What's Included:
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Guided Tour, 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
Arrival transfer
Orientation tour of Cape Town
Excursion to Cape Point including the penguins at Boulders Beach
Soweto tour
Panorama Route scenic drive
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
Day 1 Arrive in Cape Town at any time. Arrival transfer is included. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting 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 Cresta Grande Cape Town (or similar)
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 southwesternmost point in Africa. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Accommodation Cresta Grande Cape Town (or similar)
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.
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.
If you are interested in visiting Robben Island - you must book it directly with the museum on their website prior to travel: http://www.robben-island.org.za Due to high demand, it is common that this tour can be sold out over one month in advance.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Accommodation Cresta Grande Cape Town (or similar)
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. In the evening, enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) with your fellow travellers.
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner. Accommodation Safari Club SA (or similar)
Day 5 Johannesburg/Greater Kruger Area
Set out towards Kruger National Park via the magnificent Panorama Route in a Private vehicle, 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. Today is a very long driving day; however, we will make many stops along the way at sites along the Panorama Route.
7 - 8.5 hour drive
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation Hippo Hollow Country Estate (or similar)
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
Accommodation Hippo Hollow Country Estate (or similar)
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.
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).
Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and local expert trackers who will share their vast experience of the African bush.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner Accommodation 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. 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. Afternoon Relax and enjoy some down time between wildlife safari drives 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.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner Accommodation Karongwe Private Game Reserve - Lodges (or similar)
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 local guest house.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle as we head back to Johannesburg
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation Safari Club SA (or similar)
Day 10 Johannesburg/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.
The mist off Victoria Falls can rise to a height of more than 400m (1312 ft). Local tribes used to call the falls Mosi-o-Tunya or “the smoke that thunders.” Explorer
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation Cresta Sprayview Hotel (or similar)
Day 11 Victoria Falls
Join a knowledgeable guide for an unforgettable experience at Victoria Falls. Explore the rainforest and learn about the geology, history, and local legends of this world wonder. After your immersion, get up close to the falls and discover the beauty of “the smoke that thunders.” Be sure to have your camera ready!
If you have an activity planned for this morning, we will reschedule your Falls tour for this afternoon, or tomorrow morning.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation Cresta Sprayview Hotel (or similar)
Day 12
Depart at any time
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.
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.
Table Mountain Cable Car
1-2hour 300-390ZAR per person
Take the five-minute cable car trip to the top of Table Mountain, 1,085m (3,562ft) above Cape Town, and explore the summit. This is a great spot to sit and soak up the commanding 360-degree views of Cape Town, Table Bay, the peaks of surrounding mountains, and the rest of Table Mountain National Park.
Shark Cage Diving
2850ZAR per person
Marine Dynamics specializes in cage-diving excursions to view great white sharks in Gansbaai, South Africa. They’re among the area’s foremost experts on these massive creatures and are passionate advocates for conservation and ethical diving practices. Opt to get up close with a great white on this once-in-a-lifetime activity
Two Oceans Aquarium
1-2hours 220ZAR per person
Stay dry while exploring the incredible diversity of marine life that dwells in and around the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
Cape Winelands Tour
8-9hours 950ZAR per person
Take a full day guided tour of three different South African wine regions, including a visit to the historical Dutch Capital of Stellenbosch. Explore an old wine estate on a guided cellar tour, and indulge in multiple tastings and pairings of chocolate, cheese, and the local delicacy, Biltong (salted meat). Take in the picturesque surroundings and enjoy a traditional South African lunch before returning to your hotel in Cape Town.
Whale and Bird Watching at Dyer Island
2-2hours30m 1890ZAR per person
Venture out from Kleinbaai harbour to Dyer Island, a protected nature reserve, with local marine guide. Visit Geyser rock, home to a cape fur seal colony of around 60,000, and see the Africa penguins that inhabit Dyer Island. Traverse the renowned 'shark alley' to try and spot great white sharks and visit areas in the bay for the most ideal vantage points for spotting whales.
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.
Tour: 1-2hours
Your Foodie Moment: Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue) Enjoy a spread of grilled meats, vegetables and homemade salads, and talk with your friendly hosts about life in South Africa.
Meet with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Cheetah Metapopulation Project, a project managed by National Geographic grantee Vincent van der Merwe. A member of Vincent's team will give a talk about cheetahs in South Africa and the important research CMP 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.
Flatter Ncube is the head of her family which includes two sisters and numerous children. She’s the youngest of a family of 10 and, now in her early 40s, lives in the village she was raised in near Victoria Falls. There she takes care of her extended family on their homestead, which she and they have been proudly building by hand, brick by brick, for years. Flatter’s story highlights that life isn’t easy in Africa, but despite its challenges, there is much love and laughter and a strong sense of family here.
Visit Flatter’s homestead in her rural village; meet her and some of her family, and walk with some of them throughout the property, among the fruit and vegetable plants the family grows for consumption. (They even plant hot chillies among the vegetables to discourage nosy elephants.) Then help the family prepare a traditional Zimbabwean dinner, which we'll all eat together outside on the property, weather permitting. Ingredients for the meal will have been hand-selected earlier in the day, at the bustling and friendly local village market.
This experience offers great insight into typical African life, and ultimately reinforce how we all really want and need the same things in life: a stable home full of love, a good education, and plenty of opportunity for our children.
Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting
4-7hours 135USD per person
Take the opportunity to go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River while Victoria Falls roars above. Depart in the morning and navigate through the canyon that forms the famous falls. The dramatic rapids will fill you with excitement and complete your experience. Includes a full-day of rafting on class III-V rapids, transfers, and lunch. Please note: River conditions and activity pricing vary depending on the seasons. High water season is from about February to July. Low water season generally runs from August to January each year - this is when the Zambezi is at its very wildest. The "closed season" is dependent on the season’s rains, and usually is from March to April; during this time rafting on the river is not permitted. Additionally, this activity requires passengers to hike down and up the Batoka Gorge (approx. 45 minutes each way) to access the river; an average level of fitness is required. This activity price excludes a $10 park entrance fee
Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
50USD per person
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.
Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride
You don't want to miss the opportunity to see Victoria Falls from above. Watch the Zambezi River make its way toward the gorge and form the largest waterfall in the world. During your 15-minute ride, you will have time to take in the incredible views over the falls, Livingstone Island, and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park while snapping as many pictures as you like. You may be lucky enough to see some giraffes and elephants in the surrounding landscape and even catch a rainbow over the falls. Includes pick-up and drop-off from hotel Please note there is a cost for an additional park fee paid for on-site at time of the activity
15 minute flight: $165 USD per person
25 minute flight: $299 USD per person
Canoeing the Zambezi
165USD per person
Opt to canoe above the Falls on the upper Zambezi for a unique and tranquil bird and animal sighting experience.
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found by clicking on the link.
South Africa: If you are a passport holder of the following countries/areas you do not need a visa for stays of LESS THAN 90 days: African Union / Unity Laissez Passes, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Paraguay, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Spain, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Venezuela, United States of America, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica
ZImbabwe: ***Canadian Passport holders can ONLY get a Single entry Zimbabwe Visa at the port of Entry
We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least six months before departure. Travellers should also carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling with the group. Your tour leader will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality).
Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor. These may include:
Routine Vaccines (Measles, MMR, Mumps, DTaP)
Hepatitis AB Vaccine: 3 doses in 6 months (recommended at least 2 doses before you depart)
Malaria: Anti-Malaria Prophylaxis
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is present in some regions in Africa. Risk of malaria can increase during periods of heavy rain, during the rainy seasons, and in densely populated areas of Southern & East Africa. To prevent malaria, we recommend speaking to your doctor about taking preventative medication (prophylaxis), combined with regular use of insect repellent spray/cream. Please check updated travel health advisories specific to malaria before your departure.
Typhoid
Travelers' diarrhea antibiotic
Optional: Rabies and Polio Vaccine's
Currently, to travel to South Africa and Zimbabwe, a Yellow Fever Certificate is not required.
Please contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information and recommendations
• Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/ plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable) • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket