Signature: South Africa from Cape Town to Kruger

Day 1 - Cape Town
Welcome to South Africa. Your expedition begins at the airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel near the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, where the hum of the city meets the crash of the Atlantic. Take the evening to settle in, stretching your legs along the harbour promenade or simply admiring the silhouette of Table Mountain rising above the city lights as you prepare for the experience ahead.

Day 2 - Cape Town
Meet your fellow travellers and National Geographic Expedition Leader to begin the adventure.Travel along the windswept west coast to the !Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre. Here, step into the origins of humankind, connecting with San culture through the rhythm of traditional storytelling and the taste of indigenous foods. Continue inland to the rolling vineyards of Groote Post Wine Estate in the Darling Hills to sip award-winning vintages and meet acclaimed winemaker Lukas Wentzel. Return to the hotel for a welcome dinner, reflecting on the landscapes and flavours of your first full day.

Day 3 - Cape Town
Ascend Table Mountain via the Aerial Cableway, watching the city shrink below as you reach the summit for panoramic views of Table Bay and Robben Island. Descend to the vibrant streets of Bo-Kaap for an interactive Cape Malay cooking class, filling the air with the scent of fragrant curries and freshly made roti. Tour the area and visit the District Six Museum to understand the scars of Apartheid. Back at the hotel, join Christo Brand, Nelson Mandela’s former guard, for an intimate discussion on his time at Victor Verster Prison. End the day immersed in the beat of African drums and diverse flavours at Gold restaurant.

Day 4 - Cape Town
Set out on a scenic drive along the Cape Peninsula, where rugged cliffs drop into the swirling ocean. Stop at the Cape of Good Hope before winding along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak to Cape Point. Take the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the lighthouse for sweeping views of the coastline where two oceans meet. After lunch, visit Boulders Beach to walk the raised boardwalks above the granite coves, observing endangered African penguins waddling in the surf. Return to the hotel and enjoy a free evening to explore Cape Town’s vibrant culinary scene.

Day 5 - Cape Town/Johannesburg
Catch a flight to Johannesburg and head directly to the Apartheid Museum, the world’s premier institution exploring South Africa’s 20th-century history. On a guided tour, walk through exhibitions that lay bare the institutionalised segregation of the Apartheid era, gaining a profound understanding through moving personal narratives and historical artifacts. Transfer to your hotel to check in and refresh. In the evening, enjoy a dinner in Johannesburg with your group, where you will be joined by fellow travelers arriving for the safari chapter of our expedition.

Day 6 - Johannesburg to Greater Kruger Area Via Hoedspruit
Visit the Nelson Mandela Foundation for a tour of Madiba’s post-presidential office, a quiet space filled with the history of his legacy. In South Africa, Madiba is an affectionate and respectful name for Mandela, originating from his Xhosa clan name, and symbolizing deep admiration of his legacy. Later, fly to the Greater Kruger area and settle in at your safari lodge. This afternoon, meet a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and learn about their vital work protecting cheetahs and wild dogs, and supporting local communities. Afterward, head off on your first safari drive in the private reserve with the researcher, scanning the bush for Africa's famed ‘big five’ as the sun begins to lower.

Day 7 - Greater Kruger Area
Rise early for a wildlife safari drive, spotting lions, elephants, and other famous species in the soft, golden light of dawn—the prime time for viewing. Return to the lodge for a hot breakfast and leisure time to relax on the deck, listening to the sounds of the bush. This afternoon, during high tea, join a talk to gain deeper insight into local conservation efforts and the area's intricate ecosystems. After an afternoon safari tracking wildlife through the reserve, return to the lodge to refresh before gathering for dinner, sharing stories from an unforgettable day in the bush.

Day 8 - Greater Kruger Area to Kruger National Park Via Hazyview
Awake early to the rustle of the savanna for a morning safari drive across the reserve, tracking wildlife as the first golden light hits the bushveld. Return to the lodge for a warm, leisurely breakfast before checking out. Travel onward toward Hazyview, stopping at the Shabalala Interpretation of Culture Centre—a vibrant community partnership born to celebrate local heritage and uplift the region. Sip fresh coffee while hearing stories of ongoing community projects. Arrive at your lodge, a magnificently restored train permanently resting on a historic bridge high above the Sabie River. Refresh before high tea and an engaging wildlife presentation, then head out on an afternoon safari drive through Kruger National Park before dining suspended above the river.

Day 9 - Kruger National Park
Spend the day on morning and afternoon safari drives, scanning the bush for lions, elephants, leopards, and other iconic wildlife moving through the vast Kruger landscape. Return to the lodge for meals and free time to relax, perhaps watching hippo or buffalo in the river below from the train bridge. During high tea, join a talk on conservation and local ecosystems. After your afternoon drive, gather for a dedicated bush dining experience, sharing stories of your African adventure under a canopy of stars—a fitting conclusion to your time in the wilderness.

Day 10 - Kruger National Park/Johannesburg
Enjoy breakfast and depart the lodge in Kruger National Park this morning for the airport. Fly to Johannesburg where our expedition to Southern Africa concludes.