An Expedition through Southern Africa
By Sarah Etinas
An Expedition through Southern Africa
By Sarah Etinas
Experience National Geographic Expeditions’ new Southern Africa adventure, experiencing both South Africa and Zambia.
Travel to Southern Africa—specifically to the countries of South Africa and Zambia—with National Geographic Expeditions for a getaway to remember. Dive into the storied history scene, sample Southern African cuisines, visit small local villages, and discover the African Big 5, just to start.
Days 1 and 2
Take in the Best of Cape Town, South Africa
Start your expedition with two days in Cape Town, one of South Africa’s three vibrant capital cities. You’ll stay right on the Atlantic Ocean, just steps away from the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. There, you’ll find three major attractions—the Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa), the Two Oceans Aquarium, and The Cape Wheel—along with adorable boutique shops, countless restaurants, a popular farmers market, and dozens of boat tours.
Take in the Best of Cape Town, South Africa
Start your expedition with two days in Cape Town, one of South Africa’s three vibrant capital cities. You’ll stay right on the Atlantic Ocean, just steps away from the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. There, you’ll find three major attractions—the Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa), the Two Oceans Aquarium, and The Cape Wheel—along with adorable boutique shops, countless restaurants, a popular farmers market, and dozens of boat tours.
But there’s more to Cape Town than just the waterfront. With your guide, you’ll also take in unending views of the city via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, learn about the struggles of apartheid at the District Six Museum, and dive into the multi-faceted flavors of the local Cape Malay cuisine.
But there’s more to Cape Town than just the waterfront. With your guide, you’ll also take in unending views of the city via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, learn about the struggles of apartheid at the District Six Museum, and dive into the multi-faceted flavors of the local Cape Malay cuisine.
Day 3
Make a Few Penguin Friends at Cape Town Peninsula
From Cape Town proper, it’s just a short drive to the Cape Town Peninsula and the lovely Boulders Beach. Home to the Boulders Penguin Colony, this beach is one of just a few places in the world where you can see the critically endangered African penguin in its natural habitat. From designated observation boardwalks, watch the penguins waddling around the shoreline or diving into the waters, and even get a glimpse of their hidden burrows. Guests will also learn from a National Geographic Expert about their projects to protect local wildlife.
Make a Few Penguin Friends at Cape Town Peninsula
From Cape Town proper, it’s just a short drive to the Cape Town Peninsula and the lovely Boulders Beach. Home to the Boulders Penguin Colony, this beach is one of just a few places in the world where you can see the critically endangered African penguin in its natural habitat. From designated observation boardwalks, watch the penguins waddling around the shoreline or diving into the waters, and even get a glimpse of their hidden burrows. Guests will also learn from a National Geographic Expert about their projects to protect local wildlife.
Days 4 to 6
Go on a Safari through Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
Located within the larger Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is an incredible location to spot the “Big Five” of safaris: lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and African buffalos, along with hundreds of other wildlife species. It’s three days of next-level wildlife watching, interspersed only by calming nights and flavorful meals at the five-star Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge.
Go on a Safari through Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
Located within the larger Kruger National Park, the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is an incredible location to spot the “Big Five” of safaris: lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and African buffalos, along with hundreds of other wildlife species. It’s three days of next-level wildlife watching, interspersed only by calming nights and flavorful meals at the five-star Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge.
Days 7 to 9
Experience the Nature and Culture of Livingstone, Zambia
Your visit to Zambia begins with a flight into Livingstone, a gateway to the stunning Victoria Falls. Stretching more than 5,600 feet wide and 354 feet tall, it’s one of the world’s largest waterfalls and a jaw-dropping sight to behold. Take a guided walk to many viewpoints around these falls and its Zambezi River source, keeping an eye out for wildlife all along the way.
Experience the Nature and Culture of Livingstone, Zambia
Your visit to Zambia begins with a flight into Livingstone, a gateway to the stunning Victoria Falls. Stretching more than 5,600 feet wide and 354 feet tall, it’s one of the world’s largest waterfalls and a jaw-dropping sight to behold. Take a guided walk to many viewpoints around these falls and its Zambezi River source, keeping an eye out for wildlife all along the way.
While the falls and its surrounding nature are one draw of Livingstone, the local culture is another. Venture to the nearby village of Mukuni, where the Leya people have been practicing their customs since the 13th century. Learn the history of the community, meet the village elders, sample traditional food and drinks, and watch beadwork artisans at work.
While the falls and its surrounding nature are one draw of Livingstone, the local culture is another. Venture to the nearby village of Mukuni, where the Leya people have been practicing their customs since the 13th century. Learn the history of the community, meet the village elders, sample traditional food and drinks, and watch beadwork artisans at work.
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I have always been a Geography and Map Fanatic. I own a very large and well-utilized National Geographic Atlas in which I have recorded many notes and personal trips and routed out my journeys by ships, planes, trains, and cycling. I refer to it frequently in putting together my clients' trips and itineraries, as well as my own.
Going back to the time when I was a little girl, I have either lived just a few yards from the ocean or relatively close to it. I liked watching ships and wanted to know what life was like on the other side of the ocean. I was fascinated that my Grandmother came to the US on a ship as a teenage girl together with her sister from Ireland. Before my grandparents met in the US, my Grandfather from Ireland worked as a cowboy and copper miner in Montana at the turn of the 20th Century. They had many National Geographic issues at their home which I loved looking at. These impressions, plus taking my first cruise, all eventually led me to the cruise and travel ...