Signature: South Africa from Cape Town to Kruger
10 days, From Cape Town to Johannesburg, From $12,499 USD
Tour Overview
THE EXPERIENCE REVEALED
Trip CodeDSCJNS
Days10
FromCape Town
ToJohannesburg
Countries VisitedSouth Africa
Countries VisitedSouth Africa
Discover South Africa in style on this 10-day journey from Cape Town to Kruger. Immerse yourself in vibrant cultures, iconic landscapes, and wildlife safaris with Endangered Wildlife Trust conservationists. Enjoy stunning lodges, in-depth experiences—like visiting the !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre to learn about San history through storytelling—and unforgettable memories that blend adventure, comfort, and conservation.Is this tour for me?
Travel Style
National Geographic Signature
Service Level
Luxury
Physical rating
2 - Light
Trip Type
Small Group
Age Requirement
12+
Under age 18 must be with an adultTrees for Days
Tour Highlights
WHERE STORIES COME TO LIFE
Groote Post Wine Estate Private Tasting
Sip award-winning vintages and meet one of South Africa’s top winemakers in the Darling Hills.
!Khwa ttu San Cultural Experience
Connect with the San people through immersive history, storytelling, and traditional food.
Private, Guided Tour of the Apartheid Museum.
Hear Christo Brand share personal tales of Nelson Mandela’s final years at Victor Verster.What’s included
- AccommodationHotel (5 nts), Lodge (4 nts).
- Meals Included9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
- TransportPrivate vehicle, 4x4 safari vehicle, plane, walking
The Extras
- Your flightCall us, we can help.
- Meal BudgetAllow USD85-110 for meals not included.
Accommodation
Stays of distinction
Thornybush Game Lodge
Thornybush Game Lodge offers exceptional hospitality from its legacy setting on 14,000 pristine hectares, sharing an unfenced border with Kruger National Park. The Lodge provides sophisticated accommodation in sixteen luxurious riverbed suites. Expect world-class 'big five' encounters from this haven, which features a spa, gym, pool, and library for downtime. Dining is a celebration, highlighted by unforgettable riverbed dinners.
Dates & Availability
The world awaits
Frequently asked questions
Expedition essentials
Your G for Good Moment: !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre, Yzerfontein
Your G for Good Moment: Shabalala Interpretation of Culture Centre Visit, Hazyview
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Cape Town
Signature Moment: !Khwa ttu San Cultural Experience, Yzerfontein
Your Foodie Moment: Interactive Cape Malay Cooking Class & Neighbourhood Walk, Cape Town
Signature Moment: Private Tour & Talk at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Johannesburg. Arrival transfer. Private wine tasting at Groote Post Wine Estate. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway ride to the summit. Walking tour of the Bo-Kaap Neighbourhood. Guided visit to District Six Museum. African Dining Experience at Gold restaurant. Guided visit of Cape of Good Hope with a ride on the Flying Dutchman Funicular. Visit to the Boulders Penguin Colony Visitor Center. Internal flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg. Private guided tour of the Apartheid Museum. Internal flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit. . Afternoon safari drive with an EWT conservationist in the Greater Kruger Area. Morning and afternoon safari drives in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve. Kruger National Park Safari Drives. Internal flight between Kruger and Johannesburg. Departure transfer.Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Connect with the San people through immersive history storytelling and traditional food, Sip award-winning vintages and meet one of South Africa’s top winemakers in the Darling Hills, Hear Christo Brand share personal tales of Nelson Mandela’s final years at Victor Verster, Sleep suspended over the Sabie River in a restored train carriage at Kruger Shalati
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
1. TRAVEL DAYS
This is not a physically demanding journey; however, travelling can be difficult, with long drives and poor road conditions at times. Despite this, most clients feel that the diversity of the African landscape, countries, culture and wildlife are all well worth the experience. We use a comfortable and safe air-conditioned touring vehicle for the long drives.
2. YELLOW FEVER
It may be required to show a Yellow Fever certificate if you are traveling to South Africa from a Yellow Fever endemic country.
3. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this trip is a combination of multiple G Adventures tours (Cape Town, Kruger). As such, the staff and/or particular vehicles operating your tour may change between tour segments. You may also expect some group members to join or leave the tour, between tour segments.
4. MONEY EXCHANGE
We strongly advise that you bring ZAR or USD from your home country or exchange money before the start of the tour, to avoid delays on tour. Please see the Money Exchange section for more details.
5. DRONES
The use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.
Max. 22, avg. 16.
9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
Private vehicle, 4x4 safari vehicle, plane, walking
This trip is run in private 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicles, with sliding windows and a large pop-up roofs, designed for wildlife viewing. There is a maximum of six passengers per vehicle, and we will use up to 3 vehicles for our larger group sizes.
Road conditions can run the full range of conditions from new to very poor, and during dry seasons, the roads can become very dusty. This style of travel is the best under the local circumstances, as the seats are comfortable and having our own private vehicle allow us the flexibility of making stops when needed, and to stay and watch that crouching lion prepare for an attack.
Speed governors set to 80kph are used on all vehicles to ensure a safe driving speed. Please note for your own safety it is mandatory to wear your seat belt at all times when in a vehicle.
All G Adventure vehicles are regularly serviced and follow a strict maintenance schedule. However given the long travel days and rough conditions of many of the roads in Africa, vehicles can and do breakdown on occasion. If such situations occur all drivers are trained mechanics and any vehicle issues are rectified as quickly as possible so as to not disrupt your trip. Your patience is requested if the vehicle you are traveling in happens to encounter a mechanical fault.
Yes, for those travelling solo there is a single supplement.
Hotel (5 nts), Lodge (4 nts).
For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.
An arrival transfer is included when you arrive on Day 1, or if you arrive up to three days prior provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through National Geographic Signature Journeys in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.
Our driver will be waiting for you with a National Geographic Signature Journeys sign, and they will be waiting for you outside the luggage hall. If for any reason you are not met at the airport, please call our local support line. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please make your way to the joining point hotel via taxi.
Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.
Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your National Geographic Expedition Leader. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 2 (in the morning), where you will get a chance to meet your leader and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!
We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier and contact us as soon as possible. If you have a pre-booked transfer, and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:
Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Local Representative (South Africa)
From outside South Africa: +27 713823286
From within South Africa: 071 3823286
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found <a href='https://www.gadventures.com/contact-us/'>here</a>.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 394 5416
Calls from UK: 0800 041 8146
Calls from Germany: 0800 181 9454
Calls from Australia: 1 800 204 905
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 424 389
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Fly to Johannesburg airport where our expedition to Southern Africa concludes.
Please book your departure flight for no earlier than 7pm.
Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Note: Seasons in Southern Africa are quite extreme. Winters (May to October) can be really cold and summers will be really hot. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives.
PLEASE ask your expedition leader to arrange if any laundry needs to be done, so that he / she can make arrangements for you. He/She will advise guests accordingly, in advance if guests want to do laundry where it is available.
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.
Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page <a href='https://www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/prepare-for-your-tour/'>here</a>
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
The currency in South Africa is the South African Rand (ZAR).
Rand can be obtained locally by changing foreign currency or by using ATMs (where available) which will disperse local currency. Your Expedition Leader will inform you where you can change money throughout the tour and approximately how much money you will need.
Please note that due to past problems with forgery, $US notes that are older than year 2006 are not accepted in Africa.
Large note ($US 50, $US 100 etc) can be difficult to change in some places, but will gain you the best exchange rate.
If you plan to buy your visas at borders, you will need to bring $USD cash to pay for these visas. Please note you cannot use the local currency or any other currency to buy these visas- they must be purchased in USD.
Please do not bring Travellers’ cheques to Africa. They are difficult if not impossible to exchange in many places.
Visa/Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. it is harder to find machines Mastercard/Cirrus cards. We highly recommend that if you hold a Mastercard, you obtain a Visa card prior to departure and travel with both. This is also useful should something unforeseen happen to one of your cards during your travels.
While there are many ATMs in the major centres, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Africa. Check with your bank.
Credit cards can be used in major cities and towns ONLY but please do not rely on them as a method of payment because they are generally not widely accepted. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. The majority of our optional activities can also be paid by credit card. Your Expedition Leader will advise on these.
Please note that in many areas there may be occasional power-outages, where there will be no electricity for hours at a time. In addition, ATMs outside of larger centers often run out of cash or can be out of order unexpectedly. These factors could affect your ability to access money from ATMs. As such, please do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money.
A combination of foreign currency and debit/credit cards for cash advances is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.
As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com.
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
On our National Geographic Signature tours, tipping is included for all included activities and meals, and porterage. Tipping is not included for the Expedition Leader. Should you want some basic guidelines on tipping for the activities you do on your own, please see below. At the end of each trip if you felt your National Geographic Signature Expedition Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline would be $10-$15 per person per day.
For meals and activities not included in your itinerary, it is appropriate in Africa to tip 10%. Though not compulsory, tipping is expected. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels and shows an expression of satisfaction.
No optional activities
We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least one month before departure. Travellers should also carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your tour leader of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling with the group. Your tour leader will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor.
Yellow Fever Certificate Note: (Updated: May 2023)
It is compulsory to show a valid Yellow Fever Certificate if you are travelling to the following G Adventures-visited countries from a Yellow Fever endemic country:
- Botswana
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Rwanda
- South Africa
- Swaziland
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
For some of these countries, proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is also required for passengers who have travelled more than 12 hours through the airport of an endemic country. If other countries not endemic to Yellow Fever have been visited after visiting an endemic country, then a Yellow Fever certificate may still be required on entry. Please check country-specific regulations before your departure.
Malaria
Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease that is present in some regions in Africa. Risk of malaria can increase during periods of heavy rain, during the rainy seasons, and in densely populated areas of Southern & East Africa. To prevent malaria, we recommend speaking to your doctor about taking preventative medication (prophylaxis), combined with regular use of insect repellent spray/cream. Please check updated travel health advisories specific to malaria before your departure.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Expedition Leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your Expedition Leader will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions. Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our Expedition Leaders to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s). Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our Expedition Leaders have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into G Adventures’ itineraries globally.
G Adventures is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.
G Adventures Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with <a href="https://planeterra.org/">Planeterra Foundation</a>.
Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.
Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.
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You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour.
However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details.
In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout.
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The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at G Adventures and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our <a href="https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/lgbtq-travel/">LGBTQ+ page</a> for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.