for world-class vineyards and wine tasting. Optionally, drive a portion of the Garden Route to see the coastal beauty of Knysna or Tsitsikamma.

Week 2: Greater Kruger & Johannesburg (South Africa)

  • Day 8: Fly to Johannesburg. Take a half-day tour of Soweto and the Apartheid Museum to understand South Africa’s complex history.
  • Days 9–13: Kruger National Park & Private Reserves. Fly into Hoedspruit or Skukuza. Spend 4–5 nights split between Kruger National Park for self-drive or guided safaris and a private reserve like Sabi Sand Nature Reserve for guaranteed “Big Five” sightings.
  • Day 14: Panorama Route. Drive the scenic route to see Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes before returning to the airport.

Week 3: Botswana Wilderness & Victoria Falls

  • Days 15–17: Okavango Delta. Fly from Johannesburg or Kruger (via Maun) into the Okavango Delta. Experience a Mokoro (dugout canoe) safari and stay in remote camps in the Moremi Game Reserve.
  • Days 18–19: Chobe National Park. Transfer to the Chobe Riverfront near Kasane. This area is famous for massive elephant herds and spectacular sunset river cruises.
  • Days 20–21: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia). Cross the border (80 km from Chobe) to witness Victoria Falls. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River or a scenic helicopter flight over the falls before departing.