How Much Time Do You Need to Combine Cape Town and Kruger?

We believe the longer your South Africa holiday, the better! Ideally, plan for at least six nights, splitting your time evenly between Cape Town and Kruger National Park.

Cape Town is a city that deserves several days to explore. Summiting Table Mountain alone takes half a day, with visits to the colourful Bo-Kaap and the lively V&A Waterfront filling out the rest. Add a full day in the Winelands for wine tasting and scenic picnics, plus another day to visit Cape Point, meet the penguins at Boulders Beach, and wander the floral paradise of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens—and you’ll quickly see why Cape Town can’t be rushed.

Kruger National Park offers a completely different kind of excitement. Known for the Big Five, including the elusive leopard, every safari is unpredictable—you never know what you’ll encounter on any given day. That’s why spending more time in the park increases your chances of spotting your dream animals. Lions, for example, may only hunt every few days, so a four- to five-day safari gives you a better chance of witnessing their full behaviour rather than just catching them resting in the shade.

While a week is a good introduction, 10 days is the ideal timeframe to fully appreciate both destinations. Keep in mind that for every two nights you stay, you generally get one full day to explore. Moving accommodations too frequently can be tiring and limits opportunities to relax, connect with lodge staff, or even settle in properly.