Day 1 : Johannesburg
Welcome to South Africa. Your expedition begins at the airport where you will be met and transferred to your comfortable hotel in Johannesburg. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, followed by a welcome dinner. Get to know one another an prepare for the experience ahead.
Arrival Transfer
Oliver Reginald Tambo International - Johannesburg 0h45m - 1h 31km
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Johannesburg 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. There will be an included group welcome dinner after the meeting.
Day 2 : 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 3 : 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 4 : 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 5 : 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 6 : 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
