Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park

Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park


(5 reviews)

From:

CAD $4199 Was CAD $5599

10 Days

Best Rate: Guarantee

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Spectacular scenery, vibrant culture, and a dramatic, inspiring past—South Africa has it all.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 04 Mar 2026

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 CodeProduct Code: 2035

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: Air-conditioned touring vehicle, plane, open safari vehicle, walking.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: National Geographic Journey

Tour OperatorTour Operator: G Adventures

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: DSCNG

StartStarts: Cape Town, South Africa

FinishFinishes: Johannesburg, South Africa

DurationDuration: 10 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical 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

  • National Geographic Expedition Leader & driver for Kruger portion, local Expedition Leader in Cape Town, local guides/rangers.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $4199 ($420 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Cape Town

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.


Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.Activity - Meet your Cape Town G Adventures representative at the hotel - please have a look at the information board in the hotel for the meeting time. Your rep will go through your tour details, help you with booking optional activities, and be your contact person for the next few days.Accommodation - The Portswood Hotel

2

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Stop and smell the flowers on a tour specially designed for National Geographic travellers. 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.Activity - 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.Accommodation - The Portswood Hotel

3

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.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a day of your leisure in this cosmopolitan and charming city.Accommodation - The Portswood Hotel

4

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.Activity - Take a guided tour of bustling Soweto and learn more about its important history. The residential area was created under apartheid and played a significant role in bringing the issues of segregation to the forefront. The anti-apartheid movement was launched here by its most famous resident, Nelson Mandela.Accommodation - Southern Sun Rosebank

5

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a scenic drive along the famed Panorama Route. You’ll see magnificent mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, and waterfalls. There will also be stops at Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and God's Window.Accommodation - Umbhaba Eco Lodge

6

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras, and many other species in this impressive South African national park.Accommodation - Umbhaba Eco Lodge

7

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. 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).

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Meet with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Cheetah Range Expansion Project. Listen to a talk about cheetahs here and the important research this project is doing. We will also discuss conservation within parks and reserves in South Africa and National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative. You will then be accompanied by the researcher on a wildlife safari drive to give you more insight into cheetahs and other carnivores.Accommodation - Karongwe Portfolio - Chisomo Safari Camp

8

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Jump into a safari 4x4 and keep your eyes open for fantastic wildlife encounters. Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and local expert trackers; both will share their vast experience of the African bush.Free_time - Relax and enjoy some down time between wildlife safari drives.Activity - At Karongwe, the Boma dinner will indulge your taste buds with South African cuisine, while you enjoy the African wilderness. Take part in a culinary journey that reflects South Africa’s rich cultural and culinary heritage, all from an enclosed outdoor area, lit by lanterns and a warming fire. You’ll taste your way through traditional dishes including braaied meats (Barbeque), potjiekos (traditional pot stew), and a malva pudding (traditional dessert); all made from local ingredients. Both your stomach and your heart will be full from this cultural immersion, nature connection, social interaction, and delicious meal.Accommodation - Karongwe Portfolio - Chisomo Safari Camp

9

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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Jump into a safari 4x4 and keep your eyes open for fantastic wildlife encounters. Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and local expert trackers; both will share their vast experience of the African bush.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Southern Sun Rosebank

10

Day 10: Johannesburg

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Similar Tours

Tour Operator

G Adventures

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

Reviews

 

Katrina Jerren  -  Traveled, July 2024

What an amazing experience! I could not have asked for a better driver (Calvin) and CEO (Johannes)! Johannes was well organized, punctual, and on point with communication. The sites, the safaris (worth every early morning start), would not have been the same without Johannes' passion, knowledge, and diplomacy. The cheetah conservation talk was a definite highlight along with the walk in Soweto. The accommodations were great and felt like many efforts were made to make sure I had access to gluten-free food. My one suggestion (and maybe I missed this as I came late to the Welcome meeting) would be to have more optional group dinners in Capetown.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 07/30/2024

 

Lisa  -  Traveled, July 2024

The tour had its ups and downs. It started slow and a bit confusing with transfers and plans on when and where to first meet. The first hotel was fine and the day of touring was ok. The CEO was pedantic, lectured and repeated a lot but he grew on me over the 10 days. He genuinely wanted to serve the group. The optional wine tour was good. The Soweto tour was the first exceptional thing, several days into the tour. But the Holiday Inn and food there was not good. The two nights in Johannesburg were supposed to be a barbecue then African food the second night. Both nights were actually terrible buffet food you’d get at a Holiday Inn in Kansas City. Things finally improved at the Eco Lodge near Krueger. And the nicest place we stayed with the only decent food on the trip was at the Kwawongwe Reserve. Those two days were great. So I don’t think I’ll be taking another G Adventures tour unless you offer something more upscale.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/22/2024

 

Lorna  -  Traveled, April 2024

Itinerary included the important points of interest, guide Deon is efficient, attentive and well informed. The safari guides were outstanding.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 05/13/2024

 

Alison  -  Traveled, November 2023

This tour was one of the greatest travel experiences I've ever had. Our CEO Alfred Dovey led the way throughout South Africa with such care and knowledge about everything we did while providing clear direction of what each plan of the day was and where we needed to be. I feel was was able to see, learn and experience South Africa in a way I could have never done on my own. I highly recommend this G Adventure tour.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 12/18/2023

 

Kim  -  Traveled, July 2023

This was a trip of a lifetime that exceeded our expectations! The animal Interactions were even more exciting than anticipated. The accommodations and food were excellent and our CEO, Gavin was tremendous. The itinerary was seemless, we had fun together as a group. Gavin was knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and kind. He had good connections with people at each stop and everything was very well planned and scheduled. As for going above and beyond, I bought a painting from a local artist and at another stop where there was a gift store, Gavin got me some bubble wrap so I could get my painting home safely. It was a wonderful adventure!

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 08/27/2023

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