Experience Overview
Spectacular scenery, vibrant culture, and a dramatic, inspiring past—South Africa has it all. Discover the charms of Cape Town, one of Africa’s most beautiful cities, then travel to Johannesburg—former home of revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela and gateway to some of the world's most celebrated wildlife reserves. Scan the horizon of Kruger National Park for the "big five," spend time with a conservationist from the National Geographic's Big Cat Initiative, and enjoy unforgettable sunsets over the savanna.
Highlights
- Visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- Scan the horizon of Kruger National Park for the "big five"
- Meet researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Carnivore Conservation Programme
Trip Details
Product Code: 2035
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Air-conditioned touring vehicle, plane, open safari vehicle, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: National Geographic Journey, Extreme Adventures
Supplier Code: DSCNG
Starts: Cape Town, South Africa
Finishes: Johannesburg, South Africa
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Light
Includes
Activities
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Kirstenbosch Guided Walk, Cape Town Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Carnivore Conservation Experience, Karongwe Private Game Reserve Your Foodie Moment: Boma Braai, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
- Arrival transfer
- Orientation tour of Cape Town and Cape Point including Boulders Beach
- Soweto tour
- Panorama Route scenic drive with entrances
- Kruger National Park wildlife safari drive in open vehicle
- Private nature reserve wildlife safari drives in open vehicles
- Internal Flight
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotel (5 nts), Lodge (2 nts), Comfortable tent or chalets (2 nts).
- 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners
Transport
- Air-conditioned touring vehicle, plane, open safari vehicle, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) & driver for Kruger portion, local CEO in Cape Town, local guides/rangers.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 4011 (CAD 401 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Day 2: Cape Town
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
Enjoy a day of leisure in Cape Town, choosing from a variety of optional activities. 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.
There is something for everyone in Cape Town. Visit Table Mountain, walk the V&A Waterfront or embark on a wine tour in and around Stellenbosch. For the adventurous, opt to go, abseiling. Wander through the city centre, which has some of the oldest buildings and gardens in South Africa. Check out the Cultural Historical Museum, Planetarium, and many other museums and theatres.
Day 4: Cape Town/Johannesburg
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.
Day 5: Johannesburg/Greater Kruger Area
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 lodge near Kruger National park, savour a delicious South African Dinner in this picturesque location.
Day 6: Kruger National Park
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 and enjoy the nocturnal sounds of the bush.
At over 19,000 sq km (7,500 sq mi), South Africa's Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most impressive animal reserves in the world. With 147 species, Kruger has more species of large mammals than any other park on the continent.
Day 7: Greater Kruger Area/Karongwe Private Game Reserve
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 Range Expansion Project—a program funded in part by National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative and managed by National Geographic Explorer, Kulani Nyakane. Sit back for a lecture and learn about efforts to protect the region's cheetahs and other carnivores. After, the researcher then joins us for a wildlife-viewing excursion through the reserve.
For the next two days, enjoy ranger-led morning and evening wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle in Karongwe Nature Reserve, searching for Africa's famed Big Five. With over 9,000 hectares (22,240 acres) of supreme African bushveld, Karongwe Private Game Reserve is home to many creatures, and our safari drives provide several opportunities for wildlife viewing.
We use various accommodations within the reserve (the location is based on availability). During your time here, you will either stay in lodge rooms or very comfortable permanent tents (both of equal quality and with similar amenities).
Day 8: Karongwe Private Game Reserve
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 before enjoying a traditional South African dinner with your fellow travellers.
Wake up before the sun (around 5am) and sip your morning coffee before heading out on a morning wildlife safari drive. Return to the lodge for brunch and some leisure time. Converse on the deck, walk the grounds and gardens, and enjoy high tea. Following tea, it's time for a late afternoon safari drive. After spotting tons of wildlife, it's time to return to camp and freshen up before dinner, a traditional braai.
Day 9: Karongwe Private Game Reserve/Johannesburg
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 lodge.
Day 10: Johannesburg
Depart at any time.
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Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
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