Set out towards Kruger National Park via the magnificent Panorama Route, one of the world’s most picturesque drives. Make stops at the dramatic Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, taking in panoramic views of the forest-covered valley from the God’s Window viewpoint. Continue to your lodge near Kruger National Park, then savour a delicious South African dinner in this picturesque location.
Please note: Today is a very long driving day. However, you will make many stops along the way at sites along the Panorama Route.
Private Vehicle (7–8.5 hours) | 500km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Panorama Route Scenic Drive
Enjoy a scenic drive along the famed Panorama Route. You’ll see magnificent mountains, panoramic passes, valleys and waterfalls. There will also be stops at Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window.
Rise early and climb aboard an open jeep for a full-day safari in Kruger National Park, home to an extraordinary array of large mammals. Spot elephants, lions, giraffes and perhaps elusive leopards as you explore this breathtaking wilderness of savannah and scrubland. Return to your lodge in the evening, where you can take some time to relax and enjoy the nocturnal sounds of the bush.
At over 19,000 square kilometres, 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.
Kruger National Park Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive – Full Day (6–7 hours)
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.
Travel to the Karongwe Private Game Reserve, a pristine wildlife sanctuary located in the Greater Kruger area. Meet with a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Cheetah Range Expansion Project – a program funded in part by National Geographic’s Big Cats Initiative and managed by National Geographic Explorer, Kulani Nyakane. Sit back for a lecture and learn about efforts to protect the region’s cheetahs and other carnivores. After, the researcher then joins you for a wildlife-viewing excursion through the reserve.
For the next two days, enjoy ranger-led morning and evening wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle in Karongwe Private Game Reserve, searching for 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 your safari drives provide several opportunities for wildlife-viewing.
G Adventures uses 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).
Please note: Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and local expert trackers who will share their vast experience of the African bush.
On some occasions, if space is unavailable, G Adventures may need to change accommodations or even use a different private reserve. In such a case, be assured G Adventures will choose other lodges or comfort camps of equal quality within the Greater Kruger area.
Private Vehicle (3 hours) | 150km
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 Range Expansion Project, a project managed by National Geographic Explorer, Kulani Nyakane, who is also a Field Officer for the Endangered Wildlife Trust working with threatened carnivores in the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. Listen to a talk about cheetahs here and the important research this project is doing. You 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.
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Carnivore Conservation Experience
Spend the day exploring Karongwe on morning and afternoon safaris with your local guides. Search for Africa’s famed ‘Big Five’ as you drive through the shrublands of the bushveld. Back at camp, relax on deck or take a walk around the grounds.
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, a traditional braai.
Karongwe Private Reserve Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive (3 hours)
Jump into a safari 4x4 and keep your eyes open for fantastic wildlife encounters. Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and local expert trackers, and both will share their vast experience of the African bush.
Free Time (afternoon)
Relax and enjoy some down time between wildlife safari drives.
Your Foodie Moment: Boma Braai
At Karongwe, the boma dinner will indulge your taste buds with South African cuisine, while you enjoy the African wilderness. Take part in a culinary journey that reflects South Africa’s rich cultural and culinary heritage, all from an enclosed outdoor area, lit by lanterns and a warming fire. You’ll taste your way through traditional dishes including braaied (barbequed) meats, potjiekos (traditional pot stew) and a malva pudding (traditional dessert) – all made from local ingredients. Both your stomach and your heart will be full from this cultural immersion, nature connection, social interaction and delicious meal.
Your Foodie Moment: Boma Braai
Embark on one last safari this morning, keeping a lookout for Karongwe’s iconic inhabitants. Then head back to the city, where you’ll enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Karongwe Private Reserve Open Vehicle Wildlife Safari Drive (3 hours)
Jump into a safari 4x4 and keep your eyes open for fantastic wildlife encounters. Wildlife safari drives are conducted with qualified wildlife rangers and local expert trackers, and both will share their vast experience of the African bush.
Private Vehicle (7 hours) | 500km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.