Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park

7 Days
From CAD $3,074 Was CAD $4,099
Best Rate
Guarantee
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(3 reviews)

Experience Overview

Explore the Greater Kruger area on an exhilarating journey to South Africa. Travel along the jaw-dropping Panorama Route; track elephants, lions, and cheetahs at one of the continent’s most celebrated national parks; and venture out on safari with a researcher from the Cheetah Range Expansion Project, part of National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative. Spend the evenings relaxing at your scenic safari lodges, taking in the spectacular African sunset from the deck.

Highlights

  • Enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue)
  • Embark on an incredible wildlife safari drive inside Kruger National Park
  • Meet researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Carnivore Conservation Programme

Trip Details

Product CodeProduct Code: 2040

Tour TypeTour Type: Small Group

AccommodationAccommodation: Moderate

TransportTransport: Air-conditioned touring vehicle, open safari vehicle, walking.

Guide LanguageGuide Language: English

Travel StylesTravel Styles: National Geographic Journey

Supplier CodeSupplier Code: DSENG

StartStarts: Johannesburg, South Africa

FinishFinishes: Johannesburg, South Africa

DurationDuration: 7 days

DeparturesDepartures: Guaranteed

Physical RatingPhysical rating: Light

Includes

Activities

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Carnivore Conservation Experience, Karongwe Private Game Reserve Your Foodie Moment: Boma Braai, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
  • Arrival transfer
  • Panorama Route scenic drive with entrances
  • Kruger National Park and private nature reserve wildlife safari drives in open vehicles
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

  • Hotel – 2 nts, lodge – 2 nts, comfortable tent or chalets – 2 nts.
  • 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

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

Group Leader

  • National Geographic Expedition Leader throughout, local guides/rangers.

Price

Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3074 (CAD $439 /day)

Itinerary

1

Day 1: Johannesburg

Arrive at any time and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a dinner with your fellow travellers tonight.
Our accommodation is in the Rosebank area, just north of central Johannesburg. The hotel is conveniently located, should you have additional time. Taxi's can be easily arranged to get you around.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.Activity - The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your Expedition Leader will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.Accommodation - Southern Sun Rosebank

2

Day 2: 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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy a scenic drive along the famed Panorama Route. You’ll see magnificent mountains, panoramic passes, valleys, and waterfalls. There will also be stops at Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and God's Window.Accommodation - Umbhaba Eco Lodge

3

Day 3: 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

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras, and many other species in this impressive South African national park.Accommodation - Umbhaba Eco Lodge

4

Day 4: 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).

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Meet with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Cheetah Range Expansion Project. Listen to a talk about cheetahs here and the important research this project 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.Accommodation - Karongwe Portfolio - Chisomo Safari Camp

5

Day 5: 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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Jump into a safari 4x4 and keep your eyes open for fantastic wildlife encounters. Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and local expert trackers; both will share their vast experience of the African bush.Free_time - Relax and enjoy some down time between wildlife safari drives.Activity - At Karongwe, the Boma dinner will indulge your taste buds with South African cuisine, while you enjoy the African wilderness. Take part in a culinary journey that reflects South Africa’s rich cultural and culinary heritage, all from an enclosed outdoor area, lit by lanterns and a warming fire. You’ll taste your way through traditional dishes including braaied meats (Barbeque), potjiekos (traditional pot stew), and a malva pudding (traditional dessert); all made from local ingredients. Both your stomach and your heart will be full from this cultural immersion, nature connection, social interaction, and delicious meal.Accommodation - Karongwe Portfolio - Chisomo Safari Camp

6

Day 6: 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.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Jump into a safari 4x4 and keep your eyes open for fantastic wildlife encounters. Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and local expert trackers; both will share their vast experience of the African bush.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Southern Sun Rosebank

7

Day 7: Johannesburg

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

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

Reviews

 

Catherine  -  Traveled, June 2024

The trip was fabulous and our guide, Jaym, not notch. The experience was enhanced not only by the beautiful lodgings, delicious cuisine, expert drivers and trackers, but also by the expertise and passion of Jaym. He was knowledgeable, friendly and very personable, sharing stories and his love of nature with us.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 06/12/2024

 

Angie  -  Traveled, January 2022

I booked a trip to South Africa with National Geographic... what I thought was a reputable company. A couple weeks before I was supposed to go, they canceled the tour. They have not refunded any portion of my money. They said the airfare was non-refundable and that I couldn't even have a flight credit. But they are the ones that canceled the trip. However Delta told me that a refund check was sent to the agency. Then they said they would refund the other portion of the trip expense, but it may take 6 months. It is completely unacceptable. The entire 100% of the trip should be refunded and should have been refunded the day they canceled the trip. The business is not responsive to this. I filed a complaint with the BBB and they did not respond. I sent a 30 day demand letter in preparation of filing in court against them. So far no resolution. I expect a 100% refund AND I share this story to strongly advise against anyone ever booking a national geographic trip of any kind. I will be posting this review online in every spot I can find.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 01/20/2022

 

Julian  -  Traveled, September 2019

Alfy the perfect CEO knowledgeable with a good sense of humour. Fantastic group of people on the tour with great accommodation and activities.

Source: Tour operator   Submitted: 09/16/2019

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