Journeys: Explore Southern Africa (2024)

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12 days, Cape Town to Victoria Falls

Journeys: Explore Southern Africa (3)

Journeys: Explore Southern Africa (4)

  • Overview
  • Full itinerary
  • Tour details

On this extraordinary adventure through southern Africa, journey from glittering Cape Town to the vast wilderness of Kruger National Park—home of the legendary "big five". Visit Soweto township, where Nelson Mandela once lived; enjoy a homemade dinner with a local family in a Zimbabwean village; and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

12 days - Cape Town to Victoria Falls

From$4674USD

was $5499

Valid on Jul 20 2024

Trip Code: DSLNG

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Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 12.

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

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12 days - Cape Town to Victoria Falls

From$4674USD

was $5499

Valid on Jul 20 2024

Trip Code: DSLNG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Save 15% - Departure date Jul 20, 2024

Save 15% - Select Departures Sep07 - Nov02,2024

ExpiresonJul01,202403:59UTC

PromoCodeG24SDT015NGJ06

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Learn more

Trees planted for this trip: 12

87

Ripple Score

Create ripples that change lives. The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Learn more

Ripple Score for this trip: 87

Highlights from Journeys: Explore Southern Africa

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It’s hard to imagine a greater spectacle than Botswana’s Okavango Delta, a wetland oasis in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. The delta is born of a river flowing from the highlands of Angola, never finding its way to the sea. The delta waxes and wanes with the river’s pulses, creating a complex rhythm of life.” —Frans Lanting, contributing photographer for National Geographic magazine

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    Journeys: Explore Southern Africa (6)

    Places visited

    • South Africa
    • Zimbabwe
    Itinerary Notes

    There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see here for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.

    Please note that if you opt to go on the Chobe National Park Full Day Excursion then your visit to Victoria Falls will happen on the final morning of tour. Please book any onward travel no earlier than 11AM.

    Itinerary

    Day 1Cape Town

    Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

    Day 2Cape 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.

    Exclusive Inclusions:

    Your Journeys Highlight Moment Kirstenbosch Guided Walk

    Meals included:

    Breakfast

    Day 3Cape 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.

    Meals included:

    Breakfast

    Day 4Cape 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. In the evening, enjoy a traditional South African dinner with your fellow travellers.

    Exclusive Inclusions:

    Your Foodie Moment Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue)

    Meals included:

    Breakfast | Dinner

    Day 5Johannesburg/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

    Day 6Kruger 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.

    Meals included:

    Breakfast | Dinner

    Day 7Greater 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 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.

    Exclusive Inclusions:

    Your Journeys Highlight Moment Carnivore Conservation Experience

    Meals included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 8Karongwe 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.

    Exclusive Inclusions:

    Your Foodie Moment Boma Braai

    Meals included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 9Karongwe 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

    Day 10Johannesburg/Victoria Falls

    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.

    Exclusive Inclusions:

    Your Journeys Highlight Moment Zimbabwean Family Dinner

    Meals included:

    Breakfast | Dinner

    Day 11Victoria Falls

    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; and much more.

    Meals included:

    Breakfast

    Day 12Victoria Falls

    Depart at any time.

    Meals included:

    Breakfast

    View full itinerary

    What's Included

    • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Kirstenbosch Guided Walk, Cape Town
    • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Carnivore Conservation Experience, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
    • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Zimbabwean Family Dinner, Victoria Falls
    • Your Foodie Moment: Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue), Johannesburg
    • Your Foodie Moment: Boma Braai, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
    • Arrival transfer
    • Orientation tour of Cape Town
    • Excursion to Cape Point including the penguins at Boulders Beach
    • Soweto tour
    • Panorama Route scenic drive with entrances
    • Kruger National Park wildlife safari drive in open vehicle
    • Private nature reserve wildlife safari drive in open safari vehicles
    • Tour of Victoria Falls
    • Internal flights
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

    Accommodations

    Hotel (5 nts), Lodge (4 nts), Comfortable tent or chalets (2 nts).

    Meals

    11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 dinners
    Allow USD245-320 for meals not included.

    Transportation

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

    Staff & experts

    Local CEO (Chief Experience Officer) in Cape Town and Victoria Falls, CEO (Chief Experience Officer) for the Kruger portion, local guides/rangers.

    Available extras(Add these to your tour when you book)

    Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park - From $202.00

    Depart Victoria Falls in the morning for a full-day guided tour of Chobe National Park in Botswana - a wildlife-abundant region covering about 11,700km² of the Northern Kalahari. Begin your adventure with a cruise down the Chobe River, taking in the sweeping views and witnessing the wildlife grazing along the riverbank. Enjoy an included lunch on land before boarding 4x4 safari vehicles for an afternoon wildlife safari drive with an expert guide. Keep an eye out for lions, elephants, and buffalos. Transfer back to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, arriving in the early evening. Please note that this activity includes two border crossings between Zimbabwe and Botswana. The ordering of activities is susceptible to change.** Please note that you need to get a double-entry visa or a Univisa when arriving in Zimbabwe to ensure you can return again without needing to pay an extra visa fee.

    Zambezi River Sunset Cruise - From $73.00

    Climb aboard and cruise along the beautiful Zambezi River. Enjoy some snacks, drinks, a festive atmosphere, and gorgeous views of the sunset. It's the ideal way to end an eventful day in Victoria Falls.Please note that National Park Fees are included at 10 USD per person.

    South African Wine Tour and Tasting - From $76.00

    Take a day trip into the wine lands of South Africa with an expert guide. Visit iconic estates and lesser-visited farms only known to locals in the Stellenbosch area. Indulge in tastings and pairings with cheeses, chocolate, and local delicacies such as Biltong (salted meat). Walk through vineyards and cellars for an all encompassing look at wine production, and learn about the history of this region. Gesondheid!PLEASE NOTE that if this activity is listed on the first or last day of the itinerary you will need to book a pre-night or post-night with a sales representative as the wine tour begins at 8 am.

    Departures

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    Make it a private tour

    Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

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    Journeys: Explore Southern Africa

    | 12 days - Cape Town to Victoria Falls - from $4674 USD

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  • Journeys: Explore Southern Africa (2024)

    FAQs

    How many days are enough for South Africa? ›

    If you've got up to three weeks for your South Africa trip, you really can see it all, from the penguins of Boulders Beach to the wineries of Stellenbosch and all the wild animals in between. Our advice though is to spend ten days getting to know the country.

    Is 9 days in South Africa enough? ›

    With nine days, you can see three of South Africa's regions or national parks, or focus on one area like the Western Cape, including the Winelands or a scenic drive along the Garden Route.

    Is it safe to travel to South Africa right now? ›

    Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime and civil unrest. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as armed robbery, rape, carjacking, mugging, and "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles, is common. There is a higher risk of violent crime in the central business districts of major cities after dark.

    Which tour is best for South Africa? ›

    Food & Wine Tours + Safaris in South Africa
    • Bush and Beach Combo in South Africa's Kruger & Mozambique. Duration: 9 Days | Locations: 2. Spot the Big 5 on game drives | Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp. ...
    • The Ultimate Tour of South Africa. Duration: 10 Days | Locations: 4. Spend time in a pristine wilderness | Kwandwe Fort House.

    Which is the best time to go to South Africa? ›

    The best time to visit South Africa is from May to September, as the cooler winter months in the northern regions bring superb conditions for viewing big game. It can be rainy from November to February, but this is the best time to travel for birding, and temperatures remain warm at 22°C to 33°C.

    How much should I budget for a trip to South Africa? ›

    A one week trip to South Africa usually costs around $628 (R11,573) for one person and $1,257 (R23,146) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. A two week trip to South Africa on average costs around $1,257 (R23,146) for one person and $2,513 (R46,291) for two people.

    What injections do I need for South Africa? ›

    Courses or boosters usually advised: Diphtheria; Hepatitis A. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tetanus; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: none.

    Is Cape Town safe for white tourists? ›

    General safety in Cape Town

    Tourist crime is relatively low, and as long as you exercise caution, use common sense, and stick to the tourist-approved neighbourhoods, you should have little problems with safety in Cape Town.

    Is South Africa cheap or expensive? ›

    The country has long had a reputation for being affordable. Accommodations and food are particularly good value, especially in the upper ranges of the market, with prices at luxury hotels and restaurants considerably less than those at their European and North American counterparts.

    What is the number one tourist attraction in Africa? ›

    1. Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) Topping many safari-goers' list of best places to visit in Africa, the Serengeti is Tanzania's oldest and largest national park.

    Which tour agency is best for South Africa? ›

    List of South Africa travel companies & tour operators with 190619 reviews
    • Earthstompers Adventures. View All Tours. ...
    • National Geographic Journey… View All Tours. ...
    • Wanderful Holidays LLC. View All Tours. ...
    • Trafalgar. View All Tours. ...
    • Cape Xtreme. View All Tours. ...
    • Hotspots2c. View All Tours. ...
    • Wingbuddy. View All Tours. ...
    • G Adventures.

    Can you do South Africa in 10 days? ›

    South Africa is a large country, but with 10 days, you see quite a bit, from the southern Cape provinces to Kruger National Park in the north. Or you can focus your energy on getting to know a particular region like Cape Town, the neighboring Winelands, and the coastal Garden Route in-depth.

    Is 1 week enough in South Africa? ›

    A week is long enough to sample South Africa's urban and natural wonders. Our safari and the city itinerary starts with four nights in Cape Town, which you can discover on walking tours with a local.

    How many days do you need for a safari in South Africa? ›

    For a well-rounded and rewarding safari experience, the ideal number of days for a safari getaway is anywhere between 7 – 15 days. While this is a great benchmark for safari-goers, it varies from one traveler to the next depending on their travel requirements.

    How long do tourists stay in South Africa? ›

    Visitors Visas are for international travellers (citizens of other countries) who have permanent residence outside South Africa and who wish to visit the country on a temporary 90 day Visitor's Visa. A Visitor Visa is usually valid for 3 months unless the visa has been applied for on other grounds.

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