South Africa Travel Diary — Day-by-Day Journey

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South Africa Travel Diary — Day-by-Day Journey

Day 1: Touchdown in Johannesburg — First Taste of South Africa

After a long but comfy flight from Mumbai, I landed at OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg. Immigration was smooth. I got a local SIM card right at the airport kiosk — very convenient.Checked into a boutique hotel in Sandton. Took a short nap, then stepped out to explore Nelson Mandela Square. The big bronze statue makes for the perfect “I’m in Joburg” photo.Dinner was a local twist — I tried bunny chow (a hollow bread loaf filled with curry) at a nearby café. Spicy, warm, and comforting.Small thing: The waiter taught me a few Zulu greetings — “Sawubona” means hello!

Day 2: Soweto — History, Street Art & Local StoriesAfter breakfast, I joined a guided tour to Soweto — the famous township known for its role in South Africa’s freedom struggle.We cycled past Vilakazi Street, the only street in the world where two Nobel Laureates once lived — Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.Lunch was kota — a giant sandwich stuffed with fries, sausage, and sauce. Met local kids who showed me their murals and shared how street art keeps their stories alive.Small thing: Bought bead bracelets handmade by local women — a lovely souvenir.

Day 3: Panorama Route — Blyde River Canyon ViewsWoke up early for a road trip along the Panorama Route towards Mpumalanga. Stopped at God’s Window — the views of the Blyde River Canyon covered in mist looked straight out of a fantasy movie.Next, visited Bourke’s Luck Potholes — rock formations carved by centuries of river flow.Stayed overnight in a small lodge near Graskop, where I had a traditional braai (South African BBQ).Small thing: Collected a tiny stone from the canyon viewpoint — my secret good luck charm.

Day 4: Safari Time — Kruger National ParkFinally, the highlight — a sunrise safari in Kruger! Our open jeep bounced along dusty tracks as we spotted elephants, giraffes, and a pride of lions lounging in the shade.Our guide taught us how to spot animal footprints and explained the ‘Big Five’ — lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo.Stayed overnight in a safari lodge — the night sounds of the bush were both thrilling and calming.Small thing: Swapped travel stories around a bonfire with other travellers.

Day 5: Cape Town — From Table Mountain to V&A WaterfrontTook a quick domestic flight to Cape Town. Checked into a guesthouse near Green Point.Went straight up Table Mountain via the cableway — the view of the city and ocean was breathtaking. A dassie (rock hyrax) photobombed my selfie!In the evening, strolled around V&A Waterfront — live music, craft stalls, and delicious seafood at the market.Small thing: Tried a local koeksister (a braided doughnut dripping in syrup) — so good!

Day 6: Cape Peninsula Drive — Penguins & Cape of Good HopeToday was about scenic coastal drives. Rented a car and drove Chapman’s Peak Drive — one of the world’s most beautiful ocean routes.Stopped at Boulders Beach to see the African penguins waddling around. Later, stood at the iconic Cape of Good Hope — the ‘south-western most point of Africa.’Ended the day with fresh fish & chips at a seaside shack in Simon’s Town.Small thing: Collected tiny shells from Boulders Beach for my travel jar.

Day 7: Stellenbosch — Vineyards & Wine TastingTook a short drive to Stellenbosch — wine country! Went on a wine tram tour, hopping between estates for wine and cheese pairings.The scenery was postcard-perfect: green vineyards, white Cape Dutch houses, and rolling mountains.Bought a bottle of local Pinotage to bring home — South Africa’s signature wine.Small thing: Learned how to swirl, sniff, and sip like a pro — sort of!

What to Pack for South Africa

  • Light, breathable clothes for day; a warm jacket for chilly nights and early safaris

  • Comfortable walking shoes for city walks and safaris

  • Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses — the African sun is strong

  • Small backpack for day trips and water bottles

  • Universal travel adapter (South Africa uses type M plugs)

  • Binoculars for game drives

Health & Altitude Tips

  • No high-altitude worries — South Africa’s main destinations are not at high elevations

  • Take malaria precautions for Kruger and some parts of Limpopo — consult your doctor

  • Stay hydrated, especially during safaris and hikes

  • Use insect repellent in bush areas

Unique Experiences in South Africa

  • Stay overnight in a safari lodge under the stars

  • Drive the Garden Route for coastal beauty

  • Shark cage diving near Gansbaai (if you’re brave!)

  • Township tours in Soweto for local culture

  • Wine blending workshop in Stellenbosch

Best Ways to Travel to South Africa from Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Delhi

  • Direct flights from Mumbai and Delhi to Johannesburg (most common entry point)

  • From Kerala and Karnataka: connect via Mumbai or Middle Eastern hubs like Doha, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi

  • Domestic flights between cities are affordable and safe (Mango, Kulula, FlySafair)

  • Self-drive is popular for the Garden Route or Kruger trips

Indian Food & Local Cuisine

  • Big Indian communities in Durban and Johannesburg — lots of Indian restaurants

  • Try South African-Indian dishes like bunny chow and Durban curries

  • Must-try local food: boerewors (sausages), bobotie (spiced mince), malva pudding, biltong (dried meat)

  • Cape Malay cuisine in Cape Town is a delicious mix of sweet and spicy

Currency & Budget Tips

  • Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)

  • Carry a mix of cash and cards; ATMs widely available

  • Safari lodges can be pricey — plan your budget in advance

  • Street food and local cafes are very affordable

  • Tipping is expected — around 10%

Connectivity & SIM Cards

  • Buy a local SIM at the airport — Vodacom, MTN, and Cell C are reliable

  • Good 4G coverage in cities and popular routes

  • Limited signal in remote safari areas — enjoy the digital detox!

Shopping & Souvenirs

  • Beaded jewellery and Zulu crafts

  • Local wine and Amarula (cream liqueur)

  • Rooibos tea from the Cederberg

  • Carved wooden animals from local markets

  • Hand-painted township art

Instagram Spots

  • Petronas Twin Towers of Africa? Not quite — but Table Mountain is iconic!

  • Blyde River Canyon’s panoramic viewpoints

  • Penguins at Boulders Beach

  • Colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood in Cape Town

  • Sunsets in Kruger National Park

Final WordFrom wild safaris to hip city streets, South Africa surprised me every single day. The warm “Howzit?” greetings, the taste of bunny chow, and that sunset behind a pride of lions — these memories stay forever.If you’re dreaming of this adventure, I highly recommend planning with Mauzee Holiday — they make sure you discover the small moments that make South Africa so special.