Cape Town
3 nights
10 daysSouth Africa
Journeys: Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park is a 10-day guided tour with National Geographic Expeditions through South Africa. 174 departures are open from Nov 16, 2026 to Dec 22, 2028. The lowest current price is $4,086 per person (twin share), for the Jan 6, 2027 departure. Included: Accommodation: Hotel – 5 nts, Lodge – 2 nts, Comfortable tent or chalets – 2 nts, 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 and 10 more.
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.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Depart at any time.
Cape Town
3 nights
Cape Town/Johannesburg
2 nights
Johannesburg/Greater Kruger Area
2 nights
Greater Kruger Area/Karongwe Private Game Reserve
2 nights
Whale and Bird Watching at Dyer Island
Paid on tour
Two Oceans Aquarium
Paid on tour
Table Mountain Cable Car
Paid on tour
South African Wine Tour and Tasting
Per person, twin share
The lowest current price is $4,086 per person (Jan 6, 2027 departure). Prices are per person, twin share, and depend on the departure date; the page lists every date with its price.
January 2027 has the lowest current price, from $4,086 per person, among 24 months with priced departures.
174 departures are open in November 2026, December 2026, January 2027, February 2027, March 2027, April 2027, May 2027 and June 2027 and later. Departures marked "On request" are confirmed by an advisor.
Accommodation: Hotel – 5 nts, Lodge – 2 nts, Comfortable tent or chalets – 2 nts, 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 and 4 more. Not included: Airfare to and from destination, Minimum medical and emergency evacuation insurance, Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance, Visas, Any activity not described in What's Included, Meals on your own and Gratuities.
The 10-day itinerary visits Cape Town, Cape Town/Johannesburg, Johannesburg/Greater Kruger Area, Kruger National Park, Greater Kruger Area/Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Karongwe Private Game Reserve, Karongwe Private Game Reserve/Johannesburg and Johannesburg.
Hotels on this tour: The Portswood Hotel, Cape Town, Southern Sun Rosebank, Cape Town/Johannesburg, Umbhaba Eco Lodge, Johannesburg/Greater Kruger Area and Karongwe Portfolio - Chisomo Safari Camp, Greater Kruger Area/Karongwe Private Game Reserve.
Send a request and an advisor confirms the current fare and availability and books it for you. You do not pay on the website. Prices are read from the supplier and shown only while they are less than 14 days old, so a price on this page is never older than that. The final price is confirmed when you book.