In June 2025, my family and I embarked on the south african Trip with National Geographic Tours and G Adventures – it exceeded our expectations. from the busy street johannesburg Stay in the privacy and luxury of Karongwe Private Game Reserve Krugeran unforgettable family safari adventure.
If you're looking for a well-organized South Africa safari with professional guides, incredible wildlife and authentic cultural experiences, here are our first-hand stories Journey: Explore Kruger National Park The travel experience is great.
Landing in Johannesburg
this Rosebank Southern Sun HotelA comfortable base to recover from a long flight from Raleigh, NC. USA arrive johannesburg. Before we officially started our trip, we decided to spend two days exploring Johannesburg on our own.
first day
We signed up for a hop-on hop-off city tour bus tour of Johannesburg – it was an easy and convenient way to experience the city. Next we explored Rosebank Mall and had a great time wandering around.
the next day
Our morning started with a private tour of Johannesburg and Soweto, where we visited landmarks that highlight the city's layered history. From the town of Soweto, the epicenter of the anti-apartheid movement, to iconic sites like Nelson Mandela House, we gain a true understanding of how the fight against apartheid and the changes that followed have strengthened the resilience of Johannesburg communities to this day.
this Journey: Explore Kruger National Park Tours run by G Adventures are among the best safaris in South Africa wildlife lovers and family. This week's guide safari Take you deep into the Kruger National Park and Karongwe Private Game Reserve for unforgettable Big Five encounters, expert-led game drives and authentic bush experiences.
Day One: The Beginning of a New Adventure
We spent our first night meeting our fellow travelers and our Chief Experience Officer (also known as the CEO in G Adventures lingo) for a quick introduction and briefing about the week ahead. Each traveler shared the one thing we most wanted to see on this trip – a fun way to start the adventure. Later, the group had dinner at the hotel and deepened their understanding of each other through delicious food and conversation.
Day 2: Road trip along the Panoramic Route
In the morning, our group was welcomed in a private tour van – our transportation for the rest of the week – and made several stops along the panoramic route, including:
Arzu Oil Port:
This is not your typical oil port. Behind the building is a nature reserve where we could see rhinos, ostriches, zebras, buffaloes and waterbucks.
Blyde River Canyon:
Located in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, it is the third largest canyon on earth, after the Grand Canyon.
Burke's bad luck:
These rock formations are the result of millions of years of water erosion and are part of the Panorama Route.
God's Window:
Charming viewpoint with panoramic views.
In the late afternoon we arrived at our accommodation Um Baba InnIt is a peaceful eco-lodge located near Hazyview, just a short drive from Kruger's Phabeni Gate. The lodge is set among tranquil lakes and indigenous bush, with rooms overlooking the water. An added highlight for us was the buffet with a South African flair.
Day 3: Full-day safari in Kruger National Park
We woke up before dawn and entered Kruger National Park through the Fabeni Gate at sunrise. There is something magical about watching the bushes come alive in the early morning sunshine. We spent a full day exploring the park on an open safari vehicle and spotted many birds, impalas, herds of elephants, giraffes, lions and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
Day 4: Kalongwe Private Game Reserve
We transfer to Karongwe Private Game Reserve and check in Chisomo Safari Campa luxury tented camp filled with romance and Big Five encounters. Our tented suite was perched on stilts overlooking the Makouse River, and we could watch wildlife wander by from the deck. Canvas and thatch, lantern lights, and nights spent around a crackling fire under the stars give you a taste of the charm of an old world safari.
We partnered with National Geographic to meet a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Foundation's Cheetah Range Extension Project and embarked on a classic sunset tour in the evening, a uniquely South African sunset experience.
Day 5: Full day game drive and South African BBQ
We spent the entire day on game drives, setting off at dawn and returning in the late afternoon, when the light turns golden and the animals come alive.
In between drives, some of us had the option of bushwalking, while I enjoyed some relaxing spa time at the hotel. In the evening we enjoyed a traditional South African barbecue Under the stars. We enjoyed flame grilled meats, boerewors, pap with chakalaka and finished with hot mallow pudding and custard.
Day Six: Last Safari
We went on our last early morning safari and witnessed an unforgettable moment: a kill in the wild, ending our safari in an exciting way.
Our group returned to Johannesburg on a scenic drive through the Drakensberg Mountains (also known as the Dragon Mountains). Before officially saying goodbye, we had a final farewell dinner with the tour group.
Day 7: See you next time, South Africa
Our flight didn't leave until the evening, so we extended our stay at the Rosebank Hotel in Nanyang and got some good rest before setting off. Upon arrival at Johannesburg Airport we did some last minute shopping – there was a great selection of South African spices and decorations to take home. And just like that, our South African adventure was over – but the memories of the wildlife, the bush and the people we met will always be with us.
Experience the adventure for yourself: Journey: Explore Kruger National Park.
