Botswana & Zimbabwe Adventure

22 days - from $1596

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

• Canoe the Okavango Delta
• Khama Rhino Sanctuary
• Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
• Nxai Pan salt flats
• The Chobe riverside, Chobe National Park, Botswana
• Greater Kruger National Park
• The Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon
• Camp by the Great Zimbabwe ruins
• Overload the senses in Victoria Falls
• Walk with lions in Antelope Park, Zimbabwe
• Watch the watering hole, Hwange National Park

Itinerary:

Day 1: Pretoria/Johannesburg2-3: Khama Rhino Sanctuary - Maun4-6: Okavango Delta - Maun7-8: Chobe National Park9-10: Victoria Falls11-13: Victoria Falls - Hwange National Park14-15: Antelope Park16: Great Zimbabwe Ruins17: Tshipse Hot Springs18-19: Kruger National Park20-22: Blyde River Canyon - Pilgrim's Rest - 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; 18 nights camping, 1 night lodge and 1 night tented camp; 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: 21 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 18 dinners
EquipmentIncluded: 02 Sep 10
Valid From: 01 Jan 10
Valid Until: 31 Dec 69
Starts/Ends: Johannesburg to Johannesburg
Trip Reference: GABZ