Botswana & Zimbabwe Adventure

22 days - from $1995

Over three incredible weeks we explore parts of South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe, combining the 'Backroads of Botswana' and 'Waterfalls and Wildlife' safaris.

Contrasting the fantastic wildlife at Chobe National Park with the stunning scenery of the Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls makes this one of the best trips on offer. We travel from Pretoria to Khama Rhino Sanctuary, where we experience our first sightings of African wildlife. There is a chance to learn more about this community-based conservation effort through our local guides, as well as enjoying an optional night drive. Travelling along the back roads of Botswana we arrive at the Okavango Delta. Here we explore the most spectacular floodplain in the world, both in traditional mokoros (dug-out canoes) and on foot. The birdlife is prolific and the sunsets are simply spectacular. Travelling past the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans we continue to Chobe National Park, spending our day game viewing in open four-wheel drive vehicles and by boat. We watch large herds of elephants rolling in the mud, hippos relaxing at the water's edge, antelopes frolicking through the grasslands and, hopefully, lions keeping a watch on their territory. We then travel to Victoria Falls, where a smorgasbord of adrenaline-fuelled activities are on offer (such as whitewater rafting or bungy jumping). Take time to experience the magnificence of the actual falls themselves, as the Upper Zambezi River spills over the 1.7km wide chasm. Wildlife viewing opportunities continue at Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's premier game reserve. From there we travel to the Antelope Park, where we get to walk with lions in this great private reserve. Our safari then takes on an architectural and cultural focus as we visit the Great Zimbabwe Ruins - the largest sub-Saharan, man-made structure and once the focal point of a powerful kingdom. We leave Zimbabwe as South African beckons us with its rejuvenating hot springs and scenic canyon. The wonderful Kruger National Park provides a fitting climax to this brilliant and highlight-packed safari.

Highlights

• Khama Rhino Sanctuary
• Okavango Delta
• Chobe National Park
• Victoria Falls
• Hwange National Park
• Antelope Park
• Walk with lions
• Great Zimbabwe Ruins
• Kruger National Park
• Blyde River Canyon

Itinerary:

Day 1 Pretoria/Johannesburg2 Khama Rhino Sanctuary3-6 Maun - Okavango Delta7-8 Chobe National Park9-10 Victoria Falls - Zimbabwe11 Victoria Falls12-13 Hwange National Park14-15 Antelope Park - Gweru16-17 Great Zimbabwe Ruins - Tshipse Hot Springs18-19 Kruger National Park20-22 Blyde River Canyon - Pretoria/Johannesburg

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, a professional driver and a camp cook whilst on safari; specialist local guides in Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Hwange National Parks and Great Zimbabwe Ruins; park fees; all camping equipment; 20 nights camping, 1 night lodge; transport in custom-built safari vehicle and open game-viewing vehicles.
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$60 for meals not included.
Valid From: 07 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 Backroads of Botswana and the Waterfalls and Wildlife 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 Victoria Falls. Gecko's strongly advises you to carry sufficient USD cash with you to cover your time in Zimbabwe. You will not be able to withdraw money in any form once you have entered Zimbabwe (including use of ATMs, credit cards and travellers cheques) so please ensure you have sufficient money prior to your arrival for all your expenses including tourist visa, spending money and any optional activities you may choose to do in Victoria Falls. 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 Pretoria / Johannesburg
Trip Reference: GABZ