Look for lions, leopards, elephants, and zebras on a thrilling safari in Kruger National Park, one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife-viewing destinations. Encounter some of our earliest human ancestors while examining three-million-year-old hominin fossils in the Cradle of Humankind. Visit rescued chimpanzees at a sanctuary run by the Jane Goodall Institute. Feel the thundering power of Victoria Falls on a guided tour and choose to take a helicopter ride over the massive cascade.
Boasting jaw-dropping scenery and some of the planet’s most iconic wildlife, southern Africa makes for an unforgettable family adventure. On this action-packed journey, venture to South Africa to seek out the legendary “big five” on safari, soak up the charms of cosmopolitan Cape Town, and see penguins march along Boulders Beach. Then top off your journey in Zimbabwe with a tour of thundering Victoria Falls.
About Exciting Africa family journeys
Small family-group trips designed for adventurous, multigenerational families in search of a meaningful way to discover the world together. Families will enjoy enlightening experiences, the freedom to explore, and quality time together—and return home with a renewed sense of wonder.
Age Requirements
7+ Family Journeys are designed for groups traveling with children between the ages of 7 and 17. Your group must include a child in order to book, and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
What makes Exciting Africa Touts Journeys unique?
Thoughtfully crafted itineraries for families with children ages 7+ Resources and activities inspired by expertise in photography and storytelling, culture and history, wildlife, and geography Two local guides specially trained to engage with young travelers Comfortable and convenient accommodations and kid-friendly meal options Dedicated Family Trip Specialists 100% guaranteed departures.
Day 1
Arrive in time to meet your fellow travelers for a welcome gathering this evening. Your arrival transfer is included.
Day 2
This morning, set out on a daylong tour of the Cape Peninsula, a rocky headland jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. At Boulders Beach, watch thousands of African penguins waddle about their business. Then visit the notorious Cape of Good Hope—where many an unfortunate ship met its watery doom during the Age of Exploration—and climb up to the lighthouse at Cape Point for fantastic views. Head back to Cape Town via the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive, which snakes its way along the Atlantic.
DAY 3
Spend the day at leisure, discovering the charms of Cape Town on a variety of optional excursions. Hike up iconic Table Mountain with a guide, or hop on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for a quick ride to the summit, taking in incredible views of the Atlantic seaboard. Pay an eye-opening visit to the Iziko Slave Lodge—a museum devoted to the history of slavery in South Africa. Wildlife lovers can head to the Two Oceans Aquarium to gush over the variety of its marine residents—from adorable clownfish to translucent jellies.
- Meals Included: Breakfast Optional.
- Activities: Bicycle Rental, Cape Town City Walking Tour with Family Journeys CEO, Guided Kayak Adventure, Hop-on Hop-off Bus, Table Mountain Hike, Table Mountain Visit, Two Oceans Aquarium.
Day 4
Fly from Cape Town to the Greater Kruger National Park and settle into your lodge, located at the gateway to the famed wildlife reserve.
- Accommodations: Sanbonani Resort Hotel.
Day 5
Rise early and climb aboard an open jeep for a safari in Kruger National Park—home to a mindboggling array of large mammals. Spot trumpeting elephants, swaggering lions, graceful giraffes, and perhaps elusive leopards as you ride through this epic wilderness. We’ll criss-cross savanna, scrubland, and riverbanks on our daylong excursion, following the tracks of the majestic creatures that inhabit the park.
- Accommodations: Sanbonani Resort Hotel
Day 6
Venture out on another early morning safari drive, looking for the creatures you didn’t get a chance to spot the day before. The afternoon is free to explore the Kruger region as you choose. Relax by the pool at our lodge, or opt to experience the area by zip-line.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Optional Activities: Aerial Cable Trail, Tree-top Challenge Accommodations: Sanbonani Resort Hotel
Day 7
After breakfast, head to Chimp Eden for an encounter with our closest relatives in the animal world. Run by the Jane Goodall Institute of South Africa, Chimp Eden is the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in the country, and harbors more than 30 rescued chimps. Legendary ethologist and National Geographic grantee Dr. Jane Goodall devoted her life to the study of chimpanzee behavior; at Chimp Eden, we’ll get an opportunity to see rescued chimps living in a safe and secure sanctuary and learn why Jane was so captivated by them when she first began her research in 1960. Later, settle in for the drive to Johannesburg, arriving in the evening.
Day 8
Step back millions of years in time on a visit to the Cradle of Humankind, where the fossils of some of our earliest known human ancestors were discovered. Here, National Geographic Explorer-at-Large Lee Berger excavated the Homo naledi, a recently defined species of hominin. Descend into the otherworldly Sterkfontein Caves, where the remains of “Mrs. Ples” and “Little Foot”—both more than two million years old—were found; then venture to the Maropeng Visitors Centre to gape at the actual skeletal remains and embark on an immersive journey through the evolution of our species. This evening, feast on a traditional South African braai (barbeque).
- Accommodations: Safari Club SA
Day 9
Catch a flight to Zimbabwe and check in to your hotel. Set out with a local guide for a tour of Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls on Earth. Scottish explorer David Livingstone named them after Britain’s Queen Victoria, while their older, indigenous name is Mosi-oa-Tunya—“the smoke that thunders.” You can hear the falls’ mighty roar from up to 24 miles away; and standing at one of the cascade’s overlooks, you’ll be drenched by its powerful spray.
- Accommodations: Explorers Village Lodge
Day 10
The day is free to explore Victoria Falls and its surroundings. Embark on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River; or take a memorable helicopter ride above the massive cascade. You can also take a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana to seek out its resident elephants. This evening, celebrate your journey with fellow travelers at a farewell dinner featuring a performance of local music and dance.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
- Optional Activities: Chobe National Park Day Trip , Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride – 15min, Zambezi Sunset Cruise
- Accommodations: Explorers Village Lodge
Day 11
Depart at any time.
You May Also Like
3 Days Lake Mburo National Park Safari
5 Days Kenya Safari
