SOUTH AFRICA CITIES & SAFARI
Cape Town . Kruger National Park . Johannesburg . optional Victoria Falls extension
On a 10-day adventure in South Africa, discover why Cape Town is consistently named one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Then fly on to Johannesburg, gateway to some of the world's most renowned wildlife reserves. Scan the horizon of Kruger National Park for the "big five" and spend time in the wild with a conservationist from the National Geographic Big Cats Initiative. Experience Africa from the bottom up – while feeling as if you’re on top of the world.
Those with a couple more days can opt to add a 2 night extension to Victoria Falls, making this a 12 day journey.
from $3399
per person sharing
10
days
PRICE INCLUDES:
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Arrival transfer
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Carnivore Conservation Experience, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
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Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue), Johannesburg
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Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Guided Tour, Cape Town
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Orientation tour of Cape Town and Cape Point including Boulders Beach
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Panorama Route & 'God's Window' scenic drive
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Kruger National Park wildlife safari drives in open vehicle
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All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare; tipping; meals unless noted otherwise, personal expenses, optional Victoria Falls extension
GRACE NOTES:
Endangered Wildlife Trust
ITINERARY:
DEPARTURES:
Year round
Day 1: Cape Town
Transferred to your hotel on arrival. Rest of day at leisure.
Accommodation: Sun Square Cape Town
Day 2: Cape Town and surrounds
Stop and smell the flowers on a tour specially designed by National Geographic. Visit Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, led by an expert who will talk about the history of the gardens, its exhibits and a behind the scenes look at the mother beds. The garden is administered by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) who have received funding from National Geographic and the site has been named one of the Top 10 gardens in the world by National Geographic Traveler. Then enjoy a guided orientation tour of vibrant Cape Town. Continue on to Cape Point to enjoy a stunning vista and visit the penguins at Boulders Beach. (B)
Accommodation: Sun Square Cape Town
Day 3: Cape Town
Day at leisure to explore Cape Town independently, or opt to add another guided experience. (B)
Accommodation: Sun Square Cape Town
Day 4: Cape Town to Johannesburg
Fly to Johannesburg and explore the city on your own until you join your guesthouse hosts for a traditional South African Braai or BBQ. This is a great opportunity to get to know and discuss issues with local South Africans. (B,D)
Accommodation: Malikana Guesthouse
Day 5: Panorama Route to Kruger NP
Enjoy a full day scenic drive along the famed Panorama Route with stops at Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and God's Window. You’ll see magnificent mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, and waterfalls. Continue to our tented camp located near the Kruger National Park and this evening enjoy a delicious South African dinner in the boma, or meeting place. (B,D)
Accommodation: Muluwa Safari Lodge
Day 6: Kruger National Park
Enjoy a morning wildlife safari drive through Kruger National Park in an open vehicle. Take in views of the abundant wildlife including elephants, lions, and giraffe. In the afternoon, opt to extend your safari drive or head back to the lodge where you can take a short nature walk or relax on the deck with views of the surrounding area.
At over 7,500 square miles, 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. (B,D)
Accommodation: Muluwa Safari Lodge
Day 7: Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Continue on to a private nature reserve in the Greater Kruger area. This afternoon, meet with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Cheetah Metapopulation Project who will share information about their efforts to protect cheetahs and other carnivores. This National Geographic-sponsored project is part of the Big Cats Initiative. After, the researcher will join us on our evening wildlife safari drive.
For the next two days, enjoy ranger-led morning and evening wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle in Karongwe Nature Reserve. Search for buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos – Africa's famed Big Five. With over 22,240 acres of supreme African bushveld, Karongwe Private Game Reserve is game rich, and our safari drives provide several opportunities for wildlife viewing. (B,L,D)
Accommodation: Karongwe game lodge (exact lodge to be advised at booking time)
Day 8: Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Enjoy early morning and afternoon safari drives with our local guides, searching for buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos – Africa's famed "big five". In our down time, relax at the camp, take a walk around the grounds, or enjoy a cool drink on the deck.
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. (B)
Accommodation: Karongwe game lodge (exact lodge to be advised at booking time)
Day 9: Johannesburg
After one last wildlife safari drive, head back to Johannesburg. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at our local guest house.
(B,D)
Accommodation: Malikana Guesthouse
Day 10: Depart (or start Victoria Falls extension)
Head to Johannesburg airport for departure. (B)
Travelers opting to add Victoria Falls will fly there in the morning. On arrival, gain insight into what life is like here with a walk through a local market and dinner at a family homestead. Meet our host, learn their history, and discuss daily life and culture in Zimbabwe. Share stories as you enjoy a traditional Zimbabwean dinner. The mist off Victoria Falls can rise to a height of more than 1312 ft. Local tribes used to call the falls Mosi-o-Tunya or “the smoke that thunders.” Explorer and missionary David Livingstone renamed the falls after Queen Victoria when he first saw them in 1855.
(B,D)
Accommodation: Victoria Falls Sprayview Hotel
Day 11: Victoria Falls extension
Enjoy a morning tour of the beautiful Victoria Falls, then the rest of the day is free to explore the area. Take part in a river safari, cultural tours, whitewater rafting, canoeing, or a helicopter ride over the falls. (B)
Accommodation: Victoria Falls Cresta Sprayview Hotel
Day 12: Depart
Depart Victoria Falls at any time. (B)