Signature: South Africa's Kruger National Park

Signature: South Africa's Kruger National Park

• Trip code: 463X044
• Dauer: 6
• Stil: National Geographic Signature

Experience South Africa’s Big Five on this thrilling expedition into the Greater Kruger Area. Fly from Johannesburg for exclusive safari drives, including a conservation talk with the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Indulge at unique accommodations, offering unparalleled views and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.

Übersicht

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt), Lodge (4 nts)

Checklist

Cold weather:
• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater
• Scarf
• Warm gloves
• Warm hat
• Warm layers

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• 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)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended)
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Hand sanitizer
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Smart Dress:
• Smart outfit (For evenings out)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Bitte beachte: Seasons in Southern Africa are quite extreme. Winters (May to October) can be really cold and summers will be really hot. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives

Group Leader

National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout

Group Size Notes

Max. 22, avg. 16

Highlights

Hear Christo Brand share personal tales of Nelson Mandela’s final years at Victor Verster, Sleep suspended over the Sabie River in a restored train carriage at Kruger Shalati, Enjoy safari drives through the beautiful landscapes of Kruger National Park

Introduction

Experience South Africa’s Big Five on this thrilling expedition into the Greater Kruger Area. Fly from Johannesburg for exclusive safari drives, including a conservation talk with the Endangered Wildlife Trust. Indulge at unique accommodations, offering unparalleled views and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities

Meals Included

5 Frühstück, 2 Mittagessen, 5 Abendessen

Meal Budget

Plane USD55-75 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein

Optional Activities

Keine optionale Aktivitäten

Start / Finish

von Johannesburg

Transport

Private vehicle, 4x4 safari vehicle, plane, walking

What's Included

Dein G-for-Good-Moment: Shabalala Interpretation of Culture Centre Visit, Hazyview
Dein Welcome-Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Johannesburg
Signature Moment: Private Tour & Talk at the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Johannesburg. Arrival transfer. Internal flight from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit. Afternoon safari drive with an EWT conservationist in the Greater Kruger Area. Morning and afternoon safari drives in the Thornybush Private Game Reserve. Kruger National Park Safari Drives. Internal flight from Kruger to Johannesburg. Departure Transfer. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader and Expert. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Packing Note

Seasons in Southern Africa are quite extreme. Winters (May to October) can be really cold and summers will be really hot. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning wildlife safari drives

Internationale Flüge

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 National Geographic Signature Specialist 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

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a National Geographic Signature tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12

Itinerary

Day 1 Johannesburg

Welcome to South Africa. Your expedition begins at the airport where you will be met and transferred to your comfortable hotel in Johannesburg. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, followed by a welcome dinner. Get to know one another an prepare for the experience ahead

Day 2 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 3 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 4 Greater Kruger Area to Kruger National Park via Hazyview

Begin with a morning safari drive in the reserve, returning for breakfast before checking out. Travel to Hazyview for a stop at the Shabalala Interpretation of Culture Centre, an immersive experience of traditional dress, rhythmic dance, and local cuisine. Continue to your lodge, a restored train permanently suspended on a historic bridge over the Sabie River—a vantage point like no other. Check in and refresh before high tea and a talk on local wildlife. Afterward, embark on a safari drive in Kruger National Park—South Africa's largest wildlife sanctuary—returning to the lodge for dinner above the river

Day 5 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 6 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

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Johannesburg

Day 2 Johannesburg to Greater Kruger Area via Hoedspruit

Day 3 Greater Kruger Area

Day 4 Greater Kruger Area to Kruger National Park via Hazyview

Day 5 Kruger National Park

Day 6 Kruger National Park/Johannesburg

Flights must depart after 7pm