Explore Southern Africa
G Adventures National Geographic Journeys
On this extraordinary adventure through southern Africa, journey from glittering Cape Town to the vast wilderness of Kruger National Park—home of the legendary “big five”. Visit Soweto township, where Nelson Mandela once lived; enjoy a homemade dinner with a local family in a Zimbabwean village; and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Highlights
- Go for a wildlife safari drive with a researcher and expert on carnivores
- Enjoy a traditional South African barbecue
- Visit the Kirstenbosch botanical garden with an expert botanist
- Help prepare a traditional Zimbabwean meal with a family in their home
- Spot wildlife in world-famous Kruger National Park
Pricing
Small group tour starting at $5,799* CAD per person, based on double occupancy
12 Days – Cape Town to Victoria Falls
Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Service Level: Upgraded
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Physical Rating: 2 – Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12.
What’s Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Guided Tour, Cape Town
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Carnivore Conservation Experience, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Zimbabwean Family Dinner, Victoria Falls
- Your Foodie Moment: Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue), Johannesburg.
- Arrival transfer.
- Orientation tour of Cape Town.
- Excursion to Cape Point including the penguins at Boulders Beach.
- Soweto tour.
- Panorama Route scenic drive.
- Kruger National Park wildlife safari drive in open vehicle.
- Private nature reserve wildlife safari drive in open safari vehicles.
- Tour of Victoria Falls.
- Internal flights.
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Day
Day 1
Location(s)
Cape Town
Meals
Description
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Cape Town (or similar, 3 nights)
Day 2
Cape Town
Breakfast
Begin the day with an exploration of vibrant Cape Town, wandering through the multicultural Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Then enjoy an exclusive guided tour of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, named by National Geographic Travel as one of the world’s 10 most magnificent gardens. Later, stop by Boulders Beach to see the resident population of African penguins, and continue to the Cape Point lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope, the southwesternmost point in Africa.
Day 3
Cape Town
Breakfast
Enjoy a day of leisure in Cape Town, choosing from a variety of optional activities. Hike up iconic Table Mountain or hop on a cable car to the summit, taking in extraordinary views of the city and the Atlantic seaboard. Or explore the Cape Winelands, visiting the historical city of Stellenbosch, touring wine estates with expert guides, and indulging in a variety of tastings and pairings.
Day 4
Cape Town – Johannesburg
Breakfast, Dinner
Fly to Johannesburg, then take a guided tour of Soweto township. Soweto was an important center of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement and home to its leader, Nelson Mandela. Visit the Mandela House Museum and learn about this painful chapter in the country’s history. In the evening, enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) with your fellow travellers.
Accommodation: Malikana Guesthouse (or similar)
Day 5
Johannesburg – Greater Kruger Area
Breakfast, Dinner
Set out towards Kruger National Park via the magnificent Panorama Route, one of the world’s most picturesque drives. Make stops at the dramatic Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and take in panoramic views of the forest-covered valley from the God’s Window viewpoint. Continue to our tented camp near Kruger National Park and savour a delicious South African dinner in a boma.
Accommodation: Muluwa Lodge (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 6
Kruger National Park
Breakfast, Dinner
Rise early and climb aboard an open jeep for a full-day safari in Kruger National Park—home to an extraordinary array of large mammals. Spot elephants, lions, giraffes, and perhaps elusive leopards as we explore this breathtaking wilderness of savanna and scrubland. Return to our lodge in the evening, where you can take some time to relax on the deck and enjoy the nocturnal sounds of the bush.
Day 7
Kruger National Park – Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, a pristine wildlife sanctuary located in the Greater Kruger area. Meet with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Cheetah Metapopulation Project—a program funded in part by National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative—and learn about efforts to protect the region’s cheetahs and other carnivores. The researcher then joins us for a wildlife-viewing excursion through the reserve.
Accommodation: Karongwe Private Game Reserve – Lodges (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 8
Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day exploring Karongwe on morning and afternoon safaris with our local guides. Search for Africa’s famed “big five” as we drive through the shrublands of the bushveld. Back at camp, relax on deck or take a walk around the grounds.
Day 9
Karongwe Private Game Reserve – Johannesburg
Breakfast, Dinner
Embark on one last safari this morning, keeping a lookout for Karongwe’s iconic inhabitants. Then head back to the city, where you’ll enjoy dinner in our local guest house.
Accommodation: Malikana Guesthouse (or similar)
Day 10
Johannesburg – Victoria Falls
Breakfast, Dinner
Catch a flight to the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, named after one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth. Visit a nearby village and go grocery shopping in the bustling market. Then sit down with a local family for dinner, helping your hosts prepare a traditional Zimbabwean meal using the ingredients you picked out, and hear stories about local life and culture.
Accommodation: Cresta Sprayview Hotel (or similar, 2 nights)
Day 11
Victoria Falls
Breakfast
Set out for a tour of magnificent Victoria Falls. Scottish explorer David Livingstone named them after Britain’s Queen Victoria, while their older, indigenous name is Mosi-oa-Tunya—“the smoke that thunders.” Opt for a scenic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River; soar above the roaring falls in a helicopter; and much more.
Day 12
Victoria Falls
Breakfast
Depart at any time.
*Hotel rooms are subject to availability and are confirmed by the supplier at time of booking; they may be replaced by other hotel rooms of similar category at the sole discretion of the supplier.
Interested in the itinerary above? Click on the “START PLANNING” button below and reference “Explore Southern Africa” in the form, or give us a call at 587.997.5969 to book.
An adventure designed specifically for you
Let us work with you to tailor a journey based on your travel style and interests. We can use the existing itinerary above as a foundation, or build one from scratch to create your ideal vacation. Connect with us to start the conversation.
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*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change and availability.