Southern African Adventure

38 days - from $2516

The Southern African region is a land of colour and contrasts. This adventure takes us across four countries from the Indian to the Atlantic Ocean, mixing culture, wildlife, action and fascinating natural wonders in an journey packed full of highlights! Combining the 'South Africa Explorer' with the 'Overland from Cape to Falls' safaris, this tour begins in South Africa, near Pretoria and Johannesburg, and journeys through to Livingstone in Zambia.

Our first encounter with the wildlife of southern Africa is in world-renowned Kruger National Park, which forms one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries in the world and offers some of the continent's best game-viewing. In Swaziland we meet local artisans skilled in the age-old tradition of glassblowing and spend time interacting with local people at a craft market, before for heading into Zululand to learn more of the customs and culture of the proud Zulu people. A full-day game drive in Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park, in search of the endangered white rhino, and further game drives in Addo Elephant National Park ensure unforgettable experiences with Africa's wildlife! We walk amidst the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains to view the rock paintings of the San Bushmen and walk the beginning of the famous Otter Trail in Tsitsikamma National Park - the most renowned hiking trail in the country. We can choose from a range of adrenaline-fuelled activities to get our hearts racing or just kick back and relax on a glorious sandy beach and watch an African sunset. We explore pristine stretches of coast and seaside towns on the Garden Route, traverse our way through the underground wonderland of Cango Caves and get up close and personal to the giant ostrich. Making our way into the beautiful Western Cape, we sample the local produce that the region is famous for - wine! The vibrant and captivating city of Cape Town, cradled between the imposing Table Mountain and the expansive Atlantic Ocean, must surely be also one of the most beautiful in the world.

The lush mountain ranges, winelands and orchards of the Western Cape give way to a more desolate north, as the Gariep River cuts a green swathe forming the natural border between South Africa and Namibia. The incredible natural beauty and diversity of Namibia is a highlight of this journey. From the size and majesty of Fish River Canyon to the breathtaking sand dunes of the Namib-Naukluft National Park, you experience the true essence of this beautiful country. Swakopmund, the adrenaline centre of the country, provides a stark contrast to the surreal feel and spirit of Spitzkoppe. Continuing north, Namibia continues to impress with the beautiful scenery of Damaraland and the amazing wildlife of Etosha National Park. Leaving Namibia through the fertile north completes a picture of the incredible natural diversity that Namibia offers each visitor. The marvellous wetlands of the Okavango Delta in Botswana are truly spectacular and provide a great opportunity to experience true wilderness. From here we explore the game-rich areas of Chobe National Park and the Chobe River. The awesome power of the Victoria Falls provides a fitting finale to this incredible tour.

Highlights

• Blyde River Canyon
• Kruger National Park
• Mlilwane Nature Sanctuary
• Zulu Culture
• Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park
• Drakensberg Mountains
• Umtata - Birthplace of Nelson Mandela
• Addo Elephant National Park
• Tsitsikamma National Park
• Cango Caves
• Ostrich Farm
• Winelands
• Cape Town
• Langa Township Tour
• Fish River Canyon
• Namib-Naukluft National Park
• Deadvlei Bushman Walk
• Swakopmund
• Cape Cross
• Spitzkoppe
• Etosha National Park
• Okavango Delta
• Chobe National Park
• Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls)

Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive in Pretoria/Johannesburg.2 Travel to Blyde River Canyon region.3-4 Game drives in Kruger National Park.5 Visit recycled glass factory and Swazi craft market. Continue to Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary. 6-7 Zulu kraal and lunch visit. Continue to St Lucia. Full day game drive Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park.8-9 Drakensberg Mountains World Heritage Site. Hike to Bushmen paintings.10-11 Travel to Umtata, birthplace of Nelson Mandela, on South Africa's Wild Coast. Continue along Wild Coast to Cintsa East.12 Travel to Addo Elephant Park, Afternoon and morning game drives.13-14 Tsitsikamma National Park. Hike the start of the Otter Trail. Explore the region.15-16 Explore Plettenberg Bay and Knysna before reaching Wilderness National Park. Travel to Outsdhoorn. Visit Cango Caves and Ostrich Farm.17-18 Wine tasting in Western Cape. Continue onto Cape Town. Day at leisure in Cape Town. 19-20 Cape Town Township Tour. Overnight at Cederberg. Continue onto Gariep (Orange) River.21 Explore the Fish River Canyon. 22-23 Travel to Sesreim. Explore the sand dunes of Sossusvlei and the Namib-Naukluft National Park.24-25 Continue to the Namibian coast for two days of leisure at Swakopmund.26 Visit the Cape Cross seal colony. Experience bushman art at Spitzkoppe.27-29 3 days game viewing in Etosha National Park.30-31 Depart Etosha for Rundu before travelling onto Sepupa.32-34 2 days and nights spent exploring Okavango Delta.35-36 Travel along the Caprivi Strip. Explore Chobe National Park.37-38 Continue to Livingstone. Tour ends in Livingstone after breakfast on day 38.

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the 'must see' sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included: An experienced safari guide and camp cook whilst on safari; local specialist guides at the Cango Caves, in the Okavango Delta and at Chobe National Park; all park fees; all camping equipment; 31 nights camping, 3 nights lodge, 2 nights bungalows, 1 night houseboat; transport in custom-built safari vehicle, 4WD vehicles, mokoro, boat, ferry and on foot.
Not Included: International flights, local payment, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, visas, pre-tour or post-tour accommodation, 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$100 for meals not included in the itinerary.
Valid From: 11 Jan 09
Notes: We travel in a custom-built safari vehicle that can take a maximum of 24 clients. There are large opening windows, providing unrestricted game viewing and photographic opportunities, and on-board we have useful reference books about the flora and fauna that you may encounter during your safari. The large dome tents are spacious and quick to erect with the sides covered in mosquito netting and foam mattresses provided to enable you to sleep in comfort. A comfortable folding chair is also supplied for each passenger. In addition, all communal camping equipment is carried on board together with on-board cool boxes. You need to bring your own sleeping bag and it is also recommended that you bring a pillow or purchase one locally for added comfort. Please note there are no laundry services available whilst camping, but sometimes when we stay at a campsite for at least two consecutive nights, there may be the opportunity to do some hand-washing. A special feature of the safari is that in addition to our safari guide and professional driver we have a camp cook who plans, budgets and prepares all included meals. This trip is a combination of the South Africa Explorer and the Overland from Cape to Falls tours. As a result some travellers may be departing the trip part way through and others joining. You may also experience a change of crew and vehicle in Cape Town. Road Conditions and Infrastructure in Africa Roads in Africa are often in very poor condition, which makes it hard on vehicles. Our vehicles are serviced regularly and are generally in good condition, but breakdowns can and do happen. The infrastructure in Africa is not always what we are used to and travelling on their roads can sometimes be very bumpy experiences. The travelling times indicated in our Trip Notes is just a rough guide and is dependent on various factors that may be outside our control, such as road conditions, weather and time spent at borders.
Starts/Ends: Pretoria / Johannesburg to Livingstone
Trip Reference: GAAA