It's been a few months since we returned from our trip to South Africa in late June 2025, but the memories remain vivid. We joined the National Geographic Journeys "Explore Kruger National Park" tour, operated by G Adventures, and it exceeded all our expectations. From the bustling streets of Johannesburg to the open savannahs of Kruger National Park and the intimate luxury of Karongwe Private Game Reserve, it was an unforgettable family safari adventure. If you're looking for a well-organized South Africa safari with expert guides, incredible wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences, this G Adventures tour is one we'd highly recommend.

Getting There

We flew Delta Airlines 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—and conveniently, the same hotel from which our G Adventures tour would depart. The airport pickup was arranged by G Adventures and included in the tour. Before joining the tour, we wanted to explore Johannesburg more in-depth on our own, so we planned two solo days in the city.

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. The hotel offers a free shuttle within a certain radius, which dropped us right at the pickup spot for the sightseeing tour. We also explored Rosebank Mall and had a great time just wandering around — and when we were done, the shuttle picked us up and brought us back to the hotel. Super convenient!

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 exploring Johannesburg, we joined the National Geographic “Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park” tour, operated by G Adventures — one of the best South Africa safari tours for wildlife lovers and families. This 7-day guided safari takes you deep into Kruger National Park and Karongwe Private Game Reserve for unforgettable Big Five encounters, expert-led game drives, and authentic bush experiences (Tour PDF details).

Day 1 – Johannesburg
That evening, we met our fellow travelers and our tour leader (known as the CEO in G Adventures lingo) for a quick introduction and briefing about the week ahead. We went around sharing the one thing we most wanted to see on this trip — a fun way to kick off the adventure. Then we headed to dinner together at the hotel, getting to know each other over good food and conversation.

Day 2 – Johannesburg → Greater Kruger Area

We had our private tour van throughout the trip. We left early and made several stops along the Panorama Route, stopping at:

ALZU Petroport — Out back, there's a nature reserve where we spotted rhinos, ostriches, zebras, buffalo, and waterbucks just roaming around. We grabbed lunch, did a bit of souvenir shopping, and enjoyed the unexpected wildlife views.

Blyde River Canyon (located in Mpumalanga province- the third largest canyon on earth)
Bourke’s Luck Potholes
God’s Window

We arrived at our Umbhaba Lodge near Kruger; it is a peaceful eco-lodge near Hazyview, just a short drive from Kruger's Phabeni Gate. The lodge is nestled among tranquil lakes and indigenous bush, with rooms overlooking the water. We loved the buffet-style meals featuring South African flavours.

Day 3 – Full-Day Safari in Kruger National Park

We woke up before dawn and entered Kruger at sunrise through Phabeni Gate — there's something magical about watching the bush come alive in the early morning light. We spent the full day exploring the park in open safari vehicles, spotting lots of birds, impalas, herds of elephants, giraffes, lions, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Day 4 – Greater Kruger → Karongwe Private Game Reserve

We transferred to Karongwe Private Game Reserve, and checked into Chisomo Safari Camp — a luxury tented camp alive with romance, firelight, and Big Five encounters. Our tented suite was perched on stilts overlooking the Makhutsi River, where we could watch wildlife wander by right from our deck. There's an old-world safari charm here — canvas and thatch, lantern light, and evenings spent around the crackling fire at the boma under the stars.

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 — heading out at dawn and again in the late afternoon when the light turns golden, and the animals come alive
Between drives, while some of our group went on an optional bush walk, I treated myself to some relaxing spa time at the lodge
Evening boma braai — a traditional South African barbecue under the stars. The boma is an open-air enclosure with a crackling fire at the center. We feasted on flame-grilled meats, boerewors, pap with chakalaka, and finished off with warm malva pudding and custard.

Day 6 – Karongwe → Johannesburg

Last early-morning safari — and what a way to end! We witnessed a kill in the wild, a thrilling and unforgettable moment
Transfer back to Johannesburg through the scenic drive through the Drakensberg Mountains (Dragon Mountains)
Farewell dinner with the group back at the Southern Sun Rosebank Hotel in Joburg

Day 7 – Johannesburg & Departure

Our flight wasn't until the evening, so we extended our stay at the Southern Sun Rosebank Hotel and took our time relaxing before heading out. The hotel arranged our airport drop-off, making the transition seamless. Once at the Johannesburg airport, we did some last-minute shopping — there's a great selection of South African spices and decorations to bring back home. Just like that, our South African adventure came to an end — but the memories of the wildlife, the bushland, and the people we met will stay with us forever.

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 !!