National Geographic Journeys to Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls

From 2379 euro per person (Atlikušas 4 vietas)

Enjoy a nine-day highlights tour of South Africa and Zimbabwe. Go on safari in the Greater Kruger area, spotting and photographing elephants and lions on their own turf. Then, jet off to Zimbabwe to take in the spectacle of Victoria Falls, where the mist can be seen 40 kilometres (25 miles) away. From the roar of lions to the roar of the world’s greatest waterfall, southern Africa’s wonders ring out loud and clear.

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, Avg 14.

Age requirement: 12+

All travelers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Cenā iekļauts:

• 
  
• Naktsmītnes - 2 viesnīcas, 2 safari nometnes, 2 viesu mājas, 2 labiekārtotas teltis 
• 
  
• Ēdienreizes - 8 brokastis, 2 pusdienas un 7 vakariņas
• 
  
• Privāts grupas transports saskaņā ar programmu
• 
  
• Pavadošais grupas vadītājs – Safari eksperts un vietējie gidi
• 
  
• STAGINGS Travel Design personīgās rekomendācijas
• 
  

Cenā nav iekļauts:

• 
  
• Aviobiļetes uz Johannesburgu un atpakaļ no Victoria Falls
• 
  
• Vīza 
• 
  
• Ēdienreizes, kas nav aprakstā
• 
  
• Personīgie izdevumi un apdrošināšana
• 
  
• Programmas pagarināšana ar papildus dienām Dienvidāfrikā
• 
  

DAY 1 JOHANNESBURG

Arrive at any time. Transfer to hotel. Enjoy a traditional South African braai (barbecue) welcome dinner.

Arrival Airport Transfer Oliver Reginald Tambo International – Johannesburg (30m-45m)

You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting (1h)

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 CEO 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.

Your Foodie Moment: Traditional South Africa Braai (Barbecue)

Enjoy a spread of grilled meats, vegetables and homemade salads, and talk with your friendly hosts about life in South Africa.

Accommodation

Malikana Guesthouse (or similar)Hotel

Meals included: Dinner

DAY 2 JOHANNESBURG/GREATER KRUGER AREA

Enjoy a scenic drive along the famed Panorama Route with stops at Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Potholes, and God's Window. Continue to our tented camp located near the Kruger National Park and this evening enjoy a delicious South African dinner in the boma.

Today is a very long driving day; however, we will make many stops along the way at sites along the Panorama Route.

Private Vehicle Johannesburg – Nelspruit (7h-8h30m500km)

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Muluwa Lodge (or similar)Safari Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

DAY 3 KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

Enjoy a full-day wildlife safari drive through Kruger National Park in an open vehicle. Take in views of the abundant wildlife including elephants, lions, and giraffe. In the late afternoon, return to the lodge where you can relax on the deck with views of the surrounding area.

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.

Full day Kruger National Park (6h-7h)

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.

Accommodation

Muluwa Lodge (or similar)Safari Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

DAY 4 GREATER KRUGER AREA/KARONGWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Continue on to a private nature reserve in the Greater Kruger area. This afternoon, meet with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Cheetah Metapopulation Project who will share information about their efforts to protect cheetahs and other carnivores. This National Geographic-sponsored project is part of the Big Cats Initiative. After, the researcher will join us on our evening wildlife safari drive.

For the next two days, enjoy ranger-led morning and evening wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle in Karongwe Nature Reserve. Search for buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos – 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).

Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and Shangaan trackers who will share their vast experience of the African bush.

On some occasions, if space is unavailable, we may need to change accommodations or even use a different private reserve. In such a case, be assured we will choose other lodges or comfort camps (of equal quality) within the Greater Kruger area.

Private Vehicle - Nelspruit – Karongwe Private Game Reserve (3h150km)

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Carnivore Conservation Experience

Meet with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust's Cheetah Metapopulation Project, a project managed by National Geographic grantee Vincent van der Merwe. A member of Vincent's team will give a talk about cheetahs in South Africa and the important research CMP is doing. We will also discuss conservation within parks and reserves in South Africa and National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative. You will then be accompanied by the researcher on a wildlife safari drive to give you more insight into cheetahs and other carnivores.

Accommodation

Karongwe Private Game Reserve - Lodges (or similar)Safari Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

DAY 5 KARONGWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Enjoy early morning and afternoon safari drives with our local guides, searching for buffaloes, elephants, leopards, lions, and rhinos – Africa's famed "big five". In our down time, relax at the camp, take a walk around the grounds, or enjoy a cool drink on the deck.

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.

Karongwe Private Game Reserve (3h at 05:00)

Jump into a safari 4x4 and keep your eyes open for fantastic wildlife encounters. Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and Shangaan trackers; both will share their vast experience of the African bush.

Relax and enjoy some down time between wildlife safari drives.

Accommodation

Karongwe Private Game Reserve - Lodges (or similar)Safari Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

DAY 6 KARONGWE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE/JOHANNESBURG

After one last wildlife safari drive, head back to the city. In the evening, enjoy dinner at our local guest house.

Karongwe Private Game Reserve (3h at 05:00)

Private Vehicle - Karongwe Private Game Reserve – Johannesburg (7h500km)

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Malikana Guesthouse (or similar)Guesthouse

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

DAY 7 JOHANNESBURG/VICTORIA FALLS

Fly to Zimbabwe and meet our local CEO. Gain insight into what life is like here with a walk through a local market and dinner at a family homestead. Meet our host, learn their history, and discuss daily life and culture in Zimbabwe. Share stories as you enjoy a traditional Zimbabwean dinner.

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.

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Zimbabwean Family Dinner

Flatter Ncube is the head of her family which includes two sisters and numerous children. She’s the youngest of a family of 10 and, now in her early 40s, lives in the village she was raised in near Victoria Falls. There she takes care of her extended family on their homestead, which she and they have been proudly building by hand, brick by brick, for years. Flatter’s story highlights that life isn’t easy in Africa, but despite its challenges, there is much love and laughter and a strong sense of family here.

Visit Flatter’s homestead in her rural village; meet her and some of her family, and walk with some of them throughout the property, among the fruit and vegetable plants the family grows for consumption. (They even plant hot chillies among the vegetables to discourage nosy elephants.) Then help the family prepare a traditional Zimbabwean dinner, which we'll all eat together outside on the property, weather permitting. Ingredients for the meal will have been hand-selected earlier in the day, at the bustling and friendly local village market.

This experience offers great insight into typical African life, and ultimately reinforce how we all really want and need the same things in life: a stable home full of love, a good education, and plenty of opportunity for our children.

Accommodation

Cresta Sprayview Hotel (or similar)Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

DAY 8 VICTORIA FALLS

Enjoy a morning tour of the beautiful Victoria Falls, then the rest of the day is free to explore the area. Take part in a river safari, cultural tours, whitewater rafting, canoeing, or a helicopter ride over the falls.

Victoria Falls Guided Tour - Victoria Falls (1h30m-2h30m)

Join a knowledgeable guide 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!

Optional Activities - Day 8

Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting - Victoria Falls (4h-7h150) 160USD per person

Take the opportunity to go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River while Victoria Falls roars above. Depart in the morning and navigate through the canyon that forms the famous falls. The dramatic rapids will fill you with excitement and complete your experience. Includes a full-day of rafting on class III-V rapids, transfers, and lunch.

Please note: River conditions and activity pricing vary depending on the seasons. High water season is from about February to July. Low water season generally runs from August to January each year - this is when the Zambezi is at its very wildest. The "closed season" is dependent on the season’s rains, and usually is from March to April; during this time rafting on the river is not permitted. Additionally, this activity requires passengers to hike down and up the Batoka Gorge (approx. 45 minutes each way) to access the river; an average level of fitness is required.

This activity price excludes a $10 park entrance fee.

Zambezi River Sunset Cruise - Victoria Falls (50USD per person)

Climb aboard and cruise along the beautiful Zambezi River. Enjoy some snacks, drinks, a festive atmosphere, and gorgeous views of the sunset. It's the ideal way to end an eventful day in Victoria Falls.

Zambezi Bungee Jump - Victoria Falls (160USD per person)

Get the adrenaline pumping with a bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge over the Zambezi River. Hear the rush of Victoria Falls as you enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.

Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 15min Victoria Falls (160USD per person)

You don't want to miss the opportunity to see Victoria Falls from above. Watch the Zambezi River make its way toward the gorge and form the largest waterfall in the world. During your 15-minute ride, you will have time to take in the incredible views over the falls, Livingstone Island, and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park while snapping as many pictures as you like. You may be lucky enough to see some giraffes and elephants in the surrounding landscape and even catch a rainbow over the falls. Includes pick-up and drop-off from hotel and a 12-15min flight.

Please note there is a cost for an additional park fee paid for on-site at time of the activity.

Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 25min Victoria Falls (330USD per person)

You don't want to miss the opportunity to see Victoria Falls from above. Watch the Zambezi River make its way toward the gorge and form the largest waterfall in the world. During your 25 minute ride, you will have time to take in the incredible views over the falls, Livingstone Island, and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park while snapping as many pictures as you like. This extended ride also includes time flying over the vast and towering walls of the Batoka Gorge. You may be lucky enough to see some giraffes and elephants in the surrounding landscape and even catch a rainbow over the falls. Includes pick-up and drop-off from hotel and a 25min flight.

Please note there is a cost for an additional park fee paid for on-site at time of the activity.

Canoeing the Zambezi Victoria Falls (160USD per person)

Opt to canoe above the Falls on the upper Zambezi for a unique and tranquil bird and animal sighting experience.

Accommodation

Cresta Sprayview Hotel (or similar)Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 9 VICTORIA FALLS

Depart at any time.

Departure Day (Activities)

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Optional Activities - Day 9

Microlight Flight over Victoria Falls – Livingstone (175USD per person)

Take a 12-15 Microlight flight over the falls to get an unparalleled, unobstructed view of the spectacular gorge that the Zambezi River has carved into the surrounding landscape over thousands of years.

Please note that this activity takes place in Livingstone, Zambia and visa fees are not included in the price of this activity.

Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 15min Victoria Falls (160USD per person)

You don't want to miss the opportunity to see Victoria Falls from above. Watch the Zambezi River make its way toward the gorge and form the largest waterfall in the world. During your 15-minute ride, you will have time to take in the incredible views over the falls, Livingstone Island, and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park while snapping as many pictures as you like. You may be lucky enough to see some giraffes and elephants in the surrounding landscape and even catch a rainbow over the falls. Includes pick-up and drop-off from hotel and a 12-15min flight.

Please note there is a cost for an additional park fee paid for on-site at time of the activity.

Victoria Falls Helicopter Ride - 25min Victoria Falls – (330USD per person)

You don't want to miss the opportunity to see Victoria Falls from above. Watch the Zambezi River make its way toward the gorge and form the largest waterfall in the world. During your 25 minute ride, you will have time to take in the incredible views over the falls, Livingstone Island, and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park while snapping as many pictures as you like. This extended ride also includes time flying over the vast and towering walls of the Batoka Gorge. You may be lucky enough to see some giraffes and elephants in the surrounding landscape and even catch a rainbow over the falls. Includes pick-up and drop-off from hotel and a 25min flight.

Please note there is a cost for an additional park fee paid for on-site at time of the activity.

Victoria Falls Whitewater Rafting Victoria Falls (4h-7h150-160USD per person)

Take the opportunity to go whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River while Victoria Falls roars above. Depart in the morning and navigate through the canyon that forms the famous falls. The dramatic rapids will fill you with excitement and complete your experience. Includes a full-day of rafting on class III-V rapids, transfers, and lunch.

Please note: River conditions and activity pricing vary depending on the seasons. High water season is from about February to July. Low water season generally runs from August to January each year - this is when the Zambezi is at its very wildest. The "closed season" is dependent on the season’s rains, and usually is from March to April; during this time rafting on the river is not permitted. Additionally, this activity requires passengers to hike down and up the Batoka Gorge (approx. 45 minutes each way) to access the river; an average level of fitness is required.

This activity price excludes a $10 park entrance fee.

Full Day Excursion to Chobe National Park - Victoria Falls (9h-10h 170USD per person)

Depart Victoria Falls in the morning for a full-day guided tour of Chobe National Park in Botswana - a wildlife-abundant region covering about 11,700km² of the Northern Kalahari. Begin your adventure with a cruise down the Chobe River, taking in the sweeping views and witnessing the wildlife grazing along the riverbank. Enjoy an included lunch on land before boarding 4x4 safari vehicles for an afternoon wildlife safari drive with an expert guide. Keep an eye out for lions, elephants, and buffalos. Transfer back to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, arriving in the early evening. Please note that this activity includes two border crossings between Zimbabwe and Botswana. The ordering of activities is susceptible to change.

This is a full-day excursion, so if you're booking this activity on day 1 of your tour, a pre-night in Victoria Falls is required.

** Please note that you need to get a double-entry visa or a Univisa when arriving in Zimbabwe to ensure you can return again without needing to pay an extra visa fee.

Canoeing the Zambezi - Victoria Falls (160USD per person)

Opt to canoe above the Falls on the upper Zambezi for a unique and tranquil bird and animal sighting experience.

Zambezi Sunset Cruise - Livingstone – Victoria Falls

Jump on a boat and cruise on the beautiful Zambezi River. Enjoy some snacks, drinks, a festive atmosphere, and, of course, gorgeous views of the sunset.

Meals included: Breakfast

Payment/Cancellation terms 

Deposit

At the time of booking, a non-refundable deposit in the amount of 350.00 Euros per person per Tour is due to the Tour Operator. If the booking is made 60 days or less prior to departure, full payment is due at the time of booking. The non-refundable deposit should be sent to the Tour Operator or authorized agent, as applicable.

For certain products or services offered by the Tour Operator, including TailorMade, alternative deposit terms apply. Deposits paid for TailorMade will not be held as a Lifetime Deposit.

Certain products or services offered by the Tour Operator may require you to make full payment at the time of booking. The Tour Operator will advise you of any such requirements prior to confirmation of the applicable booking.

Lifetime Deposits: If you cancel your booking, and that cancellation is not a result of nonpayment or any other breach of these Terms, the deposit amount will be held as a “Lifetime Deposit” with the Tour Operator, subject to these Terms. Lifetime Deposits have no expiry and may be applied towards payment of a deposit on any other Tour offered by the Tour Operator. The Lifetime Deposit is transferable and may be transferred by you to another individual of your choosing by providing notice to the Tour Operator in writing.

For the avoidance of doubt, only the deposit amount will form part of the Lifetime Deposit. The Lifetime Deposit has no cash value. Only one Lifetime Deposit may be applied per person per product booked. A Lifetime Deposit must be applied to a new Tour booking that is of equal or greater value to the cancelled Tour for which the Lifetime Deposit was originally received. A Lifetime Deposit may not be applied to the same or similar dates of travel.

Payment

The confirmation sent by the Tour Operator or your travel agent will contain details of final payment required for any booking. Payment of the balance of the price for any products or services booked (excluding Expedition (see 29(C) below and Private Travel -- see 29(E) below) is due 60 days before the departure date of the first product or service included in the applicable booking. If full payment is not received by the applicable due date, the Tour Operator may, at its sole discretion, change the rate payable for the booking, or treat the booking as cancelled and retain the deposit paid on booking as a cancellation fee. If a booking is made less than 60 days before the departure date of the first product included in the applicable booking, then the full amount must be paid at the time of booking. If, for any product or service booked, payment terms differ from those outlined in this section, the applicable terms will be communicated to you prior to booking and will also be detailed on the applicable invoice.

The Tour Operator is not responsible for any charges levied by third parties or financial institutions and payable by you as a result of credit card or other payment transactions and will not refund or return any fees charged by third parties or financial institutions in connection with payments made by you to the Tour Operator.

Cancellation by the participant before departure 

You may cancel your booking by notifying the Tour Operator. Cancellation fees, if any, will be determined with reference to the date on which notice of cancellation is received by the Tour Operator and are expressed as a percentage of the total price paid for the cancelled Tour, product or service (excluding any insurance products).

Cancellation of a Tour:

(a) Cancellation received 60 days or more before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, the remainder of the payments made to the Tour Operator in respect of the cancelled product will be refunded.

(b) Cancellation received 30-59 days before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, an amount equal to 50% of the remainder of the payments made to the Tour Operator in respect of the cancelled Tour will be refunded.

(c) Cancellation less than 30 days before departure of first product or service in relevant booking: Lifetime Deposit will be held by the Tour Operator in accordance with these Terms, and no further refund will be payable.

The cancellation charges above have been calculated as a genuine pre-estimate of the losses the Tour Operator would incur in the event you cancelled your holiday within the stipulated time period, taking into account the charges the Tour Operator will incur from its suppliers (some of which will be up to 100%) and the expected cost savings and income from alternative deployment of the travel services (if possible) calculated as an average charge over a period of time.

Important note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

The Tour Operator will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to the Tour Operator.

Cancellation by You due to Unavoidable & Extraordinary Circumstances You have the right to cancel your confirmed holiday before departure without paying a cancellation charge in the event of “unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances” occurring at your holiday destination or its immediate vicinity and significantly affecting the performance of the holiday or significantly affecting the transport arrangements to the destination. In these circumstances, the Tour Operator shall provide you with a full refund of the monies you have paid but will not be liable to pay you any additional compensation. Please note that your right to cancel in these circumstances will only apply where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has changed its advice to warn against travel to your destination or its immediate vicinity after the date of your booking. For the purposes of this clause, “unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances” means warfare, acts of terrorism, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination or natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or weather conditions which make it impossible to travel safely to the travel destination.