Intrepid Travel
DealGorillas to Vic Falls
Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe · 42 days · Moderate5.0(2)
fromCAD 8,348
Next: 15 Aug
Save 25% off, auto-applied, ends 2026-06-18
Operated by G Adventures
Journeys: Discover Kruger & Namibia
From
CAD 11,099
Duration
16 days
Countries
Namibia, South Africa
Activity
easy
Group size
Max 16
The adventure
From savanna to desert to sea, combine the wild wonders of South Africa and Namibia in one unforgettable adventure. Set out in search of the legendary "big five" in a private reserve alongside a National Geographic–funded researcher, explore the surreal crimson desertscapes of the Namib —the oldest desert on Earth—and keep your eyes peeled for endangered species in the grasslands of Etosha National Park. Cap off your journey with a visit to the Cheetah Conservation Fund, founded by a National Geographic Grantee.
Arrive at any time and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a dinner with your fellow travellers tonight.
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, and take in panoramic views of the forest-covered valley from the God's Window viewpoint. Continue to our lodge near Kruger National park, savour a delicious South African Dinner in this picturesque location.
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 we explore this breathtaking wilderness of savanna and scrubland. Return to our lodge in the evening, where you can take some time to relax and enjoy the nocturnal sounds of the bush.
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. Sit back for a lecture and learn about efforts to protect the region’s cheetahs and other carnivores. After, the researcher then joins us for a wildlife-viewing excursion through the reserve.
Spend the day exploring Karongwe on morning and afternoon safaris with our local guides. Search for Africa's famed "big five" as we drive through the shrublands of the bushveld. Back at camp, relax on deck or take a walk around the grounds before enjoying a traditional South African dinner with your fellow travellers.
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 in our lodge.
Fly to Windhoek and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time to explore the Namibian capital this afternoon.
Set off from the Namibian capital towards Sesriem, the gateway to jaw-dropping Namib-Naukluft National Park. Drive past red-hued desertscapes, stark camel thorn trees, and dramatic curved dunes while keeping an eye out for the astonishing creatures that call these arid lands home—the oryx, springbok, jackal, hyena, and more. Settle in to our lodge and relax poolside, watching a fiery crimson sunset over the desert.
Embark on a thrilling excursion into one of Africa’s largest national parks. Explore the Namib desert, the oldest desert in the world; and venture to the massive dunes at Sossusvlei and the white clay pan of Deadvlei. Capture dramatic images of dead camel thorn trees against a backdrop of orange dunes and a crisp blue sky. Then visit the Sesriem Canyon, a natural gorge carved out by the Tsauchab River over millions of years.
Continue by road through changing desert landscapes towards the coastal city of Swakopmund. Look out for roaming zebra, kudu, springbok, and oryx on the way and stop at a local bakery renowned for its delicious homemade apple pies. Enjoy one of these tasty, fresh baked treats before the group gathers with our local guide for the bushman walk through the desert. Along the walk, learn about the survival strategies of bushmen who lived in this inhospitable area thousands of years ago and search for the smaller wildlife that has managed to survive here, such as snakes, geckos, spiders, and an array of insects. Continue on to Swakopmund later in the day for free time, or join an orientation walk. Dinner will be at your leisure with options in town and at the hotel.
Rise early for breakfast at the hotel. Our local guide will meet the group there before beginning our excursion to Sandwich Harbour and the Skeleton Coast. Travel on scenic roads to Walvis Bay while our guide provides background information on the Namib Desert landscape and wildlife. After stopping at a few different viewpoints the group will enter Namib Naukluft Park, and depending on the tide, drive along the beach to Sandwich Harbour. Enjoy a deeper immersion into this ever shifting environment on an exhilarating 4x4 ride through the towering dunes. Stop for lunch along the route at a private location in the park to fully appreciate the desert meeting the ocean.
This afternoon, take a tour of Mondesa township with a local guide, learning about its people and history. Visit the local market for an introduction to traditional foods such as wild spinach, mopane worms, and dried sardines or kapenta. Stop by an arts and crafts shop; chat with the locals; and round off the day with dinner and a performance at a cozy family-run establishment.
Enjoy a free morning in Swakopmund, getting a taste of the town’s unique Afro-German culture; or opt to try different activities like, sandboarding in the Namib desert, sea kayaking, or a fat tire bike tour of Old City Swakopmund. In the evening, come together as a group for an included dinner at the hotel.
Depart from Swakopmund right after breakfast and travel towards Etosha National Park, arguably Namibia’s most spectacular wildlife sanctuary. Stop in Outjo for a refreshing break in this charming town before continuing your journey to Etosha National Park. Opt to enjoy lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurants, savor a taste of Namibian hospitality, and stretch those legs. Continue onwards to our lodge, located outside of the park and spend the evening at leisure, or on an optional wildlife drive in the surrounding area.
Spend a full day on safari in Etosha National Park, where open grasslands converge on a massive salt pan. Etosha harbours some of the largest populations of lions, elephants, and other endangered species, so keep your camera on the ready as you explore in your open vehicle. Enjoy lunch at one of the park’s rest areas, where you can also take a swim; and sit back and watch all manner of creatures—including hundreds of species of birds—flock to the nearby watering hole.
After breakfast, visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund, a global research and education center founded by National Geographic Grantee Dr Laurie Marker. Tour the facility to learn about the important conservation and community outreach work they do to protect the world’s fastest land animal, and enjoy a talk by one of the researchers. Then head out on a drive through the grounds to meet some of the center’s rescued and rehabilitated cheetahs. Continue to Windhoek for our final evening.
Depart at any time.
At a glance
Duration
16 days
Route
Johannesburg → Windhoek
Countries
Namibia, South Africa
Activity level
easy
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, National Parks & Wilderness, Wildlife & Safari
Group size
Max 16
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Namibia & South Africa
Showing Days 1-7
16-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalOur accommodation is in the Rosebank area, just north of central Johannesburg. The hotel is conveniently located, should you have additional time. Taxi's can be easily arranged to get you around.
Our accommodation is in the Rosebank area, just north of central Johannesburg. The hotel is conveniently located, should you have additional time. Taxi's can be easily arranged to get you around.
Day 2Set out towards Kruger National Park via…
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, and take in panoramic views of the forest-covered valley from the God's Window viewpoint. Continue to our lodge near Kruger National park, savour a delicious South African Dinner in this picturesque location.
Day 3Rise early and climb aboard an open jeep…
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 we explore this breathtaking wilderness of savanna and scrubland. Return to our lodge in the evening, where you can take some time to relax and enjoy the nocturnal sounds of the bush.
Day 4Travel to the Karongwe Private Game ReserveFor the next two days, enjoy ranger-led morning and evening wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle in Karongwe Nature 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 our safari drives provide several opportunities for wildlife viewing. We use 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).
For the next two days, enjoy ranger-led morning and evening wildlife safari drives in an open safari vehicle in Karongwe Nature 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 our safari drives provide several opportunities for wildlife viewing. We use 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).
Day 5Spend the day exploring Karongwe on morning…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.
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.
Day 6Embark on one last safari this morning
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 in our lodge.
Day 7Fly to Windhoek and transfer to your hotel
WindhoekFly to Windhoek and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time to explore the Namibian capital this afternoon.
1 / 3
Discover Namibia
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
Upcoming departures
Operated by G Adventures
TripFinder compares the available catalog facts and can help with the booking. You travel under the operator's terms; final price and availability are confirmed before purchase.
Book my trip →More Africa adventures
Intrepid Travel
DealCape Town to Zanzibar
Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe · 41 days · Easy4.8(18)
fromCAD 7,420
Next: 09 Aug
Intrepid Travel
DealZanzibar to Cape Town
Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe · 40 days · Easy4.9(29)
fromCAD 6,072
Next: 10 AugFrom
CAD 11,099/ person