In June 2025, my family and I embarked on a South African tour with National Geographic Journeys and G Adventures — and it exceeded our expectations. From the bustling streets of Johannesburg to the intimate luxury of staying at Karongwe Private Game Reserve in Kruger, it was an unforgettable family safari adventure.
If you’re looking for a well-organized South African safari with expert guides, incredible wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences, here’s our first-hand tale of what Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park tour experience was like.
Touching down in Johannesburg
The Southern Sun Rosebank Hotel, was a comfortable base to recover from the long flight journey from Raleigh, NC, USA to Johannesburg. Before joining the official start of the tour, we decided to explore two days in Johannesburg on our own.
Day 1
We signed up for Johannesburg’s hop-on hop-off, city sightseeing bus tour — a relaxed, accessible way to get a feel for the city. Next, we explored Rosebank Mall and had a great time wandering around.
Day 2
Our morning started with a private Johannesburg and Soweto tour, where we visited landmarks that highlighted the city’s layered history. From the township of Soweto — central to the anti-apartheid movement — to iconic sites like Nelson Mandela House, we were able to gain a real sense of how the fight against apartheid and the changes that followed have contributed to the resilience that shapes the communities of Johannesburg to this day.
The Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park tour, operated by G Adventures is one of the best South African safari tours for wildlife lovers and families. This week-long 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.
Day 1: the start of a new adventure
Our first evening was spent meeting our fellow travelers and our Chief Experience Officer — also known as a CEO in G Adventures lingo — for a quick introduction and briefing about the week ahead. Each traveller shared one thing we wanted to see the most on this trip — a fun way to kick off the adventure. Then, the group spent dinner together at the hotel, getting to know each other over good food and conversation.
Day 2: a road trip along the Panorama Route
Our group was greeted by a private tour van in the morning — our transportation for the rest of the week — and made several stops along the Panorama Route, including:
ALZU Petroport:
This isn’t your typical petroport. Nestled at the back of the building is a nature reserve where we were able to spot rhinos, ostriches, zebras, buffalo, and waterbucks.
Blyde River Canyon:
Located in Mpumalanga, South Africa, it is the third-largest canyon on Earth, behind the Grand Canyon.
Bourke’s Luck Potholes:
These rock formations are the result of water erosion which has happened for millions of years and form part of the Panorama Route.
God’s Window:
A captivating viewpoint with panoramic views.
In the late afternoon, we arrived at our Umbhaba Lodge, 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. A bonus highlight for us was 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 National Park 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: Karongwe Private Game Reserve
We transferred to Karongwe Private Game Reserve, and checked into Chisomo Safari Camp, a luxury tented camp alive with romance 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. The canvas and thatch, lantern lights, and evenings spent around the crackling fire under the stars make you appreciate what feels like old-world safari charm.
In partnership with National Geographic, our group got to meet a researcher from the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Cheetah Range Expansion Project and in the evening, got to embark on a game drive with a classic sundowner — a unique South African sunset experience.
Day 5: all-day game drives and South African braai
Our full day was spent on game drives, heading out at dawn and returning back 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.
In the evening, we were treated to a traditional South African braai under the stars. We feasted on flame-grilled meats, boerewors, pap with chakalaka, and finished off with warm malva pudding and custard.
Day 6: one last safari run
We hopped on one last early-morning safari, and witnessed an unforgettable moment: a kill in the wild, which was a thrilling way to end our safari time.
Our group was transferred back to Johannesburg through a scenic drive through the Drakensberg Mountains (also known as Dragon Mountains). Before saying our official goodbyes, we had one last farewell dinner with our tour group.
Day 7: until next time, South Africa
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. Once we arrived 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.
Experience the adventure for yourself on: Journeys: Explore Kruger National Park.
