South Africa Explorer *incl air
20 days - from $2299
Combine some of the greatest wildlife viewing in South Africa and Swaziland with the breathtaking unspoilt beaches and natural wonders of the South Africa's coastlines. Come face to face with Zulu culture, explore underground wonders, walk famous hiking trails and experience lots more on this captivating adventure.
What's it like
Grassroots adventures and great value are the hallmarks of this adventure, aimed at younger travelers (20-40) who prefer a fun, independent, convenient and responsible way to travel. The structure for a great travel experience is in place, but plenty of free time means you can go off and make your own discoveries. Expect a lot of fun on a Gecko's trip - the freewheeling style and freedom of choice gives you a flexible adventure, with lots of stories for the gang back home!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart the USA
Board your South African Airways flight to Johannesburg.
Day 2: Arrive Johannesburg
Transfer to your lodge in a remote area between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Day 3: Blyde River Canyon
Leaving Pretoria, we drive to the historic town of Graskop. The Blyde River intersects with the Treur River to form Blyde River Canyon - the world's largest green canyon. We explore this picturesque gorge and its wonderful lookouts by vehicle and on foot.
Days 4-5: Kruger National Park
Heading into the lowveld, we enter the famous Kruger National Park. We explore and search for wildlife on morning and afternoon game drive, with the option of taking a guided night game drive in an open safari vehicle.
Day 6: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Swaziland)
Leaving Kruger National Park, we enter the culturally rich Kingdom of Swaziland. We visit the Ngwenya Glass Factory and have a chance to bargain for curios at a local Swazi craft market before continuing on to our campsite at Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary.
Day 7: Zululand - St. Lucia
Leaving Miliwane Wildlife Sanctuary, we visit a Zulu "kraal" and enjoy a traditional Zulu lunch before continuing to St. Lucia, our campsite for the next two nights. An optional sunset cruise can be taken in the World Heritage listed St. Lucia Wetlands Reserve.
Day 8: Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park
A game drive allows time to explore Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park - the oldest game park in Africa. The reseve is home to the largest concentration of both black and white rhinos in the world, as well as elephants, giraffes, and lions.
Days 9-10: Drakensberg Mountains
Leaving St. Lucia, we travel through the heart of Zululand to the Giant's Castle region of the Drakensberg Mountains, where we spend our next two nights. We take a hike in this spectacular region to view ancient Bushmen rock paintings.
Day 11: Umtata - Nelson Mandela's birthplace
Leaving the Drakensberg region, we travel south-west through the Transkei towards the famous coastline of South Africa. We spend the evening camping at Umtata, the birthplace of Nelson Mandela.
Day 12: Cintsa East (Wild Coast)
After visiting the Mandela Museum, we had south to the coastal town of Cintsa East, just outside East London. A free afternoon guves us time to wander along the beach and absorb the stunning coastal landscape.
Day 13: Addo Elephant National Park
We depart Cintsa East for Addo Elephant Park, which we explore on an afternoon game drive. This park is home to a population of about 450 elephants, and a variety of other wildlife. Our campsite is located within the park.
Days 14-15: Addo - Tsitsikamma National Parks
We drive past the famous surf beach at Jeffrey's Bay and arrive at the mouth of the Storms River, inside Tsitsikamma National Park. We hike the beginning of the Otter Trail to the bottom of a majestic waterfall.
Day 16: Plettenberg Bay - Knysna - Wilderness National Park
Departing Tsitsikamma National Park, we spend the day exploring the coastal towns of Plettenberg Bay and Knysna before reaching Wilderness Natioanl Park, located in the heart of South Africa's picturesque Garden route.
Day 17: Oudtshoorn - Cango Caves
We continue to Oudtshoorn, where we explore the vast halls and towering formations of the spectacular underground Cango Caves. We visit an ostrich farm and learn about their many commercial uses and we can even try our hand at riding one!
Day 18: Winelands - Cape Town
We travel over the Swartberg Pass to he renowned winelands region of the Western Cape. Here we enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting before reaching Cape Town. We enjoy a seafood "braai" (barbecue) for our final dinner of the tour while overlooking Table Mountain.
Day 19: Return to the USA
After breakfast, grab an hour or two for some last minute sightseeing or shopping, before making your way to Cape Town Airport for your connecting South African Airways flights back home.
Day 20: Arrive back in the USA
Arrive back in the USA and connect onward to your home city.
Included:Roundtrip airfare from select cities in the USA, a transfer to the joining hotel upon arrival, an experienced safari guide and camp cook whilst on safari; local specialist guide at the Cango Caves; all park fees; all camping equipment; 15 nights camping, 2 nights lodge; transport in custom-built safari vehicle during safari and on foot.
Not Included: Local payment of $400 payable to the tour leader upon arrival, departure transfer to Cape Town Airport, airport/departure taxes, visas, all other meals, drinks, sleeping bag, pillow, all optional additional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature, laundry and flights (unless specified).
Meals: Allow US$25 for meals not included in the itinerary.
