Southern Heartbeat

30 days - from $1916

This would have to be one of the best four-week trips in southern Africa, combining of our extremely popular 'Wild Africa' and 'Vic Falls to Cape Town' safaris. The architectural wonder of the Great Zimbabwe Ruins sets our safari off to a cultural start. Antelope Park whets our wildlife appetite as we walk with lions in this unique private reserve. Balancing granite boulders form a stunning backdrop for wildlife at Matobo National Park, which is particularly famous for its white rhino population. Wildlife-viewing opportunities abound in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s premier game reserve. Arriving in Victoria Falls we have three days to check out some of the more popular optional activities, such as whitewater rafting or bungy jumping. From the magnificence of Victoria Falls we head off to explore the game-rich areas of Chobe National Park and the Chobe River. The marvellous wetlands of the Okavango Delta in Botswana are truly spectacular, not to mention the wonderful wildlife areas around the Etosha Pan. The breathtaking sand dunes of Sossusvlei are the essence of Namibia, whilst the sheer size and majesty of Fish River Canyon never fails to impress. We cross into South Africa at the Gariep (Orange) River and make our way to Cape Town, one of the world’s most spectacular cities - a great place to end our remarkable journey.

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
• Explore Cape Town’s historic heart
• Swot up on Mandela
• Camp by the Great Zimbabwe ruins
• Overload the senses in Victoria Falls
• Safari on Matobo National Park
• Walk with lions in Antelope Park, Zimbabwe
• Watch the watering hole, Hwange National Park

Itinerary:

Day 1: Pretoria/Johannesburg2-3: Tshipse Hot Springs - Great Zimbabwe Ruins4-5: Antelope Park6: Matobo National Park7-8: Hwange National Park9-11: Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)12-13: Chobe National Park14-17: Sepupa - Okavango Delta18-20: Etosha National Park - Bushmanland21: Spitzkoppe22-23: Cape Cross - Swakopmund24-25: Sesriem & Sossusvlei - Namib-Naukluft National Park26-27: Fish River Canyon - Gariep (Orange) River28-30: Winelands - Cape Town

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 in Great Zimbabwe Ruins, Matobo National Park, Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park, Namib-Naukluft National Park and the Okavango Delta; all park fees; all camping equipment; 24 nights camping, 2 nights bungalow, 2 nights lodge, 1 night houseboat; transport in custom-built safari vehicle during safari, 4WD vehicles, mokoro, by boat 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: 29 breakfasts, 23 lunches, 23 dinners
EquipmentIncluded: 02 Sep 10
Valid From: 11 Jan 09
Valid Until: 31 Dec 69
Starts/Ends: Johannesburg to Cape Town
Trip Reference: GASH