G Adventures Southern Africa Family Journey: In search of the Big Five

• Embark on a thrilling safari in Kruger National Park
• examine three million-year-old hominin fossils in the Cradle of Humankind
• visit rescued chimpanzees at a sanctuary run by the Jane Goodall Institute
• feel the thundering power of Victoria Falls

• Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Jane Goodall Chimp Eden Tour, Nelspruit
• Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Cradle of Humankind Experience, Johannesburg
• Your Foodie Moment: Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue), Johannesburg
• Arrival transfer
• Excursion to Cape Point including the penguins at Boulders Beach
• Kruger National Park wildlife safari drives in open vehicle
• Tour of Victoria Falls
• Internal flights
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
• Hotel (5 nts), safari lodge (3 nts), guest house (2 nts)
• 10 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners
• 2 Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) throughout, including a local CEO in Victoria Falls, local guides/rangers

Day 1: Cape Town

Arrive in time to meet your fellow travelers for a welcome gathering this evening. Your arrival transfer is included.

Day 2: Cape Town

This morning, set out on a daylong tour of the Cape Peninsula, a rocky headland jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. At Boulders Beach, watch thousands of African penguins waddle about their business. Then visit the notorious Cape of Good Hope—where many an unfortunate ship met its watery doom during the Age of Exploration—and climb up to the lighthouse at Cape Point for fantastic views. Head back to Cape Town via the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive, which snakes its way along the Atlantic.

Day 3: Cape Town

Spend the day at leisure, discovering the charms of Cape Town on a variety of optional excursions. Hike up iconic Table Mountain with a guide, or hop on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for a quick ride to the summit, taking in incredible views of the Atlantic seaboard. Pay an eye-opening visit to the Iziko Slave Lodge—a museum devoted to the history of slavery in South Africa. Wildlife lovers can head to the Two Oceans Aquarium to gush over the variety of its marine residents—from adorable clownfish to translucent jellies.

Day 4: Cape Town / Greater Kruger Area

Fly from Cape Town to the Greater Kruger National Park and settle into your lodge, located at the gateway to the famed wildlife reserve.

Day 5: Kruger National Park

Rise early and climb aboard an open jeep for a safari in Kruger National Park—home to a mindboggling array of large mammals. Spot trumpeting elephants, swaggering lions, graceful giraffes, and perhaps elusive leopards as you ride through this epic wilderness. You’ll criss-cross savanna, scrubland, and riverbanks on your daylong excursion, following the tracks of the majestic creatures that inhabit the park.

Day Greater Kruger Area

Venture out on another early morning safari drive, looking for the creatures you didn’t get a chance to spot the day before. The afternoon is free to explore the Kruger region as you choose. Relax by the pool at your lodge, or opt to experience the area by zip-line.

Day 7: Greater Kruger Area / Johannesburg

After breakfast, head to Chimp Eden for an encounter with your closest relatives in the animal world. Run by the Jane Goodall Institute of South Africa, Chimp Eden is the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in the country, and harbors more than 30 rescued chimps. Legendary ethologist and National Geographic grantee Dr. Jane Goodall devoted her life to the study of chimpanzee behavior; at Chimp Eden, you’ll get an opportunity to see rescued chimps living in a safe and secure sanctuary and learn why Jane was so captivated by them when she first began her research in 1960. Later, settle in for the drive to Johannesburg, arriving in the evening.

Day 8: Cradle of Humankind

Step back millions of years in time on a visit to the Cradle of Humankind, where the fossils of some of your earliest known human ancestors were discovered. Here, National Geographic Explorer-at-Large Lee Berger excavated the Homo naledi, a recently defined species of hominin. Descend into the otherworldly Sterkfontein Caves, where the remains of “Mrs. Ples” and “Little Foot”—both more than two million years old—were found; then venture to the Maropeng Visitors Centre to gape at the actual skeletal remains and embark on an immersive journey through the evolution of your species. This evening, feast on a traditional South African braai (barbeque).

Day 9: Johannesburg / Victoria Falls

Catch a flight to Zimbabwe and check in to your hotel. Set out with a local guide for a tour of Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls on Earth. Scottish explorer David Livingstone named them after Britain’s Queen Victoria, while their older, indigenous name is Mosi-oa-Tunya—“the smoke that thunders.” You can hear the falls’ mighty roar from up to 24 miles away; and standing at one of the cascade’s overlooks, you’ll be drenched by its powerful spray.

Day 10: Victoria Falls

The day is free to explore Victoria Falls and its surroundings. Embark on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River; hit the rapids on a thrilling white-water rafting excursion; or take a memorable helicopter ride above the massive cascade. You can also take a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana to seek out its resident elephants. This evening, celebrate your journey with fellow travelers at a farewell dinner featuring a performance of local music and dance.

Day 11: Victoria Falls

Depart at any time.

2 – LIGHT
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.