Cape Town (South Africa) | Hazyview (South Africa) | Johannesburg (South Africa) | Victoria Falls (Zambia & Zimbabwe)
The following are Southern Africa Family Journey: In Search Of The Big Five tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
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Welcome to Cape Town-your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your Expedition Leader will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.
This morning, set out on a daylong tour of the Cape Peninsula, a rocky headland jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. Begin at the spectacular Chapman's Peak Drive, which snakes its way along the Atlantic. 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. Finish the tour at Boulders Beach and watch thousands of African penguins waddle about their business.
Chapman's Peak Drive is weather dependent, an alternate route will be driven should conditions appear poor.
Travel to Cape Point to enjoy a stunning vista and visit the penguins at Boulders Beach. Cape Point National Park is filled with varied wildlife. Many different kinds of birdlife, from sea birds to giant raptors wheeling overheard, can be easily seen. In the summer months (November-February) keep an eye out for southern right whales out to sea.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Spend the day at leisure, discovering the charms of Cape Town on a variety of optional excursions. Choose to 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.
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.
Enjoy a day of your leisure in this cosmopolitan and charming city.
Fly from Cape Town to the Greater Kruger National Park and settle into your lodge, located at the gateway to the famed wildlife reserve.
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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. We'll criss-cross savanna, scrubland, and riverbanks on our daylong excursion, following the tracks of the majestic creatures that inhabit the park.
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.
Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras, and many other species in this impressive South African national park.
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
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 our lodge, or opt to experience the area by zip-line.
Get a better view and take better snapshots aboard this off-road ride.
Hop in a 4x4 safari vehicle and get yourself one step closer to the surrounding nature. Be ready to spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras, and many other species in this impressive South African national park.
Spend the day relaxing at the lodge or opt to see the area from above by booking the Tree-top challenge or the Aerial Cable trail.
After breakfast, head to Chimp Eden for an encounter with our 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, we'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.
Today is a long driving day; but we will make stops along the way at the Chimp Eden Sanctuary and for lunch.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Chimp Eden, run by the Jane Goodall Institute South Africa as the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa. This is a home for orphaned and rescued chimps as well as those displaced from their natural habitats in other parts of Africa. Tour the facility and visit viewing areas for two different 'camps' where a guide will introduce you to the chimps and tell you about their history and behaviour. If you're lucky, you'll get to see baby Amari, who is just a few years old.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Step back millions of years in time on a visit to the Cradle of Humankind, where the fossils of some of our 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 our species. This evening, feast on a traditional South African braai (barbeque).
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Just north of Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind is a UNESCO World Heritage site where some of the oldest hominin fossils ever have been found. Some date back as far as 3.5 million years. Visit the Sterkfontein Caves where "Mrs Ples", a 2.1-million-year-old Aus-tralo-p-ithe-cus skull, and "Lit-tle Foot", an almost com-plete Aus-tralo-p-ithe-cus skele-ton that is more than 3-mil-lion years old, were both found. Then, spend time at the Maropeng Visitors Centre, where you can see fos-sils, view stone tools that are up to one mil-lion years old, and follow a self-guid-ed, inter-ac-tive tour of the centre.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoy a spread of grilled meats, vegetables, homemade salads, and the opportunity to taste some of delicious South African flavours as you become acquainted with the Kruger area.
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.
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Head out for an unforgettable experience at Victoria Falls. Explore the rainforest and learn about the geology, history, and local legends of this world wonder. After your immersion, get up close to the falls and discover the beauty of "the smoke that thunders." Be sure to have your camera ready!
The day is free to explore Victoria Falls and its surroundings. Embark on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River; or embark on a canoeing excursion on the river. 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.
If you plan to participate in the Full Day Chobe Excursion, you will be travelling into Botswana. Please be aware that for Botswana, minors under the age of 18 must present their unabridged birth certificates to travel into the country. Any minor traveling with a non-legal guardian must also present an affidavit outlining consent for the minor to travel, in addition to the birth certificate.
With so much to see and do in Victoria Falls, we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like a helicopter ride, a full-day excursion to Chobe National Park, and a sunset cruise. Your Expedition Leader has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Join your group for a traditional Boma dinner under the stars. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the drummers and dancers throughout the evening as you reminisce about the fantastic adventure you've had with new found friends.
Depart at any time.
Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their Southern Africa Family Journey: In Search Of The Big Five tour:
1 Lower Buitengracht
Cape Town, South Africa-8001
Plot 57, Leeuwkloof
Gauteng
Cullinan, South Africa-1002
Stormvoel Way
Hazyview, South Africa
Adam Stander Dr
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Southern Africa Family Journey: In Search Of The Big Five tour:
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Your Family Journeys Moment: Jane Goodall Institute South Africa - Chimp Eden Tour, NelspruitYour Family Journeys Moment: Cradle of Humankind Experience, JohannesburgYour Foodie Moment: Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue), Kruger. 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 tips included for activities and meals, except for Expedition Leader and porterage. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Embark on a thrilling safari in Kruger National Park, examine three million-year-old hominid 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
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.
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Cape Town- Cape Town City Walking Tour with Family Journeys Expedition Leader- Guided Kayak Adventure (450ZAR per person)- Hop-on Hop-off Bus (110-220ZAR per person)- Bicycle Rental (75-275ZAR per person)- Two Oceans Aquarium (235ZAR per person)Table Mountain- Table Mountain Cable Car (420ZAR per person)Hazyview- Aerial Cable Trail (540ZAR per person)- Tree-top Challenge (160-190ZAR per person)Victoria Falls- River Song Sunset Cruise (82USD per person)- Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park
The style of transportation on this Family trip is a comfortable way to travel through the region, allowing the group to travel through the cities and parks with ease, with more opportunities to stop and either wander around or view the sites.We use a combination of scheduled local flights, comfortable air-conditioned buses and mini buses (depending on the day and activity.)All vehicles are fitted with seat belts, and for your own safety it is mandatory to wear the seat belt at all times when in a vehicle.For the wildlife safari drives in the Kruger National Park we use open safari vehicles.On safari drives and certain transit legs, the group may be split into two smaller vehicles.
Hotel (3 nts), safari lodge (7 nts)
10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners
Eating is a big part of traveling and we encourage you to experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Its important to remember, that food may be different from what you are used to at home and that some things may not be available in other countries.Some meals are included in the trip price, while others are not, to allow flexibility and choice to you and your family. For non-included meals our Expedition Leaders will still make arrangements for the group to eat together, which allows you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and approximate budget (per person) for meals not included.Throughout this trip, breakfast is included daily (ranging from continental to buffet depending on the trip). Drinking water is available throughout (don't forget your refillable water bottle as you will have access to either filtered water from hotels or as made available by the Expedition Leader). Healthy, local snacks will also be available.Note that any special meal requirements or dietary restrictions need to be specified at time of booking.
2 National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout, including a local Expedition Leader in Victoria Falls, local guides/rangers
All National Geographic Family Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by two of our Expedition Leaders. The aim of the Expedition Leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense; you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
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.
Air-conditioned touring vehicle, open safari vehicle, walking, plane
Minimum age of 7 years for this trip.
Prices are based on double occupancy; all other room configurations are on request and cannot be guaranteed. We will accommodate triples/quads whenever possible. Please call for further details.Family Journeys are designed for groups traveling with children between the ages of 7 and 17. Your group must include a child in order to book, and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.Please note that when traveling to South Africa with a minor child under 18, it may be necessary to provide additional documentation, up to and including birth certificates and consent forms.
Cold Weather:o Long-sleeved shirts or sweatero Scarfo Warm gloveso Warm hato Warm layerso Warm waterproof jacketDocuments:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso 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)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao SwimwearNote: Seasons in Southern Africa are quite extreme. Winters (May to October) can be cool and summers hot. Light weight, quick-drying, clothes are advisable for safari. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a light windproof / waterproof jacket. Layering is essential.We're working with our accommodation partners to reduce single-use plastic on our tours by providing safe drinking water for refillable bottles wherever possible. Find out more about our Plastics Partnership Project here.
Seasons in Southern Africa are quite extreme. Winters (May to October) can be cool and summers hot. Light weight, quick-drying, clothes are advisable for safari. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a light windproof / waterproof jacket. Layering is essential.We're working with our accommodation partners to reduce single-use plastic on our tours by providing safe drinking water for refillable bottles wherever possible. Find out more about our Plastics Partnership Project here.
You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labelled. Suitcases/Bags with wheels are encouraged. Must not exceed 1 bag and a day bag / backpack per person at max 20KG. Bag must not exceed: (H) 90cm + (W) 72cm + (L) 45cm (including handle, wheels and pockets). Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. Porters may not always be available, so be prepared to carry your own bags.Please be advised that if you plan to bring a drone with you, the use of drones in national parks in Southern Africa is prohibited.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your Expedition Leaders where the closest laundromat is. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry, so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Upgraded: Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.