Embark on a journey through southern Africa, experiencing its diverse landscapes and unique wildlife. Visit the breathtaking Panorama Route, the private wildlife reserve with a local expert, and the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. See the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Journey from Cape Town to Kruger National Park, home to the “big five”. Visit Soweto township and Nelson Mandela’s former home, enjoy a dinner with a local family in a Zimbabwean village, and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 1
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Day 2
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 southwestern most point in Africa.
Day 3
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.
- Optional Activities: Cape Winelands Tour, Shark Cage Diving, Table Mountain Visit, Two Oceans Aquarium , Whale and Bird Watching at Dyer Island
Day 4
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 travelers.
- Optional Activities: Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
Day 5
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
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.
Day 7
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.
- Accommodations: Karongwe Private Game Reserve – Lodges (or similar)
Day 8
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.
- Accommodations: Karongwe Private Game Reserve – Lodges (or similar)
Day 9
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 family run lodge.
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10
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.
- Accommodations: Cresta Spray view Hotel (or similar)
Day 11
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.
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Optional Activities: Canoeing the Zambezi, Chobe National Park Day Trip , Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride – 15min, Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride – 25min, Zambezi Bungee Jump, Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
- Accommodations: Cresta Spray view Hotel (or similar)
Day 12
Depart at any time.
