It’s been a few months since we returned from our trip to South Africa in late June 2025, but the memories remain vivid. From the bustling streets of Johannesburg to the open savannahs of Kruger and the intimate luxury of Karongwe, it was an unforgettable family adventure.

Getting There

We flew Delta from Raleigh-Durham to Atlanta, then took the long non-stop 16-hour flight to Johannesburg. Touching down in South Africa made the journey feel real and exciting.

Johannesburg & Arrival Days

We stayed at the Southern Sun Rosebank Hotel, a comfortable base to recover from the long flights.

Day 1: We explored Johannesburg on a hop-on hop-off bus tour (City Sightseeing Johannesburg) — a relaxed way to get a feel for the city.

Day 2: We took a private Johannesburg and Soweto tour (Viator link) and visited places that highlighted the city’s layered history — from the township of Soweto, central to the anti-apartheid movement, and landmarks like Mandela House, to broader urban areas. It gave us a real sense of the struggles, the fight against apartheid, the changes that followed, and the resilience that continues to shape Johannesburg today.

Joining the National Geographic/G Adventures Tour

After our two solo days, we joined the National Geographic “Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park” tour, operated by G Adventures (Tour PDF details).

Day 1 – Johannesburg
That evening, we had a welcome dinner with fellow travellers and a briefing from the tour leader about the week ahead.

Day 2 – Johannesburg → Greater Kruger Area

Early departure along the Panorama Route, stopping at:

Blyde River Canyon
Bourke’s Luck Potholes
God’s Window

We arrived at our Umbhaba Lodge near Kruger for dinner.

Day 3 – Full-Day Safari in Kruger National Park

Pre-dawn start in open safari vehicles for a full day exploration in Kruger National Park. Highlights included elephants, giraffes, lions, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Day 4 – Greater Kruger → Karongwe Private Game Reserve

Transferred to Karongwe Private Game Reserve, staying at Chisomo Safari Camp — a luxury tented camp alive with romance, firelight, and Big Five encounters.

Met a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Cheetah Range Expansion Project (partnered with National Geographic)
Evening game drive with a classic sundowner — a uniquely South African sunset experience

Day 5 – Karongwe: Morning & Afternoon Safaris

Morning and evening game drives with local guides
Downtime at the lodge between drives or bush walk (optional activity)
Evening boma braai an outdoor South African barbecue under the stars

Day 6 – Karongwe → Johannesburg

Last early-morning safari
Transfer back to Johannesburg through the scenic drive through Drakensberg mountains (Dragon Mountains)
Farewell dinner with the group in Joburg

Day 7 – Johannesburg & Departure

Breakfast and goodbyes
Depart at your own timing
Trip officially concludes with unforgettable wildlife and bushland memories

Trip Highlights

A perfect mix of city history, wildlife, and family time

Learning about apartheid and seeing Soweto and Mandela House firsthand
The immersive safari experience in both Kruger National Park and Karongwe Private Game Reserve
Staying at Chisomo Safari Camp, where comfort meets the wild
Meeting conservation researchers and seeing their work up close
Sunrise and sunset game drives with real wildlife moments

South Africa has a way of staying with you. If you get the chance, go — it’s an adventure you won’t forget !!