Journeys: Southern Africa Highlights

G Adventures · 21 days

1.8

2 Reviews

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Duration

21 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

From multicultural cities to awe-inspiring landscapes and iconic wildlife, discover southern Africa’s most incredible attractions on one epic journey.

Highlights

Take in dramatic landscapes of Namibia's coastal deserts
Discover the thunderous wonder of Victoria Falls
Meet a researcher from the Carnivore Conservation Programme
Enjoy a scenic drive along South Africa's Panorama Route
Stroll through magnficent Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Trip Details

Duration

21 days

Transportation

Air-conditioned touring vehicle, 4x4, open safari vehicle, plane, walking.

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cape Town, South Africa

Finishes

Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

National Geographic Journey

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Day 10: Johannesburg/Windhoek

Fly to Windhoek and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time to explore the Namibian capital this afternoon.

Day 11: Windhoek/Sesriem

Set off from the Namibian capital towards Sesriem, the gateway to jaw-dropping Namib-Naukluft National Park. Drive past red-hued desertscapes, stark camel thorn trees, and dramatic curved dunes while keeping an eye out for the astonishing creatures that call these arid lands home—the oryx, springbok, jackal, hyena, and more. Settle in to our lodge and relax poolside, watching a fiery crimson sunset over the desert.
Enjoy postcard perfect desert scenery around Sesriem and Sossusvlei - vast desertscapes of reds and orange, stark camel thorn trees and towering dunes with dramatic curved ridges. Also keep an eye out for the surprising amount of wildlife that call this area home such as oryx, springbok, jackal, ground squirrel and hyena.

Day 12: Sesriem

Embark on a thrilling excursion into one of Africa's largest national parks. Explore the Namib desert, the oldest desert in the world; and venture to the massive dunes at Sossusvlei and the white clay pan of Deadvlei. Capture dramatic images of dead camel thorn trees against a backdrop of orange dunes and a crisp blue sky. Then visit the Sesriem Canyon, a natural gorge carved out by the Tsauchab River over millions of years.

Day 13: Sesriem/Swakopmund

Continue by road through changing desert landscapes towards the coastal city of Swakopmund. Look out for roaming zebra, kudu, springbok, and oryx on the way and stop at a local bakery renowned for its delicious homemade apple pies. Enjoy one of these tasty, fresh baked treats before the group gathers with our local guide for the bushman walk through the desert. Along the walk, learn about the survival strategies of bushmen who lived in this inhospitable area thousands of years ago and search for the smaller wildlife that has managed to survive here, such as snakes, geckos, spiders, and an array of insects. Continue on to Swakopmund later in the day for free time, or join an orientation walk. Dinner will be at your leisure with options in town and at the hotel.

Day 14: Swakopmund

Rise early for breakfast at the hotel. Our local guide will meet the group there before beginning our excursion to Sandwich Harbour and the Skeleton Coast. Travel on scenic roads to Walvis Bay while our guide provides background information on the Namib Desert landscape and wildlife. After stopping at a few different viewpoints the group will enter Namib Naukluft Park, and depending on the tide, drive along the beach to Sandwich Harbour. Enjoy a deeper immersion into this ever shifting environment on an exhilarating 4x4 ride through the towering dunes. Stop for lunch along the route at a private location in the park to fully appreciate the desert meeting the ocean.

This afternoon, take a tour of Mondesa township with a local guide, learning about its people and history. Visit the local market for an introduction to traditional foods such as wild spinach, mopane worms, and dried sardines or kapenta. Stop by an arts and crafts shop; chat with the locals; and round off the day with dinner and a performance at a cozy family-run establishment.

Day 15: Swakopmund

Enjoy a free morning in Swakopmund, getting a taste of the town's unique Afro-German culture; or opt to try different activities like, sandboarding in the Namib desert, sea kayaking, or a fat tire bike tour of Old City Swakopmund. In the evening, come together as a group for an included dinner at the hotel.
Explore the town's unique mix of German and African culture and opt to visit curio shops, the museum and restaurants. Optional activities include sandboarding.

Day 16: Swakopmund/Etosha National Park Area

Depart from Swakopmund right after breakfast and travel towards Etosha National Park, arguably Namibia's most spectacular wildlife sanctuary. Stop in Outjo for a refreshing break in this charming town before continuing your journey to Etosha National Park. Opt to enjoy lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurants, savor a taste of Namibian hospitality, and stretch those legs. Continue onwards to our lodge, located outside of the park and spend the evening at leisure, or on an optional wildlife drive in the surrounding area.

Day 17: Etosha National Park Area

Spend a full day on safari in Etosha National Park, where open grasslands converge on a massive salt pan. Etosha harbours some of the largest populations of lions, elephants, and other endangered species, so keep your camera on the ready as you explore in your open vehicle. Enjoy lunch at one of the park's rest areas, where you can also take a swim; and sit back and watch all manner of creatures—including hundreds of species of birds—flock to the nearby watering hole.
After the vast desert, Etosha National Park, offers a contrast of wide open grasslands, a massive salt pan that covers 4731km² and tall camel thorn trees intermixed with Mopani trees. With a combination of natural waterholes, and diverse vegetation, wildlife flock to the park. Some of the largest elephants in Africa can be found in areas of thicker vegetation, as well as leopards. Lions, giraffe, ostrich and many antelope species can be found in the grasslands, while birders will love the salt pans which attract flamingos in the rainy season. More than 340 bird species have been counted in Etosha National Park including the European bee-eater, the kori bustard and numerous migratory birds.

Day 18: Etosha National Park Area/Windhoek

After breakfast, visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund, a global research and education center founded by National Geographic Grantee Dr Laurie Marker. Tour the facility to learn about the important conservation and community outreach work they do to protect the world's fastest land animal, and enjoy a talk by one of the researchers. Then head out on a drive through the grounds to meet some of the center's rescued and rehabilitated cheetahs. Continue to Windhoek for our final evening.

Day 19: Windhoek/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 and missionary David Livingstone renamed the falls after Queen Victoria when he first saw them in 1855.

Day 20: Victoria 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 to take a day trip to wildlife-rich Chobe National Park or enjoy a sunset river cruise.

Day 21: Victoria Falls

Depart at any time.

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 $13999

AUD $11,899

(Tour only)

Offer ends 01 Oct, 2025 Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 21 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

From multicultural cities to awe-inspiring landscapes and iconic wildlife, discover southern Africa’s most incredible attractions on one epic journey.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 09 Feb 2026

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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

1.5

MaryWiltshire

Traveled, August 2022

09/01/2022

Just started this tour this week. The bus tour of Cape Town and to Cape of Good Hope excellent. Tour guide dedicated, hardworking knows her country and is passionate about it. Wine tour excellent. Choice of guides for tours so far are good. Now the cons. We booked small group, max 12 and upon arriving to Johannesburg to do the Kruger, Karongwe we find they have combined us with another tour and there are now 16. Not the smaller number we booked for 21 days. It seems they have no obligation to their itinerary booking so do not trust what you read or are told. So far have not heard their solution. The van does not have a working microphone and several seats are unusable due to wheel protrusion. When taking first tour in Cape Town van arrived with dirty windows. Will see what takes place for the next 18 days.

2.0

kathy

Traveled, July 2018

07/25/2018

Overall we had a good time, but do not waste your money booking Victoria Falls with G Adventures. We were a group of four travelling as part of 12 - 14 people for 21 days. Started in Cape Town, then on to Kruger National Park, Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Namibia, including Etosha National Park and then onto Victoria Falls. The transportation was the most disappointing aspect of this trip. The driver drove to fast for the dirt roads in Namibia, we hit a lot of dips which made us get air and then get slammed back into our seats. We had our seat belts on, luckily. My husband got the worst of it, he could not even go on the game drives in Etosha the next day. He had to stay in bed on pain killers to elevate the pain. We had a 15 year old young man who complained about his back until Victoria Falls due to the Roads and another who had to spend a day in the passenger seat by the driver again due to the day before and the bad driving. They tried to justify the speed saying it would be worst if we slowed down, we insisted and the driver slowed down and man what a different, was so much better. We also though based on our itinerary showing Windhoek to Victoria Falls we were on a direct flight to Victoria Falls. Wrong, we had to get up and be gone from the hotel at 5:00 a.m. to get to the airport for a flight to Johannesburg, 2 hour wait before continuing onto Victoria Falls. There was a direct flight to Victoria Falls which left 5 minutes before our flight to Johannesburg. So disappointing as by the time we arrived at the hotel and got checked in we only had a few hours in the evening. The cost of purchasing this trip from G Adventures is not worth it. Booking it ourselves would of saved us time and money. Do your research and go on your own and enjo

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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