Southern Africa Family Journey: In Search of the Big Five - 11 Days



Who is this trip for
Genders
- Female51%
- Male49%
Average age
Start / End
- Cape Town
- Victoria Falls
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 20Meals included
17Highlights
- Begin your unforgettable family adventure in the cosmopolitan hub of Cape Town, exploring the dramatic coastal beauty of the Cape Peninsula, standing at the legendary Cape of Good Hope, and delighting in the charming antics of thousands of African penguins waddling along Boulders Beach.
- Embark on thrilling wildlife safari drives in the world-renowned Kruger National Park, South Africa. Traverse vast landscapes in an open safari vehicle, searching for the iconic 'Big Five' and encountering an incredible diversity of large mammals in one of Africa's most impressive animal reserves.
- Connect with our closest relatives in the animal kingdom at Chimp Eden, the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa, run by the Jane Goodall Institute. Witness rescued chimpanzees thrive in a safe haven and learn about their fascinating behaviors, inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall's groundbreaking research.
- Journey millions of years into the past at the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Descend into the mysterious Sterkfontein Caves where ancient hominin fossils like 'Mrs. Ples' and 'Little Foot' were discovered, and delve into the immersive story of human evolution.
- Experience the sheer power and majesty of Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, 'the smoke that thunders.' Feel the spray and hear the mighty roar of one of Earth's largest waterfalls as you explore its breathtaking viewpoints with a local guide.
- Savor the rich flavors of Southern Africa with a traditional South African braai (barbecue) in Johannesburg, and enjoy a variety of optional activities around Victoria Falls, from serene Zambezi River sunset cruises to an exciting day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, famed for its elephants.
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Summary
Boasting jaw-dropping scenery and some of the planet’s most iconic wildlife, Southern Africa makes for an unforgettable family adventure. On this action-packed journey, venture to South Africa to seek out the legendary “big five” on safari, soak up the charms of cosmopolitan Cape Town, and see penguins march along Boulders Beach. Then top off your journey in Zimbabwe with a tour of thundering Victoria Falls.
Itinerary
Day 1
Cape Town
Welcome to Cape Town–your arrival transfer to the hotel is included. Check in and get excited to meet your fellow travelers during a welcome meeting this evening where all families can bond before the Journey ahead.
Day 2
Cape Town
This morning, set out on a daylong tour of the Cape Peninsula, a rocky headland jutting into the Atlantic Ocean. Begin at the spectacular Chapman’s Peak Drive, which snakes its way along the Atlantic. Then visit the notorious Cape of Good Hope—where many an unfortunate ship met its watery doom during the Age of Exploration—and climb up to the lighthouse at Cape Point for fantastic views. Finish the tour at Boulders Beach and watch thousands of African penguins waddle about their business.
Day 3
Cape Town
Spend the day at leisure, discovering the charms of Cape Town on a variety of optional excursions. Choose to hop on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for a quick ride to the summit, taking in incredible views of the Atlantic seaboard. Pay an eye-opening visit to the Iziko Slave Lodge—a museum devoted to the history of slavery in South Africa. Wildlife lovers can head to the Two Oceans Aquarium to gush over the variety of its marine residents—from adorable clownfish to translucent jellies.
Day 4
Cape Town/Greater Kruger Area
Fly from Cape Town to the Greater Kruger National Park and settle into your lodge, located at the gateway to the famed wildlife reserve.
Day 5
Kruger National Park
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.
Day 6
Greater Kruger Area
Venture out on another early morning safari drive, looking for the creatures you didn’t get a chance to spot the day before. The afternoon is free to explore the Kruger region as you choose. Relax by the pool at our lodge, or opt to experience the area by zip-line.
Day 7
Greater Kruger Area/Johannesburg
After breakfast, head to Chimp Eden for an encounter with our closest relatives in the animal world. Run by the Jane Goodall Institute of South Africa, Chimp Eden is the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in the country, and harbors more than 30 rescued chimps. Legendary ethologist and National Geographic grantee Dr. Jane Goodall devoted her life to the study of chimpanzee behavior; at Chimp Eden, we’ll get an opportunity to see rescued chimps living in a safe and secure sanctuary and learn why Jane was so captivated by them when she first began her research in 1960. Later, settle in for the drive to Johannesburg, arriving in the evening.
Day 8
Cradle of Humankind
Step back millions of years in time on a visit to the Cradle of Humankind, where the fossils of some of our earliest known human ancestors were discovered. Here, National Geographic Explorer-at-Large Lee Berger excavated the Homo naledi, a recently defined species of hominin. Descend into the otherworldly Sterkfontein Caves, where the remains of “Mrs. Ples” and “Little Foot”—both more than two million years old—were found; then venture to the Maropeng Visitors Centre to gape at the actual skeletal remains and embark on an immersive journey through the evolution of our species. This evening, feast on a traditional South African braai (barbeque).
Day 9
Johannesburg/Victoria Falls
Catch a flight to Zimbabwe and check in to your hotel. Set out with a local guide for a tour of Victoria Falls, one of the largest waterfalls on Earth. Scottish explorer David Livingstone named them after Britain’s Queen Victoria, while their older, indigenous name is Mosi-oa-Tunya—“the smoke that thunders.” You can hear the falls’ mighty roar from up to 24 miles away; and standing at one of the cascade’s overlooks, you’ll be drenched by its powerful spray.
Day 10
Victoria Falls
The day is free to explore Victoria Falls and its surroundings. Embark on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River; or embark on a canoeing excursion on the river. You can also take a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana to seek out its resident elephants. This evening, celebrate your journey with fellow travelers at a farewell dinner featuring a performance of local music and dance.
Day 11
Victoria Falls
Depart at any time.
What's Included
Accommodation
Hotel (3 nts), safari lodge (7 nts)
Meals
Breakfasts: 10, Lunches: 2, Dinners: 5
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Airport Transfers
Arrival OnlyAn airport transfer to the start of the tour is included. Please contact our team if you require a quote for a return transfer.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Dec 25
from £3,239May 26
from £3,588Jun 26
from £3,811Jul 26
from £3,811Aug 26
from £3,811Dec 26
from £3,811Mar 27
from £3,588May 27
from £3,588Jun 27
from £3,588Jul 27
from £3,588Aug 27
from £3,588Dec 27
from £3,588
- Save 18%Mon 22 Dec 2025 > Thu 1 Jan 2026Guaranteed Departure4 spaces of 20 left£3,929Best offer£3,239
Customer reviews & ratings
It was a dream come true! The things we experienced as a family, the knowledge we gained about that part of the world and the new understandings we came home with due to the knowledge, experience and passions of our CEO, were unforgettable and priceless. None of us wanted to come home; Berven & Auther made us feel like this was our second home. This trip exceeded our expectations. The knowledgeable and friendly guides, the accommodations, the people we interacted with along the way were all incredible. We could not have asked for more.
Stephanie Sep, 2024 VerifiedThis trip offered us the chance to explore a new part of the world, see animals that we never would have dreamed of, and experience new cultures and towns. It was hassle free, well thought out, detail oriented with friendly and intelligent staff. The trip was well planned, the CEOs were knowledgeable and welcoming, and the amenities were wonderful.
Jessie Erin Aug, 2024 Verified
Essential trip information
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