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May 4th to 15th, 2025
An Inspired travel Adventure to South Africa
A National Geographics Journey
Embark on a journey with me that weaves through South Africa’s mesmerizing landscapes, vibrant cultures, and profound historical narratives. This adventure, spanning iconic cities and remote wilderness, invites you to uncover the diverse beauty of Cape Town and delve into Johannesburg’s storied past. Venture into the heart of nature at a private game reserve, where Kruger National Park’s horizon teems with the “big five.” spend time with a conservationist from National Geographic’s Big Cat Initiative and witness the savanna’s breathtaking sunsets. Join us and experience the unique, the unforgettable, the essence of South Africa.
Ernest Hemingway
“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.”
Package Includes
11 Nights of Accommodations at these locally owned hotels or similar
- 4 nights at The Portswood Hotel, Cape Town
- 3 nights at Kopanong Hotel, Johannesburg
- 2 nights at Umbhaba Eco Lodge, Greater Kruger Area
- 2 night at Chisomo Safari Camp – Karongwe Portfolio – Tented Suites
Kruger National Park wildlife safari drive in open vehicle
3 Private nature reserve wildlife safari drives in open vehicles
Carnivore Conservation Experience, National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative
Orientation tour of Cape Town, Cape Point including Boulders Beach and Soweto tour
19 meals, 11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 6 Dinners
Local guide throughout most of the trip
Cape Winelands Tour or Whale and Bird Watching at Dyer Island Day trip.
Professional Travel Host travelling with you for your entire time in South Africa
Our Itinerary
May 4th, 2025
Cape Town
Upon arrival in Cape Town, a private transfer will welcome you at the airport, setting the tone for the luxurious adventure ahead. With the rest of the day at your leisure, you're free to recover from your journey or begin exploring the vibrant city. Cape Town, a harmonious blend of natural wonders and urban flair, offers endless opportunities for discovery. Whether you choose to rest or dive into the city's culture, your first day promises the perfect introduction to South Africa's wonders.
May 5th, 2025
Cape Town
Spend the day at your leisure, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere of Cape Town. Whether exploring the bustling streets, indulging in local cuisine, or simply enjoying the scenic views, this day is yours to discover the city's many treasures. Later, join our G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) for a welcome meeting, where you'll learn more about your upcoming adventure and meet your fellow travellers. This gathering sets the stage for the incredible experiences that await you in South Africa.
May 6th, 2025
Cape Town
Kickstart your day by diving into the rich cultural tapestry of Cape Town, starting with the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. Your journey includes a special guided tour of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, celebrated by National Geographic Travel as one of the globe's top ten gardens. Marvel at the charming African penguins at Boulders Beach, then venture to Cape Point lighthouse and the historic Cape of Good Hope, marking Africa's southwestern tip. Travel in comfort with a private vehicle, ensuring a seamless and immersive experience throughout your exploration of Cape Town's most iconic sights.
May 7th, 2025
Day Trip
Choose to explore South Africa's winemaking heritage with a guided tour across three wine regions, including Stellenbosch. This experience includes a cellar tour, tastings paired with chocolate, cheese, and Biltong, a traditional lunch, and the scenic beauty of vineyards. Alternatively, embark on a marine adventure from Kleinbaai to Dyer Island, observing the local marine life, including a large cape fur seal colony at Geyser Rock, penguins at Dyer Island, potential great white shark sightings in Shark Alley, and whale watching in the bay.
May 8th, 2025
Cape Town to Johannesburg
Embark on a journey to Johannesburg, beginning with a flight from Cape Town. Dive into the heart of South Africa's historical struggles with a guided exploration of Soweto, a key site in the anti-apartheid movement and once home to Nelson Mandela. Visit the Mandela House Museum to understand this crucial period. The day concludes with a traditional South African braai, offering a warm, culinary welcome and an opportunity to bond with fellow travellers over delicious barbecued meats, vegetables, and local flavours.
May 9th, 2025
Greater Krugar Area
Venture towards Kruger National Park via the breathtaking Panorama Route, a journey marked by awe-inspiring natural beauty. En route, marvel at the Blyde River Canyon's dramatic landscapes, the intriguing Bourke's Luck Potholes, and the expansive vistas from God's Window. This day, rich in scenic drives, brings you closer to the heart of South Africa's wilderness. Arriving at our lodge near Kruger, end the day with a delicious South African dinner amidst the serene backdrop of one of the world's most renowned wildlife sanctuaries.
May 10th, 2025
Krugar National Park
Awaken with the dawn and embark on a full-day safari in the vast expanses of Kruger National Park, aboard an open jeep. This sanctuary, a haven for an incredible diversity of wildlife, offers the chance to observe elephants, lions, giraffes, and the elusive leopard in their natural habitat. After a day of adventure, return to the lodge for an evening of relaxation, immersed in the tranquil sounds of the nocturnal bush, reflecting on the day's encounters with Africa's majestic wildlife.
May 11th, 2025
Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Journey to Karongwe Private Game Reserve, nestled in the Greater Kruger area, for a unique conservation experience. Engage with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Cheetah Metapopulation Project, supported by National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative, to learn about protective measures for cheetahs and other carnivores. This encounter precedes a thrilling wildlife-viewing excursion. Over the next two days, enjoy ranger-led safaris in search of the Big Five (African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and rhinocero), across Karongwe’s 9,000 hectares of pristine bushveld, staying in either lodge rooms or comfortable permanent tents, both of equal amenities depending on availability.
May 12th, 2025
Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Delve into the heart of Karongwe with morning and afternoon safaris guided by local experts. Embark on a quest for the "big five" amidst the reserve's vibrant bushveld. Enjoy tranquil moments back at camp, whether it’s lounging on the deck or exploring the grounds. The day begins with an early coffee, followed by a morning drive, a leisurely brunch, and time to unwind. After high tea, set off for an afternoon safari, culminating in a return to camp to refresh before dinner.
May 13th, 2025
Karongwe to Johannesburg
Take one final safari in Karongwe to spot the reserve's remarkable wildlife. Afterward, journey back to Johannesburg, where a welcoming dinner awaits you at our family-run lodge.
May 14th, 2025
Johanesburg
Spend your day at leisure in Johannesburg, exploring its vibrant sights and sounds. You have the freedom to immerse yourself in the city's dynamic culture, history, and markets at your own pace. Additionally, you have the option to join the group for a final dinner, celebrating the journey and shared experiences, providing a perfect closure to your South African adventure.
May 15th, 2025
Departure Day
As our group adventure concludes, you're free to leave at any time today, marking the end of our shared journey. Should you wish to continue exploring, we're here to assist with additional travel planning, offering a wealth of options for your next discovery. The world is vast, and many more adventures await in this vibrant region and beyond.
Your Professional Travel Host
Michelle Gaudet, CTC
Michelle is an award-winning Canadian independent travel advisor, as well as a published writer and photographer. As the founder of Inspired Travel Adventures, she specializes in curating trips that are not only fun and culturally rich, but also promote personal growth, wellness, and connection. Michelle’s mission is to create unforgettable journeys that empower and inspire people to explore the world and discover themselves, all while forming lifelong friendships.
Pricing & Additional Information
Rates
Double Occupancy – $6195 CAD per person (sharing a room)*
Single Occupancy – $6995 CAD per person (your own room)*
*If do not have a roommate, we can match you with a suitable roommate and there will not be a single supplement charge.
*Single occupancy room option is limited.
A deposit of $700 is due at the time of booking.
The final payment is due February 4, 2025. Flexible payment plans are available, Please ask for more details.
The deposit is non-refundable unless Inspired Travel Adventures cancels the tour.
Tour Supplier: G Adventures. G Adventures’ Terms and Conditions.
Group Size
Minimum of 8 people
Maximum of 16 people
Activity Level
Light walking, suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Exclusions
- International Airfare
- Meals Not Listed
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Optional Tours & Activities
- Personal Expenses
- Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Out of country medical insurance is required by all travelers. Proof will be required. We strongly recommend trip cancellation and interruption insurance as a way to protect your travel investment. We would be happy to provide a quote through Manulife at your request.
Flights
Flights can be book through Inspired Travel Adventures or on your own. Please do not book any flights until the tour is confirmed.
About the Accommodations
Start and end hotels on this tour offer comfortable accommodations with en-suite bathrooms, standard facilities, and wifi. Additional amenities vary from location to location. Please see the hotel listings on the Full Itinerary if you would like to learn more about the offerings of your accommodations.
The tented camp accommodations on this tour are situated centrally, with easy access to the park for wildlife safari drives. Tents are typically spacious with mosquito-proof netting, comfortable bedding, and en-suite bathroom with flushing toilets and camping showers.
Please remember that hotel/lodge/camp standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel.
Note:
1) Under certain circumstances, we reserve the right to change accommodation and provide something slightly different to what is described, though it will always be of similar or better standard/level.
2) Most lodges and camps do not have 24hr electricity – they usually run on generators which are routinely shut off overnight from approximately 10pm to 5am.
3) Lodges and camps are NOT equipped with fans or air conditioning due to the electricity constraints listed above.
Passport and Entry Requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Changes in entry requirements to South Africa are subject to change. A Visa is not required for Canadian. Please see https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-africa for the most up-to-date details.
