Compare Explore Cape Town & Kruger National Park by G Adventures vs South African Family Adventure by Great Value Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
4 | Great
|
| Duration | 10 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 1,499 | $ 5,899 |
| Price Per Day | $ 150 | $ 590 |
| 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. |
South Africa, also called The Rainbow Nation, is a country filled with surprises at every corner. From jaw-dropping coastline to vibrant cities to the African wild, there is really something for the whole family. Tour three different regions and see the best of the best in each city with fun, informative tours in each place. This is one vacation you'll never forget! Begin in Johannesburg, more commonly known as "Jo’burg" or "Jozi". Spend the day touring South Africa's largest city while you get adjusted to life down south (it's the southernmost country on the Eastern Hemisphere!) Then it's off to Cape Town, a melting pot of cultures and beautiful landscapes. While you're there for four days, enjoy three tours that will take you to popular kids attractions in the city's heart, seaside vistas, and verdant wine country. You'll then hop on a plane to the Eastern Cape, home of the Kariega Game Reserve where you'll spend your remaining three nights. The whole family will go nuts seeing cheetahs, giraffes, elephants and more on twice-daily safari drives on the reserve. Seeing the world's fiercest predators up close is promised to be a memory you'll never forget! Other activities at the malaria-free reserve include boat cruises, walking safaris, canoeing, and fishing. 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 dinner 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, a traditional braai.
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 lodge.
Day 10 Johannesburg
Depart at any time.
Day 1 Welcome to Johannesburg!
Arrive in Johannesburg and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of your day at leisure while you get adjusted to the time change. If you're feeling up to it, take a stroll through Joziburg Lane and try some traditional South African food.
Day 2 Johannesburg
Enjoy a free day in Johannesburg! Don't miss the kid-friendly Origins Centre, a museum exploring the African origins of humankind through interactive exhibits. The museum also houses the most formidable collection of rock art in the world, led by the San people.
Day 3 Johannesburg - Cape Town
After breakfast, transfer to Johannesburg Airport for your flight to Cape Town. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel; the remainder of the day is at leisure. You might want to see South Africa's Dutch influence in the historic City Bowl neighborhood, perfect for a casual stroll.
Day 4 Cape Town
Today you will see Cape Town on a city tour taking you to all the fun, kid-friendly attractions. After the tour, enjoy the rest of the day seeing whatever you choose.
Day 5 Cape Town
Today you will enjoy a full-day scenic tour of the Cape Peninsula! See Cape Point, Chapman's Peak, and the penguins of Boulders Beach. You’ll also enjoy a picnic lunch along the way.
Day 6 Cape Town
Embark on your third and last Cape Town tour today in the Cape Winelands region. Visit two wineries at Fairview and Spier and taste incredible wine while the kids enjoy fun activities.
Day 7 Cape Town - Kariega Private Game Reserve
Today you will transfer to Cape Town airport for your flight to Port Elizabeth. Once you arrive, you will be met and transferred to the malaria-free Kariega Private Game Reserve. At the reserve, experience twice-daily safari drives and be captivated by sightings of the Big 5 as well as a multitude of other African wild game and bird species.
Day 8 Kariega Private Game Reserve
Today, enjoy your first full day at the Kariega Private Game Reserve. Consisting of rich biodiversity and lush landscapes, Kariega is a malaria-free safari destination home to the Big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard) and much more! Kids will love going on the twice daily game drives from open game vehicles and seeing animals up close. This will surely be the center of your safari experience at Kariega.
Day 9 Kariega Private Game Reserve
Continue enjoying game drives while you explore other safari activities offered at Kariega. Take the kids on walking safaris, morning cruises on the Kariega River, canoeing, and fishing. Leave the kids on a supervised tour while you enjoy a relaxing massage at the tranquil health spa! Then celebrate your last night in South Africa with a traditional braaivleis (barbeque) meal.
Day 10 Depart South Africa
Your South African family adventure comes to an end today. After an early breakfast, transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport for your flight to Johannesburg, where you will connect to your flight home.
