Southern African Adventure

38 days - from $3145

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

• Canoe the Okavango Delta
• The Chobe riverside, Chobe National Park, Botswana
• Dawn in Etosha National Park
• Sandboard the world’s biggest dunes, Namibia
• See (and smell) the seals at Cape Cross
• Sesriem Canyon
• Spend time with the San Bushmen, Namibia
• Sunrise at Sossusvlei Dunes
• Take the ultimate Namibia photo at Dead Vlei
• Addo Elephant National Park
• Cintsa East, the Wild Coast
• Explore Cape Town’s historic heart
• Greater Kruger National Park
• Hike in the Drakensberg Mountains
• Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park
• Lunch in Zululand
• Ride an ostrich, South Africa
• Swot up on Mandela
• The Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon
• Explore Swaziland’s craft markets
• Mlilwane Nature Sanctuary
• Victoria Falls by moonlight, Livingstone, Zambia

Itinerary:

Day 1: Pretoria/Johannesburg2: Blyde River Canyon Region3-4: Kruger National Park5: Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary (Swaziland)6-7: Zululand - St Lucia8-9: Drakensberg Mountains10-11: Umtata - Cintsa East (Wild Coast)12: Addo Elephant National Park13-14: Tsitsikamma National Park15-16: Plettenberg Bay - Knysna - Oudtshoorn17-18: Winelands - Cape Town19-21: Cape Town - Gariep (Orange) River - Fish River Canyon22-23: Sesriem & Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park24-26: Swakopmund - Cape Cross - Spitzkoppe27-29: Etosha National Park - Bushmanland30-31: Etosha National Park - Sepupa32-34: Okavango Delta35-36: Caprivi Strip - Chobe National Park37-38: Livingstone (Victoria Falls)

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: 37 breakfasts, 33 lunches, 31 dinners
EquipmentIncluded: 02 Sep 10
Valid From: 11 Jan 09
Valid Until: 31 Dec 69
Starts/Ends: Johannesburg to Livingstone, Southern Zambia
Trip Reference: GAAA