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 Big Cats Initiative, and enjoy unforgettable sunsets over the savanna. All of this is possible during these South Africa tours.
FROM €2,599 PER PERSON
Subject to availability
CAPE TOWN TO JOHANNESBURG
ITINERARY
Arrive at any time. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Stay: Sun Square Cape Town – Gardens (or similar)
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.
Stay: Sun Square Cape Town – Gardens (or similar) | Meals: 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.
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 skydiving, abseiling, or, if you’re really brave, cage diving for a close encounter with a great white shark. 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.
Stay: Sun Square Cape Town – Gardens (or similar) | Meals: Breakfast
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.
Stay: Malikana Guesthouse (or similar) | Meals: 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.
Stay: Muluwa Lodge (or similar) | Meals: 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.
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.
Stay: Muluwa Lodge (or similar) | Meals: Breakfast & 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.
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 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).
Stay: Karongwe Private Game Reserve – Lodges | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinners
Spend the day exploring Karongwe on morning and afternoon safaris with our local guides. Search for buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos—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.
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.
Stay: Karongwe Private Game Reserve – Lodges | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & 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.
Stay: Malikana Guesthouse | Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Depart at any time.
Meals: Breakfast
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Airport transfers in Cape Town
- Domestic flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg
- Accommodation: 3 nights in hotels, 2 nights in guesthouses and 4 nights in comfortable safari camps
- 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 6 dinners
- Tour guide
- All activities mentioned in the itinerary, excluding optional activities
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- Inbound flight to Cape Town
- Outbound flight from Johannesburg
- Airport transfers in Johannesburg
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities
- Visa if required
- Vaccines if required
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