Day 1 : Cape Town
Welcome to South Africa. Your expedition begins at the airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where the hum of the city meets the crash of the Atlantic. Take the evening to settle in, stretching your legs along the harbour promenade or simply admiring the silhouette of Table Mountain rising above the city lights as you prepare for the experience ahead.
Arrival Transfer
Cape Town International Airport - Cape Town 0h45m 24km
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
The adventure begins tomorrow. Feel free to explore on your own before your welcome meeting on the morning of day two. Check for the meeting time in the welcome note at the hotel.
Day 2 : Cape Town
Meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader to begin the adventure.Travel along the windswept west coast to the !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre. Here, step into the origins of humankind, connecting with San culture through the rhythm of traditional storytelling and the taste of indigenous foods. Continue inland to the rolling vineyards of Groote Post Wine Estate in the Darling Hills to sip award-winning vintages and meet acclaimed winemaker Lukas Wentzel. Return to the hotel for a welcome dinner, reflecting on the landscapes and flavours of your first full day.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Cape Town 1h
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group on the morning of day two.
Private Vehicle
Cape Town - Yzerfontein 1h15m 74km
Settle in and enjoy a comfortable ride in your private vehicle on a scenic drive up the West Coast.
!Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre
Yzerfontein
The San people of Southern Africa have historically faced centuries of political and cultural oppression. The !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre provides tailor-made training for young San women and men of Southern Africa. Travellers learn about San culture and history at the interpretive museum. Visits help trainees gain experience with international clients while garnering support for the centre's efforts to preserve San culture and history.
!Khwa ttu San Cultural Experience
Yzerfontein 1h30m
The San people of Southern Africa have historically faced centuries of political and cultural oppression. The !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre provides tailor-made training for young San women and men of Southern Africa. The guides come from a diverse range of San communities, each with their own language and story. You will discover some of the qualities that enabled San to survive, and thrive, for centuries during your unique storytelling visit. Topics covered are First people, origins of mankind, food from the Ancestors, and storytelling through generations.
Private Vehicle
Yzerfontein - Cape Town 1h45m 96km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Groote Post Wine Estate Private Tasting
Cape Town 1h30m
Groote Post is a historic, family-owned wine estate located in the scenic Darling Hills along South Africa’s West Coast. Once a thriving 18th-century farm, it has grown into a celebrated producer of premium wines while preserving its deep agricultural roots. Winemaker, Lukas Wentzel—recognized as one of South Africa's top winemakers—will lead your private tasting of a few premium selected wines that are not available to the general public.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 3 : Cape Town
Ascend Table Mountain via the Aerial Cableway, watching the city shrink below as you reach the summit for panoramic views of Table Bay and Robben Island. Descend to the vibrant streets of Bo-Kaap for an interactive Cape Malay cooking class, filling the air with the scent of fragrant curries and freshly made roti. Tour the area and visit the District Six Museum to understand the scars of Apartheid. Back at the hotel, join Christo Brand, Nelson Mandela’s former guard, for an intimate discussion on his time at Victor Verster Prison. End the day immersed in the beat of African drums and diverse flavours at Gold restaurant.
Table Mountain Visit via the Cable Car
Cape Town 3h
Take the cable car 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. Once at the top, take your time to enjoy the expansive vistas, explore walking trails, or simply relax and take in the mountain's serene ambience.
Interactive Cape Malay Cooking Class & Neighbourhood Walk
Cape Town 2h - 2h45m
Travel to Lekka Kombuis for an interactive Cape Malay Cooking Class where the group will learn how to make a traditional curry, how to fold samosas, chilli bites, and rotis. Meet your host in the intimate embrace of a warm, homie setting which celebrates the traditional values of the Cape Malay culture. Everything will be made from scratch. After lunch embark on a short walking tour of the Bo-Kaap to uncover more of the history of the area and its colorful houses.
Guided Visit of District Six Museum
Cape Town 1h
Experience an immersive look at how apartheid shaped the South African identity throughout the 20th Century.
National Geographic Expert Talk by Christo Brand
Cape Town 1h
Join Christo Brand, a former prison guard at the Victor Verster prison where Nelson Mandela spent the last 14 months of his imprisonment, for a talk on Apartheid and listen to some of the fascinating stories he has to share.
Gold Restaurant Dinner
Cape Town 2h
End the day with an immersive African Dining Experience at Gold restaurant where the diverse flavours of Africa can be celebrated alongside an interactive drumming experience to feel the rhythms of the nation.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 4 : Cape Town
Set out on a scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula, where rugged cliffs drop into the swirling ocean. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope before winding along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak to Cape Point. Take the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the lighthouse for sweeping views of the coastline where two oceans meet. After lunch, visit Boulders Beach to walk the raised boardwalks above the granite coves, observing endangered African penguins waddling in the surf. Return to the hotel and enjoy a free evening to explore Cape Town’s vibrant culinary scene.
Cape Peninsula Day Tour
Cape Town 4h30m
Enjoy a tour of the Cape Peninsula. Along the scenic drive stop for views found on the Cape of Good Hope. Arrive to Cape Point via Chapman's Peak Drive. Once here, board the Flying Dutchman Funicular to take in the views of the turbulent seascape that has impacted the lives and legends of seafarers for centuries. It's the perfect way to full appreciate the landscape and its long history.
Boulders Penguin Colony Visitor Center
Cape Town 1h15m
Visit Boulders Penguin Colony Visitor Center where you’ll learn about the endangered African penguins of Boulders Beach while observing them from a raised boardwalk above their natural habitat.
Free time:
Cape Town Evening
Enjoy a free evening to yourself back at the hotel. Ask your National Geographic Expedition leader if they have any dinner recommendations in the area.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch
Day 5 : Cape Town/Johannesburg
Catch a flight to Johannesburg and head directly to the Apartheid Museum, the world’s premier institution exploring South Africa’s 20th-century history. On a guided tour, walk through exhibitions that lay bare the institutionalised segregation of the Apartheid era, gaining a profound understanding through moving personal narratives and historical artifacts. Transfer to your hotel to check in and refresh. In the evening, join a welcome dinner to meet fellow travellers joining the tour, sharing stories and anticipation for the safari chapter ahead.
Private Vehicle
Cape Town - Cape Town International Airport 0h45m 24km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plane
Cape Town International Airport - Oliver Reginald Tambo International 2h15m
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Private Vehicle
Oliver Reginald Tambo International - Johannesburg 0h45m
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private, Guided Tour of the Apartheid Museum.
Johannesburg
The Apartheid Museum is a museum in Johannesburg, South Africa, that chronicles the history of apartheid from its rise in 1948 to its fall in 1994, showcasing the struggle against racial segregation and the transition to a democratic society through exhibits like photographs, artifacts, and personal stories. It is considered a leading institution for understanding 20th-century South Africa and features immersive exhibits, including separate "White" and "Non-white" entrances that reflect the country's past segregation. It is a significant cultural and educational destination, considered the preeminent institution for studying South Africa's apartheid history. There will be refreshments and a light lunch before your guided, private tour.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 6 : Johannesburg to Greater Kruger Area via Hoedspruit
Visit the Nelson Mandela Foundation for a tour of Madiba’s post-presidential office, a quiet space filled with the history of his legacy. In South Africa, Madiba is an affectionate and respectful name for Mandela, originating from his Xhosa clan name, and symbolizing deep admiration of his legacy. Later, fly to the Greater Kruger area and settle in at your safari lodge. This afternoon, meet a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and learn about their vital work protecting cheetahs and wild dogs, and supporting local communities. Afterward, head off on your first safari drive in the private reserve with the researcher, scanning the bush for Africa's famed ‘big five’ as the sun begins to lower.
Private Tour & Talk at the Nelson Mandela Foundation
Johannesburg 1h30m
The Nelson Mandela Foundation is a non-profit organisation focused on memory, dialogue and legacy work, founded by Nelson Mandela in 1999. The Nelson Mandela Foundation’s research and archive aims to generate an integrated and dynamic resource on the life and times of Nelson Mandela. Enjoy a private, guided tour of the foundation and gain a deeper understanding of the ripple effects spanning from Mandela's life and legacy.
Private Vehicle
Oliver Reginald Tambo International - Hoedspruit 1h
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
National Geographic Expert Presentation by Derek Van Der Merwe
Hoedspruit 0h45m
Enjoy a National Geographic Expert-led talk given by Derek Van Der Merwe, part of the Endangered Wildlife Trust's (EWT) Carnivore Conservation Program. He will give a short presentation on The Big Cat Project and conservation work that has surpassed 50 years and is still going.
Afternoon Safari Drive With Conservationist
Hoedspruit 2h
Embark on an afternoon safari drive with an Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) conservationist. Search for all different kinds of wildlife in the area and learn more about their daily habits and environment.
Take advantage of free time this afternoon to get settled and enjoy amenities at the lodge.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 7 : Greater Kruger Area
Rise early for a wildlife safari drive, spotting lions, elephants, and other famous species in the soft, golden light of dawn—the prime time for viewing. Return to the lodge for a hot breakfast and leisure time to relax on the deck, listening to the sounds of the bush. This afternoon, during high tea, join a talk to gain deeper insight into local conservation efforts and the area's intricate ecosystems. After an afternoon safari tracking wildlife through the reserve, return to the lodge to refresh before gathering for dinner, sharing stories from an unforgettable day in the bush.
Early Morning Safari Drive in Private Wildlife Reserve
Kruger 3h
Rise early this morning for a safari drive in Thornybush's private reserve. This is one of the oldest lodges in the safari industry and one of the first commercial camps in South Africa. The nature reserve is now a world renowned wildlife-viewing destination in the Greater Kruger Park area. Keep your eyes peeled as the day sheds its golden light across the landscape and your guide points out must-see sites along the way.
Enjoy free time back at the lodge after your morning safari drive. Relax onsite and take advantage of the property's amenities. There will be the option to join a guided walking safari with an expert tracker should you choose. The group will reconvene in the afternoon for high tea and an expert-led discussion.
Afternoon Safari Drive in Private Nature Reserve
Kruger 3h
Spend three hours out on a safari drive in the lodge's private nature reserve. Be on the lookout for the famed "Big Five" and simply enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 8 : Greater Kruger Area to Kruger National Park via Hazyview
Begin with a morning safari drive in the reserve, returning for breakfast before checking out. Travel to Hazyview for a stop at the Shabalala Interpretation of Culture Centre, an immersive experience of traditional dress, rhythmic dance, and local cuisine. Continue to your lodge, a restored train permanently suspended on a historic bridge over the Sabie River—a vantage point like no other. Check in and refresh before high tea and a talk on local wildlife. Afterward, embark on a safari drive in Kruger National Park—South Africa's largest wildlife sanctuary—returning to the lodge for dinner above the river.
Early Morning Safari Drive in Private Wildlife Reserve
Kruger 3h
Rise early this morning for a safari drive in Thornybush's private reserve. This is one of the oldest lodges in the safari industry and one of the first commercial camps in South Africa. The nature reserve is now a world renowned wildlife-viewing destination in the Greater Kruger Park area. Keep your eyes peeled as the day sheds its golden light across the landscape and your guide points out must-see sites along the way.
Private Vehicle
Kruger - Hazyview 2h 101km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Shabalala Interpretation of Culture Centre Visit
Hazyview 1h
Enjoy a visit to the Shabalala Interpretation of Culture Centre in Hazyview. The centre offers a unique experience into traditional African dance. This form of self expression is not only a statement of art, but of grace and culture. Learn more about the traditions and customs of the Swati people and get lost in the storytelling of these ancient songs.
Private Vehicle
Hazyview - Kruger National Park 1h15m 56km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Afternoon Wildlife Safari Drive Kruger National Park
Kruger National Park 3h
Head out into the stunning beauty of Kruger National Park on an afternoon safari drive and try your hand at spotting the legendary "Big Five."
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Dinner
Day 9 : Kruger National Park
Spend the day on morning and afternoon safari drives, scanning the bush for lions, elephants, leopards, and other iconic wildlife moving through the vast Kruger landscape. Return to the lodge for meals and free time to relax, perhaps watching hippo or buffalo in the river below from the train bridge. During high tea, join a talk on conservation and local ecosystems. After your afternoon drive, gather for a dedicated bush dining experience, sharing stories of your African adventure under a canopy of stars—a fitting conclusion to your time in the wilderness.
Morning Safari Drive in Sabi Sands Private Reserve
Kruger National Park 3h
Set off on an early morning safari drive in the southern section of Kruger National Park. Catch a glimpse of predators on the move and grazing wildlife along the Sabie River. Pass through the varied landscapes east and west of Skukuza, including a riverine forest, mixed woodland, and open grassland.
Free time:
Kruger National Park
Enjoy free time back at the lodge after your morning safari drive. Relax onsite and take advantage of the property's amenities. The group will reconvene in the afternoon for high tea and an expert-led discussion before an afternoon safari drive.
Afternoon Safari Drive in Sabi Sands Private Reserve
Kruger National Park 3h
Enjoy an afternoon safari drive back into the southern section of Kruger National Park. Search for wildlife, listen as your Endangered Wildlife Trust Conservationist regales you with knowledge of the landscape and animal kingdom within it.
Meals Included:
Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner
Day 10 : Kruger National Park/Johannesburg
Enjoy breakfast and depart the lodge in Kruger National Park this morning for the airport. Fly to Johannesburg where our expedition to Southern Africa concludes.
Flights must depart after 7pm.
Private Vehicle
Kruger National Park - Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport 2h 113km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plane
Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport - Oliver Reginald Tambo International 1h
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Meals Included:
Breakfast
