6 perfect days in South Africa

Oh, South Africa! That great, big beautiful country nestled where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet at the southernmost end of the unforgettable African continent. Simultaneously steeped in turbulent history while also brimming with relentless beauty and the promise of a bright future, we could spend a lifetime exploring it—from its beguiling big cities, to alternately blissful and rugged coastline, to its endlessly fascinating interior. But if we had just six days in your beautiful “Rainbow Nation,” here’s what we’d do.

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Day 1:
We’d start our journey in postcard perfect Cape Town (of course) and we’d want nothing but the best so we’d check in at the urban chic One&Only, a luxury lodging located in the heart of the city’s stunning Victoria and Alfred Waterfront which we love for its shops, restaurants and cafes, and views of Table Mountain.

Of course, the flight wiped us out so we’re in no rush to do any major sightseeing today. Instead, we’ll keep it low key with a nail treatment at the Mani:Pedi:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez or a relaxing massage at the spa, just across the footbridge on a mini island.

Day 2:
We can’t wait to explore the region, so today, sightseeing is a go. We’ll start with a morning stroll along the waterfront and a strong cup of coffee to fuel the day ahead.

While we’re down here we’ll hop the ferry and ride it all the way out to Robben Island, a roughly 3-square mile island that held political prisoners until 1991, including former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela. The island is now a World Heritage Site, so perhaps we’ll check out the Robben Island Museum, the Robben Island Lighthouse and the resident penguin colony.

If there’s time in the day, we’ll motor down the coast to Cape Town’s breathtaking and scenic Cape Peninsula. Naturally, we’ll stop for lunch in charming Simon’s Town, waddle along with the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and maybe spend a few hours sunning ourselves there, andof course check out lovely Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens at the UNESCO-listed Cape Floral Kingdom.

Tonight is all about loosening our purse strings and surrendering to the joie de vivre of Cape Town, by splurging on dinner at Nobu—the only restaurant in the entire African continent from Michelin-starred chef Nobuyaki Matsuhisa. Yum.

Day 3:
It’s an easy two-hour flight to the bustling capital city of Johannesburg, so there’s going to be plenty of time for sightseeing today, but first we’re checking ourselves in at the Maslow Hotel, a chic business hotel that offers full relaxation with its beautiful gardens, idyllic water features, terraces and pool right in the heart of affluent Sandton.

Pumped and ready to explore, we’ll hail a Shesha Tuk (Sandton’s version of Thailand’s tuk tuk taxis) and check out Nelson Mandela Square for a photo op in front of the statue in his likeness. A stroll through Mushroom Park might be in order and if we’re feeling adventurous, a hot-air balloon ride. Of course, no visit would be complete without a trip to Liliesleaf Farm, a historic site and former safe haven for liberation leadership, including Mandela.

Day 4:
So much to do and so little time! We’re definitely venturing into J’burg’s dense and happening core today including a visit to Constitution Hill, home to South Africa’s court and also the site of Old Fort Prison where Mahatma Ghandi was incarcerated.

Also on our list is a visit to the Rosebank Craft Market for locally made treasures (we gotta bring back a souvenir for mom, right?), a stroll through leafy Parkhurst and a visit to the Cradle of Humankind, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site 30 miles outside the city, but definitely worth a detour.

Day 5:
You didn’t really think we’d fly all the way to Africa and not do a safari, did you? From Johannesburg it’s onward to Kruger National Park where wild animals await. Our accommodations of choice are Sabi Sabi, an upscale bush lodge located in the Sabi Sabi Sands Reserve just southwest of Kruger. Expect close encounters with wildlife—there are no fences separating the reserve and Kruger Park where big game abounds, including elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard. If there’s time, we’ll hit up the Amani Spa at Bush Lodge and maybe catch a few winks before going out on a late afternoon safari.

Day 6:
An African safari is one of the most unforgettable experiences on earth. The bush can be a place of peace and solitude that is suddenly punctuated by the trumpeting sound of an elephant, the sudden rush of a herd of zebras or the slinky strut of a pair of cheetahs so naturally we’ll be spending our last full day in South Africa hanging out with giraffes, monkeys, elephants, zebras, lions and other wild animals. This is the Africa we’ll never forget.

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