Compare Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park by G Adventures vs Cape Town & Safari by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
4 | Great
|
| Duration | 10 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 1,499 | $ 4,187 |
| Price Per Day | $ 150 | $ 523 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Self-guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 6 dinners | N/A |
| Description |
Spectacular scenery, vibrant culture, and a dramatic, inspiring past—South Africa has it all. Discover the charms of Cape Town, one of Africa’s most beautiful cities, then travel to Johannesburg—former home of revolutionary leader Nelson Mandela and gateway to some of the world's most celebrated wildlife reserves. Scan the horizon of Kruger National Park for the "big five," spend time with a conservationist from the National Geographic's Big Cat Initiative, and enjoy unforgettable sunsets over the savanna. |
Explore South Africa, beginning in Cape Town. Tour through the beautiful city and experience its vibrant life in full, from the harbor to the mountains. Tour through surrounding areas in search of the best wine on a guided tour, and take in the full scope of Cape Town from the vantage point of the flat peak of Table Mountain. Once you've exhausted most of Cape Town, hop a flight to Kruger National Park, where you'll go on daily game drives through Thornybush Game Reserve, a private game reserve stocked with native African animals. Enjoy your downtime at the beautiful Jackalberry Lodge, lounging while overlooking the water or swimming in the pool, and going on game drives, which depart twice a day. Look for the Big Five that call the reserve home: African lions, African elephants, African leopards, Cape buffalo, and rhinoceros. Make the most of your three nights before being transported out for your flight home. The fun doesn't have to stop in Cape Town! Check out our other available extensions and take your South African adventure above and beyond: Cape Town & Safari with Johannesburg Helpful links for travel to South Africa: Visa & Passport Info |
Day 1 Cape Town
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Day 2 Cape Town
Begin the day with an exploration of vibrant Cape Town, wandering through the multicultural Bo-Kaap neighborhood. Then enjoy an exclusive guided tour of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, named by National Geographic Travel as one of the world’s 10 most magnificent gardens. Later, stop by Boulders Beach to see the resident population of African penguins, and continue to the Cape Point lighthouse and the Cape of Good Hope, the southwesternmost point in Africa.
Day 3 Cape Town
Enjoy a day of leisure in Cape Town, choosing from a variety of optional activities. Hop on a cable car to the summit, taking in extraordinary views of the city and the Atlantic seaboard. Or explore the Cape Winelands, visiting the historical city of Stellenbosch, touring wine estates with expert guides, and indulging in a variety of tastings and pairings.
There is something for everyone in Cape Town. Visit Table Mountain, walk the V&A Waterfront or embark on a wine tour in and around Stellenbosch. For the adventurous, opt to go, abseiling. Wander through the city centre, which has some of the oldest buildings and gardens in South Africa. Check out the Cultural Historical Museum, Planetarium, and many other museums and theatres.
If you are interested in visiting Robben Island - you must book it directly with the museum on their website prior to travel: http://www.robben-island.org.za Due to high demand, it is common that this tour can be sold out over one month in advance.
Day 4 Cape Town/Johannesburg
Fly to Johannesburg, then take a guided tour of Soweto township. Soweto was an important center of South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement and home to its leader, Nelson Mandela. Visit the Mandela House Museum and learn about this painful chapter in the country’s history. In the evening, enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) with your fellow travellers.
Day 5 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.
Today is a very long driving day; however, we will make many stops along the way at sites along the Panorama Route.
Day 6 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.
Day 7 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 Metapopulation Project—a program funded in part by National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative—and learn about efforts to protect the region’s cheetahs and other carnivores. 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).
Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and local expert trackers who will share their vast experience of the African bush. On some occasions, if space is unavailable, we may need to change accommodations or even use a different private reserve. In such a case, be assured we will choose other lodges or comfort camps (of equal quality) within the Greater Kruger area.
Day 8 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.
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.
Day 9 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 family run lodge.
Day 10 Johannesburg
Depart at any time.
Day 1 Welcome to Cape Town!
Touch down in the jewel of South Africa: Cape Town. With everything from stunning views, amazing tours, and a thriving nightlife, this city is stocked with the best any city can offer.
Day 2 Cape Town
After breakfast you will be met by your local English speaking driver-guide for your full-day scenic tour of the Cape Peninsula. Some highlights include Cape Point, Chapman's Peak and Boulders Beach which allows visitors the opportunity to experience the variety of landscapes and scenery Cape Town has to offer. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon, having seen some of the best the Cape has to offer.
Day 3 Cape Town
After breakfast, you will depart the hotel for your full-day Winelands tour. Some highlights include the Paarl Wine Region, Franschhoek Valley and the town of Stellenbosch. Enjoy a brief city tour of Paarl before you make your way to Franschhoek, with a photo stop at the Groot Drakenstein Prison, where Nelson Mandela was released in 1990. This little village nestled among the mountains can easily be mistaken for a little Switzerland. The tour continues to the university town of Stellenbosch. It is easy to understand why Simon van der Stel decided to settle a village here.
Day 4 Cape Town
After breakfast you will be met to depart on your half-day City and Table Mountain tour. Take a trip up the legendary Table Mountain for spectacular views; the guide will point out the highlights of one of the world's most famous views and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Afterward, enjoy a scenic coastal drive and a walk through the Company Gardens.
Day 5 Cape Town - Kruger National Park
Rise early and grab breakfast before flying to Hoedspruit Airport, then transferring to Thornybush Game Reserve in Kruger National Park. Check into the Jackalberry Lodge on this private game drive and look forward to spotting the Big Five of the African safari animals. With game drives twice a day and activities around the lodge, there is plenty to keep you entertained, as well as breakfast, lunch, and dinner served daily.
Day 6 Kruger National Park
You can embark on early morning and late afternoon safaris and spend your days searching for animals in the reserve, relax at the lodge, or a combination of both. Look for lions, elephants, giraffe, and more among the African bush.
Day 7 Kruger National Park
You can finish up your last full day at the lodge on safari, swim in the pool, or lounge while looking out over the water, with the possibility of spotting animals in the distance. With two safaris a day, you have the flexibility to do more than one.
Day 8 Depart Kruger National Park!
Rise early for breakfast and a final safari excursion. Pack your things, pick up a souvenir and make sure you have all your photos taken, as you will be transferred to the Hoedspruit Airport to begin your trip home.
