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.
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.
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.
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.
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, enjoy a dinner in Johannesburg with your group, where you will be joined by fellow travelers arriving for the safari chapter of our expedition.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fly to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and settle into your lodge, enjoying welcome cocktails with stunning views over the Batoka Gorge, carved deep by the Zambezi River. In the evening, experience the Victoria Falls Theatre’s award-winning production, "Simunye: The Spirit of Africa." Meet the cast behind this vibrant celebration of African music, dance, and storytelling—an exclusive experience that offers true cultural immersion through rhythm and performance.
Start your day with a guided tour of Victoria Falls, feeling the mist of Mosi-oa-Tunya (‘The Smoke that Thunders’) as you witness its raw power up close. Next, visit the Lusumpuko Women’s Club—a G for Good Project—for a cooking demonstration and traditional lunch prepared by the cooperative members. Return to the lodge to hear from the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust about their rescue work. As the sun sets, set out on a dedicated dinner cruise along the Zambezi River, watching the water turn to gold. A special guest will share tales of explorer David Livingstone, making this evening unforgettable.
After breakfast, drive through Zambezi National Park and cross into Botswana. Arrive at your hotel, settle in, enjoy a light lunch. During high tea, join a talk to gain deeper insight into the park’s conservation efforts before boarding eco-friendly, electric boats to take in the stunning vistas and wildlife along the Chobe River. Spot elephants along the water’s edge and relax with a sundowner on deck. Return to the lodge for dinner by the river, accompanied by the sounds of the African night.
Start the day with an early morning safari drive through Chobe National Park, spotting majestic elephants, lions, and impala in the cool air. Return to the hotel for a hearty brunch. Then transfer to meet your dedicated, professional photo host before embarking on a Chobe River photo safari with camera equipment included. Glide along the southern channel of the Chobe River in search of elephants, hippos, and birdlife, capturing stunning wildlife shots with expert guidance along the water. Conclude the day with one final safari drive into the national park as you sip an included sundowner. Return to the lodge for a farewell dinner, celebrating your incredible journey through Southern Africa.
Wake up early for a final safari drive, enjoying one last chance to spot Botswana's iconic wildlife before you depart. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then catch your flight to Johannesburg where our expedition to Southern Africa concludes.
