Highlights of Southern Africa

G Adventures · 30 days

4.3

20 Reviews

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Duration

30 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

When you put the word “highlights” in the name of a trip, you better be confident that it lives up to the hype. This trip does.

Highlights

Search for the "Big Five" across four countries
Take a nature walk in Matobo National Park
Explore giant sand dunes and Victoria Falls
Meet the San people of the Kalahari Desert

Trip Details

Duration

30 days

Transportation

Plane, air-conditioned touring vehicle, safari vehicles, mokoro, walking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cape Town, South Africa

Finishes

Cape Town, South Africa

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town

Arrive at any time.
There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2: Cape Town

Enjoy a full day in Cape Town with the option to visit Table Mountain, choose to explore Cape Point, or embark on a wine tour around Stellenbosch. In the evening, opt to join your group for meal at one of Cape Town's many great restaurants.

Day 3: Cape Town/Johannesburg

Take a short flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg. In the afternoon, travel to Soweto for a bicycle tour and learn more about its important history and significant role in bringing the issues of segregation to the forefront.

Day 4: Johannesburg/Greater Kruger Area

Take the Panorama Route into the Kruger National Park area. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner and dance experience.

Day 5: Kruger National Park

Enjoy a full day wildlife safari drive in the Kruger NP. Keep an eye out for Africa's famed "big five".
Opt for a wildlife safari drive in an open safari vehicle.

Day 6: Greater Kruger Area

Head north to Timbavati Safari Lodge, for a guided nature walk in search of the small 5. Listening, touching and sensing, can open your world to the real secrets of the African Lowveld.
The lodge is nestled among glades of mature, exquisite indigenous trees, and is a paradise for nature lovers and bird watchers.

Day 7: Greater Kruger Area/Louis Trichardt

Opt for a morning safari drive, or soak up the atmosphere in the camp, before traveling to the next location, in the Louis Trichardt area. Free afternoon to relax by the pool, opt to walk/hike in the property, or learn about South Africa rich history of the Anglo Boer era.

Day 8: Louis Trichardt/Great Zimbabwe Monument Area

Get an earlier start and cross the border into Zimbabwe. Continue on to the Great Zimbabwe Monument.

Day 9: Great Zimbabwe Monument Area/Matobo National Park

Start the day with a visit to the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, Africa's most significant ruins site south of Cairo. Learn the history of the ruins and climb to the citadel for a view over the site. Continue on to Matobo National Park.

Day 10: Matobo National Park

Wake up early and opt to explore ancient cave paintings, hike the unique and stunning landscape, or hang out by the pool. In the afternoon, enjoy an included nature walk, with the opportunity to get up close and personal with the resident wildlife.

Day 11: Matobo National Park/Hwange National Park

Travel to Hwange National Park for an opportunity to spot more wildlife. Opt to enjoy an evening wildlife safari drive in a safari vehicle.

Day 12: Hwange National Park/Victoria Falls

Continue on to Victoria Falls and enjoy lunch at the G Adventurers–supported Lusumpuko Women's Club. Marvel at the spectacular falls from the Zimbabwean side, then enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore further.

Day 13: Victoria Falls

Spend the day exploring your beautiful surroundings. Opt to visit Victoria Falls, go whitewater rafting, or take a helicopter flight over the falls.
The town of Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls, raft the whitewater of the mighty Zambezi, and for the more adventurous, bungee jump with Victoria Falls in view.

Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.

Day 14: Victoria Falls/Kasane

Cross the border into Botswana, and stay in Kasane, just outside of Chobe NP. Try to spot the elephants, crocodiles, and hippos this region is famous for during an optional sundowner cruise.
Drive to the border and cross from Zimbabwe into Botswana. Continue to the Kasane area, outside the gates of Chobe National Park, home to the largest elephant population in Southern Africa.

Opt to check out one of Botswana's national parks and its thousands of resident elephants, crocodiles, and hippos on a sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River.

Day 15: Kasane/Nata

Opt to rise early for sunrise and marvel at your surroundings as you set out on an optional safari drive in Chobe National Park. Travel to Nata and watch elephants drinking at the watering hole while you dip in the pool on the property, or grab a sundowner at the bar area.

Day 16: Nata/Maun

Prepare for a 1-night/2-day journey into the delta.
Travel to Maun, the biggest town in the Okavango Delta area, pick up any supplies needed, and prepare for the journey into the Okavango Delta.

Day 17: Okavango Delta

Enjoy wildlife walks, traditional mokoro excursions, and birding. Learn the ways of the bush from the local polers.
The excursion begins with a drive in customized safari vehicles for about 1-2 hrs to the "dock" to board a mokoro (canoe) that takes us deep into the delta. After a 1-2 hrs in the mokoro, arrive to the basic bush camp.

In the evening, watch a traditional dance performance.

Day 18: Maun/Ghanzi

Hop into a mokoro with your friends on the way back to Maun. Search for wildlife in the reeds along the river as you make your way back towards civilization. Zoom through the western part of Botswana to Ghanzi; the heart of the Kalahari. Catch a glimpse of how the Indigenous San Bushmen adapted to the Kalahari Desert on a bushman walk. They will teach you about wilderness survival skills in a place that seems uninhabitable.

Then while the day comes to an end, enjoy the warm hospitality of the San Bushmen as the group will be staying at the G Adventures-supported Dqae Qare San Lodge & Camp. The best part? You are making a difference in the lives of this community just by enjoying your time at camp. So sit back, allow yourself to become immersed in their history and culture, sit around the fire, and simply enjoy the moment.
Enjoy the sunrise in the delta before travelling back to Maun by mokoro. Travel along the northern portions of the Kalahari Desert throughout the day – this is a severely arid and barren landscape, though very beautiful.

Arrive in the late afternoon and camp in the Ghanzi area.

Day 19: Ghanzi/Windhoek

Travel to Windhoek, the German-influenced capital city of Namibia.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.

Day 20: Windhoek/Etosha National Park

Visit the G Adventures supported Penduka Village Restaurant & Shop, just outside of Windhoek, to pick up a tasty packed lunch, then continue up to Etosha National Park. Enjoy an afternoon wildlife safari drive in our touring vehicle, then opt to explore more on an open vehicle night drive.
Leave Windhoek and head north through the Namibian countryside to Etosha National Park and enjoy a wildlife safari drive in our touring vehicle. Keep an eye out for lions, giraffes, elephants, and antelopes. After sunset, some animals may head to the watering holes near the campground.

Day 21: Etosha National Park

Enjoy another wildlife safari drive in our touring vehicle and keep your eyes peeled for some of the famous wildlife.

Day 22: Etosha National Park/Swakopmund

Sit back and watch the stunning desert landscape go by enroute to western Namibia.
Watch the beautiful desert landscape go by en route to western Namibia.

Spend two nights in the area exploring this historical town or trying some of the numerous activities available, such as sandboarding or a skydiving.

Swakopmund has bizarre lunar landscapes, unforgettable sunsets, and prehistoric Welwitchia plants.

Day 23: Swakopmund

Spend a day exploring all the area has to offer. Optional activities include sandboarding, skydiving, and a township tour.

Day 24: Swakopmund/Namib Desert

Travel into the beautiful Namib Desert, stopping at Walvis Bay on the way.
Get a real feel for the Namib Desert as we spend hours crossing this empty region.

En route, take a coffee break in Solitaire, a mystical village consisting of a filling station, a general dealer/coffee shop, and a small mechanical workshop. Drive through Walvis Bay, the only town on the Namibian coastline that boasts a deep sea harbor.

Arrive in the area in the late afternoon, where the towering red sand dunes of Sossusvlei form the gateway into the Namib Desert.

Day 25: Namib Desert

Visit Sossusvlei Dunes and Sesriem Canyon, and climb the towering Dune 45. Opt to visit Deadvlei.
Enjoy a visit to Sossusvlei, a clay pan enclosed by the world's largest sand dunes, up to 300m (984 ft) high. Here, use some free time to enjoy the sand dunes on your own. Visit the Sesriem Canyon, a small canyon typical of the area.

Day 26: Namib Desert/Keetmanshoop

Continue south through the Namib Desert to Keetmanshoop, enjoying dramatic Namibian landscapes along the way. In the afternoon enjoy a visit to the rare Quiver Tree Forest.

Day 27: Keetmanshoop/Orange River

Early start and visit the geological formation: Giant's Playground. Drive South and later in the day visit the breathtaking Fish River Canyon. Then, continue on to the banks of the Orange River with time to swim or just relax. Enjoy the beautiful scenery in this part of the country.

Day 28: Orange River/Lambert's Bay

Cross the border into South Africa and continue down the coast to Lambert's Bay, stopping along the way for an included wine tasting. Then, opt to visit Bird Island or stroll through this charming town.
We head towards the coast again and on to Lambert's Bay, a picturesque town on the west coast of South Africa.

Enjoy an included wine tasting at Lambert's Bay. Learn how to analyze your palates, listen to your taste buds, and how to pair your food with the best wine raised in the foothills of the Cederburg Mountains.

In the afternoon, opt to visit the well known Bird Island where you can find more than 25,000 blue-eyed gannets at certain times of the year. Penguins also gather on this island for breeding between August and October.

Opt to stroll through this lovely town, visiting unique artisan shops and boutiques.

Day 29: Lambert's Bay/Cape Town

Continue on the last stretch of the trip to lovely Cape Town. Stop at the G Adventures supported !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre along the way, then get ready to explore the vibrant streets of this scenic coastal city.
While travelling towards Cape Town, through Namaqualand, keep an eye out for fields of Namaqualand daisies (in season August and September).

Cape Town has many different options should you book extra time to explore after the tour.

Visit Table Mountain, explore Cape Point (Cape of Good Hope), or join a wine tour in and around Stellenbosch (45 min drive). Visit the old French Huguenot town of Franschoek and surroundings (1 hr drive). For the truly adventurous, try skydiving, abseiling, or even cage diving, for a close encounter with the great white sharks.

Opt to wander through the city centre, which has some of the oldest buildings and gardens in South Africa (Botanical Gardens and Parliament Gardens), or visit the Cultural Historical Museum, Planetarium, and numerous other small museums and theaters.

Day 30: Cape Town

Depart at any time.
We highly recommend booking post-accommodation to fully enjoy this city.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

From
AUD $11299

AUD $9,039

(Tour only)

Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 30 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

When you put the word “highlights” in the name of a trip, you better be confident that it lives up to the hype. This trip does.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 29 Dec 2025

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Patricia G.

Traveled, June 2024

07/17/2024

We had a fantastic experience, and in many ways it exceeded our expectations. The excursions were exciting, informative and well-planned. The accommodations were wonderful. The bus and drivers were outstanding.

4.0

Jennifer S.

Traveled, June 2024

07/17/2024

I had a wonderful time! It was my first solo trip and also my first trip with gadventures, will not be my last!

Tour Operator

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

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