Southern Africa is blessed with captivating natural wonders, and on this epic trip—covering South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe—you’ll get to check off much of your adventure bucket list. Get up close to the famed “big five” on thrilling safaris, feel the spray of one of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, and explore the oldest desert on Earth by 4×4. Along the way, meet with researchers from National Geographic sponsored–organizations for insights on wildlife conservation, and spend time in townships and villages to learn about daily life.
Hotel (6 nts), Lodge (9 nts), Comfortable tent or chalets (2 nts).
17 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 13 dinners
Allow USD280-365 for meals not included.
Air-conditioned touring vehicle, 4x4, open safari vehicle, plane, walking.
Johannesburg: Arrive at any time and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a dinner with your fellow travellers tonight.
Karongwe Private Game Reserve: Spend the day exploring Karongwe on morning and afternoon safaris with our local guides. Search for Africa's famed "big five" as we drive through the shrublands of the bushveld. Back at camp, relax on deck or take a walk around the grounds before enjoying a traditional South African dinner with your fellow travellers.
Johannesburg/Windhoek: Fly to Windhoek and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time to explore the Namibian capital this afternoon.
Sesriem/Swakopmund: Continue by road through changing desert landscapes towards the coastal city of Swakopmund. Look out for roaming zebra, kudu, springbok, and oryx on the way and stop at a local bakery renowned for its delicious homemade apple pies. Enjoy one of these tasty, fresh baked treats before the group gathers with our local guide for the bushman walk through the desert. Along the walk, learn about the survival strategies of bushmen who lived in this inhospitable area thousands of years ago and search for the smaller wildlife that has managed to survive here, such as snakes, geckos, spiders, and an array of insects. Continue on to Swakopmund later in the day for free time, or join an orientation walk. Dinner will be at your leisure with options in town and at the hotel.
Swakopmund: Rise early for breakfast at the hotel. Our local guide will meet the group there before beginning our excursion to Sandwich Harbour and the Skeleton Coast. Travel on scenic roads to Walvis Bay while our guide provides background information on the Namib Desert landscape and wildlife. After stopping at a few different viewpoints the group will enter Namib Naukluft Park, and depending on the tide, drive along the beach to Sandwich Harbour. Enjoy a deeper immersion into this ever shifting environment on an exhilarating 4x4 ride through the towering dunes. Stop for lunch along the route at a private location in the park to fully appreciate the desert meeting the ocean.
Windhoek/Victoria Falls: Catch a flight to the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, named after one of the most powerful waterfalls on Earth. Visit a nearby village and go grocery shopping in the bustling market. Then sit down with a local family for dinner, helping your hosts prepare a traditional Zimbabwean meal using the ingredients you picked out, and hear stories about local life and culture.
Victoria Falls: Depart at any time.