18 Day Journeys: Southern Africa Safari Experience

Fully Guided Adventure Small Group Wildlife

Our Price From 10,779 Per Person

Exclusive Savings 258 Per Person

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Trip Length

18 Days

Trip Starts

Johannesburg

Trip Finishes

Maun

18 Day Journeys: Southern Africa Safari Experience Itinerary (G Adventures)

Countries Explored: Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa

Trip Operator

G Adventures

118 Reviews

Trip Style

National Geographic Journeys

Departures

Aug 2025 to Dec 2026

Budget

Affordable

Max. Group Size

Pace

Leisurely

Guide Level

Fully Guided

Trip Code

DSSNG

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 18 Day Journeys: Southern Africa Safari Experience. Witness some of nature’s greatest spectacles on safari in southern Africa’s celebrated national parks, including Kruger National Park and Chobe National Park. Enjoy an unforgettable wildlife walk with a local guide in the panhandle of the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta system and a UNESCO World Heritage site; drive through Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe searching for large herds of elephants; and sit down to a family dinner at a private home near Victoria Falls.

Itinerary

Our accommodation is in the Rosebank area, just north of central Johannesburg. The hotel is conveniently located, should you have additional time. Taxi's can be easily arranged to get you around. Stay: Southern Sun Rosebank (D)

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. Stay: Umbhaba Eco Lodge (B/D)

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. Stay: Umbhaba Eco Lodge (B/D)

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). Stay: Karongwe Portfolio - Chisomo Safari Camp (B/L/D)

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. Stay: Karongwe Portfolio - Chisomo Safari Camp (B/L/D)

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. Stay: Southern Sun Rosebank (B/D)

The mist off Victoria Falls can rise to a height of more than 400m (1312 ft). Local tribes used to call the falls Mosi-o-Tunya or “the smoke that thunders.” Explorer and missionary David Livingstone renamed the falls after Queen Victoria when he first saw them in 1855. Stay: Explorers Village Lodge (B/D)

Set out for a tour of magnificent Victoria Falls. Scottish explorer David Livingstone named them after Britain’s Queen Victoria, while their older, indigenous name is Mosi-oa-Tunya—“the smoke that thunders.” Opt to take an evening sunset cruise. Stay: Explorers Village Lodge (B)

The town of Victoria Falls is a great base to see both natural wonders and take part in some exciting activities. Get up close (and wet from the spray) while awing at the immense Victoria Falls. Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner. Stay: Explorers Village Lodge (B)

Examine the life and struggles faced by the Painted Dog (wild dog) population in and around Hwange national park and the efforts made by the conservancy to prevent poaching and the damage done by snare traps that have endangered the Painted Dog population in Zimbabwe. The ultimate goal of the project is to release rehabilitated animals back into the wild and to work with local children and communities in an effort to educate and shift behaviors away from poaching. Stay: Iganyana Tented Camp (B/D)

Set out on morning and late afternoon safaris through the sweeping grasslands of Hwange National Park and Dete Vlei. Track resident elephant and buffalo herds, as well as giraffes, lions, zebras, and the rare African wild dog. This evening, relax on the deck of your lodge or visit the underground hiding area which is perfect for photography enthusiasts, keeping an eye out for the wild creatures that visit the lodge’s watering hole. Stay: Iganyana Tented Camp (B/L/D)

Keep an eye out for Chobe bushbuck and puku antelope, which are found only in this part of Botswana. The Chobe River is home to the world’s largest elephant herds; buffalo, hippos, and lions can also be seen here. Stay: Chobe Safari Lodge (B/D)

This morning, continue your exploration of Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa’s largest elephant populations. On a safari along the banks of the Chobe River, keep an eye out for elephants, buffalo, lions, zebra, and rare semi-aquatic antelope, as well as an incredible variety of birds. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to get to know the area at your own pace. Stay: Chobe Safari Lodge (B/D)

Please note that the Okavango Wilderness Project talk may be moved to the day that the group arrives in Maun due to the availability of lecturers within the region. Stay: Moremi Crossing Safari Lodge (B/L/D)

Tonight, the group will stay at Moremi Crossing accommodation, in en suite meru tents equipped with running hot and cold water, full beds, linens and a towel. Each tent is on its own deck dotted along the fringe of the island tucked away amongst the pristine riverine ecosystem filled with wildlife. There are animal sightings from the decking area on a regular basis. Stay: Moremi Crossing Safari Lodge (B/L/D)

Chief’s Island is a large area and the animals are free to move as they choose – and they do! During your guided walk there’s a chance you’ll see: lion, elephant, giraffe, zebra, impala, kudu and hippo as well as a plethora of birdlife – particularly when the migratory species return to us between October and March. There is a huge difference to being on foot rather than in a vehicle for such encounters! Stay: Moremi Crossing Safari Lodge (B/L/D)

After an early-morning wildlife excursion, fly to the frontier town of Maun. Meet with an expedition member on National Geographic’s Okavango Wilderness Project, a multi-year collaboration between international and local experts to survey the Okavango watershed’s biodiversity and ensure its future protection. Watch the National Geographic documentary “Into the Okavango,” and learn about delta conservation projects in the area. In the evening, experience a night of storytelling and traditional foods with celebrated local author Bonty Botumile. Born in Maun, Bonty’s work is dedicated to preserving Botswana’s literary heritage and providing youth with employment opportunities in the arts. Listen as she shares her in-depth knowledge of the region’s cultural history, and cap off the night with a delicious meal and colourful stories around a warm fire. Stay: Cresta Maun (B/L/D)

Depart at any time. (B)

Trip Inclusions

Explore Zimbabwe's largest national park in an open safari vehicle.
Cruise the waters of the Chobe River.
Listen to a talk and watch a documentary on the Okavango Wilderness Project.
Spend a few nights at Moremi Crossing in the Okavango Delta.
Enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue).
Embark on an incredible wildlife safari drive inside Kruger National Park.
Meet researchers from the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Carnivore Conservation Programme.

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Carnivore Conservation Experience, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Zimbabwean Family Dinner, Victoria Falls
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Painted Dog Conservation, Hwange National Park
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Okavango Wilderness Project Experience, Okavango Delta
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Botswana Storytelling and Traditional Dinner, Maun
Your Foodie Moment: Boma Braai, Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Your Discover Moment: Victoria Falls
Arrival transfer
Panorama Route scenic drive with entrances
Private nature reserve wildlife safari drives in open vehicles
Open-vehicle wildlife safari drives in Kruger, Hwange and Chobe National Parks
Tour of Victoria Falls
Chobe boat safari
Wildlife excursions by boat and on foot in the Okavango Delta
Internal flights
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Hotels (3 Nights), safari lodges/camps (9 Nights), comfortable safari tent (3 Nights), comfortable tent or chalets (2 Nights)
Please remember that hotel/lodge/camp standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country, which is part of the appeal of adventure travel.
General notes: -Please note that hot water shortages, low water pressure, and power outages can occur in Southern Africa. We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control. -Wifi is available in most places (extra charge may apply), but in remote areas, there can be service interruptions. -A/C is not generally available in the accommodations we use, really it isn't needed as evenings tend to cool down. Floor or ceiling fans are usually available. -Winter nights (June to September) can be cold, and most lodges and hotels do not have insulation or central heating. If you require additional blankets or a hot water bottle, these can be requested through your CEO or at the reception.

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) for Kruger and Botswana, local CEO in Victoria Falls, local guides/rangers

17 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 15 dinners

Plane, air-conditioned touring vehicle, open safari vehicle, 4x4, walking, boat, mokoro

Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.

Journeys: Southern Africa Safari Experience

Overview

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Johannesburg

Day 2: Johannesburg - Greater Kruger Area

Day 3: Kruger National Park

Day 4: Greater Kruger Area - Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Day 5: Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Day 6: Karongwe Private Game Reserve - Johannesburg

Day 7: Johannesburg - Victoria Falls

Day 8: Victoria Falls

Day 9: Victoria Falls

Day 10: Victoria Falls - Hwange National Park

Day 11: Hwange National Park

Day 12: Hwange - Chobe NP

Day 13: Chobe NP

Day 14: Kasane - Okavango Delta

Day 15: Okavango Delta

Day 16: Okavango Delta

Day 17: Okavango Delta - Maun

Day 18: Maun

Trip Inclusions Expand All

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